Tonight's Monday night game is one of the better matchups we've seen in a long time. Usually at this time of the season, we have to endure some snoozer of a game, but not this year. Two 9-3 teams fighting for the division lead. The winner of tonight's game will be in sole possession of 1st place in the NFC South and it appears the South's winner should get a #2 seed in the playoffs and a week off.
Here are ten observations for tonight's game.
1. Account for Peppers.
Of course this goes without saying. Peppers has always seemed to have big games against the Bucs. Last year was an off year for him, but he has 11 sacks so far this year, and 7 of those have come in the past three games.
2. Slay the two headed monster.
DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have led the Panthers to one of best running attacks in the NFL. Williams has 955 yards and 11 scores, while rookie Stewart has 584 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Bucs have only allowed 1 100 yard rushing game by an opponent this year and yield just 1 rushing touchdown. Williams is coming off a game where he scored 4 times in Green Bay. Tampa usually shuts down some big name running backs and tonight should be no different. However, Jovan Haye is out for tonight's game, so the Defensive line is going to need to step up.
3. Steve Smith.
I hate this dude. It seems like an accomplishment to hold him to just 100 yards. The past two games, Smith has 12 catches for 173 yards. He'll be matched up tonight against Ronde Barber. I had noticed a slip in Barber's play earlier in the year, but it was just reported this week that Ronde has been battling through an undisclosed injury. The past few weeks though, Ronde has been playing much better. It would still be wise though to give Barber some help over the top with Smith.
4. Give Stevens more looks.
Last week TE Jeramy Stevens only had 1 reception. I think he matches up well against Carolina's linebackers. The Bucs should be able to run against the Panthers. Warrick Dunn had 115 yards on 22 touches in week 6 this year. I believe Carnell Williams should see around 12 touches tonight as well. With the running game clicking, that will open up the tight end play. I'd like to see Stevens get 5-6 looks tonight.
5. Grab Delhomme.
Sacks are always great, however I'd like to see Gaines Adams and Greg White around Delhomme tonight. Both defensive ends have shown the ability to strip the ball and Delhomme does like to oblige but having a tendency to fumble.
6. Tightends seem to give the Bucs fits at times.
Granted the Panthers don't have an elite TE, but teams seem to pick apart the seams of our defense with play from that position. Rosario has only 18 receptions this season but has missed time with injuries.
7. Short Field.
This season, the Bucs drafted Dexter "skids" Jackson with their second round selection. By the 9th week of the season, Coach Gruden had seen enough and promoted Clifton Smith. Smith was an undrafted free agent running back out of Fresno State University. Smith has been a treasure for the Bucs this year, returning a kickoff for a touchdown in his first game. In four games, Smith has racked up 841 combined return yardage, has a hefty 17.6 punt return average and is the only Buccaneer in team history to return both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in the same year. On the other side of the field, the Panthers signed former Buc, Mark Jones in the offseason and he has provided Carolina a good return game as well. The Bucs will have to be on their coverages tonight. Field position will be key.
8. White Tiger Sighting tonight.
For many of the past weeks, I've been checking milk cartons at Publix to see if I could find Joey Galloway. With Clayton dealing with a knee issue, I believe we might actually have a Galloway sighting tonight. Joey snags 3 for 60 tonight.
9. Temper Trueblood.
By now, I'm sure defensive coordinators are well aware of Jeremy Trueblood's short fuse. I have no doubt that the D line of Carolina will try to bait Trueblood into going off and causing a few 15 yard penalties. Davin Joseph needs to have his man's back tonight.
10. Keep Carolina outside of the 35.
Carolina has one of the best long distance kickers in the NFL. Bucs fans should remember the September 24th 2006 game. The infamous spleen bowl. John Kasay kicked 4 field goals in that game. He kicked them from 51, 50, 49 and a 46 yarder with 2 seconds left to win the game 26-24 in Tampa. Tonight's game might just come down to a last second field goal for the win so the Panthers are driving late, stop them outside of the 35!
Although the Bucs have started slowly in the past few road games against Kansas City and Detroit, Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn realize how important this game is and the Bucs will be more impressive tonight. Bucs win 23-20.
Showing posts with label nfl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nfl. Show all posts
Monday, December 8, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Draft day hours away
It's now less than 24 hours before this years NFL draft. Can you feel the electricity? NFL draft geeks have most likely been living on double lattes and red bull for most of this week, fine tuning who they think will go in the 127th pick versus the 128th pick. Oh yes, at this, the holiest of seasons, everyone is a general manager.
No doubt, this draft will be just like each of the last several decades of drafts. There will be quality players free fall, there will be surprise picks, there will be a late round or undrafted free agent who makes a big splash in the league next season. And, when the dust settles, the so called draft experts will rationalize each and every expected and unexpected move. Then, on Monday April 28th, the media sources will report to us fans, the draft grades of each individual teams.
How astonishing. Players which haven't been signed yet, survived training camp without injury or played a down in the NFL yet, but the media is going to hand out grades for teams on the players they chose this weekend. The NFL has really done such a marketing job with this event, it's unreal. They have a contest on their homepage and if you win, you get to go to the draft next year and announce a pick in like the 6th round. OOOOOOOOOOhhhhhh, I better be all over this contest. Lets see, fly to New York, announce the name of some shlep who will most likely be cut after training camp, post a video of me announcing his name while at the podium on YouTube for 2 million people to view, hey, I'm famous, I announced John Sampson from Northern Eastern South Kentucky Community Colleges' name on tv, albeit 312 folks were watching.
So, no, I won't be entering the contest, but here are my final 15 picks, one of them is a lock. (I've got an inside source)
Miami Mullets- Jake Long OT- Michigan. Just got a feeling about this one.
St. Louis Ewes- Rumors were swirling today (imagine rumors during draft week) that New Orleans wants this pick and is willing to trade a second rounder and their starting LOT. I think the Ewes take that trade and move into the 10th spot. America's team from 06 then selects homeboy DT Glen Dorsey from LSU, an hour away from the stadium in Baton Rouge.
Atlanta Pigeons- For you Pigeon fans reading, please be nice to the parking attendants this season. The gentleman wearing the orange vest and guiding you to your spot might just be Rich McKay. Hopefully this will be his last position in "football operations" for a team.
There is no signal caller in the ATL and they make the call for the big guy, Matt Ryan from BC.
Oakland (West Coast Buccaneers) Raiders- So many choices here at this spot. I'm sure Al Davis, who is Keith Richards father, hears the refrains of Time on our side in his head. This guy wants to win NOW. Davis is not buying green bananas at this point and as much as he wants McFadden from Arkansas, they have a serviceable backfield and select the son of a former all-time Raider great, Chris Long from Virginia.
Kansas City Chefs- Remember that great Snickers commercial years back where the grounds crew screws up the name of the Chiefs in the endzone, those were the days......... pre double lattes, and an entire section at the local convience store dedicated to just energy drinks, gas was only 2.00 a gallon, you could buy a cell phone which was JUST a phone.........I digress.
Since Jared Allen is now in the land of 10,000 lakes, the Chefs take Vernon Gholston, DE from THE OSU.
New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS- So at this point and time in the draft, how excited are you Jets fans? So many failures over the years, so many disappointments. Not this year, you select, Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas.
New England Polaroids- Perhaps I should call them the Beta Max, but that would be lost in the translation. Just to irritate me, they select, Mike Jenkins, CB, USF. I wish him great success in the NFL but not not for this team, perhaps when he becomes a free agent.
Edgar Allan Poe's favorite team from Baltimore- McNair is retired, new coach, new regime, new quarterback. Brian Brohm, Louisville
Cincinnati "work release" Bengals- This is a team filled with demons and will be selecting in the top ten again next season. You'd think the coach could tell the players that they are supposed to hit people on the football field, not off the field. Two years ago, I thought this team was going to be knocking on the door of the Super Bowl this past season, today, I think the Lions will get to the Super Bowl before this franchise. They select, Derrick Harvey, DE, from U of F. Just a quick aside here. Do you know how you can find the University of Florida while in Tampa? Take I-75 north and then simply follow the smell.
St Louis Ewes (from a trade with NO) They execute a trade with Nawlins, pick up some picks and still get a quality D-lineman for alot less signing bonus money. Sedrick Ellis, USC.
Toronto Bills- Yes, this is the first NFL team to move to Canada, perhaps the Wilson family is now looking at the currency exchange rate and what was once the Canadian Peso, has quickly become the US Peso. A few games played over there now and then, but given unemployment, it won't take long, perhaps 3 years, and the Bills will be calling Toronto home for good. The NFL is morphing into the NHL. The Toronto Argonauts....errrrr Bills select, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State.
Denver (why is our airport in another state) Broncos- With the price of food skyrocketing for staples such as rice and wheat, they choose to upgrade the O-Line and go local with OT Ryan Clady from Boise St. Rumor has it he has an in with some potato people which will lower the food costs during training camp and pregame meals.
Carolina Kittycats- Outside of the New England Polaroids, I despise this team. I was happy to see them lose many players from the defensive line this season, and now that Julius Peppers had a mortal season and all his buddies are gone, just how fearsome are they going to be next year?
Defensive needs are a concern, the Pussys take, Keith Rivers, LB USC
Chicago- Safe pick, they select, OT Branden Albert-Virginia who's stock is rising up the boards.
Detroit (I'll take another wide receiver in the first round Alex) Lions- What an enigma this team is. For all of those who wonder why Matt Millen still has a job, ask your self, why did Wayne Fontes keep his job as long as he did? Ah well, Wayne benefited from Barry Sanders, but come on now what's he doing these days? Running a booth in a flea market outside of Beverly Hills Michigan? The Lions will select Mario Manningham WR Michigan. JUST KIDDING, they will select Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon.
As for the beloved Buccos- again there is all sorts of speculation out there in the past few days about teams wanting to trade up into the area where the Bucs are slated to pick in the first round. Miami is one team which has multiple picks and could offer the Bucs a chance for 3 picks in the second round, or perhaps an additional second and third round pick. Since the Bucs only have 5 picks in this years draft, I'm sure that they are entertaining offers.
Then again, another rumor which surfaced is the Bucs are thinking about a trade with the Philadelphia Buzzards for CB Lito Sheppard for the Bucs second round pick and Michael Clayton.
If that happens you give up a high pick for an injury prone player who is only 26 in Sheppard, but Clayton has been just as injury prone as well. In my eyes it's a wash on the players and the loss of a 2nd round pick.
If the Bucs don't trade down in the first round, I feel they will select one of the following three players. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson-could bookend with Adams nicely. CB Brandon Flowers, or OT Sam Baker from USC.
I do feel as I look back on the Bruce Allen/Jon Gruden regime here, there will be surprises in store this coming weekend for Bucs fans and there will be a few chances to say, WHO did they pick?
Needless to say, I wont be headed to the Big Apple next year to announce anyones draft choice, but lets just see on Monday how my picks went, then we can grade out the draft. Or not.
No doubt, this draft will be just like each of the last several decades of drafts. There will be quality players free fall, there will be surprise picks, there will be a late round or undrafted free agent who makes a big splash in the league next season. And, when the dust settles, the so called draft experts will rationalize each and every expected and unexpected move. Then, on Monday April 28th, the media sources will report to us fans, the draft grades of each individual teams.
How astonishing. Players which haven't been signed yet, survived training camp without injury or played a down in the NFL yet, but the media is going to hand out grades for teams on the players they chose this weekend. The NFL has really done such a marketing job with this event, it's unreal. They have a contest on their homepage and if you win, you get to go to the draft next year and announce a pick in like the 6th round. OOOOOOOOOOhhhhhh, I better be all over this contest. Lets see, fly to New York, announce the name of some shlep who will most likely be cut after training camp, post a video of me announcing his name while at the podium on YouTube for 2 million people to view, hey, I'm famous, I announced John Sampson from Northern Eastern South Kentucky Community Colleges' name on tv, albeit 312 folks were watching.
So, no, I won't be entering the contest, but here are my final 15 picks, one of them is a lock. (I've got an inside source)
Miami Mullets- Jake Long OT- Michigan. Just got a feeling about this one.
St. Louis Ewes- Rumors were swirling today (imagine rumors during draft week) that New Orleans wants this pick and is willing to trade a second rounder and their starting LOT. I think the Ewes take that trade and move into the 10th spot. America's team from 06 then selects homeboy DT Glen Dorsey from LSU, an hour away from the stadium in Baton Rouge.
Atlanta Pigeons- For you Pigeon fans reading, please be nice to the parking attendants this season. The gentleman wearing the orange vest and guiding you to your spot might just be Rich McKay. Hopefully this will be his last position in "football operations" for a team.
There is no signal caller in the ATL and they make the call for the big guy, Matt Ryan from BC.
Oakland (West Coast Buccaneers) Raiders- So many choices here at this spot. I'm sure Al Davis, who is Keith Richards father, hears the refrains of Time on our side in his head. This guy wants to win NOW. Davis is not buying green bananas at this point and as much as he wants McFadden from Arkansas, they have a serviceable backfield and select the son of a former all-time Raider great, Chris Long from Virginia.
Kansas City Chefs- Remember that great Snickers commercial years back where the grounds crew screws up the name of the Chiefs in the endzone, those were the days......... pre double lattes, and an entire section at the local convience store dedicated to just energy drinks, gas was only 2.00 a gallon, you could buy a cell phone which was JUST a phone.........I digress.
Since Jared Allen is now in the land of 10,000 lakes, the Chefs take Vernon Gholston, DE from THE OSU.
New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS- So at this point and time in the draft, how excited are you Jets fans? So many failures over the years, so many disappointments. Not this year, you select, Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas.
New England Polaroids- Perhaps I should call them the Beta Max, but that would be lost in the translation. Just to irritate me, they select, Mike Jenkins, CB, USF. I wish him great success in the NFL but not not for this team, perhaps when he becomes a free agent.
Edgar Allan Poe's favorite team from Baltimore- McNair is retired, new coach, new regime, new quarterback. Brian Brohm, Louisville
Cincinnati "work release" Bengals- This is a team filled with demons and will be selecting in the top ten again next season. You'd think the coach could tell the players that they are supposed to hit people on the football field, not off the field. Two years ago, I thought this team was going to be knocking on the door of the Super Bowl this past season, today, I think the Lions will get to the Super Bowl before this franchise. They select, Derrick Harvey, DE, from U of F. Just a quick aside here. Do you know how you can find the University of Florida while in Tampa? Take I-75 north and then simply follow the smell.
St Louis Ewes (from a trade with NO) They execute a trade with Nawlins, pick up some picks and still get a quality D-lineman for alot less signing bonus money. Sedrick Ellis, USC.
Toronto Bills- Yes, this is the first NFL team to move to Canada, perhaps the Wilson family is now looking at the currency exchange rate and what was once the Canadian Peso, has quickly become the US Peso. A few games played over there now and then, but given unemployment, it won't take long, perhaps 3 years, and the Bills will be calling Toronto home for good. The NFL is morphing into the NHL. The Toronto Argonauts....errrrr Bills select, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State.
Denver (why is our airport in another state) Broncos- With the price of food skyrocketing for staples such as rice and wheat, they choose to upgrade the O-Line and go local with OT Ryan Clady from Boise St. Rumor has it he has an in with some potato people which will lower the food costs during training camp and pregame meals.
Carolina Kittycats- Outside of the New England Polaroids, I despise this team. I was happy to see them lose many players from the defensive line this season, and now that Julius Peppers had a mortal season and all his buddies are gone, just how fearsome are they going to be next year?
Defensive needs are a concern, the Pussys take, Keith Rivers, LB USC
Chicago- Safe pick, they select, OT Branden Albert-Virginia who's stock is rising up the boards.
Detroit (I'll take another wide receiver in the first round Alex) Lions- What an enigma this team is. For all of those who wonder why Matt Millen still has a job, ask your self, why did Wayne Fontes keep his job as long as he did? Ah well, Wayne benefited from Barry Sanders, but come on now what's he doing these days? Running a booth in a flea market outside of Beverly Hills Michigan? The Lions will select Mario Manningham WR Michigan. JUST KIDDING, they will select Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon.
As for the beloved Buccos- again there is all sorts of speculation out there in the past few days about teams wanting to trade up into the area where the Bucs are slated to pick in the first round. Miami is one team which has multiple picks and could offer the Bucs a chance for 3 picks in the second round, or perhaps an additional second and third round pick. Since the Bucs only have 5 picks in this years draft, I'm sure that they are entertaining offers.
Then again, another rumor which surfaced is the Bucs are thinking about a trade with the Philadelphia Buzzards for CB Lito Sheppard for the Bucs second round pick and Michael Clayton.
If that happens you give up a high pick for an injury prone player who is only 26 in Sheppard, but Clayton has been just as injury prone as well. In my eyes it's a wash on the players and the loss of a 2nd round pick.
If the Bucs don't trade down in the first round, I feel they will select one of the following three players. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson-could bookend with Adams nicely. CB Brandon Flowers, or OT Sam Baker from USC.
I do feel as I look back on the Bruce Allen/Jon Gruden regime here, there will be surprises in store this coming weekend for Bucs fans and there will be a few chances to say, WHO did they pick?
Needless to say, I wont be headed to the Big Apple next year to announce anyones draft choice, but lets just see on Monday how my picks went, then we can grade out the draft. Or not.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Serenity now, serenity now.......
Following an episode of Seinfeld where George's father finds peace through reiterating the words, serenity now, I've got to say the same to Bucs fans after the start of the free agency period.
I realize the team is 44 million dollars under the cap, and it needs to spend 28 million just to get above the cap floor. But, patience grasshopper. I have full confidence that the front office and Bruce Allen are conducting business in a responsible manner. Buccaneer message boards are all on fire because the Bucs failed to sign every high profile free agent this season in the first 24 hours of free agency. Message boards are a virtual shouting match, made up of mostly teenagers and 20-somethings who exchange insults and play video games believing their outcome will somehow result in reality in the real world.
I realize the team is 44 million dollars under the cap, and it needs to spend 28 million just to get above the cap floor. But, patience grasshopper. I have full confidence that the front office and Bruce Allen are conducting business in a responsible manner. Buccaneer message boards are all on fire because the Bucs failed to sign every high profile free agent this season in the first 24 hours of free agency. Message boards are a virtual shouting match, made up of mostly teenagers and 20-somethings who exchange insults and play video games believing their outcome will somehow result in reality in the real world.
So, right out of the gate for the 08 free agency period, the Bucs sign Jeff Faine. I thought was a great addition. This addition helps to solidify the OL, something which has been a problem in Tampa for a long time. And we all understand, it all starts up front. The Bucs follow that signing up with adding John Gilmore, a large blocking tightend from Chicago, and the the online groans start. The chorus online of "where's the playmakers?" "where's asante samuel? lance briggs? randy moss?"
I assume that reasonable fans will have seen the progress which has been made with this team in regards to the salary cap, and at the same time understand that simply because the team is well under the salary cap, does not mean that the front office needs to be spending money like drunken sailors.
I read a few posts online today regarding the signing of Jimmy Wilkerson, a defensive end. Due to the fact that most everyone has never heard of him, many posting online sounded as if individuals wanted to get in their car, park it atop the Skyway Bridge and jump, next season is lost, Bruce Allen has no idea what he's doing. These comments are from the same folks which thought all would be lost if Monte Kiffin did not resign his contract in January. If everyone thought all was lost if Monte moved on, while he resigned, I'm certain he had input into the signing of Wilkerson. So, stop the car, get off the Bayway or 275, return home. Things will be just fine.
I have alot of faith, albeit blind, in the front office to make the correct decisions. The video game players and message board posters need to go back to their games, and leave reality to those who are in charge, trusting their judgment. Myself, I'm disappointed that we didn't land Henderson or Stallworth, but there is a reason for that. There might be something big right around the corner.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
ELI, ELI, Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
18-1, 18-1, 18-1!
Oh my. This game came down to a few minutes in the 4th quarter, and Eli Manning has shown that he finally turned the proverbial corner and won not only 3 playoff games on the road but he orchestrated a final drive with 2 minutes to go which was Brady-esque. Not only did the G-Men cover the spread but won outright, as I predicted here yesterday. In fact, look at some of my personal stats from yesterdays prediction.
I predicted Manning would be 20/38/264/2/1 he ended up 19/34/255/2/1
I predicted Moss @3/69/1 Moss ended up 5/69/1
I predicted Wes Welker @ 14/123/1 Welker ended up 11/103
I predicted Maroney 16/46/1 and he ended up 14/36/1
I will make a few more predictions, there will be a major shakeup with the Patriots organization in the coming two-three weeks regarding this spygate situation. Randy Moss will not return. Teddy Bruschi and Junior Seau will not return in 08. Coach Bill, rather than face a suspension from the league with impending problems from Spygate II, will retire from coaching, never to return again. And here's a real stretch prediction, Tom Brady will get married in the off-season.
As much as I despise the Patriots, I give them a great deal of respect for being able to complete a regular season undefeated 16-0, that in itself it quite a feat. BUT, as their defense looked suspect and the lack of a running game down the stretch of the regular season made them look vulernable, those weaknesses were exposed in this game. Brady made his trademark forth quarterdrive which looked like it might close out the game for the Pats victory. The Giants got the ball back for what seemed like the final possession of the game. Twice, the Giants were faced with 3rd down situations and many of us were waiting for Eli to make one of his trademark turnovers, but they never came. He played a smart game, just as he did all playoffs long, winning 4 straight playoff games. The Giants overcame the Bucs, Cowboys and the Packers in Green Bay. Then they went on to Glendale Arizona to beat the 18-0 Patriots. Sports reporters said todays game was going to be the chance to witness history, and yes it was, only it wasn't the history they wanted us to see. This might have been the biggest upset since Super Bowl III.
Thank you New York Giants for retoring order to the NFL!
Oh my. This game came down to a few minutes in the 4th quarter, and Eli Manning has shown that he finally turned the proverbial corner and won not only 3 playoff games on the road but he orchestrated a final drive with 2 minutes to go which was Brady-esque. Not only did the G-Men cover the spread but won outright, as I predicted here yesterday. In fact, look at some of my personal stats from yesterdays prediction.
I predicted Manning would be 20/38/264/2/1 he ended up 19/34/255/2/1
I predicted Moss @3/69/1 Moss ended up 5/69/1
I predicted Wes Welker @ 14/123/1 Welker ended up 11/103
I predicted Maroney 16/46/1 and he ended up 14/36/1
I will make a few more predictions, there will be a major shakeup with the Patriots organization in the coming two-three weeks regarding this spygate situation. Randy Moss will not return. Teddy Bruschi and Junior Seau will not return in 08. Coach Bill, rather than face a suspension from the league with impending problems from Spygate II, will retire from coaching, never to return again. And here's a real stretch prediction, Tom Brady will get married in the off-season.
As much as I despise the Patriots, I give them a great deal of respect for being able to complete a regular season undefeated 16-0, that in itself it quite a feat. BUT, as their defense looked suspect and the lack of a running game down the stretch of the regular season made them look vulernable, those weaknesses were exposed in this game. Brady made his trademark forth quarterdrive which looked like it might close out the game for the Pats victory. The Giants got the ball back for what seemed like the final possession of the game. Twice, the Giants were faced with 3rd down situations and many of us were waiting for Eli to make one of his trademark turnovers, but they never came. He played a smart game, just as he did all playoffs long, winning 4 straight playoff games. The Giants overcame the Bucs, Cowboys and the Packers in Green Bay. Then they went on to Glendale Arizona to beat the 18-0 Patriots. Sports reporters said todays game was going to be the chance to witness history, and yes it was, only it wasn't the history they wanted us to see. This might have been the biggest upset since Super Bowl III.
Thank you New York Giants for retoring order to the NFL!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Big Game
27 hours until kickoff, and usually I'm hyped up in regards to the Super Bowl, even if my team isn't in it. This year however, if I miss the opening kickoff or a few highly priced commercials, I'm not so upset. News reports these past few weeks state that this might be the most highly viewed Super Bowl in league history. I'm not suprised, the population grows every year, and the expanse of technology allows more and more access to media outlets every year. The league is really trying to hype up this game, but making remarks about the highest viewership in SuperBowl history is akin to saying the latest presidential election will be the most costly in election history. It ALWAYS is.
Albeit, this might possibly be historic in the fact that the Patriots might be the first team in league history to go 19-0. There's a good chance they do that. But enough already from the league office, which BTW is located in NYC. Fox has got to be overjoyed that the largest television market in America is playing their arch enemy in the Big Game. Viewers, viewers, viewers. Revenue, revenue, revenue. I'll watch the game, but mainly in the second half to see if New York can pull off the upset. But just to let you know, alot of America is tired of the I-95 rivalry. Boston v NewYork, Bosox v Yankees, Romney v Guliani (how'd that work out?) and now Patriots v G-Men. I hate to break it to the main stream media who operates in these two cities, there are 48 other states in the country, and as we will watch the game, we root for other teams, so quit trying to wrap us up into the I-95 cooridor feud, we're not interested. We are watching the Super Bowl because we are fans of the game and this is the LAST football game we get to see live until August. We are not enamored with the elitist media views about how wonderful all of your sports teams are. As you've read here at this site, I'm a Buccaneer fan, not a Miami Dolphins fan, but I hope tomorrow night to pop the top on a leftover bottle of champagne from New Years along with the 72 Dolphins as the Giants roll to a victory.
My prediction:
Manning 20-38 264yds 2td 2 ints
B Jacobs 22-89 yds 1td
P Burress 5-89yds 1 td
Brady 26-43 341 yds 3 tds 1 int
Moss 3-69 yds 1 td
Welker 14-123 yards 1 td
Maroney 16-46yds 1 td
Final score- Giants 37 Patriots 36 Tynes kicks a last second field goal to win, and a New York kicker finally doesn't go wide right.
Albeit, this might possibly be historic in the fact that the Patriots might be the first team in league history to go 19-0. There's a good chance they do that. But enough already from the league office, which BTW is located in NYC. Fox has got to be overjoyed that the largest television market in America is playing their arch enemy in the Big Game. Viewers, viewers, viewers. Revenue, revenue, revenue. I'll watch the game, but mainly in the second half to see if New York can pull off the upset. But just to let you know, alot of America is tired of the I-95 rivalry. Boston v NewYork, Bosox v Yankees, Romney v Guliani (how'd that work out?) and now Patriots v G-Men. I hate to break it to the main stream media who operates in these two cities, there are 48 other states in the country, and as we will watch the game, we root for other teams, so quit trying to wrap us up into the I-95 cooridor feud, we're not interested. We are watching the Super Bowl because we are fans of the game and this is the LAST football game we get to see live until August. We are not enamored with the elitist media views about how wonderful all of your sports teams are. As you've read here at this site, I'm a Buccaneer fan, not a Miami Dolphins fan, but I hope tomorrow night to pop the top on a leftover bottle of champagne from New Years along with the 72 Dolphins as the Giants roll to a victory.
My prediction:
Manning 20-38 264yds 2td 2 ints
B Jacobs 22-89 yds 1td
P Burress 5-89yds 1 td
Brady 26-43 341 yds 3 tds 1 int
Moss 3-69 yds 1 td
Welker 14-123 yards 1 td
Maroney 16-46yds 1 td
Final score- Giants 37 Patriots 36 Tynes kicks a last second field goal to win, and a New York kicker finally doesn't go wide right.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Are the Paris Saints far off?
The NFL announced today that there will be another regular season game played in London during 2008 at Wembley Stadium. This announcement was not unexpected as NFL owners in 2006 voted to play up to two regular season games outside of the United States between 2007-2011. This announcement, though not unexpected, comes on the heels of Buffalo Bills' owner Ralph Wilson desire to move some 2008 regular season games to Toronto a few months ago. The National Football League has experimented with football abroad in various fashions over the past decade and was met with little success. Could it be that the leagues' new Commissioner, Roger Goodell has international plans for America's favorite sport? Goodell has even suggested interest in playing the Super Bowl abroad in the future.
On October 2nd, 2005, the NFL played it's first regular season game outside of US soil, as the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49'ers played in Mexico City at Azteca Stadium with over 100,000 fans in attendance. This year, The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins flew to London to play a game at Wembley Stadium. Reports swirled about the game being sold out with over 80,000 in attendance, but having watched a portion of this game on television, there were alot of empty seats, the field looked in poor shape, and the game was lackluster with the G-Men coming out on top 13-10, in a rainy game no one appeared to want to win. Europe has not really seemed to embrace American football in the past. One only can look back at the failed World League, NFL Europe and NFL Europa. While these teams were stocked with some players which eventually worked their way into the NFL with successful football careers, there weren't many people watching the games. Ultimately, the NFL pulled the plug on this experiment.
The Buffalo Bills are currently one of the smallest market teams in the league. As a franchise, they peaked between 1990-1993, making the Super Bowl each year, only to lose. Currently, they're a young team which shows some promise and were in the hunt for a wildcard berth up until the final few weeks of this season. Buffalo is a tough place to live. Of all the NFL cities, Buffalo has the highest annual snowfall rate coupled with dire economic conditions. Goodell should understand this, he was born in Jamestown, a Western New York city which used to be known as the Furniture Capital of the World, but no longer is. Bills' team owner, Ralph Wilson, 89, has said the Bills aren't for sale, but when he passes away, the team will be for sale to the highest bidder. In October of this year, Wilson made a presentation to other NFL team owners with a desire to start moving Bills home games over the next 5 years into Toronto Canada playing on the home field of the Canadian Football Leagues' Toronto Argonauts, the Rogers Centre. Then, football fans were stunned early this past October when Goodell stated, "There's a great deal of interest in holding the Super Bowl in London, so we'll be looking at that." What? Interest from whom? Certainly not the fans of individual teams. Given all the issues regarding air travel, terrorism and cost associated with going to the Super Bowl here in the United States, does The Big Game REALLY need to be abroad? I think not.
The NFL is a multi-billion dollar juggernaut which always seems to get it's way, from the exclusive club of 32 owners to the way the NFL stomps out illegal sales of unlicensed merchandise. Owners extort communities to spend tax dollars to finance new stadiums, while adding luxury boxes to line their pockets. 115 million taxpayer dollars were spent post haste to refurbish the Louisiana Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. One of the tantalizing selling points teams use to lure public financing for new diggs, is the opportunity to host a Super Bowl and all the tourist revenue associated with the event. Now the league is exploring the possibility of sending the largest sporting event in the US, overseas. The NFL owners will be voting soon on whether or not to allow the Bills to move some of their home games to Toronto. Canada already has their style of football, the CFL. There are two teams which would be greatly affected by a Bills presence in Toronto, even on a short term basis, the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger Cats, the later already suffering attendance issues. Argonauts owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski commented in the Halifax Daily News November 25th of last year, that if a permanent move of the Buffalo Bills to Canada was realized, that action could jeopardize the integrity of their league.
As the NFL seeks international expansion of their product, we still do not have a professional franchise in the second largest media market of US, Los Angeles. Buffalo, New Orleans and Minnesota make grumblings about moving, perhaps the league should be looking at keeping teams here instead of exporting their product. Then again, if there is the lure of huge financial returns teams could start moving abroad. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tom Benson and his umbrella doing his boogie down the Champs Elysee if the money was right.
On October 2nd, 2005, the NFL played it's first regular season game outside of US soil, as the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49'ers played in Mexico City at Azteca Stadium with over 100,000 fans in attendance. This year, The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins flew to London to play a game at Wembley Stadium. Reports swirled about the game being sold out with over 80,000 in attendance, but having watched a portion of this game on television, there were alot of empty seats, the field looked in poor shape, and the game was lackluster with the G-Men coming out on top 13-10, in a rainy game no one appeared to want to win. Europe has not really seemed to embrace American football in the past. One only can look back at the failed World League, NFL Europe and NFL Europa. While these teams were stocked with some players which eventually worked their way into the NFL with successful football careers, there weren't many people watching the games. Ultimately, the NFL pulled the plug on this experiment.
The Buffalo Bills are currently one of the smallest market teams in the league. As a franchise, they peaked between 1990-1993, making the Super Bowl each year, only to lose. Currently, they're a young team which shows some promise and were in the hunt for a wildcard berth up until the final few weeks of this season. Buffalo is a tough place to live. Of all the NFL cities, Buffalo has the highest annual snowfall rate coupled with dire economic conditions. Goodell should understand this, he was born in Jamestown, a Western New York city which used to be known as the Furniture Capital of the World, but no longer is. Bills' team owner, Ralph Wilson, 89, has said the Bills aren't for sale, but when he passes away, the team will be for sale to the highest bidder. In October of this year, Wilson made a presentation to other NFL team owners with a desire to start moving Bills home games over the next 5 years into Toronto Canada playing on the home field of the Canadian Football Leagues' Toronto Argonauts, the Rogers Centre. Then, football fans were stunned early this past October when Goodell stated, "There's a great deal of interest in holding the Super Bowl in London, so we'll be looking at that." What? Interest from whom? Certainly not the fans of individual teams. Given all the issues regarding air travel, terrorism and cost associated with going to the Super Bowl here in the United States, does The Big Game REALLY need to be abroad? I think not.
The NFL is a multi-billion dollar juggernaut which always seems to get it's way, from the exclusive club of 32 owners to the way the NFL stomps out illegal sales of unlicensed merchandise. Owners extort communities to spend tax dollars to finance new stadiums, while adding luxury boxes to line their pockets. 115 million taxpayer dollars were spent post haste to refurbish the Louisiana Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. One of the tantalizing selling points teams use to lure public financing for new diggs, is the opportunity to host a Super Bowl and all the tourist revenue associated with the event. Now the league is exploring the possibility of sending the largest sporting event in the US, overseas. The NFL owners will be voting soon on whether or not to allow the Bills to move some of their home games to Toronto. Canada already has their style of football, the CFL. There are two teams which would be greatly affected by a Bills presence in Toronto, even on a short term basis, the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger Cats, the later already suffering attendance issues. Argonauts owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski commented in the Halifax Daily News November 25th of last year, that if a permanent move of the Buffalo Bills to Canada was realized, that action could jeopardize the integrity of their league.
As the NFL seeks international expansion of their product, we still do not have a professional franchise in the second largest media market of US, Los Angeles. Buffalo, New Orleans and Minnesota make grumblings about moving, perhaps the league should be looking at keeping teams here instead of exporting their product. Then again, if there is the lure of huge financial returns teams could start moving abroad. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tom Benson and his umbrella doing his boogie down the Champs Elysee if the money was right.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Offseason moves
All football fans at this time of the year, all have opinions on how their team can improve with the start of free agency in March. As a fan of the Buccaneers, I'm no different and here are my suggestions:
Quarterback- Garcia will be the starter next year. Luke McCown showed promise this year when he was given the chance to play, but has to learn to throw the ball away. He's very athletic and can release the ball quickly. He's a keeper for at least one more year. Chris Simms says he's healthy, but he doesn't fit this system if Gruden is going to be given a contract extension. Chris is a great kid and wish him the best, but he has no trade value and will be released. Bruce Gradkowski- my wish is a one way ticket to play in Canada, we've seen enough.
Running Back-
Earnest Graham brought his A-game when asked because of injury. I realize he has 1 year remaining on his contract but the Bucs should offer him a new contract, he's been loyal to this team, and since he's from Ft Myers, he wants to play here. Pay the man. He's done everything other than pass out Gatorade to players in past years.
Michael Pittman- He's 32, and nagging injuries cropped up this season. He's a free agent and not likely to be highly sought after in the off season. He's a hard runner and great receiver however, at his age, should play for a near minimum salary if he wants to stay in Tampa.
Michael Bennett- Came over via conditional trade from Kansas City. Gamebreaker in my opinion. Gruden constantly speaks about playmakers and team speed, this guy was a possible Olympic hopeful for the relay team. He brings youth and great ball catch ability out of the backfield, resign him-pronto.
Carnell Williams, I am not sure what salary cap implications releasing Carnell will have towards next year, but the Cadillac has a flat tire and fix a flat isn't going to fix it. Isn't it interesting that Ronnie Brown, Carnells backfield partner at Auburn has gone down with the same knee injury. Perhaps these guys aren't feature backs in the NFL. How about a backfield of Graham, Bennett and Justin Fargas with Askew leading the way.
Mike Alstott- Mike alluded to retirement this week on Tampa radio. It's time. Thanks for the memories Mike, move on a take care of you and yours.
Wide Receiver-
Joey Galloway walked off the field with 4 minutes remaining versus the Giants last week. The official report from the team is that he has a shoulder injury. Are we seeing another Keyshawn Johnson meltdown with Joey? I think at this point it doesn't really matter, Joey is going to be 37 next season, and although he's posted three consecutive 1000 yard seasons for the Bucs, has always been injury prone. Do I want to see #84 line up next season? Hell yes, if he can play. BUT, this team has got to address the receiving corps. Mike Clayton needs to go. Maurice Stovall has got to stay. Hilliard had a great start of the season but tailed off. It's time to get younger. Rumors are swirling now about the possibility of a trade with Cincinnatti for Chad Johnson. I'd be all over that. But I'd also be looking at Devery Henderson and Andre Davis. This team needs playmakers.
TE-
Resign Stevens, release Becht.
Defensive Line-
The Bucs need to upgrade the DL. First of all the undertackle position is the most important position in the Cover Tampa 2 defense which they utilize. The Bucs should sign Corey Williams, a 27 year old DLman playing with the Packers. A big force in the D-line 6'4" 313 pounds and with next years schedule and the vulnerability of the Cover 2 defense for tough running up the middle, we need a run stuffer.
Forget Haynesworth, he's a juiced up steroid filled freak. I can't have a player on my team that stomped on someones head without a helmet. The other player I'd like to see brought in is Justin Smith from Cincinnati.
Kevin Carter cannot draw another 5 million dollar paycheck from the Bucs this year. Renegotiate or gone. Greg Spires, production has dropped way off and time to say goodbye as well.
Defensive Secondary-
Brian Kelly- wanted a new contract last season then didn't play over half the games. Didn't play many games this year, move on.
Will Allen- gone
Sammy Davis- gone.
Linebackers-
Jeremiah Trotter will be gone. Ryan Neece- might be gone as well with the young LB's coming on.
Focus for the draft should be 1st, a disruptive DL player, 2nd, a speed receiver actually able to return a punt for more than 3 yards and catch a football. 3rd, a cornerback along the likes of Tanard Jackson, and 4th, depth on the offensive line.
Quarterback- Garcia will be the starter next year. Luke McCown showed promise this year when he was given the chance to play, but has to learn to throw the ball away. He's very athletic and can release the ball quickly. He's a keeper for at least one more year. Chris Simms says he's healthy, but he doesn't fit this system if Gruden is going to be given a contract extension. Chris is a great kid and wish him the best, but he has no trade value and will be released. Bruce Gradkowski- my wish is a one way ticket to play in Canada, we've seen enough.
Running Back-
Earnest Graham brought his A-game when asked because of injury. I realize he has 1 year remaining on his contract but the Bucs should offer him a new contract, he's been loyal to this team, and since he's from Ft Myers, he wants to play here. Pay the man. He's done everything other than pass out Gatorade to players in past years.
Michael Pittman- He's 32, and nagging injuries cropped up this season. He's a free agent and not likely to be highly sought after in the off season. He's a hard runner and great receiver however, at his age, should play for a near minimum salary if he wants to stay in Tampa.
Michael Bennett- Came over via conditional trade from Kansas City. Gamebreaker in my opinion. Gruden constantly speaks about playmakers and team speed, this guy was a possible Olympic hopeful for the relay team. He brings youth and great ball catch ability out of the backfield, resign him-pronto.
Carnell Williams, I am not sure what salary cap implications releasing Carnell will have towards next year, but the Cadillac has a flat tire and fix a flat isn't going to fix it. Isn't it interesting that Ronnie Brown, Carnells backfield partner at Auburn has gone down with the same knee injury. Perhaps these guys aren't feature backs in the NFL. How about a backfield of Graham, Bennett and Justin Fargas with Askew leading the way.
Mike Alstott- Mike alluded to retirement this week on Tampa radio. It's time. Thanks for the memories Mike, move on a take care of you and yours.
Wide Receiver-
Joey Galloway walked off the field with 4 minutes remaining versus the Giants last week. The official report from the team is that he has a shoulder injury. Are we seeing another Keyshawn Johnson meltdown with Joey? I think at this point it doesn't really matter, Joey is going to be 37 next season, and although he's posted three consecutive 1000 yard seasons for the Bucs, has always been injury prone. Do I want to see #84 line up next season? Hell yes, if he can play. BUT, this team has got to address the receiving corps. Mike Clayton needs to go. Maurice Stovall has got to stay. Hilliard had a great start of the season but tailed off. It's time to get younger. Rumors are swirling now about the possibility of a trade with Cincinnatti for Chad Johnson. I'd be all over that. But I'd also be looking at Devery Henderson and Andre Davis. This team needs playmakers.
TE-
Resign Stevens, release Becht.
Defensive Line-
The Bucs need to upgrade the DL. First of all the undertackle position is the most important position in the Cover Tampa 2 defense which they utilize. The Bucs should sign Corey Williams, a 27 year old DLman playing with the Packers. A big force in the D-line 6'4" 313 pounds and with next years schedule and the vulnerability of the Cover 2 defense for tough running up the middle, we need a run stuffer.
Forget Haynesworth, he's a juiced up steroid filled freak. I can't have a player on my team that stomped on someones head without a helmet. The other player I'd like to see brought in is Justin Smith from Cincinnati.
Kevin Carter cannot draw another 5 million dollar paycheck from the Bucs this year. Renegotiate or gone. Greg Spires, production has dropped way off and time to say goodbye as well.
Defensive Secondary-
Brian Kelly- wanted a new contract last season then didn't play over half the games. Didn't play many games this year, move on.
Will Allen- gone
Sammy Davis- gone.
Linebackers-
Jeremiah Trotter will be gone. Ryan Neece- might be gone as well with the young LB's coming on.
Focus for the draft should be 1st, a disruptive DL player, 2nd, a speed receiver actually able to return a punt for more than 3 yards and catch a football. 3rd, a cornerback along the likes of Tanard Jackson, and 4th, depth on the offensive line.
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