tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13502495422082625302024-03-13T11:05:49.654-05:00Disappointment Domain- Philadelphia SportsOne fan's perspective from a culture of losing.Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-57603821816738529662008-01-21T23:02:00.001-05:002008-01-21T23:03:35.971-05:00Say Goodbye<span style="font-size:85%;">I'm not closing this one, but I'm making a move. My new address is:<br /><br />http://broadstblog.blogspot.com/<br /><br />For reasons mentioned in the inaugural post made over there. This will stay up as an archive for what I've written before, but it was just time for a change. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at the new blog.<br /></span>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-8175194272359597582008-01-08T21:28:00.000-05:002008-01-08T21:30:01.771-05:002007 NFL Review: Browns and Ravens<span style="font-size:85%;">Since I'm fishing for updates, let's review my 2007 NFL previews.<br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:City> Browns:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Their Offensive Line was very good.<span style=""> </span>They improved their running game tremendously and their pass protection was much better.<span style=""> </span>Not only that, they did it all without LeCharles Bentley.<span style=""> </span>D’Qwell <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is really the only guy who delivered.<span style=""> </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Davis</st1:City></st1:place> missed some starts, McGinest was never that good and Wimbley took a step back.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They became very settled at the skill positions in a hurry.<span style=""> </span>Derek Anderson, a guy that was irrelevant to pro football, steps in for Charlie Frye and leads one of the league’s highest scoring offenses.<span style=""> </span>Braylon Edwards broke out and emerged as a star.<span style=""> </span>Winslow helped out a lot, and Jamal Lewis played well.<span style=""> </span>Their defense was as poor as advertised.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> they beat expectations easily.<span style=""> </span>They nearly made the playoffs, and in the beginning of the year, I was really worried the Cowboys would get their pick and get an elite talent.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Jamal Lewis.<span style=""> </span>He proved his tank wasn’t empty yet.<span style=""> </span>He had his best YPC in three years and he set career highs in the receiving game.<span style=""> </span>They want to bring him back for next year, and why not?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Brady Quinn.<span style=""> </span>Maybe next year.<span style=""> </span>He really didn’t play that much, and there was no reason for him to with the way <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:City> emerged.<span style=""> </span>I figured he would play more than he did.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>As for next year…</b> they’re definitely going in the right direction now.<span style=""> </span>They don’t have a first round pick, so they’re going to have to draft smartly and find a way to improve the defense.<span style=""> </span>They also have a decision to make at Quarterback.<span style=""> </span>Derek Anderson is a restricted free agent, so the Browns will be able to match any offer.<span style=""> </span>He could be traded; without a first round pick, moving <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:City> for a nice package could really help them address their needs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:City> Ravens:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Their defense was not as good, and their record, and ultimately their head coach, paid the price.<span style=""> </span>The scoring defense allowed twice as many points as last year.<span style=""> </span>They allowed more yards, and to be frank, their truly strong unit wasn’t good this year.<span style=""> </span>If the Ravens don’t have defense, they’re in a lot of trouble and it showed.<span style=""> </span>McGahee had his best YPC, but he didn’t find the end zone as much as the Ravens would’ve liked.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> It wasn’t exactly a difficult prediction, but their offense stunk.<span style=""> </span>Their offense wasn’t even close to adequate.<span style=""> </span>Steve McNair was banged up and not effective, and Kyle Boller was equally ineffective.<span style=""> </span>Troy Smith provided a spark for a few quarters at the end of the year, but the Ravens need stability in the passing game.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> they went as far as their offense took them: not far.<span style=""> </span>Todd Heap was banged up again, and Mark Clayton went to the Reggie Brown school of development.<span style=""> </span>When their defense didn’t play as well as they have in recent years, it was all over.<span style=""> </span>They didn’t replace Adalius Thomas’ pass rushing ability, and that could’ve been a factor in their defensive struggles.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Willis McGahee.<span style=""> </span>Eh, I’d say he played pretty well, considering the circumstances.<span style=""> </span>He was a decent runner and might’ve been the best player on this putrid offense.<span style=""> </span>He wore down the Patriots and almost gave <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:City> a chance to pull that upset.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Ben Grubbs.<span style=""> </span>He wasn’t bad.<span style=""> </span>He played in all 16 games and got 12 starts, which isn’t bad for a rookie. <span style=""> </span>The Ravens are hoping he continues his development and helps out the running game between the tackles.</span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>As for next year…</b> the Ravens have a lot of questions to answer, and their head coach is one of them.<span style=""> </span>I think they might’ve made a mistake firing Rex Ryan.<span style=""> </span>I know they wanted to clean house, but Ryan is a quality coach that should’ve been kept on.<span style=""> </span>Their offense is awful and with Suggs leaving, they have another defensive player to replace.</span><br /></span>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-22494192079285675052007-12-26T00:01:00.000-05:002007-12-26T00:02:38.366-05:00City Six<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">We’re two months into the college hoops season, and frankly, it’s probably been that long since my last update.<span style=""> </span>Let’s take a look at City Six basketball and see how the season is going.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Villanova 9-1</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">W Penn 87-61</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:place st="on">W Temple</st1:place> 101-93</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They’re unbeaten in the city so far, and with two games left, they’ll probably maintain their dominance.<span style=""> </span>They’re just so far and away better than the rest of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philadelphia</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>Their only loss on the season is against NC State, a mediocre ACC team whose best player is a big guy, who you would expect to be about to beat the Wildcats.<span style=""> </span>Scottie Reynolds is leading the team in scoring again, but perhaps the biggest key to their season as they enter Big East play is how well their two other experienced players do: Dante Cunningham and Shane Clark.<span style=""> </span>Both of these guys having taken larger roles in the offense this year, and they’ve improved their averages from a year ago.<span style=""> </span>These two juniors are really the only big plays Jay Wright has to work with, so as Cunningham and Clark go, so do the Wildcats.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:City> 6-5</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">L Villanova 101-93</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:place st="on">W Drexel</st1:place> 64-51</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:City> is in its second year under Fran Dunphy, and once again, they’re playing a pretty tough schedule.<span style=""> </span>With games against <st1:state st="on">Tennessee</st1:State>, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:State> and Duke, the Owls are pretty much asking for punishment.<span style=""> </span>Dionte Christmas and Mark Tyndale are once again providing the scoring, but they’re not getting so much from anyone else.<span style=""> </span>They’re still a pretty young team, so <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:City> is going to go through some growing pains in A10 play.<span style=""> </span>Someone besides Christmas or Tyndale is going to have to step up before this Owls team breaks through and stops sputtering around .500.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>St. Joe’s 5-4</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Hawks have had a couple tough losses to top 25 teams.<span style=""> </span>Besides maybe Holy Cross, all of their losses are against tough teams, so they might be a little better than their record indicates.<span style=""> </span>Like <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:City>, Phil Martelli is working with a pretty young team.<span style=""> </span>Pat Calathes, Ahmad Nivins and Rob Ferguson are veteran players, but some of the younger players on this team could help get the Hawks back onto the national scene very soon.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:place st="on">La Salle</st1:place> 4-6</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I hate to just keep saying “they’re a young team” for everyone that isn’t Villanova, but the Explorers are.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, their best player will not be back for next season.<span style=""> </span>Darnell Harris leads the team in scoring as a senior.<span style=""> </span>They don’t get much scoring from anyone else, so other guys need to chip in for <st1:place st="on">La Salle</st1:place> to start playing better.<span style=""> </span>Two of their others players, Rodney Green and Ruben Guillandeaux, are sophomores, so when they continue to get better, the Explorers could start winning some games.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Drexel 6-5, 0-1</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">W Penn 67-59</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">L <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:City> 64-51</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">After a strong 06-07 campaign, Drexel looked to build on their success with a potential tournament berth.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately for the Dragons, it looks unlikely.<span style=""> </span>They lost three key players, and they haven’t adequately replaced their ability.<span style=""> </span>Frank Elegar is the best player on the team for the second consecutive season, but he doesn’t have any help.<span style=""> </span>I know Bruiser Flint runs an aggressive defensive style of play, but someone else needs to score points.<span style=""> </span>Tramayne Hawthorne has been turning the ball over more than last year, and the Dragons cannot afford to make many mistakes.<span style=""> </span>If their huge loss to George Mason is any indication on how conference play will go, the CAA will not treat Drexel kindly this year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Penn 4-7</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">L Drexel 67-69</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">L Villanova 87-61</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">It was expected to be a down year for the Quakers.<span style=""> </span>They weren’t the preseason favorite to win the Ivy League for the first time since Herbert Hoover’s presidency, but they’ve had a rougher go of things than anyone expected.<span style=""> </span>Mark Zoller and Ibrahim Jaaber were great players, and it’s tough to replace guys that completely carried the team.<span style=""> </span>Two of Penn’s key players, Tyler Bernardini and Jack Eggleston are freshmen, so their experience now is going to help the Quakers in the future.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">There’s my uninformed outlook on City Six basketball.<span style=""> </span>Look for me to continue to be uninformed in later entries. </span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-81491646906642371022007-11-19T00:41:00.000-05:002007-11-19T00:43:25.697-05:00Feeley? You kidding me, Feeley? I just hope we can complete a pass!<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">For the first time all season, the Eagles have won two games in a row and sitting at .500.<span style=""> </span>Of course, they figure to be below .500 after next week, but I’ll get to that later.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They only won by 10 points, but they outplayed the Dolphins by more than that.<span style=""> </span>The defense was great.<span style=""> </span>Although they didn’t sack John Beck or even force a turnover, they won the game today.<span style=""> </span>With the exception of a few nice runs, Chatman was bottled up and a non-factor.<span style=""> </span>Despite being kept clean most of the game, Beck looked uncomfortable in the pocket, but Rich Gannon might’ve been the most flustered QB in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Philadelphia</st1:City></st1:place> today.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Although it was late in the game, the incredible goal line stand by the defense was the backbreaker.<span style=""> </span>The Dolphins had made some big plays on that drive, and it looked like the momentum was swinging back in their favor.<span style=""> </span>After a Trent Cole tackle for loss, a lucky deflection by Takeo Spikes and another nice play by Spikes to stop Chatman short of the goal line, Cam Cameron made an explicitly poor play call, in which Juqua Thomas tackled Chatman 13 yards behind the line of scrimmage on a toss play.<span style=""> </span>It was a dumb play to call with the game on the line, and the play design is so bad it should be tossed out of the playbook.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Brian Westbrook had one of his best games, and he was completely taken out of the passing game.<span style=""> </span>He had career highs in carries and rushing yards, which we should’ve expected going into a game against one of the league’s worst run defenses.<span style=""> </span>However, one might wonder if that would’ve happened if McNabb didn’t get hurt.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">On a play before halftime, a DB hit McNabb hard on a blitz, and he limped off the field.<span style=""> </span>After a collective groan from Eagles fans, the prevailing feeling of “here we go again,” and some x-rays, McNabb only has an ankle sprain, and he should be good to go pretty soon.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The fans calling for McNabb’s head and demanding Feeley or Kolb to play got their wish.<span style=""> </span>However, A.J. only showed that McNabb is still the best option for this team.<span style=""> </span>Don’t get me wrong; Feeley did enough to win, but this wasn’t a full game.<span style=""> </span>I don’t trust him for a big chunk of games.<span style=""> </span>He’s okay if he has to fill in, but the Eagles are looking to win games, and over the course of a month or two, he’d prove to be detrimental.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Almost immediately after he came into the game, Feeley did nothing to stop the Eagles’ turnover problems.<span style=""> </span>He became part of the problem when he badly underthrew a receiver on top of making a bad decision to throw that way in the first place.<span style=""> </span>It was another Dolphin red zone pick, taking more points off the scoreboard for the Eagles.<span style=""> </span>He doesn’t have the arm strength to make difficult throws, and he has pretty spotty accuracy, but I have to give credit where credit is due.<span style=""> </span>He made some nice plays, including a great touch pass in the seam to LJ Smith and a tough TD pass to Jason Avant, who was missing in action since the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Green Bay</st1:City></st1:place></span> game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I’m not defending McNabb’s play today though.<span style=""> </span>He played poorly in the poor weather conditions.<span style=""> </span>His throws were off and he was taking some hard hits.<span style=""> </span>The picks were bad passes and it just wasn’t one of his games.<span style=""> </span>However, I’m not sure what McNabb was doing throwing so many times in the heavy wind and precipitation, which actually cleared up by the end of the game.<span style=""> </span>They should’ve come out pounding the ball from the start.<span style=""> </span>We shouldn’t need to wait for McNabb to get beat up and taken out of the game before we start using Westbrook.<span style=""> </span>Notice how we finally used Buckhalter and Westbrook in the same formation and it worked?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">That leads me into next week.<span style=""> </span>The Patriots just destroyed another opponent, and the Eagles are in the crosshairs next.<span style=""> </span>If the Eagles are going to do the impossible, and let me go on the record right now as saying it won’t happen, things have to be perfect, from the coaching staff all the way down to Reno Mahe.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They need to run the ball.<span style=""> </span>They need to use Westbrook, Buckhalter, Stanley Pritchett, whoever.<span style=""> </span>They need to throw the kitchen sink at the Patriots’ front seven.<span style=""> </span>Don’t get me wrong; they can stop the run, but their best chance at beating the Patriots involves keeping their offense off the field.<span style=""> </span>I’m not sure if this O-Line can hold up in pass protection long enough to give McNabb a chance to win this game himself.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Trent Cole is going to have to play the game of his life.<span style=""> </span>This was his third straight game without a sack, so it’s time for him to break out again.<span style=""> </span>The Eagles need to be able to generate pressure with their front four.<span style=""> </span>If they have to bring the blitz, it’s going to leave too many holes in coverage, which the Patriots weapons will easily be able to exploit.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">One final thing to ponder:<span style=""> </span>If the Eagles were able to beat the Patriots, would this avenge the Super Bowl loss?<span style=""> </span>I guess some could say that ending the perfect season is revenge for being beat in the big game, but I disagree.<span style=""> </span>I never bought into the revenge game hype.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think a championship loser feels any better about their loss if they emerge victorious in the regular season the next year.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-4851724215785094162007-11-17T00:10:00.000-05:002007-11-17T00:11:26.569-05:00Philadelphia Quick Hits<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I’ll get back into the blogging game with this relatively cheap entry.<span style=""> </span>If I like how it goes, maybe I’ll turn this into a regular feature- as regular as I can get, anyway.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Eagles</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They’ll take on the winless Dolphins on Sunday.<span style=""> </span>However, they could be without Brian Westbrook, who hurt his knee lifting weights on Wednesday.<span style=""> </span>Against the Dolphins, he could afford a week off, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.<span style=""> </span>It’s going to be interesting to see if he does suit up but the Eagles aren’t confident in his health.<span style=""> </span>Will they activate both Buckhalter and Hunt?<span style=""> </span>I wouldn’t count on it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jim Johnson basically said this week that Juqua Thomas is the new starter at LDE, and Kearse is losing his snaps to Thomas and second rounder Victor Abiamiri.<span style=""> </span>It’s about time.<span style=""> </span>Kearse has lost his explosiveness, and he plays like he knows it.<span style=""> </span>He doesn’t use his athleticism to rush the passer anymore, and he tries to use a bull rush to generate pressure.<span style=""> </span>It’s not a very effective move for someone who lost a lot of weight.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Eagles are struggling, but they could still have a number of Pro Bowlers.<span style=""> </span>Donovan McNabb and Kevin Curtis are surprisingly close; Brian Westbrook is a lock if he remains healthy; Andrews or Runyan could get a spot; both of the starting Defensive Tackles, Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, are playing great and have been the key to improving the defense.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flyers</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They’re clearly committed to blocking shots, which is very admirable.<span style=""> </span>However, at some point, they need to start playing more soundly in their own zone.<span style=""> </span>They aren’t very aggressive on the back check and they make sloppy passes resulting in turnovers.<span style=""> </span>Martin Biron has been playing great so far, but I’m not sure how long he can keep up with his team constantly being out shot.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Simon Gagne continues to be out of the lineup.<span style=""> </span>Getting Scottie Upshall back was a nice boost because he’s an athletic skater who can score goals.<span style=""> </span>If this team can manage to stay the least bit healthy for a little bit, it will be a first.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I wasn’t so sure that Steve Downie would join the Flyers when his suspension ended, but now I think it’s possible.<span style=""> </span>Ben Eager isn’t showing any offensive ability at all, and the failed 3 on 1 breakaway attempt last night was a huge turning point.<span style=""> </span>Riley Cote hasn’t added much himself.<span style=""> </span>You want a tough guy on the team, but shouldn’t they contribute something else?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>76ers</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They just completed a great comeback against <st1:city st="on">Portland</st1:City>, and not many people were in <st1:place st="on">South Philadelphia</st1:place> to see it.<span style=""> </span>After being outplayed for the entire first half and leaving Sixers fans groaning, they dominated the fourth quarter to pull out the win.<span style=""> </span>They’ve struggled early this season, but like past years, I don’t think we’ll see them tank or stop playing hard.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Believe it or not, young players helped fuel the comeback against the Trailblazers.<span style=""> </span>Thaddeus Young saw significant action for really the first time all season.<span style=""> </span>Jason Smith continued to play a key role in a rotation down low, and Lou Williams provided a scoring spark.<span style=""> </span>It’s time for these guys to start playing a lot of minutes.<span style=""> </span>Their athleticism improves the entire team on the floor.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I don’t know what’s wrong with Andre Miller, but he’s not playing as well as we saw last year.<span style=""> </span>He’s been a very good PG during his career, but this year, Miller has played a different game.<span style=""> </span>He’s taking more shots and not being the distributor he has been his entire career.<span style=""> </span>He’s hurting any trade value he had prior to the season.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Phillies</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Reports say that they have about 10-15 million dollars left in the budget to spend.<span style=""> </span>At some point in the coming days, I’m going to take another look at the numbers and confirm the total.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Pat Gillick says the rest of the resources available will be spent on pitching, but as we’ve seen in his tenure, he doesn’t do what he says, and in fact, he often does the opposite.<span style=""> </span>He names Brett Myers the closer, and trades for Brad Lidge the next day.<span style=""> </span>Fans think the rotation is set when he signs Adam Eaton, and they trade for Freddy Garcia.<span style=""> </span>Don’t take his word too seriously.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I like Shawn Green as a platoon player with Jayson Werth.<span style=""> </span>He’s a very good option against righties, so a straight platoon would help both players.<span style=""> </span>Green can no longer hit lefties, so that could create some matchup problems late, but they need another guy in RF.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>City Six</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I learned that “City Six” is the proper way to talk about Philly college hoops, and not “Big Five Plus One.”<span style=""> </span>We’ll start with the one in the major conference in Villanova.<span style=""> </span>They lost Curtis Sumpter, which means their front court is weaker than it usually is.<span style=""> </span>Scottie Reynolds is a great player, but other guys are going to have to step up.<span style=""> </span>Verdict: about the same as last year.<span style=""> </span>They should get into the tournament and lose early again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Drexel was the underdog story of the year in the city, but they lost a lot.<span style=""> </span>Mejias, Mason and Crawford were some key losses, but they do get their best player back in Frank Elegar.<span style=""> </span>Bruiser <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Flint</st1:place></st1:City> is a great coach, and if he can get his guys to keep working hard, they could make some noise in the CAA again.<span style=""> </span>Verdict: probably worse than last year.<span style=""> </span>They’re inexperienced.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:place st="on">La Salle</st1:place> struggled last season after losing Stephen Smith, and I expect the same from them this year.<span style=""> </span>I really don’t know that much about them, so I’m not going to pretend that I do.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">St Joe’s played well in front of the nation earlier this week against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Syracuse</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>They’re pretty young, but they could develop into one of the better teams in the A10.<span style=""> </span>Pat Calathes has been around through the rebuilding since the Elite Eight run, and he could lead this otherwise inexperienced team.<span style=""> </span>Verdict: they should improve on last year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:City> is another young team looking to get better in the A10, but they’ve struggled early on this year.<span style=""> </span>They’ve blown a couple of big leads and didn’t wrap up games when they should have.<span style=""> </span>However, when push comes to shove, Fran Dunphy is a good coach and will get these guys ready to play more often than not.<span style=""> </span>Dionte Christmas is just one player looking to continue to revive <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:City> basketball.<span style=""> </span>Verdict: they should improve on last year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Penn is another team I don’t know much about.<span style=""> </span>I do know they lost their two best players from last year, and their dynasty of sorts in the Ivy League could be in danger.<span style=""> </span></span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-8206751632553989682007-10-21T11:30:00.000-05:002007-10-21T11:31:40.100-05:00Why I'm afraid of the Chicago Bears<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I return to blogging with this game day entry.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Around the internet this week, there are a lot of people calling this game in the Eagles’ favor.<span style=""> </span>The Bears aren’t very good on the road, but this game is going to be a challenge.<span style=""> </span>I don’t see a lopsided game like some are predicting.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Bears defense hasn’t been very good so far, but it’s still going to present difficulties for the Eagles offense.<span style=""> </span>They run a defense similar to the fabled <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tampa</st1:place></st1:City> 2 scheme.<span style=""> </span>This means that, for most of the game, the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City> corners are going to be playing physical with our receivers and jamming them at the line.<span style=""> </span>The Eagles have struggled with this so far in 2007.<span style=""> </span>Their record when the defense doesn’t employ press coverage: 2-0.<span style=""> </span>Their record when they do?<span style=""> </span>0-3.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">It throws off the timing of the passing game.<span style=""> </span>If the receivers aren’t quick or strong enough to get off the line, McNabb is going to take his three or five step drops and not find anyone open.<span style=""> </span>That will make McNabb hold onto the ball too long, and he ends up on his back like we’ve seen throughout the year.<span style=""> </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City> has a great pass rush, so the line is going to have to hold up today.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If the Cover 2 has one weakness in pass defense, it’s how the middle of the defense is open.<span style=""> </span>When the safeties are splitting the field deep and the corners are staying around the flats, the linebackers are relied on to cover just about the entire field.<span style=""> </span>Ask any Tight End at any level of football, and they will tell you they love the Cover 2.<span style=""> </span>It leaves seams and windows open in the defense for them to roam around and make plays.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, the Eagles can’t take advantage of this weakness.<span style=""> </span>LJ Smith is out again, and Matt Schobel and Brent Celek haven’t come close to matching Smith’s production so far.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If the Eagles are going to score a lot of points, they need to run the ball.<span style=""> </span>Everyone says that every week, but it’s especially true today.<span style=""> </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City>’s run defense has been awful, and they’re really banged up.<span style=""> </span>The middle of the defense hasn’t been strong for a couple years now, mostly because Tommie Harris spends a lot of time on the sideline and they have little depth behind him.<span style=""> </span>They need to find a way to get as many as 35 carries for Westbrook, Buckhalter and maybe even Tony Hunt.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Bears have one weapon on offense and special teams.<span style=""> </span>I’m not worried about Brian Griese.<span style=""> </span>He’s going to make his throws, but he’ll always make his share of mistakes.<span style=""> </span>Cedric Benson hasn’t played up to his draft status and contract so far in his career.<span style=""> </span>Muhammad’s physical, but the Eagles can handle him.<span style=""> </span>Berrian’s fast, but the Eagles can handle him.<span style=""> </span>Tight Ends haven’t had success against the Eagles all year, so I think Gocong can handle Olsen.<span style=""> </span>They need to find a way to stop Devin Hester.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">He’s obviously a weapon in the return game.<span style=""> </span>This doesn’t bode well for the Eagles, whose coverage units have been mediocre at best in recent years.<span style=""> </span>Gone are the days of someone racing down the field and making a huge hit inside the 20.<span style=""> </span>The kick cover unit just makes you hope the other team doesn’t run one back.<span style=""> </span>They need to do whatever it takes to contain the return game, whether it be punting it out of bounds every time or popping a kickoff up to an up man.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">However, last week, Hester showed that he <i>can</i> make plays on offense.<span style=""> </span>He caught an 80+ yard TD to tie up the game against <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>I’m sure the Bears know the Eagles’ corners play sides, so if Lito Sheppard isn’t completely healthy and isn’t playing every snap on defense, I’m sure they’ll try and get Hester lined up against William James.<span style=""> </span>That could be bad news for the Eagles, so hopefully Sheppard can go the whole game.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">After all that, I still think the Eagles will win.<span style=""> </span>They’re back at home where they had a little offensive success against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:City>, so hopefully they can duplicate it, or at least score more than 16 points.<span style=""> </span>Don’t fall into the trap of thinking this will be an easy game because <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City>’s record is bad though.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-35928855204386466632007-10-07T20:03:00.000-05:002007-10-07T20:05:51.820-05:00A look to 08<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">After that quick end to the Phillies’ postseason chase, it’s time to look towards 2008.<span style=""> </span>I’m not going to mention any specific potential free agent or trade targets, and I’m only going to look at what we have on the payroll for 2008, how much money there will be to spend and some areas the Phillies need to improve on.<span style=""> </span>For players that are under team control, whether they be in arbitration or not, I’ll try and estimate what they’ll be paid, even though that’ll be pretty tough.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Players that will be under contract</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">C</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Carlos Ruiz: $450,000 (second year of team control-)</b> He emerged as a very good defensive catcher in his rookie season, and it didn’t take him long to dominate the catcher platoon.<span style=""> </span>Although his hitting didn’t remain hot throughout the season, he’s not that bad of an 8 hole hitter.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Chris Coste: $450,000 (second year of team control-)</b> He didn’t hit well down the stretch, but I still think he’s a decent backup catcher.<span style=""> </span>His defense isn’t very good, but as a bench player, he has some value because he’s not a bad pinch hitter.<span style=""> </span>However, I could see him getting lost in a numbers game, and he still has a couple of option years left.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""> </span><b>IF</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">1B Ryan Howard: $7.5 million (first year of arbitration-)</b> It’s possible that he’s locked up long term and this number could be a little less in the first year of a new deal, but he’s going to get his dough this offseason.<span style=""> </span>Although he set the strikeout record, he was still a huge power threat in the middle of the lineup.<span style=""> </span>Miguel Cabrera got 7.4 in his first year of arbitration last offseason, and I think Howard’s 2006 season will carry a lot of weight.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>2B Chase Utley: $7.5 million (second year of long-term contract-)</b> Utley’s salary takes a big jump from 07 to 08, but he deserves every penny.<span style=""> </span>I think he would be MVP if he didn’t break his hand.<span style=""> </span>After 06, I didn’t think there was any way the guy could get better.<span style=""> </span>He did.<span style=""> </span>Hopefully he surprises me again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>SS Jimmy Rollins: $7 million (third year of long-term contract-)</b> After predicting the Phillies would topple the Mets in spring, Jimmy was not only proven correct, he might be awarded with the MVP award after a career season.<span style=""> </span>He does so much for this team, and his contract is really looking like a bargain now.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>3B Greg Dobbs: $475,000 (third year of team control-)</b> Dobbs was a nice surprise for the Phillies in 2007.<span style=""> </span>He was a waiver claim from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:City>, killed the ball in spring and forced the Phillies to eventually add him to the starting lineup.<span style=""> </span>He can’t hit lefties and he doesn’t play defense very well, but at the very least, he can be a part of a platoon at several different positions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>3B Wes Helms: $2.15 million (final year of FA contract-)</b> Helms was a huge disappointment in 2007.<span style=""> </span>He was expected to strengthen the bottom of the Phillies lineup and provide some much needed power from 3B.<span style=""> </span>He did neither, and eventually lost just about all of his ABs.<span style=""> </span>He’s a relatively cheap bench player, so I’m not going to complain about the 2 mil.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>OF</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Pat Burrell: $14 million (final year of long-term contract-)</b> After a miserable May and June which saw Pat lose a lot of starts, he became one of the best players in baseball in the second half.<span style=""> </span>He ended up with 30 home runs and really did a good job picking up the slack when Utley got hurt.<span style=""> </span>Some people want him traded now that he may have a bit of value after his hot finish, and I disagree.<span style=""> </span>There’s only one year left on his deal and it’s tough to replace production like we got from him.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Michael Bourn: $450,000 (second year of team control-)</b> He provided a nice spark off the bench with his game changing speed.<span style=""> </span>For a few starts in June when Burrell was sat down, he collected a few hits and played good defense.<span style=""> </span>You’d love to keep someone as fast as he is, but there are some teams that will be calling for him, and he could be used as trade bait to improve the pitching.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Shane Victorino: $475,000 (third year of team control-)</b> Victorino really developed in 2007.<span style=""> </span>This was his first full year of starting and he emerged as a great defender and a great base runner.<span style=""> </span>He could end up having 20 home run power and if he becomes a bit more patient, he could be dangerous at the top of a lineup.<span style=""> </span>As is the case with Michael Bourn, his tools could garner interest from several teams and could be used to improve pitching.<span style=""> </span>However, with Aaron Rowand likely on the move, he could take over in CF for the Phillies.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jayson Werth: $2.5 million (first year of arbitration-)</b> Werth struggled early on in the season, but he got hot after returning from a wrist injury and did a great job of filling in after Victorino got hurt.<span style=""> </span>He’s great against left handed pitchers so he could be valuable as either a platoon player or a good bat off the bench.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>SP</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cole Hamels: $500,000 (second year of team control, likely to become a super two after next year-)</b> Cole has clearly became the ace of the staff, and had he not gotten hurt, he could’ve potentially won 20 games.<span style=""> </span>He had a bit of a down period in the middle months of the season, but overall, he had a breakout year and is developing into one of the best starters in the league.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Brett Myers: $8.5 million (second year of long-term contract-)</b> What’s Brett doing here, you might ask?<span style=""> </span>I’m penciling him back into the rotation.<span style=""> </span>I just think it makes sense.<span style=""> </span>You’re paying him starter’s money; he’s had success as a starter; you have a huge hole at the top of the rotation.<span style=""> </span>You have to do it.<span style=""> </span>In this free agent market, it’s going to be easier and cheaper to find a good reliever than it will be to find a top of the line starter like Brett.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Kyle Kendrick: $400,000 (first year of team control-)</b> The Phillies and their fans were pleasantly surprised with what they got from Kyle after a June call up.<span style=""> </span>No one expected him to stick, and he made some good starts in big games down the stretch.<span style=""> </span>His peripherals indicate that he might not be as good next year, but he always seemed to get out of jams.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Adam Eaton, or at the very least, his contract: 7.635 million (second year of FA contract-)</b> I don’t know if he’s going to pitch here in 2008, but I’m going to lean towards “yes” because no one except Dave Littlefield would ever take his contract.<span style=""> </span>Littlefield being out of a job, the Phillies will be stuck with him for the duration.<span style=""> </span>There’s no way he can be this bad again next year, right?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jamie Moyer: 5.5 million (final year of contract extension-)</b> Jamie was pretty inconsistent in 2007, but he had two great starts to finish the year, and I hope we haven’t seen the last of him.<span style=""> </span>He can generally throw enough innings to keep you in the game, and he’s durable, which is huge at the end of the rotation.<span style=""> </span>His influence over younger guys is irreplaceable.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>RP</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Tom Gordon: 5.5 million (final year of free agent contract-)</b> He was hurt for much of the year and in April he might’ve cost the team some games, but he was big in late September.<span style=""> </span>He cannot be the closer next year, but as a set up man, I’m fine with one more year of Gordon.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Ryan Madson: 2.5 million (second year of arbitration-)</b> Losing Mad Dog to a shoulder injury really depleted the pen, and he could’ve made a world of difference.<span style=""> </span>He was consistent in a 7<sup>th</sup> inning role and has been one of the team’s best relievers the past few years.<span style=""> </span>Hopefully he can come back healthy and contribute again in 2008.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Geoff Geary: 1.1 million (second year of arbitration-)</b> I’m not positive on whether or not this is Geary’s second year, but I’ll go ahead and say yes.<span style=""> </span>He got hit hard in the early and middle parts of the year, but he came back to the majors and really gave them some key innings late in the year.<span style=""> </span>He’ll probably come back in a middle relief role next year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Julio Mateo: 1.5 million (team option-)</b> At this price, I see no reason why they wouldn’t pick up the option.<span style=""> </span>He was a mediocre pitcher in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:City>, but in a bullpen that prominently featured Jose Mesa and Antonio Alfonseca, we could use mediocre in those middle innings.<span style=""> </span>We didn’t see him in 2007, but he should get a shot to make the team out of camp in March.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Buyouts</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">C Rod Barajas: $500,000-</b> It’s either this or pay him $5 million.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think so.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>3B Abraham Nunez: $175,000-</b> I like his glove, but it doesn’t make up for how bad he is at the plate.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jim Thome</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">DH Jim Thome: 5.5 million-</b> I like the guy, but I’m sick of him being on the payroll.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">That all totals up to $82,260,000.<span style=""> </span>Of course, my team control and arbitration estimates could be and probably will be way off, but they’re just there to give us an idea on how much we’re spending.<span style=""> </span>With that in mind, let’s look at some of our free agents and the contracts I think they’ll sign:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Free Agents</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">CF Aaron Rowand: 4 years, 48 million-</b> This is a lot of cash for a guy who’s coming off a career year.<span style=""> </span>I think I’m going to have to pass on him, as much as I like the guy.<span style=""> </span>Money needs to be spent on pitching, and we just might not have that much cash to go around this offseason.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>RP J.C. Romero: 4 years, 16 million-</b> Game 3 aside, Romero was a shutdown reliever after joining the Phillies.<span style=""> </span>He absolutely has to be re-signed.<span style=""> </span>He’s effective against both right and left handed batters and despite the walks, most people were confident with him coming in the game every time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>2B Tadahito Iguchi: 2 years, 8 million-</b> If he’s willing to come back and learn third, with no guarantee for at bats, you almost have to pull the trigger on this.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, I don’t think he will be.<span style=""> </span>He’s a good contact hitter who plays a solid all around game.<span style=""> </span>He’s a great guy to have off the bench, but he’s going to want to play.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Freddy Garcia: 1 year, 9 million-</b> Not all of that will be guaranteed, but a team’s going to be taking a chance on his health.<span style=""> </span>I think he’ll end up in the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">AL</st1:place></st1:State> again so he doesn’t have to hit.<span style=""> </span>He wasn’t happy about being taken out because his AB was coming up, and he prefers the management style of the American League.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jon Lieber: 2 years, 16 million-</b> He was out of shape again, and it might’ve cost him a decent contract.<span style=""> </span>However, with teams in dire need of pitching, someone’s going to spend this much on him.<span style=""> </span>He probably wouldn’t be a bad guy to have at the back of the rotation, but at that price, I’m going to have to decline.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I’d like to bring back Iguchi and Romero, so we’ll add 8 million onto my payroll projection, putting the Phillies at $92,260,000.<span style=""> </span>The owners like to stay around the $95 million mark, but with this year’s great attendance and additional playoff revenue, let’s say they’ll bump it up to $100 million.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I think the Phillies might look to do a few things in the offseason.<span style=""> </span>Some questions can be answered internally, but some free agents or trades will have to be added or made.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They might choose to add a third catcher again.<span style=""> </span>Carlos Ruiz has gotten to the point where he doesn’t need a veteran, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Jason Jaramillo gets the nod.<span style=""> </span>He’s a good defensive catcher who wouldn’t be bad starting 20-30 games.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If they buy out Nunez and Iguchi doesn’t come back, they’ll probably want a defensive specialist infielder.<span style=""> </span>I’m now high on Jason Donald, but he only played at High A Clearwater in 2007.<span style=""> </span>He plays very good defense and could move all around the infield, but he might not be ready for the majors.<span style=""> </span>Defensive infielders can be had through free agency.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If Rowand walks, they’ll want to add another OF.<span style=""> </span>This guy could be a left handed bat to platoon with Werth in right, or maybe a righty to pinch hit off the bench against a left handed pitcher.<span style=""> </span>That sentence did not answer any of your questions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If they trade Bourn or Victorino, another new OF will be needed.<span style=""> </span>In this case, I think the answer could come from the system in Javon Moran.<span style=""> </span>Since they’d be trading one of their speedy guys, they’ll want another athlete to replace them.<span style=""> </span>I don’t want to see Chris Roberson ever again.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Do they want to add another starter?<span style=""> </span>Even if Myers goes back to the rotation, I think they’ll try.<span style=""> </span>You obviously can’t count on Eaton, so if you can improve the back end, it would be nice.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, cheap free agent solutions probably won’t be out there, so Gillick’s going to have to get something done with a trade.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If Myers does in fact go back to starting, you need a closer.<span style=""> </span>I don’t have confidence in Gordon doing it.<span style=""> </span>Otherwise, middle relief is fine.<span style=""> </span>There are a couple closer options out there, both in free agency and trades.<span style=""> </span>There are some teams with some pretty deep bullpens that could part with one of their relievers to upgrade elsewhere.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">So after making the playoffs in 2007, there should be reason for optimism in 2008.<span style=""> </span>Although we already have a lot of money committed, there aren’t that many holes to fill.<span style=""> </span>With an increased payroll and hopefully smarter spending, this team could be right back in the thick of things next year.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-32950558400433085912007-09-18T22:30:00.000-05:002007-09-18T22:31:17.087-05:00Eagles' Passing Game<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The passing game is absolutely killer right now.<span style=""> </span>When healthy (read: William James being able to match up against guys he’s capable of covering,) this defense will be very good.<span style=""> </span>They have a good interior pass rush, and Juqua Thomas provides a spark from the outside when he’s in the game.<span style=""> </span>They’ve done a surprisingly good job of stopping the run, and even Considine has been playing better.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Offensively, the running game has been good.<span style=""> </span>I said this last week, but I feel I have to reiterate it.<span style=""> </span>They haven’t been the problem so far.<span style=""> </span>Buckhalter needs some more carries.<span style=""> </span>Westbrook has been as shifty and elusive as ever.<span style=""> </span>The line has gelled a bit and Tapeh is making some good blocks.<span style=""> </span>However, the Eagles aren’t utilizing the running game enough, and as I review what’s wrong with the Eagles’ passing attack, the first thing I talk about is related to that.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Playcalling:</b> I know the Eagles were down for much of the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:State> game, but the pass-run ratio is inexcusable.<span style=""> </span>Not only is McNabb hurt and should be eased back into action, passing the ball 70% of the time never works with any QB.<span style=""> </span>Defenses won’t bite on play action when there’s no reason to react to the play fake.<span style=""> </span>The Eagles thrive off play action. It was absolutely huge last year.<span style=""> </span>They need that part of their offense.<span style=""> </span>The D-Line can pin their ears back and aggressive rush the QB.<span style=""> </span>Once you get to this point, screens and draws can reel the defense back in, but the Eagles haven’t even been doing that.<span style=""> </span>If Andy Reid is waiting to flip on some switch before calling more screen plays and mixing up personnel and packages to get mismatches, there’s no more time to wait.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Receiver play:</b> It feels like I’m watching a replay of the Carolina NFC Championship, and I’m not a fan of how that one ended.<span style=""> </span>Jaws mentioned this statistic ad nauseam on the broadcast, but the Packers pressed the Eagle receivers 90+% of the offensive plays in week one, and Washington probably had a pretty high number as well.<span style=""> </span>They haven’t been getting off jams and they haven’t been getting separation.<span style=""> </span>What’s McNabb supposed to do if no one gets open?<span style=""> </span>The offense depends on getting off the line and timing, and everything is thrown off if they get bumped at the line.<span style=""> </span>I don’t know what the Eagles can do except man up, get physical and make some plays so they have to back off.<span style=""> </span>There are way too many drops, and I really wish that wouldn’t develop into a problem again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Personnel decisions:</b> It’s a bit too early to give up on Kevin Curtis, but I’ve been underwhelmed with what I’ve seen lately.<span style=""> </span>He seems to have good chemistry with McNabb, but he just hasn’t played well.<span style=""> </span>I thought he was going to be able to do what Stallworth did last year except in all 16 games, but I don’t think he’s going to live up to that: not that Stallworth is doing much in Mossland anyway.<span style=""> </span>He was billed as a fast receiver who can make tough catches, and although he’s displayed pretty good deep speed when he’s not being mugged at the line, he dropped a key pass last night.<span style=""> </span>We have good depth; Avant has been making tough catches this year, and Baskett is a big, athletic guy to have as your 4<sup>th</sup> receiver.<span style=""> </span>Reggie Brown needs to get out of his funk and get back on track in his development.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Donovan McNabb:</b> He’s not free from criticism.<span style=""> </span>I know he’s getting back from a serious injury, and I’m sure that’s affecting him, but he hasn’t played well.<span style=""> </span>His throws have been off the mark, both in the ground and too high.<span style=""> </span>His accuracy is normally up and down, but he’s been all over the place so far.<span style=""> </span>I’m not going off the deep end and saying his days as an elite QB are over, but he needs to settle in soon, and I’m confident he will.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Offensive Line:</b> They played well against <st1:state st="on">Washington</st1:State>, but protection was a bit of a problem against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:City>, so I should mention it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">0-2 isn’t the end of the world.<span style=""> </span>They finished 0-2 a few years ago, and they made it to the NFC Championship.<span style=""> </span>However, I will say the offense needs to wake up fast.<span style=""> </span>We’ve wasted a couple pretty good games from the defense, and the O needs to start playing up to their potential.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-10465372313790763122007-09-15T11:08:00.000-05:002007-09-15T11:20:16.170-05:00Big Sports Saturday<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Since I want to record a cheap entry, let’s take a look at what’s on my TV today.<span style=""> </span>There are several sporting events staggered throughout the day, so let’s see what I’ll be watching for most of Saturday.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">12:00 Temple @ Connecticut- Late addition to the schedule, because this game <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> on and I didn't know it. Temple's not off to a good start, as per usual.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">12:00 Eastern Michigan @ Northern <st1:state st="on">Illinois</st1:state>- I got out of the shower ready to see <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:city> play, but I looked at the TV Guide and I was met with this.<span style=""> </span>Why?<span style=""> </span>No one here cares about either of those teams.<span style=""> </span>I’m not sure how much I’ll actually watch this.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">1:00 Phillies @ Mets- The Phils are riding a nice winning streak against the division leaders after another wild win last night.<span style=""> </span>They may not make the playoffs, but it certainly won’t be because they didn’t beat the Mets.<span style=""> </span>Last night’s win clinched the season series, but it would be nice to put up a couple more against them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">3:30 <st1:state st="on">Tennessee</st1:state> @ <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>- This is CBS’ first college football game this year, and it’s a great SEC rivalry.<span style=""> </span>The Gators should be able to win at home, but this would be a great time for Erik Ainge to step up and prove that he could be a dark horse Heisman candidate and that UT isn’t as bad as they showed against <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cal</st1:place></st1:state>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">3:30 Notre Dame @ Michigan- This game looked better a couple months ago.<span style=""> </span>Everyone figured the Irish would struggle a bit this year, but <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state>?<span style=""> </span>They’ve lost two ugly games in the Big House, and they need to win <i style="">now</i>.<span style=""> </span>Demetrius Jones chose not to make the trip with Notre Dame, so I’m not sure if they have anyone worth watching now!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">3:55 Yankees @ Red Sox- This is where I get into trouble, because the Flashback feature on my remote can only work with 3 stations.<span style=""> </span>The <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> game will probably be the one that gets the boot in this time slot.<span style=""> </span>The Sox have struggled against the Yankees as of late, but I don’t see them losing the division.<span style=""> </span>The pitching is too good.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">6:00 Lehigh @ Princeton- It’s on, so I guess I should mention it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">8:00 USC @ Nebraska- A pretty big out of conference clash to close out the night.<span style=""> </span>I expect USC to win.<span style=""> </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Nebraska</st1:place></st1:state> has been pretty average this far, and USC is the most talented and deep team in the country.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-59905181169164415382007-09-12T22:37:00.000-05:002007-09-12T22:39:38.466-05:00Week One Wrap<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We all know that committing turnovers and penalties are a recipe for losing football games.<span style=""> </span>That’s a cliché, and I’m sure everyone who watches football has said that out loud at some point in their lives.<span style=""> </span>We have anecdotal evidence to back it up; the Oakland Raiders, Brett Favre in the playoffs, and obviously, the Eagles on Sunday.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As most have seen by now, the Eagles lost to the Packers 16-13 on a late Mason Crosby FG.<span style=""> </span>Just looking at the final score, you’d think the defense played great.<span style=""> </span>After watching the game, you would agree that they were even better.<span style=""> </span>They sacked Favre four times, stifled <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city>’s running game and made clutch plays down the stretch to preserve the tie.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Unfortunately, the other two phases of the game let them down.<span style=""> </span>Despite what Tony Siragusa was harping on all day, the Eagles had a good ground game.<span style=""> </span>Westbrook and Buckhalter combined to chew up clock and move the ball.<span style=""> </span>However, the Eagles got away from it a bit and put the game in the hands of a struggling passing attack. <span style=""> </span>The Offensive Line had a tough time handling <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city>’s front four at times, and it hurt the timing of the Eagles’ offense.<span style=""> </span>McNabb also had an off day, which didn’t help matters.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Of course, there were the special teams.<span style=""> </span>The two muffs that cost the Eagles the game.<span style=""> </span>A couple other misplays.<span style=""> </span>It was an awful debut.<span style=""> </span>Some will say that a lot of times, special teams are overlooked.<span style=""> </span>They stuck out like a sore thumb on Sunday.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">If the Eagles didn’t commit those turnovers and Mike Carey didn’t throw the flag like Rod Barajas allows runners to score at home plate, the game probably would’ve been a bit different.<span style=""> </span>Let’s put some numbers behind that.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In week 1, the team that committed fewer penalties was 12-4.<span style=""> </span>The team the committed fewer turnovers was 13-3 (I used more penalties as a tiebreaker in the case of teams committing the same amount of turnovers.)<span style=""> </span>It doesn’t get any more simple than that.<span style=""> </span>If you’re more disciplined, you win games.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Eagles were obviously not as focused or disciplined as the Packers on Sunday.<span style=""> </span>With the offense struggling, there was no margin for error.<span style=""> </span>If you score 45 points like <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dallas</st1:city></st1:place> did, then you can commit a few more penalties or a turnover or two because you figure an NFL defense can hold an opponent under 45.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Some of the calls were correctable things, such as the illegal formations.<span style=""> </span>I don’t get how teams actually commit those.<span style=""> </span>I also don’t get why officials are sticklers about them.<span style=""> </span>Cut down on holding and now all of a sudden, the Eagles are playing a clean game and getting more chances.</span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;" >I think they’ll cut down on the penalties and turnovers.<span style=""> </span>Mahe should secure the special teams; who thought anyone would be saying this four months ago?<span style=""> </span>McNabb will shake off the rust and get the offense going.<span style=""> </span>There’s too much talent on this team to let muffed punts and jersey tugs hold them back, right?</span></span>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-69240763918588156452007-09-08T23:21:00.000-05:002007-09-08T23:22:49.287-05:00Some final NFL Previews and predictions<p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:City> Browns:</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Of all things, they actually have a pretty good Offensive Line.<span style=""> </span>Joe Thomas should settle in nicely and Kevin Schaffer is better suited as a RT.<span style=""> </span>Steinbach isn’t a bad guard and if Bentley can return healthy sometime, he’ll help solidify the interior.<span style=""> </span>They’ve got pretty good Linebackers, with Andra Davis and D’Qwell Jackson in the middle and Kamerion Wimbley and Willie McGinest rushing off the edge.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They’re very unsettled at the skill positions, minus <st1:place st="on">K2</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>No one knows what they’re going to get out of QB for what seems like the umpteenth straight year, Braylon Edwards needs to break out now and who knows what Jamal Lewis has left in the tank?<span style=""> </span>Their defense, besides the Linebackers, is a work in progress.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> I thought these guys would be further along with Crennel than they are, and I think he may be in danger of losing his job.<span style=""> </span>They’re in a tough division, but it’s time to step up and build a roster capable of competing.<span style=""> </span>Losing their 2008 first round pick won’t help, and I hate them for it because it’s going to be a great pick.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Jamal Lewis.<span style=""> </span>Here’s another lateral move from a team that can’t seem to do anything but.<span style=""> </span>He’s lost a step he never really had, and since he can’t run against his own team in meaningful action, he has no <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:City> to pad his stats against.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Brady Quinn.<span style=""> </span>It’s almost gotten to the point where he’s criminally underrated.<span style=""> </span>I don’t want to hear he can’t win the big game or he’s overrated because of the system or whatever excuse Notre Dame haters want to come up with.<span style=""> </span>He can throw the football, and he’s going to do it very well for a lot of years.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:City> Ravens:</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> I think they may have a good defense this year, but that’s just a hunch.<span style=""> </span>With Ray Lewis at the heart of the defense and a cast of star players around him, these guys will be forcing turnovers and delivering punishing hits for another season.<span style=""> </span>There really isn’t a weak link anywhere in the unit. <span style=""> </span>They should have a pretty good running game again, and the Ravens are hoping McGahee’s fresh legs spark the offense.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> Their Offensive Line isn’t what it used to be, and for that matter, neither is McNair.<span style=""> </span>People say defense wins championships, but the offense has to be adequate too.<span style=""> </span>They have to find a way to replace Adalius Thomas’ pass rushing ability, but the Ravens never have any problems replacing anyone, so they should be able to do it.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> this defense will carry them again, and they’ll go as far as they can go before the offense has to put up a point.<span style=""> </span>They have a couple playmakers in Clayton and Heap, but they have to find the end zone more often than they did last year.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Willis McGahee.<span style=""> </span>I never really liked the guy in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Buffalo</st1:place></st1:City>, and I’m not sure how much better he’s going to be with the Ravens.<span style=""> </span>The line isn’t that much better and he’s still the same runner that doesn’t have much explosiveness.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Ben Grubbs.<span style=""> </span>He’s a big boy who’s going to be able to open holes for McGahee.<span style=""> </span>They needed help and depth at guard, and at the end of the first round, they got the best guy on the board.<span style=""> </span>He’s going to be able to step in and start immediately, so the Ravens will be getting an instant return on this pick.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:City> Broncos:</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> They barely missed out on the playoffs last year, and they made some upgrades for 07.<span style=""> </span>Even though the running game is never a problem, they picked up a back in Travis Henry that will really help.<span style=""> </span>Cutler will only get better playing in a full season, so the offense is pretty set.<span style=""> </span>They traded for Dre Bly to fill an unfortunate need across from Bailey, and they have some pretty athletic Linebackers.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They could still use some help on the Defensive Line, and Jarvis Moss’ injury doesn’t help.<span style=""> </span>One of these years, John Lynch is going to become a total liability, and I think it might be coming.<span style=""> </span>Not many holes here, these guys have a rock solid team.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> these guys will give SD a run for their money.<span style=""> </span>Like I said, they really don’t have one true weakness.<span style=""> </span>They’re a pretty complete team on both sides of the ball, and they’re well coached to boot.<span style=""> </span>As long as Cutler continues his development, the Broncos will be in good shape.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Dre Bly is a decent player, but he’s not as good as some people think.<span style=""> </span>He’s sometimes too aggressive in playing the ball and he can get beat sometimes.<span style=""> </span>He’s going to see a lot of action with Champ Bailey on the other side of him, so he needs to step up and meet the challenge.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Travis Henry.<span style=""> </span>He’s a good runner coming into a great system.<span style=""> </span>It’s weird to see Denver pay a premium price for a RB, but that goes to show you how much they like the guy and how much they think he can succeed.<span style=""> </span>As long as he stays healthy, he’s going to be great.<span style=""> </span>In the past, Mike Shanahan has split RB duties when he might not have to, but I don’t see Mike Bell seeing that much action this year.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Buffalo</st1:place></st1:City> Bills:</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> They’re looking at an alright offense this year.<span style=""> </span>Some of the elements are there, including a star receiver in Lee Evans, a developing QB in Losman, and the left side of their line is looking pretty good with Peters and the new G Dockery.<span style=""> </span>They need Marshawn Lynch to step in right away and play well, which I think he can do.<span style=""> </span>They got some nice performances out of their rookie DBs last year.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> Under Jauron, they’ve been moving laterally and they’re counting on a lot of unproven guys to play well.<span style=""> </span>They’ve lost a lot on defense, and their Offensive Line is still incomplete.<span style=""> </span>Peerless Price is literally 1/3 of the player he used to be, and Losman’s improvement could still be a fluke.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> they could achieve and be mediocre again.<span style=""> </span>They’re a pretty unproven team and they really didn’t get much better in the offseason.<span style=""> </span>Losman needs to continue to step up and lead the offense with a questionable running game, and a lot of young guys need to start on defense.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Darwin Walker.<span style=""> </span>Wait.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> The Poz.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">And that’s it.<span style=""> </span>Because those four teams haven’t started the season yet, their previews still count.<span style=""> </span>What a success.<span style=""> </span>And now for some predictions:</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">NFC East: Eagles</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">NFC North: Bears</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">NFC West: Seahawks</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">NFC South: Saints</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">WC: Cowboys</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">WC: 49ers</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cowboys over Seahawks</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Saints over 49ers</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Bears over Cowboys</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Eagles over Saints</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Bears over Eagles</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">AFC East: Patriots</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">AFC North: Ravens</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">AFC West: Chargers</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">AFC South: Colts</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">WC: Broncos</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">WC: Steelers</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ravens over Steelers</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chargers over Broncos</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Patriots over Ravens</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Colts over Chargers</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Patriots over Colts</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Patriots over Bears</b></span></p> <span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Real original.<br /><br />No Eagles preview or picks this week, I'll try to start them next week. Power rankings will debut in the first week of October.<br /></span></span>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-82002255216541091262007-08-31T23:19:00.000-05:002007-08-31T23:20:33.060-05:00NFL Preview: Titans<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:State> Titans:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Vince Young won rookie of the year.<span style=""> </span>The Offensive Line isn’t that bad, and Bo Scaife made that one nice catch last year.<span style=""> </span>Kyle Vanden Bosch isn’t a bad end and Chris Hope was great in the secondary last year.<span style=""> </span>Bironas made that one long kick.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They overachieved to reach mediocrity last year and then they got worse in the offseason.<span style=""> </span>They downgraded an already weak offense and their defense wasn’t that good in the first place.<span style=""> </span>Vince Young might as well be Nelson Muntz in that one Simpsons episode where he played Quarterback.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> I’m not quite sure what direction <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:State> was planning on going in this offseason.<span style=""> </span>It’s puzzling.<span style=""> </span>It’s like they were targeting a couple specific free agents and then missed out on them.<span style=""> </span>They didn’t have a backup plan and they end up with Eric Moulds.<span style=""> </span>Vince Young showed he could carry an offense for a little bit, but he can only do so much.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Ryan Fowler.<span style=""> </span>The Cowboys pulled a dick move here so I don’t like this guy.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> He’s not a bad corner, and he’ll help out an average secondary a little bit.<span style=""> </span>As long as he’s not being tackled by his shoestrings by QBs in key spots in games, he’ll be an upgrade and provide help for the pass defense.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-16678441481768239592007-08-30T23:21:00.000-05:002007-08-30T23:24:06.847-05:00NFL Preview: Dolphins and Redskins<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:City> Dolphins:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Jason Taylor had an awesome season last year, and he should still be a great player again this year.<span style=""> </span>Ronnie Brown is a pretty complete back, even though he’s yet to really put it all together.<span style=""> </span>They have some other solid contributors on defense as well, including veteran Zach Thomas.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> After a bad year in which they were almost preseason favorites to win the Super Bowl, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Miami</st1:City></st1:place> isn’t horrendously overrated heading into this year.<span style=""> </span>Trent Green is running on empty and the price of oil is too high to refill his tank.<span style=""> </span>Chambers is inconsistent and they don’t have much going for them in the passing game, O-Line included.<span style=""> </span>The secondary still needs some work as well.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> the Dolphins haven’t been able to figure it out for a while now.<span style=""> </span>They’ve wasted the careers of Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas and they’ve never been able to build a complete team around them.<span style=""> </span>There’s no consistency; cutting Culpepper and trading for Green just screams quick fix, and it’s not going to work.<span style=""> </span>Again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Trent Green.<span style=""> </span>He’s not the same player he was a few years ago.<span style=""> </span>Even before he even stepped on the field the day he got the concussion, he was on the decline.<span style=""> </span>The injury only sped things up a bit.<span style=""> </span>I have no idea why <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:City> thought this was a solution.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Cory Schlesinger.<span style=""> </span>He’s only a FB, but he’s a pretty underrated player.<span style=""> </span>He’ll help out their running game a bit and he’ll provide an outlet, which Trent Green will desperately need a lot this year.<span style=""> </span>I know he’s just a FB, but I wasn’t exactly enamored with their draft.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:State> Redskins:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> They should actually have a pretty explosive offense.<span style=""> </span>Maybe I shouldn’t call it explosive, but it’ll still be pretty good.<span style=""> </span>Portis is an elite back when he’s healthy, and Betts is one of the best backups in the league, who could probably be a starter in a lot of places.<span style=""> </span>Jason Campbell looks like he’s coming into his own, and he has a couple weapons to throw to in Santana Moss and Chris Cooley.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> It’s unlike Gregg Williams, but the defense isn’t very good.<span style=""> </span>Their pass rush is abysmal, and the run defense and secondary don’t make up for it.<span style=""> </span>London Fletcher leads a pretty good group of Linebackers and they have a couple good corners, if <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Shaun</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Springs</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> is healthy.<span style=""> </span>And that’s not likely.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> Sean Taylor might be the most overrated player in the league.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They might end up around .500 at the end of the year.<span style=""> </span>The defense isn’t as good as it was a couple years ago, but if their offense can put up points, the defense should be adequate enough for them to play spoiler.<span style=""> </span>Someone has to step up on the DL and generate some pressure this year.<span style=""> </span>It’ll make the whole defense better.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> As far as I’m concerned, Tyler Ecker.<span style=""> </span>He’s buried so low on the depth chart he won’t have the chance to make bad plays costing his team the game.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> LaRon Landry.<span style=""> </span>He hasn’t taken the field yet and he’s already the best safety on the team.<span style=""> </span>He’s going to be a good one.<span style=""> </span></span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-15650838521410250532007-08-29T01:00:00.000-05:002007-08-29T01:02:09.888-05:00NFL Preview: Raiders<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oakland</st1:place></st1:City> Raiders:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Well, they have a good defense.<span style=""> </span>One of the best ones in the league, in fact.<span style=""> </span>Derrick Burgess and a resurgent Warren Sapp were nightmares for QBs last year, and that allowed the secondary, particularly Nmandi Asomugha, to break out.<span style=""> </span>Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison are developing into very good Linebackers.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> If I had to choose a word to describe their offense, I would say incompetent.<span style=""> </span>Lane Kiffin’s a good coach, but coaching can only do so much.<span style=""> </span>Their Offensive Line is weak, they didn’t do much to improve it, and not only that, they’re not blocking for anyone.<span style=""> </span>The running game is weak and the QB situation is unsettled.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> they stink again, that doesn’t require another thought.<span style=""> </span>They had to make wholesale changes offensively, and they got a #1 overall pick who’s MIA.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> JaMarcus Russell.<span style=""> </span>If you expect him to take the field, he’s not meeting expectations.<span style=""> </span>He has to end the holdout now and get into practice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Mike Williams.<span style=""> </span>Yeah, I went there.<span style=""> </span>Maybe back in CA under a coach he knows he’ll wise up and improve.<span style=""> </span>I loved the guy at USC, I hope he does.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-26536449412058091912007-08-28T19:59:00.000-05:002007-08-28T20:00:53.188-05:00NFL Preview: Steelers and Patriots<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:place></st1:City> Steelers:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Dick LeBeau is the youngest looking 70 year old ever.<span style=""> </span>He’s also a great coordinator, who despite losing an (oft-injured) Joey Porter, will be able to put together a great defense.<span style=""> </span>They have some good skill position players, including Willie Parker leading another great <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:City></st1:place> running game, and Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller providing a lot of targets in the passing game.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They need to cut down on the mistakes, especially Big Ben.<span style=""> </span>He was a weak link for their team last season, and he has to make better choices and throw fewer picks.<span style=""> </span>Some players on the Offensive Line will also have to step up.<span style=""> </span>After Jeff Hartings retired, they’re making some changes along the Offensive Line, so the new guys will need to step in and do a good job right away.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> don’t sleep on this team because they finished strong last year and they still have a lot of talent.<span style=""> </span>If Big Ben cuts down on the picks, there will be a good passing game to compliment the run.<span style=""> </span>As long as the secondary can hold up, their defense should be pretty good again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> William Gay.<span style=""> </span>If you expect him to make plays, the only play you should expect is him to line up offsides on crucial field goal attempts.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Lamarr Woodley.<span style=""> </span>He’s a great fit for the OLB position in Pitsburgh’s 3-4 defense.<span style=""> </span>He’s a big, athletic player who has the ability to get to the QB.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:place st="on">New England</st1:place> Patriots:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> With Bill Belichick, you know you’re going to have a well coached team.<span style=""> </span>Tom Brady is one of the best QBs in the league, and he has a lot more weapons than last year, if everyone can stay healthy.<span style=""> </span>They have one of the best D-lines in baseball and two dangerous pass rushing Linebackers in Thomas and Colvin.<span style=""> </span>They came close to returning to the Super Bowl last year, and they really worked hard to improve the team in the offseason.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> I would’ve liked to see them bring in another guy to compliment Maroney.<span style=""> </span>I think he could’ve used another year of having a bigger back spell him for a bit, like Dillon did last year.<span style=""> </span>Drafting Brandon Merriweather will help the secondary, but they still could’ve used a little more depth, and I think they dodged a bullet with Samuel agreeing to end his hold out.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> these guys are probably Super Bowl favorites.<span style=""> </span>They’ve got great talent on both sides of the ball, and after coming just short last year, they reloaded in the offseason.<span style=""> </span>If the receivers can stay healthy, the passing game could be more explosive than ever.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Donte Stallworth.<span style=""> </span>He’s already hurt, hasn’t even practiced much, and he’s going to lose his snaps with all the receivers <st1:place st="on">New England</st1:place> has.<span style=""> </span>He’s essentially working on a one year deal, so his start in <st1:place st="on">New England</st1:place> doesn’t bode well for his future there.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Adalius Thomas.<span style=""> </span>This is so obvious because he was a marquee free agent going to a system that’s almost exactly like the one he came from, but he’s going to be good.<span style=""> </span>Tully Banta-Cain was okay, but Thomas is going to generate enormous pressure on opposing QBs.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-61023634108927157882007-08-27T11:36:00.000-05:002007-08-27T11:37:38.048-05:00NFL Preview: Chiefs<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City> Chiefs:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> They have a great running game with Larry Johnson.<span style=""> </span>His YPC wasn’t great last year, but he was as reliable as they come.<span style=""> </span>He’s a bruising RB with quick feet who can really finish runs.<span style=""> </span>The Chiefs also feature a pretty good pass rush, with veteran Jared Allen and a young up and comer in Tamba Hali.<span style=""> </span>If they can stave off aging for one more year, Ty Law and Patrick Surtain should manage to stop a lot of receivers.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They’ve always had a bad defense, and they didn’t do much to get better.<span style=""> </span>They’re porous against the run, and a bit less against the pass.<span style=""> </span>All of a sudden, their offense isn’t complete either.<span style=""> </span>Trent Green wasn’t good even when he was healthy last year, but they have no passing game to speak of with Brodie Croyle taking over at QB.<span style=""> </span>Their line is falling apart and they haven’t been able to plug in guys for retiring hall of famers.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> it was pretty lucky that they were able to sneak into the playoffs last year.<span style=""> </span>I don’t see it happening again.<span style=""> </span>Their offense is on the decline and the defense is moving laterally.<span style=""> </span>I expected Herm Edwards to be doing a better job with these guys, but I look at the Chiefs and see a team that’s falling apart and has no direction.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Dwayne Bowe.<span style=""> </span>He was a pretty good player in college, but with as bad as the Chiefs’ receiver situation has been, he’s not going to provide an immediate answer.<span style=""> </span>Besides Antonio Bryant, Kennison might be the worst 1000 yard receiver ever.</span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Donnie Edwards.<span style=""> </span>The Don will dominate again back in KC.<span style=""> </span>He’s been underrated his entire career, and now he’ll have a chance to make plays alongside a rising star in Derrick Johnson.<span style=""> </span>He’s changing systems, but Donnie’s ability will allow him to make a seamless transition.</span></span>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-27054661828032916332007-08-26T18:52:00.000-05:002007-08-26T18:53:23.078-05:00NFL Preview: Bengals<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cincinnati</st1:place></st1:City> Bengals:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Here’s another team with a powerful offense and weak defense.<span style=""> </span>Even after suffering a major knee injury, Carson Palmer came back to prove he’s the same great player he was before.<span style=""> </span>Throwing to another deep and talented group of receivers again this year, Palmer will continue to kill opposing defenses.<span style=""> </span>Let’s not forget about their running game; Rudi Johnson puts up good numbers year after year, and he really completes the Bengals’ balanced offense.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They’re one of the most incompetent defenses in the league.<span style=""> </span>They have a pretty good pass rush, but that’s where the positives end.<span style=""> </span>Their Linebackers have potential, but they need experience to get better.<span style=""> </span>For someone who was a defensive coach before getting the head job in Cincy, you’d expect Marvin Lewis to do a better job with these guys.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> in an average division, the Bengals should be there right to the end.<span style=""> </span>Their offense is good enough to score on anybody, and in some weeks, their defense might be able to make some plays.<span style=""> </span>They have to have some young guys step up and play well defensively for the Bengals to get back into the playoffs after falling short last year.<span style=""> </span>The offense is a lock to be there and lighting up the scoreboard every game.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Ed Hartwell.<span style=""> </span>They brought him in to bring experience to the Linebackers, but I’m not sure how much he has left in the tank.<span style=""> </span>He was a heralded free agent out of <st1:city st="on">Baltimore</st1:City>, but he got banged up a bit and struggled after signing in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>He can stop the run, but he’s a liability in pass coverage.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Leon Hall.<span style=""> </span>He inexplicably fell into their laps on draft day, and the Bengals came away with a good corner.<span style=""> </span>He had a great career at <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:State>, and he’ll provide depth to a secondary that’s lacking it.<span style=""> </span>He’ll eventually unseat veteran Deltha O’Neal and form one of the better younger corner duos in the league with Johnathan Joseph.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-6833315784791512162007-08-26T01:34:00.000-05:002007-08-26T01:35:09.261-05:00NFL Preview: Saints<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:City> Saints</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> After a rough 2005 season for obvious reasons, the Saints committed to bringing football back to New Orleans, and they did so in a big way.<span style=""> </span>With Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush providing a great running game and Drew Brees leading the aerial attack, the Saints have one of the best offenses in football.<span style=""> </span>Surprise performances from Marques Colston and Jahri Evans helped catapult the Saints from second to worst to almost first.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> Their defense, save a pretty good pass rush, stunk, and they sat on their hands a bit too much in the offseason.<span style=""> </span>They got pretty fluky performances up the middle from Hollis Thomas and Mark Simoneau, and leaving those positions un-upgraded is asking for trouble.<span style=""> </span>Their secondary got hurt by big plays last year, and they didn’t do enough to help them out either.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> they’re still one of the best teams in the NFC and a definite Super Bowl contender.<span style=""> </span>The offense is so good, the defense only has to be marginal for the Saints to win games.<span style=""> </span>They have a good coaching staff and they know how to get the most out of otherwise scrap heap players.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Jason David.<span style=""> </span>This was their big splash or whatever to improve the secondary, and he’s an average player.<span style=""> </span>He’s not going to repair a bad patchwork secondary.<span style=""> </span>He’s a fresh face, and after last year, that might be something to be excited about, but I don’t see the Saints defensive backfield being any better next year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Eric Johnson.<span style=""> </span>If he can stay healthy, he’s a really good, underrated player.<span style=""> </span>If there was one weak spot on the Saints’ offense last year, it was their lack of production from the TE position.<span style=""> </span>Johnson is a legitimate receiving threat and he occasionally showed that before being shown the door. <span style=""> </span></span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-68877748853354305912007-08-25T11:33:00.000-05:002007-08-25T11:34:30.030-05:00Eagles @ Steelers Preview<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Eagles will have their dress rehearsal preseason game, in which the starters get the most playing time.<span style=""> </span>Next week against the Jets, you probably won’t see any starters, and the backups will get their last shot to prove they deserve to make the cut.<span style=""> </span>After the game in which the starters play a whole half or even more, you want to come away confident that they’re ready for the regular season.<span style=""> </span>If these three matchups turn out successful, I’m confident the Eagles are ready to go.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Donovan McNabb vs. <st1:city st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:City> pass rush-</b> He did a good job in the game against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:City>, and it would be great to see a similar effort from McNabb again.<span style=""> </span>He was sharp throwing the ball, his mobility wasn’t limited and he took a couple hits and bounced right up.<span style=""> </span>The 3-4 can bring some interesting blitzes, so McNabb has to be ready for anything.<span style=""> </span>I don’t know how much <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:place></st1:City> will bring pressure in a preseason game, but it’s something to keep an eye on.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jamaal Jackson vs. Casey Hampton-</b> Jackson struggled a bit against Haloti Ngata in Baltimore’s sometimes 3-4 defense in the first game, and blocking the nose tackle is the key to success against the 3-4.<span style=""> </span>This has been an Achilles heel of the Eagles of recent year, and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jackson</st1:City></st1:place> has to be the guy to step up and help fix the problem.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Eagles’ front seven vs. Pittsburgh running game-</b> Obviously it’s going to be interesting to see how the Eagles do without Trotter.<span style=""> </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:place></st1:City> has, always has and always will have a great running game.<span style=""> </span>Willie Parker is a complete back that can hurt you in a lot of ways, so the Eagles need to show that we’re watching the same movie from last year, and we didn’t like how that one ended.<span style=""> </span>Omar Gaither is going to need to show the fans that he’s capable of doing the job because a lot of people are upset at letting go of Trotter.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Three more players to watch:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Nick Cole-</b> In the replace Shawn Andrews roulette, everything’s coming up Cole this week.<span style=""> </span>It’s his turn to start with the 1’s after a strong game against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>He played RG very well, despite Pat McCoy making it look like he wasn’t doing a very good job.<span style=""> </span>He blew guys off the ball and showed he’s a pretty good run blocker.<span style=""> </span>He deserves the chance to show what he can do.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Ian Scott-</b> If he plays, with the exception of Ramsey, who wasn’t going to be dressed on game day anyway, the Eagles will have all of the DTs for the first time in the preseason.<span style=""> </span>We signed him with the intention of him playing pretty well against the run.<span style=""> </span>He’s a bit bigger than our other tackles, and he’s going to have to show he can hang tough and improve the middle of the defense.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Brian Dawkins-</b> He’s finally expected to play after dealing with a leg injury for much of camp.<span style=""> </span>I don’t know how much he’ll play, but hopefully he shows he can move around and won’t be affected by the injury.<span style=""> </span>Hopefully he was being held out for a while as a precaution and this won’t be something that lingers throughout the season.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-42184468725799223812007-08-25T01:40:00.001-05:002007-08-25T01:41:20.290-05:00NFL Preview: Jaguars<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city> Jaguars:</b></span></p><b> </b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Cheers:</b> If you believe in a strong running game and defense winning you championships, then the Jaguars are contenders to you. <span style=""> </span>Maurice Drew and Fred Taylor provide one of the best running duos in the league, and they have a pretty good line to open holes for them.<span style=""> </span>They have a great defense with Rashean Mathis and Brian Williams being one of the better corner pairs in the league.<span style=""> </span>In addition to them, they can get a good pass rush from the outside and their tackles are huge run stuffers.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They have to stay healthy and they have to get something out of their passing game.<span style=""> </span>Between taking sacks and getting hurt, Byron Leftwich hasn’t developed into the player everyone thought he could be.<span style=""> </span>His receivers haven’t helped much, but with Dennis Northcutt in the fold, the passing game has no excuse to not get better.<span style=""> </span>It’s time for them to make the leap and become a good playoff team.<span style=""> </span>They’ve been a fringe playoff team for a few years now, and they need to get over the hump.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> I sit here looking at the numbers from last year, and I can’t figure out why they weren’t a playoff team.<span style=""> </span>They had one of the best defenses in the league and a pretty strong running game.<span style=""> </span>I find it hard to believe that David Garrard was that detrimental, but I guess he had to have been.<span style=""> </span>Although Dennis Northcutt obviously isn’t an upper echelon player, his speed compliments Leftwich’s ability more than the other, maybe more talented receivers do, and he’ll help out a lot.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Tony Pashos.<span style=""> </span>I am absolutely baffled that this guy is getting a starting job after he was nothing but mediocre in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:city> thought so little of him that they got rid of him, and they don’t have a world beating line themselves.<span style=""> </span>I don’t see them getting much of an upgrade at tackle here.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Dennis Northcutt.<span style=""> </span>I’ve already talked about him twice, and it’s getting to the point where I’m giving him too much credit.<span style=""> </span>He’s a speedy receiver who will do well with the starting job and Leftwich’s strong arm.<span style=""> </span>He could be the guy that helps the slumbering pass offense wake up.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-2516236873489264362007-08-24T21:17:00.000-05:002007-08-24T21:19:53.088-05:00NFL Preview: Colts<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> Colts:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> They’re the defending Super Bowl champs.<span style=""> </span>They have probably the best offense in the league with future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, as well as the very skilled Reggie Wayne, Joseph Addai and Dallas Clark and a very good Offensive Line.<span style=""> </span>These guys can put up so many points in so many ways, it’s almost unfair to line up a defense against them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> Their run defense is still awful, and losing Cato June isn’t going to help.<span style=""> </span>It didn’t stop them last year, but I don’t know if lightning is going to strike twice.<span style=""> </span>They have to do something to play consistently against the run and actually stop a team or two if they want to repeat as champs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> they’re still the top dog in an average division.<span style=""> </span>Peyton’s going to score his points and the Colts will almost certainly have 11 or 12 wins.<span style=""> </span>The difference between playing on Wild Card Weekend and getting a bye rests in the hands of Tony Dungy and what he can do to improve the bad defense.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Rick DeMulling.<span style=""> </span>This one’s tough because I like all of their offseason acquisitions, but DeMulling won’t be the same player he was in his last stint with the team.<span style=""> </span>After being a late round pick by the Colts, he blossomed into being a pretty good guard.<span style=""> </span>He struggled a bit in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:City> and came back, but he has to compete for a job and I’m not sure he’ll win it.</span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Daymeion Hughes.<span style=""> </span>He was another guy who fell because of his 40 yard dash time, which is a shame because he was one of the best corners in the country in his <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cal</st1:place></st1:State> career.<span style=""> </span>He’s an aggressive playmaker who could bring a spark to Indy’s pass defense and make some big plays.</span></span>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-37431058253925843042007-08-22T21:53:00.000-05:002007-08-22T21:54:41.635-05:00NFL Preview: Texans<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Houston</st1:place></st1:City> Texans:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> With veteran Ahman Green in the picture now, Houston’s running game will be a bit better and they’ll be able to control the clock.<span style=""> </span>With Andre Johnson and the underrated Owen Daniels catching passes, Matt Schaub will have a chance to break out and prove he was worth the draft picks and big contract.<span style=""> </span>The defense has a few young players that could provide a spark.<span style=""> </span>Their return game should be set with hopefully healty Jerome Mathis.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> They’re getting younger and better on the Offensive Line, but they still have some work to do.<span style=""> </span>The Charles Spencer injury was a rough blow for him and the team because in his first few games, he looked like he was going to become a great player.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think Matt Schaub is all he’s cracked up to be either.<span style=""> </span>Their defense still won’t be anything more than mediocre, even though Dunta Robinson is a pretty good corner and they have the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year in DeMeco Ryans.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> it’s going to be back to the drawing board again for <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Houston</st1:City></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>I don’t get why they refuse to make more upgrades on the Offensive Line.<span style=""> </span>They’ve had four years to figure it out and they still haven’t.<span style=""> </span>You can’t win with a mediocre unit, and even though Eric Winston is going to be very good and Flanagan is a leader at center, you need more than two players.<span style=""> </span>Their secondary isn’t very good either.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Amobe Okoye.<span style=""> </span>He was a top 10 pick, but he’s still very young and raw.<span style=""> </span>He has the potential to be a good player, and that’s why he was drafted.<span style=""> </span>The Texans were looking a few years down the road with this pick and not about 2007.<span style=""> </span>They should start thinking of a way to get to a few years down the road before they make plans for it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Ahman Green.<span style=""> </span>He’s an underrated veteran with experience in the offense, and he’s going to pay dividends for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Houston</st1:place></st1:City>’s running game.<span style=""> </span>He’s a multi talented back who can catch the ball as well, so he’ll provide a safety valve for Schaub in addition to running for over 1000 yards.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-3754683885711718662007-08-22T01:09:00.001-05:002007-08-22T01:09:43.592-05:00NFL Preview: Chargers<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Diego</st1:place></st1:City> Chargers:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheers:</b> Any time you have someone like LT in your backfield, you have a chance to win games.<span style=""> </span>Antonio Gates is a great playmaker from TE, and Philip Rivers is an efficient QB with a lot of room to grow.<span style=""> </span>They feature a pretty good Offensive Line led by the super underrated Mike Goff, and we haven’t even looked at their defense yet.<span style=""> </span>They have a strong line anchored by nose tackle Jamal Williams and end Luis Castillo (who probably hits better with runners in scoring position than his baseball counterpart.)<span style=""> </span>Shawne Merriman is a nightmare for opposing QBs and they have a decent secondary.<span style=""> </span>You don’t win as many games as they did without having a lot of talent.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Jeers:</b> Norv Turner has never had success as a head coach.<span style=""> </span>This team fired Marty Schottenheimer because of a petty dispute with GM A.J. Smith, and although he had some serious play calling problems in the playoffs, he got them to 14-2!<span style=""> </span>He obviously had to do something right, and the Chargers really downgraded their staff. <span style=""> </span>They also got rid of Charger defensive mainstay Donnie Edwards.<span style=""> </span>Merriman was the flashier player, but Edwards made that defense go, and they’re not going to be as good as they were last year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>On second thought…</b> these guys are a Super Bowl contender.<span style=""> </span>They have a balanced offense led by an all time great in the backfield (two, if you count the guy blocking for him) and an aggressive defense that can get after the QB.<span style=""> </span>I have no confidence in Norv Turner doing a good job, but there’s too much talent for anyone to waste there, right?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who won’t meet expectations:</b> Craig Davis.<span style=""> </span>It was an absolute reach to take him in the first round, and even though <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Diego</st1:place></st1:City> isn’t exactly synonymous with receiver talent and depth, I don’t foresee him getting that much playing time.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>New guy who will meet expectations:</b> Paul Oliver.<span style=""> </span>This is a cheap pick because he was a supplemental draft guy, but I’m surprised the Chargers were the ones who ended up landing him.<span style=""> </span>Maybe there’s something we don’t know, but I don’t get why more teams wouldn’t want to spend a 3<sup>rd</sup> or 4<sup>th</sup> rounder on this guy.<span style=""> </span>He’s got serious talent.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-17800322092024880452007-08-21T14:02:00.000-05:002007-08-21T14:06:00.616-05:00Trotter Released<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">As you all probably found out by now, Jeremiah Trotter was cut by the Eagles after seven years and two stints with the Eagles.<span style=""> </span>He was a four time Pro Bowler and in his prime, he was one of the best Linebackers in the league.<span style=""> </span>In 2004, he was a big part of why the Eagles were able to make it over the hump and finally get to the Super Bowl.<span style=""> </span>Remember, the Eagles were starting Simoneau and getting killed against the run.<span style=""> </span>Trotter comes in and the defense improves.<span style=""> </span>He made some pretty big plays against <st1:state st="on">Minnesota</st1:State> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:City>, and he’ll definitely be missed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">From an on the field standpoint, this is a good move.<span style=""> </span>Although he’s only 30 and that isn’t the doomsday year it used to be, Trotter was worn down.<span style=""> </span>His aggressive, downhill style saw him receive more than his fair share of contact over the years.<span style=""> </span>Combined with his serious knee injury he suffered in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:State>, he just couldn’t move around well enough to be an effective player anymore.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Eagles struggled against the run for a lot of reasons, but Trotter was one of them.<span style=""> </span>I’m not going to criticize him because he was unhappy with the size of the guys lining up in front of him.<span style=""> </span>He has a lot of pride and he’s not the kind of guy that’s going to take the blame when an entire team is doing something wrong. <span style=""> </span>Trotter was a big believer in manning up against the other team and playing tough.<span style=""> </span>That’s exactly what he did, so in his mind, he wasn’t doing anything wrong.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">However, while he was playing tough, he wasn’t playing smart.<span style=""> </span>While he was banging into the center “disrupting” plays, he wasn’t penetrating the gaps he needed to to stop the run.<span style=""> </span>He made some key stops and made a lot of backs bounce the play outside when they didn’t want to in his day, but his style wasn’t getting it done anymore.<span style=""> </span>It was time to move in a different direction.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Now, Omar Gaither will step in as the starter at MIKE.<span style=""> </span>Gaither is obviously smaller than Trotter is, and a lot of people like to have a MLB that’s big.<span style=""> </span>Size isn’t the only quality a MLB should have, and you don’t even need to be big to be good at the position.<span style=""> </span>The MIKE has to be athletic because in the 4-3, it’s his job to cover two gaps.<span style=""> </span>MLB is more than banging bodies in the middle.<span style=""> </span>There’s a lot of responsibility and ability that’s required to play the position.<span style=""> </span>Trotter didn’t have the athletic ability to do that anymore.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Hopefully Gaither can step up and handle the role.<span style=""> </span>He’s a relatively unproven player who only started a handful of games at WIL last year.<span style=""> </span>He was pretty impressive then, and the Eagles need that to translate to the middle now.<span style=""> </span>We don’t know how he’ll hold up against the run, but we do know that he’s an upgrade in pass defense.<span style=""> </span>He has experience playing all three Linebacker positions, and he can play both man and zone coverage.<span style=""> </span>One of the problems with Trotter was he couldn’t be in the game on passing downs.<span style=""> </span>When he was only in on the so-called running downs, teams could make appropriate adjustments and exploit him in the passing game.<span style=""> </span>Gaither can play all three downs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Where Trot’s really going to be missed is his emotional leadership ability.<span style=""> </span>Every Sunday, you knew you were getting a guy who loves football and was excited to play every day.<span style=""> </span>Teammates looked to this guy to get fired up.<span style=""> </span>When you turned on an Eagles game, saw him leading the team out of the tunnel carrying an Eagles flag, saw him feeding off Dawk making big plays and getting the fans pumped, you knew the game was in good hands.<span style=""> </span>Takeo Spikes should be able to bring the same fiery leadership, but the fans are going to miss Trotter on game days.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">It was tough listening to that press conference.<span style=""> </span>When Trotter tells you that both he and Andy Reid cried over the decision to do this, you’re reminded how tough the business can be.<span style=""> </span>He was so upset; the man wanted to play football here.<span style=""> </span>He loved the city, the team and the fans.<span style=""> </span>Dawkins sounded drained.<span style=""> </span>He couldn’t believe it.<span style=""> </span>It’s tough to lose a fan favorite when it still looks like he could play a little bit.<span style=""> </span>It’s something that had to be done, and I think we need to trust the Eagles’ judgment here, because their track record shows they know what they’re doing in situations like this.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Thank you, Jeremiah.<span style=""> </span>You’ve done a lot for the Eagles and their fans, and this has to be one of the hardest things Reid has ever done.<span style=""> </span>I really wish we could’ve won a title with you, but I bet you’ll feel like you’re there when our guys finally lift the Lombardi Trophy.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350249542208262530.post-85914839673732021722007-08-20T00:15:00.000-05:002007-08-20T00:19:00.816-05:00Panthers @ Eagles Review<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I wanted to see improvement and I got a face full of it.<span style=""> </span>Let’s review the notes I talked about in my preview, and then I’ll get to my thoughts on the rest of the game.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Tony Hunt-</b> He did what we asked him to do, and he did a good job in short yardage situations.<span style=""> </span>He pounded the ball on the goal line and scored a couple of times.<span style=""> </span>He really didn’t get a chance to do much else because Nate Ilaoa was getting a lot of looks in the second half.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Max Jean-Gilles-</b> I didn’t actually see Scott Young play at all, so I’m glad that Jean-Gilles got all of the snaps with the first team.<span style=""> </span>He didn’t seem to blow guys off the ball like you would like to see and expect from him, but he maintained contact to help open up holes.<span style=""> </span>If Andrews is out for a significant amount of time, this is the guy I want in.<span style=""> </span>He’s a big body with big potential.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Mike Patterson-</b> He got some nice pressure on the QB in his time in the game, and it resulted in at least one sack.<span style=""> </span>As long as he keeps working hard to stay low and get off the ball, he’ll be fine when he’s getting his rest.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Takeo Spikes-</b> Spikes showed improvement in his second game.<span style=""> </span>He was careful to not overrun a play when he had the opportunity to make a good tackle, and he did a great job of fighting through traffic to get to the ball.<span style=""> </span>That’s what we brought him in here to do, and hopefully he can bust up screens the same way he did on Friday.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>William James-</b> He didn’t completely suck, so that’s an improvement.<span style=""> </span>Dropped an easy pick, but the deflected pass is nice too.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Dirk Johnson-</b> He had another pretty good game, but again, he was outclassed by Rocca.<span style=""> </span>Dirk is doing enough to win the job in most years, but he doesn’t stand a chance against Rocca.<span style=""> </span>You have to respect him for going out there and doing his job even though the writing is on the wall.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Running game-</b> This still needs a lot of work.<span style=""> </span>Either the starters are mailing home the preseason, which I guess they have the right to do, or Shawn Andrews means much more to this team than we know.<span style=""> </span>Westbrook didn’t even average 3 yards a carry and they couldn’t sustain anything on the ground all night.<span style=""> </span>The Offensive Line was a huge strength and advantage last year, and it’s been nothing so far.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Penetration-</b> The Defensive Line played a lot better.<span style=""> </span>The tackles had a much better game and even without Kearse, the ends weren’t bad either.<span style=""> </span>Except for a couple long runs, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:City>’s ground game was stifled and the line had a lot to do with that.<span style=""> </span>As Kearse and Ian Scott work their way back, things will get better.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Pass rush-</b> I don’t know if it was <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:City>’s line or Delhomme’s indecisiveness, but even just a four man rush was suffocating.<span style=""> </span>Pressure came from the tackles just as much as the ends, and the Panthers’ QBs were forced into mistakes.<span style=""> </span>Getting good contributions from a lot of guys is going to do wonders for the Eagles defense.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I don’t know if it was McNabb’s return or playing in front of the home fans, but the team just seemed more energized.<span style=""> </span>The game was a complete 180 from what we sat through on Monday night.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">McNabb looked sharp.<span style=""> </span>Some of his throws were even better than what we’ve seen from him ever.<span style=""> </span>He had no problem planting and throwing strikes right on the numbers.<span style=""> </span>He made an awesome touch pass to Schobel between two defenders.<span style=""> </span>He took a couple of hits and bounced right back up.<span style=""> </span>You couldn’t have asked for a better debut.<span style=""> </span>Kolb took more chances downfield and looked alright again.</span></p>Scott Grauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03174756166602543202noreply@blogger.com0