Seattle Seahawks (15-3) vs Denver Broncos (15-3)
The number one ranked offense against the number ranked defense. This is the kind of matchup people hope for. Seahawks come in off a close win in the NFC Championship against the 49ers at home last week. QB Russell Wilson had a QB rating of 104.6 completing 16 of 25 for 215 yards and 1 TD. RB Marshawn Lynch rushed for 109 yards on 22 carries and 1 TD. The Seahawks D picked off 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick twice and forced a fumble. Broncos come in off a convincing win over the Patriots at home in the AFC Championship. QB Peyton Manning had a QB rating of 118.4 completing 32 of 43 for 400 yards and 2 TDs. WR Demaryius Thomas had 7 receptions for 134 yards and 1 TD. Broncos defense sacked Pats QB Tom Brady twice. This should be an exciting low scoring game. Prediction: Broncos
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Eliminating PATs
This week NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell started a firestorm of discussion. Goodell suggested that the competition committee will consider eliminating the point-after-touchdown (PAT) kick. While some have lauded the idea saying it will help speed up the game, others see the idea as ridiculous.
With the proposed change a place kicker would only have to focus on field goals and kick-offs. This did not sit well with kickers in the league. San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson took to Twitter with his feelings: "Eliminate PATs? Success rate too high? QBs better be careful. The forward pass is becoming increasingly efficient. # penalize progress"
Former Saints OLB Scott Shanle had a few choice words for the commissioner and his proposed chang: "The arrogance of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is snowballing outta control. No more extra point kicks!?! Stop messing & changing our game!!"
ESPN's Mel Kiper also doesn't believe the NFL should eliminate the PAT. Kiper ranted on ESPN Radio "Let's eliminate the easy throws. No pass can be less than 10 yards. You don't eliminate things because people are accomplished at it."
It is understandable why some people would want to eliminate a play that is essentially automatic. In the more than 1200 PATs this season only five were missed. Kickers accuracy has steadily increased in the last four seasons from 99.1 percent in 2010 to 99.6 percent in 2013.
The proposed idea for now is that a touchdown would now be worth seven points. The current two point conversion would be worth one additional point giving you eight points or if you miss it, you would lose one point giving you six points.
Keep in mind when the idea of adding instant replay and coaches challenges was conceived in 1999, many people were against it. They felt that a review of so many plays would essentially slow down the game. Fourteen seasons later it is hard to imagine the league without it.
As much as people may be against it now, if the idea is adopted by the competition committee, the league and the fans would eventually adjust to the change as they have every change that has occurred in the game since its inception.
With the proposed change a place kicker would only have to focus on field goals and kick-offs. This did not sit well with kickers in the league. San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson took to Twitter with his feelings: "Eliminate PATs? Success rate too high? QBs better be careful. The forward pass is becoming increasingly efficient. # penalize progress"
Former Saints OLB Scott Shanle had a few choice words for the commissioner and his proposed chang: "The arrogance of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is snowballing outta control. No more extra point kicks!?! Stop messing & changing our game!!"
ESPN's Mel Kiper also doesn't believe the NFL should eliminate the PAT. Kiper ranted on ESPN Radio "Let's eliminate the easy throws. No pass can be less than 10 yards. You don't eliminate things because people are accomplished at it."
It is understandable why some people would want to eliminate a play that is essentially automatic. In the more than 1200 PATs this season only five were missed. Kickers accuracy has steadily increased in the last four seasons from 99.1 percent in 2010 to 99.6 percent in 2013.
The proposed idea for now is that a touchdown would now be worth seven points. The current two point conversion would be worth one additional point giving you eight points or if you miss it, you would lose one point giving you six points.
Keep in mind when the idea of adding instant replay and coaches challenges was conceived in 1999, many people were against it. They felt that a review of so many plays would essentially slow down the game. Fourteen seasons later it is hard to imagine the league without it.
As much as people may be against it now, if the idea is adopted by the competition committee, the league and the fans would eventually adjust to the change as they have every change that has occurred in the game since its inception.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Why No Gay Active Player Will Ever Come Out in the NFL
Last year Jason Collins became the first "active" player in the NBA to come out as gay. The response was overwhelmingly positive and Collins found himself held up as how progressive our society now is in accepting a gay professional athlete.
This season Collins finds himself as an unsigned free agent. Despite many players, owners, coaches and teams professing to not having an issue signing or playing with a gay player, no team in the league has signed Collins. This may be more as a direct result of his low career averages of 3.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, and 41 percent shooting from the field. He has never averaged more than seven points or seven rebounds in a season. He was never a star athlete, just a small role player.
So the question becomes what would it take for a star athlete to come out as gay? In particular in a sport like football which involves a lot more contact between players. Could such a tough manly sport handle having a gay athlete amongst its ranks?
Many former NFL players have come out as gay. Even as recently as last year when former San Francisco 49er offensive lineman Kwame Harris was outed in the media after an altercation with an ex-boyfriend. Not long after the incident rumors and stories began swirling that anywhere from one to four gay NFL players were going to come out. As of this date not one has done so.
Coming out as gay may be seen on some levels as more socially acceptable. We like to think of ourselves as progressive, tolerant and forward thinking, but even this being the case, our society has strong beliefs in what is considered masculine. Being athletic is considered masculine. Being athletic and gay is not.
Many gay former NFL players admitted to being scared to come out while they were actively playing. Fear of repercussions and being ostracized by teammates, opponents, fans and the media have been enough to keep them in the closet until long after their career in the league is over.
There are far more repercussions for gay players than just hate mail, teasing, torment, bullying, ostracizing and physical violence, they face unseen long term punishments. Such is the case with former NFL player Jerry Smith.
Smith was a tight end with the Washington Redskins in the 1960s. During his 12 year playing career, the two time pro bowler made 421 receptions for 5496 yards and 60 TDs, a record for tight ends that would stand for more than two decades. Smith never came out as gay during his playing career but it was not unknown around the league. Smith would later die of AIDS in 1986.
Despite retiring with several records for a tight end Smith has never been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite having similar numbers to other tight ends of that era who are in the HOF. Many believe that this is punishment for Smith being gay, an allegation the league of course denies. Whatever the case, Smith being held out of the Hall of Fame is enough to keep many players quiet about their sexuality.
While we can claim to be willing to accept a gay professional athlete, there are still certain sports that it would be hard for us to do so. The NFL is one of those sports. While statistically speaking the likelihood that a gay player currently plays in the NFL is beyond likely, we have a hard time accepting a homosexual playing such a hegemonic masculine activity.
Until we break the stereotypes of what a gay athlete can do and being gay is more widely accepted, no active player will risk the long term repercussions of what coming out will do to their career even after they retire.
This season Collins finds himself as an unsigned free agent. Despite many players, owners, coaches and teams professing to not having an issue signing or playing with a gay player, no team in the league has signed Collins. This may be more as a direct result of his low career averages of 3.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, and 41 percent shooting from the field. He has never averaged more than seven points or seven rebounds in a season. He was never a star athlete, just a small role player.
So the question becomes what would it take for a star athlete to come out as gay? In particular in a sport like football which involves a lot more contact between players. Could such a tough manly sport handle having a gay athlete amongst its ranks?
Many former NFL players have come out as gay. Even as recently as last year when former San Francisco 49er offensive lineman Kwame Harris was outed in the media after an altercation with an ex-boyfriend. Not long after the incident rumors and stories began swirling that anywhere from one to four gay NFL players were going to come out. As of this date not one has done so.
Coming out as gay may be seen on some levels as more socially acceptable. We like to think of ourselves as progressive, tolerant and forward thinking, but even this being the case, our society has strong beliefs in what is considered masculine. Being athletic is considered masculine. Being athletic and gay is not.
Many gay former NFL players admitted to being scared to come out while they were actively playing. Fear of repercussions and being ostracized by teammates, opponents, fans and the media have been enough to keep them in the closet until long after their career in the league is over.
There are far more repercussions for gay players than just hate mail, teasing, torment, bullying, ostracizing and physical violence, they face unseen long term punishments. Such is the case with former NFL player Jerry Smith.
Smith was a tight end with the Washington Redskins in the 1960s. During his 12 year playing career, the two time pro bowler made 421 receptions for 5496 yards and 60 TDs, a record for tight ends that would stand for more than two decades. Smith never came out as gay during his playing career but it was not unknown around the league. Smith would later die of AIDS in 1986.
Despite retiring with several records for a tight end Smith has never been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite having similar numbers to other tight ends of that era who are in the HOF. Many believe that this is punishment for Smith being gay, an allegation the league of course denies. Whatever the case, Smith being held out of the Hall of Fame is enough to keep many players quiet about their sexuality.
While we can claim to be willing to accept a gay professional athlete, there are still certain sports that it would be hard for us to do so. The NFL is one of those sports. While statistically speaking the likelihood that a gay player currently plays in the NFL is beyond likely, we have a hard time accepting a homosexual playing such a hegemonic masculine activity.
Until we break the stereotypes of what a gay athlete can do and being gay is more widely accepted, no active player will risk the long term repercussions of what coming out will do to their career even after they retire.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Cleveland Browns hire Mike Pettine as Head Coach
After taking the longest of any team to make their decision about filling their head coach position, Browns announced today that they hired former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. This is the Browns seventh new head coach since 1999 and their fourth in the last six years.
Pettine spent one year as the Bills defensive coordinator after being the Jets defensive coordinator for three years. He started his NFL coaching career as a coaching assistant for the Baltimore Ravens in 2002 and would spend six years with the team rising to assistant defensive line coach and later an outside linebackers coach.
Pettine was hired after Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel both bowed out. Browns also considered Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn but Quinn would not be available until after the Super Bowl.
Pettine is known for his hard nosed aggressive style of defense. In his single season with the Bills he was able to improve their defense in all categories. His pass rushing style was perfected during his time under Rex Ryan with the Jets.
Pettine walks into a situation with a Brown teams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. They also need to replace their running back after they traded away their number one draft pick Trent Richardson during the season. The team has 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft including two in the first round. The Browns have only been to the playoffs only once since being rebuilt in Cleveland in 1999 and are in desperate need of a head coach to turn the team around.
Pettine spent one year as the Bills defensive coordinator after being the Jets defensive coordinator for three years. He started his NFL coaching career as a coaching assistant for the Baltimore Ravens in 2002 and would spend six years with the team rising to assistant defensive line coach and later an outside linebackers coach.
Pettine was hired after Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel both bowed out. Browns also considered Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn but Quinn would not be available until after the Super Bowl.
Pettine is known for his hard nosed aggressive style of defense. In his single season with the Bills he was able to improve their defense in all categories. His pass rushing style was perfected during his time under Rex Ryan with the Jets.
Pettine walks into a situation with a Brown teams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. They also need to replace their running back after they traded away their number one draft pick Trent Richardson during the season. The team has 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft including two in the first round. The Browns have only been to the playoffs only once since being rebuilt in Cleveland in 1999 and are in desperate need of a head coach to turn the team around.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
The glorification of athletes
As athletes complete college and head into the professional ranks the constant media attention they received in college does not diminish. In fact it continues to grow. The United States has promoted these athletes to demi-god- like worship. This is evident in the commercialization of professional athletes. Athletes are used to promote everything from sports drinks, to fast food, to cars and more. They are idealized and with such power, made to believe they are beyond reproach.
The unfortunate downside of this build up, is the inevitable crash, and when an athlete crashes it is with a sonic boom played out in the media for the world to scrutinize and judge.
In 2012 ESPN 30 for 30 did a documentary called “Broke” which told the story of professional athletes who, through poor financial decisions, mismanagement and bad investments, had gone bankrupt. The series showed former athletes like former NFL players Kevin McCants and Andre Rison who admitted to spending money lavishly on frivolous and wasteful activities like alcohol, drugs, parties and women as well as giving away much to friends and family.
A March 2009 Sports Illustrated article “How and why Athletes Go Broke” told how many athletes are ignorant to how their money is even being invested or where it is going while they are playing leading to disaster once they retire. According to the article
The news is filled with stories of former athletes who have gone broke, committed suicide, had affairs and messy divorces, fathered numerous children, gone to jail or became drug addicts. The same media which built these players up through their college playing days are the same ones who dismantle them.
A great example of this rapid rise and tragic fall is former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. When Hernandez was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft in 2010, he was believed to have overcome a sad and difficult childhood in a rough part of Connecticut. He became a star athlete at the University of Florida. While a report about failed drug tests in college made his draft stock drop, he was still drafted number 113 overall.
In the summer of 2013 Aaron Hernandez was charged with homicide. Suddenly the triumph over tragedy image was shattered and the media now took it upon themselves to destroy the image they had helped to create. Hernandez went from a tale of overcoming hardship to social pariah and disgraced athlete. The media went out of its way to drag up details of his bar fight, shooting involving a friend and a double homicide which Hernandez has only been investigated for.
Hernandez lost endorsement deals, a video game portrayal and Hall of Fame potential. His contract with the Patriots and his career in the NFL were over.
Hernandez is now viewed as a fallen athlete. His tale now told of one who was given too much fame, glory, attention and worship. But who gave him this fame if not the media? How can the media condemn someone for being given too much attention when they are the ones who gave it?
The media does an extraordinary job of placing athletes on pedestals and of hyping them to great levels. They make athletes into heroes rather than mortal men. When they fail to live up to these high expectations, the same media will destroy them. Until the realization that athletes are simply people gifted with athletic ability this glorification and demonization will continue to happen over and over.
The unfortunate downside of this build up, is the inevitable crash, and when an athlete crashes it is with a sonic boom played out in the media for the world to scrutinize and judge.
In 2012 ESPN 30 for 30 did a documentary called “Broke” which told the story of professional athletes who, through poor financial decisions, mismanagement and bad investments, had gone bankrupt. The series showed former athletes like former NFL players Kevin McCants and Andre Rison who admitted to spending money lavishly on frivolous and wasteful activities like alcohol, drugs, parties and women as well as giving away much to friends and family.
A March 2009 Sports Illustrated article “How and why Athletes Go Broke” told how many athletes are ignorant to how their money is even being invested or where it is going while they are playing leading to disaster once they retire. According to the article
- By the time they have been retired for two years, 78% of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress because of joblessness or divorce.
- Within five years of retirement, an estimated 60% of former NBA players are broke.
- Numerous retired MLB players have been similarly ruined, and the current economic crisis is taking a toll on some active players as well.
The news is filled with stories of former athletes who have gone broke, committed suicide, had affairs and messy divorces, fathered numerous children, gone to jail or became drug addicts. The same media which built these players up through their college playing days are the same ones who dismantle them.
A great example of this rapid rise and tragic fall is former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. When Hernandez was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft in 2010, he was believed to have overcome a sad and difficult childhood in a rough part of Connecticut. He became a star athlete at the University of Florida. While a report about failed drug tests in college made his draft stock drop, he was still drafted number 113 overall.
In the summer of 2013 Aaron Hernandez was charged with homicide. Suddenly the triumph over tragedy image was shattered and the media now took it upon themselves to destroy the image they had helped to create. Hernandez went from a tale of overcoming hardship to social pariah and disgraced athlete. The media went out of its way to drag up details of his bar fight, shooting involving a friend and a double homicide which Hernandez has only been investigated for.
Hernandez lost endorsement deals, a video game portrayal and Hall of Fame potential. His contract with the Patriots and his career in the NFL were over.
Hernandez is now viewed as a fallen athlete. His tale now told of one who was given too much fame, glory, attention and worship. But who gave him this fame if not the media? How can the media condemn someone for being given too much attention when they are the ones who gave it?
The media does an extraordinary job of placing athletes on pedestals and of hyping them to great levels. They make athletes into heroes rather than mortal men. When they fail to live up to these high expectations, the same media will destroy them. Until the realization that athletes are simply people gifted with athletic ability this glorification and demonization will continue to happen over and over.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Championship Weekend Picks
New England Patriots (13-4) vs Denver Broncos (14-3)
The Patriots come in off a convincing win over the Colts last week in New England. QB Tom Brady had a QB rating of 78.4 last week but did not throw any TDs as the Patriots stuck to a ground game. RB LeGarrette Blount 166 yds on 24 carries and 4 TDs and RB Stevan Ridley rushed for an additional 2 TDs. Pats defense picked off Colts QB Andrew Luck four times. Broncos come in off a win last week against the Charger in Denver. QB Peyton Manning had a QB rating of 93.5 completing 25 of 36 for 2 TDs and 1 INT. RB Knowshon Moreno rushed for 1 additional TD. These two teams faced each other in week 12 resulting in a win for New England. Brady has won 10 of 14 matchups with Manning's teams, including a 2-1 mark in the postseason in which the home team has prevailed each time. Prediction: Patriots
San Francisco 49ers (14-4) vs Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
49ers come in off an eight game winning streak. QB Colin Kaepernick had a QB rating of 87.8 last week completing 15 of 28 for 196 yds 1 passing TD and 1 rushing TD. Niners defense picked off Panthers QB Cam Newton twice last week. Seahawks come in off a win last week against the Saints at home. QB Russell Wilson had a QB rating of 67.6 last week completing just 9 of 18 for 103 yds and 0 TDs as the Seahawks leaned on their running game for the win. RB Marshawn Lynch rushed for 140 yds on 28 carries and 2 TDs. Seahawks have the top ranked defense in the league. These teams split the last four meetings. Seahawks have only lost one game at home in the last two seasons but Colin Kaepernick is 4-1 in the postseason including 3-0 on the road. Prediction: 49ers
The Patriots come in off a convincing win over the Colts last week in New England. QB Tom Brady had a QB rating of 78.4 last week but did not throw any TDs as the Patriots stuck to a ground game. RB LeGarrette Blount 166 yds on 24 carries and 4 TDs and RB Stevan Ridley rushed for an additional 2 TDs. Pats defense picked off Colts QB Andrew Luck four times. Broncos come in off a win last week against the Charger in Denver. QB Peyton Manning had a QB rating of 93.5 completing 25 of 36 for 2 TDs and 1 INT. RB Knowshon Moreno rushed for 1 additional TD. These two teams faced each other in week 12 resulting in a win for New England. Brady has won 10 of 14 matchups with Manning's teams, including a 2-1 mark in the postseason in which the home team has prevailed each time. Prediction: Patriots
San Francisco 49ers (14-4) vs Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
49ers come in off an eight game winning streak. QB Colin Kaepernick had a QB rating of 87.8 last week completing 15 of 28 for 196 yds 1 passing TD and 1 rushing TD. Niners defense picked off Panthers QB Cam Newton twice last week. Seahawks come in off a win last week against the Saints at home. QB Russell Wilson had a QB rating of 67.6 last week completing just 9 of 18 for 103 yds and 0 TDs as the Seahawks leaned on their running game for the win. RB Marshawn Lynch rushed for 140 yds on 28 carries and 2 TDs. Seahawks have the top ranked defense in the league. These teams split the last four meetings. Seahawks have only lost one game at home in the last two seasons but Colin Kaepernick is 4-1 in the postseason including 3-0 on the road. Prediction: 49ers
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Minnesota Vikings hire Mike Zimmer as next head coach
Vikings joined the list of teams who have finally filled their head coach vacancy. They announced today the hiring of Bengals former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Zimmer has been coaching in the NFL since 1994 where he started as the defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys. He would work his way up to defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in 2000 where he would remain until 2006. He served one year as the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 before his five year stint with the Bengals from 2008 to 2013. Vikings will be his first head coaching job.
In his 5 years in Cincinnati the Bengals made the playoffs the last three years. The last three years their defense has been ranked in the top 10. Several teams expressed interest in Zimmer before Vikings hired him.
The Vikings were 31st in total defense last season, and Zimmer's Bengals defense was third overall. The organization will need to address their quarterback issue and try to resign some of their 21 free agents including defensive end Jared Allen and defensive tackle Kevin Williams so Zimmer will need to get started immediately.
Zimmer has been coaching in the NFL since 1994 where he started as the defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys. He would work his way up to defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in 2000 where he would remain until 2006. He served one year as the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 before his five year stint with the Bengals from 2008 to 2013. Vikings will be his first head coaching job.
In his 5 years in Cincinnati the Bengals made the playoffs the last three years. The last three years their defense has been ranked in the top 10. Several teams expressed interest in Zimmer before Vikings hired him.
The Vikings were 31st in total defense last season, and Zimmer's Bengals defense was third overall. The organization will need to address their quarterback issue and try to resign some of their 21 free agents including defensive end Jared Allen and defensive tackle Kevin Williams so Zimmer will need to get started immediately.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Jim Caldwell named head coach of Detroit Lions
Well it didn't take long after Ken Whisenhunt took the Titans job for the Lions to make a decision on their vacant head coach position. According to ESPN, the Lions hired Jim Caldwell as their next head coach.
Caldwell was formerly the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2009-2011 where he posted a 26-22 record and made both a playoff and a Super Bowl appearance. After being fired by the Colts following the 2011 season he was hired by the Baltimore Ravens first as a quarterbacks coach and then as offensive coordinator during their Super Bowl run.
The Lions started out promising this past season, but finished a disappointing 7-9 leading to the firing of head coach Jim Schwartz. They are hoping that Caldwell can bring that same success he had with the Colts and Ravens to their organization and help QB Matthew Stafford with his mechanics and accuracy. Stafford is known for the ability to throw the long ball but throwing interceptions when under pressure. The experience working with a quarterback like Peyton Manning may help Caldwell lead the Lions in the right direction.
Caldwell was formerly the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2009-2011 where he posted a 26-22 record and made both a playoff and a Super Bowl appearance. After being fired by the Colts following the 2011 season he was hired by the Baltimore Ravens first as a quarterbacks coach and then as offensive coordinator during their Super Bowl run.
The Lions started out promising this past season, but finished a disappointing 7-9 leading to the firing of head coach Jim Schwartz. They are hoping that Caldwell can bring that same success he had with the Colts and Ravens to their organization and help QB Matthew Stafford with his mechanics and accuracy. Stafford is known for the ability to throw the long ball but throwing interceptions when under pressure. The experience working with a quarterback like Peyton Manning may help Caldwell lead the Lions in the right direction.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Ken Whisenhunt Hired by the Titans
After being the last team to fire their head coach, many believed that the Titans would take a long time to hire a new one. This belief was put to rest when they announced today that they had hired Ken Whisenhunt.
Whisenhunt was the offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers this past season after serving as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals for the previous five seasons. He took the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance in 2007. He had to wait until the Chargers were eliminated from the playoffs before he could make the decision to work for the Titans.
Whisenhunt was being considered for the Lions job as well before agreeing to take the Titans job. He comes into a situation where there is a question at quarterback and indecision on the futures of RB Chris Johnson and WR Kenny Britt.
Titans finished a disappointing 22-26 in the last three years and out of playoff contention. Whisenhunt brings playoff as well as Super Bowl experience to a team that is sorely lacking both in the last decade. Whisenhunt may still have to fire several assistants that Munchak refused to fire as well as align the right players to implement his 3-4 style of defense. Whatever the case Titans president/CEO Tommy Smith says he is looking forward to seeing Whisenhunt's vision become a reality for his team.
Whisenhunt was the offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers this past season after serving as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals for the previous five seasons. He took the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance in 2007. He had to wait until the Chargers were eliminated from the playoffs before he could make the decision to work for the Titans.
Whisenhunt was being considered for the Lions job as well before agreeing to take the Titans job. He comes into a situation where there is a question at quarterback and indecision on the futures of RB Chris Johnson and WR Kenny Britt.
Titans finished a disappointing 22-26 in the last three years and out of playoff contention. Whisenhunt brings playoff as well as Super Bowl experience to a team that is sorely lacking both in the last decade. Whisenhunt may still have to fire several assistants that Munchak refused to fire as well as align the right players to implement his 3-4 style of defense. Whatever the case Titans president/CEO Tommy Smith says he is looking forward to seeing Whisenhunt's vision become a reality for his team.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Divisional Playoff Weekend Predictions
New Orleans Saints (12-5) vs Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
Saints come in off a win against the Eagles last week in Philadelphia. QB Drew Brees has QB rating of 104.7. He threw 2 INTs last week which he cannot afford to repeat on Century Link Field. Seahawks come in off a bye last week. They have won five straight home playoff games. These two teams met last month in Seattle resulting in a 34-7 win for the Seahawks who held Brees to just 147 yds passing. Prediction: Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts (12-5) vs New England Patriots (12-4)
Colts come in off a comeback win over the Chiefs last week at home. QB Andrew Luck threw 3 INTs last week but managed to rally his team back from a 28 point deficit in the second half to win the game. Luck has a QB rating of 87.0. Pats come in off a bye last week. QB Tom Brady has a QB rating of 87.3, the lowest of his career. The Patriots have a good running game behind RBs Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount. The home team always wins when these two teams faceoff in the playoffs. Prediction: Patriots
San Francisco 49ers (13-4) vs Carolina Panthers (12-4)
49ers come in off a win last week against the Packers in Green Bay. QB Colin Kaepernick completed 16 of 30 for 227 yds and 2 TDs to seal the victory. The 49ers improved to 3-1 in postseason undere Kaepernick. They look to try and improve that record this week against Carolina. Panthers come in off a bye last week. QB Cam Newton has a QB rating of 88.8. His number one target WR Steve Smith is still questionable for the game. Panthers won their last seven straight home games. Panthers had the second ranked defense in yards and points allowed. These two teams faced each other in November resulting in a win for the Panthers. Prediction: 49ers
San Diego Chargers (10-7) vs Denver Broncos (13-3)
Chargers come in off a win last week against the Bengals in Cincinnati. QB Philip Rivers has a QB rating of 105.5. This team beat the Broncos just a few weeks ago. Broncos come in off a bye last week. They look to avenge the loss they suffered. Broncos come in off a bye last week. Manning threw for 5477 yds & 55 TDs this season. His QB rating is 115.1. His defense will need to step up this week to get past the surging Chargers Prediction: Broncos
Saints come in off a win against the Eagles last week in Philadelphia. QB Drew Brees has QB rating of 104.7. He threw 2 INTs last week which he cannot afford to repeat on Century Link Field. Seahawks come in off a bye last week. They have won five straight home playoff games. These two teams met last month in Seattle resulting in a 34-7 win for the Seahawks who held Brees to just 147 yds passing. Prediction: Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts (12-5) vs New England Patriots (12-4)
Colts come in off a comeback win over the Chiefs last week at home. QB Andrew Luck threw 3 INTs last week but managed to rally his team back from a 28 point deficit in the second half to win the game. Luck has a QB rating of 87.0. Pats come in off a bye last week. QB Tom Brady has a QB rating of 87.3, the lowest of his career. The Patriots have a good running game behind RBs Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount. The home team always wins when these two teams faceoff in the playoffs. Prediction: Patriots
San Francisco 49ers (13-4) vs Carolina Panthers (12-4)
49ers come in off a win last week against the Packers in Green Bay. QB Colin Kaepernick completed 16 of 30 for 227 yds and 2 TDs to seal the victory. The 49ers improved to 3-1 in postseason undere Kaepernick. They look to try and improve that record this week against Carolina. Panthers come in off a bye last week. QB Cam Newton has a QB rating of 88.8. His number one target WR Steve Smith is still questionable for the game. Panthers won their last seven straight home games. Panthers had the second ranked defense in yards and points allowed. These two teams faced each other in November resulting in a win for the Panthers. Prediction: 49ers
San Diego Chargers (10-7) vs Denver Broncos (13-3)
Chargers come in off a win last week against the Bengals in Cincinnati. QB Philip Rivers has a QB rating of 105.5. This team beat the Broncos just a few weeks ago. Broncos come in off a bye last week. They look to avenge the loss they suffered. Broncos come in off a bye last week. Manning threw for 5477 yds & 55 TDs this season. His QB rating is 115.1. His defense will need to step up this week to get past the surging Chargers Prediction: Broncos
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Wild Card Weekend Predictions
Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) vs Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Chiefs come in off two straight losses while the Colts come in on a three game winning streak. Chiefs started off with a fast 9-0 start only to drop the last 5-7 including a loss to the Colts just two weeks ago. QB Alex Smith has a QB rating of 89.1 with 23 TDs and only 7 INTs this season. Chiefs defense had the second most takeaways this season and will see the return of OLB Justin Houston this week. Chiefs will need to get pressure on Colts QB Andrew Luck if they have any chance to win. Luck has an overall QB rating of 87.0 with 23 TDs and 9 INTs. The Colts offense have the fewest giveaways this season. Their defense was able to put pressure on the Chiefs the last game and force Alex Smith to commit turnovers. This game will be a lot closer but the outcome will be the same. Prediction: Colts
New Orleans Saints (11-5) vs Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
Saints come in off a win last week against the Bucs while the Eagles won their final two. Eagles QB Nick Foles has a QB rating of 119.2 with 27 TDs and 2 INTs. His top WR DeSean Jackson caught 82 passes for 1,332 yards and nine TDs. The Eagles are also led by the league's leading rusher LeSean McCoy, who topped the NFL with 1,607 rushing yards while catching 52 passes for 539 yards for a league-best 2,146 scrimmage yards. They will face off against the Saints who were 8-0 at home but only 3-5 away from the Superdome. QB Drew Brees had a QB rating of 104.7 with 39 TDs and 12 INTs. The Saints average only 17.8 ppg away from home all season. They will be dealing with the cold and the elements today and with their starting RB Pierre Thomas out it may be hard for them to overcome. Prediction: Eagles
San Diego Chargers (9-7) vs Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Chargers come in off a four game winning streak while the Bengals are the winners of two straight. These two teams faced off in week 13 with the Bengals getting the better of the Chargers. This time the two will face off in Cincinnati where weather will play a factor. Chargers QB Philip Rivers has a QB rating of 105.5 with 32 TDs and 11 INTs. Despite facing several major season ending injuries early in the season (Malcolm Floyd, Dwight Freeney) the team has managed to get impressive wins including games against the Broncos, Chiefs and Colts. Bengals QB Andy Dalton comes in with a QB rating of 88.8 with 33 TDs and 20 INTs. His leading WR A.J. Green had 98 receptions for 1426 yds and 11 TDs this season. Despite being 8-0 this season at home Bengals are 0-4 in the postseason in the 11 years with Marvin Lewis as head coach. Prediction: Bengals
San Francisco 49ers (12-4) vs Green Bay Packers (8-7-1)
49ers come in off a six game winning streak while the Packers come in off a win against the Bears in Chicago. The return of the QB Aaron Rodgers for the final game of the season was the push they needed but he will have to show up big today against the stingy defense of the 49ers. Rodgers comes in with a QB rating of 104.9 with 17 TDs and 6 INTs. Rookie RB Eddie Lacy rushed for 1178 yds on 284 carries and 11 TDs this season. Their defense has struggled down the stretch and will face a huge challenge in the 49ers. 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has a QB rating of 91.6 with 21 TDs and 8 INTs. Their defense is ranked third in scoring and fifth overall. 49ers beat the Packers in the season opener but weather will play a bigger factor in this game. Prediction: 49ers
Chiefs come in off two straight losses while the Colts come in on a three game winning streak. Chiefs started off with a fast 9-0 start only to drop the last 5-7 including a loss to the Colts just two weeks ago. QB Alex Smith has a QB rating of 89.1 with 23 TDs and only 7 INTs this season. Chiefs defense had the second most takeaways this season and will see the return of OLB Justin Houston this week. Chiefs will need to get pressure on Colts QB Andrew Luck if they have any chance to win. Luck has an overall QB rating of 87.0 with 23 TDs and 9 INTs. The Colts offense have the fewest giveaways this season. Their defense was able to put pressure on the Chiefs the last game and force Alex Smith to commit turnovers. This game will be a lot closer but the outcome will be the same. Prediction: Colts
New Orleans Saints (11-5) vs Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
Saints come in off a win last week against the Bucs while the Eagles won their final two. Eagles QB Nick Foles has a QB rating of 119.2 with 27 TDs and 2 INTs. His top WR DeSean Jackson caught 82 passes for 1,332 yards and nine TDs. The Eagles are also led by the league's leading rusher LeSean McCoy, who topped the NFL with 1,607 rushing yards while catching 52 passes for 539 yards for a league-best 2,146 scrimmage yards. They will face off against the Saints who were 8-0 at home but only 3-5 away from the Superdome. QB Drew Brees had a QB rating of 104.7 with 39 TDs and 12 INTs. The Saints average only 17.8 ppg away from home all season. They will be dealing with the cold and the elements today and with their starting RB Pierre Thomas out it may be hard for them to overcome. Prediction: Eagles
San Diego Chargers (9-7) vs Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Chargers come in off a four game winning streak while the Bengals are the winners of two straight. These two teams faced off in week 13 with the Bengals getting the better of the Chargers. This time the two will face off in Cincinnati where weather will play a factor. Chargers QB Philip Rivers has a QB rating of 105.5 with 32 TDs and 11 INTs. Despite facing several major season ending injuries early in the season (Malcolm Floyd, Dwight Freeney) the team has managed to get impressive wins including games against the Broncos, Chiefs and Colts. Bengals QB Andy Dalton comes in with a QB rating of 88.8 with 33 TDs and 20 INTs. His leading WR A.J. Green had 98 receptions for 1426 yds and 11 TDs this season. Despite being 8-0 this season at home Bengals are 0-4 in the postseason in the 11 years with Marvin Lewis as head coach. Prediction: Bengals
San Francisco 49ers (12-4) vs Green Bay Packers (8-7-1)
49ers come in off a six game winning streak while the Packers come in off a win against the Bears in Chicago. The return of the QB Aaron Rodgers for the final game of the season was the push they needed but he will have to show up big today against the stingy defense of the 49ers. Rodgers comes in with a QB rating of 104.9 with 17 TDs and 6 INTs. Rookie RB Eddie Lacy rushed for 1178 yds on 284 carries and 11 TDs this season. Their defense has struggled down the stretch and will face a huge challenge in the 49ers. 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has a QB rating of 91.6 with 21 TDs and 8 INTs. Their defense is ranked third in scoring and fifth overall. 49ers beat the Packers in the season opener but weather will play a bigger factor in this game. Prediction: 49ers
Friday, January 3, 2014
Lovie Smith Agrees to Terms With Tampa Bay
After spending a year out of the league, Lovie Smith returns to the NFL. Smith has signed a four year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth $5M a year according to sources within the organization. Smith was considered a strong candidate for both the Detroit Lions and Bucs position but was more interested in coaching in Tampa.
Smith last coached the Chicago Bears where he amassed a 81-63 record in the regular season and a 3-3 record in the post season including a loss in Super Bowl XLI. Despite his success and finishing 10-6 in his final season, the Bears organization fired him when they failed to make the playoffs.
The Bucs meanwhile have suffered through four years of losing seasons first with Raheem Morris (17-31) and recently with Greg Schiano (11-21). The Super Bowl XXXVII champs who popularized the "Tampa 2"defense have been in search of an identity since firing Jon Gruden in 2008.
Bucs will need to find a franchise quarterback, a number two receiver and address issues on the offensive and defensive lines. With no GM to start, Smith will have more control of personnel decisions and can bring in the right players through the draft and free agency.
Sources say Smith will bring in former Cal coach Jeff Tedford as his offensive coordinator and is in talks with Rod Marinelli and Leslie Frazier for the defensive coordinator position.
Smith last coached the Chicago Bears where he amassed a 81-63 record in the regular season and a 3-3 record in the post season including a loss in Super Bowl XLI. Despite his success and finishing 10-6 in his final season, the Bears organization fired him when they failed to make the playoffs.
The Bucs meanwhile have suffered through four years of losing seasons first with Raheem Morris (17-31) and recently with Greg Schiano (11-21). The Super Bowl XXXVII champs who popularized the "Tampa 2"defense have been in search of an identity since firing Jon Gruden in 2008.
Bucs will need to find a franchise quarterback, a number two receiver and address issues on the offensive and defensive lines. With no GM to start, Smith will have more control of personnel decisions and can bring in the right players through the draft and free agency.
Sources say Smith will bring in former Cal coach Jeff Tedford as his offensive coordinator and is in talks with Rod Marinelli and Leslie Frazier for the defensive coordinator position.
Bill O'Brien Hired as head coach of the Texans
Former Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans, according to team sources. O'Brien will sign a four year deal with the team on Friday.
Texans had a jump on other teams in the NFL having fired their head coach Gary Kubiak on Dec. 6. They spent the last four weeks interviewing candidates including their defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and former Bears head coach (now Bucs head coach) Lovie Smith.
Texans were the AFC South champions the previous two years and were predicted in the preseason to be playoff contenders.
This season the team got off to a quick 2-0 start. Marred by injuries to key players and inconsistent play at quarterback the team fizzled out and dropped the remaining 14 games of the season. Kubiak was axed with three games remaining in the season.
O'Brien was an assistant coach with the New England Patriots from 2007-2011 before taking the head coaching job at Penn State.
The school was recovering from the Sandusky scandal and was in the midst of a bowl ban that led to many of their players transferring. Despite this fact, O'Brien led the team to a 15-9 record including 10-6 in conference play and was named Big 10 coach of the year in 2012.
The future of current defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is uncertain as is the offensive coordinator position.
Texans have the first overall pick in this year's draft and are expected to draft a quarterback.
Texans had a jump on other teams in the NFL having fired their head coach Gary Kubiak on Dec. 6. They spent the last four weeks interviewing candidates including their defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and former Bears head coach (now Bucs head coach) Lovie Smith.
Texans were the AFC South champions the previous two years and were predicted in the preseason to be playoff contenders.
This season the team got off to a quick 2-0 start. Marred by injuries to key players and inconsistent play at quarterback the team fizzled out and dropped the remaining 14 games of the season. Kubiak was axed with three games remaining in the season.
O'Brien was an assistant coach with the New England Patriots from 2007-2011 before taking the head coaching job at Penn State.
The school was recovering from the Sandusky scandal and was in the midst of a bowl ban that led to many of their players transferring. Despite this fact, O'Brien led the team to a 15-9 record including 10-6 in conference play and was named Big 10 coach of the year in 2012.
The future of current defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is uncertain as is the offensive coordinator position.
Texans have the first overall pick in this year's draft and are expected to draft a quarterback.
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