NFL DRAFT Remains in NYC for at least 2009-but no movement on NFL network coming to CableTV
If you look at the NFL.com Website you can clearly see that The dates for the Draft are posted (April 25th and 26th 2009) and Listed as "Radio City Music Hall" in NYC.
In the past i had said i felt it should be moved around some. But after talking with Fans the last two drafts i have done an about face. Maybe the NFL should sign a long term agreement with Radio City (oh, but that would mean they'd be going back on their word and Jumping back into bed with Radio City's owner "the Evil(yeah right) James Dolan of Cablevision). The clear fact is that the NFL Owners are the ones keeping the fans from having the NFL Network (and even the Sunday ticket) on Cable, and not James and Charles Dolan. Ask NFL Brodcast comm. chair Jerry Jones(the same one who owns the Cowboys) why they are trying to get Cablevision into court to force them to carry the channel on Basic cable? Because not all that many people are running out to get Directv or dish network (or even Fios) so fast...So i'm Glad the Draft will stay in NYC for at least one more year, and on Cable TV Via ESPN G_d Bless Chris Berman's Voice...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
0
Thursday, September 18, 2008
0
DRAFTING STRATEGY: PREMIUM POSITIONS V. SKILL POSITIONS
DRAFTING STRATEGY: PREMIUM POSITIONS V. SKILL POSITIONS
By Danny Zyskind for Football Reporters Online
In recent drafts some teams don’t focus as much on the premium positions (QB, DL, including pass rushing linebackers & OL) but rather look for skill players with great athletic ability or for hybrid type players who can create mismatches. Additionally many teams seem to be drafting more need based than value based. There are more than a couple of ways to win in the NFL but the greatest chance for success comes from focusing your resources on the premium positions. A team cannot have an 8-10 year run of high level football, like the Colts, Eagles or Pats, without a great quarterback, the ability to protect that quarterback and disrupting the other team’s quarterback. You can have a couple of good years and even win a super bowl but you have no chance at a dynasty. Aside from giving you the best chance to win those positions are premium in that they have longer shelf lives than the skill positions.
There is no prevailing wisdom on which positions are most likely to produce a bust in the NFL. Every position has produced top picks that have busted and late round picks that have become great. I used to hear that drafting a quarterback in the top five and having him bust will set the franchise back five years. I don’t buy it. Most of the teams in the league have learned to manage the cap well and can overcome a bad selection much quicker. The important thing is not to let a bad selection cloud your judgment during a later draft. The Bengals, with a history of ineptitude, didn’t allow the failure of Akili Smith to dissuade them from drafting Carson Palmer.
In a league littered with injuries, contract disputes and salary cap issues, I don’t agree with the idea of using a top draft pick on a lesser quality player because there’s a need at that position. You can never have enough depth in this league. Regarding quarterbacks, the reality is too many teams seem content to move forward with average or below average players at that position. Not having a dire need for a player at a specific position doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an attempt to improve it, particularly if it can be done at a premium position. Furthermore I am a believer that competition brings the best out of athletes. When you have a quality guy at a position and you use a high draft pick for a player at the same position chances are it will motivate the first player.
In this year’s draft the Raiders could have selected Darren McFadden or Glen Dorsey. If they weren’t concerned about Dorsey’s health they should have drafted him. Last year the much criticized Texans did the right thing by picking Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. The explosive skill players excite the fans but ultimately are less important when it comes to winning.
By Danny Zyskind for Football Reporters Online
In recent drafts some teams don’t focus as much on the premium positions (QB, DL, including pass rushing linebackers & OL) but rather look for skill players with great athletic ability or for hybrid type players who can create mismatches. Additionally many teams seem to be drafting more need based than value based. There are more than a couple of ways to win in the NFL but the greatest chance for success comes from focusing your resources on the premium positions. A team cannot have an 8-10 year run of high level football, like the Colts, Eagles or Pats, without a great quarterback, the ability to protect that quarterback and disrupting the other team’s quarterback. You can have a couple of good years and even win a super bowl but you have no chance at a dynasty. Aside from giving you the best chance to win those positions are premium in that they have longer shelf lives than the skill positions.
There is no prevailing wisdom on which positions are most likely to produce a bust in the NFL. Every position has produced top picks that have busted and late round picks that have become great. I used to hear that drafting a quarterback in the top five and having him bust will set the franchise back five years. I don’t buy it. Most of the teams in the league have learned to manage the cap well and can overcome a bad selection much quicker. The important thing is not to let a bad selection cloud your judgment during a later draft. The Bengals, with a history of ineptitude, didn’t allow the failure of Akili Smith to dissuade them from drafting Carson Palmer.
In a league littered with injuries, contract disputes and salary cap issues, I don’t agree with the idea of using a top draft pick on a lesser quality player because there’s a need at that position. You can never have enough depth in this league. Regarding quarterbacks, the reality is too many teams seem content to move forward with average or below average players at that position. Not having a dire need for a player at a specific position doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an attempt to improve it, particularly if it can be done at a premium position. Furthermore I am a believer that competition brings the best out of athletes. When you have a quality guy at a position and you use a high draft pick for a player at the same position chances are it will motivate the first player.
In this year’s draft the Raiders could have selected Darren McFadden or Glen Dorsey. If they weren’t concerned about Dorsey’s health they should have drafted him. Last year the much criticized Texans did the right thing by picking Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. The explosive skill players excite the fans but ultimately are less important when it comes to winning.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
0
A PERSPECTIVE ON EARLY SEASON QB INJURIES
A PERSPECTIVE ON EARLY SEASON QB INJURIES
By Danny Zyskind for Football Reporters Online
As soon as it was confirmed that Tom Brady was done for the year there was an apparent comparison to the Vinny Testaverde injury in 1999. Not to compare Testaverde to Brady but each team was favored to win their conference and each lost their QB for the season in the first half of the first game.
There is a distinct difference between the two scenarios. The Jets came into the 1999 season looking for their first super bowl in thirty years, coming off a tough loss to Denver the previous year in the AFC championship game. Elway chose to forego a potential three-peat and retired leaving the Jets as the AFC favorites. The season shattered with the Testaverde injury and no proven backup on the roster. By the time Parcells made the move to Ray Lucas it was too late to get into the playoffs. In essence the Testaverde injury ended the short Parcells era and pushed the franchise back into a struggling state.
For the Patriots this is another challenge to a team that has dominated the league for the last seven years. During this run they have already banked four super bowl appearances and three wins. Not to say they wanted this to happen but the coach and the veteran players on this team (Seymour, Vrabel, Bruschi, Harrison, Faulk, Light, etc.) have to be intrigued by the prospect of winning without Brady. Regardless of this season’s outcome the Patriots are still in the middle of their run with no end in sight.
The Vince Young injury created an opportunity for the Titans. The Titans made the playoffs last year in spite of Vince Young not because of him, with Young’s struggles continuing in the first game of this year. After an exceptional rookie year the league has caught up to Young, proving again that for a QB in the NFL your legs can only take you so far. There is no question that before the injury the Titans were going to have to consider pulling Young for Collins at some point this year if the struggles continued. It didn’t take long for Coach Fisher to say that Collins is his QB as long as they are winning Without speculating on Young’s emotional state and whether or not that is what prompted Fisher’s comments it is clear that they’re patience was running thin with Young.
The Chiefs need to move on from the Brodie Croyle experiment. Even if Croyle can play at this level he is too injury prone to rely on. The Chiefs should pick in the top five and Matthew Stafford should be the only guy on their first round draft board.
Alex Smith’s injury ended any hopes of him living up to his draft status with the 49ers. Starting another unproven quarterback there was a hope that Smith would have one more crack at being the guy. Now Smith’s season is over, he’ll likely be cut in the offseason and will probably be lumped with the high pick QB busts (Couch, Leaf, Akili Smith, Shuler, Mirer).
Kyle Boller going down with an injury just pushed forward the inevitable of Joe Flacco starting. Even if healthy, Troy Smith was only going to be a short stop-gap for the Ravens. The Ravens are again trying to figure out a position they never seem to have success with.
By Danny Zyskind for Football Reporters Online
As soon as it was confirmed that Tom Brady was done for the year there was an apparent comparison to the Vinny Testaverde injury in 1999. Not to compare Testaverde to Brady but each team was favored to win their conference and each lost their QB for the season in the first half of the first game.
There is a distinct difference between the two scenarios. The Jets came into the 1999 season looking for their first super bowl in thirty years, coming off a tough loss to Denver the previous year in the AFC championship game. Elway chose to forego a potential three-peat and retired leaving the Jets as the AFC favorites. The season shattered with the Testaverde injury and no proven backup on the roster. By the time Parcells made the move to Ray Lucas it was too late to get into the playoffs. In essence the Testaverde injury ended the short Parcells era and pushed the franchise back into a struggling state.
For the Patriots this is another challenge to a team that has dominated the league for the last seven years. During this run they have already banked four super bowl appearances and three wins. Not to say they wanted this to happen but the coach and the veteran players on this team (Seymour, Vrabel, Bruschi, Harrison, Faulk, Light, etc.) have to be intrigued by the prospect of winning without Brady. Regardless of this season’s outcome the Patriots are still in the middle of their run with no end in sight.
The Vince Young injury created an opportunity for the Titans. The Titans made the playoffs last year in spite of Vince Young not because of him, with Young’s struggles continuing in the first game of this year. After an exceptional rookie year the league has caught up to Young, proving again that for a QB in the NFL your legs can only take you so far. There is no question that before the injury the Titans were going to have to consider pulling Young for Collins at some point this year if the struggles continued. It didn’t take long for Coach Fisher to say that Collins is his QB as long as they are winning Without speculating on Young’s emotional state and whether or not that is what prompted Fisher’s comments it is clear that they’re patience was running thin with Young.
The Chiefs need to move on from the Brodie Croyle experiment. Even if Croyle can play at this level he is too injury prone to rely on. The Chiefs should pick in the top five and Matthew Stafford should be the only guy on their first round draft board.
Alex Smith’s injury ended any hopes of him living up to his draft status with the 49ers. Starting another unproven quarterback there was a hope that Smith would have one more crack at being the guy. Now Smith’s season is over, he’ll likely be cut in the offseason and will probably be lumped with the high pick QB busts (Couch, Leaf, Akili Smith, Shuler, Mirer).
Kyle Boller going down with an injury just pushed forward the inevitable of Joe Flacco starting. Even if healthy, Troy Smith was only going to be a short stop-gap for the Ravens. The Ravens are again trying to figure out a position they never seem to have success with.
Eagles WR Jackson Learns the Hard Way
Eagles WR Jackson Learns the Hard Way
September 16, 2008
By Slavica Milosevska for Football Reporters Online
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson made what was probably one of the “most stupidest” moves in the NFL against the Dallas Cowboys last night, however it was not the move that ultimately cost them the game 41-37.
In the second quarter, Jackson would have scored a touchdown after a completion by Donovan McNabb but arrogantly threw the ball back before actually crossing the goal line as if he just made points. The play was challenged by the Cowboys, and it was ruled a dead ball. The Eagles retained possession starting from the 2-yard line from which Brian Westbrook subsequently scored.
“I felt when I caught the ball, it was a deep pass and thought I was in the end zone,” stated Jackson. “But I learned from that and just keep going. The biggest thing was Westbrook got in there and scored for us. It wasn’t like it was a turnover or anything like that, but definitely, I learned from it. It was just one of those things, I was overexcited, just young and trying to have fun is the biggest thing. I’m kind of mad at myself because I could have had a touchdown, but I just kept playing.”
Despite Jackson's poor decision, he is the second player in NFL history to record more than 100 receiving yards in this very first two games. Don Looney accomplished this 68 years ago and was also an Eagle. Jackson has six catches for 110 yards under his belt.
September 16, 2008
By Slavica Milosevska for Football Reporters Online
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson made what was probably one of the “most stupidest” moves in the NFL against the Dallas Cowboys last night, however it was not the move that ultimately cost them the game 41-37.
In the second quarter, Jackson would have scored a touchdown after a completion by Donovan McNabb but arrogantly threw the ball back before actually crossing the goal line as if he just made points. The play was challenged by the Cowboys, and it was ruled a dead ball. The Eagles retained possession starting from the 2-yard line from which Brian Westbrook subsequently scored.
“I felt when I caught the ball, it was a deep pass and thought I was in the end zone,” stated Jackson. “But I learned from that and just keep going. The biggest thing was Westbrook got in there and scored for us. It wasn’t like it was a turnover or anything like that, but definitely, I learned from it. It was just one of those things, I was overexcited, just young and trying to have fun is the biggest thing. I’m kind of mad at myself because I could have had a touchdown, but I just kept playing.”
Despite Jackson's poor decision, he is the second player in NFL history to record more than 100 receiving yards in this very first two games. Don Looney accomplished this 68 years ago and was also an Eagle. Jackson has six catches for 110 yards under his belt.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
0
Injury report week 2
Week 2 Injury Report -- Wednesday
Week 2, 2008, 09/10/2008
FOR USE AS DESIRED
From NFLMedia.com 9/10/08
JAMES EDGES CLOSER TO 15,000
Arizona Cardinals running back EDGERRIN JAMES has amassed 14,967 scrimmage yards in his career and needs 33 yards to become the 14th player in NFL history to reach 15,000 scrimmage yards. Since entering the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 1999, James has rushed for 11,707 yards and added 3,260 receiving yards.
Following is a list of injured players for Week 2 Games (September 14-15):
(For updated practice information on Denver, Oakland, San Diego and Seattle please check NFLmedia.com Thursday morning)
ATLANTA FALCONS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
ATLANTA FALCONS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Alex Stepanovich (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Coy Wire (ankle)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), QB Jeff Garcia (ankle), G Davin Joseph (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Warrick Dunn (not injury related), WR Joey Galloway (not injury related), WR Maurice Stovall (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Matt McCoy (groin)
BALTIMORE RAVENS at HOUSTON TEXANS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (fibula), QB Troy Smith (illness), CB Fabian Washington (neck)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Yamon Figurs (hamstring), DT Kelly Gregg (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), S Ed Reed (neck)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jason Brown (ankle), T Jared Gaither (ankle), TE Todd Heap (back), CB Corey Ivy (ankle), CB Chris McAlister (knee), RB Le'Ron McClain (ankle)
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
DE Stanley McClover (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Ahman Green (foot), DT Travis Johnson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), WR Jacoby Jones (back), CB Antwaun Molden (hamstring), G Chester Pitts (ankle), T Ephraim Salaam (knee), T Eric Winston (ankle)
BUFFALO BILLS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BUFFALO BILLS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
TE Derek Fine (hand)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB John DiGiorgio (back), WR Roscoe Parrish (ribs)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Matt Murphy (shoulder)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
C Brad Meester (biceps)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT John Henderson (not injury related), DT Derek Landri (quadricep), WR Troy Williamson (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Uche Nwaneri (knee), WR Jerry Porter (hamstring), CB Scott Starks (pectoral)
CHICAGO BEARS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
CHICAGO BEARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
T Chris Williams (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Lance Briggs (ankle), DT Tommie Harris (ankle), KR Devin Hester (foot), T John Tait (groin), CB Nathan Vasher (shoulder)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Na'il Diggs (shoulder), QB Matt Moore (fibula), TE Dante Rosario (foot), T Travelle Wharton (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Chris Gamble (knee), WR Ryne Robinson (knee)
GREEN BAY PACKERS at DETROIT LIONS
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
G Josh Sitton (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Brandon Jackson (concussion), C Scott Wells (back), CB Charles Woodson (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Atari Bigby (bicep), T Chad Clifton (knees), DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring), WR Ruvell Martin (finger)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR James Jones (knee), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring)
DETROIT LIONS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Paris Lenon (knee), LB Ernie Sims (ankle), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Dallas Clark (knee), DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), DT Ed Johnson (not injury related), G Mike Pollak (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), DT Daniel Muir (knee), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Jeff Saturday (knee)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Madieu Williams (neck)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Artis Hicks (elbow), RB Maurice Hicks (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee)
MIAMI DOLPHINS at ARIZONA CARDINALS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
Wednesday No injuries to report
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Alan Branch (ankle), DT Gabe Watson (knee)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at NEW YORK JETS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Sam Aiken (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Jabar Gaffney (knee), WR Randy Moss (back)
NEW YORK JETS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), K Mike Nugent (right thigh)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), LB Scott Fujita (knee), CB Randall Gay (illness), S Roman Harper (hamstring), DT Antwan Lake (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Troy Evans (ankle), RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), LB Mark Simoneau (back), RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), DT Brian Young (knee)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Khary Campbell (thigh), TE Chris Cooley (quadricep), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Kareem Moore (hamstring), CB Fred Smoot (hip)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Malcolm Kelly (knee), CB Shawn Springs (calf), LB/DE Jason Taylor (knee)
NEW YORK GIANTS at ST. LOUIS RAMS
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle), CB Terrell Thomas (hamstring), K Lawrence Tynes (left knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Jonathan Goff (back)
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jacob Bell (hamstring), WR Drew Bennett (foot), P Donnie Jones (right knee), DE Leonard Little (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Donnie Avery (knee), RB Travis Minor (thigh)
OAKLAND RAIDERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Practice Report
Wednesday Practice not complete
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Napoleon Harris (knee), S Jarrad Page (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR William Franklin (knee)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at DENVER BRONCOS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
DENVER BRONCOS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Eric Heitmann (shoulder), CB Donald Strickland (knee)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
TENNESSEE TITANS at CINCINNATI BENGALS
TENNESSEE TITANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Jacob Ford (chest), RB Quinton Ganther (hamstring), DT Albert Haynesworth (concussion), QB Vince Young (knee, hamstring)
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Kyle Cook (illness), S Dexter Jackson (thumb), CB David Jones (head), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), DE Frostee Rucker (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Jason Shirley (heel), DT Pat Sims (toe)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Ben Roethlisberger (right shoulder), T Marvel Smith (groin), CB Deshea Townsend (foot), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Sean Jones (knee), TE Martin Rucker (knee), WR Donte' Stallworth (quadricep)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), LB Kris Griffin (elbow), G Rex Hadnot (knee), S Brodney Pool (concussion), T Ryan Tucker (hip)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at DALLAS COWBOYS on Monday night
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Practice Report (The Eagles did not practice on Wednesday. The below practice participation designations are an estimation)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Reggie Brown (hamstring), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Sean Considine (hand)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Miles Austin (knee), CB Terence Newman (groin), LB Anthony Spencer (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Marion Barber (rib), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)
Related Links: PDF Version
Week 2, 2008, 09/10/2008
FOR USE AS DESIRED
From NFLMedia.com 9/10/08
JAMES EDGES CLOSER TO 15,000
Arizona Cardinals running back EDGERRIN JAMES has amassed 14,967 scrimmage yards in his career and needs 33 yards to become the 14th player in NFL history to reach 15,000 scrimmage yards. Since entering the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 1999, James has rushed for 11,707 yards and added 3,260 receiving yards.
Following is a list of injured players for Week 2 Games (September 14-15):
(For updated practice information on Denver, Oakland, San Diego and Seattle please check NFLmedia.com Thursday morning)
ATLANTA FALCONS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
ATLANTA FALCONS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Alex Stepanovich (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Coy Wire (ankle)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), QB Jeff Garcia (ankle), G Davin Joseph (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Warrick Dunn (not injury related), WR Joey Galloway (not injury related), WR Maurice Stovall (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Matt McCoy (groin)
BALTIMORE RAVENS at HOUSTON TEXANS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (fibula), QB Troy Smith (illness), CB Fabian Washington (neck)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Yamon Figurs (hamstring), DT Kelly Gregg (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), S Ed Reed (neck)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jason Brown (ankle), T Jared Gaither (ankle), TE Todd Heap (back), CB Corey Ivy (ankle), CB Chris McAlister (knee), RB Le'Ron McClain (ankle)
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
DE Stanley McClover (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Ahman Green (foot), DT Travis Johnson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), WR Jacoby Jones (back), CB Antwaun Molden (hamstring), G Chester Pitts (ankle), T Ephraim Salaam (knee), T Eric Winston (ankle)
BUFFALO BILLS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BUFFALO BILLS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
TE Derek Fine (hand)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB John DiGiorgio (back), WR Roscoe Parrish (ribs)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Matt Murphy (shoulder)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
C Brad Meester (biceps)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT John Henderson (not injury related), DT Derek Landri (quadricep), WR Troy Williamson (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Uche Nwaneri (knee), WR Jerry Porter (hamstring), CB Scott Starks (pectoral)
CHICAGO BEARS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
CHICAGO BEARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
T Chris Williams (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Lance Briggs (ankle), DT Tommie Harris (ankle), KR Devin Hester (foot), T John Tait (groin), CB Nathan Vasher (shoulder)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Na'il Diggs (shoulder), QB Matt Moore (fibula), TE Dante Rosario (foot), T Travelle Wharton (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Chris Gamble (knee), WR Ryne Robinson (knee)
GREEN BAY PACKERS at DETROIT LIONS
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
G Josh Sitton (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Brandon Jackson (concussion), C Scott Wells (back), CB Charles Woodson (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Atari Bigby (bicep), T Chad Clifton (knees), DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring), WR Ruvell Martin (finger)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR James Jones (knee), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring)
DETROIT LIONS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Paris Lenon (knee), LB Ernie Sims (ankle), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Dallas Clark (knee), DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), DT Ed Johnson (not injury related), G Mike Pollak (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), DT Daniel Muir (knee), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Jeff Saturday (knee)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Madieu Williams (neck)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Artis Hicks (elbow), RB Maurice Hicks (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee)
MIAMI DOLPHINS at ARIZONA CARDINALS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
Wednesday No injuries to report
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Alan Branch (ankle), DT Gabe Watson (knee)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at NEW YORK JETS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Sam Aiken (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Jabar Gaffney (knee), WR Randy Moss (back)
NEW YORK JETS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), K Mike Nugent (right thigh)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), LB Scott Fujita (knee), CB Randall Gay (illness), S Roman Harper (hamstring), DT Antwan Lake (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Troy Evans (ankle), RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), LB Mark Simoneau (back), RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), DT Brian Young (knee)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Khary Campbell (thigh), TE Chris Cooley (quadricep), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Kareem Moore (hamstring), CB Fred Smoot (hip)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Malcolm Kelly (knee), CB Shawn Springs (calf), LB/DE Jason Taylor (knee)
NEW YORK GIANTS at ST. LOUIS RAMS
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle), CB Terrell Thomas (hamstring), K Lawrence Tynes (left knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Jonathan Goff (back)
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jacob Bell (hamstring), WR Drew Bennett (foot), P Donnie Jones (right knee), DE Leonard Little (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Donnie Avery (knee), RB Travis Minor (thigh)
OAKLAND RAIDERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Practice Report
Wednesday Practice not complete
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Napoleon Harris (knee), S Jarrad Page (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR William Franklin (knee)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at DENVER BRONCOS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
DENVER BRONCOS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Eric Heitmann (shoulder), CB Donald Strickland (knee)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
TENNESSEE TITANS at CINCINNATI BENGALS
TENNESSEE TITANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Jacob Ford (chest), RB Quinton Ganther (hamstring), DT Albert Haynesworth (concussion), QB Vince Young (knee, hamstring)
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Kyle Cook (illness), S Dexter Jackson (thumb), CB David Jones (head), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), DE Frostee Rucker (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Jason Shirley (heel), DT Pat Sims (toe)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Ben Roethlisberger (right shoulder), T Marvel Smith (groin), CB Deshea Townsend (foot), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Sean Jones (knee), TE Martin Rucker (knee), WR Donte' Stallworth (quadricep)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), LB Kris Griffin (elbow), G Rex Hadnot (knee), S Brodney Pool (concussion), T Ryan Tucker (hip)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at DALLAS COWBOYS on Monday night
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Practice Report (The Eagles did not practice on Wednesday. The below practice participation designations are an estimation)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Reggie Brown (hamstring), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Sean Considine (hand)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Miles Austin (knee), CB Terence Newman (groin), LB Anthony Spencer (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Marion Barber (rib), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)
Related Links: PDF Version
Vince Young Could Switch Defense- About his Emotional State, of Course
Vince Young Could Switch Defense- About his Emotional State, of Course
September 10, 2008
By Slavica Milosevska for Football Reporters Online
On Tuesday night, Jeff Fisher spoke about contacting police to search for QB Vince Young regarding his safety the day before. Police spokesman, Don Aaron, reported that they were contacted to check on his emotional stability. Young's agent, Major Adams, says he was on the phone with Young when police were looking for him and that he had no clue about the search until he began receiving fretful telephone calls. Apparently, Young was at a friend's place eating chicken wings while watching football when he was found after four hours by SWAT officers in unmarked cars and checked for weapons. Young was compliant when it was suggested that he go to the Titan's office.
The Titans, police crisis negotiators and a psychologist each had a meeting with Young before he drove himself home. Even though Fisher is fairly reluctant to discuss the matter at hand, Young's mental condition is being questioned after his recent behaviors. Fisher alleges an absolute misinterpretation on his part after he spoke to the QB and that he is delighted to have his player back. Yet, Aaron did openly supply details that Young had an unloaded handgun in his car's glove compartment; however, it is not illegal to have a handgun with no ammo under Tennessee law.
Fisher has not specified the reason he contacted police but that he was worried. “I was given some information from people that were close to him late afternoon, early evening that was quite honestly very concerning to me. I’m not going to go into specifics, but it was concerning to me,” stated Fisher. “We can never be too careful sometimes, and sometimes you can’t jump to conclusions. You have to wait on information and be patient. The information I had didn’t afford us any patience,” asserted fisher on his Tuesday night radio show.
If this is the case, Fisher, can you please elaborate on the statements made by Don Aaron? An implication of falsehood is not intentionally given here, but please help people understand or accept this story. The public will naturally “fill in the blanks” making infinite versions of second-hand storytelling based on on-record statements, hence it is never know how far people can inadvertently stretch the truth.
In proper jargon, Fisher has publicly acknowledged Young's behavior as unusual and that it is a work in progress.“Our game is a very, very emotional game. There’s going to be ebbs and flows at times, good plays and poor plays and negative things that happen. Different players deal with it differently.” On Wednesday, with his knee wrapped up, Young watched his teammates practice without speaking to reporters. The Titans have expressed their certainty that Young is a devout team member.
Physical injuries are may be less of a touchy subject and are obviously more tangible evidence. At Sunday's opener, fans booed Young's two interceptions where the Titans ultimately lost 17-10 to the Jaguars. Four plays after he was nagged by the audience, Young's left knee suffered a sprain, which predetermined that he will not play at Cincinnati this Sunday.
September 10, 2008
By Slavica Milosevska for Football Reporters Online
On Tuesday night, Jeff Fisher spoke about contacting police to search for QB Vince Young regarding his safety the day before. Police spokesman, Don Aaron, reported that they were contacted to check on his emotional stability. Young's agent, Major Adams, says he was on the phone with Young when police were looking for him and that he had no clue about the search until he began receiving fretful telephone calls. Apparently, Young was at a friend's place eating chicken wings while watching football when he was found after four hours by SWAT officers in unmarked cars and checked for weapons. Young was compliant when it was suggested that he go to the Titan's office.
The Titans, police crisis negotiators and a psychologist each had a meeting with Young before he drove himself home. Even though Fisher is fairly reluctant to discuss the matter at hand, Young's mental condition is being questioned after his recent behaviors. Fisher alleges an absolute misinterpretation on his part after he spoke to the QB and that he is delighted to have his player back. Yet, Aaron did openly supply details that Young had an unloaded handgun in his car's glove compartment; however, it is not illegal to have a handgun with no ammo under Tennessee law.
Fisher has not specified the reason he contacted police but that he was worried. “I was given some information from people that were close to him late afternoon, early evening that was quite honestly very concerning to me. I’m not going to go into specifics, but it was concerning to me,” stated Fisher. “We can never be too careful sometimes, and sometimes you can’t jump to conclusions. You have to wait on information and be patient. The information I had didn’t afford us any patience,” asserted fisher on his Tuesday night radio show.
If this is the case, Fisher, can you please elaborate on the statements made by Don Aaron? An implication of falsehood is not intentionally given here, but please help people understand or accept this story. The public will naturally “fill in the blanks” making infinite versions of second-hand storytelling based on on-record statements, hence it is never know how far people can inadvertently stretch the truth.
In proper jargon, Fisher has publicly acknowledged Young's behavior as unusual and that it is a work in progress.“Our game is a very, very emotional game. There’s going to be ebbs and flows at times, good plays and poor plays and negative things that happen. Different players deal with it differently.” On Wednesday, with his knee wrapped up, Young watched his teammates practice without speaking to reporters. The Titans have expressed their certainty that Young is a devout team member.
Physical injuries are may be less of a touchy subject and are obviously more tangible evidence. At Sunday's opener, fans booed Young's two interceptions where the Titans ultimately lost 17-10 to the Jaguars. Four plays after he was nagged by the audience, Young's left knee suffered a sprain, which predetermined that he will not play at Cincinnati this Sunday.
Monday, September 8, 2008
0
The Small School Report#1
Above: Stonybrook's Lynell Suggs Hauls in a TD in the endzone ...
The Small School Report: Scout’s notebook #1
Elon Vs. Stonybrook- 9/6/08-Final-Elon 30-Stonybrook-20
By Dr. Bill Chachkes
I knew it would be a weird day simply because of the impending approach of tropical storm Hanna. Elon dominated a bit early due to field position before the weather factored in. They are known as a mostly passing team and proved so again this time out. QB Scott Riddle was sacked 4 times (including 2 by #94 James Harris in the first half), but was 26-42-241 with only 1 interception and 3 touchdowns.
Notes: Elon
Terrell Hudgins (11-138-1TD) continues to show his full range of skills. DB Karlos Sullivan was named SoCon special teams player of the week based on his 106 Punt return and 24 K.O return yardage. He also had 1 Interception and one of the punt returns was and 81 yd. score. FB Tim Applegate had a “career” day with a 9yd. TD catch.
Stonybrook
Lynell Suggs (3-62-1TD) is something special to watch. Coming out of the powerhouse high school program that is Bronx, NY’s Lehman, he makes people sit up and notice his moves and route running ability, even on a wet field. Defenders Tyler Santucci and James Harris combined for 17 total tackles. Harris is the right size for an end (6’5”-270) and sheds blockers well, but seems to allow shorter OL’s to get under his pads at times, throwing off his motion towards the QB. Santucci controls his turf like any inside linebacker, but brings exceptional tackling skills. RB’s Gowins and Cuttino combined for 174 Yds. Rushing, with Gowins Scoring a Touchdown on a 72-yard run.
The Last Word: "Games are won and lost on fundamental things," said Stony Brook head coach Chuck Priore. "We did not execute on the offensive side of the ball in the first half. We had some blown assignments, some miscues and a couple of penalties that led to our defense playing a little bit too long. I am proud of the way we played in the second half. We have to learn how to be better against these types of teams. We will move forward and I am sure that we will be successful." Coach Priore has a storied career as a “Small College” football Coach, including a 30 game win streak at Trinity college in Hartford Conn. Coming off the huge win over Colgate in the last game, this one shouldn’t be too hard to get past.
Monday, September 1, 2008
0
Notre Dame 2008 Preview
Offseason changes, Improved O-Line, a formidable schedule, and Impact
Freshmen hope to erase the Horrific Images of 2007 for the Irish
By John Kelly, Football Reporters Online 9-1-08
Head Coach: Charlie Weis
Record: 22-15 4 Years
Offensive Lettermen: 20 Defensive Lettermen: 17
Charlie Weis kept repeating the same phrase “Were looking past 2007” to
the South Bend press like he was pledging to a fraternity this offseason. You can
repeat that phrase till the cows come home but the Irish’s issues on the offense,
the defensive line, and the lack of big playmakers at the skill positions still
leaves Irish fans nervous for 2008. Weis’s ability to develop young talent to the
level of 20 wins he accumulated in the first two seasons in South Bend will tell
his tale the next two years.
2007 saw bigger lows in Notre Dame history then when Ty Willingham was there and like Obama’s major talking point of change, the Notre Dame version has played out this offseason with physical hitting practices, Weis handing over his play calling duties, and the hiring of linebackers coach Jon Tenuta.
Why were physical practices implemented?
Weis last year limited contact in practice barring his players from the real game experience especially the O-line. I am not saying physical practices could have helped that team anyway starting with Georgia Tech, Penn State, and Michigan.
By giving the freshmen, O-line, and defense a chance to hit people it will help
them in real game situations instead of touch football NFL practices. The Irish
O-line looks better on rivals’ videos thanks to these physical practices and it
seems to be benefiting all players. Holtz always allowed hitting in his practices
and implementing this style will help all Irish players develop.
Haygood now Calling the Shots:
Andy Reid and Mark Richt are great offensive minds known throughout the football world. What you don’t know is that they had the sad task of handing
over their play calling duties to some else. Andy Reid and Mark Richt had
success letting other people take the reins of the offense. The Eagles won the
NFC East in 2006 and the Georgia Bulldogs were the hottest team at the end of
the season. Charlie Weis recently handed over his play calling duties to
Offensive Coordinator Mike Haygood who now has another job besides being
the running backs coach. It was tough for Weis to do this stating to the media
that he will miss devising game plans in the fall. By doing this Weis is letting a
coach with no experience calling a game to take the reins of an offense that was
just better than Temple last year. The good news is he is letting his coaches
coach instead of controlling everything as well as opening up to his players, a
side of him he never showed the first two years imitating the Tuna. With
Haygood the offense will not be as predictable and will emphasize running the
football. Weis though is making a tough choice but the right one now can help
develop the younger talent to the level their rivals ratings put them don’t forget
his 2005 offseason at Notre Dame saw him molding Brady Quinn into a First
Round Pick so the fat man can coach.
A Key defensive Acquisition:
The idea that no one wanted to hire Jon Tenuta for a defensive coordinator or coaching job makes me want to pull my hair out. At Georgia Tech Tenuta’s
defenses were an aggressive blitzing style that came play after play. This man’s
defense was the scariest I had ever seen Notre Dame face charging like a pack of
wolves coming after prey. Tenuta’s defenses at Georgia Tech led the nation in
sacks in 2007, ranked 20th in the county totally, and 20th against the run. This
is a good sign and should help because Notre Dame’s run defense was
atrocious last year yielding several one hundred yard games, including one from
each service academy. Weis hired Bill Lewis as Defensive Backs coach when he
could not solve his coverage’s and now he has done the same with Tenuta. This
is the guy that should provide that nasty attitude Irish fans have hoped to have
since Weis arrived in South Bend in 2005. With Defensive end Kerry Neal,
Linebacker Brian Smith, and a bevy of talented corners, expect ND to bring the
kitchen sink all year, and get to the quarterback and terrorize him every Saturday
including several new ones making their first starts.
What improvements to look for on offense? Can Clausen stay upright? Can he improve?
While most of the fans are excited for the new aggressive Notre Dame defense and we love the potential of offensive playmakers Duval Kamara, Golden Tate, and Robert Hughes the question still is will Quarterback Jimmy Clausen have the time to throw to them or will their be running lanes for Hughes? Lets not forget, outside of right tackle Sam Young most of the Notre Dame offensive line was making their first starts last year and coming into 2008 they are heavier and stronger. If that does not sell you that Notre Dame has a stronger right side of the line this year with a heavy 337 pound Chris Stewart and 330 bulked up right tackle Sam Young. Offensively, Notre Dame has the best stable of running backs it has had since Holtz was there. Speedster Armando Allen, bruiser Robert
Hughes, and James Aldridge definitely can get the job done and with a bigger
right side those stretch plays and dives right will go for 5 and 6 yards opposed
to negative yards. Expect Hughes to be the star this year out of the bunch and
rush for 900 yards and 12 TDS with Allen providing that speed threat and
Aldridge providing quality depth. All those sites that said Jimmy Clausen was
overrated last year must only pay attention to his high school statistics and
failures and forget the kid’s arm was not one hundred percent. Ten pounds of
more muscle and a better grasp of the play-book will easily help Clausen and
due to offensive line issues expect ND to roll him out more this year. Clausen
will improve in all facets this year and next year be a sleeper to win the Heisman.
Sorry to all of you Clausen haters, you will be hearing his name a lot.
The Irish wideouts have the most potential of any of the skill players with David
Grimes providing great leadership to the receiving corps. The real talent lies in
the underclassmen where Duval Kamara set a freshman record with 32
receptions and should be the go to guy this year with help from incoming
freshman Michael Floyd. Golden Tate is a lot more improved according to
receivers coach Rob Inaello and will be deployed all over the field, not just on go
routes. By the end of the year this offense like Georgia’s of last year will be
extremely hot and a threat in 2009. While there is a load of talent and many
questions still they should be answered by the end of the season when Notre
Dame should and will be playing their best football.
Wow a real winnable schedule (something the Buckeyes get every year):
Notre Dame sees a schedule in which 7 of the teams beat them last year the
good news most of those teams are in transition and that suits a team looking
to improve in 2008. Outside of USC this schedule is extremely light and could
see Notre Dame win as many as 10 games Yes!! I said it, Ten. The Cupcake games
like Stanford, Navy, Syracuse, and San Diego State right off the bat are 4
guaranteed wins where the Irish are clearly more talented. Four wins are better then 3 in 2007. Michigan, Purdue, Washington, Boston College are 4 swing games that Notre Dame needs to win and will judge if they go bowling. Michigan is going through a major makeover with Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense being
implemented and their visit to Notre Dame will be their first road test with an
inexperienced quarterback so the Irish have an advantage and if they stay
turnover free should win a close one. Purdue returns gunslinger Curtis Painter
but loses all their star receivers including first round pick Dustin Keller and their
defense has been atrocious and let an anemic Notre Dame team back in the
game last year. Washington has a dangerous dual-threat signal-caller in Jake
Locker who can do it all but has zero playmakers around him and also the
defense is terrible and looks like the unit Ty Willingham fielded at Notre Dame
before he was canned. This game will be emotional and for a young team this
should be a measuring stick. It is also a late night national televised game plus
Willingham is on the hot seat and losing to him will only make more controversy.
No Matt Ryan right off the bat will make it tough for the Eagles in 2008 plus
ND’s defense should be scary and harass who ever is playing quarterback for
BC. BC always plays their best versus the Irish and this game is another tough
road test and will be highly emotional since BC has won the last 5 meetings. If
Notre Dame comes prepared and plays their game they should get out of
Chestnut Hill with a victory. Fans wont hate Weis as much if his only win this
year was to a dubious Boston College team. USC, Pittsburgh, Michigan
State, and North Carolina prove to be steal games. USC will clobber Notre Dame
even though the Irish should make it interesting, Pittsburgh is unpredictable but
due to ND’s inability to stop the run this game is challenging, North Carolina
will be a tough road test facing a Tar-Heel team reminiscent of themselves plus
with Butch Davis coaching the game is not a walk in the park. Michigan State
returns Brian Hoyer their starting quarterback but there is no Devin Thomas or
Kellen Freeman-Davis because both are in the pros. Despite being the road team in
this series has won the last 6 games, which should be a good sign for the Irish,
State always gives Notre Dame trouble.
Impact Freshmen:
Michael Floyd-
Floyd might be the biggest impact Freshman out of all of them at 6’-3” & 215lbs and
with a physical body, and solid route running skills up to college speed. He has
the potential to be the first big Notre Dame playmaking wide receiver since
Derek Mayes. He can stretch the field taking a 5-yard gain and turning it into 30
yards something the Irish have lacked in recent seasons. He also has cracked
the depth chart as one of the top 4 receivers right out of fall camp, which should
tell you something. They are comparing him in South Bend to Randy Moss who
was denied acceptance to Notre Dame due to a criminal action back in 1995.
Floyd’s big plays in the All-America game definitely show his potential either as
Randy Moss or another great receiver of the past and his name will be heard
a lot this year by Notre Dame Fans.
Kyle Rudolph-
The 6-7 255 Tight End will probably be playing more than any other Notre
Dame Freshmen this year with the loss of starting Tight End Mike Ragone.
Rudolph like Floyd was a Rivals Five-Star recruit in 2008 and the top tight end
in the nation. While blocking is a definite challenge of his, coach Weis is very
high on him and said he can run faster down the seam than all of his tight ends.
Rudolph is a weapon at 6-7 and barring better pass protection, he could be a
major target of Jimmy Clausen. Here is the scary part he was 222 in high school,
gained 30 pounds of muscle before coming to school, and will be even bigger
and tougher to defend down the road.
Trevor Robinson-
His long curly brown hair reminds me of Kevin Steele of the Steelers and
Robinson definitely plays with that demeanor. At 6’-5” 301 pounds he is a
monster and can blow up a defensive linemen like no other. He already has
cracked the two deep roster in fall camp like fellow Freshman Michael Floyd and
could be a huge help to improving Notre Dame’s offensive line.
Ethan Johnson-
At 6’-4” 275lbs he has great pass rushing ability, which Notre Dame has not had
since Justin Tuck. Johnson will play probably situational this season but his rush
ability along with John Tenuta’s new scheme will allow him to harass the
Quarterback this year.
Record Prediction:
While the pundits believe this is a make or break year for
Weis and see 7 wins in 2008 from Notre Dame, they are sadly mistaken. This
analysis is not coming to you just because I have been following Notre Dame since I was 6. Like Lou Holtz (who by the way predicted 11 wins for the Irish in ’08) my father and i know Notre Dame football and their schedule. We also know that Notre Dame bounces back better than anyone in the country and this year will prove it. Notre Dame has a chance to be 4-1 or 3-2 going into back-to-back
road tests with North Carolina and Washington in October. Michigan is down
this year, San Diego State is a pushover, Purdue has to travel to Notre Dame
where they have only won twice since 1963, and Stanford is still rebuilding.
North Carolina is winnable but will be tough. Washington will also be a tough
emotional matchup but Notre Dame’s athletes should overpower them in the
end. November proves to be the toughest month with Pittsburgh, Boston
College, and USC. If Notre Dame can stop the run they have a chance to beat
Pittsburgh. BC will give ND a scare but they should pull that game out and USC
is a toss-up. Hopefully, Notre Dame can make it close with the Trojans by the
end of the year something they have not done since Weis’s first season. While 10
wins and 11 have been shouted around by Lou Holtz and some South Bend
Papers 9-3 and a gator bowl victory seems fitting with concentration hopefully
on a BCS game in 2009.
Freshmen hope to erase the Horrific Images of 2007 for the Irish
By John Kelly, Football Reporters Online 9-1-08
Head Coach: Charlie Weis
Record: 22-15 4 Years
Offensive Lettermen: 20 Defensive Lettermen: 17
Charlie Weis kept repeating the same phrase “Were looking past 2007” to
the South Bend press like he was pledging to a fraternity this offseason. You can
repeat that phrase till the cows come home but the Irish’s issues on the offense,
the defensive line, and the lack of big playmakers at the skill positions still
leaves Irish fans nervous for 2008. Weis’s ability to develop young talent to the
level of 20 wins he accumulated in the first two seasons in South Bend will tell
his tale the next two years.
2007 saw bigger lows in Notre Dame history then when Ty Willingham was there and like Obama’s major talking point of change, the Notre Dame version has played out this offseason with physical hitting practices, Weis handing over his play calling duties, and the hiring of linebackers coach Jon Tenuta.
Why were physical practices implemented?
Weis last year limited contact in practice barring his players from the real game experience especially the O-line. I am not saying physical practices could have helped that team anyway starting with Georgia Tech, Penn State, and Michigan.
By giving the freshmen, O-line, and defense a chance to hit people it will help
them in real game situations instead of touch football NFL practices. The Irish
O-line looks better on rivals’ videos thanks to these physical practices and it
seems to be benefiting all players. Holtz always allowed hitting in his practices
and implementing this style will help all Irish players develop.
Haygood now Calling the Shots:
Andy Reid and Mark Richt are great offensive minds known throughout the football world. What you don’t know is that they had the sad task of handing
over their play calling duties to some else. Andy Reid and Mark Richt had
success letting other people take the reins of the offense. The Eagles won the
NFC East in 2006 and the Georgia Bulldogs were the hottest team at the end of
the season. Charlie Weis recently handed over his play calling duties to
Offensive Coordinator Mike Haygood who now has another job besides being
the running backs coach. It was tough for Weis to do this stating to the media
that he will miss devising game plans in the fall. By doing this Weis is letting a
coach with no experience calling a game to take the reins of an offense that was
just better than Temple last year. The good news is he is letting his coaches
coach instead of controlling everything as well as opening up to his players, a
side of him he never showed the first two years imitating the Tuna. With
Haygood the offense will not be as predictable and will emphasize running the
football. Weis though is making a tough choice but the right one now can help
develop the younger talent to the level their rivals ratings put them don’t forget
his 2005 offseason at Notre Dame saw him molding Brady Quinn into a First
Round Pick so the fat man can coach.
A Key defensive Acquisition:
The idea that no one wanted to hire Jon Tenuta for a defensive coordinator or coaching job makes me want to pull my hair out. At Georgia Tech Tenuta’s
defenses were an aggressive blitzing style that came play after play. This man’s
defense was the scariest I had ever seen Notre Dame face charging like a pack of
wolves coming after prey. Tenuta’s defenses at Georgia Tech led the nation in
sacks in 2007, ranked 20th in the county totally, and 20th against the run. This
is a good sign and should help because Notre Dame’s run defense was
atrocious last year yielding several one hundred yard games, including one from
each service academy. Weis hired Bill Lewis as Defensive Backs coach when he
could not solve his coverage’s and now he has done the same with Tenuta. This
is the guy that should provide that nasty attitude Irish fans have hoped to have
since Weis arrived in South Bend in 2005. With Defensive end Kerry Neal,
Linebacker Brian Smith, and a bevy of talented corners, expect ND to bring the
kitchen sink all year, and get to the quarterback and terrorize him every Saturday
including several new ones making their first starts.
What improvements to look for on offense? Can Clausen stay upright? Can he improve?
While most of the fans are excited for the new aggressive Notre Dame defense and we love the potential of offensive playmakers Duval Kamara, Golden Tate, and Robert Hughes the question still is will Quarterback Jimmy Clausen have the time to throw to them or will their be running lanes for Hughes? Lets not forget, outside of right tackle Sam Young most of the Notre Dame offensive line was making their first starts last year and coming into 2008 they are heavier and stronger. If that does not sell you that Notre Dame has a stronger right side of the line this year with a heavy 337 pound Chris Stewart and 330 bulked up right tackle Sam Young. Offensively, Notre Dame has the best stable of running backs it has had since Holtz was there. Speedster Armando Allen, bruiser Robert
Hughes, and James Aldridge definitely can get the job done and with a bigger
right side those stretch plays and dives right will go for 5 and 6 yards opposed
to negative yards. Expect Hughes to be the star this year out of the bunch and
rush for 900 yards and 12 TDS with Allen providing that speed threat and
Aldridge providing quality depth. All those sites that said Jimmy Clausen was
overrated last year must only pay attention to his high school statistics and
failures and forget the kid’s arm was not one hundred percent. Ten pounds of
more muscle and a better grasp of the play-book will easily help Clausen and
due to offensive line issues expect ND to roll him out more this year. Clausen
will improve in all facets this year and next year be a sleeper to win the Heisman.
Sorry to all of you Clausen haters, you will be hearing his name a lot.
The Irish wideouts have the most potential of any of the skill players with David
Grimes providing great leadership to the receiving corps. The real talent lies in
the underclassmen where Duval Kamara set a freshman record with 32
receptions and should be the go to guy this year with help from incoming
freshman Michael Floyd. Golden Tate is a lot more improved according to
receivers coach Rob Inaello and will be deployed all over the field, not just on go
routes. By the end of the year this offense like Georgia’s of last year will be
extremely hot and a threat in 2009. While there is a load of talent and many
questions still they should be answered by the end of the season when Notre
Dame should and will be playing their best football.
Wow a real winnable schedule (something the Buckeyes get every year):
Notre Dame sees a schedule in which 7 of the teams beat them last year the
good news most of those teams are in transition and that suits a team looking
to improve in 2008. Outside of USC this schedule is extremely light and could
see Notre Dame win as many as 10 games Yes!! I said it, Ten. The Cupcake games
like Stanford, Navy, Syracuse, and San Diego State right off the bat are 4
guaranteed wins where the Irish are clearly more talented. Four wins are better then 3 in 2007. Michigan, Purdue, Washington, Boston College are 4 swing games that Notre Dame needs to win and will judge if they go bowling. Michigan is going through a major makeover with Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense being
implemented and their visit to Notre Dame will be their first road test with an
inexperienced quarterback so the Irish have an advantage and if they stay
turnover free should win a close one. Purdue returns gunslinger Curtis Painter
but loses all their star receivers including first round pick Dustin Keller and their
defense has been atrocious and let an anemic Notre Dame team back in the
game last year. Washington has a dangerous dual-threat signal-caller in Jake
Locker who can do it all but has zero playmakers around him and also the
defense is terrible and looks like the unit Ty Willingham fielded at Notre Dame
before he was canned. This game will be emotional and for a young team this
should be a measuring stick. It is also a late night national televised game plus
Willingham is on the hot seat and losing to him will only make more controversy.
No Matt Ryan right off the bat will make it tough for the Eagles in 2008 plus
ND’s defense should be scary and harass who ever is playing quarterback for
BC. BC always plays their best versus the Irish and this game is another tough
road test and will be highly emotional since BC has won the last 5 meetings. If
Notre Dame comes prepared and plays their game they should get out of
Chestnut Hill with a victory. Fans wont hate Weis as much if his only win this
year was to a dubious Boston College team. USC, Pittsburgh, Michigan
State, and North Carolina prove to be steal games. USC will clobber Notre Dame
even though the Irish should make it interesting, Pittsburgh is unpredictable but
due to ND’s inability to stop the run this game is challenging, North Carolina
will be a tough road test facing a Tar-Heel team reminiscent of themselves plus
with Butch Davis coaching the game is not a walk in the park. Michigan State
returns Brian Hoyer their starting quarterback but there is no Devin Thomas or
Kellen Freeman-Davis because both are in the pros. Despite being the road team in
this series has won the last 6 games, which should be a good sign for the Irish,
State always gives Notre Dame trouble.
Impact Freshmen:
Michael Floyd-
Floyd might be the biggest impact Freshman out of all of them at 6’-3” & 215lbs and
with a physical body, and solid route running skills up to college speed. He has
the potential to be the first big Notre Dame playmaking wide receiver since
Derek Mayes. He can stretch the field taking a 5-yard gain and turning it into 30
yards something the Irish have lacked in recent seasons. He also has cracked
the depth chart as one of the top 4 receivers right out of fall camp, which should
tell you something. They are comparing him in South Bend to Randy Moss who
was denied acceptance to Notre Dame due to a criminal action back in 1995.
Floyd’s big plays in the All-America game definitely show his potential either as
Randy Moss or another great receiver of the past and his name will be heard
a lot this year by Notre Dame Fans.
Kyle Rudolph-
The 6-7 255 Tight End will probably be playing more than any other Notre
Dame Freshmen this year with the loss of starting Tight End Mike Ragone.
Rudolph like Floyd was a Rivals Five-Star recruit in 2008 and the top tight end
in the nation. While blocking is a definite challenge of his, coach Weis is very
high on him and said he can run faster down the seam than all of his tight ends.
Rudolph is a weapon at 6-7 and barring better pass protection, he could be a
major target of Jimmy Clausen. Here is the scary part he was 222 in high school,
gained 30 pounds of muscle before coming to school, and will be even bigger
and tougher to defend down the road.
Trevor Robinson-
His long curly brown hair reminds me of Kevin Steele of the Steelers and
Robinson definitely plays with that demeanor. At 6’-5” 301 pounds he is a
monster and can blow up a defensive linemen like no other. He already has
cracked the two deep roster in fall camp like fellow Freshman Michael Floyd and
could be a huge help to improving Notre Dame’s offensive line.
Ethan Johnson-
At 6’-4” 275lbs he has great pass rushing ability, which Notre Dame has not had
since Justin Tuck. Johnson will play probably situational this season but his rush
ability along with John Tenuta’s new scheme will allow him to harass the
Quarterback this year.
Record Prediction:
While the pundits believe this is a make or break year for
Weis and see 7 wins in 2008 from Notre Dame, they are sadly mistaken. This
analysis is not coming to you just because I have been following Notre Dame since I was 6. Like Lou Holtz (who by the way predicted 11 wins for the Irish in ’08) my father and i know Notre Dame football and their schedule. We also know that Notre Dame bounces back better than anyone in the country and this year will prove it. Notre Dame has a chance to be 4-1 or 3-2 going into back-to-back
road tests with North Carolina and Washington in October. Michigan is down
this year, San Diego State is a pushover, Purdue has to travel to Notre Dame
where they have only won twice since 1963, and Stanford is still rebuilding.
North Carolina is winnable but will be tough. Washington will also be a tough
emotional matchup but Notre Dame’s athletes should overpower them in the
end. November proves to be the toughest month with Pittsburgh, Boston
College, and USC. If Notre Dame can stop the run they have a chance to beat
Pittsburgh. BC will give ND a scare but they should pull that game out and USC
is a toss-up. Hopefully, Notre Dame can make it close with the Trojans by the
end of the year something they have not done since Weis’s first season. While 10
wins and 11 have been shouted around by Lou Holtz and some South Bend
Papers 9-3 and a gator bowl victory seems fitting with concentration hopefully
on a BCS game in 2009.
