Watch this and learn something.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Are You Kidding Me?
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| Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan - the GOP's 'Dream Team' |
Thank You Mitt Romney for all but giving the election to Barack Obama.
See you in November!
Friday, August 10, 2012
2012 NFL PREVIEW - St. Louis Rams
ST. LOUIS RAMS
2011 Record: 2-14-0 (4th in NFC West)
HEAD COACH: Jeff Fisher
Key Additions: OL Scott Wells; WR Steve Smith; RB Ovie Mughelli; LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar; CB Cortland Finnegan; DL Kendall Langford
Key Losses: WR Brandon Lloyd; DB Ron Bartell; OL Jacob Brown; DL James Hall; DL Fred Robbins
Offense: The Rams must see improvement in an anemic offense that was 31st in the league a year ago, averaging just 284 yards per game (104 rushing, 180 passing) and only scored 193 points for the entire season.
Quarterback Sam Bradford (2,164 passing yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions) fell off from his rookie season while missing six games with injuries. Kellen Clemens and Tom Brandstater will be the backups.
The running game features veteran Steven Jackson, who put up his usual reliable numbers in 2011, gaining 1,145 yards rushing with five TD and also had 42 receptions for 333 yards and a score. Rookies Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson will spell Jackson. The fullbacks are Brit Miller and Ovie Mughelli.
The leading receiver (Brandon Lloyd) from a year ago is gone and that leaves Bradford with a variety of targets to throw to in 2012, including Danny Amendola, who returns after missing last season with injuries. Amendola caught 85 passes in 2010 before going down for the entire season in last year's opening game.
Also in the mix is Brandon Gibson (36, 431, one TD) and Danario Alexander (26, 431, 16.6 ypc average and two TD), along with rookies Brian Quick and Chris Givens. Steve Smith, who played sparingly for the Eagles in 2011, was signed in the off-season. The tight end is Lance Kendricks, who had 28 receptions for 352 yards last season.
The offensive line consists of Pro Bowl center Scott Wells, a free agent signee who should help up front in pass protection, as the Rams allowed 55 QB sacks last year.
The guards are Bryan Mattison and Harvey Dahl and the tackles are Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith.
Defense: Using the 4-3 look under new Head Coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams feature pass rusher extraordinaire Chris Long ( 13 QB sacks) at one defensive end spot, along with Robert Quinn.
The tackles are two newcomers as Kendall Langford comes over from Miami to help against the run, where the Rams struggled a year ago. The other new player will be rookie Michael Brockers (LSU) at the other tackle position.
The linebackers will be James Laurinaitis in the middle with Justin Cole and free agent Jo-Lonn Dunbar on the outside. Josh Hull and rookie Aaron Brown are available in reserve roles.
The secondary will have a veteran familiar with Fisher from his days as the Tennessee Titans coach in cornerback Cortland Finnegan. The other corner spot may go to rookie Janoris Jenkins, a second round draft pick from North Alabama.
The safeties will be Quintin Mikell and Darian Stewart. Other players in the fold for St. Louis include Josh Gordy, Craig Dahl, Jerome Murphy and rookie Trumaine Johnson.
St. Louis ranked 22nd overall on defense last season, giving up an average of 358 yards per game. The pass defense was decent, allowing just 206 yards. But the run defense was awful, allowing 152 yards per game, which ranked 31st in the NFL.
OUTLOOK: A lot on how much the Rams will improve this season depends on Bradford and his abilities to rebound from the poor 2011 season he had. The pass protection has to be much better than it was last year.
The offense has to be more consistent and should get a shot in the arm with a healthy Bradford and some new blood in the receiving corps to go with the steady running game provided by Jackson.
On defense, they MUST stop the run.
The Rams did get 39 QB sacks a year ago, with All-Pro Chris Long leading the way. If they can mount steady pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2012, the pass defense should be solid once again, especially with a physical presence like Finnegan at the corner.
Improving from a 2-14 season looks to be in order for St. Louis, but how many more games they win will most likely hinge on the offense scoring more than just 13 points per game.
A 4-12 season would double the team's win total from last season as Jeff Fisher looks to restore the pride in St. Louis.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at Detroit
Week 2- vs. Washington
Week 3- at Chicago
Week 4- vs. Seattle
Week 5- vs. Arizona
Week 6- at Miami
Week 7- vs. Green Bay
Week 8- vs. New England
Week 9- BYE
Week 10- at San Francisco
Week 11- vs. NY Jets
Week 12- at Arizona
Week 13- vs. San Francisco
Week 14- at Buffalo
Week 15- vs. Minnesota
Week 16- at Tampa Bay
Week 17- at Seattle
HEAD COACH: Jeff Fisher
Key Additions: OL Scott Wells; WR Steve Smith; RB Ovie Mughelli; LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar; CB Cortland Finnegan; DL Kendall Langford
Key Losses: WR Brandon Lloyd; DB Ron Bartell; OL Jacob Brown; DL James Hall; DL Fred Robbins
Offense: The Rams must see improvement in an anemic offense that was 31st in the league a year ago, averaging just 284 yards per game (104 rushing, 180 passing) and only scored 193 points for the entire season.
Quarterback Sam Bradford (2,164 passing yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions) fell off from his rookie season while missing six games with injuries. Kellen Clemens and Tom Brandstater will be the backups.
The running game features veteran Steven Jackson, who put up his usual reliable numbers in 2011, gaining 1,145 yards rushing with five TD and also had 42 receptions for 333 yards and a score. Rookies Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson will spell Jackson. The fullbacks are Brit Miller and Ovie Mughelli.
The leading receiver (Brandon Lloyd) from a year ago is gone and that leaves Bradford with a variety of targets to throw to in 2012, including Danny Amendola, who returns after missing last season with injuries. Amendola caught 85 passes in 2010 before going down for the entire season in last year's opening game.
Also in the mix is Brandon Gibson (36, 431, one TD) and Danario Alexander (26, 431, 16.6 ypc average and two TD), along with rookies Brian Quick and Chris Givens. Steve Smith, who played sparingly for the Eagles in 2011, was signed in the off-season. The tight end is Lance Kendricks, who had 28 receptions for 352 yards last season.
The offensive line consists of Pro Bowl center Scott Wells, a free agent signee who should help up front in pass protection, as the Rams allowed 55 QB sacks last year.
The guards are Bryan Mattison and Harvey Dahl and the tackles are Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith.
Defense: Using the 4-3 look under new Head Coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams feature pass rusher extraordinaire Chris Long ( 13 QB sacks) at one defensive end spot, along with Robert Quinn.
The tackles are two newcomers as Kendall Langford comes over from Miami to help against the run, where the Rams struggled a year ago. The other new player will be rookie Michael Brockers (LSU) at the other tackle position.
The linebackers will be James Laurinaitis in the middle with Justin Cole and free agent Jo-Lonn Dunbar on the outside. Josh Hull and rookie Aaron Brown are available in reserve roles.
The secondary will have a veteran familiar with Fisher from his days as the Tennessee Titans coach in cornerback Cortland Finnegan. The other corner spot may go to rookie Janoris Jenkins, a second round draft pick from North Alabama.
The safeties will be Quintin Mikell and Darian Stewart. Other players in the fold for St. Louis include Josh Gordy, Craig Dahl, Jerome Murphy and rookie Trumaine Johnson.
St. Louis ranked 22nd overall on defense last season, giving up an average of 358 yards per game. The pass defense was decent, allowing just 206 yards. But the run defense was awful, allowing 152 yards per game, which ranked 31st in the NFL.
OUTLOOK: A lot on how much the Rams will improve this season depends on Bradford and his abilities to rebound from the poor 2011 season he had. The pass protection has to be much better than it was last year.
The offense has to be more consistent and should get a shot in the arm with a healthy Bradford and some new blood in the receiving corps to go with the steady running game provided by Jackson.
On defense, they MUST stop the run.
The Rams did get 39 QB sacks a year ago, with All-Pro Chris Long leading the way. If they can mount steady pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2012, the pass defense should be solid once again, especially with a physical presence like Finnegan at the corner.
Improving from a 2-14 season looks to be in order for St. Louis, but how many more games they win will most likely hinge on the offense scoring more than just 13 points per game.
A 4-12 season would double the team's win total from last season as Jeff Fisher looks to restore the pride in St. Louis.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at Detroit
Week 2- vs. Washington
Week 3- at Chicago
Week 4- vs. Seattle
Week 5- vs. Arizona
Week 6- at Miami
Week 7- vs. Green Bay
Week 8- vs. New England
Week 9- BYE
Week 10- at San Francisco
Week 11- vs. NY Jets
Week 12- at Arizona
Week 13- vs. San Francisco
Week 14- at Buffalo
Week 15- vs. Minnesota
Week 16- at Tampa Bay
Week 17- at Seattle
Thursday, August 9, 2012
2012 NFL PREVIEW - Arizona Cardinals
ARIZONA CARDINALS
2011 Record: 8-8-0 (2nd in NFC West)
HEAD COACH: Ken Whisenhunt
Key Additions: CB William Gay; DB James Sanders; OL Adam Snyder
Key Losses: WR Chansi Stuckey; CB Richard Marshall; DB Sean Considine; OL Rex Hadnot
Offense: There's a quarterback dilemma in Arizona as the 2012 season looms.
Kevin Kolb (1,955 passing yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions) was the big priced free agent signee last season, but missed time with injuries and was 2-6 as the starting quarterback. The other QB, John Skelton was 6-2 in his starting role.
On top of that, Kolb was shaken up in the pre-season opener last week, paving the way for Skelton to lead the offense once again. Skelton passed for 1,913 yards last year and had 11 TD passes and threw 14 picks.
So, it appears Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt will have a decision to make prior to the season opener against Seattle in one month.
The running game is all about Beanie Wells, who had his best season as a pro in 2011, going for 1,047 yards (4.3 ypc average) and scored ten touchdowns. LaRod Stephens-Howling is a good two-back, who rushed for 167 yards in limited action to go with 13 receptions for 234 yards and two touchdowns. The fullback is Anthony Sherman.
The star of the offense is wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who had another big season, with 80 receptions for 1,411 yards (17.6 average) and eight TD grabs.
Along with Fitzgerald is first round draft choice Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) as the other wide out, along with veterans Andre Roberts (51, 586 yards, two TD), Early Doucet (54, 689, 5 TD) and tight end Todd Heap, who made 24 catches for 283 yards and a score while battling injuries last season.
The offensive line, which must do a better job in pass protection after allowing 54 QB sacks a year ago, is anchored by center Lyle Sendlein. The guards are Daryn Colledge and Adam Snyder and the tackles are Levi Brown and rookie Bob Massie. Two other rookie draft picks, Senio Kelemete and Nate Potter, will get a look in pre-season while Ryan Bartholomew, D'Anthony Batiste and Jeremy Bridges are also available up front.
The Cardinals ranked 19th in the NFL in offense last year, averaging 325 yards per game with 223 passing per game, which was 17th in the league. The running game had 102 yards per game and finished 24th overall.
Defense: The Cardinals employ the 3-4 look and have Dan Williams at nose tackle. The ends are Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell, who led the team with eight QB sacks a year ago.
The linebackers will be Paris Lenon and Daryl Washington (five sacks and two interceptions) on the inside with Sam Acho (seven sacks) and O'Brien Schofield on the outside. Reggie Walker and Antonio Coleman will back up at linebacker.
The safeties are Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes while the corners will be Greg Toler and Patrick Peterson, who made two interceptions in his rookie season while also returning FOUR punts for touchdowns, which tied an NFL record. In addition, Peterson also set a new league record by having four 80-plus yard punt returns.
William Gay comes over from Pittsburgh to help at a corner spot and James Sanders provides depth at safety.
The Arizona defense picked it up in the second half of the 2011 season, which saw them finish 18th overall, giving up an average of 355 yards per game. The Cardinals allowed 231 yards passing per game and 124 yards rushing.
OUTLOOK: After a slow start, the team got it going as the defense improved and reserve QB John Skelton seemed to help spark the offense, especially during the final eight games, when the Cardinals routinely pulled off exciting wins, including four overtime victories.
But that was last year and the Cards cannot expect to continue to live "on the edge" and keep winning in that manner.
More consistency is needed, especially playing against the San Francisco 49ers twice as well as the NFC North and the AFC East teams this year.
A decent pass rush should be the norm once again (Arizona had 42 sacks last year) and if the secondary can come up with more interceptions after getting only ten last season, that would be a big plus for the team.
Whether it's Skelton or Kolb lining up under center is uncertain at this point, but the Cardinals do have some weapons with Fitzgerald and company to throw to and Peterson is always a threat to break one off on kick returns.
A lot has to go right for Arizona to contend with San Francisco in the NFC West, but don't count on that happening this season as the team would do well to finish at .500 once again. An 8-8 finish is the best this team should do this season as they attempt to continue to improve.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- vs. Seattle
Week 2- at New England
Week 3- vs. Philadelphia
Week 4- vs. Miami
Week 5- at St. Louis
Week 6- vs. Buffalo
Week 7- at Minnesota
Week 8- vs. San Francisco
Week 9- at Green Bay
Week 10- BYE
Week 11- at Atlanta
Week 12- vs. St. Louis
Week 13- at NY Jets
Week 14- at Seattle
Week 15- vs. Detroit
Week 16- vs. Chicago
Week 17- at San Francisco
HEAD COACH: Ken Whisenhunt
Key Additions: CB William Gay; DB James Sanders; OL Adam Snyder
Key Losses: WR Chansi Stuckey; CB Richard Marshall; DB Sean Considine; OL Rex Hadnot
Offense: There's a quarterback dilemma in Arizona as the 2012 season looms.
Kevin Kolb (1,955 passing yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions) was the big priced free agent signee last season, but missed time with injuries and was 2-6 as the starting quarterback. The other QB, John Skelton was 6-2 in his starting role.
On top of that, Kolb was shaken up in the pre-season opener last week, paving the way for Skelton to lead the offense once again. Skelton passed for 1,913 yards last year and had 11 TD passes and threw 14 picks.
So, it appears Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt will have a decision to make prior to the season opener against Seattle in one month.
The running game is all about Beanie Wells, who had his best season as a pro in 2011, going for 1,047 yards (4.3 ypc average) and scored ten touchdowns. LaRod Stephens-Howling is a good two-back, who rushed for 167 yards in limited action to go with 13 receptions for 234 yards and two touchdowns. The fullback is Anthony Sherman.
The star of the offense is wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who had another big season, with 80 receptions for 1,411 yards (17.6 average) and eight TD grabs.
Along with Fitzgerald is first round draft choice Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) as the other wide out, along with veterans Andre Roberts (51, 586 yards, two TD), Early Doucet (54, 689, 5 TD) and tight end Todd Heap, who made 24 catches for 283 yards and a score while battling injuries last season.
The offensive line, which must do a better job in pass protection after allowing 54 QB sacks a year ago, is anchored by center Lyle Sendlein. The guards are Daryn Colledge and Adam Snyder and the tackles are Levi Brown and rookie Bob Massie. Two other rookie draft picks, Senio Kelemete and Nate Potter, will get a look in pre-season while Ryan Bartholomew, D'Anthony Batiste and Jeremy Bridges are also available up front.
The Cardinals ranked 19th in the NFL in offense last year, averaging 325 yards per game with 223 passing per game, which was 17th in the league. The running game had 102 yards per game and finished 24th overall.
Defense: The Cardinals employ the 3-4 look and have Dan Williams at nose tackle. The ends are Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell, who led the team with eight QB sacks a year ago.
The linebackers will be Paris Lenon and Daryl Washington (five sacks and two interceptions) on the inside with Sam Acho (seven sacks) and O'Brien Schofield on the outside. Reggie Walker and Antonio Coleman will back up at linebacker.
The safeties are Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes while the corners will be Greg Toler and Patrick Peterson, who made two interceptions in his rookie season while also returning FOUR punts for touchdowns, which tied an NFL record. In addition, Peterson also set a new league record by having four 80-plus yard punt returns.
William Gay comes over from Pittsburgh to help at a corner spot and James Sanders provides depth at safety.
The Arizona defense picked it up in the second half of the 2011 season, which saw them finish 18th overall, giving up an average of 355 yards per game. The Cardinals allowed 231 yards passing per game and 124 yards rushing.
OUTLOOK: After a slow start, the team got it going as the defense improved and reserve QB John Skelton seemed to help spark the offense, especially during the final eight games, when the Cardinals routinely pulled off exciting wins, including four overtime victories.
But that was last year and the Cards cannot expect to continue to live "on the edge" and keep winning in that manner.
More consistency is needed, especially playing against the San Francisco 49ers twice as well as the NFC North and the AFC East teams this year.
A decent pass rush should be the norm once again (Arizona had 42 sacks last year) and if the secondary can come up with more interceptions after getting only ten last season, that would be a big plus for the team.
Whether it's Skelton or Kolb lining up under center is uncertain at this point, but the Cardinals do have some weapons with Fitzgerald and company to throw to and Peterson is always a threat to break one off on kick returns.
A lot has to go right for Arizona to contend with San Francisco in the NFC West, but don't count on that happening this season as the team would do well to finish at .500 once again. An 8-8 finish is the best this team should do this season as they attempt to continue to improve.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- vs. Seattle
Week 2- at New England
Week 3- vs. Philadelphia
Week 4- vs. Miami
Week 5- at St. Louis
Week 6- vs. Buffalo
Week 7- at Minnesota
Week 8- vs. San Francisco
Week 9- at Green Bay
Week 10- BYE
Week 11- at Atlanta
Week 12- vs. St. Louis
Week 13- at NY Jets
Week 14- at Seattle
Week 15- vs. Detroit
Week 16- vs. Chicago
Week 17- at San Francisco
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
2012 NFL PREVIEW - New York Jets
NEW YORK JETS
2011 Record: 8-8-0 (2nd in AFC East)
HEAD COACH: Rex Ryan
Key Additions: QB Tim Tebow; WR Chaz Schillens; DB LaRon Landry
Key Losses: WR Plaxico Burress; RB LaDainian Tomlinson; DB Jim Leonhard; CB Marquice Cole; DB Brodney Pool; LB Jamaal Westerman
Offense: The Jets are looking to get back to ground and pound in 2012 after ranking 22nd in the league in rushing last season, averaging 106 yards per game.
In addition to that, the team was 25th overall on offense, gaining just 312 yards per game. The passing attack, led by quarterback Mark Sanchez, was 21st in the NFL with 206 yards per game. Sanchez threw for 3,474 yards with 26 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
Enter Tim Tebow from Denver to show what he has to offer at quarterback after helping to lead the Denver Broncos to the playoffs last year. Tebow passed for 1,729 yards and 12 TD passes with six picks while only completing 47 percent of his pass attempts.
However, Tebow's strength is his running abilities (660 yards rushing and a 5.4 yards per carry average) as he scored six touchdowns rushing the ball. Look for Tebow to be installed in goal line situations and also in a 'wildcat' package.
The running game will once again feature Shonn Greene, who topped the 1,000 yard mark in 2011, going for 1,054 yards (4.2 ypc) and scored six touchdowns. Joe McKnight will likely be the two-back after the retirement of LaDainian Tomlinson. John Conner is the fullback.
The wide receiving corps took a hit after the Jets let Plaxico Burress (eight TD receptions) go during the off-season, leaving Sanchez with just one primary target at wide out in Santonio Holmes, who had 51 receptions for 654 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
The Jets did draft Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech) in the second round and he will have a shot at starting if free agent Chaz Schillens (23, 271 and two TD with Oakland a year ago) doesn't cut it. Jeremy Kurley (29, 314, one TD) is another option at wide receiver. Tight End Dustin Keller (65, 815, five TD) is solid and a favorite target for Sanchez.
The O-line has All-Pro Nick Mangold at center with guards Matt Slauson and Brandon Moore. The tackles are Wayne Hunter and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
Defense: The Jets' 3-4 look will see a rookie starting at one of the end spots as Quinton Coples (North Carolina) will line up along with end Muhammad Wilkerson while Sione Pouha will be the nose tackle. Kenrick Ellis, Marcus Dixon, Mike DeVito and Jay Richardson are others looking to help up front.
The linebacking unit has Bart Scott (4 1/2 QB sacks) and David Harris (five sacks and four interceptions) on the inside with Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace (4 1/2 sacks) on the outside backer spots.
Rookie Demario Davis (Georgia Tech) will provide depth for the linebackers along with Garrett McIntyre, Aaron Maybin (six sacks), Nick Bellore and Josh Mauga.
The secondary features arguably the best corner man in the NFL in Darrelle Revis, who made four interceptions in 2011, including one returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Revis is a shut down defender who can force opposing quarterbacks to throw the other way.
Antonio Cromartie (four picks) is the other cornerback and the safeties include Eric Smith and LaRon Landry, who comes over from the Redskins to bolster the secondary.
Fan favorite Jim Leonhard departed in the off-season and recently inked a deal with Denver, leaving rookies Josh Bush and Antonio Allen as reserve safeties. Also in mix in the secondary are Isaiah Trufant, Tracy Wilson, Kyle Wilson and Ellis Lankster.
The Jets defense was fifth overall in the league in 2011, allowing 312 yards per game, including just 201 yards passing per game, which ranked fifth as well. The run defense finished 13th overall, giving up 111 yards per game.
OUTLOOK: This could very well be a make or break year for the team after missing the playoffs last year.
Head Coach Rex Ryan seems to be toning it down a bit after his lofty predictions the last three years.
The offense needs to improve in running the football and Sanchez must show he can deliver in the clutch, as he did to a degree in his first two seasons before last season's collapse down the stretch, when the Jets lost their final three games.
The defense is good and one of the top units in the NFL defending the pass, but needs to get after opposing quarterbacks more consistently, as they totaled only 35 sacks a year ago.
With Tebow now an option in New York, Sanchez has less room for the mistakes he has made as the quarterback for this team. With less targets to choose from than in year's past, Sanchez must be more decisive in 2012.
Another question mark is the rushing attack, where Greene hasn't really lived up to the hype following his rookie season when he appeared headed for stardom.
The AFC East is ruled by the Patriots, but the Jets have shown the ability to beat their rivals in the past. Doing so this year will be extremely important for the psyche of the team after being blown out twice by the Pats last season.
There are simply too many question marks surrounding the Jets in 2012 and they would do well to qualify for the post-season. It looks like a 9-7 season for the Jets this year and possibly a wild card spot, depending on how they fair against other AFC teams in head to head matchups.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- vs. Buffalo
Week 2- at Pittsburgh
Week 3- at Miami
Week 4- vs. San Francisco
Week 5- vs. Houston
Week 6- vs. Indianapolis
Week 7- at New England
Week 8- vs. Miami
Week 9- BYE
Week 10- at Seattle
Week 11- at St. Louis
Week 12- vs. New England
Week 13- vs. Arizona
Week 14- at Jacksonville
Week 15- at Tennessee
Week 16- vs. San Diego
Week 17- at Buffalo
HEAD COACH: Rex Ryan
Key Additions: QB Tim Tebow; WR Chaz Schillens; DB LaRon Landry
Key Losses: WR Plaxico Burress; RB LaDainian Tomlinson; DB Jim Leonhard; CB Marquice Cole; DB Brodney Pool; LB Jamaal Westerman
Offense: The Jets are looking to get back to ground and pound in 2012 after ranking 22nd in the league in rushing last season, averaging 106 yards per game.
In addition to that, the team was 25th overall on offense, gaining just 312 yards per game. The passing attack, led by quarterback Mark Sanchez, was 21st in the NFL with 206 yards per game. Sanchez threw for 3,474 yards with 26 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
Enter Tim Tebow from Denver to show what he has to offer at quarterback after helping to lead the Denver Broncos to the playoffs last year. Tebow passed for 1,729 yards and 12 TD passes with six picks while only completing 47 percent of his pass attempts.
However, Tebow's strength is his running abilities (660 yards rushing and a 5.4 yards per carry average) as he scored six touchdowns rushing the ball. Look for Tebow to be installed in goal line situations and also in a 'wildcat' package.
The running game will once again feature Shonn Greene, who topped the 1,000 yard mark in 2011, going for 1,054 yards (4.2 ypc) and scored six touchdowns. Joe McKnight will likely be the two-back after the retirement of LaDainian Tomlinson. John Conner is the fullback.
The wide receiving corps took a hit after the Jets let Plaxico Burress (eight TD receptions) go during the off-season, leaving Sanchez with just one primary target at wide out in Santonio Holmes, who had 51 receptions for 654 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
The Jets did draft Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech) in the second round and he will have a shot at starting if free agent Chaz Schillens (23, 271 and two TD with Oakland a year ago) doesn't cut it. Jeremy Kurley (29, 314, one TD) is another option at wide receiver. Tight End Dustin Keller (65, 815, five TD) is solid and a favorite target for Sanchez.
The O-line has All-Pro Nick Mangold at center with guards Matt Slauson and Brandon Moore. The tackles are Wayne Hunter and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
Defense: The Jets' 3-4 look will see a rookie starting at one of the end spots as Quinton Coples (North Carolina) will line up along with end Muhammad Wilkerson while Sione Pouha will be the nose tackle. Kenrick Ellis, Marcus Dixon, Mike DeVito and Jay Richardson are others looking to help up front.
The linebacking unit has Bart Scott (4 1/2 QB sacks) and David Harris (five sacks and four interceptions) on the inside with Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace (4 1/2 sacks) on the outside backer spots.
Rookie Demario Davis (Georgia Tech) will provide depth for the linebackers along with Garrett McIntyre, Aaron Maybin (six sacks), Nick Bellore and Josh Mauga.
The secondary features arguably the best corner man in the NFL in Darrelle Revis, who made four interceptions in 2011, including one returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Revis is a shut down defender who can force opposing quarterbacks to throw the other way.
Antonio Cromartie (four picks) is the other cornerback and the safeties include Eric Smith and LaRon Landry, who comes over from the Redskins to bolster the secondary.
Fan favorite Jim Leonhard departed in the off-season and recently inked a deal with Denver, leaving rookies Josh Bush and Antonio Allen as reserve safeties. Also in mix in the secondary are Isaiah Trufant, Tracy Wilson, Kyle Wilson and Ellis Lankster.
The Jets defense was fifth overall in the league in 2011, allowing 312 yards per game, including just 201 yards passing per game, which ranked fifth as well. The run defense finished 13th overall, giving up 111 yards per game.
OUTLOOK: This could very well be a make or break year for the team after missing the playoffs last year.
Head Coach Rex Ryan seems to be toning it down a bit after his lofty predictions the last three years.
The offense needs to improve in running the football and Sanchez must show he can deliver in the clutch, as he did to a degree in his first two seasons before last season's collapse down the stretch, when the Jets lost their final three games.
The defense is good and one of the top units in the NFL defending the pass, but needs to get after opposing quarterbacks more consistently, as they totaled only 35 sacks a year ago.
With Tebow now an option in New York, Sanchez has less room for the mistakes he has made as the quarterback for this team. With less targets to choose from than in year's past, Sanchez must be more decisive in 2012.
Another question mark is the rushing attack, where Greene hasn't really lived up to the hype following his rookie season when he appeared headed for stardom.
The AFC East is ruled by the Patriots, but the Jets have shown the ability to beat their rivals in the past. Doing so this year will be extremely important for the psyche of the team after being blown out twice by the Pats last season.
There are simply too many question marks surrounding the Jets in 2012 and they would do well to qualify for the post-season. It looks like a 9-7 season for the Jets this year and possibly a wild card spot, depending on how they fair against other AFC teams in head to head matchups.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- vs. Buffalo
Week 2- at Pittsburgh
Week 3- at Miami
Week 4- vs. San Francisco
Week 5- vs. Houston
Week 6- vs. Indianapolis
Week 7- at New England
Week 8- vs. Miami
Week 9- BYE
Week 10- at Seattle
Week 11- at St. Louis
Week 12- vs. New England
Week 13- vs. Arizona
Week 14- at Jacksonville
Week 15- at Tennessee
Week 16- vs. San Diego
Week 17- at Buffalo
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
2012 NFL PREVIEW - New England Patriots
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2011 Record: 13-3-0 (1st in AFC East; AFC Champions)
HEAD COACH: Bill Belichick
Key Additions: DB Will Allen; DE Jonathan Fanene; WR Jabar Gaffney; WR Brandon Lloyd; WR Donte' Stallworth; DB Steve Gregory; DE Trevor Scott
Key Losses: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis; DE Mark Anderson; OL Rob Gallery
Offense: What can you say about quarterback Tom Brady after a huge season in 2011 in which the veteran passed for a new career high of 5,235 yards with 39 touchdown passes and just 12 interceptions.
Wow!
Brady leads an offense that ranked second in the NFL last season, averaging 428 yards a game with 318 yards per game passing, which was also second in the league. The Patriots averaged 32 points per game as well.
Brady's targets in the passing game include the two headed monster of tight ends Rob Gronkowski (90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 TD) and Aaron Hernandez, who made 79 catches for 910 yards and seven touchdowns.
Wide receivers Wes Welker (122, 1,569, nine TD) and Deion Branch (51, 702, 5), along with free agents Brandon Lloyd (51, 683, 5 with Rams) and Jabar Gaffney, who made 68 grabs for 947 yards and five touchdowns with the Redskins, will be the many weapons for Brady.
The running game will feature a different lead back this year after BenJarvus Green-Ellis left for Cincinnati. Steven Ridley (87 carries for 441 yards, 5.1 ypc average and a touchdown) will be the main back in 2012 and Danny Woodhead will also gets his share of carries as well. Woodhead is a versatile runner who gained 351 yards on 77 attempts (4.6 ypc average) and also caught 18 passes for 157 yards.
The offensive line has veteran Dan Koppen at center once again, along with Brian Waters and Logan Mankins at the guard spots. Sebastian Vollmer and Nate Solder are the tackles.
Defense: Vince Wilfork is the big man up front at tackle in the 4-3 alignment with Kyle Love at the other tackle spot. Top rookie draft pick Chandler Jones (Syracuse) and Jonathan Fanene will man the end positions. Wilfork had 3 1/2 quarterback sacks and made two interceptions last season and is a presence up front against the run as well.
Fanene had 6 1/2 quarterback sacks with Cincinnati last season. Gerard Warren, Myron Pryor, Brandon Deaderick and Trevor Scott provide depth.
Brandon Spikes will be the middle linebacker and the outside backers are Rob Ninkovich (6 1/2 sacks) and Jerod Mayo. Rookie Dont'a Hightower (Alabama) will get time as well along with Dane Fletcher and Tracy White.
The secondary features Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington at the corners with Patrick Chung and Steve Gregory at the safety spots.
Arrington tied for the league lead with seven interceptions in 2011 as the Patriots 'D' picked off 23 passes and was a plus-17 in the takeaway category.
On the flip side, improvement in 2012 is needed as the defense was torched on a regular basis in the 2011 season, especially against the pass. New England was 31st in the NFL in total defense (giving up 411 yards per game) and also 31st against the pass, allowing 294 yards per game. The run defense was 17th overall, allowing 117 yards per game.
OUTLOOK: It's tough to pick against Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick because they have been doing the same thing for over a decade now and show no signs of slowing down after getting to another Super Bowl last year.
Brady and Belichick are two of the best in the business when it comes to winning football games.
With the weapons Brady has surrounding him on offense and the system he runs to near perfection, the Patriots are like a well oiled machine.
The defense needs work, but is really like a bend, but not break style that gives up A LOT of yardage, but only allowed 21 points per game on average a year ago.
Barring injury to any key players (especially Brady), this team shouldn't have much trouble winning another division title by going 12-4 in 2012 and making another deep playoff run that may very well lead to another Super Bowl appearance or even another Super Bowl title.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at Tennessee
Week 2- vs. Arizona
Week 3- at Baltimore
Week 4- at Buffalo
Week 5- vs. Denver
Week 6- at Seattle
Week 7- vs. NY Jets
Week 8- at St. Louis
Week 9- BYE
Week 10- vs. Buffalo
Week 11- vs. Indianapolis
Week 12- at NY Jets
Week 13- at Miami
Week 14- vs. Houston
Week 15- vs. San Francisco
Week 16- at Jacksonville
Week 17- vs. Miami
HEAD COACH: Bill Belichick
Key Additions: DB Will Allen; DE Jonathan Fanene; WR Jabar Gaffney; WR Brandon Lloyd; WR Donte' Stallworth; DB Steve Gregory; DE Trevor Scott
Key Losses: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis; DE Mark Anderson; OL Rob Gallery
Offense: What can you say about quarterback Tom Brady after a huge season in 2011 in which the veteran passed for a new career high of 5,235 yards with 39 touchdown passes and just 12 interceptions.
Wow!
Brady leads an offense that ranked second in the NFL last season, averaging 428 yards a game with 318 yards per game passing, which was also second in the league. The Patriots averaged 32 points per game as well.
Brady's targets in the passing game include the two headed monster of tight ends Rob Gronkowski (90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 TD) and Aaron Hernandez, who made 79 catches for 910 yards and seven touchdowns.
Wide receivers Wes Welker (122, 1,569, nine TD) and Deion Branch (51, 702, 5), along with free agents Brandon Lloyd (51, 683, 5 with Rams) and Jabar Gaffney, who made 68 grabs for 947 yards and five touchdowns with the Redskins, will be the many weapons for Brady.
The running game will feature a different lead back this year after BenJarvus Green-Ellis left for Cincinnati. Steven Ridley (87 carries for 441 yards, 5.1 ypc average and a touchdown) will be the main back in 2012 and Danny Woodhead will also gets his share of carries as well. Woodhead is a versatile runner who gained 351 yards on 77 attempts (4.6 ypc average) and also caught 18 passes for 157 yards.
The offensive line has veteran Dan Koppen at center once again, along with Brian Waters and Logan Mankins at the guard spots. Sebastian Vollmer and Nate Solder are the tackles.
Defense: Vince Wilfork is the big man up front at tackle in the 4-3 alignment with Kyle Love at the other tackle spot. Top rookie draft pick Chandler Jones (Syracuse) and Jonathan Fanene will man the end positions. Wilfork had 3 1/2 quarterback sacks and made two interceptions last season and is a presence up front against the run as well.
Fanene had 6 1/2 quarterback sacks with Cincinnati last season. Gerard Warren, Myron Pryor, Brandon Deaderick and Trevor Scott provide depth.
Brandon Spikes will be the middle linebacker and the outside backers are Rob Ninkovich (6 1/2 sacks) and Jerod Mayo. Rookie Dont'a Hightower (Alabama) will get time as well along with Dane Fletcher and Tracy White.
The secondary features Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington at the corners with Patrick Chung and Steve Gregory at the safety spots.
Arrington tied for the league lead with seven interceptions in 2011 as the Patriots 'D' picked off 23 passes and was a plus-17 in the takeaway category.
On the flip side, improvement in 2012 is needed as the defense was torched on a regular basis in the 2011 season, especially against the pass. New England was 31st in the NFL in total defense (giving up 411 yards per game) and also 31st against the pass, allowing 294 yards per game. The run defense was 17th overall, allowing 117 yards per game.
OUTLOOK: It's tough to pick against Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick because they have been doing the same thing for over a decade now and show no signs of slowing down after getting to another Super Bowl last year.
Brady and Belichick are two of the best in the business when it comes to winning football games.
With the weapons Brady has surrounding him on offense and the system he runs to near perfection, the Patriots are like a well oiled machine.
The defense needs work, but is really like a bend, but not break style that gives up A LOT of yardage, but only allowed 21 points per game on average a year ago.
Barring injury to any key players (especially Brady), this team shouldn't have much trouble winning another division title by going 12-4 in 2012 and making another deep playoff run that may very well lead to another Super Bowl appearance or even another Super Bowl title.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at Tennessee
Week 2- vs. Arizona
Week 3- at Baltimore
Week 4- at Buffalo
Week 5- vs. Denver
Week 6- at Seattle
Week 7- vs. NY Jets
Week 8- at St. Louis
Week 9- BYE
Week 10- vs. Buffalo
Week 11- vs. Indianapolis
Week 12- at NY Jets
Week 13- at Miami
Week 14- vs. Houston
Week 15- vs. San Francisco
Week 16- at Jacksonville
Week 17- vs. Miami
Monday, August 6, 2012
2012 NFL PREVIEW - Miami Dolphins
MIAMI DOLPHINS
2011 Record: 6-10-0 (3rd in AFC East)
HEAD COACH: Joe Philbin
Key Additions: QB David Garrard; DB Richard Marshall; LB Jamaal Westerman; WR Legedu Naanee; OL Artis Hicks
Key Losses: WR Brandon Marshall; QB Chad Henne; DL Kendall Langford; DB Yeremiah Bell; CB Will Allen
Offense: The Dolphins head into the 2012 season with an open competition for the starting quarterback position.
Matt Moore (2,497 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2011) returns and may have the inside track against rookie Ryan Tannehill (Texas A & M) and veteran free agent signee David Garrard, who enjoyed some success with Jacksonville in recent seasons before being cut last year.
Moore did show some leadership abilities for the team after they stumbled to an 0-7 start to rebound for six wins in the final nine games as the starter.
The running game is in good hands with Reggie Bush, who gained 1,086 yards last season with six touchdowns and averaged 5.0 yards per carry. He also caught 43 passes, including one for a score.
Daniel Thomas ran for 581 yards (3.5 ypc) and helped to form a good backfield tandem for the Dolphins.
Rookie Lamar Miller may get a chance as well as veteran Steve Slaton in 2012 and Charles Clay returns as the primary fullback. Clay is a decent receiver out of the backfield, evidenced by his 16 catches last season, including three for touchdowns.
The wide receivers will look to Davone Bess to lead the way after Brandon Marshall left as a free agent for the Chicago Bears. Bess made 51 grabs for 537 yards and scored three touchdowns. Along with Bess, Miami features Brian Hartline (35, 549, one TD), Legedu Naanee (44, 467, one TD with Carolina) and tight end Anthony Fasano, who had 32 receptions for 451 yards and five touchdowns.
The offensive line consists of guards Richie Incognito and John Jerry, center Mike Pouncey and tackles Lydon Murtha and Jake Long, who is one of the NFL's best left tackles. Tackle Jonathan Martin (Stanford) was drafted in the second round and will get a chance to play and provide protection as Miami QB's were sacked 52 times last season.
Miami finished 22nd overall on offense a year ago, averaging 317 yards per game. The running attack was 11th in the NFL with 124 yards per game. The passing game needs a boost in 2012 after finishing 23rd with just 193 yards per game.
Defense: This season the Dolphins will look to stay healthy on this side of the ball after seeing a number of players miss some action last season; which hurt the team, especially against the pass.
The Dolphins allowed 250 yards passing a year ago, but did register 41 QB sacks to go with a strong run defense that finished 3rd in the NFL, allowing 95 yards per game.
Overall, Miami was 15th defensively, giving up 345 yards per game. In addition, they allowed just under 20 points per game (313 total allowed) which was decent enough to keep them in some games.
Up front in the Dolphins' 3-4 look is nose tackle Paul Soliai, The ends are Randy Starks (4 1/2 QB sacks) and Jared Odrick, who made six QB sacks. Providing depth on the D-Line are Tony McDaniel, Ryan Baker and rookies Olivier Vernon and Kheeston Randall.
The linebacking unit has Koa Misi and Cameron Wake on the outside with Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett on the inside. Wake is pass rusher who can get after opposing quarterbacks and had 8 1/2 sacks a year ago to lead the team.
The secondary will have Vontae Davis and Sean Smith at the corners with Tyrell Johnson and Reshad Jones at the safety spots. Chris Clemons, Tyrone Culver, Jimmy Wilson and Nolan Carroll will be the backups.
OUTLOOK: It's hard to gauge this team coming into 2012 with a new Head Coach in Joe Philbin, who takes over for Tony Sporano after his four years as the team's leader.
The Dolphins have to be more effective on offense and will look to either Moore or Garrard to take the snaps in the season opener, but don't count out the rookie (Tannehill) either.
Reggie Bush played extremely well last season and more of the same in 2012 would go a long way for the Dolphins.
The receivers will have to step up to fill the numbers lost by Marshall as he left the team after making 81 grabs for over 1,200 yards and six touchdowns.
The defense should be solid again and barring injuries, don't expect the Dolphins to struggle against opposing pass attacks again. The team did manage 16 interceptions a year ago with Davis getting four picks to lead the team, despite missing four games.
There are definitely questions surrounding the team as the new season looms, but the key will be the play at the quarterback position and that is still up in the air as training camp and pre-season moves along.
Playing in the rugged AFC East won't be easy, but Miami can battle the Bills and Jets (combined 3-1 against them in 2011) and that may allow them to avoid the basement.
The playoffs are definitely a long shot and this team would do well to avoid double-digit losses in 2012. Expect a 5-11 finish for the Dolphins as they look to rebuild for the future.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at Houston
Week 2- vs. Oakland
Week 3- vs. NY Jets
Week 4- at Arizona
Week 5- at Cincinnati
Week 6- vs. St. Louis
Week 7- BYE
Week 8- at NY Jets
Week 9- at Indianapolis
Week 10- vs. Tennessee
Week 11- at Buffalo
Week 12- vs. Seattle
Week 13- vs. New England
Week 14- at San Francisco
Week 15- vs. Jacksonville
Week 16- vs. Buffalo
Week 17- at New England
HEAD COACH: Joe Philbin
Key Additions: QB David Garrard; DB Richard Marshall; LB Jamaal Westerman; WR Legedu Naanee; OL Artis Hicks
Key Losses: WR Brandon Marshall; QB Chad Henne; DL Kendall Langford; DB Yeremiah Bell; CB Will Allen
Offense: The Dolphins head into the 2012 season with an open competition for the starting quarterback position.
Matt Moore (2,497 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2011) returns and may have the inside track against rookie Ryan Tannehill (Texas A & M) and veteran free agent signee David Garrard, who enjoyed some success with Jacksonville in recent seasons before being cut last year.
Moore did show some leadership abilities for the team after they stumbled to an 0-7 start to rebound for six wins in the final nine games as the starter.
The running game is in good hands with Reggie Bush, who gained 1,086 yards last season with six touchdowns and averaged 5.0 yards per carry. He also caught 43 passes, including one for a score.
Daniel Thomas ran for 581 yards (3.5 ypc) and helped to form a good backfield tandem for the Dolphins.
Rookie Lamar Miller may get a chance as well as veteran Steve Slaton in 2012 and Charles Clay returns as the primary fullback. Clay is a decent receiver out of the backfield, evidenced by his 16 catches last season, including three for touchdowns.
The wide receivers will look to Davone Bess to lead the way after Brandon Marshall left as a free agent for the Chicago Bears. Bess made 51 grabs for 537 yards and scored three touchdowns. Along with Bess, Miami features Brian Hartline (35, 549, one TD), Legedu Naanee (44, 467, one TD with Carolina) and tight end Anthony Fasano, who had 32 receptions for 451 yards and five touchdowns.
The offensive line consists of guards Richie Incognito and John Jerry, center Mike Pouncey and tackles Lydon Murtha and Jake Long, who is one of the NFL's best left tackles. Tackle Jonathan Martin (Stanford) was drafted in the second round and will get a chance to play and provide protection as Miami QB's were sacked 52 times last season.
Miami finished 22nd overall on offense a year ago, averaging 317 yards per game. The running attack was 11th in the NFL with 124 yards per game. The passing game needs a boost in 2012 after finishing 23rd with just 193 yards per game.
Defense: This season the Dolphins will look to stay healthy on this side of the ball after seeing a number of players miss some action last season; which hurt the team, especially against the pass.
The Dolphins allowed 250 yards passing a year ago, but did register 41 QB sacks to go with a strong run defense that finished 3rd in the NFL, allowing 95 yards per game.
Overall, Miami was 15th defensively, giving up 345 yards per game. In addition, they allowed just under 20 points per game (313 total allowed) which was decent enough to keep them in some games.
Up front in the Dolphins' 3-4 look is nose tackle Paul Soliai, The ends are Randy Starks (4 1/2 QB sacks) and Jared Odrick, who made six QB sacks. Providing depth on the D-Line are Tony McDaniel, Ryan Baker and rookies Olivier Vernon and Kheeston Randall.
The linebacking unit has Koa Misi and Cameron Wake on the outside with Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett on the inside. Wake is pass rusher who can get after opposing quarterbacks and had 8 1/2 sacks a year ago to lead the team.
The secondary will have Vontae Davis and Sean Smith at the corners with Tyrell Johnson and Reshad Jones at the safety spots. Chris Clemons, Tyrone Culver, Jimmy Wilson and Nolan Carroll will be the backups.
OUTLOOK: It's hard to gauge this team coming into 2012 with a new Head Coach in Joe Philbin, who takes over for Tony Sporano after his four years as the team's leader.
The Dolphins have to be more effective on offense and will look to either Moore or Garrard to take the snaps in the season opener, but don't count out the rookie (Tannehill) either.
Reggie Bush played extremely well last season and more of the same in 2012 would go a long way for the Dolphins.
The receivers will have to step up to fill the numbers lost by Marshall as he left the team after making 81 grabs for over 1,200 yards and six touchdowns.
The defense should be solid again and barring injuries, don't expect the Dolphins to struggle against opposing pass attacks again. The team did manage 16 interceptions a year ago with Davis getting four picks to lead the team, despite missing four games.
There are definitely questions surrounding the team as the new season looms, but the key will be the play at the quarterback position and that is still up in the air as training camp and pre-season moves along.
Playing in the rugged AFC East won't be easy, but Miami can battle the Bills and Jets (combined 3-1 against them in 2011) and that may allow them to avoid the basement.
The playoffs are definitely a long shot and this team would do well to avoid double-digit losses in 2012. Expect a 5-11 finish for the Dolphins as they look to rebuild for the future.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at Houston
Week 2- vs. Oakland
Week 3- vs. NY Jets
Week 4- at Arizona
Week 5- at Cincinnati
Week 6- vs. St. Louis
Week 7- BYE
Week 8- at NY Jets
Week 9- at Indianapolis
Week 10- vs. Tennessee
Week 11- at Buffalo
Week 12- vs. Seattle
Week 13- vs. New England
Week 14- at San Francisco
Week 15- vs. Jacksonville
Week 16- vs. Buffalo
Week 17- at New England
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