NFL – Fansmanship

My Twitter feed says the Seahawks should have run the ball

owenmain — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 03:55:15 +0000

Like everyone else I thought to myself, “why?”

Why did Seattle throw the ball there? With Marshawn Lynch and plenty of time to run two or three more plays, why would you throw the ball?

This was one of the most unanimous responses to anything sports-related on my twitter feed, so I thought I’d share some of it. Just seemed like the right thing to do.

Crazy. Seahawks had that game and then shit themselves. Maybe that pooping celebration was a harbinger.

— Ann Killion (@annkillion) February 2, 2015

Why the hell would you throw the ball there?! Run it!!!

— Rich Kurtzman (@RichKurtzman) February 2, 2015

Why – not – Beastmode?

Time to fire your offensive coordinator…

— Beth Balbierz (@bethbalbierz14) February 2, 2015

Yeah let's not let the greatest red zone running back punch it in.

— Stephan Teodosescu (@steodosescu) February 2, 2015

Why are you not running the ball?

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) February 2, 2015

Like legitimately the worst play call I've ever seen in any sporting event in my life. #SuperBowlXLIX

— Matt SantaMaria (@MattSantaMaria) February 2, 2015

Entire legacies just turned on that play.

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) February 2, 2015

You deserve to lose if u have the best RB in the game and don't give him the ball

— Mitch Haniger (@M_Hanny19) February 2, 2015

Ned Yost would have bunted.

— D.J. Short (@djshort) February 2, 2015

Worst play call in the history of sports. Pete Carroll face

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) February 2, 2015

On my death bed I will wonder why they didn't give it to Marshawn

— Flea (@flea333) February 2, 2015

I for one can not wait for Marshawn Lynch's postgame press conference. #SuperBowlXLIX

— Matt SantaMaria (@MattSantaMaria) February 2, 2015

Lynch was averaging 4.3 yards per carry and had 102 in the game before that pass play

— Pat O'Rourke (@BayAreaBias) February 2, 2015

Text from buddy: "I'm in shock right now. Seattle scores, I win 15k in my box pool."

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 2, 2015

That is the worst play call at the end of a Super Bowl ever. Ever.

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) February 2, 2015

Who the F made that play call?!?!? Are you kofding me? That was our game to win and we just blew it.

— Ashley Ryan (@AshleyLolaRyan) February 2, 2015

Worst Play Call, greatest ending EVER! …unreal #SB49

— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) February 2, 2015

YOU GOT MARSHAWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE JUST RUN IT!!!!

— Qadry Ismail (@QadryIsmail) February 2, 2015

Yes. Worst play call ever. But give rookie Malcolm Butler credit for a brilliant play.

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) February 2, 2015

Greatest Super Bowl finish EVER.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 2, 2015

Worse call in NFL History. Pete Carroll will never recover from this. Give the damn ball to MarShawn Lynch. Horrible! Horrible! Horrible!

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 2, 2015

Grady Little has company.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 2, 2015

Hmm I bet Lynch has something to talk about now!

— ryan nece (@ryannece) February 2, 2015

That was the worst play call I've seen in the history of football.

Why throw the ball from the two? #QuestionThatWillHauntPeteCarolForever

— Les Lukach (@LesLukach) February 2, 2015

SEATTLE BRAIN-FART.. ON PATS ONE…. GOT TIME.. BEAST-MODE.. RAJIN… YA THREW A LOOK-IN PASS? WORST CALL ON FOOTBALL HISTORY..

— VIC THE BRICK JACOBS (@vicfeelingyou) February 2, 2015

Why the hell would you throw the ball there?! Run it!!!

— Rich Kurtzman (@RichKurtzman) February 2, 2015

Podcast Episode 118 – Rich Seubert

owenmain — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 18:58:59 +0000

Rich Seubert spent this past season coaching high school football at Mission Prep. By Owen Main

Super Bowl champion Rich Seubert joins Owen in-studio for the first podcast of 2015. We talked about his professional career, what brought him to the central coast, and how the owner of the Giants treated him when he broke three bones in his leg when he was stepped on in a game.

Seriously, you guys. What kind of a stud do you have to be to come back from some ridiculousness like this? (Don’t watch the video unless you want to see someone’s leg break in 3 places…).

Rihanna is opening act for the Ravens game tonight

owenmain — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:58:29 +0000

Almost unbelievably, Rihanna is singing tonight. By Ilikeriri (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

When I saw the headline on my feed, I did a double-take.

This had to be a headline from The Onion. Or the Koala. This couldn’t be real, could it?

It turns out it was a real headline, from the real-life USA Today: “Rihanna is the Opening Act on Thursday Night Football.”

Incidentally, the game will be played in Baltimore, where Ravens’ running-back Ray Rice and his woman-beating have been the center of the sports discussion universe this week.

I’m sure Rihanna’s appearance has been planned for months. I’m sure Rihanna is being paid handsomely to do it. I’m sure all the people related to the situation have rationalized themselves into thinking that it’s all good.

Still, it’s just one of those things that makes you shake your head and wonder… .

Levines’ NFL Team Rankings

Matt Levine — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 16:16:59 +0000

Rankings, rankings, rankings. Everyone always wants to talk about rankings and for good measure as rankings normally give us a good depiction on which teams are better and who has more upside. People trust rankings and because of this rankings have become so popular especially in the NFL. Here are my team rankings for the season and some predictions for the awards that will be given out at the end of the year:

Will Russell Wilson lead the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl in 2015? Or will another team dethrone them? By andrewtat94, via Wikimedia Commons

1. Seattle Seahawks: Until they are dethroned they are the champs and still are the best team in the NFL.

2. New Orleans Saints: This is one of the only teams I see giving the Seahawks a scare in the NFC

3. New England Patriots: Their offseason additions put them slightly over the Broncos for now in my book

4. Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning will be Peyton Manning, but will it be enough to reach the Super Bowl again?

5. Green Bay Packers: A healthy Aaron Rodgers? Sign me up!

6. Indianapolis Colts: The growth of Andrew Luck shows again and playing in the weakest division will help the Colts, who are on the move into contention.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Their defense took a shot with the suspension of Aldon Smith but they will rebound like they always do.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: Potentially scary offense and a top-three defense that gets back Geno Atkins and Leon Hall. It’s not too bad to be a Cincy fan these days.

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Not 100 percent sold on Foles but I expect them to repeat in the NFC East

10. Baltimore Ravens: Missing the playoffs should give Flacco and company motivation to reach them again so I’m not betting against them

11. Chicago Bears: Lets see if Jay Cutler can really have an MVP-type season. If he does, the Bears can go far.

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Smith has his money, but will he do enough as the quarterback to lead this defensive oriented teams.

13. San Diego Chargers: Phillip Rivers had a career year last season and if he builds on that then the Chargers could make the playoffs again.

14. Arizona Cardinals: This team is good, I mean really good. Carson Palmer is the X-factor here. This team could be top-ten or bottom-five, but will probably end-up somewhere in the middle.

15. Atlanta Falcons: A healthy Roddy White, Julio Jones and others can help the Falcons get back to the playoffs.

16. Carolina Panthers: A sexy pick last season lost many key pieces during the offseason without replacing them well.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lovie Smith was a great hire, plus the additions on defense may help the Bucs be relevant again.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: They could prove me wrong but I don’t see them team making the playoffs, they are just getting too old and worn-down.

19. New York Jets: Geno Smith will have to show that he really can play in the NFL, otherwise we may see Michael Vick take the field as the starter.

20. Detroit Lions: I really like this Lions team, but Matthew Stafford throws way too many interceptions for me to rely on him as a quarterback to take a team to the playoffs.

21. Miami Dolphins: Again, I like this team and they could make the playoffs but let’s see how Ryan Tannehill does first.

22. New York Giants: They played well toward the end of last season. Maybe that will carry over into this year for Eli Manning and the Giants?

23. Minnesota Vikings: This team could surprise people with their playmakers on offense and having Mike Zimmer as the coach could help the defense

24. St. Louis Rams: Before the Sam Bradford injury, I liked this team but with Shaun Hill running things… not so much.

25. Washington Redskins: RGIII needs to be the RGIII from his rookie season if the Redskins want to do anything this season.

26. Tennessee Titans: A good young team but not enough weapons to actually compete yet.

27. Dallas Cowboys: It’s strange to see the Cowboys so low, but they were god-awful on defense last season and have only gotten worse during the off-season.

28. Cleveland Browns: Good additions to the defense, but without Josh Gordon on offense who do they have to throw too?

29. Oakland Raiders: If Derek Carr plays well, things could get interesting for the Raiders this season. He’s still a rookie, though.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars: I am hopeful that the Jags start Blake Bortles sometime in the first few weeks to at least give the fans something to cheer about this year

31. Buffalo Bills: Losing Kiko Alonso hurts the Bills defense a lot plus I am not sold on EJ Manuel, whatsoever.

32. Houston Texans: Their defense will scare some teams and may help win games but their offense will stink yet again this season. The Texans become bottom-feeders.

Postseason Awards

NFL MVP: Packers, Aaron Rodgers

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Panthers, Kelvin Benjamin

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ravens LB, CJ Mosley

Offensive Player of the Year: Seahawks, Russell Wilson

Defensive Player of the Year: Texans, JJ Watt

Coach of the Year: New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton

Comeback Player of the Year: Falcons WR, Julio Jones

Screamo’s 2014 Fantasy Football Top 5 Position Rankings

Matt Levine — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 22:11:53 +0000

It’s that time of the year again: fantasy football season. Fantasy football is a fun, exciting way for fans to feel as if they are a part of what actually happens on Sundays in the NFL. Fantasy football is actually quite simple and for some people can consume their lives for the few months that football is in season.

Anybody that plays can tell you that building a completely balanced team is the key to winning your league. That being said, here are the top 5 players at each position for fantasy with some breakdowns of players and what their upside and downside will be during this upcoming 2014 fantasy football season:

Adrian Peterson should be the #1 overall pick in every fantasy football league.
By Mike Morbeck, via Wikimedia Commons

Running Backs (RB):

Adrian Peterson: For the last few years since his return from injury, AP has just been filthy and he will again in 2014 be a monster. Peterson is basically the Vikings’ entire offense with the exception of wideout Cordarrelle Patterson. With his quarterback to either be Matt Cassel or rookie Teddy Bridgewater, Peterson is primed to have another great year as long as he stays healthy.
Matt Forte: Having Forte this high may come to a surprise of many but when healthy, Forte is an absolute beast. He can catch, he can run, he can do it all. The Bears look primed to have a very scary offense that centers around Forte especially if Cutler injuries himself yet again.
LeSean McCoy: Shady McCoy is coming off a breakout season with Chip Kelly and his offense. McCoy will have another stellar season but his production will fade, as teams defenses will figure out ways to slow down Kelly and his offense.
Jamaal Charles: Charles was everything for the Chiefs last season and so he put up some exceptional numbers. I just don’t see the Chiefs relying so heavily on Charles again in 2014 but that doesn’t mean he won’t put up numbers. Charles is still a main option in that offense and will continue to be.
Eddie Lacy: Not seeing Marshawn Lynch in the top 5 will make some people angry but I believe that Eddie Lacy has taken over the fifth spot. I am fearful that Lynch will get caught-up in the Super Bowl champion hype and it will affect his numbers slightly. Plus, Lacy has a lot to prove being so that he doesn’t endure a sophomore slump.

Quarterback (QB):

Peyton Mannng: Despite the Super Bowl meltdown, need I even say more about this one?
Aaron Rodgers: I am looking for Rodgers to have a great season in 2014. He is healthy and wants to remind everyone just who the king of the QBs is. Watch out for Rodgers in 2014.
Drew Brees: Brees and the Saints were so close to beating Seattle in Seattle in the playoffs. The Saints always have an explosive offense, which makes Brees a top fantasy QB every year.
Matthew Stafford: Just having Calvin Johnson as your number 1 WR, you are going to make the top 5 despite all the turnovers. Stafford will look to cut down on the turnovers and if he does so, the Lions may have a chance at the playoffs this season.
Matt Ryan: I know this is a gamble putting him here but I believe with a healthy Julio Jones and Roddy White, the Falcons can have their scary offensive attack back. Plus the addition of speedster Devin Hester will help Ryan and the Falcons.

Wide Receiver (WR):

Calvin Johnson: Johnson scares anyone who goes up against him even in fantasy because he is that good. He will have another amazing season so fantasy owners be afraid if he isn’t in your lineup.
Dez Bryant: Whom else do the Cowboys have on offense? Their offense mainly consists of Tony Romo throwing deep to Bryant for the touchdown and after that it’s a mix of runs by Murray and some balls to Jason Witten. Bryant will have another breakout year.
AJ Green: Green has been one of the more consistent fantasy wide receivers in his first three seasons and more of the same in 2014. Andy Dalton and Green have a connection and Green will take advantage of that yet again. Green will have another pro bowl year in 2014.
Demaryius Thomas: Thomas would be higher than 4 if the Broncos didn’t have so many other weapons for Manning to throw to. Still Thomas is a deadly wide-out to go up against as he can explode for a few touchdowns in one game.
Julio Jones: When healthy, Jones is a top five wide receiver in the NFL. He is back and looks to be healthy and should be who we all know he is. Picking between him and Brandon Marshall was a difficult one but Jones gets the slight edge because of the Falcons weaker running back situation.

Tight Ends (TE):

Jimmy Graham: Graham is a touchdown machine because of his size and speed. Also having Drew Brees as his quarterback doesn’t hurt either. Graham looks to repeat his astounding 2013 season in 2014.
Rob Gronkowski: The key for Gronk is staying healthy. We all know what he can do when he’s actually on the field but his health has been an issue the last few seasons for the Patriots.
Julius Thomas: Thomas made a name for himself with the help of Peyton Manning in 2013, but much like his counterpart Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos have so many weapons where Thomas could be left out depending on the week.
Vernon Davis: When the 49ers throw the football, Davis is usually target number-one but they prefer to pound the ball and throw on third down. Davis will get his TDs and numbers but don’t expect him to exceed expectations.
Jordan Cameron: He had a hot start to the 2013 season only to cool down a bit towards the end. Yet with Josh Gordon likely to be indisposed, Cameron will and should be targeted more often. He is a great sleeper tight end option.

Defense/Special Teams (DST):

Seattle Seahawks: The NFL’s best defense in 2013 will again be dominant. You can’t go wrong with the Seahawks at all.
San Francisco 49ers: Like the Seahawks, you can’t go wrong with the 49ers. They are a physical and strong defense that will hit the opponent hard.
Carolina Panthers: I am actually scared to put this defense so high on here but I can’t overlook what they did last season. I am a big believer in showing what you can do in consecutive years so you prove that it wasn’t a one-year wonder. The Panthers will need to do that in order to maintain a top spot on here.
Cincinnati Bengals: Overlooked for some reason by the poor performance by Andy Dalton, the Bengals defense has quietly been one of the best every season for the last few years. They were a top-three defense without two of its best players last year so yeah, they deserve to be here.
Kansas City Chiefs: This defense has the most takeaways last season. That’s worth a lot.

Kicker (K):

Matt Prater: Prater is a benefactor of the Broncos explosive offense, but he is suspended for the first four games so beware if you have him on your roster until he comes back.
Justin Tucker: Tucker is a stud and you don’t usually hear that about a kicker. He makes just about everything and doesn’t crumble under pressure, which is exactly what you want in a kicker.
Stephen Gostkowski: Like the Broncos, the Patriots have a high-powered offense, which benefits Gostkowski. Nonetheless he is a good kicker and you can’t go wrong with selecting him.
Mason Crosby: Crosby is a consistent kicker who plays for a good offensive team. Like the others on this list, he is a quality selection.
Blair Walsh: Although Walsh plays for a bad team, he is a good pickup for a kicker in fantasy. Walsh can help any fantasy team get over the hump with his consistency.

Levine’s 2014 AFC Predictions

Matt Levine — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 17:40:49 +0000

Every season the AFC seems to be the favorite over the NFC to have the future Super Bowl Champion. In 2014, the pundits seem to be thinking the same way. With teams like the Broncos, Patriots, and Colts, the AFC will look to regain its dominance that the conference has held for so many years. Like their NFC counterparts, these teams are quietly good. Here is a breakdown of all 16 AFC teams and how the standings will look like when the season is all said and done:

Peyton Manning and the Broncos are the kings of the AFC, but will they make another appearance in the Super Bowl? By United States Marine Corps/Sgt. D.R. Cotton [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

AFC West:

Denver Broncos: As football fans, we can all hope that Peyton Manning and the Broncos put the beat down they received in the Super Bowl behind them and get back to playing Bronco football. Denver especially revamped their defense with additions of DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib. They lost Eric Decker and Knowshon Moreno but this gives Montee Ball time to shine. The Broncos will be strong contenders once again next year.

Record: 12-4, division winner

San Diego Chargers: After making some noise in the playoffs, the Chargers are primed to try and build on that success, but 2014 isn’t the year for them. The AFC is so strong and even with the addition of Brandon Flowers, which I really like, the Chargers will barely miss the playoffs. Keenan Allen is an absolute stud and will help the Chargers offense but their defense is still weak which will be their downfall.

Record: 8-8

Kansas City Chiefs: I really hope I am wrong about this one but I don’t see the Chiefs repeating their 2013 success. I still can’t get over the epic playoff fail where they blew a 28-point lead to the Colts. Personally, I love Jamaal Charles but aside from him who is going to score or be a real offensive weapon? Look for the Chiefs to take a step back in 2014.

Record: 7-9

Oakland Raiders: The Black Hole should get excited this season and it isn’t because of the playoffs. The Raiders have built a semi competitive team for the first time in what seems like forever. Additions of Matt Schaub, Justin Tuck, James Jones, LaMar Woodley, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Khalil Mack will make this team interesting. If they could only get another WR or two, this team could be a playoff team. Plus this may be one of their last years in Oakland, so their fans better appreciate this team before it’s gone.

Record: 6-10

AFC East:

New England Patriots: With Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the Patriots will again be a top team in the AFC. I am just worried about their offense. They get Rob Gronkowski back, but they lost Legarrette Blount to Pittsburgh. Blount provided them will a large spark of offense. I’m sure they will find a way to do it yet again; I mean they are the Patriots after all right?

Record: 11-5, division winner

Miami Dolphins: After almost making the playoffs last season, I see the Dolphins being hungry for the taste of the postseason. They seem to have put the whole bullying situation last season behind them and will look to bring Miami back to the postseason. Adding Knowshon Moreno will give them some extra spark to their offensive attack. I look for the Dolphins to win a wild card spot in the playoffs this season.

Record: 9-7

New York Jets: J-E-T-S. JETS JETS JETS! After adding Eric Decker and Chris Johnson to their offense and adding rookie Calvin Pryor to a defense that puts out Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson and Calvin Pace, the Jets defense is in good shape. While they are close, I still think they are a year away from the playoffs.

Record: 8-8

Buffalo Bills: IF the Bills can stay healthy they could an annoying matchup for some teams. They are still a few years away from really contending. I love the drafting of wide receiver, Sammy Watkins for them and they still have CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson at running back. I look for them to win a few games they shouldn’t win but they will end up in the lower-middle of the AFC standings.

Record: 5-11

AFC North:

Cincinnati Bengals: I understand that Andy Dalton has struggled during the playoffs but during the regular season, he has been pretty good. What I don’t understand is why everyone is so down on the Bengals this season. They are coming off an 11-5 record with a division crown. They drafted Darqueze Dennard out of Michigan State whom will vastly help their secondary, which was the weakest part of their top 3 ranked defense. Losing Mike Zimmer will hurt but losing Jay Gruden, as the OC will help them. Hue Jackson taking over means a more balanced offense with smarter play calling so no more throwing the ball at the 1 yard line. A second straight division title is in store for Cincinnati.

Record: 10-6, division winner

Baltimore Ravens: After missing the playoffs in 2013, the Ravens spent the offseason making sure they get back in 2014. Adding Steve Smith and drafting CJ Mosley out of Alabama are moves that will help them do so. Look for Joe Flacco and the Ravens to return to the playoffs where they rightfully belong.

Record: 9-7

Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel will dominate the headlines for the Browns this season and for good reason. If the Browns are smart and start him over Brian Hoyer, the Browns might have a chance to contend. Their only problem is that they don’t really have any receivers since Josh Gordon is too busy smoking pot to play football. Their defense is stacked with Paul Kruger, Justin Gilbert, Donte Whitner, and Joe Haden. The Browns are a season and a wide receiver away from actually contending again.

Record: 7-9

Pittsburgh Steelers: After making a strong push for the playoffs last season, the Steelers fell short on a bad call by the referees. The Steelers are one of the best organizations in all of sports but that won’t help them in 2014. They are an older football team that will fail to make the playoffs again in 2014. They could surprise everyone and have a resurrection but I personally just don’t see it.

Record: 6-10

AFC South:

Indianapolis Colts: Too many times, people get caught up in what happens in the playoffs and they put players on pedestals because of it. I am a huge believer in Andrew Luck but the Chiefs lost the playoff game last season more than he brought his team back and won it. It was a 28-point comeback so that is a major failure by the Chiefs, but I am not trying to take anything away from Luck and the Colts. They benefit from being in the worst division in football and will again make the playoffs and look to build on their success again.

Record: 11-5

Tennessee Titans: It seems that each season the Titans have an average season yet don’t really do anything about it. They lost Chris Johnson and cornerback Alterraun Verner and Jake Locker has potential but has yet to do anything with that potential. The Titans will have another lackluster season and miss the playoffs again.

Record: 7-9

Houston Texans: Outside of their quarterback situation, which is extremely important, the Texans if they can stay healthy are just a piece or two away from making the playoffs again. Their defense is scary-good with Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt on each side of the ball. They still have Andre Johnson and Arian Foster but both are just getting older so the Texans need to try and find a quarterback, and fast. Hopefully they can win some games this season and then try and fix the holes in the team during the next offseason.

Record: 6-10

Jacksonville Jaguars: This is a team that I really like in about two-three years. I hope Blake Bortles gets a chance this season as he has tremendous upside but for some reason, the Jaguars management doesn’t seem to want him to play in 2014. Marqise Lee was a great second round pickup for this team. The Jags will be back in the lottery of the draft but are only a few seasons away from making the playoffs if everything pans out.

Record: 5-11

Playoff Standings:

Denver Broncos
New England Patriots
Indianapolis Colts
Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Ravens (won tiebreaker with Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins

In contention: New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs

Was Andy Dalton’s heavy contract worth it?

Matt Levine — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 01:55:49 +0000

Let’s compare these two stat lines.

First 3 career seasons: 85 TD, 58 INT, 12, 287 yards thrown, 60.4 completion %

First 3 career seasons: 80 TD, 49 INT, 11,360 yards thrown, 60.9 completion %

With his new major contract, Andy Dalton needs to live up to his potential in the upcoming season. By Navin75, via Wikimedia Commons

The top line is for Peyton Manning.

The bottom: Andy Dalton.

A little over 1,000 more yards thrown and nine more interceptions by the Manning are all that really separate these two quarterbacks’ statistics through their first three seasons in the NFL.

The difference, or lack thereof, is pretty shocking to most once the names are provided — especially with what we now know Manning to be and have seen what Dalton hasn’t done come playoff time. Like Dalton, Peyton Manning was also 0-3 in his first three-playoff games. I’m not saying Andy Dalton is going to be the next Peyton Manning but the stats from their first three seasons are similar.

The Bengals recently re-signed Andy Dalton to a six-year, $116 million deal, and it has been heavily scrutinized. Dalton has played very poorly in each of his three-playoff games, so many question why the Bengals would re-sign him and also why they would invest so much money into him. What many people don’t realize is that Andy Dalton has been a very productive quarterback for the Bengals, bringing lots of stability to an otherwise unstable organization. Other than a few seasons in the 80s, the Cincinnati Bengals have historically been bad. Really bad. Dalton is the first quarterback to lead them to the playoffs three seasons in a row, including winning a division title in 2013. Every season his stats and the team’s record have improved, but all anyone remembers are the bad playoff games. I am not trying to give Dalton a pass for those games but you also have to remember that football is a team sport and Dalton didn’t lose the games on his own.

2011 vs. Texans: Lost 31-10, the whole team played bad including Dalton. Cincinnati’s defense gave up 153 yards and two touchdowns to Arian Foster.

2012 vs. Texans: Lost 19-13, the team didn’t show up yet again including Dalton. The Bengals’ D allowed 420 yards to Houston’s offense.

2013 vs. Chargers: Lost 27-10, the whole team didn’t show up in the second half. Lead 10-7 at halftime and if not for a Giovani Bernard fumble at the SD 3-yard line, the score would have been 17-7 at half.

While Dalton did have some part of the playoff loses, it isn’t and shouldn’t be solely on him. Dalton is only going to be starting his fourth NFL season and everyone acts as if he has been here for years and years failing every time. How many other NFL quarterbacks can say that they have made the playoffs as the starting quarterback in each of their first three seasons? The answer is only five, and Dalton is one of them. He is also just one of three quarterbacks in NFL history to have thrown for over 3,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, joining Cam Newton and Peyton Manning, and is just one of three to have passed for at least 20 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons, joining Manning and Dan Marino.

Offense coordinator Jay Gruden is out in Cincinnati and has been replaced by the more level-headed Hue Jackson. Jackson was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2011 when he guided them to only their second non-losing season since 2002. Jackson will help Dalton and the Bengals have a much more balanced offensive attack, so I’ll expect Dalton and the Bengals to be even better in 2014. Dalton is still young and still can grow so lets wait to see how the next few seasons pan out before we condemn him as not being a “big time” quarterback.

Levine’s 2014-2015 NFC Preview

Matt Levine — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 18:51:42 +0000

While the AFC conference in the NFL has been flashier and higher powered with the likes of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, etc. running the show, the NFC has quietly taken its place as the dominant conference in the NFL. The reining Super Bowl champs hail from the NFC, and after the beat-down the favorite Broncos took from the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVII, the NFC will look to continue being an underdog powerhouse going into the 2014-2015 NFL season. Here is a breakdown of all 16 NFC teams and how the standing will look like when the season is all said and done:

Will Dree Brees lead the Saints to a trip back to the White House in 2015?

NFC West:

Seattle Seahawks: The only thing the Seahawks have to worry about in the 2014-2015 season is not having a Super Bowl hangover as most teams do after winning it all. Look for the Seahawks to be right back where they were last season, atop the NFC West and looking to be the first team to repeat since the Patriots back in 2005.

Record: 11-5, winning tie-breaker for division title

San Francisco 49ers: One of the most talked-about teams in sports, especially after the huge contract that was given to quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers are one of the deeper teams in the NFL and given the way they have played the last few seasons, I look for this to finally be the year the team breaks through and plays to its capability for a full season. The loss to the Seahawks in the NFC title game should motivate them and having Navarro Bowman back should add a spark to the boys from the bay.

Record: 11-5

Arizona Cardinals: One of the more surprising teams from last season, the Cardinals won 10 games and even so, missed the playoffs. Signing veterans Antonio Cromartie and Ted Ginn Jr should add some firepower to this team and they will look to build on a strong season but it will all depend on quarterback, Carson Palmer. Throughout his career he has been very Jekyll and Hyde with his year-by-year performances. Because Palmer can’t be relied-upon, I believe the Cardinals will take a step back this season.

Record: 8-8

St. Louis Rams: The Rams are one of the most underrated teams in the NFL — especially on the defensive side of the ball. They pose a tremendous threat at almost every defensive position and will make it hard for teams to score. The one question I have about the Rams is whether or not Sam Bradford can finally step up and be the leader that when he was drafted first overall, everyone thought he could be. Running back, Zac Stacy, quietly became one of the better backs in football, so look for the Rams to improve on their 7-9 record from last season in a division where no teams finish under .500.

Record: 8-8

NFC East:

Philadelphia Eagles: Coming into the 2013-2014 season, people expected Chip Kelly and the Eagles to excel but maybe not at the pace that they did. Nick Foles took over the reigns at quarterback and led the Eagles to the playoffs. The Eagles are a very good team and will be back to the playoffs again in 2014-2015, looking to make an even longer playoff run.

Record: 11-5, division winner

New York Giants: After going 0-6 to start the season, the Giants stumbled back and finished with a respectable 7-9 record. It seems as if every season, the Giants either win the Super Bowl or miss the playoffs and everyone freaks out. That being said, the Giants won’t be making the playoffs this season again but will play better than they did last season.

Record: 8-8

Washington Redskins: RGIII, RGIII, RGIII. Finally, the Redskins got rid of Mike Shanahan, a move that is loved by many fans. Now maybe the team and the owner will change the name but that’s a story for a different time. Adding DeSean Jackson will make the Redskins’ offense more explosive and having an assumed healthy RGIII will solidify the team but the defense is still bad. That isn’t going to change so the Redskins will still be searching for answers, this time with new coach Jay Gruden who I’m not completely sold on as an NFL coach.

Record: 6-10

Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo. Jerry Jones. No defense? Need I say more?

Record: 5-11

NFC North:

Green Bay Packers: After an injury-riddled season for Aaron Rodgers, the Packers were still able to make the playoffs and almost beat the 49ers. Adding a fully-healthy Rodgers back into the fold, look for the Packers to be back at full strength and win the division yet again.

Record: 10-6, division winner

Chicago Bears: After missing the playoffs again, the Bears went out and tried to fix their defensive problems. They added veteran Jared Allen from the rival Vikings, which should spark the defense and give them a leader again. On the offensive side of the ball, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte should be enough to carry them. As long as this team stays healthy and plays to the level they should be able to play at they should once again reach the postseason, but only barely.

Record: 9-7

Detroit Lions: The Lions do have Calvin Johnson who has basically become an unstoppable force, but that’s not enough. Matthew Stafford keeps throwing interceptions and although the Lions defense on paper looks good, they actually aren’t as good as advertised. The Lions will probably start hot again and fizzle out like they do almost every season.

Record: 8-8

Minnesota Vikings: The is the one team with a new first time head coach that I am excited about. Mike Zimmer is a genius and will get his players to perform at levels they never thought possible. Even with Zimmer’s leadership, the Vikings will be at the bottom of the standings again. Adrian Peterson isn’t enough and I didn’t like the pickup of Teddy Bridgewater, but I hope he proves me wrong. The future is bright in Minnesota, just not this upcoming season.

Record: 5-11

NFC South:

New Orleans Saints: Ahh the Saints. They are the team who almost went into Seattle and beat the Seahawks in the playoffs and if fate had changed, the Broncos might be the champs. The Saints are going to be the Saints — very good at home and pretty good on the road. Until Drew Brees declines or retires, the Saints will contend.

Record: 12-4, division winner

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It might be a surprise to some people but I like the Bucs in 2014. I love the signing of Lovie Smith as coach. Smith was fired unfairly in Chicago and has another chance now in Tampa. I also loved the drafting of Mike Evans to pair with Vincent Jackson to make for the tallest wide receiver duo in the NFL. Adding Michael Johnson and Alterraun Verner on defense creates potential for a great defense. Quarterback, Josh McCown, will look to continue his surge from Chicago and transfer it over to Tampa.

Record: 9-7

Carolina Panthers: After winning the division last season, the Panthers are poised to gain from their success but much like the Cardinals, I am not fully-sold on them. Don’t get me wrong, I was on the Carolina train last season but that was until they lost all their receivers and didn’t do much to replace them. They added Jerrico Cotchery from the Steelers and drafted Kelvin Benjamin from Florida State but will that be enough for Cam Newton. The defense is still strong but it remains to be seen if they were a one-year wonder. It happens all the time in the NFL.

Record: 8-8

Atlanta Falcons: A Super Bowl favorite prior to last season, the Falcons completely collapsed last year. Injuries and lack of experience on defense led to this so the Falcons will look to regain some of that winning form. A Super Bowl isn’t for them this season but they might have a shot at the playoffs might be if they can stay healthy.

Record: 7-9

Playoff Standings:

New Orleans Saints
Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles
Green Bay Packers
San Francisco 49ers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Chicago Bears (week 12 meeting will determine this)

In contention: Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions

NFL Draft review — The time is now for the Cincinnati Bengals

Matt Levine — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:58:07 +0000

Over the course of their franchise history, the Cincinnati Bengals have rarely been relevant in terms of the playoffs or winning seasons.

Lately though, the team has had a major turnaround making the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. This turnaround is largely credited to the offensive play of Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green and quarterback, Andy Dalton.

In the three seasons the two have been on the Bengals, they have improved their record each season going 9-7, 10-6 and finally 11-5 this past season. Despite the regular season success they’ve had, the Bengals have failed to win a playoff game. In fact, the franchise hasn’t won a postseason game in almost 25 years.

Could 2014 finally be the year Andy Dalton leads the Bengals to a playoff win? By emeybee (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

The 2014-2015 season will mark the fourth year of the Dalton era. While the signal caller has played well during the regular season, he and the rest of his team have faltered come playoff time. The Bengals front office has shown general improvement in getting productive players onto the field. What success the Bengals have had can be attributed largely to the draft. The 2014 NFL Draft was no different as the Bengals drafted very well, yet again.

Draft Picks

The Bengals’ first pick (Round 1, 24th overall) was cornerback, Darqueze Dennard, aka “No Fly Zone,” from Michigan State who will most definitely shore-up their secondary. The defensive backfield has been the only thing keeping the Bengals from being a top-five defense.

In the second round (55th pick overall), the Black and Orange made a surprising selection by taking LSU running back Jeremy Hill. Hill’s combination of ground-and-pound style of running and speed will make for a great duo with Giovani Bernard. The Bengals’ entire draft can be seen here, but the most intriguing draft pick was the fifth-round selection of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.

Coming into the draft it was speculated the Bengals would select a quarterback in case Dalton messed-up again in the postseason. McCarron won two titles while at Alabama and is considered one of the smartest and most accurate passers in the draft. The Bengals got a steal of a player at quarterback by selecting McCarron in the fifth round and he will play with a chip on his shoulder after dropping so low.

Outlook on the 2014-2015 season

The Bengals won the AFC North division in 2013-14, but repeating won’t be an easy task. The Ravens, Browns and Steelers all improved their teams from a season ago and the Bengals play a tough schedule. Their October could be considered the month of death for the Bengals as they play at New England, at home against Carolina, at Indianapolis and finally home against Baltimore. Despite it being early in the season, that month could determine the Bengals’ fate as it pits them against three top teams in the AFC.

Although the Bengals play a tough schedule, they are playing it for a reason and that is because they are a good team. Based on whom they play and where they play the games, my prediction for the Bengals is an 11-5 record for the second straight year. They have their bye week early-on in the season (week 4) so the end of the season will be a grind, but maybe this is the year that they finally win a playoff game for the first time since 1990.

Even More Pressure On The Broncos

Matt Levine — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 21:57:06 +0000

After going 13-3 and basically steamrolling through the AFC on the way to the Super Bowl, the Broncos were in for a rude awaking in the biggest game of the year. Not only did they lose to the Seahawks but they got manhandled in every aspect of the sport. They were beat up at the line of scrimmage and were just flat-out beaten down all over the field. It was a very bitter end to a very strong season for the Broncos organization and their fans. Any knowledgeable fan or executive of the NFL knows that Peyton Manning’s his Hall of Fame career is coming to an end soon. Like last season, the time is now to try and win another Super Bowl and the Broncos seem to be willing to do whatever it takes.

Time is running out for Peyton Manning to add another Super Bowl title to his legendary career. By Jeffrey Beall [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

As the 2014 offseason began, nobody expected the Broncos to make major moves as they were considered the best team all season long.

Boy, we were all wrong.

First they signed ex-New England Patriot Aqib Talib, stealing him away from the rival Patriots and adding to a secondary that was questionable in 2013. Next up was Cleveland Browns safety T.J Ward who, despite playing for the lowly Browns, put up very consistent numbers.

Replacing wideout Eric Decker (who left Denver for the Jets), the Broncos signed Emmanuel Sanders, who will add to an already explosive offensive attack. Finally and in my opinion the biggest splash the Broncos made was signing defensive end, DeMarcus Ware after the Cowboys cut him. Ware may not be the player that he once was because of injuries, but he is still a defensive force and having him and Von Miller lining up next to each other should put fear into opposing offenses.

The Broncos were criticized heavily for their average defense in 2013. With all the moves they’ve made, they might have built a defense that is just as scary if not scarier than their offense. People thought that the Eagles built a “super team” a few seasons ago but they were wrong; the Broncos have built a “super team.”

With time running out for Manning, the Broncos’ front office knew that they needed to make moves that would win Number 18 a title now. The moves they have made this offseason sure look as if the Broncos are seriously going for it all. If you thought last season was a let-down for the Broncos, imagine if the same result happens. Anything short of a Super Bowl victory for the Broncos will be considered a complete failure. I’m sure it’s right where Peyton wants to be.