Projecting Cunningham posted by Randolph Charlotin

I have a lot of expectations for this year’s rookie class. First round pick Devin McCourty will get a lot of run, maybe as high as the third corner. The two tight ends will contribute almost immediately. Brandon Spikes will become a two-down run-stuffing ILB. Zoltan Mesko will win the punting job.

Of the early picks, the only guy I don’t know what to expect from is Jermaine Cunningham. Even though the former University of Florida defensive end is practicing with the first team defense during OTAs, it’s not a guarantee that he will stay there when the season starts. Making the switch from 4-3 DE to a 3-4 OLB doesn’t happen overnight.

I don’t know what to make of Cunningham the college player. He started opposite DE Carlos Dunlap, an otherworldly talent. Does that mean Cunningham should had been more productive? Or did the defense make Cunningham look good?

In athletics, history doesn’t accurately predict how the next generation performs. Even if a school has a great history of producing players at certain positions (Penn State a.k.a Linebacker U, for example), it’s not a guarantee they all pan out.

Florida is better known for cornerbacks and slow developing wide receivers. Their history at defensive end isn’t flattering. In the previous eleven drafts, the only DE/OLB that became an All-Pro was Jevon Kearse, drafted in the first round in 1999. No other Gator came close to matching Kearse’s career:

2000, Round 7: LB Eugene McCaslin, Green Bay

In two years, he totaled zero tackles and zero sacks.

Window Shopping posted by Randolph Charlotin

Free agency starts in about three weeks, but teams have been waiting more than a month for the shopping season to commence. I don’t know the complete list of free agents available, though already there are a few high profile names out there. But which of these players fit New England?

Despite the dire need for an OLB that can get to the passer, I’m not interested in Julius Peppers. I’m relatively sure he can make the transition from DE to OLB in a 3-4, but the price will be exorbitant. Nor do I have any interest in soon to be released Joey Porter. He’s too much of a personality to fit into the Patriots Way and is very likely to clash with the no-nonsense Bill Belichick. Belichick still has his head-butting with Adalius Thomas fresh in his mind and Bill wouldn’t want to put himself through that again.

There are two names that caught my eye and they could work very well if they accept the roles assigned to them:

WR Torry Holt – After just one year with Jacksonville, the Jaguars released the eleven-year veteran despite finishing second on the team in receiving yards. Holt isn’t the explosive weapon he used to be, but he can be the third receiver the Pats sorely missed last year.

If the Patriots have trepidation over signing a veteran receiver after last year’s Joey Galloway failure, they should feel a lot better about Holt.

Two things about Holt that makes me feel like he would easily adjust to the Patriots offense. For one, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler as a part of the Greatest Show on Turf offense in St. Louis. That high-flying wide open offense ran by the Rams was complicated. But even as a rookie, Holt played in every game as the Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV. After learning the offense, he exploded for 1,635 yards and six touchdowns. For the next five years, Holt finished with at least 1,300 yards and had three double-digit touchdown seasons. If Torry can excel in that offense, I have no doubt he will pick up New England’s system.

No Matter What, Tim Tebow Will Be Great To Watch In The NFL posted by Colin Linneweber

Quarterback Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators demolished the previously unbeaten Cincinnati Bearcats 51-24 Friday night in the 76th Sugar Bowl played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

Tebow, 22, the 2007 Heisman Trophy Award winner who concluded his career as the all-time NCAA leader in total touchdowns with 145, completed 31 out of 35 passes for an astounding 482 yards and three scoring strikes.

“It was incredible,” said Tebow, whose 533 yards of total offense were the most in BCS history. “Just a great game. It was exactly how you want to go out with these seniors and these coaches in your last game and your last time together. It just really doesn’t get any better than this.”

Tebow’s spectacular performance against the Bearcats (12-1) bolstered the notion that he is the greatest collegiate football player ever.

“Tim Tebow will go down as one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player, in college football history,” said Gators (13-0) Head Coach Urban Meyer.

Tebow has an unorthodox throwing motion and he does not toss the prettiest of spirals.

Largely because of his flawed mechanics, many analysts do not believe that Tebow will succeed as a player in the NFL.

However, many tremendous football coaches contend that Tebow will continue to flourish once he enters the professional ranks.

One of those coaches is Jon Gruden who has stated that Tebow could “revolutionize” the game.

“Tim Tebow is 250 pounds, and he’s the strongest human being that’s ever played the position,” said Gruden, 46, who coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship in 2003. “He can throw well enough at any level.”

Pick Six: Week 16 posted by Randolph Charlotin

When a game in played in just over two and a half hours, there’s really not much to say:

1. After struggling on offense, the Pats exploded with 35 points. It was the most points in a game since the win over Tampa Bay in week seven. The 28 first half points was more than New England scored in a game the previous four weeks.

2. With TE Chris Baker catching a pass during the opening drive, it foreshadowed his first touchdown since week three against Atlanta.

3. As well as RB Laurence Maroney has improved after the bye week, there’s a serious problem. He fumbled for the fourth time this year, the second fumble inside the five yard line. After the fumble, Maroney didn’t get another carry. Those carries went to Sammy Morris, who almost became the third running back to run for 100 yards this year with 95 on Sunday.

4. The tide turned on two consecutive defensive plays. S Brandon Merriweather made a great stop on third down, showing he learned from last week’s blown tackle. S James Sanders then made the stop on RB Maurice Jones-Drew on fourth down. The offense scored after the turnover on downs.

5. Two new high water marks. WR Wes Welker broke the team record for receptions in a season when he caught his 113th pass. Welker has 122 receptions in 13 games with the season finale still left to play. And Merriweather got his career high fifth interception this year. Merriweather almost had his second interception return for a touchdown if only OLB Adalius Thomas was able to block Jaguars QB David Garrard.

Hours Before Kickoff: Week 16 posted by Randolph Charlotin

In 2005, the Patriots “lost” the season finale to the Miami Dolphins. Because of that “loss,” the Pats hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card game instead of facing Pittsburgh.

Was it cowardly to throw a game to avoid playing the hottest team in the playoffs? You could say that. But it was also ingenious by head coach Bill Belichick to arrange the best match-up for his team.

With the playoffs just two weeks away and New England insured to play a Wild Card game, is there a team fighting to get in that would be the easiest prey for the Patriots in the first round?

A lot of probabilities have to work for certain teams to get in. But two of the teams that need help are the Patriots final two opponents, Jacksonville and Houston.

If the Pats win out, they may eliminate the Jaguars and Texans in the process. With that in mind, which of the remaining teams would be most desirable?

Denver – Personally I’d like to see the Patriots get another crack at the Broncos after they blew the regular season game. Since starting 6-0, Denver is 2-6. Though they’re reeling, they created the blueprint of doubling WRs Rand Moss and Wes Welker. Until the Pats have a consistent third target, they are at risk of blowing it against the Broncos a second time. Chances: Even

Baltimore – I’m sure LB Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense haven’t forgotten the week 4 loss that they attribute to favorable calls from the referees. Maybe if receiver Mark Clayton caught that pass for a first down, B-more wouldn’t have something to whine about. Chances: Even

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16 posted by Joe Anello

Happy Holidays everyone! After watching the San Diego Chargers take hold of the number two seed in the AFC by knocking off the Titans Christmas evening, I'm ready for a great Sunday in the NFL. Even though the NFC playoff picture is pretty clear, the AFC is still wide open. Let's get to the Opening Drive of week 16! 

(8-6) Baltimore Ravens at (7-7) Pittsburgh Steelers

After a string of poor losses, the Steelers are back and in command of their playoff lives. Beating the Ravens would pull them back into the mix while simultaneously putting the Ravens on the outs. Without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers must rely on another big game from Big Ben Roethlisberger. With their week twelve meeting ending with an overtime field goal, this rematch is up for grabs. On Heinz Field, I'll give a slight edge to Pittsburgh.

(7-7) Houston Texans at (7-7) Miami Dolphins

With six 7-7 teams hoping to get a shot at two wildcard slots, this contest will definitely crush one team's playoff dreams. Houston hasn't had a winning season in their short franchise history, much less a playoff berth. Needless to say, the Texans have plenty to play for. (As does their coach, who will likely not return if one of those two goals are not met.) Miami won't catch New England to repeat as AFC East champs, but they could make noise in the playoffs if they can claw their way in. Chad Henne gives them hope for the future as well as the present. I have an urge to take the Texans for the win.

Joe's Final Drive: Week 14 posted by Joe Anello

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

(13-0) New Orleans Saints 26
(6-7) Atlanta Falcons 23

A Chris Redman-led Falcons mounted a valiant comeback, but Drew Brees and the Saints pulled out a thriller to clinch the NFC South. With a Saturday night game against Dallas coming up, the unbeaten New Orleans is proving they are the true team to beat in the NFC, winning in a variety of ways. 

(7-6) Miami Dolphins 14
(7-6) Jacksonville Jaguars 10

Jacksonville had control of their playoff destiny. That is, until Miami won in a squeaker. Now the last AFC wildcard spot is up for grabs in a free-for-all. Sorry Jaguars, you had you chance. Chad Henne continues to impress and Ricky Williams continues to shoulder the load without Ronnie Brown. 

(13-0) Indianapolis Colts 28
(8-5) Denver Broncos 16

Even when he throws three interceptions, Peyton Manning finds a way to crush your dreams. Josh McDaniels' defense looked lost at times and could never get anything substantial going on offense. I could care less about Brandon Marshall's NFL record 21 receptions. It happened in a loss where the Broncos were forced to pass all the time. Color me not impressed.

Joe's Opening Drive: week 12 posted by Joe Anello

With three utterly craptacular contests on Thanksgiving, I’m looking forward to a little competitive football this Sunday. However, it’s not until Monday that the real showdown of week 12 takes place. Let’s get some Opening Drive in your diet!

Washington Redskins (3-7) at Philadelphia Eagles (6-4)

I don’t even know why this is even on my list of games to watch this week. Oh wait, Jim Zorn’s job is on the line. (If he hasn’t lost it already.) If the ‘Skins get embarrassed by a division rival, Zorn is gone for sure. On the Philly sidelines, they still have a chance to catch the Cowboys for the NFC East crown, so expect Andy Reid to come out McNabb’s blazing. I don’t expect it will be close for long.

Indianapolis Colts (10-0) at Houston Texans (5-5)

It may not important for the Colts, but this game is paramount for any chance of a Texans appearance in the postseason. With Jacksonville climbing past them last weekend, Gary Kubiak’s squad is losing pace in the AFC wild card race. Standing in their way is Peyton Manning: Crusher of Dreams, Destroyer of Worlds.

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at San Francisco 49ers (4-6)

This game has the recipe to be ugly. Jacksonville and Tennessee both love to mercilessly pound the ball at their opponent. The difference will be at the quarterback position. Between Alex Smith and David Garrard, the quarterback that makes the least mistakes will walk away with the win. To me, that means a Jaguars victory as Alex Smith hasn’t shown he’s dependable at all. Keep an eye on these Jags; they’re right in line for a wildcard slot.

Rex Ryan Cried and He is Still a Good NFL Coach posted by Colin Linneweber

The New York Jets were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-22 Sunday at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.

The floundering Jets (4-5) have lost five of their last six games and the odds that Gang Green will now qualify for the playoffs are slimmer than Kate Moss.

The Jets soared to a perfect 3-0 record through the first three games of the season mainly because their defense was performing at a truly dominating level.

Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan was deservedly credited for the prowess the Jets displayed on defense.

Ryan, 46, who played defensive end at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, devised chaotic blitz packages that flustered the opposition into mercy and his “Mad Scientist” nickname seemed to be appropriate.

Unfortunately for Ryan, although the Jets have continued to play solid defensively, his beloved unit has only executed sporadically during their recent swoon.

In the aftermath of this past weekend’s debacle in East Rutherford, Ryan fired his defensive-line coach, Kerry Locklin.

At first glance, skeptics would presume that Locklin was utilized as a scapegoat for the Jets recent crashes on the gridiron.

However, according to sources in the know, Locklin, who was an assistant coach with Ryan at Morehead State in the early-1990’s, had been badmouthing the “Mad Scientist” behind his back like a yellow weasel.

“There were some disagreements, let’s put it that way,” Ryan admitted. “There were some issues, some personal issues that are behind this.”

Joe's Final Drive: Week 5 posted by Joe Anello

Still love me some NFL. Josh McDaniels kicked Bill Belichick’s Patriots right out of Denver while Matt Ryan picked apart a supposedly stout San Francisco defense. Oh, and Peyton Manning is still awesome. I wrap up week five in the NFL in the Final Drive! 

(1-4) Cleveland Browns 6
(1-4) Buffalo Bills 3 

Ugliest. Game. Ever. Derek Anderson goes 2 for 13 in a WIN. Mangini should have stuck with Brady Quinn. In Buffalo, things could be even worse after signing T.O. in the offseason. Dick Jauron will lose his job during this season. You can almost lock it in. 

(3-2) Dallas Cowboys 26
(0-5) Kansas City Chiefs 20 

Wade Philips needs to thank Tony Romo and Miles Austin for saving his job. Austin’s 10 catches for 250 yards was a Cowboy franchise record and could not have come at a more significant moment with Roy Williams on the bench. While winless, Kansas City is at least keeping things close. 

(1-3) Carolina Panthers 20
(2-3) Washington Redskins 17 

Take THAT Jim Zorn! Oh man, it is SO sweet to watch Dan Snyder’s Redskins give teams their first win. I can’t imagine Zorn or Jason Campbell’s jobs are safe for long. A do-over in DC is coming this offseason. Welcome out of the loser’s club Carolina. 

(4-1) Cincinnati Bengals 17
(3-2) Baltimore Ravens 14 

The Ravens may have cost themselves some opportunities with awfully-timed penalties, but make no mistake, the Bengals won this game on their own. They are legit and in control of that division. Carson Palmer should be back on his way to the cream of the quarterback crop. 

Jaguars land stadium naming-rights deal

The Jacksonville Jaguars have secured a stadium-naming-rightsdeal, giving the small-market franchise some extra cash in a tougheconomy. [read full article]

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