NFL News of the Day - 10/6/10

WR Randy Moss traded to the Vikings for a 3rd Round Pick...Darrelle Revis called him out again.

RB Clinton Portis will miss 4-6 weeks with his groin injury

Rookie QB Max Hall was named the starter for the Cardinals for Sunday's game against New Orleans...not exactly an easy debut

TJ Ward was fined $15,000 for this hit on Bengals WR Jordan Shipley:


DE Mark Anderson signs with Houston

NFL Video, Picture and Stat of the Day - 10/6/10

My and Keith's favorite movie...what a great speech!  "5 foot nothin.  One hundred and nothin..."

Picture of the Day:  The Rudy of the NFL.

Danny Woodhead of the Patriots now has two touchdowns in the last two games.  Woodhead is listed at 5'9 200 pounds on nfl.com (Haha!).  He's roughly 5'7 and 180 pounds, and was the division 2 player of the year in 2007 when he attended Chadron State.  

NFL Stat of the Day:  

According to Mel Bashore from The Coffin Corner, the smallest player in NFL history is: Jack "Soapy" Shapiro...5'1 119 pound blocking back for the Staten Island Stapletons

Can anyone find a player smaller than that!?

Week 5: NFL Draft Stock Watch for 2011

Each and every week, on Wednesday nights, I will update The 3-4 readers on movements within my Big Board. Previous week's performances will dictate which players are labeled, stock up/down.

Stock Up

Jake Locker

After watching Locker against USC, I finally see what had scouts raving before we began this season; his athletic prowess and mental fortitude. Locker has the mindset of a Phillip Rivers, and plays with an intense focus. Locker’s stock rose greatly with the upset over #18 ranked USC.

Big 12 Risers

The other stock risers came from the Big 12; specifically out of the games including UT and OU, and Colorado and Georgia, but also Daniel Thomas from KSU has been a back I have had my eyes on since the start of the season.

Daniel Thomas

Possibly the best “big” back in the draft, Thomas provides a rare combination of the three S’s; Size, Speed, and Strength. He carries a similar body build to former Arkansas back, Darren McFadden, yet has a much more fluid running motion and seems to read the hole quickly and efficiently. No wasted steps.

Nate Solder

Nate Solder showed me his freakish talent at tackle, and his raw size should be enough to afford him a 1^st-2^nd round draft status. The Buffaloes win over Georgia could set the tone for the rest of the season, as Colorado should not be overlooked by the rest of the Big 12 going forward.

Leonard Hankerson

It seems that no matter how many mistakes Jacory Harris makes, Hankerson finds a way to bail him out with solid statistics. Hankerson is a long striding, physically talented wide receiver who, while he won’t make my top 32, is one WR to keep an eye on throughout the season; his draft stock is flying up boards with performances like this past one versus Clemson, and it will be interesting how he performs going forward in ACC division play.

Stephen Paea

Continues to impress me, as Paea remains in my top 32, and my top 5 DTs in the upcoming draft. Paea wrecked Arizona State’s chances of victory last Saturday with six tackles included two sacks, and he also broke up a pass and forced a fumble. Paea is a strong DT who can take on double teams, clog the running lanes, and generate a quick pass rush. Solidifying himself as 1^st Round draft worthy.

Allen Bradford

Although he will not be featured in my top 32, it will be interesting to see if Allen Bradford can go forward and continue his impressive play, after a 223 yard rushing spectacular versus Washington. Bradford, if he can stay healthy, will look to climb  up draft boards in NFL war rooms with more kinds of these games. I will be keeping my eye on him now, much like I did early this season with Daniel Thomas.

Stock Down

Ryan Mallet

After week 5’s slate of games, I realized I had put too much stock into the Georgia win for Arkansas. I admit, I crowned Ryan Mallet before he had deserved it, and ultimately jumped the gun on him. Really in truly, I’m realizing how much development, and the perfect system would need to be implemented for his success at the pro-level. Mallet showed why scouts rave over him in the 1st half versus Alabama, but displayed his flaws in the 2nd half. I do not feel it was a particularly bad loss, yet it showed me that I had previously rated him unfairly too high. A mistake on my part from a scouting perspective. Nevertheless, Mallet still deserves to be included among the top 15 best players in next years upcoming draft.

DeAndre McDaniel

DeAndre McDaniel and the Clemson secondary got torched for the third consecutive week, and Im really having doubts about the leadership of the Tigers ballteam. So many close losses means they don’t have that winning edge, and I am not okay with my safety not being a leadership kind of guy. McDaniel is talented no doubt, just not worth the risk of a wasted 1^st round pick.

Jerrod Johnson

Johnson continued to devalue his draft stock on last Thursday night’s game against Oklahoma State, as it seems he has reverted to his ways of old; not poised in the pocket, making bad decisions, forcing passes, and trying to succeed with his athletic ability rather than playing the Quarterback position. He really needs to improve on his pocket presence and decision making, if he wants to be drafted before rounds 5-7, where I feel he is most suited at.

Von Miller

After coming up big last season and leading the nation with 17 sacks, Miller has been MIA with zero sacks through 4 games. Miller has got to get more involved, and lead this defense back to playing at a higher level. Miller still has the best tools of any pass rusher in the draft, therefore Miller is only a (-2) in stock change. Nevertheless, he is not helping his draft stock with the lack of productivity, especially since it is his senior season, the season in which the most improvement is expected by scouts of players. Miller in my opinion is the most complete pass rushing OLB in the 2011 draft, and with a solid finish and combine could soar on many NFL team draft boards.

*Noteable additions to Big Board: Demarco Murray, Nate Solder, and Daniel Thomas

*Noteable dropoffs from the Big Board: DeAndre McDaniel, Von Miller,and Orlando Franklin 

NFL Breaking News: Randy Moss Trade

It's official and written in stone; Randy Moss is traded to the Minnesota Vikings in return for a 3rd round pick to the New England Patriots.

Most New England fans knew this was coming, and thus it has happened. Yet I feel this team is more prepared than ever to take this hit, as the Pats have slowly morphed into a 2 TE set team, with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez; Less focus is on Wes Welker and Randy Moss and more upon the system.




If you go back to last season, you will notice the Patriots also traded star defensive end, Richard Seymour for a 1st rounder, from Oakland in the upcoming 2011 draft. Also in the 2010 draft, New England sent their 3rd rounder for Carolina's 2nd rounder; all the trades executed, as well as the contract extension to Tom Brady, show a 5 year plan by the front office in New England. Gather as many high quality picks in the 2011 draft, infuse young talent over the next 2-3 years, and retain your franchise quarterback. The management for the Pats here is about as good as it gets. Here is a look at the list of picks for the patriots in 2011; note info is from NEpatriotsdraft.com

1st Round
1st Round (OAK – Richard Seymour)
2nd Round (CAR – 2010 3rd Round)
2nd Round
3rd Round

3rd Round (MIN - Randy Moss)
4th Round
4th Round (DEN – Laurence Maroney)
5th Round
6th Round (NO – David Thomas)

Picks traded away:

6th Round (DEN – Laurence Maroney)
7th Round (ATL – Quinn Ojinnaka)
Conditional Draft Pick – Round Unknown (KC – Jarrad Page)

With 2 picks in each of the first 4 rounds for the upcoming draft, the Patriots are poised to answer all questions about the hole left by Moss with a deep class of wide receivers. Also the Pats most glaring concern over the past few seasons is at cornerback, and this year's draft class is the best I have seen in years; with a number of top end playmaking corners to choose from in the upcoming draft, New England knew that and planned accordingly.

The Patriots could even invest in a big time corner in Patrick Peterson or a Randy Moss type receiver in AJ Green, by packaging a number of their of draft picks in a draft day deal.

The other side of the equation is very simple; Vikings want to win the Super Bowl now! This year! Brett Favre is in possibly his last season (yeah right!), and with Sidney Rice out for a majority of the season the Vikes were struggling mightily without a clear cut deep threat. With Randy Moss, Brett Favre has the best deep threat he has ever had in his 20 year career.

It will be interesting hows this pans out in 2010 for the Vikings, and how the draft rolls out in 2011 for the Pats, but nevertheless this has got to be the biggest trade of the season. And we're just getting started!

Video, Picture and NFL Stat of the Day - October 5, 2010

Randy Moss Trade Rumors Flying Everywhere!  It's Randy Moss Day.

NFL Stat of the Day
Terrell Owens passed Isaac Bruce this weekend for the second most receiving yards in a career - and no one blinked.  That's because Jerry Rice's record of 22,895 yards is the most unsurpassable record in all of sports.

Top 5 Career Receiving Yardage Leaders
Jerry Rice - 22,895
Terrell Owens - 15,325
Isaac Bruce - 15,208
Tim Brown - 14,934
Randy Moss - 14,604

Pic of the Day - This catch was jaw-dropping

Video of the Day:  Moss' 2007, record-breaking season in a highlight tape.  A lot to handle

 

AFC & NFC East Quarter Review

NFC East- This division is completely up for grabs.

By New Contributor Jimmy Hawley

Washington Redskins (2-2)

Washington has been greatly improved by the arrival of new coach Mike Shanahan and longtime Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. The team has to be ecstatic about their 2-0 start within the division with big wins over the Cowboys and the Eagles. While the loss to the Rams was a little baffling, the Redskins have shown a new toughness under Shanahan and even Albert Haynesworth, who has been a major distraction this season, played very well against the Eagles.

Standout Players: Donovan McNabb, Brian Orakpo, Santana Moss

New York Giants (2-2)

The Giants finally saw the resurgence of their defense in their last game against the Bears, registering an

incredible 10 sacks. The defense, which looked awful in the loss to the Colts, is starting to find its rhythm. The offense, however, is still a big problem spot, and they need improved play out of Eli Manning if they want to contend in the division.

Standout Players: Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck

Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

Philadelphia may have taken for granted how great it is to have a reliable QB in Donovan McNabb. The concussion to QB Kevin Kolb opened up the door for Michael Vick to showcase what could only be characterized as a MVP performance in his first three appearances, leaving Kolb, who was once thought of as the future franchise QB as merely an afterthought. Vickmania may need to cool down, however, as Vick suffered an injury to his ribs. The injury is not likely to keep Vick out of action for more than two weeks, but it is obvious the type of style Vick plays makes him more susceptible to injuries. Kevin Kolb will get the chance in the mean time to try to show why the Eagles traded away McNabb, and QB situation in Philadelphia will likely be a yearlong storyline and continue into the offseason. Despite the issues, the Eagles are right in the mix to contend for the division and have the talent to rise to the top, however that chance will suffer if Vick cannot stay healthy.

Standout Players: Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy

Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Dallas seems to have one of the most talented teams in the league every year, yet it is always a question of if that talent can translate into wins. The Cowboys are usually a team that starts out great and fades as the season progresses, but this year they have struggled right out of the gate. A mediocre offensive line has made the running game practically nonexistent. They may have righted the ship with the win against the Texans, but the team has a brutal schedule this year. The defense is solid but does not create many turnovers and if they continue to be a one dimensional team on offense, they will not be able to win the division.

Standout Players: Tony Romo, Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware

Prediction: The Giants defense and improved play from Eli Manning earns New York the division title in what will likely be the closest divisional race in the NFC.

AFC East – One of the strongest divisions in the NFL

By Keith McGonigle

New York Jets (3-1)

After a tough season opening loss to the Ravens, everyone criticized Jets and the arrogance they displayed in Hard Knocks. Since then, however, they have looked like the super bowl contenders they talked about. Mark Sanchez has really come on, throwing 8 touchdowns 0 interceptions in the last three games. Rex Ryan’s defense has had some injuries, but they have not lost a step. With WR Santonio Holmes coming back from his suspension and CB Darrelle Revis and LB Calvin Pace both coming back from injury, it is scary to think how good the Jets could be.

Surprise players: LaDainian Tomlinson, Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller

New England Patriots (3-1)

The Patriots first three games were a roller coaster ride, but they are coming off a huge road game against the Miami Dolphins, a team they have struggled against in the past. Bill Belichick’s teams are usually defined by veteran players and high IQ guys. This year the Patriots team is filled with a lot of young fast players that are still trying to grasp all the concepts. Six rookies have started and contributed so far this year. The offense has been very efficient; they haven’t put up great stats, but lead the NFL in points per game. The big question will be can the young defensive players mature and play like a Belichick coached team.

Surprise Players: Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Tate, Patrick Chung

Miami Dolphins (2-2)

Many people picked the Dolphins to win the AFC East this year so the 2-2 start is somewhat disappointing. Overall, the Dolphins have played pretty well except a few phases of the game. They just fired their special teams coach after two poor performances against the Jets and Patriots. They have also had too many turnovers and some questionable play calling. The talent is still there though; individually a lot of players have done well. They have a very tough stretch of games coming up; we will see what the Dolphins are made of in the coming weeks.

Surprise Players: Davone Bess, Cameron Wake, Jason Allen

Buffalo Bills (0-4)

There really is not a lot to say about the Buffalo Bills. They are the worst team in the NFL. You have to think that this season they are just playing for the first overall pick in next year’s draft, so they can finally get a franchise QB. The only problem is the Bills are so bad at drafting I don’t know if they will even select a QB.

Surprise Players: CJ Spiller. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Steve Johnson

Prediction: It will come down to the Patriots and Jets. The Jets are a very streaky team so I am nervous to just give them the AFC East. I think the Patriots will end up taking it and the Jets will get in with the Wild Card.

NFL News of the Day - 10/5/10

UPDATE:  Patriots WR Randy Moss involved in Trade Rumors to send him to the Vikings.
Pats have young WR talent, but would hate to see Moss go...

UNION HEAD SAYS OWNERS ARE PREPARED FOR 2011 LOCKOUT

Colts S Melvin Bullitt is out for the season.  He was a captain this season and Bob Sanders' replacement.

Miami Dolphins have fired special teams coordinator John Bonamego after a terrible performance by his units last night against the Patriots.

Marshawn Lynch traded to Seattle and expected to contribute in the very-near future.  Lynch was dealt for a 4th round pick and a conditional (6th or 5th round) pick next year.
In response to the trade, Julius Jones was released.

Bears signed DE Charles Grant and release DE Mark Anderson.

Jaguars signed DL C.J. Mosley and released QB Todd Bouman.

Vikings trade DE Jayme Mitchell to the Browns in exchage for a 2012 pick.

Chargers sign OLB Cyril Obiozor (Cardinals' P-Squad) and S Tyrone Carter and place LB Jyles Tucker on IR.


Look for a post from a new 3-4 writer in the next few days.

Video, Picture and NFL Stat of the Day

Since Tom Brady is going for win #100 as I am writing this, here are the four quarterbacks that will soon be numbers two through four in terms of the fastest to 100 wins:

Joe Montana - 49ers - 139 Games

Terry Bradshaw - Steelers - 147 Games

Brett Favre - Packers - 153 Games

Peyton Manning - Colts - 154 Games

Tom Brady (If the Patriots Win) - Patriots - 131 Games

Pic of the Day:  Tom Brady and his Decent-looking Wife:

Debate of the Day:  Is Tom Brady the biggest celebrity in NFL History?

Video of the Day: Tom Brady 911 Car Accident Phone Call
Funny stuff.

MNF: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

Patriot’s players to watch:

WR Randy Moss – Has had some big games against the Dolphins, he will probably targeted early on a few deep passes to open up the defense.

S Pat Chung – The second year player leads the Patriots in tackles, and has been all over the field.

TE Aaron Hernandez – Has looked really good so far, he is really impressive after the catch.

Dolphin’s players to watch:

WR Brandon Marshall – Has been well worth the trade, a great combination of size, speed and route running ability.

RB Ronnie Brown and RB Ricky Williams – They surprised the Patriots with the Wildcat a few years ago, and seem to add a new wrinkle every time the face the Patriots defense.

The Secondary – Their young secondary has looked good so far, but how will they do against all the weapons on the Patriots offense?

Overview: This is a huge game in the AFC East. The Patriots, Dolphins and Jets all seem like playoff contenders but one is probably going to be left out of the playoffs. I can see this game being a shoot out, the Patriots defense has been struggling, but their offense is very good. I can see this game coming down to a field goal.

The pick: Patriots +1 – The Patriots may have trouble stopping WR Brandon Marshall and the different running attacks, but I think this will end up being a high scoring game, and I would bet on QB Tom Brady over QB Chad Henne.

AJ's Week 4 NFL Picks Against the Spread

I have had a number of people asking me if I could predict games against the spread, so here goes.  I apologize for not doing so during the first few games of the season.


Sunday, October 3, 2010


49ers at Falcons (-6.5)
AJ's Pick: Falcons.  The 49ers have looked pretty miserable thus far.  Alex Smith was supposed to have a breakout season as they retained offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye.  He was fired after they got smoked by the Chiefs.

Jets (-6.5) at Bills
AJ's Pick: Jets.  I think Sanchez will keep playing as well as he has the last few weeks and the Jets' D will shut down a Bills' offense that put up 30 points last week (against a week Pats' D)

Bengals (-3) at Browns
AJ's Pick: Bengals.  A week after being ripped up by Anquan Boldin, expect the Bengals to throw the ball a lot this week, with Cedric Benson struggling with a knee injury.


Lions at Packers (-14.5)
AJ's Pick: Lions.  The Lions could well be 2-1 at this point.  The Lions will keep this a close game.


Broncos at Titans (-6.5)
AJ's Pick: Titans.  The best passing offense thus far vs. the fifth best pass defense.  The fifth best pass defense also has Chris Johnson running the ball.  


Seahawks (-1) at Rams
AJ's Pick: Seahawks.  In probably the least exciting game of the week, the Seahawks linebackers will play a huge role in this game.  And Stephen Jackson will see just limited time this week.


Panthers at Saints (-13.5)
AJ's Pick: Saints.  This will be a blowout.


Ravens at Steelers (-1.5)
AJ's Pick: Ravens.  This is going to be a very low-scoring battle, but the Ravens have a few more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.  Joe Flacco will have to limit the mistakes.  This game is very hard to pick, given the Steelers still have Troy Polamalu...


Texans (-3) at Raiders
AJ's Pick: Texans.  In the Texans last game without Brian Cushing, they will make it appear that they don't even need him, shutting down the Raiders offense.


Colts (-9) at Jaguars
AJ's Pick: Colts.  Peyton Manning has yet to throw an interception (9 TDs) and expect more of the same.  


Redskins at Eagles (-6)
AJ's Pick: Eagles.  In the game that everyone is talking about because of Donovan McNabb, and I think the Redskins will step up in an enormous way for him.  However, Mike Vick has a stronger team surrounding him.
Eagles fans better not boo McNabb.  He gave everything he had to that organization and they shipped him off.


Cardinals at Chargers (-8)
AJ's Pick: Chargers.  The Cardinals gameplan and success is built around a high-powered aerial attack, and Derek Anderson has thrown just three touchdowns in three games, and is completing a dismal 52% of his passes.


Bears at Giants (-3.5)
AJ's Pick: Bears.  With a stifling defense, a revamped offense and explosive special teams, the Bears will continue the Giants two game losing streak.


Patriots (-1) at Dolphins
AJ's Pick: Patriots.  Brady has too many weapons.  This is going to be a high-scoring game, as the Patriots defense looked miserable against the Bills a week ago.

NFL Video, Picture and Stat of the Day

Video:
Here are two, very similar videos.  They are pretty entertaining.  I always wondered how the coach of the offending team reacted to these refs?  It couldn't have been pretty...



And do people think this next ref saw the first clip before this game?



Pic of the Day

And this is why the Umpire has been moved behind the line of scrimmage this year.

Stat of the Day:

Here is the rule that determined that Calvin Johnson's catch a few weeks ago was not a game-winning touchdown:

Article 3.  Completed or Intercepted Pass. A player who makes a catch may advance the ball. A forward pass is complete (by the offense) or intercepted (by the defense) if a player, who is inbounds:

(a) secures control of the ball in his hands or arms prior to the ball touching the ground; and
(b) touches the ground inbounds with both feet or with any part of his body other than his hands.
. . .

If the player loses the ball while simultaneously touching both feet or any part of his body other than his hands to the ground, or if there is any doubt that the acts were simultaneous, it is not a catch.

Item 1: Player Going to the Ground. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.

Essentially, the player must maintain control throughout the entire process of the catch.  You be the judge:

College Football: Week 5 Pick'em

Last week's record: 7-3

Total win/loss since week 2: 22-8


#22 Penn State at #17 Iowa
Alex's pick: #17 Iowa
Why: PSU has a freshman QB going to division opponent Iowa's home field against one of the best defensive fronts in college football. Add that to the fact that Penn St. is 2-8 in the last 10 meetings, including a winless stretch since 1999 at Iowa city; I'll take Iowa by 1.
Iowa
#11 Wisconsin at #24 Michigan State
Alex's pick: #24 Michigan State
Why: Michigan State is playing at a very high level right now, running the ball well, and Wisconsin has really struggled against weaker opponents recently. Most specifically Arizona State, as they could have easily lost that game; I'll take Michigan State by 6.
Michigan State
Navy at Air Force
Alex's pick: Air Force
Why: Ah, what a hell of a game? Two smashmouth football teams, who serve our country across the seas, face off on the gridiron. Air Force has proven to be a tough loss to numerous ranked opponents, and I feel they will bring the wood to Navy. Air Force by 10.
Air Force
Notre Dame at Boston College
Alex's pick: Notre Dame
Why: Notre Dame's WRs will be open all day against a porous BC secondary; ND by 17.
Notre Dame
Michigan at Indiana
Alex's pick: Michigan
Why: Denard Robinson; see Heisman Watch...
Michigan
Virginia Tech at #23 North Carolina State
Alex's pick: #23 NC State
Why: I continually pick NC State to lose....but they just will not! Virginia Tech's offense without a healthy Ryan Williams keeps sputtering, and NC State wins this one for the home crowd. NC State by 6.
Virginia Tech
#16 Miami at Clemson
Alex's pick: #16 Miami
Why: Clemson's O-Line will get dominated much like Pittsburgh's was last thursday. Allen Bailey leads this team from a pressure standpoint, and this game should help to bolster his ranking in my Big Board for next week. Miami is too talented across the lineup; Miami by 10.
Miami
#7 Florida at #1 Alabama
Alex's pick: #1 Alabama
Why: After watching Alabama last week come back from a 17-7 deficit against Arkansas, I realized they truly deserve the #1ranking; this team has more resolve than ever, as they know Florida will give them their best game. Florida loses in a strong effort much like Arkansas did; Alabama finds a way to win by less than a TD. Alabama by 3.
Alabama
#21 Texas vs #8 Oklahoma
Alex's pick: #8 Oklahoma
Why: Texas' offense is in shambles; a failed commitment this offseason to a heavy rushing attack has left the entire group out of sync...Oklahoma really brings it to Bevo and Co., winning by double digits. Oklahoma by 14.
Oklahoma
#9 Stanford at #4 Oregon
Alex's pick: #9 Stanford
Why: Stanford's defense has been phenomenal this season, and Andrew Luck will play at a high level on the road against this Top5 Oregon Ducks squad. Stanford by 7.
Oregon