One would think that the Colts organization, by all accounts a rather astute group of football minds, would have realized that getting a legitimate backup for Peyton Manning should be on their list of priorities. Yes, before this year, Manning was more durable than the scalpel used by Joan Rivers’ surgeon; however, teams need to plan for emergencies. Seriously, Jeff Garcia wouldn’t have taken that job in a heartbeat?
But no, the Colts proceeded to go through the likes of Jim Sorgi and Curtis Painter as their primary backups to Manning. Apparently, players like Spergon Wynn were beyond the talent level needed at that position. The questions asked by Colts management must have been whether or not they can carry a clipboard while wearing shoulder pads and if they like hats. If you answered yes to both of those questions, then you could have been a Colts backup quarterback as well.
All of this ignored that Manning was literally everything to that organization. Their head coach’s coaching style is reminiscent of a blaxploitation version of the corpse from Weekend At Bernie’s. In fact, are we even sure that Jim Caldwell is alive? Has anyone seen the man blink? And what is he doing with that headset on, monitoring the drive-thru worker at the local McDonald’s as he takes orders? Useless.
And yet, Caldwell is not the only problem. They have not had a useful running back since the reign of James I (Edgerrin) ended in 2005. Their attempts to draft a running back have met with the same success that Vanilla Ice had with his album ‘Mind Blowin’. This even includes the coming of James II, Edgerrin’s cousin Javarris. In fact, despite spending two first round draft choices on the position since 2006. In fact, they have blown their last five first round picks. Winning franchises do not do that – they find actual playmakers. Teams like the Bengals, Bills, and Lions blow all of their first round picks, not teams that are supposed to be in the upper echelon of franchises like the Colts.
Then there is the train wreck that is loosely referred to as the Colts defense. They would not be able to an opposing offense that was comprised of eleven Helen Kellers. Dwight Freeney is still considered an impact player, but he is almost as old as Jeanne Calment was when she died. Pat Angerer has a great name for a linebacker, and is a tackling machine, but he is not a playmaker at all. The cupboard is completely barren on this side of the ball.
The only reason why the Colts were contenders year after year was Peyton Manning. Even though the season is only two weeks in, this has been proven beyond any doubt, given the absolute inability by the Colts to display even gross incompetence on the field. Yes, the Indianapolis Colts are playing football worse than France fares when it comes to a war since the times of Napoleon. Was their plan to find a backup to Manning to go 0-16, draft Andrew Luck, and hope he will be ready when the time comes? Because it sure seems like that was the plan.
Sadly, this also seems to be the plan being taken by the Kansas City Chiefs, who are playing more like the Chefs presently. At least they can point to numerous injuries as to why they have problems. In fact, avoid football entirely during Week 5 of the NFL season, in case you accidentally see any part of the Chiefs-Colts battle for the first overall pick. People that see this game may experience symptoms such as vomiting, breaking out in cold sweats, and having flashbacks of watching Jack Trudeau attempting to play quarterback. The only way to get rid of these symptoms would be to swallow a shotgun. Sorry, but terrible football is a fatal disease. Wonder if this suckfest will end in a 0-0 tie……
By not playing, Peyton Manning has proven to be more valuable than any one person currently playing for their teams. It’s time for the voters for the annual NFL awards to step outside the box, and vote Peyton Manning for 2011 MVP.
Showing posts with label Kansas City Chiefs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kansas City Chiefs. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
2011 AFC West Preview
Welcome to Part Seven of the 2011 NFL Season Preview. Here, we take a look at the AFC West. As always, the teams are listed in the order of their expected finish.
1. Oakland Raiders:If you want bold predictions and a team no one is talking about – here you go: The Oakland Raiders win the AFC West. And no, I am not heavily intoxicated as I type these words. Here’s why. The Raiders may have the best stable of running backs in the AFC, as Darren McFadden finally hit his potential, Michael Bush could start for half the teams in the league, and Taiwan Jones is a star waiting to happen. Jason Campbell displayed leadership and actually has enough skill to get the ball to his receivers, unlike the steaming pile of excrement that was JaMarcus Russell. Jacoby Ford is actually a solid receiver, and they may have uncovered a diamond in fifth round pick Denarius Moore. Derek Hagan has all the makings of a late bloomer, a la Brandon Lloyd. If they can get anything out of Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey, this could be a dangerous group. Campbell also likes to throw to the tight ends, and while the loss of Zach Miller will hurt, Kevin Boss is a solid replacement. Look for Marcel Reese to get a solid amount of work in the passing game as well.
On defense, regression is expected with the loss of Nnamdi Asomugha. The starting cornerbacks are going to be Stanford Routt, and one of a pair of rookies in DeMarcus Van Dyke or Chimdi Chekwa. However, the safeties are solid, particularly with Michael Huff. The lack of experience at the cornerback position actually should be well disguised this year, as the Raiders have the potential for a truly dominant defensive line. Remember the theory of the pass rush for fantasy defenses, as pressure on the quarterback leads to turnovers? Expect that to happen here. Richard Seymour is still an absolute beast, and Tommy Kelly is a nice compliment as a true run stuffer. The ends of the very underrated Matt Shaughnessy (expect him to be at least a Pro Bowl player this year) and Lamarr Houston can get after the quarterback. Add in a linebacker of the caliber of Rolando McClain, and there are enough pieces to make this defense work.
The Raiders will make the playoffs this year. Time for Al Davis to stop being referred to as past his prime.
2. San Diego Chargers: So, how does a team have the top statistical offense and defense, yet still manage to miss the playoffs? By having special teams so bad that Helen Keller could even see that they were terrible. Philip Rivers catapulted himself into the discussion of the top four quarterbacks in the game with his performance last season, even though he was throwing to street free agents and guys that were bagging groceries or washing cars two weeks prior to seeing the field. Having Vincent Jackson back for the entire season paired with Malcolm Floyd will only make Rivers look that much better. Antonio Gates may be slowed by a persistent foot issue, he is still the top tight end in the game. The only drawback may be in the running game, where Darren Sproles will be missed far more than people expect. Ryan Mathews needs to show that he can stop fumbling and stay healthy. Mike Tolbert was the ultimate touchdown machine last year, but can he withstand the pounding of 20+ carries if Mathews falters?
The defense was a strong unit last year, and only improved thruogh the draft and free agency. Corey Liuget is a pure run stuffer, and will add sorely needed depth to the defensive line. Free agents Bob Sanders and Takeo Spikes can make huge impacts to the defense. If Sanders can stay healthy, look for him to regain the form he had back in 2007, when he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Coupled with Eric Weddle, the safeties are strong. Spikes, even though he has been in the league for 14 years, has yet to participate in the postseason. He can almost taste it here.
The Chargers should be a better team and have a better record. While most people expect them to make the playoffs, keep one thing in mind – Norv Turner. Hopefully the talent can overcome his deficiencies, but you never know.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have some nice pieces on offense, but there are a number of concerns. Matt Cassel has a rib injury, and is likely out for at least the first week. If the injury turns out to be serious, that means that Tyler Palko or Ricky Stanzi will see a significant number of snaps. This does not bode well for a team hoping to return to the playoffs. At running back, Jamaal Charles had a great year last season, but had fewer carries than Thomas Jones. While the plan is for Charles to get majority of the carries, there is a question as to whether or not he can hold up under the workload. Dwayne Bowe is a good receiver, but put up a career year last season. Rookie Jonathan Baldwin will help to stretch the field, and Steve Breaston is an excellent slot receiver, but is there enough talent in the receiving corps? Tight end Tony Moeaki is out for the season, costing Cassel one of his favorite targets. Who knows what is going to end up replacing him.
On defense, there are a few solid pieces. Tanba Hali put up a great season, and appears to have finally found his ability to get at the quarterback. The pass rush is solid, and should only get better with the addition of third round draft pick Justin Houston, who will step right in for Mike Vrabel. Eric Berry is a playmaker in the secondary, and will only get better with experience. While the offense could be a disaster, the Chiefs defense looks capable of keeping them in games this year.
The Chiefs had a lot of things break right for them to make the playoffs last season. A tougher schedule, questions on offense, and a regression to the mean will keep the Chiefs from contending for a playoff spot.
4. Denver Broncos: Kyle Orton is a very good quarterback who does not get the respect he deserves. People keep expecting Tim Tebow to unseat him this year, but Tebow is not even close to be ing a viable NFL quarterback. If anything should happen to Orton, expect Brady Quinn to get the nod first. While Orton is the unquestioned starter, everything else is unsettled. Brandon Lloyd is the number one receiver, but can he duplicate his success in a different system? Even if Lloyd turns out not to be a fluke, there is still the inconvenient problem of finding someone opposite to him. Demaryius Thomas is still dealing with an injury to his Achilles. Odds are that Eric Decker gets the chance, but is he ready? Turning the attention to the running game, Knowson Moreno has been a disappointment. Willis McGahee was brought in to compliment Moreno, but does he have anything left in the tank? The offense could be an absolute train wreck this year.
On defense, the Broncos were terrible. They were unable to generate anything even remotely resembling a pass rush, sacking the quarterback only 25 times last year. The return of Ellis Dumervil from injury will help, as will the selection of Von Miller with the second pick of the draft. Champ Bailey and Brain Dawkins return in the secondary, but both are almost as old as Methuselah. One has to wonder how much more they have left, if anything. Aside from the ability that Dumervil has as a pass rusher, nothing in the front seven has proven that they are capable of starting for an NFL team. While the passing defense may be decent, the Broncos will get shredded by the run.
The Broncos are going to have a rough season, yet will be just good enough to avoid being able to draft Andrew Luck. The next few years will be long in Denver.
1. Oakland Raiders:If you want bold predictions and a team no one is talking about – here you go: The Oakland Raiders win the AFC West. And no, I am not heavily intoxicated as I type these words. Here’s why. The Raiders may have the best stable of running backs in the AFC, as Darren McFadden finally hit his potential, Michael Bush could start for half the teams in the league, and Taiwan Jones is a star waiting to happen. Jason Campbell displayed leadership and actually has enough skill to get the ball to his receivers, unlike the steaming pile of excrement that was JaMarcus Russell. Jacoby Ford is actually a solid receiver, and they may have uncovered a diamond in fifth round pick Denarius Moore. Derek Hagan has all the makings of a late bloomer, a la Brandon Lloyd. If they can get anything out of Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey, this could be a dangerous group. Campbell also likes to throw to the tight ends, and while the loss of Zach Miller will hurt, Kevin Boss is a solid replacement. Look for Marcel Reese to get a solid amount of work in the passing game as well.
On defense, regression is expected with the loss of Nnamdi Asomugha. The starting cornerbacks are going to be Stanford Routt, and one of a pair of rookies in DeMarcus Van Dyke or Chimdi Chekwa. However, the safeties are solid, particularly with Michael Huff. The lack of experience at the cornerback position actually should be well disguised this year, as the Raiders have the potential for a truly dominant defensive line. Remember the theory of the pass rush for fantasy defenses, as pressure on the quarterback leads to turnovers? Expect that to happen here. Richard Seymour is still an absolute beast, and Tommy Kelly is a nice compliment as a true run stuffer. The ends of the very underrated Matt Shaughnessy (expect him to be at least a Pro Bowl player this year) and Lamarr Houston can get after the quarterback. Add in a linebacker of the caliber of Rolando McClain, and there are enough pieces to make this defense work.
The Raiders will make the playoffs this year. Time for Al Davis to stop being referred to as past his prime.
2. San Diego Chargers: So, how does a team have the top statistical offense and defense, yet still manage to miss the playoffs? By having special teams so bad that Helen Keller could even see that they were terrible. Philip Rivers catapulted himself into the discussion of the top four quarterbacks in the game with his performance last season, even though he was throwing to street free agents and guys that were bagging groceries or washing cars two weeks prior to seeing the field. Having Vincent Jackson back for the entire season paired with Malcolm Floyd will only make Rivers look that much better. Antonio Gates may be slowed by a persistent foot issue, he is still the top tight end in the game. The only drawback may be in the running game, where Darren Sproles will be missed far more than people expect. Ryan Mathews needs to show that he can stop fumbling and stay healthy. Mike Tolbert was the ultimate touchdown machine last year, but can he withstand the pounding of 20+ carries if Mathews falters?
The defense was a strong unit last year, and only improved thruogh the draft and free agency. Corey Liuget is a pure run stuffer, and will add sorely needed depth to the defensive line. Free agents Bob Sanders and Takeo Spikes can make huge impacts to the defense. If Sanders can stay healthy, look for him to regain the form he had back in 2007, when he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Coupled with Eric Weddle, the safeties are strong. Spikes, even though he has been in the league for 14 years, has yet to participate in the postseason. He can almost taste it here.
The Chargers should be a better team and have a better record. While most people expect them to make the playoffs, keep one thing in mind – Norv Turner. Hopefully the talent can overcome his deficiencies, but you never know.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have some nice pieces on offense, but there are a number of concerns. Matt Cassel has a rib injury, and is likely out for at least the first week. If the injury turns out to be serious, that means that Tyler Palko or Ricky Stanzi will see a significant number of snaps. This does not bode well for a team hoping to return to the playoffs. At running back, Jamaal Charles had a great year last season, but had fewer carries than Thomas Jones. While the plan is for Charles to get majority of the carries, there is a question as to whether or not he can hold up under the workload. Dwayne Bowe is a good receiver, but put up a career year last season. Rookie Jonathan Baldwin will help to stretch the field, and Steve Breaston is an excellent slot receiver, but is there enough talent in the receiving corps? Tight end Tony Moeaki is out for the season, costing Cassel one of his favorite targets. Who knows what is going to end up replacing him.
On defense, there are a few solid pieces. Tanba Hali put up a great season, and appears to have finally found his ability to get at the quarterback. The pass rush is solid, and should only get better with the addition of third round draft pick Justin Houston, who will step right in for Mike Vrabel. Eric Berry is a playmaker in the secondary, and will only get better with experience. While the offense could be a disaster, the Chiefs defense looks capable of keeping them in games this year.
The Chiefs had a lot of things break right for them to make the playoffs last season. A tougher schedule, questions on offense, and a regression to the mean will keep the Chiefs from contending for a playoff spot.
4. Denver Broncos: Kyle Orton is a very good quarterback who does not get the respect he deserves. People keep expecting Tim Tebow to unseat him this year, but Tebow is not even close to be ing a viable NFL quarterback. If anything should happen to Orton, expect Brady Quinn to get the nod first. While Orton is the unquestioned starter, everything else is unsettled. Brandon Lloyd is the number one receiver, but can he duplicate his success in a different system? Even if Lloyd turns out not to be a fluke, there is still the inconvenient problem of finding someone opposite to him. Demaryius Thomas is still dealing with an injury to his Achilles. Odds are that Eric Decker gets the chance, but is he ready? Turning the attention to the running game, Knowson Moreno has been a disappointment. Willis McGahee was brought in to compliment Moreno, but does he have anything left in the tank? The offense could be an absolute train wreck this year.
On defense, the Broncos were terrible. They were unable to generate anything even remotely resembling a pass rush, sacking the quarterback only 25 times last year. The return of Ellis Dumervil from injury will help, as will the selection of Von Miller with the second pick of the draft. Champ Bailey and Brain Dawkins return in the secondary, but both are almost as old as Methuselah. One has to wonder how much more they have left, if anything. Aside from the ability that Dumervil has as a pass rusher, nothing in the front seven has proven that they are capable of starting for an NFL team. While the passing defense may be decent, the Broncos will get shredded by the run.
The Broncos are going to have a rough season, yet will be just good enough to avoid being able to draft Andrew Luck. The next few years will be long in Denver.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Examining Day Three of the Draft
The players selected in the last four rounds may not be the biggest names in the draft, but they can be the ones that lead a team to greatness. For an example, just look at Tom Brady going at pick 199. Good teams, such as the Patriots, typically find productive players in these spots year in and year out. Here is a list of some of the players that may very well succeed going forward:
Jacquizz Rodgers to Atlanta in round five. Rodgers, right now, is going to be the change of pace back for the Falcons, spelling Michael Turner and probably getting around ten touches a game. He also will be the heir to Turner when the Falcons move on from him. Turner is 29, and has a history of getting injured. Rodgers may make an impact sooner than people would expect.
Brandon Hogan to Carolina in the fourth round. Hogan is a solid cover corner, which fits the Panthers defense perfectly. The Panthers blitz a lot, leaving their corners in a lot of one on one situations. Also, the Panthers will probably lose at least one of their starting cornerbacks. Hogan might end up as a starter from day one.
Jordan Cameron to the Browns in round four. Cameron is a former basketball player who will provide Colt McCoy a huge target in the red zone. Look for most of Cameron's production to come on third downs, and for him to see a lot of passes in the end zone. He is also a problem to match up against defensively, and may be moved around the formation quite a bit.
Ricky Stanzi to the Chiefs in round five. Stanzi is the quarterback of the future in Kansas City, and may see time this year if Matt Cassel does not progress further this season. Stanzi, if given the chance, will make plays with that team. A lot of teams are going to regret passing on him.
Brandon Fusco to Minnesota in the sixth round. Fusco has great strength, and is an aggressive blocker. He is raw, but will develop quickly and will help open lanes for Adrian Peterson. Fusco has the potential to become a productive starter as a center, and may end up in the upper echelon in a few years.
Marcus Cannon to the Patriots in round five. Cannon is an interesting story. Just prior to the draft, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgins Lymphoma, from which a full recovery is expected. Before this discovery, he was expected to go int eh second round. Cannon can play either tackle or guard, and helps to solidify an offensive line that had issues last year. He may turn out to be the biggest steal of the draft.
Taiwan Jones to the Raiders in the fourth round. Jones may have been one of the most complete running backs in the draft. While the Raiders do have Darren McFadden, they use a backfield by committee approach, which will give Jones plenty of opportunities to show what he is capable of. He has great speed and solid hands, which will make him the perfect third down back for Oakland.
Keep an eye on these players going forward. There is the potential for all of them to turn out to be steals for their respective teams.
Jacquizz Rodgers to Atlanta in round five. Rodgers, right now, is going to be the change of pace back for the Falcons, spelling Michael Turner and probably getting around ten touches a game. He also will be the heir to Turner when the Falcons move on from him. Turner is 29, and has a history of getting injured. Rodgers may make an impact sooner than people would expect.
Brandon Hogan to Carolina in the fourth round. Hogan is a solid cover corner, which fits the Panthers defense perfectly. The Panthers blitz a lot, leaving their corners in a lot of one on one situations. Also, the Panthers will probably lose at least one of their starting cornerbacks. Hogan might end up as a starter from day one.
Jordan Cameron to the Browns in round four. Cameron is a former basketball player who will provide Colt McCoy a huge target in the red zone. Look for most of Cameron's production to come on third downs, and for him to see a lot of passes in the end zone. He is also a problem to match up against defensively, and may be moved around the formation quite a bit.
Ricky Stanzi to the Chiefs in round five. Stanzi is the quarterback of the future in Kansas City, and may see time this year if Matt Cassel does not progress further this season. Stanzi, if given the chance, will make plays with that team. A lot of teams are going to regret passing on him.
Brandon Fusco to Minnesota in the sixth round. Fusco has great strength, and is an aggressive blocker. He is raw, but will develop quickly and will help open lanes for Adrian Peterson. Fusco has the potential to become a productive starter as a center, and may end up in the upper echelon in a few years.
Marcus Cannon to the Patriots in round five. Cannon is an interesting story. Just prior to the draft, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgins Lymphoma, from which a full recovery is expected. Before this discovery, he was expected to go int eh second round. Cannon can play either tackle or guard, and helps to solidify an offensive line that had issues last year. He may turn out to be the biggest steal of the draft.
Taiwan Jones to the Raiders in the fourth round. Jones may have been one of the most complete running backs in the draft. While the Raiders do have Darren McFadden, they use a backfield by committee approach, which will give Jones plenty of opportunities to show what he is capable of. He has great speed and solid hands, which will make him the perfect third down back for Oakland.
Keep an eye on these players going forward. There is the potential for all of them to turn out to be steals for their respective teams.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Grand Theft Vrabel
This lockout must really be hitting the players hard.
At 5:30 am yesterday morning, Mike Vrabel of the Kansas City Chiefs was arrested for the theft of eight bottles of beer from a deli in the Beltarra Casino Resort and Spa. Vrabel was released later that morning after posting a $600 bond. In a statement released through his agent, he claimed that "It was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and I take full responsibility for the miscommunication." He also stated that "I feel comfortable that after talking with the appropriate parties, we will resolve this matter."
Now, things at casinos are expensive. We all get that. But the players must really be on some hard times if they have to resort to swiping booze from a deli instead of paying for it. Perhaps this is why the owners locked out the players in the first place - they knew that even the most vocal of them would not be able to go a month without turning to criminal activities to survive.
Of course, there may be a second explanation for all of this - that Vrabel was framed. Keep in mind that he did play for the New England Patriots. Also, this casino is in Indiana, home of the Colts. Who's to say that some unscrupulous casino employee, who also happens to be a Colts fan, didn't slip those beers into Vrabel's room and then call casino security? I guess getting Vrabel arrested makes up for 2001 through 2007 to them. Although, if the Colts had been playing that late into January, would the universe have had the joy of Peyton Manning chanting 'Cut that meat'?
In all seriousness, Vrabel is by all accounts a class act and a stand-up person. Chances are, this truly is just a misunderstanding, and it will be resolved soon.
At 5:30 am yesterday morning, Mike Vrabel of the Kansas City Chiefs was arrested for the theft of eight bottles of beer from a deli in the Beltarra Casino Resort and Spa. Vrabel was released later that morning after posting a $600 bond. In a statement released through his agent, he claimed that "It was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and I take full responsibility for the miscommunication." He also stated that "I feel comfortable that after talking with the appropriate parties, we will resolve this matter."
Now, things at casinos are expensive. We all get that. But the players must really be on some hard times if they have to resort to swiping booze from a deli instead of paying for it. Perhaps this is why the owners locked out the players in the first place - they knew that even the most vocal of them would not be able to go a month without turning to criminal activities to survive.
Of course, there may be a second explanation for all of this - that Vrabel was framed. Keep in mind that he did play for the New England Patriots. Also, this casino is in Indiana, home of the Colts. Who's to say that some unscrupulous casino employee, who also happens to be a Colts fan, didn't slip those beers into Vrabel's room and then call casino security? I guess getting Vrabel arrested makes up for 2001 through 2007 to them. Although, if the Colts had been playing that late into January, would the universe have had the joy of Peyton Manning chanting 'Cut that meat'?
In all seriousness, Vrabel is by all accounts a class act and a stand-up person. Chances are, this truly is just a misunderstanding, and it will be resolved soon.
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