NFL Thread - 2011-12

[Big Sexy]

Yeah it sucks that Fairley is going to get a little behind by missing this time but DT is easily the deepest position on the team. Corey Williams is a very good starter and Sammie Hill would even be a starter on some teams. This probably means that we won't see the Suh/Fairley tandem starting together until a few weeks into the season.

 

[The Bearded One]

I think that Fairley's injury is going to be the first of many notable players being injured, whether they are rookies or veterans. They haven't been going through the offseason workouts like they normally do, so that could build up some rust. The free agents aren't allowed to practice until August 4 at the earliest, depending on something with the CBA and the Union being ratified or something, I've stopped pretending to understand all that jargon months ago. Also, teams aren't allowed to practice as hard as they used to be able to due to the new CBA. The free agents missing practice only to come back to lighter practices can't be a good thing. I could see a lot of free agents getting hurt during the preseason due to the lack of preparation (for lack of a better word).

I'm especially concerned for teams who have signed a lot of free agents, like the Jags and Eagles. The players are going to have to come in and get adjusted fast. I know they've been at practice since signing, but they haven't been able to participate in the drills.

Maybe it's just me, but the way the new CBA has put guidelines on how teams can practice scares me. I hope I'm wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if this season is more injury-ridden than years in the past.

 

[Big Sexy]

The 49ers made a great signing getting Braylon Edwards. It's only a one year deal but they got him for very cheap at just $3.5 million. Braylon is the best receiver the 49ers have had since TO so it has been a while since they've had a number one receiver. Crabtree has yet to prove himself and they don't have much depth at the position. Braylon, Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore give qb Alex Smith a lot of weapons in Jim Harbaugh's new system. Braylon and Harbaugh also have ties together because they both played their college ball at the University of Michigan. The Niners haven't had a 1,000 yard receiver since 2003 with TO and I expect that streak to end this year with Braylon (barring he doesn't serve a suspension for his DWI plea).

 

[772Attitude]

God damn it what the hell are the Baltimore Ravens doing. Im a die hard Ravens fan but we are not doing a damn thing this offseason. Were letting players we need go and were not making any moves yet. I hope we get our shit together before its too late.

 

[Big Sexy]

And the Eagles just keep adding big names. Ronnie Brown has now signed with Philly and will add some much needed depth to the running game. He and Shady McCoy can be a scary tandem behind Vick. This Eagles team is just stacked on both sides of the ball.

 

[Theo Mays]

And the Eagles just keep adding big names. Ronnie Brown has now signed with Philly and will add some much needed depth to the running game. He and Shady McCoy can be a scary tandem behind Vick. This Eagles team is just stacked on both sides of the ball.

The big question for the Eagles will be their safety tandem and linebackers. Right now they have Nate Allen (who is coming off a serious injury), rookie Jaiqwuan Jarrett, Jarred Page, and Kurt Coleman. Page is the only proven commodity of the punch and he is nothing more than an alright player. However the LB core isn't exactly stellar. It is likely they will roll with Jamar Chaney (who did decent in playing time last year), Moises Fokou, and Casey Matthews. The CB and DL is going to have to help hide those flaws. The team is definitely going to be fun to watch, but they aren't as staked as everyone is making them out to be.

 

[Big Sexy]

The big question for the Eagles will be their safety tandem and linebackers. Right now they have Nate Allen (who is coming off a serious injury), rookie Jaiqwuan Jarrett, Jarred Page, and Kurt Coleman. Page is the only proven commodity of the punch and he is nothing more than an alright player. However the LB core isn't exactly stellar. It is likely they will roll with Jamar Chaney (who did decent in playing time last year), Moises Fokou, and Casey Matthews. The CB and DL is going to have to help hide those flaws. The team is definitely going to be fun to watch, but they aren't as staked as everyone is making them out to be.

No team is flawless at every position, it just doesn't happen. You said yourself though how stacked their D line and corners are which greatly helps the linebackers and safeties. Having three great corners including one who is top two in the league makes the job of the safeties much easier. You also forgot to mention Marlin Jackson who has converted from corner to safety and is a good talent. He missed all of last year with an injury but he is back now and the switch to safety is good for him at this point in his career. Jackson and Page are a more then good enough tandem especially with the great trio of corners they have.

The only true weak position I see may be linebacker but even there they have a lot of young talent. Jamar Chaney will start in the middle and they have a couple good veteran options on the outside in Akeem Jordan and Rashad Jeanty. With young guys like Fokou and Casey Matthews also in the mix there is some definite potential there. Who knows they may even end up trading Asante Samuel to get some linebacker help.

No team is going to be great at every position but the Eagles with this off season are probably closer then any other team in the league. The team is certainly stacked with talent and potential.

 

[772Attitude]

And the Eagles just keep adding big names. Ronnie Brown has now signed with Philly and will add some much needed depth to the running game. He and Shady McCoy can be a scary tandem behind Vick. This Eagles team is just stacked on both sides of the ball.

To be honest bro, they can have all the talent in the world, But I just don't trust there D coordinater. He's no Jim Johnson. Coordinaters can make or break a team and so far he hasn't done shit. And they didn't do anything to upgrade there O-Line yet which should have been there #1 goal this offseason. If they can't protect Vick then its all gonna go down hill for them.

 

[Big Sexy]

To be honest bro, they can have all the talent in the world, But I just don't trust there D coordinater. He's no Jim Johnson. Coordinaters can make or break a team and so far he hasn't done shit. And they didn't do anything to upgrade there O-Line yet which should have been there #1 goal this offseason. If they can't protect Vick then its all gonna go down hill for them.

No one will ever really replace Jim Johnson but their newest D coordinator has been with the Eagles organization since 1995 and I trust Andy Reid's judgment in the promotion of him to D coordinator. As far their offensive line goes it wasn't overly bad to begin with and they certainly did do a few things this off season to address it. They drafted guard Danny Watkins in the first round, they signed veteran guard Evan Mathis who was with the Bengals last year, and they also recently signed tackle Ryan Harris who was in Denver last year. All three guys are capable of being solid starters so I'm not exactly sure what else you wanted them to do.

 

[Nate DaMac]

The 49ers made a great signing getting Braylon Edwards. It's only a one year deal but they got him for very cheap at just $3.5 million. Braylon is the best receiver the 49ers have had since TO so it has been a while since they've had a number one receiver. Crabtree has yet to prove himself and they don't have much depth at the position. Braylon, Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore give qb Alex Smith a lot of weapons in Jim Harbaugh's new system. Braylon and Harbaugh also have ties together because they both played their college ball at the University of Michigan. The Niners haven't had a 1,000 yard receiver since 2003 with TO and I expect that streak to end this year with Braylon (barring he doesn't serve a suspension for his DWI plea).

I have to say, I'm a little surprised about this deal. All indications were that he was going to end up getting a multi-year, multi million dollar deal and that didn't happen. He signed a one year deal worth 1 million. I know you said 3.5, but that's only if he either makes the Pro Bowl or gets 90 receptions. I'm a bit baffled, is it that really the best deal he could have gotten? I really doubt he just felt that he needed to play for San Francisco. Kind of a head scratcher.

So I see that Rob Ryan is acting just like his brother now. It's cool, I don't mind seeing a little personality out of the coaches and it usually tends to take the heat off of the players. I'd bet anything that Jerry Jones told him to start speaking out after seeing how well it worked for his brother. I'm betting that if the Cowboys have a good year, Rob will get a head coaching gig next year.

 

[The Bearded One]

The Jags have signed Marcedes Lewis to a five-year deal worth $35 million with $18 million guaranteed. I'm so happy they finally got this deal finished as Lewis and the Jags both wanted a long-term deal for the tight end. He is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and is a huge threat in the red zone for the Jags. He is one of David Garrard's favorite targets and having a player of his caliber will be a great help for Blaine Gabbert when he takes over the starting role, which I am hoping is sooner rather than later. He is not only a great receiving tight end, but he is also developed into a very good blocker as well.

Lewis was ninth among tight ends in receptions last season with 58 and tied for first with Antonio Gates and Bruce Gronkowski in receiving touchdowns with 10, which also ties a Jaguars single season record. Lewis finished eighth among tight ends in receiving yards with 700 yards and averaged 12.1 yards per reception.

I can't say how happy I am that the Jags were able to lock up Lewis for a long term contract.He is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and his presence on the field makes the offense as a whole a lot better. I am looking forward to him grabbing many more touchdowns for the next five seasons.

 

[Minnesota Connection]

I don't believe the Eagles will have a great year.. I'd love to see it, because I like to watch Michael Vick play, but I have a gut feeling that says he'll go back into average-joe-mode. As for Ronnie Brown being a big name, I beg to differ. Fast guy, mediocre running back.

As for my hometown team, I am NOT looking forward to seeing the Minnesota Vikings digress yet another year. They should of been in the Superbowl three seasons ago, but nonetheless, the Saints bought that game and the championship that year. I am not looking forward to seeing Donovan McNabb this year, I was actually looking forward to a rebuilding year to see if the QB we drafted was any good.

Yet again, let down by the Minnesota Vikings franchise. I've been a Vikings fan all my life but I hope my state does not build them a new stadium. Get rid of the losers and be done. Maybe in ten years, we can have a new franchise that doesn't lose all the time. (my rant as a Minnesota football fan...)

Should be exciting to see Tom Brady this year, that guy is in-cred-ible. I'm not a patriots fan nor a fan of his, but man, any team would love to have this guy with them.

Will be an interesting football season and I can't wait to see what happens. BRING ON THE FOOTBALL! (is it September yet?!)

 

[Big Sexy]

I have to say, I'm a little surprised about this deal. All indications were that he was going to end up getting a multi-year, multi million dollar deal and that didn't happen. He signed a one year deal worth 1 million. I know you said 3.5, but that's only if he either makes the Pro Bowl or gets 90 receptions. I'm a bit baffled, is it that really the best deal he could have gotten? I really doubt he just felt that he needed to play for San Francisco. Kind of a head scratcher.

I'm surprised as well from Braylon's perspective but from the perspective of the 49ers they may have potentially gotten the biggest steal in free agency. The only thing I can think of is that people have always questioned Braylon thinking he is a typical prima donna receiver who doesn't have a team first mentality. By taking this deal and performing to the level he is capable of then he can take that talk and shove it up his critics ass. This is just a one year deal so if he plays well enough then he could get a big pay day out of it next off season. Being the third pick back in the 2005 draft, he isn't exactly in need of money.

 

[I Suck Ass]

I'm surprised that any team signed Edwards. He's a great WR, but he always seems to be getting into trouble with the law and other stuff. Hopefully, he is able to put that aside and produce for the 49ers. But with Alex Smith as the only reliable option, they aren't gonna get very many wins.

The Bears are looking good, but I am really worried about their offensive line. Without Kreutz, they really don't have a veteran who knows what he's doing and is able to hold the line together. I am happy with all the free agent signings, especially Roy Williams. With Martz and Darryl Drake, the WR coach that he has a college connection with, I think he will produce if he is able to start catching that behind the shoulder pass that Cutler loves to throw.

Also, where on Earth are the Eagles getting all this money, and how did they not break the cap?

 

[Rising Savior]

Also, where on Earth are the Eagles getting all this money, and how did they not break the cap?

Funny thing is The Eagles are still under the cap. We let I believe almost all of our free agents walk not to mention Kevin Kolb was making I believe about 14 million last year.
Nnamdi is making about 5 million less then he did last year, Babin 5 million cheap for a DE, Jenkins is making about 5 million again good value, Cromarties only making about 2 million this year, Vince Young is making about 5 million he made 14 million last year so that's great value and Ronnie Brown took less to come to Philly.

 

[Megatron]

The Giants rookie CB Prince Amukamara is going to be out for a bit with a broken foot. It's a shame the kid won't get to start his rookie year right away, but more and more injuries seem to be piling up this offseason (compared to normal seasons at least) thanks to the drawn out lockout.

And for some reason I'm getting excited for preseason football to be starting next week. Not like 'holy crap I gotta watch this' excited but excited enough that I will be tuning into a few different preseason games if nothings on (and will probably catch the first 3 Lions games - the 4th is basically a waste). Just getting so so happy that the season is about to begin. 1 month and a day until the season begins!

 

[The Greenius]

Shaun Ellis just ditched the Jets for the Patriots. Guy was third all time in Jets history for Sacks. He was pretty good for the Jets' defensive scheme, so we'll see how it turns out in Foxbourough. Rex Ryan was certainly pissed, and I'm certainly surprised, but this makes the matchups here even more interesting

 

[Megatron]

Rookie running back Mikel Leshoure tore his Achilles tendon and was carted off the field during Detroit Lions practice today, head coach Jim Schwartz said. He is out for the rest of the year.

A second-round pick out of Illinois, Leshoure was carrying the ball during a full-team period when he suffered the injury.

The Lions first two draft picks also have been dealing with injuries during training camp. First-round pick Nick Fairley has fractured foot and receiver Titus Young practiced today for the first time in more than a week because of an apparent hamstring injury.

Young took part only in individual drills.

Wow, this just isn't the year for Lions rookies. Leshoure was gonna be a huge factor in the running game, as a between the tackles back/change of pace guy for Best. A torn achilles is tough for any guy to come back from, so hopefully he can take his time and recover and be what we hoped he would be next year.

Though this probably will save Aaron Brown his job as well. Maurice Morris will be getting more of the load for carries for sure, since he did great in the snaps he got last year. Brown will see limited carries, but as much as you'd expect from a #3.

It's just a shame all of our top 3 picks have been sidelined so far with some type of injury. Obviously this is worse then the other two, but more time on the practice field for these rookies, the better.

 

[Big Sexy]

Wow, this just isn't the year for Lions rookies. Leshoure was gonna be a huge factor in the running game, as a between the tackles back/change of pace guy for Best. A torn achilles is tough for any guy to come back from, so hopefully he can take his time and recover and be what we hoped he would be next year.

Though this probably will save Aaron Brown his job as well. Maurice Morris will be getting more of the load for carries for sure, since he did great in the snaps he got last year. Brown will see limited carries, but as much as you'd expect from a #3.

It's just a shame all of our top 3 picks have been sidelined so far with some type of injury. Obviously this is worse then the other two, but more time on the practice field for these rookies, the better.

It's definitely a big loss and hurts the growth of Leshoure with the offense but they now have a couple veteran backs in camp to help replace him. They picked up Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison. I'm not a huge Bell guy but I've always been a big Jerome Harrison fan and feel he is very underrated. He is a physical runner between the tackles and has a career ypc average of 4.8. He, Best, and Morris will make a nice trio for Stafford.

 

[Rising Savior]

Fuck yeah Steve Smith of The Giants just signed with The Eagles. Guess we signed him because of concern over Maclins undisclosed illness although it's being reported that Smith might be out till mid season with a knee injury. Oh well at least we took one of The Giants best if not their best receiver away from them. This would have only been sweeter if we did this to the cowboys.

 

[The Greenius]

This has not been a good week for New York teams. Jets lose Ellis, Giants lose Smith.

I don't know how Eli can respond to losing his top(?) receiver, he already threw about 25 interceptions last year. If the Giants want to stay in contention for a wild card, they're going to either: Trade Osi for some talent they need at other positions, Keep Osi, and help Eli improve his decision making. ._.

 

[Megatron]

I don't know how Eli can respond to losing his top(?) receiver, he already threw about 25 interceptions last year. If the Giants want to stay in contention for a wild card, they're going to either: Trade Osi for some talent they need at other positions, Keep Osi, and help Eli improve his decision making. ._.

A lot of Eli's passes were INT's off of deflections by his receivers. That 25 is slightly off-base. And he still has Manningham and Nicks, two solid options and his top two targets last season. They did lose Bass as well but should they need a receiver in midseason a guy like T.O may be an option (assuming he's fully healthy from his ACL injury). It's a huge loss, especially to a division rival, but Smith may not be healthy once the season starts anyways (still recovering from microfracture surgery).

But yes, the rich get richer in Philly.

 

[Rising Savior]

Oh man you guys should check out some of the stuff giant fans are writing on Steve Smith's Facebook
http://mobile.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/8/10/2356645/giants-fans-attack-steve-smith-on-facebook.
Simply disgusting some of these fans are treating it like Smith burned down their house. Honestly theirs no place for this at all and these people really need to realize that no matter how seriously or personally they take this move that at the end of the day it's a game. Anyways just thought I'd say that now I'm really really looking forward to preseason football. I wanna see The Eagles revamped defense, I wanna see how Tebow does and if he's improved, wanna see how Newton looks in the NFL, wanna see how Kolb performs for Arizona. I don't think I've ever been this pumped for meaningless games.

 

[Big Sexy]

Are you ready for some football? The NFL preseason kicks off tonight and there are some big debuts.

Blaine Gabbert makes his rookie debut at qb, Tarvaris Jackson and Kevin Kolb debut with new teams, and the Eagles and Patriots revamped rosters are in action. Tim Tebow will also try to shut up his critics with a strong performance tonight. The rest of the games are Friday, Saturday, and one on Monday to conclude the first week of games.

 

[The Bearded One]

I am so pumped for football tonight. As Big Sexy said, Blaine Gabbert will be making his debut tonight and I can't wait. I'm keeping my expectations to be low for tonight for him, though, because he, along with the rest of the NFL, hasn't had a proper offseason to get ready for his rookie season. i expect him to be a little bit sloppy tonight. All I am hoping for out of him is for him to show a few flashes of what he is capable of and what he has already shown in training camp. If he can drive the ball and get a few first downs, I'll be more than happy.

I'm also excited to see how the new free agents play, but I doubt they will get much playing time. They've only been practicing for a week now, so there is no need to rush them into the game and risk injury.

I wrote an article about the five things to watch for the Jaguars preseason, here it is if anyone is interested:

http://sportsnewsnightly.com/jaguars-5-things-to-watch-during-preseason/