Notes from Day Three of the NFL Draft posted by Joe Anello

And it’s all over! Following a near eight hour session in which we saw rounds four through seven of the NFL Draft, we can finally put a cap on all these selections and start whipping around the league for analysis and impact. Now, as I don’t know as much about these late-rounders as I did the first two days’ worth of players, I won’t run you through too many opinions on their front. Instead I’ll add in my two cents about the draft presentations and coverage. I’ve got OH so many opinions when it comes to that.

-In one of the more interesting moves of the day, the Washington Redskins drafted Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins early in the fourth round. A perplexing move to some of the draft analysts, this pick sent the ‘net into a mini-tizzy as everyone tried to explain the rationale behind bringing in a competent QB to give Robert Griffin III pressure at his back. Cousins has the makings of a quality back-up in the NFL without ever having held a professional clipboard. Still, he was projected by some to have legitimate starting capability. He’s not going to wow you in any of his tape, but he’s an intelligent thrower who has enough arm strength to make nearly every throw. Let’s not get anything confused though. RG3 is the quarterback of the Redskins. Washington is just taking the Philly approach to things. They’ll draft Cousins, use him as a back-up in case Griffin ever gets hurt (which is likely given his play style) and then use his reputation to get assets back in a trade at some point. I get it.

The Final Drive: Week 14, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

Heart attacks were felt across the nation on Sunday (especially by me), leading to plenty of hospitalizations. While you’re incapacitated, why not get the full scoop on week 14’s heart-stopping action?

So maybe the Texans aren’t absolutely screwed with T.J. Yates at quarterback. Who knew? They probably won’t make a lot of noise in the playoffs depending on the seeding, but they should stay competitive. Unfortunately for Cincy, there may be too many “respectable losses” on their record.

If the Titans weren’t in the middle of a playoff chase, I’d say it was time to start Jake Locker. Though with Hasselbeck’s injury, it might happen anyway. Kudos to the Saints for not falling into the “Trap of the Week.”

Oh Tony Sparano, we hardly knew ye. Wait, I did. You were a mediocre coach. Its obvious management was waiting for him to lose just ONE more game after that streak of wins they went on. Dropping one to the Eagles wasn’t going to cut it.

Sparano wasn’t the only coach let go today, as Todd Haley was relieved of his duties in Arizona following this shellacking. When you make Mark Sanchez look good… nothing good can follow. The Jets inch closer to the playoffs with a surprisingly lop-sided win.

The Final Drive: Week 13, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

Week 13 in the NFL saw a variety of last second comebacks, including more “Jebus and Teebs” magic and a scare for the undefeated champs. Need to know more? Welcome to The Final Drive.

(7-5) Denver Broncos 35
(2-10) Minnesota Vikings 32

This is really starting to piss me off. Can’t SOMEONE knock this guy off the horse for ONE week? To be honest, this was probably Tebow’s best statistical game. He did complete 10 of his 15 passes. However, you can thank the defense for a timely turnover and Matt Prater for two clutch field goals. They are the real heroes.

I told you 20.5 points was too large a line! It was just begging to be betted on. Indianapolis played its best game in some time, out-gaining New England and controlling the ball. Unfortunately their two turnovers cost them this one, making their 21 fourth quarter points too little, too late.

Ow. That kinda hurt. After riding high with those “moral victories,” those pesky Bengals finally got put down by the cream of the AFC North. They might still get in for a wild card spot, but I don’t see them making much noise yet.

What a fantastic freaking game this was. Defenses were scarce aside from a few key plays, leaving these quarterbacks plenty of opportunities to light up the scoreboards. I don’t think I want to see what Tom Coughlin’s face looked like this morning. I swear that old man is so mad all the time his face probably takes 2-3 days to un-furiate.

Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The NFC West posted by Joe Anello

There’s no way around it. This division sucks. Quarterback questions abound for three of its four teams and 9-7 will likely win it all. The final division preview starts now!

After winning the division with a super-crappy record, the Seattle Seahawks stunned the Saints, advancing past the Wildcard round. This year will not be a repeat of that performance. Tarvaris Jackson takes over at quarterback, already putting the Seahawks in a hole. Whether he’s familiar with Darell Bevel l’s offense or not, Jackson is not an NFL-level QB. He’s still got Sidney Rice to throw to, taking advantage of Rice’s wide catching radius. After adding Rice, the Seattle receivers are deep, with Mike Williams and Golden Tate amongst the crop. Seattle’s young offensive line isn’t quite ready to become an elite unit, but they’ll show flashes thanks to new line coach Tom Cable and a left side of Russell Okung and Robert Gallery. The Seahawk defense is… decent. Signing defensive tackle Brandon Mebane was a great move, giving them a run-stuffer up the middle. Behind the line, the linebackers are alright and the secondary is so-so aside from safety Earl Thomas, whose ball-hawking has to pick up in his second year.
2010 Record: 7-9
2011 Prediction: 6-10

Adorable.

St. Louis Rams

Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 8 posted by Joe Anello

The only thing more frightening than the onslaught of awful Halloween costumes I saw over the weekend is the NFL schedule for week eight. I had to struggle to find five games worth discussing. Jacksonville-Dallas? Ew. Redskins-Lions? Gross. Bills-Chiefs? Really? Here are the games I'll be paying attention to this weekend.

(4-3) Green Bay Packers at
(5-1) New York Jets

Coming off their bye week, these loud-mouthed Jets will be welcoming back All-Pro corner Darelle Revis to their secondary just in time to take on Aaron Rodgers and the pass-happy Packers. Rex Ryan will need to let Mark Sanchez off the leash again this week if they're going to match points with Green Bay. Still, I'll give the Jets the edge the edge in this marquee match-up

(5-2) Tennessee Titans at
(2-5) San Diego Chargers

Don't ask me why I've still got games involving the Chargers and Vikings in the Opening Drive this week. The schedule is that weak. I expect Tennessee to run all over the San Diego defense, giving Vince Young a smooth transition back into the starting line-up. San Diego's already out of the hunt as far as I'm concerned and I don't see them going on a tear like they have in years past. They just don't have the talent.

(2-4) Minnesota Vikings at
(5-1) New England Patriots

News Flash: Brett Favre WILL start in New England today. As if there was any doubt. If it gets out of hand (which it very easily could), he'll sit eventually. New England has been getting timely turnovers and great special teams play the past few weeks, putting their opponents in early holes. While they're getting healthier (except Favre, natch) problems will arise in Minnesota if they drop to 2-5. Just wait for it.

Bears' offense can't finish against the Cardinals posted by Joe Anello

Well, if this third preseason game was any indication of how the regular season will look, Bears fans are in for a bumpy ride. The Bears' offensive woes continued against the Cardinals as the first-team unit failed to score any points. Here are my notes from Saturday night's 14-9 loss to the Cardinals.

 
Getty Images

-Mike Martz's offense couldn't finish off drives. Too many times the Bears made it into the red zone or enemy territory and failed to put points on the board. While they did show some flashes on a deep pass to Johnny Knox and screen passes to Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, it wasn't enough. For every one or two good plays, Chicago consistently followed-up with a poor one. They never appeared to be completely in-sync, ensuring some long film sessions during this short turn-around before Thursday's final preseason game.

-Chicago's run-blocking did improve over the course of the game, opening up holes for Chester Taylor, who gave plenty of justification for his offseason signing. Unfortunately, the line did little to improve its pass protection troubles, giving up four sacks on Cutler on the night. Unacceptable.

-Dave Toub needs to whip his special teams unit into shape. A blocked field goal and another miss by Robbie Gould left six points on the board, which can't happen during the regular season if the Bears expect to win. Add these troubles to the snapping issues and punt snafus over the past few weeks and you can't feel great about the third phase.

Joe's Preseason Preview: Cardinals at Bears posted by Joe Anello

Tonight the Chicago Bears take on the Arizona Cardinals in what will really be their final tune-up before their regular season opens up on September 12th. The third preseason game is always the outing in which you can place the most weight on how the team will perform in later weeks, as the starters will play into the third quarter and the coaches usually attempt to make a gameplan. Here's what I'll be watching for later tonight after I get back from being social and rev up my DVR.

Running back battle?

No, not between Matt Forte and Chester Taylor. That was never in question. The real competition tonight and next week is between Kahlil Bell and Garrett Wolfe for the third running back slot. Wolfe has always been an ace on special teams, but his production on offense hasn't proven worth his third-round selection. He's in real danger of losing his job to Bell and finishing his tenure with the Bears. We've even heard that GM Jerry Angelo has talked to a few teams about gauging their trade interest in Wolfe. Unless he shows something special, Wolfe looks to be on the way out and Bell on the way up.

Offensive line, still. 

What everyone is worried about when it comes to the first-team offense is obviously the pass protection. Early results make it seem that Cutler is in for another rough year. Rookie guard Lance Louis missed a few practices this week, unfortunate as he's the one who needs the most reps. Chris Williams will have to prove he's a true left tackle in this league after being abused one-on-one last week by Kamerion Wimbley last week. We should see more actual protection schemes this week so Mike Tice can evaluate how this line looks in real-game situations. 

Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: NFC West posted by Joe Anello

We're another weekend closer to the NFL kicking off for real! After my last look at the AFC South, this time around I'll be examining the teams in the NFC West, a division that is always up for grabs. (Unless you're the Rams.)

St. Louis Rams

When talking about the lowly Rams, number one overall pick Sam Bradford has to be first on your mind, and for good reason. After signing the most lucrative contract ever ($50 million guaranteed), expectations for Bradford will be similarly through the roof. The problem? He's still behind a porous offensive line that gave up four sacks on him during their first preseason game. Not exactly the best start. Right tackle Jason Smith (2nd year) starts at right tackle while rookie Rodger Saffold will be protecting Bradford from the left side. Young much? Piling on further pressure to Bradford is running back Steven Jackson, who, while still incredibly tough, isn't getting any younger. With only a few years left of Jackson in his prime, the Rams have to make these years count. Want even more problems? The Rams' wide receivers are hot garbage. While Bradford will probably start day one, I would be slower on the trigger. Unfortunately, the Rams don't have my patience or any slack at this point. 

Do I really need to discuss the Rams defense now? Ugh. They have solid performers in each defensive unit, but the Rams are a long way from intimidating anyone. Chris Long is developing on the line at his end spot, but losing DT Chris Hovan for the year won't help matters. Leonard Little, last year's leading sack-man for the Rams, is still undecided about returning for his 13th season. The linebackers are anchored by Na'il Diggs who is a solid 'backer at best. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is one of the better on the NFL, but even he couldn't find any other takers during the offseason. (To be fair, St. Louis would have matched any offer made on him anyway.) Three solid/decent players an NFL defense does not make.

Nobody played the QB position better than Kurt Warner posted by Colin Linneweber

Legendary St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner retired last week after 12 improbable seasons in the NFL.

Warner, a two-time AP NFL MVP and five-time Pro Bowl selection, walked away from the gridiron, and $11.5 million, while he was still playing at an elite level.

“I’m excited about what’s next,” said Warner, 38, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. “Before I was always excited about next season.”

With a genuine Cinderella tale like Warner, there really is no way to even guesstimate “what’s next” for him.

Despite the fact that he wasn’t even afforded the opportunity to make his first professional start until he was 28 years of age, Kurt Warner is absolutely one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.

Warner attended, and played football for, the University of Northern Iowa near his hometown of Cedar Rapids.

Needless to mention, the Panthers are not exactly a football powerhouse in the Midwest.

Still, Warner rode the pine as a third-string signal-caller until his senior year.

When finally granted his opportunity to perform, Warner excelled and was rightfully named the Gateway Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Predictability, nary an NFL team was interested in selecting Warner with a draft pick out of college.

Instead, Warner signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 1994.

The Packers released Warner before the regular season began, and the immensely gifted passer was then relegated to stocking shelves at a local Hy-Vee grocery store for a paltry $5.50 an hour.

Reggie Bush goes off as Saints crush Cardinals 45-14 posted by Joe Anello

After Tim Hightower took the opening hand-off 70 yards for a touchdown, all I could think of was how awful the Saints fans would feel if their team lost in their playoff opener. Luckily for them Reggie Bush showed up with his bird-killing cleats on, leading the Saints to a 45-14 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals to kick-off the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Responding to the quick score, the New Orleans Saints proved why they were the number one seed on the NFC by scoring touchdowns on three straight possessions to give them a 21-7 lead before the end of the first quarter. Bush lowered the hammer on two early carries to set the tone early: these Saints would not be denied. A Beanie Wells score early in the second brought the Cardinals back into striking distance, but that would be the last time the Cardinals would hit the scoreboard. Their two turnovers killed drives and gave the Saints 14 points.

Even though Drew Brees had a stellar performance, completing 23/32 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns, it was Bush who stole the spotlight. His early physical play set up his lateral moves as the game continued, especially on a 46-yard run where he stopped and started no less than three times before breaking it past the Cardinal secondary. An 83-yard punt return in the third gave Bush his second TD and his most significant games as a pro. It could not have come at a better time. 

Cardinals sign DE Cohen, reach roster limit (The Associated Press)

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Cardinals have signed defensive end Landon Cohen, a move that puts the team at its roster limit of 90. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Cardinals' Campbell agrees to 5-year extension (Yahoo! Sports)

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell agreed to a five-contract extension Thursday. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Why they fell: Draft prospects picked later than expected (Shutdown Corner)

Each year, there are players who fall in the draft for a number of reasons. We all remember the sight of Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn waiting far beyond expectations for their names to be called, and the divergent paths their careers have taken give us one more reason to say that the draft is, in the end, pretty much a total crapshoot. Here are this year's latecomers, with Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard as the all-time cautionary tale regarding taking it easy the week before the draft. [ Michael Silver's rankings: Gus Frerotte gives Kirk Cousins advice in Redskins quarterback race ] Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama (35th overall pick, Baltimore Ravens) -- Upshaw, a dynamic pass rusher who was expected by most pundits to go in the mid-to-late first round, apparently started to drop when he showed up to his Pro Day weighing 279 pounds . The Ravens let the draft come to them and selected a great value pick who could really shine opposite Terrell Suggs. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford (42nd overall pick, Miami Dolphins) -- Expected to be a sure first-rounder at one point, Martin's game tape bugged enough teams to have them looking in different directions. A good player without a strong anchor point who was protected in college by a conservative heavy-blocking offense. [ Les Carpenter: NFL 'Die Hards' sit through all three days of the draft ] Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall (59th overall pick, Philadelphia Eagles) -- This one is hard to explain, because Curry flashed a great deal of potential as a pure pass-rusher or LEO end even when he was facing stout competition. Might be small-school bias, because there are no obvious red flags. Down the road (and very much like Upshaw), Curry may be much happier in an ideal situation despite the lower pick -- he's a perfect fit for the Eagles' aggressive defense. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU (63rd overall pick, New York Giants) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to get Justin Blackmon, so the alleged bias against one-speed receivers with outstanding overall characteristics doesn't seem to apply. Could be that Randle was dinged because he played in an offense that was anything but friendly to receivers, but the Giants put a first-round grade on him, and Tom Coughlin had a cake-eating grin on his face when explaining the pick on TV. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State (102nd overall pick, Washington Redskins) -- Could have been a second-round guy but for his tendency to lose his mechanics under pressure. People question the Redskins picking him in the same draft as RGIII, but Cousins is the ideal Shanahan project quarterback, and could be a very reliable backup and spot starter over time. [ Shutdown Corner analysis: Why some top prospects fell down the NFL draft board ] Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi (112th overall pick, Arizona Cardinals) -- Concerns about conditioning, toughness, and schematic fits (not a zone blocker at all) pushed Massie down, but the Cardinals picked up an excellent run-mashing right tackle with the ability to protect the quarterback from the right side. Jared Crick, DL, Nebraska (126th overall pick, Houston Texans) -- Steal of the draft, and the best mix of player and scheme on this list. Crick is a second-round prospect based on his tape, but he lost most of the 2011 season to injuries and fell under the radar. Really impressed me in 2010 when he kept his production up even after Ndamukong Suh left for the NFL and he became the primary focus of every offensive line he faced. In Wade Phillips' multiple schemes, Crick can be a 3-4 one-gap end, provide pass rush in big fronts, and even slip inside as a nose shade if Wade's feeling particularly creative. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

2012 Seattle Seahawks Schedule (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

The 2012 Seattle Seahawks schedule is a tough one, with several road games that will take the team far out East. The regular season begins on Sunday, Sept. 9, with a road game against the Arizona Cardinals. It's an easier game compared to home games against the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in Week 2 and Week 3. [read full article]

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