http://cdsdraft.com/boards/index.php?autocom=blog Community Blog List Syndication Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:15:45 -0600 condraft@cdsdraft.com (CDS Boards) IP.Blog 60 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 leas 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
Super Region 1 (winner plays SR 4)

#5 Edinboro (8-3) at #4 East Stroudsburg (8-3)
#6 Fayetteville State (8-3) at #3 California (PA) 8-3
Byes - #1 West Liberty (10-1) and #2 Shippensburg (9-2)

Super Region 4 (winner plays SR 1)

#5 Tarleton State (9-2) at #4 Texas A&M Kingsville (9-2)
#6 Abilene Christian (8-3) at #3 Midwestern State (9-2)
Byes #1 Central Washington (11-0) and #2 Northwest Missouri (10-1)

Super Region 2 (winner plays SR 3)

#5 UNC Pembroke (9-1) at #4 Arkansas Tech (8-2)
#6 West Alabama (7-4) at #3 Albany State (8-2)
Byes #1 University of North Alabama (10-1) and #2 Carson-Newman (9-2)

Super Region 3 (winner plays SR 2)

#5 Saginaw Valley State (9-2) at #4 Nebraska-Kearney (10-1)
#6 Hillsdale College (9-2) at #3 Minnesota State-Mankato (10-1)
Byes #1 Minnesota-Diluth (10-1) and #2 Grand Valley State (10-1)]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:11:00 -0600
SUPER REGIONAL 1 Pos. Ht Wt Cl School Hometown
Zach Amedro QB 6-0 190 JR West Liberty Moundsville, W.V.
Michael Harris SE 6-1 192 SR Shippensburg East Earl, Pa.
Trevor Harris QB 6-2 215 SR Edinboro Waldo, Ohio
Alfonso Hoggard RB 5-4 150 JR Clarion Philadelphia, Pa.
A.J. Jackson WR 6-6 230 SR California, Pa. Lehigh Acres, Fla.
Thomas Mayo WR 6-2 184 SO Concord Reston, Va.

SUPER REGIONAL 2 Pos. Ht Wt Cl School Hometown
Harrison Beck QB 6-2 220 SR North Alabama Claerwater, Fla.
Alex Good QB 6-0 185 SR Carson-Newman Greensboro, N.C.
Nick Graziano QB 6-1 227 SR Arkansas Tech Moraga, Calif.
Lardester Hicks-Green LB 6-1 235 SR Delta State Chicago, Ill.
Demetrice Johnson RB 5-11 210 SR Albany State Atlanta, Ga.
Jonas Randolph RB 5-10 185 SO Mars Hill Daleville, Ala.

SUPER REGIONAL 3 Pos. Ht Wt Cl School Hometown
Joique Bell RB 6-1 223 SR Wayne State (Mich.) Benton Harbor, Mich.
Billy Cundiff QB 6-2 218 SR Ashland Uniontow, Ohio
Brad Iciek QB 6-1 200 SR Grand Valley State Grandville, Mich.
Logan Masters WR 6-3 185 SR Wayne State (Neb.) Storm Lake, Iowa
Isaac Odim RB 6-0 215 JR Minnesota-Duluth Rochester, Minn.
David Pesek QB 6-3 210 SR Colorado-Mines Centennial, Colorado

SUPER REGIONAL 4 Pos. Ht Wt Cl School Hometown
LaRon Council RB 5-10 210 SR Northwest Missouri St. Kansas City, Mo.
Zack Eskridge QB 6-4 215 JR Midwestern State Rowlett, Texas
Steve Gachette QB 6-1 180 JR Southwest Baptist Lehigh Acres, Fla.
Billy Garza QB 6-1 235 SR Texas A&M-Kingsville Brownsville, Texas
J.J. Harp QB 6-2 180 SO Eastern New Mexico Argyle, Texas
Drew Newhart QB 6-0 200 JR Missouri Western Cameron, Missouri

Link to HH website:

http://www.harlonhill.com/2009_initialrelease.html

]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:42:00 -0600 A collection of musings and thoughts, along with a convoluted look at activities around the NFL, NCAA, and the world.

NFL Referees Are Incompetent!

Yes it is a strong statement...but I feel it is well deserved, through no fault of the referees, but of the NFL itself. It's time for the NFL to become serious about the lack of consistency and education of its officials. Of all the professional sports leagues, in my personal opinion, the NFL has the worse officiating...period. And, this is from what has become the most financially successful and most watched and followed sports league of all, which I see as both a shame, and and a sham. It is, and has been the weakest and most inconsistent part of the game for way too long now, and by all accounts, it should be the most well defined, strongest, and most consistent. In short, the fans are being ripped off for a few dollars by the NFL owners, and until someone like Jerry Jones loses a Super Bowl, or a chance to go to the Super Bowl by a bad or incorrect call, it's unfortunately not likely to change.

Last night I witnessed yet again, another poorly officiated game that involved the San Diego Chargers. Unlike last year when the Chargers were on the wrong end on numerous incorrect and just plain bad calls by the NFL's poorly/untrained officials during the first five games of the season, one of which became infamous, this time the Chargers were the beneficiaries of what I perceive to be an incorrect, and just plain bad call. It happened early enough that it likely had no real bearing on the outcome of the game, but then again, it may have too...who's to say?

IMO, the Chargers benefitted from a questionable call when Raiders rookie WR Louis Murphy (who Raider fans should love...he seriously looks to be a dynamic weapon, and clearly is a much better prospect at WR than their No. 1 pick, DHB, who showed off his hands of stone when he dropped a perfectly thrown ball) was ruled to not have had full possession of what I clearly thought was a touchdown. I personally did not see any "lack of possession," although I guess what the rule states is when you hit the ground the ball can not touch it. Still, as I saw it, his butt hit the ground with him having possession, and to me, that's a touchdown. The fact that afterwards, as he rolled to the ground the nose of the ball hit the ground should have been elementary to, and after the fact.

Personally, I am disappointed in the way the NFL treats its referees. I'm tired of and how it's ignored them for so long, or looked the other way, or had to outright admit the call was wrong, that it has reached the point where too many games are decided by refs who should not be on the field...through no fault of their own, but of the NFL's for not following baseball's lead, and having full-time officials who study and perfect their craft year round. You see way less mistakes from baseball officials than you do football's, and they have to make a lot of bang, bang calls. As a long time football fan, I can only state that the more the NFL tinkers with its rules, and this is only one example, the more shallow the game is becoming.

I'm also not a fan of the "Brady Rule," which came back to almost haunt the Pats, nor of incidental contact downfield between DBs either. It just seems to me that too many times these rules are not called consistently, but that it mostly depends on who the refs are, and in many instances they are out of position to make the proper call anyhow. All of these rules also leave all, or too much of the interpretation of the purported infraction up to the judgement of the refs, without there being a clearly defined and well thought out set of examples and/or interpretations of these infractions for the refs to refer to. So long as the NFL continues to treat their refs as part-time and second-hand employees, this will not get better. Only with full-time, dedicated referees, who study their craft year round will the NFL have a more consistent product.

Using Instant Replay is fine, but it takes way too much time, and in many instances, like last night's, leaves the long-time fans wondering just what the rules are anyhow. If that's the case, just imagine what it does to the casual or new fan. I would think it could have detrimental effects by turning these types of fans off to the game.

I don't know, but the NFL needs to look at some old film and remember what this game is really about. I'm not suggesting they go back to the way they played in the 60s or 70s, but this is a contact game. Other than certain improvements, such as outlawing the Horse Collar tackle, etc., they should allow the players to play. Okay, if the DB is holding on to, or pushing all the way downfiled, flag him, but not for an incidental contact that in most instances has no bearing on the play's outcome, or even worse, often times it is initiated by the WR to begin with. If a DL has a QB in his grasp and takes him down within the natural process of the tackle, so what? That's what these guys are drafted and trained to do. If intential purpose to harm can be detected, then yes a flag is necessary, if not outright ejection, but that should not just pertain to DL/Pass Rushers and QBs, but all players. And, if a WR catches the ball, and in the process of rolling over to get up the nose of the ball touches the ground, he still caught it. In other words, get the rules right, and get the untrained, or poorly trained refs and their personel opinions out of the game.

As a Charger fan, I know how the Raider fans feel. This happened to the Chargers on an almost game by game basis at the beginning of last year, highlighted by the Hochuli call becoming the infamous call of the year. They say these calls even out, and it's not like Raider fans haven't seen their team benefit from a bad call or two either, with the "Holy Roller" perhaps being the most infamous. Still, it has to be disconcerting to fans to know the NFL is presenting us with an inferior product with its officiating.

It certainly does not make me feel better to know the problem with the NFL referees, and their almost arbitrary interpretation of the rule book on many types of plays continues to be ignored by the league. I don't want officials to have to "make up" for past mistakes against my team, or any team. What I want, are professional referees calling the games. I want clearly defined rules that are not open to arbitrary interpetation while allowing the players to play naturally like they've been trained without having to worry about being flagged. That being said, there will still be mistakes, but they will be much further and farther between, and Instant Replay can then be a real tool that should result in the right call in the end on almost any play...and hopefully take way less time.

Until Next Time...

Keep On Jonesin']]> Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:23:00 -0500 SEC Goes 10-1 in Non-Conference Play

As you might well have expected, the SEC teams had a lot of success on opening weekend. Of course, some teams had scheduled cupcake wins to get their season off and running in what turned out to be glorified scrimmages, but Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and LSU all had hard-fought games against good opposition. Here's a quick take on what happened around the conference:

South Carolina 7-3 NC State
This Thursday night snoozefest told us everything we needed to know about South Carolina - their defense is talented, quick and shows no mercy but the lack of talent on the offensive side of the ball is worrying. The Head Ball Coach will need his side to run the ball much better than they did in this game and Stephen Garcia will need to make better decisions if this team is going to compete in the SEC this year.

Kentucky 42 - 0 Miami (Ohio)
In the first of the cupcake games, the Kentucky Wildcats saw off the RedHawks, scoring 6 touchdowns in the process. The Wildcat defense suffocated Miami's offense, giving up just 188 yards and corner Trevard Lindley scored on an interception return to cap off a good start for UK.

Tennessee 63 - 7 Western Kentucky
Lane Kiffin got off to a winning start as the Volunteers Head Coach as quarterback Jonathan Crompton threw for 5 touchdowns. There were a few dodgy moments, Montario Hardesty's fumble and Crompton's 2 interceptions, but with a defense that held Kentucky to 83 yards and Crompton's newly found confidence the Volunteers ran out comfortable winners.

Georgia 10 - 24 Oklahoma State
In the preseason, Georgia talked about how they wanted to step up on defense and show that they still belonged in the upper echelons after their surprising collapse last year. However, they gave up 172 yards rushing and 2 receiving TDs to Dez Bryant, suggesting that they haven't taken the sort of strides they had hoped for.

Mississippi State 45 - 7 Jackson State
No Anthony Dixon, no problem - that was the message that Miss. St. sent out in this game. QB Chris Relf threw 3 TD passes and ran one in himself to ensure that Head Coach Dan Mullen got off to a winning start. However, 152 yards given away in penalties will be a worry to Mullen before his side face their SEC foes in coming weeks.

Auburn 37 - 13 Louisiana Tech
It may not be quite as impressive a scoreline as some of their compatriots but Auburn will undoubtedly be happy that their offense put up over 550 yards, including 301 on the ground. Gene Chizik would probably have liked his defense to play a little better, but a win's a win.

Arkansas 48 - 10 Missouri State
With a kickoff return for a touchdown, and starting QB Ryan Mallett throwing for 300 yards and a TD the Hogs will be hopeful of a good season this year. Arkansas also converted 3 4th down attempts as Bobby Petrino looks for his team to pick up more wins and possibly a bowl game this year.

Florida 62 - 3 Charleston Southern
623 offensive yards, 9 touchdowns and a jolly nice warm-up - just as we expected really.

Vanderbilt 45 - 0 Western Carolina
With their first shutout in a while, the Commodores of Vanderbilt strolled to a win against Western Carolina thanks to 2 freshman running backs who contributed over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. We all know Vandy's defense is good, but is this a sign of things to come from the offense?

Alabama 34 - 24 Virginia Tech
Many had picked VT to overcome the Crimson Tide before this game, but Alabama picked themselves up from a slow start to win the game off the back of Mark Ingram's 150 rushing yards and Greg McElroy's 230 passing yards. If anyone doubted Alabama before this game, surely they don't now?

LSU 31 - 23 Washington
Washington may have been on a 14 game streak without a win, but with Jake Locker under center they were always going to provide a test for LSU. The Tigers were outgained both in the air and on the ground but came up with the win thanks to the performances of Jordan Jefferson and Terrance Toliver.]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2009 09:54:00 -0500
DL - Xavier Brown C.W. Post JR #36 6-5, 245 – 1st Team PSAC 2008
DL - Travis Ford-Bey West Chester JR - #93 – 6-3, 240 – 1st Team PSAC 2008; 2nd Team PSAC 2007
DL - Tim Hume Cheyney SO - #90 – 6-2, 225 – 2nd Team PSAC 2008
DL - James Thorpe West Chester SR - #92 – 5-10, 285 – 2nd Team PSAC 2008; 2nd Teams PSAC 2007
LB - Mike Dell West Chester SR - #16 – 6-3, 230 – 2008 PSAC East Defensive POY; 2nd Team PSAC 2007
LB - Sam Scott West Chester SR - #43 – 6-5, 205 – 1st Team PSAC 2008
LB - Tayrance Smith C.W. Post SR – #38 – 5-11, 225 - 1st Team PSAC 2008
LB - Matt Freed East Stroudsburg JR - #39 – 5-10, 205 – 2nd Team PSAC 2008 (CDS HM)
DB - Jesse Cooper Bloomsburg SR - #1 – 5-7, 161 – 1st Team PSAC 2008
DB - Demel Chambers Cheyney SR -#44 – 6-1, 223 – 2nd Team PSAC 2008
DB - Mike Gardier Kutztown SR -#30 – 5-9, 185 – 2nd Team PSAC 2008; 2nd Team PSAC 2007
KR - Kendell Coleman Kutztown JR - #22 – 5-6, 160 – 1st Team PSAC 2008
P - Nick Krut East Stroudsburg - #16 – 5-11, 185 – 48 for 2210, 46.0 avg; 11 IT20; long 73
]]> Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:12:00 -0500
OFFENSE
QB - Dan Latorre Bloomsburg SR - #10 – 6-0, 207 – 1st Team PSAC 2008; 2nd Team PSAC 2007
RB - Kevin Marshall Shippensburg JR - #22 – 5-11, 183 – 1st Team PSAC 2008
RB - Derrick Price Bloomsburg SO #4 - 5-8, 190 - 2008 PSAC East Freshman of the Year
RB - Dontay Wilson Kutztown JR - #5 – 5-10, 195 – 1st Team PSAC 2008; 2nd Team PSAC 2007
WR - Mike Harris Shippensburg SR - #84 – 6-1, 192 - 1st Team PSAC 2007 & 2008 – 66 for 1014 & 10 TD
WR - Steve Miller West Chester SR - #9 – 6-3, 200 – 2nd Team PSAC 2008 – 48 for 685 & 7 TD
TE - Ryan Paulson West Chester SR - #87 – 6-4, 230 – 1st Team PSAC 2008 - 37-583 yards & 8 TD
OT - Brian Staerk West Chester SR - #69 – 6-4, 295 – 1st Team PSAC 2008
OT - Drew TenBruggencate C.W. Post SR - #77 – 6-4, 290
OG - Dave Fremont Shippensburg SR -#53 – 6-3, 280 – 2nd Team PSAC 2008 (CDS HM)
OG - Morgan Thomas East Stroudsburg SR - #74 – 6-3, 300 – 2nd Team PSAC 2008
C - Nick Kyper Millersville SR - #78 – 6-0, 285
PK - Jon Koenig Bloomsburg SR 54/54 in 2008 (64 in a row) 1st Team PSAC 2007 & 2008]]> Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:27:00 -0500