2010年12月19日星期日
20 Dec 10 Ex-Gator Kerwin Bell: Is the Time Right to Come Home?
Urban Meyer will have to decide the direction he wants to go regarding Florida's offense.Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesFor all the names that have come up when discussing potential offensive coordinators to replace Steve Addazio at Florida, none has gathered more steam or generated more excitement in Gator Nation than Kerwin Bell.A quarterback at the University of Florida from 1983-87, Bell was a walk-on who found himself buried in the depth chart as a freshman. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, Bell became the starter at Florida in 1984 and led the Gators to a 9-1-1 record and won the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year award. By the time he left Florida, he had accumulated over 7,000 passing yards and threw for over 50 touchdowns.His professional career took him on many travels, through the NFL, CFL and the World League. But it was during his time in Toronto in the CFL when Bell realized his calling. In one year, Bell went from Argonaut quarterback to offensive coordinator, and just like that, his coaching career had begun.Bell was hired in 2001 as head coach of Trinity Catholic, a new catholic school in Ocala, Florida. He quickly established Trinity Catholic as a state powerhouse, winning a state championship in 2006.In 2007, Bell was hired at Jacksonville University to build a new program, much like he had at Trinity. In his first year, Bell won Pioneer League Coach of the Year honors. In 2010, JU finished 10-1, and finished with the No. 1 ranked offense in the country. Maybe what is most impressive about Bell’s success Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jerseyat JU is that he has built a program without any scholarship players.Urban Meyer and Steve AddazioDoug Benc/Getty ImagesHis record and accomplishments speak for themselves, and he has admitted he hopes to return to the Gator sideline one day, as a coach. So what stands in the way of making this official, offensive philosophy, of course?Bell’s offense runs many pro sets and throws the ball all over the field, much like you see Bobby Petrino do at Arkansas. There is no read option, and the current coaching philosophy begins and ends with the read option. Even as pedestrian as the 2010 Gators appeared on offense, it may be asking too much for Meyer to change from what he knows best.There is the possibility Meyer and Bell could incorporate a lot of Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jerseyhow both offenses scheme and make it work; after all, many power football teams and pro-style offenses in college football incorporate a certain amount of spread or wildcat into their offenses. But the basic principles of the offense would change, and Meyer would have to accept that. Although Meyer claims he has no certain offensive style, the spread is his bread and butter and it has been his area of expertise since he became a head coach.Another possibility is that Meyer’s new approach, the new “delegating Meyer,” would recognize Bell, with head coaching experience, could not only bring a successful offense to Gainesville, but could also bring great leadership to the program, which the program desperately needs after losing Charlie Strong and so many other great coaches. Thus allowing Meyer time and energy to be a head coach, a husband and a father all at the same time.John Brantley played for Kerwin Bell at Trinity Catholic.Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesThere are other aspects Kerwin Bell brings to the Florida program that should be worth noting. For all his talent and success, Bell is a Florida Gator. This above all Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey other reasons is why Gator Nation is so energized by Bell.Although a successful coordinator will no doubt have many new offers year in and year out, Bell is a Floridian and he is a Gator. Having success on the sidelines at Florida could prove gratifying enough for Bell to hang around for awhile, and who knows what the future could bring.Make no mistake; Kerwin Bell will be lured away from JU very soon. There are too many mediocre programs and few too many great coaches in college football. Programs like Vanderbilt will look at his success at JU and see gold. It may not happen this year or next, but it will happen.Whether Meyer makes the move to bring Kerwin Bell back home, one can only speculate. But until a new coordinator is named, the excitement in Gator Nation still persists and the dream continues to survive.
19 Dec 10 Washington Redskins: Defining the Problems
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesYesterday's 59 to 28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles revealed all the flaws of the Redskins. 1. The defense is terrible.The Redskins can't stop the run or the pass. Fortunately for them, opponents have to stop running once they cross the goal line. The team has no Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
pass rush outside of Brian Orakpo. The linebackers are not quick and lack coverage ability. The defense needs to be overhauled starting with the $100 million-dollar man. That shot of him laying on the turf in the third quarter said it all. 2. The receivers are weak.The Redskins receivers struggle to get separation and consistently drop passes. Two of the three interceptions that McNabb threw last night were because of the receivers. I like Santana Moss, but he is not a No. 1 receiver. He is a slot receiver on a good football team. Joey Galloway needs to be cut. He does absolutely nothing. Anthony Armstrong is a No. 3 or No. 4 on a playoff team. The rest of the receivers leave nothing to be desired. 3. The offensive line has to be rebuilt.Trent Williams is the one stud on the line. Donovan McNabb is Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
running for his life back there. The offensive line has been unable to keep the pass rush off of McNabb all season long. The only reason that McNabb has not been sacked more is because McNabb still has some elusiveness left in him. It appears that the best the Redskins have to look forward to is an 8-8 finish to the season. This article is also featured onSportFeen
pass rush outside of Brian Orakpo. The linebackers are not quick and lack coverage ability. The defense needs to be overhauled starting with the $100 million-dollar man. That shot of him laying on the turf in the third quarter said it all. 2. The receivers are weak.The Redskins receivers struggle to get separation and consistently drop passes. Two of the three interceptions that McNabb threw last night were because of the receivers. I like Santana Moss, but he is not a No. 1 receiver. He is a slot receiver on a good football team. Joey Galloway needs to be cut. He does absolutely nothing. Anthony Armstrong is a No. 3 or No. 4 on a playoff team. The rest of the receivers leave nothing to be desired. 3. The offensive line has to be rebuilt.Trent Williams is the one stud on the line. Donovan McNabb is Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
running for his life back there. The offensive line has been unable to keep the pass rush off of McNabb all season long. The only reason that McNabb has not been sacked more is because McNabb still has some elusiveness left in him. It appears that the best the Redskins have to look forward to is an 8-8 finish to the season. This article is also featured onSportFeen
2010年12月18日星期六
18 Dec 10 NFL Week 10: Tom Brady and the New England Patriots Become Super Bowl Favorites
Tom Brady: the leader of the PatriotsChris McGrath/Getty ImagesAfter a three-yard touchdown run by Tom Brady late in the third quarter vs. thePittsburghSteelers last night, he spiked the ball into the ground, sending a shockwave throughout the NFL. The New England Patriots and Tom Brady sent a message to the AFC last night, letting every team know they are the team to beat, and the road to the Super Bowl goes down Route 1 in Foxboro,Massachusetts. After an embarrassing loss last week to the Cleveland Browns, the Patriots and head Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
coach Bill Belichick were prepared for last night's game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in every way. The Patriots shredded the Steelers' vaunted defense all night, through the air and on the ground. The Steelers allowed the most points ever for a regular season home game, and the Patriots also hold the most points scored for an away team in the playoffs at Heinz Field (41 from the 2004 AFC title game). Without a deep threat in the passing game, and running backs anybody outside of New England has heard of, Tom Brady and the Patriots offense picked apart the Steelers' defense like no one else has this season. Brady completed 30 of 40 passes for 350 yards passing and three touchdowns, all of which were caught by rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots finally found a successful rushing attack, led by BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries. Will the Patriots win the AFC?Will the Patriots win the AFC?Yes71.0%No5.8%Too early to tell23.2%Total votes: 155The whole demeanor of the Patriots was quite different than the Steelers. New England wanted the game a lot more, and showed much more passion and emotion the entire game. Television cameras were often focused on Tom Brady yelling at his teammates for not executing several times. In an ESPNBoston.com article written by Mike Reiss last updated Nov. 15, Brady explained the emotions of the game to the media: "There's only one way to play the game, and it's an emotional game," Brady said afterward. "I think part of Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
being a quarterback is making sure that everyone's into it and I thought all the guys played really hard and stayed focused. It was an exciting win for all of us. We haven't been this happy in a long time." Brady has shown he's fully capable of leading a prolific passing attack without Randy Moss, and used a short, intermediate passing game to take apart the Steelers. Brady completed a pass to eight different receivers last night, something that is very encouraging. With Moss on the field, Brady looked Moss's way too much, often forcing passes to him when he was well-covered. The much maligned Patriots defense bent but refused to break last night, and the turning point of the game was an interception return for a touchdown by safety James Sanders in the fourth quarter. Sanders caught a deflected pass by fellow safety Patrick Chung and returned it 32 yards to the end zone. Is Tom Brady the best QB in the NFL?Is Tom Brady the best QB in the NFL?Yes85.1%No14.9%Total votes: 141The defense will make mistakes, but with each practice, it's getting better. The Patriots admitted they were awful in the Browns game, and set out to have a good week of practice leading up to last night's game. Belichick's defense is very young, but is talented and fearless. Captain Jerod Mayo leads the NFL with 105 tackles, and isquicklybecoming an elite linebacker. The moreexperiencethe young secondary gains, the better it will become. The rumors of the Patriots dynasty crumbling before our eyes were greatlyReebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
exaggerated. Most importantly, the Patriots are led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the best quarterback/head coach duo in NFL history. As long as these two are running the show in Foxboro, the Patriots will remain the toughest team to beat in the NFL. The New England Patriots are ready to make a run for their fifth Super Bowl appearance in 10 years, and they have the experience and leadership of the best quarterback and coach of all time leading the way.
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18 Dec 10 Detroit Lions Monday Morning Quarterback: A Stinker Against the Buffalo Bills | Bleacher Report
内容: Rick Stewart/Getty ImagesThe GameIn what can be considered the first embarrassing game of the 2010 season, the Lions lost to the Buffalo Bills 14-12.The Lions once again shot themselves in the foot with bad penalties, dropped passes and missed tackles.Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan had a game plan Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
meant to take advantage of the Bills' inability to stop the run. The problem was that he refused to make an adjustment when it became painfully obvious that the Lions couldn’t run the ball.The GoodLawrence JacksonGiven the tough assignment of filling in for the injured Cliff Avril, Jackson came up with a big game. Eight tackles, to go along with a sack, tackle for a loss and a forced fumble is a good day by any standard. Just another late offseason pickup by Mayhew that has paid off for the Lions.Shaun HillHill didn’t have a great numbers for this game, but that is not his fault. He was under duress for most of the game, and when he was given time, his receivers dropped a lot of balls. He should have thrown a better ball on the two point conversion attempt, but nobody was open.When Will The Lions Win A Road Game?When Will The Lions Win A Road Game? Dallas29.6% Tampa Bay5.3% Miami3.2%201161.9%Total votes: 189Stop on 4th-and-1Early in the game the Lions were able to stop the Bill on a 4th-and-1 attempt. Fred Jackson was tackled for a loss of two yards. He actually fumbled the ball on the play but it didn’t matter because it was 4th down. What the Lions didn’t know is that it would be the only time they stopped Jackson all day.The BadThe Offensive LineThe offensive line came up with a pitiful performance. Anything that they could do wrong they did. Their mistakes were an assortment of blown assignments, pre-snap penalties, and holding calls.PenaltiesOnce again penalties were an Achilles' heel for the Lions. The dead ball penalties are killing the Lions. The offside and false starts penalties need to be eradicated. Missed tackles For the second week in a row, the Lions missed tackles they should make. This is the NFL, not high school, and missed tackles are inexcusable.Dropped passesBy my unofficial tally, the Lions dropped 11 passes. One glaring drop was by Bryant Johnson, who had a ball hit him in the chest in the end zone and Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
ended up dropping it.The UglyGiving a Winless Team Their First WinFor the second year in a row the Detroit Lions lost to a previously winless team deep into the season. Last year the Lions were beaten by the St. Louis Rams 17-10, at the time the Rams were 0-7. The Rams did not win another game the rest of the year.If the Bills manage to lose their remaining games, the Lions will have saved two teams from 0-16 seasons. Misleading Stat of the DayNearly all of themA quick peek at the box score and it looks like a Lions victory. They won nearly ever statistical category with the exception of rushing yards and final score.This just points to the coaching staff’s stupidity in continually trying to run the ball, when everyone else in the stadium knew they couldn’t do it. Play of the DayThe late touchdown to Calvin Johnson.It really is too bad the Lions weren’t able to complete the two point conversion. The touchdown pass was a beauty. Johnson ran a perfect route that was set up by previous routes he ran earlier in the game. He stuttered as if he was going to turn in as he had done earlier, but instead of turning in, he released and caught an easy touchdown pass.Quote of the Day“All of this killing ourselves and making mistakes; it's almost juvenile to a sense'' —Nate Burleson. Juvenile is the perfect word here.Random ThoughtsGreat! The Cowboys got better just in time for the LionsWhen will the Lions realize they can’t run between the tackles?How bad is Derrick Williams that he can’t beat out Bryant Johnson?False start number 66 of the offense, just in case you missed hearing that.Overall ImpressionThis loss makes all those close efforts earlier in the year irrelevant. At some point the Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
Lions are going to have to address their miserable interior line. If this game cause Mayhew and Schwartz to wake up and replace Raiola and Peterman, then I am happy the Lions lost.Next WeekIt is another road game, as the Lions travel to Dallas to take on the resurgent Cowboys.
coach Bill Belichick were prepared for last night's game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in every way. The Patriots shredded the Steelers' vaunted defense all night, through the air and on the ground. The Steelers allowed the most points ever for a regular season home game, and the Patriots also hold the most points scored for an away team in the playoffs at Heinz Field (41 from the 2004 AFC title game). Without a deep threat in the passing game, and running backs anybody outside of New England has heard of, Tom Brady and the Patriots offense picked apart the Steelers' defense like no one else has this season. Brady completed 30 of 40 passes for 350 yards passing and three touchdowns, all of which were caught by rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots finally found a successful rushing attack, led by BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries. Will the Patriots win the AFC?Will the Patriots win the AFC?Yes71.0%No5.8%Too early to tell23.2%Total votes: 155The whole demeanor of the Patriots was quite different than the Steelers. New England wanted the game a lot more, and showed much more passion and emotion the entire game. Television cameras were often focused on Tom Brady yelling at his teammates for not executing several times. In an ESPNBoston.com article written by Mike Reiss last updated Nov. 15, Brady explained the emotions of the game to the media: "There's only one way to play the game, and it's an emotional game," Brady said afterward. "I think part of Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
being a quarterback is making sure that everyone's into it and I thought all the guys played really hard and stayed focused. It was an exciting win for all of us. We haven't been this happy in a long time." Brady has shown he's fully capable of leading a prolific passing attack without Randy Moss, and used a short, intermediate passing game to take apart the Steelers. Brady completed a pass to eight different receivers last night, something that is very encouraging. With Moss on the field, Brady looked Moss's way too much, often forcing passes to him when he was well-covered. The much maligned Patriots defense bent but refused to break last night, and the turning point of the game was an interception return for a touchdown by safety James Sanders in the fourth quarter. Sanders caught a deflected pass by fellow safety Patrick Chung and returned it 32 yards to the end zone. Is Tom Brady the best QB in the NFL?Is Tom Brady the best QB in the NFL?Yes85.1%No14.9%Total votes: 141The defense will make mistakes, but with each practice, it's getting better. The Patriots admitted they were awful in the Browns game, and set out to have a good week of practice leading up to last night's game. Belichick's defense is very young, but is talented and fearless. Captain Jerod Mayo leads the NFL with 105 tackles, and isquicklybecoming an elite linebacker. The moreexperiencethe young secondary gains, the better it will become. The rumors of the Patriots dynasty crumbling before our eyes were greatlyReebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
exaggerated. Most importantly, the Patriots are led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the best quarterback/head coach duo in NFL history. As long as these two are running the show in Foxboro, the Patriots will remain the toughest team to beat in the NFL. The New England Patriots are ready to make a run for their fifth Super Bowl appearance in 10 years, and they have the experience and leadership of the best quarterback and coach of all time leading the way.
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18 Dec 10 Detroit Lions Monday Morning Quarterback: A Stinker Against the Buffalo Bills | Bleacher Report
内容: Rick Stewart/Getty ImagesThe GameIn what can be considered the first embarrassing game of the 2010 season, the Lions lost to the Buffalo Bills 14-12.The Lions once again shot themselves in the foot with bad penalties, dropped passes and missed tackles.Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan had a game plan Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
meant to take advantage of the Bills' inability to stop the run. The problem was that he refused to make an adjustment when it became painfully obvious that the Lions couldn’t run the ball.The GoodLawrence JacksonGiven the tough assignment of filling in for the injured Cliff Avril, Jackson came up with a big game. Eight tackles, to go along with a sack, tackle for a loss and a forced fumble is a good day by any standard. Just another late offseason pickup by Mayhew that has paid off for the Lions.Shaun HillHill didn’t have a great numbers for this game, but that is not his fault. He was under duress for most of the game, and when he was given time, his receivers dropped a lot of balls. He should have thrown a better ball on the two point conversion attempt, but nobody was open.When Will The Lions Win A Road Game?When Will The Lions Win A Road Game? Dallas29.6% Tampa Bay5.3% Miami3.2%201161.9%Total votes: 189Stop on 4th-and-1Early in the game the Lions were able to stop the Bill on a 4th-and-1 attempt. Fred Jackson was tackled for a loss of two yards. He actually fumbled the ball on the play but it didn’t matter because it was 4th down. What the Lions didn’t know is that it would be the only time they stopped Jackson all day.The BadThe Offensive LineThe offensive line came up with a pitiful performance. Anything that they could do wrong they did. Their mistakes were an assortment of blown assignments, pre-snap penalties, and holding calls.PenaltiesOnce again penalties were an Achilles' heel for the Lions. The dead ball penalties are killing the Lions. The offside and false starts penalties need to be eradicated. Missed tackles For the second week in a row, the Lions missed tackles they should make. This is the NFL, not high school, and missed tackles are inexcusable.Dropped passesBy my unofficial tally, the Lions dropped 11 passes. One glaring drop was by Bryant Johnson, who had a ball hit him in the chest in the end zone and Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
ended up dropping it.The UglyGiving a Winless Team Their First WinFor the second year in a row the Detroit Lions lost to a previously winless team deep into the season. Last year the Lions were beaten by the St. Louis Rams 17-10, at the time the Rams were 0-7. The Rams did not win another game the rest of the year.If the Bills manage to lose their remaining games, the Lions will have saved two teams from 0-16 seasons. Misleading Stat of the DayNearly all of themA quick peek at the box score and it looks like a Lions victory. They won nearly ever statistical category with the exception of rushing yards and final score.This just points to the coaching staff’s stupidity in continually trying to run the ball, when everyone else in the stadium knew they couldn’t do it. Play of the DayThe late touchdown to Calvin Johnson.It really is too bad the Lions weren’t able to complete the two point conversion. The touchdown pass was a beauty. Johnson ran a perfect route that was set up by previous routes he ran earlier in the game. He stuttered as if he was going to turn in as he had done earlier, but instead of turning in, he released and caught an easy touchdown pass.Quote of the Day“All of this killing ourselves and making mistakes; it's almost juvenile to a sense'' —Nate Burleson. Juvenile is the perfect word here.Random ThoughtsGreat! The Cowboys got better just in time for the LionsWhen will the Lions realize they can’t run between the tackles?How bad is Derrick Williams that he can’t beat out Bryant Johnson?False start number 66 of the offense, just in case you missed hearing that.Overall ImpressionThis loss makes all those close efforts earlier in the year irrelevant. At some point the Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
Lions are going to have to address their miserable interior line. If this game cause Mayhew and Schwartz to wake up and replace Raiola and Peterman, then I am happy the Lions lost.Next WeekIt is another road game, as the Lions travel to Dallas to take on the resurgent Cowboys.
2010年12月17日星期五
17 Dec 10 Raiders vs. Steelers: Steelers Look...Super? Men of Steel Overcome Refs, Oakland
Jared Wickerham/Getty ImagesLast week, I wrote an article on why the Pittsburgh Steelers should thank the New England Patriots for the embarrassment before a national television audience. All this week, the national media overreacted and wrote the Steelers off as a pretender who Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
an easily be beaten by the short pass, a team with serious kicker issues and a team with perhaps the worst offensive line in the NFL today.Yesterday in Heinz Field, some questions about the Steelers were answered, otherswere leftunanswered and new questions arose, as the Steelers dominated the upstart AFC West leaders Oakland Raiders, 35-3. For the most part, the Steelers answered back with vigor and fire not seen in Heinz Field for a while.Now for my observations and naturally, my overreactions, from yesterday's performance:Let the Conspiracy Theories BeginIt seems every week this season a different Steelers defensive player has been fined for a late hit or a helmet-to-helmet hit. Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley (one of the fined players) even admitted he held up a few times, but that did not help him today, as he too was flagged for a questionable late hit on Raiders QB Jason Campbell.Commissioner Roger Goodell's favorite whipping boy, 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, also was flagged for a hard hit on Campbell that negated an interception return for a touchdown by CB Ike Taylor.Who deserves the game ball for the game against the Raiders?Who deserves the game ball for the game against the Raiders?Mike Wallace12.3%Ben Roethlisberger30.2%James Farrior9.4%James Harrison34.0%Mike Tomlin14.2%Total votes: 106Safety Ryan Clark was flagged for a hard hit on speedy rookie WR Jacoby Ford, which puzzled everyone. There were at least four more I probably omitted, but you get the picture. The Steelers for the most part were penalized for playing hard-nosed defense.This game was marred with one penalty after another. The third quarter was harder to watch than a Dane Cook movie. Despite playing their best game of the season, the Steelers left at least two scores on the field because of the over-zealousness of Tony Corrente's crew.Did the league office (I specifically mean Ray Anderson and Goodell) tell Corrente's crew to "crack down" on the Steelers?I for one would like to believe that Tony Corrente, a respected official who worked a Super Bowl before as a referee, just had a bad day, as did his crew. However, that will not save him from the venom of the Steeler Nation and even casual fans everywhere this week.Luckily for Corrente, the game ended in a blowout, so his calls likely did not affect the outcome. But that should not mean Corrente and the league gets a pass.Wins might be the ultimate cure-all, but this is an issue that must be nipped in the bud immediately.I would hate to think that the league wants to get rid of the toughness and hard hits that have defined the game for nearly 100 years. It was pitiful hearing color commentator Dan Fouts, a former QB, constantly blast the officiating crew for penalties called for hard hits on the QB. I would hate to think what would have happened if it was Peyton Manning or Tom Brady taking those hits instead of Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Jason Campbell.I have a feeling this issue will linger on the entire season since the Steelers will not change their identity on defense and will keep the hits coming.The Steelers Defensive Identity isBackLast week against the Tom Brady-led Patriots, the Steelers defense were surgically sliced and diced to pieces and undressed, 39-26. It was anyone's guess as to how the Steelers would react after an embarrassing performance like that. Luckily, the Steelers found their defensive identity again against the Raiders, a team tailor-made for the Steelers defense.Styles make fights. The Steelers do not match up well against teams who heavily rely on a spread-out, short passing game that negates the pass rush. The Steelers match up great against teams that rely on the run heavily and like to throw the ball deep off the success of the running game.The Raiders were the perfect tonic for what ailed the Steelers defense this week. Raiders running backDarren McFadden, who led the league in rushing yards per game this season, was stopped in his tracks with 10 carries for 14 yards. Outside of one draw play for Michael Bush, the running game for the Raiders never got going.Because the Raiders got behind by multiple scores so quickly, they had to rely on Jason Campbell, and later Bruce Gradkowski, to make plays in the passing game. This opened the floodgates for the Steelers pass rush. Penalties be damned, the Steelers made life miserable for the Raiders offensive line and both QBs in silver and black yesterday. The same pass rushing crewthat could not touch Tom Brady once earned six sacks against the Raiders.Here is hoping (at least for the sake of the Steeler Nation) that the pass rush does not slow down or stop for the remainder of 2010 season.Mike Tomlin Making ChangesIf you noticed today, the Steelers had both rookie WRs Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders active yesterday for the first time all season, and both contributed greatly while veteran WR Antwaan Randle El did not. Randle El himself was not targeted for a single pass, and outside of the almost disastrous gadget play in the first quarter, hewas seldom on the field.Randle El has struggled most of the season, and it is wonder to many why Randle El was even brought back in the first place. Sure, no one will forget Randle El's place in Steelers lore of yesteryear, but that was a long time ago, and Randle El is a shell of his former self.Sanders is getting exponentially better every week and caught his second touchdown in as many weeks yesterday. Brown flashed his quickness and top end speed several times, proving his worth on punt returns.Brown definitely has the ability to take any punt back for a touchdown, and expect both players to be active for all games the rest of the season while Randel El's role keeps getting lessened.Guard Trai Essex was also benched in favor of Ramon Foster yesterday. While Foster might not evoke memories of Alan Faneca in his prime, he is clearly better than Essex, who is the worst lineman I have seen in a Steelers uniform since Todd Fordham or perhaps Sean Mahan. After last week's debacle, Tomlin had to make this personnel move before QB Ben Roethlisberger got seriously hurt by an A-gap blitzer too quick for Essex.This does not mean the Steelers offensive line suddenly got better.No, Jonathan Scott was still out at left tackle, andhe is definitely a backup, not a starter. Any type ofReebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
long-term injury to guard Chris Kemoeatu and rookie standout center Maurkice Pouncey could sink the Steelers out of the playoff race.Pouncey and Kemoeatu suffered injuries yesterday, but early prognoses say both will be okay. However, expect to see rookie Chris Scott, just activated from the PUP list, to get more reps at practice as the season progresses and possibly enter the starting lineup.Here's Hoping Shaun Suisham Has a Quiet Stay in the 'BurghDid anyone notice the new guy kicking for the Steelers yesterday? He is no other than ex-Redskin and ex-Cowboy kicker Shaun Suisham, who made his 2010 debut withfive points.The Steelers and the Steeler Nation did not get to find out if Suisham can overcome the turf and wind of Heinz Field and won't for at least three more weeks. the Steelers don't return home until Dec. 12.My take on ex-kicker Jeff Reed. I was a huge Reed fan. Reed might have been a drunken frat boy who loved to party, but come game day, Reed was money, especially in Heinz Field. However, Reed did himself a great disservice by blasting the Rooneys and VP of football operations Kevin Colbert in the summer for not extending his contract (strike one), for missing kicks (strike two) and for making excuses for missing said kicks (strike three).Reed was ejected for criticizing the fans and the turf at Heinz Field, which face it, will never be mistaken for the fairway at Augusta National, but itis ground that Reed kicked on with success for over eight seasons.Kickers can lose it at the blink of an eye. I wish Jeff Reed the best of luck, but here is hoping the Steelers never have to find out if Suisham can make a 40-yard plusfield goal toward the open end of Heinz Field, down by two, with less than 30 seconds to go in the game. If Suisham's past history is any indication, the Steelers are doomed, and Reed will get the last laugh.Last thing this Steeler Nation member needs is nightmares of Kris Brown and Todd Peterson coming back in December and January.Mike Wallace is Officially the No. 1 ReceiverWhile I don't want to marginalize Hines Ward's role on the team, Mike Wallace has become the Steelers go-to receiver. Sure, Ward is still important to the team, especially on third-and-shorts and in the running game, but Wallace is slowly becoming the team's No. 1 receiver.Everyone knows about Wallace's speed, but it was a 27-yard catch in the first quarter that confirmed it for me. It jump-started a Steelers offense that day, but it also showed Wallace's ability to catch the ball in traffic while covered. The Steelers scored their first touchdown on that drive and never looked back.Wallace later took a short crossing route to the end zone for a 52-yard touchdown. No one in the league is going to catch Wallace from behind, and his progression this season from last season has been one of the bright spots on offense.It is good to see embattled offensive coordinator Bruce Arians finding more ways to get Wallace the ball beside through deep throws and reverses. Wallace is not just a one-trick pony anymore. He is developing into an all-around receiver.With Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders developing as well, the future of Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
Steelers receiving corps is bright.ConclusionThe Steelers answered the bell after a disaster against the Patriots. Last season, the Steelers lost a fourth quarter lead and could not hang on to beat the Raiders, which further put the Steelers in the downward spiral. That 2009 game against the Raiders defined the Steelers season.Will this season's game against the Raiders define the 2010 Steelers?It remains to be seen, but in today's week-to-week NFL, the immediate future shines bright on the Men of Steel.
an easily be beaten by the short pass, a team with serious kicker issues and a team with perhaps the worst offensive line in the NFL today.Yesterday in Heinz Field, some questions about the Steelers were answered, otherswere leftunanswered and new questions arose, as the Steelers dominated the upstart AFC West leaders Oakland Raiders, 35-3. For the most part, the Steelers answered back with vigor and fire not seen in Heinz Field for a while.Now for my observations and naturally, my overreactions, from yesterday's performance:Let the Conspiracy Theories BeginIt seems every week this season a different Steelers defensive player has been fined for a late hit or a helmet-to-helmet hit. Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley (one of the fined players) even admitted he held up a few times, but that did not help him today, as he too was flagged for a questionable late hit on Raiders QB Jason Campbell.Commissioner Roger Goodell's favorite whipping boy, 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, also was flagged for a hard hit on Campbell that negated an interception return for a touchdown by CB Ike Taylor.Who deserves the game ball for the game against the Raiders?Who deserves the game ball for the game against the Raiders?Mike Wallace12.3%Ben Roethlisberger30.2%James Farrior9.4%James Harrison34.0%Mike Tomlin14.2%Total votes: 106Safety Ryan Clark was flagged for a hard hit on speedy rookie WR Jacoby Ford, which puzzled everyone. There were at least four more I probably omitted, but you get the picture. The Steelers for the most part were penalized for playing hard-nosed defense.This game was marred with one penalty after another. The third quarter was harder to watch than a Dane Cook movie. Despite playing their best game of the season, the Steelers left at least two scores on the field because of the over-zealousness of Tony Corrente's crew.Did the league office (I specifically mean Ray Anderson and Goodell) tell Corrente's crew to "crack down" on the Steelers?I for one would like to believe that Tony Corrente, a respected official who worked a Super Bowl before as a referee, just had a bad day, as did his crew. However, that will not save him from the venom of the Steeler Nation and even casual fans everywhere this week.Luckily for Corrente, the game ended in a blowout, so his calls likely did not affect the outcome. But that should not mean Corrente and the league gets a pass.Wins might be the ultimate cure-all, but this is an issue that must be nipped in the bud immediately.I would hate to think that the league wants to get rid of the toughness and hard hits that have defined the game for nearly 100 years. It was pitiful hearing color commentator Dan Fouts, a former QB, constantly blast the officiating crew for penalties called for hard hits on the QB. I would hate to think what would have happened if it was Peyton Manning or Tom Brady taking those hits instead of Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Jason Campbell.I have a feeling this issue will linger on the entire season since the Steelers will not change their identity on defense and will keep the hits coming.The Steelers Defensive Identity isBackLast week against the Tom Brady-led Patriots, the Steelers defense were surgically sliced and diced to pieces and undressed, 39-26. It was anyone's guess as to how the Steelers would react after an embarrassing performance like that. Luckily, the Steelers found their defensive identity again against the Raiders, a team tailor-made for the Steelers defense.Styles make fights. The Steelers do not match up well against teams who heavily rely on a spread-out, short passing game that negates the pass rush. The Steelers match up great against teams that rely on the run heavily and like to throw the ball deep off the success of the running game.The Raiders were the perfect tonic for what ailed the Steelers defense this week. Raiders running backDarren McFadden, who led the league in rushing yards per game this season, was stopped in his tracks with 10 carries for 14 yards. Outside of one draw play for Michael Bush, the running game for the Raiders never got going.Because the Raiders got behind by multiple scores so quickly, they had to rely on Jason Campbell, and later Bruce Gradkowski, to make plays in the passing game. This opened the floodgates for the Steelers pass rush. Penalties be damned, the Steelers made life miserable for the Raiders offensive line and both QBs in silver and black yesterday. The same pass rushing crewthat could not touch Tom Brady once earned six sacks against the Raiders.Here is hoping (at least for the sake of the Steeler Nation) that the pass rush does not slow down or stop for the remainder of 2010 season.Mike Tomlin Making ChangesIf you noticed today, the Steelers had both rookie WRs Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders active yesterday for the first time all season, and both contributed greatly while veteran WR Antwaan Randle El did not. Randle El himself was not targeted for a single pass, and outside of the almost disastrous gadget play in the first quarter, hewas seldom on the field.Randle El has struggled most of the season, and it is wonder to many why Randle El was even brought back in the first place. Sure, no one will forget Randle El's place in Steelers lore of yesteryear, but that was a long time ago, and Randle El is a shell of his former self.Sanders is getting exponentially better every week and caught his second touchdown in as many weeks yesterday. Brown flashed his quickness and top end speed several times, proving his worth on punt returns.Brown definitely has the ability to take any punt back for a touchdown, and expect both players to be active for all games the rest of the season while Randel El's role keeps getting lessened.Guard Trai Essex was also benched in favor of Ramon Foster yesterday. While Foster might not evoke memories of Alan Faneca in his prime, he is clearly better than Essex, who is the worst lineman I have seen in a Steelers uniform since Todd Fordham or perhaps Sean Mahan. After last week's debacle, Tomlin had to make this personnel move before QB Ben Roethlisberger got seriously hurt by an A-gap blitzer too quick for Essex.This does not mean the Steelers offensive line suddenly got better.No, Jonathan Scott was still out at left tackle, andhe is definitely a backup, not a starter. Any type ofReebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
long-term injury to guard Chris Kemoeatu and rookie standout center Maurkice Pouncey could sink the Steelers out of the playoff race.Pouncey and Kemoeatu suffered injuries yesterday, but early prognoses say both will be okay. However, expect to see rookie Chris Scott, just activated from the PUP list, to get more reps at practice as the season progresses and possibly enter the starting lineup.Here's Hoping Shaun Suisham Has a Quiet Stay in the 'BurghDid anyone notice the new guy kicking for the Steelers yesterday? He is no other than ex-Redskin and ex-Cowboy kicker Shaun Suisham, who made his 2010 debut withfive points.The Steelers and the Steeler Nation did not get to find out if Suisham can overcome the turf and wind of Heinz Field and won't for at least three more weeks. the Steelers don't return home until Dec. 12.My take on ex-kicker Jeff Reed. I was a huge Reed fan. Reed might have been a drunken frat boy who loved to party, but come game day, Reed was money, especially in Heinz Field. However, Reed did himself a great disservice by blasting the Rooneys and VP of football operations Kevin Colbert in the summer for not extending his contract (strike one), for missing kicks (strike two) and for making excuses for missing said kicks (strike three).Reed was ejected for criticizing the fans and the turf at Heinz Field, which face it, will never be mistaken for the fairway at Augusta National, but itis ground that Reed kicked on with success for over eight seasons.Kickers can lose it at the blink of an eye. I wish Jeff Reed the best of luck, but here is hoping the Steelers never have to find out if Suisham can make a 40-yard plusfield goal toward the open end of Heinz Field, down by two, with less than 30 seconds to go in the game. If Suisham's past history is any indication, the Steelers are doomed, and Reed will get the last laugh.Last thing this Steeler Nation member needs is nightmares of Kris Brown and Todd Peterson coming back in December and January.Mike Wallace is Officially the No. 1 ReceiverWhile I don't want to marginalize Hines Ward's role on the team, Mike Wallace has become the Steelers go-to receiver. Sure, Ward is still important to the team, especially on third-and-shorts and in the running game, but Wallace is slowly becoming the team's No. 1 receiver.Everyone knows about Wallace's speed, but it was a 27-yard catch in the first quarter that confirmed it for me. It jump-started a Steelers offense that day, but it also showed Wallace's ability to catch the ball in traffic while covered. The Steelers scored their first touchdown on that drive and never looked back.Wallace later took a short crossing route to the end zone for a 52-yard touchdown. No one in the league is going to catch Wallace from behind, and his progression this season from last season has been one of the bright spots on offense.It is good to see embattled offensive coordinator Bruce Arians finding more ways to get Wallace the ball beside through deep throws and reverses. Wallace is not just a one-trick pony anymore. He is developing into an all-around receiver.With Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders developing as well, the future of Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
Steelers receiving corps is bright.ConclusionThe Steelers answered the bell after a disaster against the Patriots. Last season, the Steelers lost a fourth quarter lead and could not hang on to beat the Raiders, which further put the Steelers in the downward spiral. That 2009 game against the Raiders defined the Steelers season.Will this season's game against the Raiders define the 2010 Steelers?It remains to be seen, but in today's week-to-week NFL, the immediate future shines bright on the Men of Steel.
2010年12月16日星期四
16 Dec 10 Exclusive Interview with Legendary Coach Jimmy Johnson
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesIn an exclusive interview with SilverandBlueBlood.com, former Dallas Cowboys coach and two-time Super Bowl winner Jimmy Johnson opened up about Super Bowl XLV, the mess known as the Minnesota Vikings, the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones, Jason Garrett, Tony Romo, Brett Favre and more.Who will make it to the Super Bowl? Are the Atlanta Falcons the real deal? Which team is a bigger mess right now? The Vikings or the Cowboys?Does Jason Garrett have a legitimate shot at being the permanent head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?Is Jerry Jones a good general manager?How would Jimmy Johnson go about turning the Dallas Cowboys around?Any chance Jimmy Johnson returns to coach the Dallas Cowboys?We got the answers right... Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
here.[You can hear the audio version of the interview here. My apologies that the audio cuts off the last three minutes of the interview due to a technical glitch. Still, Jimmy was greatness.]Dateline: 10:45am Central Time, Tuesday, November 23, 2010Crown Royal Jimmy BowlSBB: I understand we have this opportunity thanks to Crown Royal. In addition to Super Bowl XLV, we are getting ready for Jimmy Bowl I. Is that right?Jimmy Johnson: That's it, and they can go to CrownRoyal.com, and they can see some videos that I've put together to give them some inspiration to put together a short video or a short essay to convince me that they should win the contest. If they win, it will mean an all-expenses paid for an adult and four friends to Dallas and Cowboys Stadium to be coached in the game by me. It will be quite a trip for somebody.SBB: Oh, man. That sounds like a great time. So, you're the judge and jury. They have to tailor this thing to impress Jimmy Johnson.JJ: Exactly right. If they will watch those videos on CrownRoyal.com, I think it will give them some inspiration.SBB: Alright. We will pass that word along. Speaking of the Super Bowl, we're through week 11 now. Things are starting to shape up a little bit. Teams are starting to separate themselves. Right now, who are your favorites to represent the two conferences?JJ: The way this season has gone, every week it's been new teams. Right now, I think the Green Bay Packers are playing extremely well. I like what they're doing. They have been able to overcome a lot of injuries. And the New England Patriots, even though they are really young on defense, they have shown they can go out and win the big game.More Jimmy Johnson GreatnessSBB: What about these Atlanta Falcons sitting at 8-2? Are you buying into this? Do you think they have the mettle to make a deep run?JJ: Yeah, I think Atlanta, they have been very consistent. Their quarterback has played very well. They've got a good defense. Plus, they play extremely well at home. I think it would be very important for Atlanta, if they could get enough victories to where they could have home field advantage, then they could make a run at this thing.SBB: What about a dark horse? Is there any team that is maybe flying under the radar that you have your eyes on?JJ: Well, I don't know about under the radar. I think Philadelphia with Michael Vick, if he stays healthy, you know, he's going to be a factor. Who knows about the AFC? You've got San Diego that looked great last night. You've got Indianapolis, who know if they can get some of their people back and healthy? Then you've got the Pittsburgh Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger. So, it's a wide-open race, really in both conferences.SBB: Obviously, there is a couple of teams that are bitterly disappointed in the way their season has gone thus far and both of them have made coaching changes. Minnesota and Dallas. Which of those two do you think is in the bigger mess right now?JJ: I think Minnesota's in a huge mess. You know, they've got problems at the quarterback position. Brett Favre is turning the ball over and obviously his career is about done. You really don't know what (Tavaris) Jackson can do. Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
He did take them to the playoffs a few years ago, but he's still not on the field. Then you've got the coaching change. And then you've got a lot of veterans that seem to be sniping at one another. You look at the broadcast last week and there's arguments with coaches, arguments among players. So, right now, I think that's a bigger problem.Still More JimmyWith the Cowboys, I think Jason Garrett has gone in and turned some things around, he's added some discipline. He's a highly-intelligent, organized coach. I think he's going to do a nice job. Plus, they've got the players in place. Even though Romo is injured, you know, for the future, he's an outstanding quarterback.SBB: I don't know how much you know about what we do here, but I am in the Dallas area and primarily write about the Dallas Cowboys, so our audience is really focused on the Cowboys.JJ: Right.SBB: What do you think Jason Garrett has to do to convince Jerry to name him the permanent head coach?JJ: I think Jerry Jones really is a hundred percent behind Jason. I think he really would love for him to be the head coach. Obviously, Jason has to show that he can do it. I think the first couple of games have been a good start for him. I think if he can get a few more wins and establish that the team is going to play well for him, that they're going to be efficient, and they are going to give great effort, I think he has an excellent chance of winning that job.SBB: Obviously, you know Jerry really well. So, do you think in his heart of hearts, he's really pulling for Garrett to win this thing, or is he wanting to go out and make one of those Jerry Jones splashes in the offseason and grab a Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden or someone else, and kind of jerk the attention back to the Cowboys?Tom Pennington/Getty ImagesJJ: In my personal opinion, and this is an opinion, I just think he's a hundred percent for Jason Garrett. He would love for Jason Garrett to prove that he should be the guy.SBB: I have always been a Cowboys fan and you certainly brought a lot of excitement to this area when you were here. I remember how excited I was to get my hands on your book, "Turning the Thing Around," which you wrote, I think, after you won the first Super Bowl.JJ: After the first Super Bowl, right.SBB: Let's say this responsibility was yours again, to turn this organization around, which obviously it would be a different job this time, because, as you indicated, they have talent in place which you really didn't have then. Let's say you are in Jerry's shoes or Jason's shoes: What is the top priority to get this thing on the right track?JJ: The number one thing is making sure everyone in the organization—the players and everybody working there—believes that they're going to get it done. And then they work at it. You've got to make sure that every body's putting in the work and you've got to have the discipline to go out there and get the job done.I think the Cowboys got soft. They got soft physically and they got soft mentally. And you just can't go out there and execute and make mistakes. They were a sloppy football team the last two or three years. You can't be a sloppy football team and be successful in the NFL.Tom Pennington/Getty ImagesSBB: Obviously, coming into the season, a lot of people were picking the Cowboys as a favorite to at least be in the hunt for playing the Super Bowl that they host. Did we overestimate the talent or did we just underestimate the importance of having strong leadership?JJ: I still believe—I don't think anybody disagrees with me—that they're a talented football team. The talent's there, but the talent was not performing.SBB: Jerry Jones has been the General Manager as well as the owner for 22 years. For about 16 of those years, it probably started the day you walked out, there's been a raging debate about whether Jerry Jones is a good general manager. Obviously, he has the three Super Bowl rings and a lot of success early on. And then we had the struggles through three 5-11 seasons, and then the Bill Parcells era...is Jerry Jones a good general manager in your opinion?JJ: First of all, when I was there, it was in my contract that I had complete control over personnel and football operations: personnel, players and coaches. That caused a little bit of a conflict there at the end. So, once I left, Jerry wanted to make sure it was a group decision. It would be Jerry and his Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
family, Stephen in particular, along with the personnel director Tom Ciskowksi, and then also the head coach.People have a misconception about Jerry meddling and making sure that he's making all the decisions. He's part of the decision-making just like the whole group. But Jerry does not meddle as much as people think. I don't think he's ever going to change that structure of the decision-making. Like I said, after I left he changed that.Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesNow, having said that, as long as he has a strong personality as the head coach, like when he had Parcells, Jerry's going to listen to the strong personality. So, really, the strong personality as a head coach is going to get done what he wants done. So, I don't see it being a conflict.SBB: Well, Garrett seems to have that type of personality, from what we see. Of course, we don't know him the way you do and the way Jerry does. Do you think he has the type personality to be able to manage Jerry? I don't know if that's really the right way to put it. The right personality to manage to work with Jerry and have the kind of success he wants to have?JJ: I really think so. Of course, it's hard to predict how an assistant coach is going to fare as a head coach, because it is a different role. But I think he's got the qualities to be successful.SBB: I'm glad you brought that up, because that segues into my next thing. I am not a big Survivor fan, but my wife watches every episode since day one. But when I learned you were going to be on it, obviously, I was in. So, I watched every episode until they voted you off...JJ: (laughter)SBB: I wasn't entirely sure you didn't orchestrate that, too. I told my wife, "Look, he knows how to get things done. He'll leave when he's ready to leave.JJ: (more laughter)SBB: It would have been obvious to anyone watching that you are a leader, whether they knew who you were or not. There's no question, leaders lead. In my opinion, leadership skills are at least as important, if not more important than X's and O's skills in being a successful head coach. Do you agree with that?JJ: Without question. In fact, one of the conversations I had with Jason Garrett, you know, sometimes X's and O's get so complicated, and a coach gets so into that that he forgets the most important thing is players win ballgames. Make sure that the players are properly equipped and motivated to do their jobs. A head coach has to be able to oversee all facets of the team and of the game.SBB: One final question every Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
Cowboys fan wants me to ask. Is there any chance Jerry Jones makes the biggest splash of his football life and announces that Jimmy Johnson is returning to coach the Dallas Cowboys?JJ: (laughter) Well, I am happy with my life and my lifestyle. I'm happy doing the work I do for Fox Network. So, no. Probably not.
here.[You can hear the audio version of the interview here. My apologies that the audio cuts off the last three minutes of the interview due to a technical glitch. Still, Jimmy was greatness.]Dateline: 10:45am Central Time, Tuesday, November 23, 2010Crown Royal Jimmy BowlSBB: I understand we have this opportunity thanks to Crown Royal. In addition to Super Bowl XLV, we are getting ready for Jimmy Bowl I. Is that right?Jimmy Johnson: That's it, and they can go to CrownRoyal.com, and they can see some videos that I've put together to give them some inspiration to put together a short video or a short essay to convince me that they should win the contest. If they win, it will mean an all-expenses paid for an adult and four friends to Dallas and Cowboys Stadium to be coached in the game by me. It will be quite a trip for somebody.SBB: Oh, man. That sounds like a great time. So, you're the judge and jury. They have to tailor this thing to impress Jimmy Johnson.JJ: Exactly right. If they will watch those videos on CrownRoyal.com, I think it will give them some inspiration.SBB: Alright. We will pass that word along. Speaking of the Super Bowl, we're through week 11 now. Things are starting to shape up a little bit. Teams are starting to separate themselves. Right now, who are your favorites to represent the two conferences?JJ: The way this season has gone, every week it's been new teams. Right now, I think the Green Bay Packers are playing extremely well. I like what they're doing. They have been able to overcome a lot of injuries. And the New England Patriots, even though they are really young on defense, they have shown they can go out and win the big game.More Jimmy Johnson GreatnessSBB: What about these Atlanta Falcons sitting at 8-2? Are you buying into this? Do you think they have the mettle to make a deep run?JJ: Yeah, I think Atlanta, they have been very consistent. Their quarterback has played very well. They've got a good defense. Plus, they play extremely well at home. I think it would be very important for Atlanta, if they could get enough victories to where they could have home field advantage, then they could make a run at this thing.SBB: What about a dark horse? Is there any team that is maybe flying under the radar that you have your eyes on?JJ: Well, I don't know about under the radar. I think Philadelphia with Michael Vick, if he stays healthy, you know, he's going to be a factor. Who knows about the AFC? You've got San Diego that looked great last night. You've got Indianapolis, who know if they can get some of their people back and healthy? Then you've got the Pittsburgh Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger. So, it's a wide-open race, really in both conferences.SBB: Obviously, there is a couple of teams that are bitterly disappointed in the way their season has gone thus far and both of them have made coaching changes. Minnesota and Dallas. Which of those two do you think is in the bigger mess right now?JJ: I think Minnesota's in a huge mess. You know, they've got problems at the quarterback position. Brett Favre is turning the ball over and obviously his career is about done. You really don't know what (Tavaris) Jackson can do. Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
He did take them to the playoffs a few years ago, but he's still not on the field. Then you've got the coaching change. And then you've got a lot of veterans that seem to be sniping at one another. You look at the broadcast last week and there's arguments with coaches, arguments among players. So, right now, I think that's a bigger problem.Still More JimmyWith the Cowboys, I think Jason Garrett has gone in and turned some things around, he's added some discipline. He's a highly-intelligent, organized coach. I think he's going to do a nice job. Plus, they've got the players in place. Even though Romo is injured, you know, for the future, he's an outstanding quarterback.SBB: I don't know how much you know about what we do here, but I am in the Dallas area and primarily write about the Dallas Cowboys, so our audience is really focused on the Cowboys.JJ: Right.SBB: What do you think Jason Garrett has to do to convince Jerry to name him the permanent head coach?JJ: I think Jerry Jones really is a hundred percent behind Jason. I think he really would love for him to be the head coach. Obviously, Jason has to show that he can do it. I think the first couple of games have been a good start for him. I think if he can get a few more wins and establish that the team is going to play well for him, that they're going to be efficient, and they are going to give great effort, I think he has an excellent chance of winning that job.SBB: Obviously, you know Jerry really well. So, do you think in his heart of hearts, he's really pulling for Garrett to win this thing, or is he wanting to go out and make one of those Jerry Jones splashes in the offseason and grab a Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden or someone else, and kind of jerk the attention back to the Cowboys?Tom Pennington/Getty ImagesJJ: In my personal opinion, and this is an opinion, I just think he's a hundred percent for Jason Garrett. He would love for Jason Garrett to prove that he should be the guy.SBB: I have always been a Cowboys fan and you certainly brought a lot of excitement to this area when you were here. I remember how excited I was to get my hands on your book, "Turning the Thing Around," which you wrote, I think, after you won the first Super Bowl.JJ: After the first Super Bowl, right.SBB: Let's say this responsibility was yours again, to turn this organization around, which obviously it would be a different job this time, because, as you indicated, they have talent in place which you really didn't have then. Let's say you are in Jerry's shoes or Jason's shoes: What is the top priority to get this thing on the right track?JJ: The number one thing is making sure everyone in the organization—the players and everybody working there—believes that they're going to get it done. And then they work at it. You've got to make sure that every body's putting in the work and you've got to have the discipline to go out there and get the job done.I think the Cowboys got soft. They got soft physically and they got soft mentally. And you just can't go out there and execute and make mistakes. They were a sloppy football team the last two or three years. You can't be a sloppy football team and be successful in the NFL.Tom Pennington/Getty ImagesSBB: Obviously, coming into the season, a lot of people were picking the Cowboys as a favorite to at least be in the hunt for playing the Super Bowl that they host. Did we overestimate the talent or did we just underestimate the importance of having strong leadership?JJ: I still believe—I don't think anybody disagrees with me—that they're a talented football team. The talent's there, but the talent was not performing.SBB: Jerry Jones has been the General Manager as well as the owner for 22 years. For about 16 of those years, it probably started the day you walked out, there's been a raging debate about whether Jerry Jones is a good general manager. Obviously, he has the three Super Bowl rings and a lot of success early on. And then we had the struggles through three 5-11 seasons, and then the Bill Parcells era...is Jerry Jones a good general manager in your opinion?JJ: First of all, when I was there, it was in my contract that I had complete control over personnel and football operations: personnel, players and coaches. That caused a little bit of a conflict there at the end. So, once I left, Jerry wanted to make sure it was a group decision. It would be Jerry and his Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
family, Stephen in particular, along with the personnel director Tom Ciskowksi, and then also the head coach.People have a misconception about Jerry meddling and making sure that he's making all the decisions. He's part of the decision-making just like the whole group. But Jerry does not meddle as much as people think. I don't think he's ever going to change that structure of the decision-making. Like I said, after I left he changed that.Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesNow, having said that, as long as he has a strong personality as the head coach, like when he had Parcells, Jerry's going to listen to the strong personality. So, really, the strong personality as a head coach is going to get done what he wants done. So, I don't see it being a conflict.SBB: Well, Garrett seems to have that type of personality, from what we see. Of course, we don't know him the way you do and the way Jerry does. Do you think he has the type personality to be able to manage Jerry? I don't know if that's really the right way to put it. The right personality to manage to work with Jerry and have the kind of success he wants to have?JJ: I really think so. Of course, it's hard to predict how an assistant coach is going to fare as a head coach, because it is a different role. But I think he's got the qualities to be successful.SBB: I'm glad you brought that up, because that segues into my next thing. I am not a big Survivor fan, but my wife watches every episode since day one. But when I learned you were going to be on it, obviously, I was in. So, I watched every episode until they voted you off...JJ: (laughter)SBB: I wasn't entirely sure you didn't orchestrate that, too. I told my wife, "Look, he knows how to get things done. He'll leave when he's ready to leave.JJ: (more laughter)SBB: It would have been obvious to anyone watching that you are a leader, whether they knew who you were or not. There's no question, leaders lead. In my opinion, leadership skills are at least as important, if not more important than X's and O's skills in being a successful head coach. Do you agree with that?JJ: Without question. In fact, one of the conversations I had with Jason Garrett, you know, sometimes X's and O's get so complicated, and a coach gets so into that that he forgets the most important thing is players win ballgames. Make sure that the players are properly equipped and motivated to do their jobs. A head coach has to be able to oversee all facets of the team and of the game.SBB: One final question every Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
Cowboys fan wants me to ask. Is there any chance Jerry Jones makes the biggest splash of his football life and announces that Jimmy Johnson is returning to coach the Dallas Cowboys?JJ: (laughter) Well, I am happy with my life and my lifestyle. I'm happy doing the work I do for Fox Network. So, no. Probably not.
2010年12月15日星期三
Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson's Playcalling Awful in Week 12
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesWhen Hue 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
Jackson became the offensive coordinator and took over play-calling duty, he said that he was going to install a power running game. He promised on that as the Raiders entered the game against Miami with the second best rushing offense in the NFL. For some odd reason, he abandoned the running game and decided to air it out.Darren McFadden received just eight rushing attempts. I know he didn't do anything with those eight carries, totalling just two yards, but you have to give him more tries at their defense than that. The Raiders ran the ball just 12 times combined today. That is not what had the Raiders in first place in the AFC West a couple weeks ago.The game was never out of reach until the end, so I don't know why Hue thought it was best to have Gradkowski slinging the ball around instead of handing it off to our best player. Another thing is we aren't even using Michael Bush. He and McFadden are supposed to be a one-two punch. With the QB issues we have, Hue Jackson should have had a run-heavy game plan going into the game.Our time of football jersey
possession for the game was a terrible 18 minutes. That's what happens when you have your QB throw the ball 32 times and give the ball to your starting RB just eight times.Bottom line is the play calling was terrible. Hue Jackson needs to get back to pounding the ball at the defense. You can't just abandon the run if it's not working early. You have to stay committed to what we do best.
Jackson became the offensive coordinator and took over play-calling duty, he said that he was going to install a power running game. He promised on that as the Raiders entered the game against Miami with the second best rushing offense in the NFL. For some odd reason, he abandoned the running game and decided to air it out.Darren McFadden received just eight rushing attempts. I know he didn't do anything with those eight carries, totalling just two yards, but you have to give him more tries at their defense than that. The Raiders ran the ball just 12 times combined today. That is not what had the Raiders in first place in the AFC West a couple weeks ago.The game was never out of reach until the end, so I don't know why Hue thought it was best to have Gradkowski slinging the ball around instead of handing it off to our best player. Another thing is we aren't even using Michael Bush. He and McFadden are supposed to be a one-two punch. With the QB issues we have, Hue Jackson should have had a run-heavy game plan going into the game.Our time of football jersey
possession for the game was a terrible 18 minutes. That's what happens when you have your QB throw the ball 32 times and give the ball to your starting RB just eight times.Bottom line is the play calling was terrible. Hue Jackson needs to get back to pounding the ball at the defense. You can't just abandon the run if it's not working early. You have to stay committed to what we do best.
2010年12月13日星期一
NFL Week 13 Picks: Atlanta at Tampa Bay and St. Louis at Arizona
It was yet another split weekend.
The good news is that St. Louis had a great game. They not only covered the spread as underdogs, but won outright to pay off on the moneyline. The bad news was that the Bills continued to be impressively tough, and they kept it very close against Pittsburgh so the Steelers couldn’t cover.
Actually, Pittsburgh was lucky not to nfl jerseys
lose outright. The winning TD was in a Buffalo receiver’s hand and absolutely should have been a catch.
We’ve been splitting these picks too many weeks now, so here’s hoping these Week 13 NFL picks and odds break that trend in a positive way:
Atlanta (-2) at Tampa Bay (Sunday, December 5, 4 pm ET)
This isn’t a question of disrespecting the Bucs. They are performing at a higher level than they should be given their level of talent, but they are doing it by hard work and surprisingly good coaching. Still, I find it hard to fathom that they can stand up to what has become a very good Atlanta attack.
The Falcons have won five in a row, and they are averaging more than 29 points per game over the course of that stretch. They are a better home team than they are on the road, but they have still won three of their last four on the road. They have also won four in a row against these Bucs, so they are comfortable in this position.
Atlanta is looking very good, and they are highly motivated here as well. With every win they come closer to not only making the playoffs, but also securing home field advantage through the playoffs.
Tampa Bay lost to the Falcons a month ago in Atlanta. In their last four games they have beaten the two struggling teams they have played—Carolina and San Francisco— and have lost to the two good teams—Atlanta and Baltimore. That has been a consistent trend New Orleans Saints jersey
this year; the Bucs beat the teams they need to beat, but struggle against the elite teams.
The Falcons are unquestionably elite, and they only need to win this one by a field goal, so this is a nice NFL line for the Falcons, and by extension for those of us who want to bet on them.
St. Louis (-3) at Arizona (Sunday, December 5, 4 pm ET)
This game opened at -3. It can still be found there, though it’s moving to 3.5, and will likely be at least there by game time. If you like the Rams, then the sooner you bet on them, the better. Arizona has won the last eight meetings between these squads —including one earlier this year—so betting on the Rams would see the end of a long trend.
The field seems to be set for that, though. Arizona has lost six in a row, and they have looked worse and worse as the season has progressed. Derek Anderson capped the last game with one of the more ridiculous post-game tirades in recent history. The Cardinals lack direction, their QB situation is a joke, the defense has been lousy; they are bordering on hopeless.
The Rams are a very different case. Sam football jerseys
Bradford is playing nothing like a rookie, especially in recent weeks. They are in first place in the pathetic NFC West despite being below .500, and they seem to have a team-wide belief in what they are doing.
When you have a team with a great attitude and solid recent form going up against a team in a deep funk, the decision is often reasonably easy. When the team with the good attitude is also the more talented squad then the pick becomes clear.
I’d like the Rams at -3.5, but I really like them at -3.
The good news is that St. Louis had a great game. They not only covered the spread as underdogs, but won outright to pay off on the moneyline. The bad news was that the Bills continued to be impressively tough, and they kept it very close against Pittsburgh so the Steelers couldn’t cover.
Actually, Pittsburgh was lucky not to nfl jerseys
lose outright. The winning TD was in a Buffalo receiver’s hand and absolutely should have been a catch.
We’ve been splitting these picks too many weeks now, so here’s hoping these Week 13 NFL picks and odds break that trend in a positive way:
Atlanta (-2) at Tampa Bay (Sunday, December 5, 4 pm ET)
This isn’t a question of disrespecting the Bucs. They are performing at a higher level than they should be given their level of talent, but they are doing it by hard work and surprisingly good coaching. Still, I find it hard to fathom that they can stand up to what has become a very good Atlanta attack.
The Falcons have won five in a row, and they are averaging more than 29 points per game over the course of that stretch. They are a better home team than they are on the road, but they have still won three of their last four on the road. They have also won four in a row against these Bucs, so they are comfortable in this position.
Atlanta is looking very good, and they are highly motivated here as well. With every win they come closer to not only making the playoffs, but also securing home field advantage through the playoffs.
Tampa Bay lost to the Falcons a month ago in Atlanta. In their last four games they have beaten the two struggling teams they have played—Carolina and San Francisco— and have lost to the two good teams—Atlanta and Baltimore. That has been a consistent trend New Orleans Saints jersey
this year; the Bucs beat the teams they need to beat, but struggle against the elite teams.
The Falcons are unquestionably elite, and they only need to win this one by a field goal, so this is a nice NFL line for the Falcons, and by extension for those of us who want to bet on them.
St. Louis (-3) at Arizona (Sunday, December 5, 4 pm ET)
This game opened at -3. It can still be found there, though it’s moving to 3.5, and will likely be at least there by game time. If you like the Rams, then the sooner you bet on them, the better. Arizona has won the last eight meetings between these squads —including one earlier this year—so betting on the Rams would see the end of a long trend.
The field seems to be set for that, though. Arizona has lost six in a row, and they have looked worse and worse as the season has progressed. Derek Anderson capped the last game with one of the more ridiculous post-game tirades in recent history. The Cardinals lack direction, their QB situation is a joke, the defense has been lousy; they are bordering on hopeless.
The Rams are a very different case. Sam football jerseys
Bradford is playing nothing like a rookie, especially in recent weeks. They are in first place in the pathetic NFC West despite being below .500, and they seem to have a team-wide belief in what they are doing.
When you have a team with a great attitude and solid recent form going up against a team in a deep funk, the decision is often reasonably easy. When the team with the good attitude is also the more talented squad then the pick becomes clear.
I’d like the Rams at -3.5, but I really like them at -3.
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