Story
Wasn't there talk that the Raiders wanted to get Culpepper so that they could draft Calvin Johnson?
This potentially gives the Raiders a veteran starter that can throw the ball deep (which Al Davis covets so much). The real question: Does Culpepper have enough of his old ability to scrammble to evade the pass rushers that break through his swiss-cheese o-line?
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Banks on the New York Giants
Article
Top point: Eli Manning has a new QB coach, and his old QB coach has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Apparently the two coaches have a good working relationship, both with each other and with Tom Coughlin, which can only make Manning's continuing education easier. In much the same way that I think losing Norv Turner will hurt Alex Smith this year, getting a new QB coach could definitely help Manning.
Somehow I missed that (the other, USC) Steve Smith was picked by the Giants. That's a great pick. In my opinion, it's really tough to get a bad player at a skill/speed position from USC. (I'd put Miami in that class as well, though you have to check out the player's character as well (*ahem* Brandon Meriweather)). Smith should fit in great as a third receiver, and could have great rookie season if defenses concentrate more on veterans Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer.
Coughlin thinks they'll be able to replace Tiki Barber's production just fine. Right. In addition to rushing for 1662 yards last season (4th in the NFL), Barber caught 58 passes for 465 yards (8th in the NFL). The Giants will be lucky to get 1200 yards rushing and 200 yards receiving out of Brandon Jacobs.
Lastly, Mike Sando did a great job analyzing relative effects Michael Strahan and Simeon Rice had on their respective teams. My only complaint about the comparison is that it looks at the last three years for Strahan, but only the previous year for Rice. The reason is that Rice played 16 and 15 games in 2005 and 2006, respectively, so there's no data to take from those season. However, Rice did have 12 and 14 sacks in said years, is the difference between the two players over those three years isn't quite as drastic as Sando's comparison may seem to show. However, it is obvious that Rice declined greatly in 2006, and I wouldn't expect him to get much better in 2007, nevermind the chance he may decline. The point: Strahan is incredibly important to the Giants' defense, and Rice, although a big name, won't be an equal replacement.
Top point: Eli Manning has a new QB coach, and his old QB coach has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Apparently the two coaches have a good working relationship, both with each other and with Tom Coughlin, which can only make Manning's continuing education easier. In much the same way that I think losing Norv Turner will hurt Alex Smith this year, getting a new QB coach could definitely help Manning.
Somehow I missed that (the other, USC) Steve Smith was picked by the Giants. That's a great pick. In my opinion, it's really tough to get a bad player at a skill/speed position from USC. (I'd put Miami in that class as well, though you have to check out the player's character as well (*ahem* Brandon Meriweather)). Smith should fit in great as a third receiver, and could have great rookie season if defenses concentrate more on veterans Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer.
Coughlin thinks they'll be able to replace Tiki Barber's production just fine. Right. In addition to rushing for 1662 yards last season (4th in the NFL), Barber caught 58 passes for 465 yards (8th in the NFL). The Giants will be lucky to get 1200 yards rushing and 200 yards receiving out of Brandon Jacobs.
Lastly, Mike Sando did a great job analyzing relative effects Michael Strahan and Simeon Rice had on their respective teams. My only complaint about the comparison is that it looks at the last three years for Strahan, but only the previous year for Rice. The reason is that Rice played 16 and 15 games in 2005 and 2006, respectively, so there's no data to take from those season. However, Rice did have 12 and 14 sacks in said years, is the difference between the two players over those three years isn't quite as drastic as Sando's comparison may seem to show. However, it is obvious that Rice declined greatly in 2006, and I wouldn't expect him to get much better in 2007, nevermind the chance he may decline. The point: Strahan is incredibly important to the Giants' defense, and Rice, although a big name, won't be an equal replacement.
King on the Cincinnati Bengals
Article
Two things stick out from this article:
1. Carson Palmer is fully recovered and is stepping up as the leader of the offense. I love hearing about QBs inviting their receivers to take part in summer workouts. Even without Chris Henry for the first half of the year, Palmer, and the Bengals offense, is going to be massive this year.
2. The Bengal's defense is nowhere near as good as its offense. First-round pick Leon Hall is a nice talent, but CBs often struggle in their first year and they need him now. Losing Odell Thurman for another year really hurts. Check out his rookie year stats: 106 tackles (best on the team by 20%), 5 forced fumbles (again, tops on the team), 5 interceptions (topped only by the 10 of CB Deltha O'Neal). ESPN.com's scouting has him as the 12th best linebacker in the NFL.
I've had a gut feeling that the Bengals were going to bounce back this year. Peter King doesn't think so, largely because he doesn't think their defense is good enough. So, just for kicks, I looked up Bengals-vs-Opponents stats from their 12-4 2005 season and their 8-8 2006 season:
2005:
2006:
Here's what the stats say: 2006 opponents were roughly as effective than 2005 opponents (comparing 2005/2006): 22/21 points/game, 339/355 yards/game, 42.6/41.7 third-down conversion percentage. What actually lagged in 2006 was the offense: 26 points per game dropped to 23 (+3, as compared to -1 for the defense). Third-down conversion percentage dropped 7.1% (42.9 to 35.8). Rushing yards dropped 17/game (119 to 102). I would say this is the case of the defense suffering due to a lagging offense, except that the defense didn't statistically suffer. I stand my prediction of the Bengals bouncing back.
Two things stick out from this article:
1. Carson Palmer is fully recovered and is stepping up as the leader of the offense. I love hearing about QBs inviting their receivers to take part in summer workouts. Even without Chris Henry for the first half of the year, Palmer, and the Bengals offense, is going to be massive this year.
2. The Bengal's defense is nowhere near as good as its offense. First-round pick Leon Hall is a nice talent, but CBs often struggle in their first year and they need him now. Losing Odell Thurman for another year really hurts. Check out his rookie year stats: 106 tackles (best on the team by 20%), 5 forced fumbles (again, tops on the team), 5 interceptions (topped only by the 10 of CB Deltha O'Neal). ESPN.com's scouting has him as the 12th best linebacker in the NFL.
I've had a gut feeling that the Bengals were going to bounce back this year. Peter King doesn't think so, largely because he doesn't think their defense is good enough. So, just for kicks, I looked up Bengals-vs-Opponents stats from their 12-4 2005 season and their 8-8 2006 season:
2005:
| Team Down Stats | 1st Down | 3rd Down | 4th Down | |||||||||||
| YDS | RUSH | PASS | PTS | TOT | RUSH | PASS | PEN | MADE | ATT | PCT | MADE | ATT | PCT | |
| Offensive | 358 | 119 | 239 | 26 | 342 | 109 | 203 | 30 | 84 | 196 | 42.9 | 3 | 10 | 30.0 |
| Opponents | 339 | 116 | 223 | 22 | 321 | 109 | 185 | 27 | 81 | 190 | 42.6 | 6 | 14 | 42.9 |
2006:
| Team Down Stats | 1st Down | 3rd Down | 4th Down | |||||||||||
| YDS | RUSH | PASS | PTS | TOT | RUSH | PASS | PEN | MADE | ATT | PCT | MADE | ATT | PCT | |
| Offensive | 341 | 102 | 240 | 23 | 313 | 88 | 200 | 25 | 72 | 201 | 35.8 | 6 | 9 | 66.7 |
| Opponents | 355 | 116 | 239 | 21 | 337 | 109 | 206 | 22 | 88 | 211 | 41.7 | 11 | 21 | 52.4 |
Here's what the stats say: 2006 opponents were roughly as effective than 2005 opponents (comparing 2005/2006): 22/21 points/game, 339/355 yards/game, 42.6/41.7 third-down conversion percentage. What actually lagged in 2006 was the offense: 26 points per game dropped to 23 (+3, as compared to -1 for the defense). Third-down conversion percentage dropped 7.1% (42.9 to 35.8). Rushing yards dropped 17/game (119 to 102). I would say this is the case of the defense suffering due to a lagging offense, except that the defense didn't statistically suffer. I stand my prediction of the Bengals bouncing back.
King on the Pittsburgh Steelers
Article
Peter King absolutely loves new head coach Mike Tomlin. He'll gush about him every chance he gets, sometimes to the point where I'll find myself thinking, "Ok Peter, I get it, you think Tomlin will be a great coach." Tomlin sounds like an old-school toughness coach, with 15 2-a-days scheduled. He probably needs that much time to install new elements being merged with existing schemes (I'll be interested to see how the 4-3/3-4 hybrid defense works out). He's also trying to build more toughness in the Steelers. Do they really need any more? Didn't they win their way through Superbowl XL basically on their toughness? The players aren't (yet) revolting, but they aren't all completely sold either.
I like what was written about Ben Roethlisberger. Whatever naivety (i.e. invincibility) he lost during the last year has been replaced with wisdom and focus. It also sounds like he'll have more of a chance to throw long this year (and Santonio Holmes, whom I thought was underused last year, might finally get some touches).
Peter King absolutely loves new head coach Mike Tomlin. He'll gush about him every chance he gets, sometimes to the point where I'll find myself thinking, "Ok Peter, I get it, you think Tomlin will be a great coach." Tomlin sounds like an old-school toughness coach, with 15 2-a-days scheduled. He probably needs that much time to install new elements being merged with existing schemes (I'll be interested to see how the 4-3/3-4 hybrid defense works out). He's also trying to build more toughness in the Steelers. Do they really need any more? Didn't they win their way through Superbowl XL basically on their toughness? The players aren't (yet) revolting, but they aren't all completely sold either.
I like what was written about Ben Roethlisberger. Whatever naivety (i.e. invincibility) he lost during the last year has been replaced with wisdom and focus. It also sounds like he'll have more of a chance to throw long this year (and Santonio Holmes, whom I thought was underused last year, might finally get some touches).
Chadiha on the New England Patriots
Article
Belichick's defense is all about the linebackers, and that core was getting old. Bring in Adalius Thomas, and suddenly they all look a lot younger. Like everybody else, I love the Thomas signing. With the Patriot's system he can probably have an even greater impact than he did in Baltimore.
Insider Observations
Compare a characteristic Patriots' signing (Wes Welker) to an uncharacteristic signing (Randy Moss). Both make the Patriots incredibly interesting. Moss was quoted last week saying that he won't have a problem if he's a decoy. Like Peter King, I'm skeptical that he'll stay with that view after a one-catch loss in November. Maybe the Patriots are counting on winning enough to keep Moss happy. We'll see. Add in Stallworth and Ben Watson and you have an explosive receiving core.
And it's a good thing the Pats have such a receiving core, since their running game could lag a lot this year. Apparently Laurence Maroney is wearing a no-contact red jersey in practice. That's not the best of signs, given he had offseason shoulder surgey and was nicked up last year. The Pats may need to bring in a veteran backup (is there one out there yet?) for insurance.
One of their CBs was just placed on injured reserved for the season. That doesn't help the organization towards signing Asante Samuel at their price. The Bears were smart and brought back Lance Briggs, even if only for a year and with a promise not to franchise him again. There doesn't look to be a ton of depth there, nor youngsters that the Pats are developing. Seems like all of the eggs were placed in the Samual basket. They'd better figure out what they're doing soon.
Belichick's defense is all about the linebackers, and that core was getting old. Bring in Adalius Thomas, and suddenly they all look a lot younger. Like everybody else, I love the Thomas signing. With the Patriot's system he can probably have an even greater impact than he did in Baltimore.
Insider Observations
Compare a characteristic Patriots' signing (Wes Welker) to an uncharacteristic signing (Randy Moss). Both make the Patriots incredibly interesting. Moss was quoted last week saying that he won't have a problem if he's a decoy. Like Peter King, I'm skeptical that he'll stay with that view after a one-catch loss in November. Maybe the Patriots are counting on winning enough to keep Moss happy. We'll see. Add in Stallworth and Ben Watson and you have an explosive receiving core.
And it's a good thing the Pats have such a receiving core, since their running game could lag a lot this year. Apparently Laurence Maroney is wearing a no-contact red jersey in practice. That's not the best of signs, given he had offseason shoulder surgey and was nicked up last year. The Pats may need to bring in a veteran backup (is there one out there yet?) for insurance.
One of their CBs was just placed on injured reserved for the season. That doesn't help the organization towards signing Asante Samuel at their price. The Bears were smart and brought back Lance Briggs, even if only for a year and with a promise not to franchise him again. There doesn't look to be a ton of depth there, nor youngsters that the Pats are developing. Seems like all of the eggs were placed in the Samual basket. They'd better figure out what they're doing soon.
Clayton on the Minnesota Vikings
Article
Clayton focused on anointed Viking's QB of the future, Tarvaris Jackson. I didn't realize that (1) Jackson didn't come from a Div. I-AA school, but (2) got there as a way of avoiding a QB competition at Arkansas with now-NFL receiver Matt Jones. Huh. And this guy is the Vikings' savior? Well, that seems to be the big question. The Vikes have the left side of their O-line set, two nice running backs (though Chester Taylor got nicked in camp), a suspect receiving core, and run the west coast offense. Can Jackson run it? That's the question.
Insider Observations
Funny that Brooks Bollinger's name wasn't brought up in the previous article, because Clayton's top observation is that he could challenge Jackson for the starting spot. Huh. Sounds like the classic case of 'two quarterbacks means no quarterbacks.'
Two quality running backs in a west coast offense - either one (or both) of the backs isn't going to get many carries, or look for a new-look, run-heavy version of the west coast offense. How do you not take advantage of your two best offensive weapons just because your offensive scheme dictates more passes?
Sounds like the Vikings have "two of the most imposing defensive tackles in the game", and some questions at defensive end.
Clayton focused on anointed Viking's QB of the future, Tarvaris Jackson. I didn't realize that (1) Jackson didn't come from a Div. I-AA school, but (2) got there as a way of avoiding a QB competition at Arkansas with now-NFL receiver Matt Jones. Huh. And this guy is the Vikings' savior? Well, that seems to be the big question. The Vikes have the left side of their O-line set, two nice running backs (though Chester Taylor got nicked in camp), a suspect receiving core, and run the west coast offense. Can Jackson run it? That's the question.
Insider Observations
Funny that Brooks Bollinger's name wasn't brought up in the previous article, because Clayton's top observation is that he could challenge Jackson for the starting spot. Huh. Sounds like the classic case of 'two quarterbacks means no quarterbacks.'
Two quality running backs in a west coast offense - either one (or both) of the backs isn't going to get many carries, or look for a new-look, run-heavy version of the west coast offense. How do you not take advantage of your two best offensive weapons just because your offensive scheme dictates more passes?
Sounds like the Vikings have "two of the most imposing defensive tackles in the game", and some questions at defensive end.
Stories from training camp
Oh baby. NFL training camps are getting started. That means the national NFL writers get to make their trips to each team's camp and write up a little preview. I've ignored these in the past, but I'm finding that these are one of the best ways to learn about teams you know little about (and outside of the NFC West, and maybe Chicago (which, if not already obvious, is my current LOSE obsession)), I'm basically at 'headline knowledge'. There's only so much I can read, so I have to pick which writers to read. I'm not saying the following writers are the best (though I enjoy all of their writings), just that reading them all will give a nice survey:
ESPN.com
CNNSI.com
Sportsline.com
There are other good writers at Yahoo! sports, Fox, USA Today, etc, but like I said, I can only read so much. Look for comments on some of these as they are written. Some have already passed (and I won't go back looking for them), but from here on out I'll start.
ESPN.com
CNNSI.com
Sportsline.com
There are other good writers at Yahoo! sports, Fox, USA Today, etc, but like I said, I can only read so much. Look for comments on some of these as they are written. Some have already passed (and I won't go back looking for them), but from here on out I'll start.
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