This past weekend, we saw many players get injured during their games in the NFL. Whether it be a broken bone or dislocated finger, these will affect playing time for most of these players. This can also greatly affect team's chances of making it to the playoffs depending on how long the players may be ruled out.
Here are some of the players or groups that will need to step-up in order to keep their teams afloat until their players return to full form:
Dallas Cowboy's Receivers
The loss of Dez Bryant for the next 4-12 weeks will be a huge burden to place on Tony Romo. Without Dez, there is no true outside threat to stop the defense from attack the running backs. The responsibility is now placed on a group of young wide outs and one veteran tight end, Jason Witten. While Romo did lead the Cowboys on their game-winning drive last weekend over the Giants without Dez Bryant, this was against a team that was ranked 29 in total defense in 2014 and was without it's best player, Jason Paul-Pierre.
The Cowboys' next games are at the Eagles, Falcons, at Saints, Patriots. For this schedule, it could be likely to see Dallas go either 4-0 or 0-4.
Jason Babin, LB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost their Pro-Bowl Linebacker, Terrell Suggs, to a torn achilles this past weekend against the Broncos. With injuries at every position for the Ravens, they signed the 11-year veteran Jason Babin to fill Suggs' role.
The Ravens have always been known for having a stout defense due to the leadership of Ray Lewis for the better part of Baltimore's history. After his departure after the 2013 Super Bowl win, the leadership defaulted to Suggs and Ngata. With Ngata now in Detroit and Suggs on the sideline, this vet needs to come in and be the new face of fear in the Ravens' defense.
Chris Johnson and David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Andre Ellington was injured this past weekend against the Saints and will now be out for the next four weeks. This is the perfect time for the Cardinals to get a look at two new commodities in their offense's run game.
Chris Johnson has been looking for his second wind ever since leaving Tennessee in 2013. A former 2,000 yard-rusher in his second year, Johnson saw over 1,000 yards every other season in Tennessee. After his one year stay with the Jets, Johnson was released. This past April, Johnson was injured in a drive-by shooting in Orlando. Johnson is ready to show that he is still the running back he used to be.
David Johnson on the other hand is looking for a chance to showcase what he is all about. In recent fantasy posts, Matthew Berry has said that David Johnson will likely have the starting job by the end of the season in Arizona. While most people who were thinking that would mean during the middle of the season, that plan has now changed. Will this Northern Iowa product replace Ellington and Chris Johnson?
Donte Moncrief, WR, Indianapolis Colts
TY Hilton was injured this past weekend when the Colts took on the Bills. Hilton has a "bruise on his knee" and day-to-day. He is likely to sit out this week against the Jets. Enter Moncrief. Last year, Moncrief became a reliable WR3 for Andrew Luck towards the end of the season. He is small and fast, much like Hilton.
With Andre Johnson on the outside and a double tight end set with Fleener and Allen, look for Moncrief to play the slot and get many targets in the middle of the field until Hilton is back at top form.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
Stars of the Weekend
Football is officially back underway everyone! From now to the Super Bowl, every Monday, I will be posting my top five stars of the weekend from college and the NFL.
With all of football back in full swing, many teams came to play and did not disappoint. While some teams suffered crushing blows, others were lifted higher into our view. Let's just see who made the top five!
Remember, these are in no particular order:
1. Dalvin Cook, Running Back, FSU
This past weekend, the Seminoles took on the South Florida at Doak Campbell Stadium. The last time the Noles played the Bulls in Tallahassee, USF was able to sneak away with a victory. While it may have looked like that at the beginning of the game, Cook took over.
Cook rushed for a carrier day with 30 carries for 266 yards and three touchdowns. All highs for the true sophomore. With other Heisman contending running backs running for three scores as well (OSU E. Elliot, UA D. Henry, LSU L. Fornette), Cook would be the only one to have over 200 yards.
This is also the first time since 1988 that a FSU running back has rushed for 200 yards in a single game.
2. DeShone Kizer, Quarterback, Notre Dame
Kizer is looking to now become a household name due to the season-ending injury to ND starting quarterback, Malik Zaire.
Kizer would start his day with a shovel passing TD on a fake-field goal attempt by the Fighting Irish to go up 6-0 on the first drive of the game. But Kizer never realized his day would not end there. Zaire went down with a broken leg and is now out for the year. Enter Kizer. With the clock ticking down and the Irish down by seven to Virginia, Kizer would lead a game-winning touchdown drive, leaving only 12 seconds on the clock. A 39-yard bomb to Will Fuller would be the play of the game made by Kizer in order to ice the Cavs.
3. Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
No longer can people say that Tony Romo is not clutch. After last night's win over the divisional rival Giants, Tony Romo now leads the league in game-winning drives with 28 since 2006.
After a play call by the Giants that would stop the clock with 1:43 left in the fourth, the Giants would kick a field goal to go up by six. Romo would take over on the Cowboys' 28. Romo would send the ball to tailback Lance Dunbar on back-to-back plays to pick up 56 yards. The drive would end with :07 left when Romo would pass to Jason Witten for the 11-yard go-ahead touchdown.
4. Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
In his first outing as an NFL player, Mariota looked as though he had been playing for years under the Titans' offense. Passing for four touchdown in a single half of football is close to being unheard of by people. Even more so due to the fact that it was his first game.
Mariota would end the day going 13/16 with 209 yards and four touchdowns. He is only owned in 35.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues as of right now. That will be changed come wavier wire pick-up times on Wednesday.
5. Eli Jenkins, Quarterback, Jacksonville State
Who? This guy should be known as "The Guy Who Beat Auburn." Sure, Auburn won the game, but they did not win the war. Jenkins showed amazing patience against one of the SEC powerhouses and, at the time, #6 team in the NCAA. Passing for 277 yards and a touchdown, Jenkins made many Tigers scared towards the end of the game.
To Eli Jenkins, we say good job. Not many teams can take it to Auburn all four quarters, especially against a Will Muschamp defense. Because of their fight, Auburn has dropped to #18 from #6. One of the biggest drops in college history after starting 2-0.
With all of football back in full swing, many teams came to play and did not disappoint. While some teams suffered crushing blows, others were lifted higher into our view. Let's just see who made the top five!
Remember, these are in no particular order:
1. Dalvin Cook, Running Back, FSU
This past weekend, the Seminoles took on the South Florida at Doak Campbell Stadium. The last time the Noles played the Bulls in Tallahassee, USF was able to sneak away with a victory. While it may have looked like that at the beginning of the game, Cook took over.
Cook rushed for a carrier day with 30 carries for 266 yards and three touchdowns. All highs for the true sophomore. With other Heisman contending running backs running for three scores as well (OSU E. Elliot, UA D. Henry, LSU L. Fornette), Cook would be the only one to have over 200 yards.
This is also the first time since 1988 that a FSU running back has rushed for 200 yards in a single game.
2. DeShone Kizer, Quarterback, Notre Dame
Kizer is looking to now become a household name due to the season-ending injury to ND starting quarterback, Malik Zaire.
Kizer would start his day with a shovel passing TD on a fake-field goal attempt by the Fighting Irish to go up 6-0 on the first drive of the game. But Kizer never realized his day would not end there. Zaire went down with a broken leg and is now out for the year. Enter Kizer. With the clock ticking down and the Irish down by seven to Virginia, Kizer would lead a game-winning touchdown drive, leaving only 12 seconds on the clock. A 39-yard bomb to Will Fuller would be the play of the game made by Kizer in order to ice the Cavs.
3. Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
No longer can people say that Tony Romo is not clutch. After last night's win over the divisional rival Giants, Tony Romo now leads the league in game-winning drives with 28 since 2006.
After a play call by the Giants that would stop the clock with 1:43 left in the fourth, the Giants would kick a field goal to go up by six. Romo would take over on the Cowboys' 28. Romo would send the ball to tailback Lance Dunbar on back-to-back plays to pick up 56 yards. The drive would end with :07 left when Romo would pass to Jason Witten for the 11-yard go-ahead touchdown.
4. Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
In his first outing as an NFL player, Mariota looked as though he had been playing for years under the Titans' offense. Passing for four touchdown in a single half of football is close to being unheard of by people. Even more so due to the fact that it was his first game.
Mariota would end the day going 13/16 with 209 yards and four touchdowns. He is only owned in 35.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues as of right now. That will be changed come wavier wire pick-up times on Wednesday.
5. Eli Jenkins, Quarterback, Jacksonville State
Who? This guy should be known as "The Guy Who Beat Auburn." Sure, Auburn won the game, but they did not win the war. Jenkins showed amazing patience against one of the SEC powerhouses and, at the time, #6 team in the NCAA. Passing for 277 yards and a touchdown, Jenkins made many Tigers scared towards the end of the game.
To Eli Jenkins, we say good job. Not many teams can take it to Auburn all four quarters, especially against a Will Muschamp defense. Because of their fight, Auburn has dropped to #18 from #6. One of the biggest drops in college history after starting 2-0.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Second-Year QBs: Beware the Sophomore Slump
With last year's QB class entering their second year in the league, and with each player having less than eight wins under their belt, we look to the following season. Many QBs are known to decline in their second season of the NFL when starting their first year. Many notable QBs would be Robert Griffin III (NFC East Champion to 3-13), Matt Ryan (QBR dropped 7 points), and even the great Brett Farve (QBR dropped 13 points). How will the 2014 Draft Class of QBs fair in the upcoming year?
Blake Bortles (JAX)
Drafted 3rd Overall
Key Loss: WR Cecil Shorts (HOU)
Key Addition: RB T.J. Yeldon (2nd Pick from Alabama)
Record: 3-11 (Started last 14 Games)
Bortles was the first QB taken in last year's draft. The announcement that he was picked was met with boos and anger from the local Jacksonville Fan Base. Since then, Bortles has been able to turn them around just a bit. Most Jags fans are now happy with their selection and are looking towards the future. They know that this teams is still a few years away from the playoffs.
With the Jaguars owning both Free Agency and the 2015 Draft, Bortles has been put in a very good position for the upcoming years. Grabbing a new Lineman from the Cowboys stacked line, the Pro-Bowl TE Julius Thomas, and getting a new RB will surely help Bortles in the long run for this season.
While his offensive line still needs work, having an Alabama Alumni will help. Trent Richardson (OAK), Eddy Lacy (GB), and Mark Ingram (NO) are all former Bama players and all have had good careers when they are not injured.
Bortles also has a young, hungry receiving core around him. He will grow with these players and only get better in sync with them. Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson, and Marques Lee were all drafted last year and have all shown glimpses of brilliance. Adding a former number one WR Rashad Greene will only improve the depth they have at the position.
Prediction: No Slump, similar to last year
End of the Season: 5-11, 3,200 yards, 17 TDs, 15 Ints
Teddy Bridgewater (MIN)
Drafted 32nd Overall
Key Loss: Greg Jennings (MIA)
Key Addition: Mike Wallace (MIA)
Record: 6-7 (Started 13 total)
Bridgewater was seen as the top QB in the 2014 class, but barely got drafted in the first round thanks to a trade between the Vikings and the Seahawks. Despite a rocky start, even with a losing record, Bridgewater did have very good stats during the end of the season. The Vikings were able to hang with the Lions and Dolphins, two of the leagues best defenses, and the Vikings only lost by two points in each of those games.
When it came time for this past year's draft, some thought that Minnesota would look to draft DeVante Parker. This would reunite Bridgewater with his number one receiver from Louisville. The Vikings decided to strengthen their defense instead.
With Greg Jennings gone, and Mike Wallace in his place, we look to who will be WR two and three. This will be between Jarius Wright, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Charles Johnson. Patterson seems to be the least likely. He has been viewed as a bust from being drafted 31st overall in the 2013 Draft. Patterson will most likely default to punt returns and Jet Sweep plays.
A very good addition for Bridgewater is OT T.J. Clemmings from Pitt. Clemmings was viewed as a first round talent, but somehow fell to the fourth round. Getting protection for Bridgewater will be key late in the game.
The biggest upside for Bridgewater not to have a slump is that Adrien Peterson is back on the roster. While Matt Asiata and Jerrick McKinnon were good in his absence, Peterson is fully rested and ready to take it to the house.
Prediction: No Slump
End of the season: 8-7-1, 3,500 yards, 20 TDs, 12 Ints
Derek Carr (OAK)
Drafted 36th Overall
Key Loss: WR James Jones (FA)
Key Addition: WR Amari Cooper (1st Pick from Alabama)
End of the Season: 3-13 (Only Rookie to start All Season)
Carr was taken with lots of worry from the fans. After the drafting of his brother earlier in the 2000's, not many fans wanted another Carr under center. Still, with an impressive win against the Bills and Chiefs under his belt, Carr has nowhere to go but up.
Going up will be the problem though. The Raiders made many moves this offseason at many positions. On the offense alone, C Rodney Houston (KC), WR Michael Crabtree (SF), and RB Trent Richardson (IND) were added, and that is just from Free Agency.
They also have a new Head Coach in Jack Del Rio, the former OC from Jacksonville.
The problem with the Raiders is that there are a lot of moving parts. How will Cooper and Crabtree fit with Holmes and Streater? Who will be the featured RB: Richardson or Reese? Will the addition of Christian Ponder scare Carr into thinking he will be in a fight for the starting job every week of the season?
Carr's success will most likely rely heavily on the Raider's defense. With LB Kalil Mack, CB Charles Woodson, and DE Justin Tuck Leading the charge, they will help new players like 2nd Round pick DE Mario Edwards Jr. become better, as so to help the offense.
Prediction: Slump
End of the season: 1-8 (Replaced by Ponder), 2,000 yards, 10 TDs, 12 Ints.
Johnny Manziel (CLE)
Drafted 22nd Overall
Key Loss: TE Jordan Cameron (MIA)
Key Addition: WR Dwayne Bowe (KC)
End of the Season: 0-2 (Only Started in 2 games)
Johnny Football seems to not be what everyone thought he would be in the NFL. He only played two whole games before seeing the bench again. He has only passed for 175 yards in 5 games played. Other stats include no passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, and 2 Ints.
How I see it? Manziel has hit the floor. He, like Carr, have nowhere to go but up. There is one thing standing in his way: Josh McCown.
McCown has been given a chance over the past three seasons to show that he is a good starting QB. It happened after Jay Cutler went down for a few weeks in the 2013 season. McCown came in and left with a winning record and an offer to be the starting QB for Tampa Bay. After one season he was let go, losing the starting job halfway through the season to Mike Glennon.
Manziel will likely not get the starting job out of the gate, but he will get another shot.
Prediction: Rise
End the season: 3-4, 1,400 yards, 7 TDs, 8 Ints, 3 Rushing TDs
Monday, May 25, 2015
Way-Too-Early Final Four Picks
Well now that all of the colleges are out recruiting at some of the high school spring games, it looks like a time to predict who will be finishing as the top four teams in the country. Last year, we saw a battle of the two most recent powerhouses in college football (Florida State vs. Oregon), and college's two top coaches (Saban vs. Myer). Who knows what we will see this year.
Looking at top rankings of current players on the rosters, appeal of new additions to the starting core, and who is in the lead for a Heisman, I am left to look at the finals as that following:
1. TCU
2. Ohio State
3. USC
4. Ole Miss
TCU has been one of the favorites for this year since the end of last season. With losing only one offensive player, along with having the current Heisman front-runner, Trevone Boykin, still on the roster, it makes sense that TCU should get to the final four.
It may be difficult to believe, due to a weak Big-12. Baylor will not be as much of a threat without Bryce Petty and West Virginia without Clint Trickett. These weaker games do not merit the number one ranking. That is because this TCU team is primed to do what we saw Florida State do in 2013. TCU will mop the floor with every opponent they face. Without some key players like Malcom Brown and Kevin White no longer in the conference, no one is there to stop them from overtaking Ohio State for the number one spot.
Speaking of Ohio State, why are they at two? Ohio State always seems to lose that one game in the season that makes their championship hopes look dim. This year, I look at three games for the defending champs to be wary of: Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Wisconsin.
Virginia Tech was the one in 14-1 for the Buckeye's last year. This was due to a last minute pick-six made by the Hokie defense. Having a top 25 recruiting class does not help Ohio State's chances either along with being on a neutral field for the game. Michigan State is always a contender for the Big-10 East. With that game being right at the end of the regular season, we could see MSU QB Conner Cook trying to cement his candidacy for a Heisman vote.
Why is Wisconsin on the list? They don't even play OSU. That is because this is the Big-10 Title Game rematch. Wisconsin will be hurt from losing their best offensive weapon in Melvin Gordon, but Wisconsin, like Michigan State, is always in contention for that title, especially with a weak Big-10 West in their favor.
Moving on to USC. Will this be the year they rise once again? I believe so. While having lost DT Leonard Williams and WR Nelson Agholor to the draft may not help, USC has a great starting QB in Kessler along with a recruiting system that could be described as "reloading."
USC is my pick for being the Pac-12 Champions due to the loss of Marcus Mariota in Oregon and Brett Hundley for UCLA. They have a strong schedule with a predicted six ranked match-ups.
Finally we have Ole Miss. With the loss of Bo Wallace, this will be my dark horse. Mel Kiper already has numerous players on both sides of the ball ranked in his top 15 on offense, defense, and Seniors. While they do have a difficult away schedule, playing Alabama, Florida, Auburn, and in-state rival Mississippi State, they have a lot of upside.
If Laquon Treadwell returns to the competitive state he was at before his injury, Ole Miss could be sitting pretty as the SEC Champs. Treadwell averaged about 13 yards per reception before breaking his leg against Auburn last year.
What about the other teams? The other possible teams that could be here are not due to a list of reasons. My first five out due to the game that will decide their fate:
Alabama loses to Ole Miss
Mississippi State loses to Alabama
Florida State loses to Georgia Tech
Arizona loses to USC
Oregon loses to Arizona State
Looking at top rankings of current players on the rosters, appeal of new additions to the starting core, and who is in the lead for a Heisman, I am left to look at the finals as that following:
1. TCU
2. Ohio State
3. USC
4. Ole Miss
TCU has been one of the favorites for this year since the end of last season. With losing only one offensive player, along with having the current Heisman front-runner, Trevone Boykin, still on the roster, it makes sense that TCU should get to the final four.
It may be difficult to believe, due to a weak Big-12. Baylor will not be as much of a threat without Bryce Petty and West Virginia without Clint Trickett. These weaker games do not merit the number one ranking. That is because this TCU team is primed to do what we saw Florida State do in 2013. TCU will mop the floor with every opponent they face. Without some key players like Malcom Brown and Kevin White no longer in the conference, no one is there to stop them from overtaking Ohio State for the number one spot.
Speaking of Ohio State, why are they at two? Ohio State always seems to lose that one game in the season that makes their championship hopes look dim. This year, I look at three games for the defending champs to be wary of: Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Wisconsin.
Virginia Tech was the one in 14-1 for the Buckeye's last year. This was due to a last minute pick-six made by the Hokie defense. Having a top 25 recruiting class does not help Ohio State's chances either along with being on a neutral field for the game. Michigan State is always a contender for the Big-10 East. With that game being right at the end of the regular season, we could see MSU QB Conner Cook trying to cement his candidacy for a Heisman vote.
Why is Wisconsin on the list? They don't even play OSU. That is because this is the Big-10 Title Game rematch. Wisconsin will be hurt from losing their best offensive weapon in Melvin Gordon, but Wisconsin, like Michigan State, is always in contention for that title, especially with a weak Big-10 West in their favor.
Moving on to USC. Will this be the year they rise once again? I believe so. While having lost DT Leonard Williams and WR Nelson Agholor to the draft may not help, USC has a great starting QB in Kessler along with a recruiting system that could be described as "reloading."
USC is my pick for being the Pac-12 Champions due to the loss of Marcus Mariota in Oregon and Brett Hundley for UCLA. They have a strong schedule with a predicted six ranked match-ups.
Finally we have Ole Miss. With the loss of Bo Wallace, this will be my dark horse. Mel Kiper already has numerous players on both sides of the ball ranked in his top 15 on offense, defense, and Seniors. While they do have a difficult away schedule, playing Alabama, Florida, Auburn, and in-state rival Mississippi State, they have a lot of upside.
If Laquon Treadwell returns to the competitive state he was at before his injury, Ole Miss could be sitting pretty as the SEC Champs. Treadwell averaged about 13 yards per reception before breaking his leg against Auburn last year.
What about the other teams? The other possible teams that could be here are not due to a list of reasons. My first five out due to the game that will decide their fate:
Alabama loses to Ole Miss
Mississippi State loses to Alabama
Florida State loses to Georgia Tech
Arizona loses to USC
Oregon loses to Arizona State
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Ray Rice's Second Shot?
It has been over a year since former Pro-Bowl Running Back Ray Rice got into an altercation with his (at the time) soon-to-be wife in an elevator. After the news was outed, the Ravens #1 running back's contract was terminated and he was suspended for an indefinite amount of time. Earlier today, Rice was exonerated of the charges after he had spent the year in a recovery program to make sure this kind of tragedy would not happen ever again. So the question remains: will he get another shot in the NFL?
Rice entered the League in 2008 as a 2nd round pick out of Rutgers University. In six seasons with Baltimore, Rice had accumulated over 6,000 yards, 3 pro-bowl appearances, ranked in the NFL's Top 100 Players for 3-consecutive years (2011-13), and a Super Bowl ring. Rice, amazingly, has also been injury free over his career. Impressive for a back who is only 5' 8".
Everything about Rice says sign him immediately. Teams should be scrambling for a chance to get this once in a lifetime back. But the actions of Ray have greatly damaged his reputation. But this has not kept teams at bay.
Supposedly, five teams are interested in Rice. For the teams interested, this could spell Super Bowl Bound in the next few years. Especially since some of the interested teams were in the playoffs this past year.
Dallas Cowboys
With DeMarco Murray gone, and many people not sure about who will be the true starter for Dallas, Rice would be ideal to Dallas. Granted, Dallas has already signed former Raider Darren McFadden. Also, today the team had workouts with five-year veteran Ben Tate along with former Cowboy, Felix Jones.
Rice could choose to go with a team that may have the best offensive line next year, and is a starting RB and a sub-par secondary away from a Super Bowl. This would be an ideal spot for Rice.
Cleveland Browns
This seems like the least likely of possibilities for Rice. The past two years, the Browns have spent three picks on Running Backs: Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West, and Duke Johnson. Adding a fourth to the fray would not be an idea for this once lone workhorse back. Rice would be looking for a place where he can go after another championship. This team is still pretty far from making the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders did a great deal of work this off season. Oakland added 13 players from all over the league and on every side of the ball. This includes two running backs: Trent Richardson and Roy Helu Jr. This team has the same problem as Cleveland. Players who have reached the top want to be back there. This teams does not offer the fast track to that dream.
New England Patriots
The reigning Super Bowl Champions are without a true starting back. Having lost both Steven Ridley and Shane Vereen in free agency, the Pats are looking at three guys to lead them: Jonas Grey, LeGarrette Blount, and Rookie Ty Gaffney.
Grey did well last year for the few games he played, breaking a New England rushing record. Granted, his best game was against a team with some major defense problems. Blount cannot stay out of trouble for his own good, having been suspended yet again. Gaffney has promise, but rarely is a rookie back ready to go from day one. Rice going to New England could happen, and we all know that Brady is hungry for a fifth ring. Rice would be the ideal fit for this team, considering that they run a similar offense as they did in Baltimore
Indianapolis Colts
This team, like the Patriots, are in need of a good starter. Over the past few years, the depth chart for the Colts running backs kept getting smaller and smaller. Injury after injury for Indy. Now adding seasoned vet Frank Gore to the mix, it would look as though they have a fighting chance in the run game. This could be another good fit, but is Rice ready to give up playing time?
Can Rice return to his former glory? I think the better question is, should he be allowed to?
Rice entered the League in 2008 as a 2nd round pick out of Rutgers University. In six seasons with Baltimore, Rice had accumulated over 6,000 yards, 3 pro-bowl appearances, ranked in the NFL's Top 100 Players for 3-consecutive years (2011-13), and a Super Bowl ring. Rice, amazingly, has also been injury free over his career. Impressive for a back who is only 5' 8".
Everything about Rice says sign him immediately. Teams should be scrambling for a chance to get this once in a lifetime back. But the actions of Ray have greatly damaged his reputation. But this has not kept teams at bay.
Supposedly, five teams are interested in Rice. For the teams interested, this could spell Super Bowl Bound in the next few years. Especially since some of the interested teams were in the playoffs this past year.
Dallas Cowboys
With DeMarco Murray gone, and many people not sure about who will be the true starter for Dallas, Rice would be ideal to Dallas. Granted, Dallas has already signed former Raider Darren McFadden. Also, today the team had workouts with five-year veteran Ben Tate along with former Cowboy, Felix Jones.
Rice could choose to go with a team that may have the best offensive line next year, and is a starting RB and a sub-par secondary away from a Super Bowl. This would be an ideal spot for Rice.
Cleveland Browns
This seems like the least likely of possibilities for Rice. The past two years, the Browns have spent three picks on Running Backs: Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West, and Duke Johnson. Adding a fourth to the fray would not be an idea for this once lone workhorse back. Rice would be looking for a place where he can go after another championship. This team is still pretty far from making the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders did a great deal of work this off season. Oakland added 13 players from all over the league and on every side of the ball. This includes two running backs: Trent Richardson and Roy Helu Jr. This team has the same problem as Cleveland. Players who have reached the top want to be back there. This teams does not offer the fast track to that dream.
New England Patriots
The reigning Super Bowl Champions are without a true starting back. Having lost both Steven Ridley and Shane Vereen in free agency, the Pats are looking at three guys to lead them: Jonas Grey, LeGarrette Blount, and Rookie Ty Gaffney.
Grey did well last year for the few games he played, breaking a New England rushing record. Granted, his best game was against a team with some major defense problems. Blount cannot stay out of trouble for his own good, having been suspended yet again. Gaffney has promise, but rarely is a rookie back ready to go from day one. Rice going to New England could happen, and we all know that Brady is hungry for a fifth ring. Rice would be the ideal fit for this team, considering that they run a similar offense as they did in Baltimore
Indianapolis Colts
This team, like the Patriots, are in need of a good starter. Over the past few years, the depth chart for the Colts running backs kept getting smaller and smaller. Injury after injury for Indy. Now adding seasoned vet Frank Gore to the mix, it would look as though they have a fighting chance in the run game. This could be another good fit, but is Rice ready to give up playing time?
Can Rice return to his former glory? I think the better question is, should he be allowed to?
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Can Dallas Win Without Murray?
It seems like the Dallas Cowboy's run game has been one of the biggest questions this offseason. Since losing the league's leading rusher to their conference rival, it seems as though Dallas has done next to nothing about replacing DeMarco Murray. While there has been much speculation around the league as to what Dallas' plan is, Owner and GM Jerry Jones has outright said that he feels that this year's core of running backs can be better than last year's group.
Looking at the actual moves this offseason for the run game, Dallas has made one move that seems to have made sense: signing Darren McFadden from the Raiders. The former first rounder was supposed to be one of the answers for the Raider's downward spiral in the NFL. Since entering the league in 2008, McFadden has only had one season where he has reached over 1,000 yards. Another interesting fact is that this past season was McFadden's first season to play all 16 games in the regular season.
But with only 534 yards to show for this past season, what makes the Cowboys think he could be the solution to losing the OPOY? While it could just be the owner's diehard love of former Arkansas players, Dallas may be looking to do what most of the NFL is looking at: a duel running back system.
In the past few years, it has been an idea for some teams without a workhorse back to use a duel system. In the past, we have seen groups such as C.J Spiller with Fred Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles, and Ryan Matthews with Danny Woodhead. In each of these duos, one of them is known for getting hurt upon occasion. With a duel system, it puts less work on one guy to do it all. Dallas may look to use the duel system with McFadden and Randle, a 3rd year out of Oklahoma State.
While teams like Seattle and Green Bay have some of the NFL's top backs in the league, and rarely have to switch out, the duel back is still as system that can work. For now. Without a Lacy or Lynch at the Cowboy's disposal, it looked as though Dallas would address that problem in the draft.
With Dallas having the 27th pick in this past year's draft, it was hard to guess where they would go with having lost Murray, but also having many holes to fill on defense. With the top two backs, Gurley and Gordon, off the board before the halfway mark, Dallas was smart not to gamble on one of the other backs so early. This is also due to the fact that through many scouting reports, none of the players ranked below Gurley and Gordon were seen as possible workhorse backs.
Now there has been talks about Dallas trading for the highly coveted Adrian Peterson, but the Vikings seem to be looking for more than just the offer of a 2016 First-Round Pick. Don't look for Peterson to be dawning the blue and white anytime soon.
There has been some other speculation of one other player to add to the core. This information has just hit recently. The Bear's Running Back Matt Forte is looking for a trade.
After the signing of Jacquizz Rodgers in free-agency, along with drafting Ka'Deem Carey (Arizona) and Kendall Langford (Michigan State) over the past two years, it looks as though the Bears may be closing the door on the vet. With Forte hitting the trading block earlier today, it will be interesting to see how Dallas, along with other teams, react to the action.
All of the speculation aside, staying with the backs available to them right now, it is hard to see how Dallas can win with this host of backs. Granted, having signed LSU OT La'el Collins, and having what some may call the best offensive line in NFL History, we will just have to wait and see if McFadden can be the running back people expected him to be after being picked fourth overall in 2008.
Looking at the actual moves this offseason for the run game, Dallas has made one move that seems to have made sense: signing Darren McFadden from the Raiders. The former first rounder was supposed to be one of the answers for the Raider's downward spiral in the NFL. Since entering the league in 2008, McFadden has only had one season where he has reached over 1,000 yards. Another interesting fact is that this past season was McFadden's first season to play all 16 games in the regular season.
But with only 534 yards to show for this past season, what makes the Cowboys think he could be the solution to losing the OPOY? While it could just be the owner's diehard love of former Arkansas players, Dallas may be looking to do what most of the NFL is looking at: a duel running back system.
In the past few years, it has been an idea for some teams without a workhorse back to use a duel system. In the past, we have seen groups such as C.J Spiller with Fred Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles, and Ryan Matthews with Danny Woodhead. In each of these duos, one of them is known for getting hurt upon occasion. With a duel system, it puts less work on one guy to do it all. Dallas may look to use the duel system with McFadden and Randle, a 3rd year out of Oklahoma State.
While teams like Seattle and Green Bay have some of the NFL's top backs in the league, and rarely have to switch out, the duel back is still as system that can work. For now. Without a Lacy or Lynch at the Cowboy's disposal, it looked as though Dallas would address that problem in the draft.
With Dallas having the 27th pick in this past year's draft, it was hard to guess where they would go with having lost Murray, but also having many holes to fill on defense. With the top two backs, Gurley and Gordon, off the board before the halfway mark, Dallas was smart not to gamble on one of the other backs so early. This is also due to the fact that through many scouting reports, none of the players ranked below Gurley and Gordon were seen as possible workhorse backs.
Now there has been talks about Dallas trading for the highly coveted Adrian Peterson, but the Vikings seem to be looking for more than just the offer of a 2016 First-Round Pick. Don't look for Peterson to be dawning the blue and white anytime soon.
There has been some other speculation of one other player to add to the core. This information has just hit recently. The Bear's Running Back Matt Forte is looking for a trade.
After the signing of Jacquizz Rodgers in free-agency, along with drafting Ka'Deem Carey (Arizona) and Kendall Langford (Michigan State) over the past two years, it looks as though the Bears may be closing the door on the vet. With Forte hitting the trading block earlier today, it will be interesting to see how Dallas, along with other teams, react to the action.
All of the speculation aside, staying with the backs available to them right now, it is hard to see how Dallas can win with this host of backs. Granted, having signed LSU OT La'el Collins, and having what some may call the best offensive line in NFL History, we will just have to wait and see if McFadden can be the running back people expected him to be after being picked fourth overall in 2008.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Draft Day Recap: Tampa Bay Bucs
With the First Pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Bucs select: Their Franchise Quarterback of the Future!
The Bucs made a splash with their first pick out of the gate. With little controversy surrounding who they would pick at number one. Jameis Winston of Florida State University boasts a 27-1 record as the starting quarterback and has a BCS National Championship and a Heisman to back up why he went number one. But lets look at how Tampa Bay addressed the rest of their team's needs from the second round onward.
Round 2: Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State Round 5: Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska
Round 2: All Marpet, C, Hobart Round 6: Kaelin Clay, WR, Utah
Round 4: Kwon Alexander, ILB, LSU Round 7: Joey Iosefa, FB, Hawaii
Team Needs: QB DL OL LB WR
The Bucs addressed their number one need right off the bat, no problem. As the draft moved on to the next few days, the Bucs stayed to their game plan of drafting only their needs for awhile.
On day two, the Bucs took Donovan Smith from Penn State and All Marpet from Hobart. Both of these picks address that key offensive line help that the Bucs desperately need. In the past two seasons, the Bucs have yet to have a RB reach 1,000 yards. This is due to the lack of communication on the line and the fact that the RBs keep getting injured due to the heavy workload they have themselves, without a line. One of these RBs includes Doug Martin, who is entering his fouth year and has not yet had his option picked up for a fifth year.
Martin had over 1,000 yards his rookie season, but has not hit 500 in the past two.
The addition of an Inside Linebacker will help relieve that defense of having so much pressure put on all-star Gerald McCoy. Alexander had 83 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 12 games with LSU last year. With Tampa giving up almost 115 yards on the ground per game, Alexander is sure to be there difference to stop the run whether it is off or in between the tackles. While there was no help on the line in the draft, do remember the Bucs signed veteran DT Henry Melton.
Finally, they address the Wide Receiver depth issue. With Jackson close to retirement, Tampa is hoping that Mike Evans will be able to take over as their future number one receiver. With both receivers standing at 6' 5", Winston has just been given two wide outs that are the same size of his former teammate and savior of the Championship, Kelvin Benjamin.
With both of the Bucs' picks, Bell and Clay, at 6' 1" and 5' 10", these will not be like the two big men. But they do represent speed which is needed by the Bucs receivers. Bell, who ran a 4.42, and Clay, a 4.51. Look to be those speedy slot receivers. These are the men that can make a difference in a game. Smaller receivers like T.Y. Hilton and Julian Edelman have become big-time targets for their QBs as the seasons go on. Bell and Clay look to become that type of player.
Adding to the running game is not what people would think the Bucs need, but a big guy like Iosefa? While Iosefa is not the type of FB like Mike Tolbert, they will look for this 247 pounder to be a lead blocker for Martin or Rainey in the future to set the outside edge.
Overall, Tampa Bay can rest easy for a bit, knowing that, on paper, their draft looks good. Are all of the pieces there to make a run for another Super Bowl? In time, maybe. I look at this team and say that the Bucs can finish the year at a solid 8-8. But this all depends on how Winston can play with the big boys in the NFL.
Tomorrow, I will be looking at the Titan's Draft Class.
The Bucs made a splash with their first pick out of the gate. With little controversy surrounding who they would pick at number one. Jameis Winston of Florida State University boasts a 27-1 record as the starting quarterback and has a BCS National Championship and a Heisman to back up why he went number one. But lets look at how Tampa Bay addressed the rest of their team's needs from the second round onward.
Round 2: Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State Round 5: Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska
Round 2: All Marpet, C, Hobart Round 6: Kaelin Clay, WR, Utah
Round 4: Kwon Alexander, ILB, LSU Round 7: Joey Iosefa, FB, Hawaii
Team Needs: QB DL OL LB WR
The Bucs addressed their number one need right off the bat, no problem. As the draft moved on to the next few days, the Bucs stayed to their game plan of drafting only their needs for awhile.
On day two, the Bucs took Donovan Smith from Penn State and All Marpet from Hobart. Both of these picks address that key offensive line help that the Bucs desperately need. In the past two seasons, the Bucs have yet to have a RB reach 1,000 yards. This is due to the lack of communication on the line and the fact that the RBs keep getting injured due to the heavy workload they have themselves, without a line. One of these RBs includes Doug Martin, who is entering his fouth year and has not yet had his option picked up for a fifth year.
Martin had over 1,000 yards his rookie season, but has not hit 500 in the past two.
The addition of an Inside Linebacker will help relieve that defense of having so much pressure put on all-star Gerald McCoy. Alexander had 83 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 12 games with LSU last year. With Tampa giving up almost 115 yards on the ground per game, Alexander is sure to be there difference to stop the run whether it is off or in between the tackles. While there was no help on the line in the draft, do remember the Bucs signed veteran DT Henry Melton.
Finally, they address the Wide Receiver depth issue. With Jackson close to retirement, Tampa is hoping that Mike Evans will be able to take over as their future number one receiver. With both receivers standing at 6' 5", Winston has just been given two wide outs that are the same size of his former teammate and savior of the Championship, Kelvin Benjamin.
With both of the Bucs' picks, Bell and Clay, at 6' 1" and 5' 10", these will not be like the two big men. But they do represent speed which is needed by the Bucs receivers. Bell, who ran a 4.42, and Clay, a 4.51. Look to be those speedy slot receivers. These are the men that can make a difference in a game. Smaller receivers like T.Y. Hilton and Julian Edelman have become big-time targets for their QBs as the seasons go on. Bell and Clay look to become that type of player.
Adding to the running game is not what people would think the Bucs need, but a big guy like Iosefa? While Iosefa is not the type of FB like Mike Tolbert, they will look for this 247 pounder to be a lead blocker for Martin or Rainey in the future to set the outside edge.
Overall, Tampa Bay can rest easy for a bit, knowing that, on paper, their draft looks good. Are all of the pieces there to make a run for another Super Bowl? In time, maybe. I look at this team and say that the Bucs can finish the year at a solid 8-8. But this all depends on how Winston can play with the big boys in the NFL.
Tomorrow, I will be looking at the Titan's Draft Class.
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