http://cdsdraft.com/boards/index.php?autocom=blog Community Blog List Syndication Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:17:00 -0500 condraft@cdsdraft.com (CDS Boards) IP.Blog 60
Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
We start with the Texas quarterback Colt who this week will lead his team in the National Championship Game. He is college football's all-time winningest quarterback and has all the smarts you'd want from your chief signal caller. He's a tremendous leader and an inspiring player, though there are undoubtedly questions about his arm strength. He also has problems when faced with pressure. The resume speaks for itself though.

Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
In any other year Gerald may well be the #1 defensive tackle on everyone's draft board but faced with the option of Ndamukong Suh, most teams will have him as their #2 at the position. He's a tall, powerful player who is strong at the point of attack and can defeat the double team. Looks like the sort of player who could play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.

Rico McCoy, WLB, Tennessee
In what looks to be a relatively weak linebacker class, Rico is certainly one of the standouts. His energy and quickness at the weak side position have drawn some comparisons to Derrick Brooks, which can only be a good thing. The biggest knock on him is his size but an NFL strength and conditioning programme could help him with that.

Anthony McCoy, TE, USC
USC's Anthony is a solid tight end who is projected as a mid-round pick. He's athletic, has good hands and is a willing enough blocker to suit most teams. Lacks a little in the smarts department and needs to bulk up a bit and hold his blocks a little longer.

Jamie McCoy, TE, Texas A&M
Jamie is another tight end who has been a part of the explosive Texas A&M offense. Has decent size for a guy at his position.

Chris McCoy, DE, Middle Tennessee State
The Sunbelt's Defensive Player of the Year for 2009 Chris is a very athletic defensive end. He has a decent frame and would be able to bulk up if asked at the next level. Could also be the type to transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker. Needs to work on his coverage skills and prove he's not just a one-trick pony.

Are any of these guys the Real McCoy? I guess we'll have to wait and see...]]> Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:54:00 -0600
LT - Joe Staley
LG - Mike Iupati
C - Eric Heitmann
RG - Chilo Rachal
RT - Anthony Davis

Tell me that isn't a major improvement! Alex Smith has to be the happiest quarterback alive right now - his team got him a lot of protection and didn't draft Jimmy Clausen who they were rumored to be interested in.

Seattle have to be happy too this morning - they couldn't have expected Russell Okung to make it down to their pick at #6 but when he did they had to be delighted. Left tackle is a key position for any team and with Walter Jones expected to retire they had to act. Earl Thomas is a playmaking safety which again was a need for the Seahawks. They thought the Eagles had beaten them to him when they traded up, only to take Brandon Graham instead.

Detroit made the right move at #2 overall by drafting Ndamukong Suh - alongside Kyle Vanden Bosch, Suh should ensure that the Lions defense takes a step forward this season. They then traded back up to take running back Jahvid Best to improve their running game. With Kevin Smith hurt and needing a complementary back the Lions made their move to ensure they got their guy and helped out last years #1 pick by improving their ground game.

In terms of day one losers, I'm going to say the Broncos and Jaguars for different reasons. Denver are clearly trying to build in the same sort of way as the Patriots do by trading back in the draft and getting a few good players rather than a couple of elite guys. The trouble in my mind is that they keep trading away their elite players and look destined for mediocrity by passing up the chance to draft top players.

Further they opted to draft the #2 receiver despite the #1 guy still being on the board (DeMaryius Thomas over Dez Bryant) and then took Tim Tebow over Jimmy Clausen. My feelings on Tebow are well known but I would have backed the move if Clausen hadn't been there. Josh McDaniels obviously believes in his ability to coach Tebow into an NFL quarterback - I'm not so sure though.

Jacksonville had the opportunity to sort out their anemic pass rush by drafting Derrick Morgan, sort out their secondary with Earl Thomas or draft an offensive weapon either at quarterback or wide receiver. Instead they reached hugely for Tyson Alualu - he was the #84 prospect on our top 100 and while that may have been a little low, there's no way he was a top 10 pick in anyone's eyes other the Jags.

Finally, I couldn't let this go without talking a little about my Falcons. I thought the Sean Weatherspoon pick was a very good pick - he will immediately improve our strongside linebacker position by replacing Stephen Nicholas and is good in coverage too. In short, he's a very good fit for our defense, fills a position of need and that has to feel good.

After a crazy day one, I'm looking forward to seeing what day two has in store.]]> Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:02:00 -0600
SR4 wins over SR3

#2 seed/#2 ranked Northwest Missouri (14-1) 30 over #2 seed/#4 ranked Grand Valley State (13-2) 23

Week 4 Results:

SR1 vs SR4

#2 seed/#2 ranked Northwest Missouri (13-1) 56 over
#3 seed/#20 ranked California (PA) (11-4) 31
SR2 vs SR3

#2 seed/#4 ranked Grand Valley State (13-1) 41 over
#2 seed/#7 ranked Carson-Newman (11-3) 27

Week 3 Results:

SR1
#3 California (PA) (11-3) 57 over #1 West Liberty (11-2) 35

SR4
#2 Northwest Missouri (12-1) 21 over #1 Central Washington (12-1) 20

SR2
#2 Carson-Newman (11-2) 24 over #1 University of North Alabama (11-2) 21

SR3
#2 Grand Valley State (12-1) 24 over #1 Minnesota-Diluth (11-2) 10

Week 2 Game Results:

SR1
#1 West Liberty (11-1) 84 over #5 Edinboro (9-4) 63
#3 California (PA) (10-3) 26 over #2 Shippensburg (9-3) 21

SR4
#1 Central Washington (12-0) 27 over #5 Tarleton State (10-3) 6
#2 Northwest Missouri (11-1) 35 over #6 Abilene Christian (9-4) 10

SR2
#1 University of North Alabama (11-1) 41 over #4 Arkansas Tech (9-3) 28
#2 Carson-Newman (10-2) 59 over #3 West Alabama (8-5) 41

SR3
#1 Minnesota-Diluth (11-1) 42 over #4 Nebraska-Kearney (11-2) 7
#2 Grand Valley State (11-1) 44 over #6 Hillsdale College (10-3) 27

Week 1 Game Results:

SR1
#5 Edinboro (9-3) 31 over #4 East Stroudsburg (8-4) 16
#3 California (PA) (9-3) 42 over #6 Fayetteville State (8-4) 13

SR 4
#5 Tarleton State (10-2) 57 over #4 Texas A&M Kingsville (9-3) 56 (2OT)
#6 Abilene Christian (9-3) 24 over #3 Midwestern State (9-3) 21

SR 2
#4 Arkansas Tech (9-2) 41 over #5 UNC Pembroke (9-2) 13
#3 West Alabama (8-4) 24 over #6 Albany State (8-3) 22

SR 3
#4 Nebraska-Kearney (11-1) 35 over #5 Saginaw Valley State (9-3) 20
#6 Hillsdale College (10-2) 27 over #3 Minnesota State-Mankato (10-2) 24 (OT]]> Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:24:00 -0600 A collection of musings and thoughts, along with a convoluted look at activities around the NFL, NCAA, and the world.

1st Column = NFL Team's Average Age at Beginning of 2009 Season:
2nd Column = NFL Team's Average Starters Ages & Number of Starters 30 or Over
Bold Numbers in the 2nd Column = Starters 30 or Over
1 - Redskins 28.021 1 - Tennessee 29.09 - 8
2 - Saints 27.99 2 - New England 28.95 - 10
3 - Cardinals 27.74 3 - Washington 28.59 - 9
4 - Patriots 27.74 4 - Dallas 28.36 - 8
5 - Lions 27.62 5 - Minnesota 28.27 - 7
6 - 49ers 27.51 6 - Denver 28.22 - 11
7 - Steelers 27.50 7 - Pittsburgh 28.18 - 7
8 - Vikings 27.48 8 - Cleveland 27.90 - 10
9 - Seahawks 27.41 9 - NY Jets 27.81 8
10 - Falcons 27.39 10 - Green Bay 27.81 - 4
11 - Titans 27.29 11 - Miami 27.77 - 7
12 - Browns 27.18 12 - Carolina 27.72 - 7
13 - Jets 27.16 13 - Arizona 27.68 - 5
13 - Broncos 27.16 14 - 49ers 27.54 - 4
15 - Bears 27.02 15 - Seattle 27.45 - 5
16 - Cowboys 26.93 16 - Chicago 27.45 - 7
17 - Bills 26.93 17 - Baltimore 27.40 - 6
18 - Chargers 26.93 18 - New Orleans 27.22 - 5
19 - Texans 26.89 19 - Indianapolis 27.18 - 6
20 - Giants 26.88 20 - Tampa Bay 27.13 - 3
21 - Ravens 26.83 21 - NY Giants 27.13 - 6
22 - Raiders 26.82 22 - Atlanta 27.09 - 5
23 - Eagles 26.81 23 - Cincinnati 27.04 - 4
24 - Rams 26.73 24 - St. Louis 26.95 - 4
25 - Jaguars 26.61 25 - San Diego 26.95 - 5
26 - Bengals 26.60 26 - Detroit 26.95 - 6
27 - Dolphins 26.47 27 - Oakland 26.81 - 5
28 - Bucs 26.46 28 - Buffalo 26.68 - 3
29 - Panthers 26.39 29 - Kansas City 26.63 - 4
30 - Chiefs 26.36 30 - Jacksonville 26.54 - 6
31 - Colts 26.34 31 - Philadelphia 26.50 - 4
32 - Packers 26.16 32 - Houston 26.04 – 3

***I apologize for how this chart gets formatted within this software program. As you can see, the two columns are run together. I don't seem to be able to do anything about it, no matter what I try. If you are interested in the information they contain, the 2nd column begins right after the average age of the first column, also in numerical order from the oldest to the youngest.***

According to the above chart, the Packers are overall, the youngest team in the NFL. However, the second column breaks down the average age at the start of the year for each team's starters. Now, some of these have gone up or down due to injuries, releases, etc., but it does give a clear picture of each team's core players at the beginning of the year. Although Green Bay does possess the youngest roster in the NFL, their starting lineup at the beginning of the year was the 10th oldest. However, an encouraging sign is that only 4 of their starters were 30 or over to begin the year, so they are not a team in danger of immediately “growing old.” New England, on the other hand, started the year with the 4rd oldest overall roster, and the 2nd oldest starting roster. I think this is a good indication as to why they've been making so many trades to stockpile draft choices recently, as Belichick & Company prepare to turn their roster over and get younger and more athletic. I have yet to put some calculations into this data, nor have I fully compiled a list of each team's starters who are 30 or over. Once I do, I believe there will be a correlation as to how a team ultimately performs on an average, based on their average age. The older a player gets, the less athletic they become. Sometimes experience can make up for any loss of athleticism, and even give them an advantage depending upon their position. Some positions will be skewed. For instance, a 30 year old QB is often really just entering the prime of his career, while a 30 year old RB is often at the end of his. Thus, a team with a 33 year old QB, and a 27 year old RB could be a prime example of what the ideal age average might be for those positions. In any case, the older a player gets, the more susceptible they become to injury as a rule, and the longer it generally takes for them to recover from an injury. Another piece of data that looks as if it might be interesting to study, is what is the ideal number of starting players who are 30 or over. Ideally, I don't think you want to be like the Patriots, where you have a very high average age of your total roster, and a very high average age of starters. In any case, if I discover any trends that seem to be a yearly guide to the “ideal,” I'll post them in the future. There are two things I think that can be taken from this chart. One, is if a team has one of the younger starting cores, and has been successful for 2 or more years, such as the Eagles, Giants, Ravens, or Chargers, they will likely be successful for a number of years hence forth. The second thing I think worth interest here, is if a team is in the top half of both columns, such as New England, Tennessee, and Washington, then their “window” is about to close, is closing, or has closed, and it's imperative that they start drafting well ASAP.

Miami QB Chad Henne has really grown this season, and in many ways seems to be a similar player as fellow Michigan alumni, Tom Brady of the Pat's. Miami did a very smart thing by drafting him in the 2nd round, but bringing in ex-Jet, Chad Pennington to serve as mentor, which Pennington understood and vigorously took to doing. The results are clear, as Henne looks to be a very good young QB which will allow the Dolphins to focus their upcoming FA acquisitions and draft picks on other areas of need, which could put them into the mix for the AFC East division title for a number of years if they draft well. Offensively, the Dolphins have the 4th best rushing offense in the NFL. What they lack is a true No. 1 WR who is a play maker on the outside. They have some very nice complimentary WRs in Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo, and a really nice looking rookie, Brian Hartline. WR, Ted Ginn has not lived up to his potential as their No. 1 WR, and it's likely they'll try to fill that position through the draft come April.

In case anyone has forgotten, the NFL has changed the rule governing the order playoff teams will pick in the annual Draft during the off season. Starting this year, the 12 playoff teams will be selecting in the bottom 12 picks, instead of going by their record as had been the case. Before this year, the only thing that altered the picks other than teams records, was the Super Bowl winner and loser. No matter what your record, the winner received the last pick in each round, and the loser the next to last pick. Now, there's another kink thrown in. Besides the 12 playoff teams selecting in the last 12 spots, teams will also be drafting according to when they are eliminated. In other words, a team like last year's Chargers, who finished 8-8, yet beat the Colts who were 12-4 in a Wild Card game would now pick after the Colts.

I have a hunch 49er's Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye could be out the door after this year. If not out the door, then certainly someone with a better background in the passing game should be brought in to assist him. With QB Alex Smith starting to show some of the ability that made him the 1st pick in the draft, I think they'll be looking for someone who can coach Qbs (Smith had a very good year the one year Chargers HC Norv Turner served as the 49er's OC), and someone who understands passing offenses better than Raye, who is a conservative, run first type of coach. When the 49ers go to the Shotgun, or Spread formation, Smith looks like a completely different QB, so getting a OC who is both proven and comfortable in that type of offense should be a 49er priority in the off season.

Since Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin declared the Steelers would “unleash hell,” they'be gone to hell in a hand basket, losing to both the Raiders at home, and then the Browns on Thursday night. I somewhat intimated my thoughts on Tomlin as a Head Coach in an earlier post. I'm not ready to predict he ultimately fails, but, he also hasn't proven that he's that good of a Head Coach to me yet either. As I stated, he took over a Super Bowl Championship team that had good players already in place, a team culture and identity in place, and one of the best defensive minds in the game was kept on the staff for him. I know injuries have hurt them, but injuries have hurt a lot of teams who continue to win. You can't blame the schedule, I mean, for crying out loud, we're talking about Kansas City, Oakland, and Cleveland here. Against Cleveland, not only did the Browns outplay the Steelers in all phases of the game, but Mangini plain out coached Tomlin. I'll wait until I pass final judgement on Mike Tomlin as a NFL Head Coach...but so far...to be perfectly honest, I am neither impressed by his tough talk...nor his coaching skills.

Another police blotter item has come up, and it is quite disturbing. Atlanta Falcons starting DT, Jonathan Babineaux, has been arrested for drug possession (marijuana) with intent to distribute...a felony. Sounds like a sure suspension, even if he were to get out of the charges. Babineaux re-signed with the Falcons just last fall for a five-year, $25 million contract. Talk about stupid.

Can anyone explain the inaction by the NFL in regards to Dallas OT Flozell Adams? Everyone is talking about how they might suspend Ochocinco for what amounts to harmless fun, yet I feel a suspension was not only warranted for Adams' personal foul against the Giants Justin Tuck after the half had ended, but a necessary action. Adams is done. He was a pretty good although over-rated LT for a number of years, but is no more. Now, due to his age, his lack of talent has become obvious, and he resorts on a regular basis to down right dirty play against his opponents, and the Tuck foul was more than that...it was personal. There not only should have been a fine assessed against Adams, but at least a one game suspension should have accompanied it too. And, this is not the first year that Adams has displayed his bullying and down right dirty type of play...he's made a career out of it. Players already have too short of careers in the NFL to have the league stand back and basically do nothing but fine someone who's making millions of dollars. Of course, that would mean penalizing “Jerry's Team,” and we wouldn't want to do that now...would we?

Speaking of Dallas. They've already lost their first December game to the Packers, keeping their streak of December frustration for them, and their fans alive for yet another week. This week, the San Diego Chargers come to town, one of the weeks bigger games for sure. This is a game that's full of pressure on the Cowboys, and if they lose, they might as well kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. The Chargers would love to have this game too, as Denver is still hot on their tails, but in reality, they don't need it nearly as much as the Cowboys, who have to travel to New Orleans the very next week and play the currently undefeated Saints. The Chargers should be much looser than the Cowboys, who from the owner, to the coaches, to the players have been bombarded by newspaper, TV, and radio show reporters constantly asking about their December woes, hearing it on TV, and reading about it in the papers, even the Dallas papers, TV, and radio. And, God forbid they go online, especially to nfl.com, who's saying the very same thing. I would venture to guess that you can only take so much of this before you begin to actually believe it yourself. Even a little bit of doubt is more than enough to make sure you don't do the little things that makes NFL teams successful late in the year. Meanwhile, the Chargers have no such problem, being on a 15-0 tear in December. What's worse for the Cowboys, is going out on Sunday and proving everyone is right. I look for them to prove everyone right again by not finding a way to win and keeping their December losing streak intact on Sunday.

Finally,

The Helpful Wife

A male driver going home with his wife is pulled over by a cop and the following conversation takes place:

Man: What's the problem officer?
Cop: You were going at least 75 in a 55 zone.
Man: No sir, I was going 65.
Wife: Oh Harry. You were going 80.
(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)
Cop: I'm also going to give you a ticket for your broken tail light.
Man: Broken tail light? I didn't know about a broken tail light!
Wife: Oh Harry, you've known about that tail light for weeks.
(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)
Cop: I'm also going to give you a citation for not wearing your seat belt.
Man: Oh, I just took it off when you were walking up to the car.
Wife: Oh Harry, you never wear your seat belt.
Man: Shut your mouth, woman!
Cop: Ma'am, does your husband always talk to you this way?
Wife: No, only when he's drunk.

Until Next Time...Keep On Jonesin']]> Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:51:00 -0600 A collection of musings and thoughts, along with a convoluted look at activities around the NFL, NCAA, and the world.

Raiders fans have posted a billboard on the freeway near the Oakland Coliseum this week, saying "MR. DAVIS, DO THE RIGHT THING, PLEASE HIRE A GM." They reportedly have gathered 21,000+ signatures for a petition requesting that Davis step down as general manager and to hire a new GM, a Super Bowl-caliber coach, and to agree to refrain from intervening in personnel or football operation matters...IMO...Fat Chance...but a telling gesture by some obviously committed fans.

Draft Risers & Nuggets According to NYY:

Jason Pierre-Paul, Jr. DE South Florida – looks to have everything to be a superior pass rusher at the next level. If he declares and doesn't go in the first two rounds, I'll be surprised...heck, I'll be surprised if he's not a 1st rounder.

Austen Lane, DE Murry State – Need a pass rusher? This is someone you should seriously consider.

Dan Williams, DT Tennessee – Classic size and strength for a 3-4 NT, and is really coming on. Pittsburgh or San Diego could be his destination.

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB Indiana-PA – Likely to be a mid to later round bargain who will outplay most CBs taken before him.

Von Miller, 3-4 OLB Texas A&M – Will be better than most, if not all 3-4 OLBs selected before him. Another Jr. with 1st round talent including a great burst, hips, footwork, balance, good hands and can shed blocks easily, and already has several pass rush moves under his belt. Defends well against the pass too.

Nick Polk, S Indiana – Good speed, size, and hips...and you don't want to run into him over the middle.

John Skelton, QB Fordam - Has been selected to play in this year's East – West Shrine Game. Good size, live arm, nice deep ball, and good touch. Does need some mechanics work and work on his short game but has the potential to develop.

Sean Canfield, QB Oregon State – Perfect for a team looking for a mid to late round bargain to groom for the future.

Kevin Matthews, C Texas A&M – Son of former All Pro Bruce Matthews. As the old saying goes...the apple never falls too far from the tree. Will start on some team within 2-3 years.

Vladimir Ducasse, OT/OG UMass – Nice size and athletic ability. Could project to either G or T in the pros.

Fallers & Coal According to NYY:

Jacoby Ford WR Clemson – can't catch a cold.

Patrick Robinson, CB Florida State – Big, fast CB who could still develop in the pros, but has terrible footwork and plays too high. Often gets beat by inferior athletes. Won't last long if he can't break his bad technique habits.

Sergio Kindle – 3-4 OLB Texas – One trick pony who has Vernon Gholston written all over him.

Willie Young, DE NC State – Gets all his numbers against inferior competition.

Ciron Black, OT LSU – Can you say, “Over-rated?” Can you say, “Career Backup?”

Sam Young, OT Notre Dame – Can you say, “Ciron Black?”

Pittsburgh Steeler Head Coach, Mike Tomlin stated in post-game comments that, "We will unleash hell here in December because we have to," Tomlin said after the Steelers lost their third straight game. "We won't go in a shell. We'll go into attack mode. That's what's required." I am interested to see the results of his comments. Imagine for a moment, being on one of the Steelers upcoming opposing teams and knowing this tough talking coach has said he's going to “unleash hell” on you. I know Tomlin has garnered a lot of kudos for winning the Super Bowl, but on the other hand, how hard did he have to coach the defending World Champions to begin with? They had a star laden team that was battle tested and already had an identity thanks to former coach, Bill Cowher. He also inherited one of the best defensive minds the game has ever known in Defensive Coordinator, Dick LeBeau. Going into this season the Steelers had one of the weakest schedules and seemed primed to become “Sevenburgh.”There was only one problem...nobody told the Bengals. Ah yes. There are no guarantees in the NFL. Age has begun to creep up on the Steelers. Injuries to their defensive line started their downfall. Then came Polamalu's series of injuries. Then Big Ben's egg got cracked. Everything that seemed so perfect in the land of the Terrible Towel suddenly looked different. Then, it started sounding different too. First, we had Steelers WR Hines Ward openly questioning both QB Ben Rothlisberger's commitment to the team, and basically his football, if not literal manhood because a concussion Ben had suffered, flatly stating that the locker room was divided 50/50 on the issue...then backtracked. Was this a shot to pay back Ben for comments he made in January of 2008 when he asked the Steelers to draft a tall WR that supposedly caught Hines by surprise, and “hurt” his feelings? Who knows for sure, other than Hines, but cracks are now appearing in a Steelers clubhouse where none seemed before. Now, comes Tomlin's statements. Pittsburgh is still in a good position to make a playoff run, but that is not a guarantee as they close the season out against 3 other teams with playoff aspirations of their own. They've come out and said they have a “tight locker room,” but is that really the case? With their work now cut out for them to once again represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, we're about to find out.

There's no doubt RB LaDanian Tomlinson's skills have eroded greatly in the past 3 years and this is probably his last year in San Diego, if not the NFL, but he has a chance to pass Jim Brown and move into 8th place all-time in NFL rushing yards this week in Cleveland, where Brown spent his entire career.

Anyone remember former UCLA OLB, Spencer Havner? He went undrafted in the 2006 draft after a stellar college career. Signed by the Redskins, he was cut prior to the season, and then signed to the Packer's practice squad. This past year, the Packers decided to see if he could be converted to TE, and it looks like a wise move. At their 3rd TE, he's gotten into 11 games, made 7 catches for 112 yards (16.0 ypc), and 4 TDs. Just goes to show you what can happen if you believe in yourself, and someone else with foresight does too.

Current NFL Playoff Seeding Picture were the season to end today:

AFC

1 – Indianapolis Colts
2 – Cinncinnatti Bengals
3 – San Diego Chargers
4 – New England Patriots
5 – Denver Broncos
6 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Still alive in order of present seeding slot: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, NY Jets, Miami, Tennessee, Houston.

NFC

1 – New Orleans Saints
2 – Minnesota Vikings
3 – Dallas Cowboys
4 – Arizona Cardinals
5 – Philadelphia Eagles
6 – Green Bay Packers

Still alive in order of present seeding slot: NY Giants, Atlanta, San Francisco

There are a number of teams that are not listed that are mathmatically still alive, but all have 4 or less wins and I am not listing them.

Finally,

Albert Einstein

Three men die and are waiting at the Pearly Gates when St. Peter tells them that there will be a slight delay but not to worry that he will have Albert Einstein visit with them during their wait. Albert arrives and introduces himself to the first man and asks, "What is your IQ?" to which the first man answers, "241".

"That is wonderful!", says Albert.

"We will talk about the Grand Unification Theory and the mysteries of the Universe. We will have much to discuss!".

Albert introduces himself to the second man and asks, "What is your IQ?" to which the second man answers, "144".

"That is great!", responds Albert.

"We can discuss politics and current affairs. We will have much to discuss!"

Albert goes to the third man and asks, "What is your IQ?" to which the third man answers, "35".

"How 'bout them Cowboys, eh?", says Albert.

Until Next Time...Keep On Jonesin']]> Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:41:00 -0600 A collection of musings and thoughts, along with a convoluted look at activities around the NFL, NCAA, and the world.

The latest rumor for the Buffalo Bills Head Coaching job is Russ Grimm, the Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach per CBS's Charlie Casserly on The NFL Today show over the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Grimm was also a finalist for the Pittsburgh Steeler job that went to Mike Tomlin when Bill Cowher stepped down. Other's rumored to be on the Bills radar include UFL Florida Tuskers coach Jim Haslett and New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, and Marc Trestman, currently the Head Coach of the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes. Of note here, Casserly himself has been linked to the GM position for the Cleveland Browns.

I think the biggest game of this weekend is in the AFC North, pitting the Steelers against the Ravens, two teams that surprisingly now need this game to strenghten their playoff chances. Prior to the beginning of the season the NFL schedule makers seemed to have been in their pockets, but the sudden improvement by the Bengals has derailed both teams preseason outlook, and the loss last weekend to the Chiefs, coupled with an earlier loss to the hapless Bears has suddenly left the Super Bowl Champion Steelers realing. The Steelers could have their work cut out for them today since Ben Rothlisberger has suddenly been scratched from the starting lineup due to lingering effects of what has been termed a concussion, although he'll be suited up in case of an “emergency.” Also out for the Steelers, is S Troy Polamalu, thus they enter this game minus two of their biggest playmakers, one on offense, and one on defense. For the Ravens, Terrell Suggs is likely a game time decision, and could miss the game, or be ineffective due to a knee injury sustained when he was the victim of a cheap shot by the Browns Brady Quinn a couple of weeks ago. One thing we know about these two teams...they do not like each other...at all. The last time they played, there were 3 fist fights, and there will likely be more on Sunday. The Ravens MUST win the game to logically have any shot at the playoffs, and the Steelers are pretty much in the same boat. If the playoffs started today, both teams are out, so a win here is imperitive for both teams. This game will likely feature some of the hardest hitting between two teams this year, and even though one team will emerge victorious, they'll be crossing their fingers because there is the distinct possibility they'll do so with an even bigger injury problem going forward. And to think...they'll meet again in Pittsburgh two days after Christmas...a rematch which could very well affect both teams injury situation once again. If one of them were to make the playoffs, they almost certainly would do so as a Wild Card, although mathmatically they are still in the division hunt. Still, it's likely they will not get the second bye, and thus any injuries suffered would make their progression through the playoffs much more difficult. I am now very interested in seeing how Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin reacts to his first true test as a Head Coach. He gained all kinds of kudos when he took over a championship team, and led them to yet another Super Bowl title. Now, age and injuries are beginning to catch up to his team at key positions, and at the wrong time of the year. Questionable drafting in the last couple of years has also contributed to their sudden plight, especially since they've seemed to snub their noses at drafting offensive linemen to protect Big Ben, and instead have rolled the dice with the health of their franchise QB. With the NFL suddenly getting serious about the concussion issue, and Ben's history of concussions, the next one just may have him sitting for a much more extended period of time. If that were to happen, the Steelers, like most any other NFL team without their starting QB, would be in big trouble.

Another big game this week features Tom Brady and the New England Patriots traveling to New Orleans to face Drew Brees and the Saints. This, two weeks after Brady faced off in another high profile QB duel with his old nemisis, Peyton Manning. This should be an interesting game to watch, especially for Saints fans. The QB matchup is obvious. However, should the Saints win, it will mean Saints fans can look at New Orleans as a bona fide Super Bowl contender. The Patriots are suspect on defense as they continue to break in their youngsters. These youngsters are are going throught the growing pains one would expect, but, they are getting better as they gain more experience, and are anything but a pushover. However, with Brady at the controls of a very powerful offense, this is still a team that is likely to go deep into the playoffs. A victory over the Patriots will give the Saints a solid barometer of their own playoff chances, and give their fans some hope that the Saints can finally end their non Super Bowl appearance streak.

Although the Detroit Lions will not make the playoffs this year, I have no doubts they will become a team to be reckoned with in the next couple of years. Why? QB Matthew Stafford. Before last year's draft, I personally was not sold on him. Talent wise, I understood he has everything you're looking for in a NFL QB. My questions about him revolved around the intangibles and unmeasurables that go into making a truly good or great NFL QB. After last weekend's game against the Browns, in which Stafford put himself back in after suffering a shoulder separation, he has changed my mind. His teammates also have responded. He is now the unquestioned leader of the Detroit Lions, and both the front office and coaching staff have to be smiling right now...not to mention Lions fans. I watched a similar situation unfold in San Diego a couple of years ago when Philip Rivers did a simlar thing in the middle of the playoffs, and what the results have been from that ever since, and it's very likely the same thing will happen in Detroit. It's critical for the Lions to put together a couple of good drafts in the next 2-3 years if they expect Stafford to lead them to the playoffs though, as he won't be able to do it alone. Both the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary would be good places to start.

From the “Good Guys Don't Always Win” department. Charlie Weis is about to be fired from Notre Dame. Weis is obviously not as talented as a Head Coach as he is as a Coordinator, but when he's let go look for him to land on his feet somewhere in the NFL again. New England, Kansas City, Miami, and Cleveland are filled with old friends from his NFL days.

This weekend will likely seperate even further the contenders from the pretenders in the NFL playoff picture. There are several teams that cannot afford any more losses if they hope to make the playoffs, especially in the Wild Card races, as several divsions are yet to be decided, and any of those teams could drop down into the Wild Card picture. As the NFL season winds down I will keep this list updated

Current NFL Playoff seeding should the playoffs start right now:

AFC:
1)Colts
2)Bengals
3)Chargers
4)Patriots
5)Broncos
6)Jaguars

In order of current seeding, teams still in the hunt: Steelers, Ravens, Texans, Dolphins, Jets, Titans.

NFC:
1)Saints
2)Vikings
3)Cowboys
4)Cardinals
5)Packers
6)Eagles

In order of current seeding, teams still in the hunt: Giants, Falcons, 49ers, Panthers, Bears.

Finally,

Sarge

The Marine Drill Instructor noticed a new recruit and barked at him, 'Get your butt over here right now! What's your name?"

"Paul," the new recruit replied.

"Look, I don't know what kind of bleeding-heart pansy bull-crap they're teaching in boot camp today, but I don't call anyone by his first name," the sergeant scowled. "It breeds familiarity, and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my recruits by their last names only --- Smith, Jones, Baker. I am to be referred to only as 'Sergeant.' Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir, Sergeant!"

"Now that we've got that straight, what's your last name?"

The recruit sighed "Darling, My name is Paul Darling."

"Okay, Paul, here's what I want you to do ....."

Until Next Time...Keep On Jonesin']]> Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:45:00 -0600 A collection of musings and thoughts, along with a convoluted look at activities around the NFL, NCAA, and the world.

Was Bill Belichick's 4th down call a gusty call? Or was it stupid? Perhaps Bill's just trying to improve the Patriots draft position, I don't know. The result of giving Manning and the Colts the ball at the Patriots 29 yard line was game over, Indy wins. I know it's Peyton Manning, but you need to punt there, regardless, and make them earn that touchdown. A lot of strange and bad things happen when you need to drive 70+ yards with 2 minutes to go needing 6 points to tie, and an extra point to win. That call truly cost the Pats the game, of that there is no doubt. Indy may still have won, even if New England had punted, but we'll never know. However, give Peyton and Indy the ball at your own 29, and the game on the line, and I think they're fully confident they'll beat you. Case in point, put the shoe on the other foot, Patriots fans. Wouldn't you like to have the ball at the Indy 29 with 2 minutes to go trailing by a touchdown because Caldwell made a so called, “gutsy call?” Now, it may not cost the Patriots a playoff berth, but it could have taken them out of the bye, and that could cost them in the long run. Their upcoming schedule includes tough games against inter-division rivals that are almost always hard fought, along with a trip to New Orleans and Houston, both very capable of beating the Pats. Carolina and Jacksonville also visit Gillette Stadium, and since the playoff picture has been reshuffled and both are back in the picture, they just may have a reason to go all out against New England, making them dangerous opponents by having something to play for themselves as well. Miami is likely the only threat to the Patriots for division title, and an outside chance at that. Still, despite the fact that Brady stood up and told reporters he “supported the call,” I have to believe even he knows they should have punted there. That call wasn't “gutsy.” That's a call you make when YOU”RE losing, not winning. That call was a bonehead call...period. To say otherwise implies football ignorance. There is, however, a precedent for it. It has been done before, in fact, twice in the same game by former Cowboys genius Head Coach, Barry Switzer. It resulted in Switzer being given the nickname "Bozo The Coach'' after the Cowboys failed twice on fourth down late in a game against the Eagles that was tied at the time. Coincidentally, the Cowboys were at their own 29 yard line when Switzer called for them to go for it too. Perhaps Bill has been watching too much film trying to get an edge. In no way would I ever compare Switzer to Belichick as a Head Coach. There is no comparison. Speaking in Belichick's defense, he has done similar things in the past and succeeded. Speaking in his defense, if Brady's throw had been right on target, they would have made the 1st down. Speaking in his defense, at least he has the cajones to even consider and make such a call, unlike most other coaches who always play conservative. I do like that in a coach, someone who is willing to keep attacking, and do so at the most unsuspecting of moments. However, even with his past successes here, it's still a question of playing the odds. Bill Belichick is considered, and rightfully so, a “Defensive Genius.” He was facing a QB who is considered an “Offensive Genius.” Mano y Mano. You can call it a “Gutsy” move if you want, but to me, if you're a “Defensive Genius,” and you have the opportunity to put your opponent 70-80+ yards away from where they need to be with 2 minutes left in the game and needing not a field goal, but a touchdown to win, you do it. You should be confident in your own abilities to counter the moves of your opponent, one that you know pretty well, by the way. By going for the 1st down, it was like Belichick was saying he didn't have a clue...that he didn't' think he could beat his opponent. And when he made that call, and when they failed to get the necessary yardage, and the camera zoomed in on him putting his hands over his face, it was the perfect picture of someone who knew they'd blown it and taken a chance in desperation. And his team played the same way he looked immediately afterwords too. In a lot of ways, football resembles a game of chess. You make a move, and your opponent counters. There are certain moves that require certain counter moves, or you'll find yourself in big doo doo if you're playing against an opponent of equal or greater skill. When Belichick made that call on 4th down, he stepped right into big doo doo. It was the worst call I have ever seen Belichick make as either a Head Coach, or as a Defensive Coordinator with so much on the line, and I've watched him coach for around 30 years. Even had they made the 1st down, it was a STUPID call...and the wrong call, especially when you look at the big picture. First, and most obvious, are the playoff ramifications resulting from the loss dropping the Pats back into a grouping of AFC teams who are also currently 6-3, and not having the confidence to stop Manning and the Colts in a two minute drill over 70+ yards. I, like anyone familiar at all with football, understands that Manning is fully capable of taking his team in for a touchdown in that amount of time. Still, this is a Bill Belichick led defense. The “Defensive Genius” of this generation. I also know a lot of things can go wrong for a team needing to travel 70+ yards to win. By making this call, what do his defensive players think now since it's obvious Bellichick showed no confidence in them being able to contain the Colts offense? Do you honestly think he makes this same call with his defense of just a few years back? The season isn't over yet, and who knows, but that call likely insured the Patriots will be spending a lot more time on the road than they're accustomed to come playoff time, and somehow, between now and then, the defensive players have to know their coach truly has confidence in them. Otherwise, they aren't going far in the playoffs.

Congratulations to the Cincinnati Bengals and their fans. 7-2...5-0 in their division...4-0 against the finalists of last year's AFC Championship game. However, there is one caveat here, now they will be wearing a huge bulls eye on top of their stripes for the rest of the year. Marvin Lewis has done an outstanding job of getting this team ready every week. In reality they should be 8-1, were it not for the fluke play of the year against Denver. Now though, he'll have to make the Bengals understand their unusually lofty position comes with it's pitfalls. Other teams will now be gunning for them, and there is no more “sneaking up” on anyone. Everyone knows the Bengals are a good team now. Marvin must now make the Bengals mentally tough...and aware that EVERYONE will be ready for them every single week. Even the Browns will try and play them hard, as they already have earlier this year. Championship teams have this mental awareness and toughness about them, and this might be the toughest task facing Lewis, and the Bengals from this point on. Barring injury or a total meltdown or return of the “old Bengals” though, this is a 11-5, 12-4, perhaps even a 13-3 team. Their next 3 opponents are a trip to the Raiders, before two home games against the Browns and Lions. Their next true tests will be the following two games when they travel to Minnesota and San Diego, before finishing out with Kansas City at home, and the Jets in New York. A side note to this Bengals resurgence is that if I had a vote for Coach of the Year, Marvin Lewis would get it, especially if the Bengals do win their division.

The Bengals main divisional opponents, the Steelers have put themselves in a precarious playoff position, since it is now unlikely they will get a bye unless the Bengals falter. They still have home and home games with the Ravens, Green Bay in Pittsburgh, and the season finale in Miami, who just might be still fighting for a Wild Card berth themselves, not to mention that on January 3rd it could be in the 50s in Miami, but just as likely in the mid-eighties with 95% humidity. The Steelers are fully capable of winning all these games, and it's likely they'll need to if they have any divisional aspirations. However, if they roll into Miami and the weather is in the 80s or 90s with high humidity, it truly can drain a team physically, and the effects could last a week or two. The Steelers absolutely need to have their playoff position sewed up by then so they can give their starters most of the game off. If it is hot in Miami and their starters have to play the entire game, it will definitely take something out of them in the playoff run, especially if the Bengals win the division and they don't get a bye.

The Miami Dolphins just had a huge blow to their playoff hopes. RB Ronnie Brown has a rumored Lisfranc fracture of his right foot. It is not considered career ending, but it has ended his season. The Dolphins are fortunate to have held onto the tough and ever dangerous Ricky Williams, so as long as he's healthy, their running game is still dangerous. Where losing Brown really hurts them, is in their Wildcat offense, and in having a great tandem at the RB position with Williams, that ensured they always had a fresh threat at the RB position for an entire game. I think they'll start featuring their promising looking young QB, Chad Henne more and more as the year goes on, and they have a young Wildcat type of QB on the roster in Pat White, who will also likely see more playing time.

Miami's next opponent, The Carolina Panthers, also suffered a huge loss, when OLT, Jordan Gross broke his right ankle Sunday, requiring surgery. He too is lost to the season, and was without a doubt Carolina's best OL. This will likely hurt both their ability to run and pass effectively, and could very well derail their playoff hopes.

"Sometimes, I wish we dictated to defenses, not let defenses dictate what we do," wide receiver Patrick Crayton said after Dallas lost to the Green Bay Packers Sunday. Sounds to me like an indictment of the offense run by Offensive Coordinator, Jason Garrett. Garrett has done some things good, but all in the past. Given the reigns of a star filled offense that should be operating like a high powered Ferrari on the Autobahn, his offenses have more often than not resembled a sputtering Fiat with a busted radiator trying cross the desert in the summer. Wade Phillips, the Head Coach for who knows how long, is stuck with Garrett because Jason is good ol' Jerry's boy. Wade is also calling the defensive plays this year, and the Cowboys defense has responded, and it is the defense that is saving the Cowboys behinds as they fight to make the playoffs. Garret, hand picked, and anointed as the “Golden Boy”...the “Head Coach of the Future” for the Cowboys when he was given a big fat contract as their Offensive Coordinator a couple of years ago, has done little to ensure Phillips' longevity with a boat load of talent compared to most teams, and may have coached himself out of the Dallas head coaching job to boot. It was a dumb move by Jones, because by saying Garrett was the “Head Coach in Waiting,” at least some of the players were likely wondering who they needed to impress...Wade, or Jason? Who to listen to...Wade, or Jason? Because of Garrett's ineptness, Phillips very well could be out of work unless the Cowboys somehow win the Super Bowl, and although they have the players to do so, I personally don't think they will. I feel sorry for Wade, who is a fine person, and a really good coach. Every place he's coached, his teams have done well, for the most part, and to think he had no say in who his offensive coordinator would be, yet need to believe in that person because his own job would depend on them is an outright travesty. It wasn't like he was coming into a situation where the defense stunk, and the offense was a well oiled machine run by an Offensive Coordinator Wade knew and trusted. Garrett was brought in too...by Jerry. And Garrett, had all of two years of pro coaching experience at Miami. Garrett may still develop into a Head Coach in the long run, but I question how not only the Cowboys put so much value on a kid who coaching-wise was wet behind the ears, but also how the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens became so enamored with him to even consider him as their Head Coach a few years back? Luckily for both teams good ol' Jerry stepped in and showed him the money. Personally, I wonder what good ol' Jerry feels about that decision now?

The playoff picture will, in many ways, become a whole lot clearer this weekend, starting with tonight's game between Carolina and Miami. Both teams are 4-5, and it is a “must win” game if they have any playoff aspirations at all. The loser is out for all intents and purposes.

Sunday is filled with games with big playoff implications.

The 5-4 Ravens are home to face off against the undefeated Colts, and they too need a win, especially with the Steelers coming to town the next week. A loss could very well derail any hopes the Ravens have of making the playoffs, while a win is likely to keep them in the Wildcard race, especially if they can at least split with the Steelers. Other than the Packers, the rest of the Ravens schedule could allow them to run the board. Their future is in their hands.

The Redskins go to Dallas, and both are coming off games that emotionally were big, but for different reasons. The Skins finally won, and have to be feeling a bit more confident, while the Cowboys played their usual Jeckyl and Hyde selves. The Skins have the NFL's 5th rated defense, and could give the Cowboys trouble. If the Cowboys are to be considered serious contenders for the Super Bowl, they likely need to win this game. If they lose, and their record drops to 6-4, then even the division title and a wildcard berth will become questionable.

Green Bay and the 49ers also square off Sunday. If the 49ers lose, they're not totally out, but it would be unlikely for them to garner a wildcard berth. If the Packers lose, they're still very alive because of all the mediocre records in the NFC, but it would be very tough since they still have tough games against Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Arizona on their schedule, not to mention a trip to Chicago, who they barely beat at home.

The Bills, sans Dick Jauron, visit Jacksonville, and the Jaguars need a win to keep their fledgling playoff hopes alive. I say, “fledgling,” because they're schedule does not bode well for them to make a serious playoff run, even if they beat Buffalo.

I don't see the Steelers losing this week, even if they have to go to Kansas City, although stranger things have happened. I see them going to 7-3, and strengthening their grip on at least a wildcard berth.

Both the Giants and the Falcons are 5-4, and this game will go a long way in determining which team has a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. The Giants especially need a win because of their remaining schedule, especially with a short week and a road trip to Denver up next. Atlanta's remaining schedule is difficult too, but not as much so as the Giants. Neither team would be totally out, but its odds would be dramatically decreased with a loss in this game.

The Chargers travel to Denver for a showdown, and the winner will be the AFC West leader. This is a traditionally hard fought game between intense divisional rivals, and the stakes are very high for both teams. Whoever wins has a good chance to make the playoffs, while the loser will still have a good chance for a wildcard berth, but their work cut out for them because of their remaining schedules. Denver especially is in a precarious situation, because of their current 3 game losing streak. A loss to the Chargers at home could be devastating.

On Monday, the suddenly resurgent Titans, and Vince Young, visit the Houston Texans. Realistically, the Titans are out, but they are playing good football right now, and that is why I'm mentioning this game. If Houston, picked by many to unseat the Colts in the AFC South this year, have any realistic playoff hopes, they need to win this game. Easier said, than done. A tough divisional rival that is really playing well right now. This should be a good game, and a pretty good indication of which way the Texans are headed.

Of course, this doesn't mean the games I haven't mentioned won't have playoff implications. Any upset will change the mathematical probabilities, odds, and chances, especially concerning home field, seeding, etc., but they're games that should go to the favorites, or are between two teams who have no playoff chances (guess which game that is).

Goodbye to Mr. Nice Guy, Bills former Head Coach, Dick Jauron. Jauron just could not get the limited Bills to the playoffs, or even to playing consistently good, and the result is he's out. Who's next? Perhaps, Mike Shanahan. Why would Shanahan even consider the Bills, whose roster is void of the talent he could likely have under him at his request in Washington, especially with a defense that's one of the NFL's best? Because of the owner. In Ralph Wilson, Shanahan would have an owner who sits quietly in the background for the most part. In Washington, he'd be working for the always meddling Dan Snyder. In Buffalo, he'd likely get full power, which would allow him to pick his players, coaches, etc. In Washington, he'd play with Danny's Boys, and any title he had other than Head Coach would be in name only. I don't know if Shanahan takes the Buffalo job, but I do believe the odds are at least 50-50, and much will depend on his meeting next week with Wilson, who does have a reputation of being more watchful over his purse strings than Denver's owner, Pat Bowlen. Buffalo was once the envy of many NFL coaches because of the ownership, and the fans. Their fans are very loyal, and if you bring them a winner, you become next to a God in Buffalo. If Shanahan were to take over and turn the team around and make it a yearly contender, he would be looked upon by Buffalo fans as their savior, and with envy by numerous NFL coaches elsewhere.

Finally,

Are You Really Sure?

A blind guy on a bar stool shouts to the bartender, "Wanna hear a blonde joke?"

In a hushed voice, the guy next to him says, "Before you tell that joke, you should know something."

Our bartender IS blonde, the bouncer is blonde. I'm a 6' tall, 200 lb. with a black belt. The guy sitting next to me is 6'2", weighs 225, and he's a blonde rugby player. The fella to your right is 6'5" pushing 300 and he's a professional wrestler. Each one of US is blonde. Think about it, Mister. Do you still wanna tell that joke?"

The blind guy says, "Nah, not if I'm gonna have to explain it five times."

Until Next Time...Keep On Jonesin']]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:59:00 -0600
SR1
#5 Edinboro (9-3) 31 over #4 East Stroudsburg (8-4) 16 - Edinboro QB Trevor Harris comes off meniscus surgery to go 28-39 for 298 yards and 3 TDs (and 0 INTS)
#3 California (PA) (9-3) 42 over #6 Fayetteville State (8-4) 13 - Cal WR AJ Jackson catches 8 for 111 yards and 1 TD and sets school reception record at 82

SR 4
#5 Tarleton State (10-2) 57 over #4 Texas A&M Kingsville (9-3) 56 2OT - Tarleton JR QB Scott Grantham scores on a 20-yard run and the gets the conversion to seal the win in double-OT (for the day, he was 20-40-1 for 296 yards and 3 TDs with 5 carries for 35 yards and 0 sacks)
#6 Abilene Christian (9-3) 24 over #3 Midwestern State (9-3) 21 ACU KR Dennis Campbell took the opening kick 97 yards for a TD and the Wildcats get 8 sacks to preserve the win

SR 2
#4 Arkansas Tech (9-2) 41 over #5 UNC Pembroke (9-2) 13 - The Wonder Boys QB Nick Graziano completed 33 of 54 passes for 456 yards and 4 TDs as Tech rolled up 554 yards total offense in the win
#3 West Alabama (8-4) 24 over #6 Albany State (8-3) 22 - UWA special teams shine with 2 blocked field goals to preserve the Tigers' win

SR 3
#4 Nebraska-Kearney (11-1) 35 over #5 Saginaw Valley State (9-3) 20 - UNK soph RB Rustin Dring scores 2 TDs on 23 carries for 188 yards (his sixth 100+ yard game of the season)
#6 Hillsdale College (10-2) 27 over #3 Minnesota State-Mankato (10-2) 24 (OT) - HC K Greg Petro connects on 34-yard FG to give the Chargers the win in overtime

Week 2 Match-ups

SR1
#5 Edinboro (9-3) at #1 West Liberty (10-1)
#3 California (PA) (9-3) at #2 Shippensburg (9-2)

SR4
#5 Tarleton State (10-2) at #1 Central Washington (11-0)
#6 Abilene Christian (9-3) at #2 Northwest Missouri (10-1)

SR2
#4 Arkansas Tech (9-2) at #1 University of North Alabama (10-1)
#3 West Alabama (8-4) at #2 Carson-Newman (9-2)

SR3
#4 Nebraska-Kearney (11-1) at #1 Minnesota-Diluth (10-1)
#6 Hillsdale College (10-2) at #2 Grand Valley State (10-1)

]]> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:12:00 -0600 A collection of musings and thoughts, along with a convoluted look at activities around the NFL, NCAA, and the world.

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was fined $20,000 for abusing a referee, NFL Network reports. Cutler was flagged in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals for unsportsmanlike conduct after a non-call. Cutler thought he was held by TE Greg Olsen and had words with referee Ed Hoculi about the play, which resulted in a 15-yard penalty. Kind of funny, isn't it? When Cutler was the Denver QB, Hoculi was the ref in the game which might be Cutler's greatest claim to fame...unless, of course, you want to count the game in which he started an argument laced with choice expletives and gestures towards Chargers QB Philip Rivers while the Denver press somehow made Rivers look like the bad guy who was only congratulating his defensive teammates for holding the Denver offense when Cutler started the controversy with his immaturity. On the other hand, had Rivers been more mature at the time, I wonder what the Denver press would have written had he just turned around and totally ignored Cutler?

The Cowboys are keeping their fingers crossed that NT Jay Ratliff stays healthy. His strong play at the NT position is the real reason for the Dallas defense playing so well. At 6'4” and 304 lbs., Ratliff is not your prototypical NT size, and it will interesting to see if he holds up for a full 16 game schedule even should he remain injury free. He's also very effective when moved to the edge on passing downs, and teamed with OLB Ware and the other Cowboy blitzers they've allowed the Cowboy secondary to play with a much higher success rate with opposing QBs having to pass quicker. Ratliff, IMO, is the player the Cowboys can least afford to lose.

Some disgruntled Browns fans are trying to display their displeasure with their team's direction by calling for fellow fans to enter the upcoming Monday night game after the opening kickoff. A nationally televised indictment of that nature would be completely embarrassing to the owner/leadership of this already struggling franchise who have some of the most loyal fans in the NFL. I second the motion, and believe fans from other inept organizations (are you listening...Raiders and Redskins fans?) do the same if/when their teams play in a nationally televised game. The results would likely not be confined to a national embarrassment for their ownership, front office, and coaching staff, but there could be a decided drop off on food, refreshment, and NFL product sales if people tailgated an extra 15-30 minutes...say one more beer or soda and hot dog or burger. That would be hitting the owners in the pocketbooks, and that's the only message they really understand anyhow.

Some interesting match ups I want to watch this weekend:

Pittsburgh run defense against Cedric Benson. If the Steelers stop Benson from having a good game, which I think they'll try to do, then they are likely to be more vulnerable to the pass...so Chad Ochocinco likely being assigned to Ike Taylor is the other match up option this game presents. On the other hand, the Bengals have to stop Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall, who has honestly surprised me with the success he's had. He is changing my previous opinions of him with every game.

Philadelphia pass defense against Chargers pass offense, and specifically Asante Samuel against Vincent Jackson, who had 13 catches for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Raiders Nnamdi Asomugha this year. In the same game, you'll likely see Eagles phenom rookie WR DeSean Jackson matched up with Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie. I see the match up of Philly RB Westbrook against the Chargers RB Sproles to be a virtual wash. The Chargers may even have a couple of answers to the Eagles Michael Vick when they run the Wildcat themselves with either LT or WR Legedu Naanee, who was a QB at Boise State before switching to receiver, although the Chargers have yet to use the Wildcat in any game thus far. However, it is something they do practice in workouts, so who knows?

Patriots rookie OLT Sebastian Vollmer against Colts DE Dwight Freeny. This match up could go a long ways towards determining the outcome of this game. Of course, if Vollmer does hold up, that will be secondary to everyone's favorite match up in this game...Brady vs. Manning.

With their victory over the Bears on Thursday night, the 49ers kept alive their slim chances of catching the Cardinals for the NFC West title. Cutler though was rewarded by having his smiling face plastered on NFL.com's By The Numbers, because he threw for 307 yards. Hmmmm.

Many people who read my garbage know I am not a Jay Cutler fan. Oh sure, he's a great physical talent, even I won't debate that. However, he lacks both mechanics, and all the intangibles the truly great QBs have, and I've been around long enough to see a lot of great QBs, having been a NFL fan since 1958. That's not to say he won't mature and work on his drops and footwork and learns to look off his receivers, become more dedicated to studying film and learn to read defenses and make better decisions instead of totally depending on his great arm to pull him through, along with becoming more of a leader on and off the field and develop into a great QB, which I've seen happen, so I'll wait for my final verdict on him for a few years. Still, right now he's an easy target.

But all that is wrong with Chicago is not Jay Cutler's fault, and I will be the first to tell you he has very little help too. He does have a very good RB in Matt Forte. However, he really doesn't have a No. 1 WR, and in all honesty, he doesn't have a No. 2 WR either right now. On the Colts or Pats, or any other team with a good WR corps, Bears WR Devin Hester would be a Slot receiver, not parading around imitating their No. 1. And truthfully, that's what he should be. Rookie WR Johnnie Knox has been a pleasant surprise, but it's too early to honestly tell if he'll develop or not. Check back in a couple of years on him. WR Earl Bennett who played with Cutler in college is a decent player, but he should honestly be a back up where he would be a more valuable piece of the puzzle. The big problem is the Bears offensive linemen. They don't have one.

And Cutler is paying the price. He talked his way out of playing behind a really good one in Denver, into what he has now, but the blame here needs to be put on the front office, and in particular, GM Jerry Angelo. Good ol' Jerry has recently been ripped by Warren Sapp, who called him, “a conservative GM who did just enough to not get noticed and not get fired.” Well, he's been on the radar of people who do follow such things as the draft, but now he's being noticed by others as well for his mediocre at best body of work, which to be honest, is stretching things a bit. I would challenge someone to show me an All-Pro on this roster other than OLB Lance Briggs. The best offensively is Forte, and I'm not picking him over the likes of other NFC RBs like Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, DeAngelo Williams, and Michael Turner...just to name a few. Forte is the 24th rated rusher in the NFL with a 3.4 ypc average, so how could you honestly put him in the Pro Bowl? A good part of that can also be linked directly to an offensive line that would have trouble blocking the Bad News Bears...and they played baseball. The next best player on the roster may be FS Danieal Manning.

I'm not going to delve very far into the Bears defensive woes right now, but there is a serious lack of overall talent there too. The player most Bears fans like to hang their hats on is MLB Brian Urlacher, who at his very best couldn't carry Mike Singletary's jock. He's no chump, but he's no Mike Singletary, and although he gets most of the publicity, where do you think this team would be right now if Briggs had signed with the 49ers in the off season? Heck, if you want to be honest, the year they went to the Super Bowl, who did they play? Nobody...repeat...NOBODY. Their supposedly “great defense” was truly a sham...a mirage...because their schedule was laced with a bunch of inferior teams for the most part. They had an easy schedule for the most part, and a team good enough to take advantage of it, and they did. They also avoided injuries, which they haven't since, and thanks to their astute GM, they just don't have the talent or depth to have any injuries.

However, that season lulled their front office, along with their fans into a false sense of security. The result is what you see now. I won't place them into the dysfunctional category presently reserved for the likes of the Raiders, Redskins, and Browns, but they're not far from it right now.

I think Lovie is a very good coach...not a great coach, at least not yet, but a very good coach. They have a very good Offensive Coordinator in Ron Turner, but I'm no big fan of their Defensive Coordinator, Bob Babich. I thought they should have kept Ron Rivera there. So, overall I think their coaching staff is at least more than capable. That, however, does not mean they're not on the proverbial hot seat. Someone will have to pay for this season. And, since they've gone out and gotten their so called, “Franchise QB,” I do believe they needed to restructure their offense some, but it's truly their lack of overall talent that is not up to par with the better teams, and that is a direct reflection of the totally inferior job that GM Jerry Angelo has done in building this team.

And, with his putrid draft record, and the trades that he's made that have stripped them of both 1st day picks this year, the immediate outlook is not real bright. That leaves Free Agency as the great hope to Bears fans, and historically teams that have used that avenue don't end up faring too well. Still, if you're an astute judge of talent you could do enough to put them on the right track. A decent WR that would allow you to move Hester to the slot, a couple of younger, up and coming OL, and the Bears offense will be headed in the right direction. But, what will that cost?...Now, and later, when the salary structure of the team has been overloaded by players who aren't as good as someone playing for a lower salary. Of course, the key words in that scenario are “astute judge of talent,” and the Bears GM has proven he's not that. Bottom line, the Bears will go nowhere fast with their present GM.

Upcoming Head Coaching Vacancies: Buffalo, Washington, and Oakland.

Possible Upcoming Head Coaching Vacancies: Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, and Chicago...and of course, there is likely to be a surprise firing or retirement, or even two.

Right now, and rightfully so, the two best CBs in the NFL are the Raiders Nnamdi Asomugha, and the Eagles Asante Samuel. However, there's two up and coming CBs ready to take their place, in the Bengals Leon Hall, and the Jets Darrelle Revis. The Bengals are particularly set at the CB position for a few years with both Hall, and fellow young CB, Johnathan Joseph both playing at a very high level.

QB Chad Henne is quietly becoming better and better in Miami, and looks to be the real deal. The Fins are bringing him along slowly, but each week seem to open the playbook more and more, and he's responded.

How about a big hand for the Navy Midshipmen! They've played everyone tough, including Ohio State, and entering today's game with Delaware are 7-3, and bowl bound.

The mess that occurred in Tennessee is unfortunate for that program.

20,000 to 1. That was the payoff the NFL received for Chad Ochocinco's $1.00 gesture to a ref. I want to know how I can get those odds.

Finally,

Technology

Three men are sitting naked in the sauna. Suddenly there is a beeping sound. The first man presses his forearm and the beeping stops. The others look at him questioningly.

"That's my pager," he says. "I have a microchip under the skin of my arm."

A few minutes later a phone rings. The second man lifts his palm to his ear.

When he finishes he explains, "That's my mobile phone. I have a microchip in my hand."

The third man, feeling decidedly low-tech, steps out of the sauna. In a few minutes he returns with a piece of toilet paper extending from his rear.

The others raise their eyebrows.

"I'm getting a Fax," he explained.

Until next time...Keep On Jonesin']]> Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:00 -0600 A collection of musings and thoughts, along with a convoluted look at activities around the NFL, NCAA, and the world.

I've always been a Donovan McNab fan, going back to his college days at Syracuse. I've always considered him an elite QB, and perhaps he may be, but I recently read an article in a Philadelphia paper that has raised some questions. IMO, an elite QB finds a way to bring his team to victory in at least 50% of the times when his team is behind by 7 points or less late in a game. In the beginning of his career, that was the case, but in the last 5 years, and specifically in the last 2 years and the first half of this year, McNab has not done this. Quoting from the article in the Philadelphia Inquirer article by Bob Brookover...

"The Eagles had just failed once again to stage the kind of fourth-quarter rally that defines great teams and great quarterbacks.

The Eagles are 4-13-1 in the last 21/2 seasons in games decided by seven points or fewer. That includes a 1-6-1 record last season and a 0-2 record this year..."

"As for the second part, the Eagles have really struggled to win close games since going to the Super Bowl five seasons ago and particularly in the last three seasons. From 2000 through 2004, they were 21-12 in games decided by seven points or fewer. Since then, they are 13-23-1."

Realistically speaking this can not all be put on the shoulders of McNab. For one, I've witnessed many a questionable call by HC Andy Reid, especially during the last few years. He seems to have fallen into a mode where he began believing many of the press clippings that were calling him an "offensive genius" a few years back, and has become either predictable with his play calling, or he tries some outlandish play that always seems to backfire. Also, your defense has to get you the ball to allow a QB to have a fair chance to come back, and in the loss to the Cowboys, that didn't happen. It also didn't help that Reid used two precious timeouts on challenges that he lost, a trend that continues to follow him.

So, who's to fault here...the QB...or the coaches? I think the blame should fall more on the coaches, but McNab also must take a look in the mirror. Part of the problem is their lack of a running game to help take the pressure off of McNab. However, as of right now the Chargers are dead last in the NFL in rushing, and Indy is breathing down their necks, yet both of their QBs are playing better than McNab when it counts. If Reid can gather his team together and start making good decisions again (and give someone else the red flag and the authority to decide if a challenge should be made), the Eagles have the talent to win their divison...but so do the Cowboys and even the fading Giants...but this had to be a very tough loss. The only consolation is that Dallas...and Romo both have a history of fading in December and January.

It's 4th down and goal to go. Or, it's 4th down and 1, or whatever to get a 1st down late in the 1st half or late in the game. During the first half of this season you have a chance against any team in the NFL...except one. The New York Jets have not allowed anyone to convert on 4th down all year in 8 attempts. The next best team on 4th down defense...the Washington Redskins, who have allowed 1 first down in 7 attempts.

I have to hand it to the Cleveland Browns organization. Who would have thought that anyone (other than Dan Snyder in Washington) would ever seriously challenge Al Davis and the Raiders for the most dysfunctional organization in the league?

I have to give credit where credit is due, and I am giving Brett Favre a ton of credit for the resurgence of the Minnesota Vikings to the top of the NFC North, and turning it into a legitimate threat to go to the Super Bowl. However, I have to laugh at the prognosticators who are stating that either or both GM Ted Thompson and HC Mike McCarthy are on the hot seat. Injuries and a new defensive scheme are the main reasons for Green Bay's current woes. They are a very young team, I believe they are the youngest in the NFL right now, and will need one or two more years before their young but talented players get the experience they need, but they are heading in the right direction and will again be the dominant team in the NFC North. In Minnesota, Favre is 40, and they have an aging defense...they have to win now...because tomorrow does not look so pretty.

Are the mirrors cracking and the smoke getting too thick in Denver? After a surprising 6-0 start their defensive secondary has been exposed, as has their inability to stretch the field in the passing game. After losing 2 in a row they get a temporary respite in the Washington Redskins to try and regain the swagger they seem to have lost. But wait...is Washington really a respite? First of all, Denver needs to travel to Washington and play on 6 days rest after their Monday Night game against the Steelers. And, although Washington's offense resembles the Keystone Cops at their best, their defense is ranked 6th in the league. I smell an upset.

Whatever happened to the team that everyone thought would finally unseat the Colts this year? Yes, I'm talking about the Houston Texans. Better luck next year guys.

Does your team need a really good WR? Get your draft picks/players ready for the end of the year and let the bidding begin for the Cardinals Anquan Boldin. It's almost a certainty that he'll be traded, but he won't be cheap. He's having a good year despite some minor injuries and playing opposite perhaps the best WR in the game. Wisenhut wants to run with more authority, and build his defense up...trading Boldin will give him some chips to do so.

Speaking about this year's surprise teams...is there any team more surprising than the Tennessee Titans? Of course, the surprise about them is their woeful record. They played the Steelers very hard in the first game of the year...then virtually disappeared. That is until now. Vince Young may have reinvented himself, and his time spent on the bench may very well pay long-term benefits. He has looked very good, and certainly appears more comfortable dropping back and looking over a defense, and more importantly, he has not turned the ball over yet. Up next are the Bills, then two tougher games against the Texans and Cardinals. In the end I doubt the Titans make the playoffs, but they'll likely have a say in whether another team does, or does not, and may already have done so when they beat the 49ers. I usually frown on owners who meddle in the football operations of their teams, especially one that's run by someone of Jeff Fisher's stature, but I have to agree with the decision of Titans owner Bud Adams to step in and tell Fisher he wanted Young to get a chance to show what he could do. The season was over anyhow, and it certainly will give the Titans a better shot of having a more productive draft if Young proves he can run this team consistently well and the Titans can look to shore up their other needs in the next draft which could very well make them the "surprise" team next year.

I stated before the year began that the hiring of Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams was like having two extra 1st round picks to the New Orleans Saints. If there's one thing Williams can do, it's build and coach a defense. With a few key FAs and draft picks, the Saint's defense, once the Achilles Heel of their playoff and Super Bowl hopes has now become a reasonable strength. With their offense, all they've needed is a middling defense to enable them to have a real shot. Under Williams, they now have that, with a defense ranked right in the middle of the league at 16th overall. Barring injury this team could go very deep into the playoffs and even be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl, and Williams will be one of, if not the biggest reason if they do.

Is Lovie Smith's time in Chicago almost up? The Bears once vaunted defense is now among the bottom third of the league, trailing even...GULP...the powerhouse Lions. They spent foolishly in FA on aging, over-the-hill offensive linemen, and traded their future away for a QB with all the physical talent you could look for in a QB, but unless you play fantasy football he can't win anything that really matters for you. Unlike the Vikings who are a powerhouse today, or the Packers who will be in a year or two, this team is, and has been heading in the wrong direction ever since they played in the Super Bowl.

I'm afraid that Rams RB, Steven Jackson, may have the same kind of career that LT has had in San Diego. By the time the Rams put all the pieces in place to really contend, Jackson may well be past his prime and irrelevant to his team's offense. That's too bad, because he really is an extraordinary RB.

When the Giants lost S Kenny Phillips to a season ending injury, it was perhaps the most devastating injury they could have had, other than to QB Eli Manning. Without him in support, the Cardinals, Eagles, and the Chargers had their way with the Giant's secondary.

I see this week's game in Pittsburgh as a toss up. Both teams have rugged defenses, and both have offenses that can move the ball both on the ground, and in the air. Both teams have also lost their best pass rushing DL to injuries. I know many point to the fact that Polamalu is back, and the Steelers are playing better on defense with him, but in all honesty, unless he's blitzing he's a liability in pass defense and a QB like Palmer may very well expose this. It's also a game I think the Bengals want more than the Steelers, so they can "feel" legitimate. Pittsburgh is ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rushing defense, but the Bengals are ranked No. 2. Both are in the top 10 in sacks, but Cincy's pass defense is ranked in the bottom of the league while Pittsburgh is in the middle of the pack, and that's where they are most vulnerable right now. Still, the Bengals are ranked No. 5 in the NFL in scoring defense, and the Steelers are ranked No. 6. A win over the Steelers would go a long way towards making the Bengals a true threat to win the division as it would give them a season sweep over both the Steelers and the Ravens in case the division title goes to the tie breaking procedure. I for one, am really looking forward to watching this game, and hope the game lives up to its potential.

Five years ago, I could mention NFL playoff contenders and these teams all would have come to mind...Seattle, St. Louis, Tennessee, Chicago, and Carolina. Does anyone even think about them anymore except their fans and teams playing them and needing a win?

Who will be the teams with the hot starts to the season that crumbles and plays their way out of the playoffs or limps in, only to be eliminated in the first round this year? And, who will be the teams that had slow starts that get hot at the right time and plays their ways into the playoffs, and goes deep too? You know it happens every year, and as a fan, I want my team to be a hot team in the second half of the season and the playoffs, and not the first.

Finally,

Today is Veteran's Day in the United States. I myself am an honorably discharged veteran, having served our country from 1969-1973, and I would like to extend a well earned and heartfelt "Thank You" to every other veteran who has served their country on this day. In that vein, I thought you all might find this little story a bit amusing, and perhaps even remind you of one or two experiences you had while in the service of your country, or even if you have not served...Welcome home, brothers.

Change your course now

This is the transcript of an actual radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October, 1995.

Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations on November 10, 1995.

Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a collision.

Canadians: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.

Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.

Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES' ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS, AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT'S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.

Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.

Until Next Time...Keep On Jonesin']]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:51:00 -0600