29
Jan
2012
Oh yeah, the Pro Bowl is today (LINKS)
Cam Rodgers (Photo: Dan Hicks via Twitter)
In case it slipped your mind (it almost did ours), the NFL’s finest players – minus the Giants and Patriots, of course – have gathered in Honolulu for a week of golf, beach time, goofing off and some half-assed preparation for the 2102 edition of the Pro Bowl.
Everyone knows the Pro Bowl is a joke as far as professional sports all-stars games go, since nobody – including the players – cares about the outcome, and therefore nobody really tries. And ever since they got rid of the NFL Skills Challenge in 2007, there’s even less of a reason for fans to tune into the week-long all-star festivities. I mean, has anyone ever gotten a decent explanation for why they stopped doing skills competitions? Instead of a half-speed football exhibition, wouldn’t it be far more compelling to watch these all-stars compete for the title of NFL’s fastest man, strongest leg, best hands, biggest arm, etc? Does anyone genuinely think there’s any more risk of injury here than with the game itself? Hell, I even tuned into the NHL’s All-Star skills competition yesterday just to check it out, and I don’t watch hockey at all.
But I digress. If you’re so inclined, the game itself starts at 7pm ET tonight, and you can watch all the non-action live online.
In the mean time, here are a few Pro Bowl links that caught our eye this week:
- Our banner pic (above) is Aaron Rodgers rocking his Cam Newton look earlier this week in Hawaii, from NBC’s Dan Hicks’ Twitter. Oh, and these are the shoes Cam is rocking this week
- The Jared Allen Experience gives you some insight into a Pro Bowl practice through the eyes of one of our favorite NFLers. Allen was not only mic’d up, but wearing a helmet cam for the day, and has plenty of fun with his fellow NFC elite while making sure not to work too hard. Best moments: Allen imitating the “Wide Nine” stance of Eagles DE Jason Babin, and jokingly asking Clay Matthews “How’d that Super Bowl run work out for you?” Matthews reply: “Shut up.”
- Nike released their brand new Vapor Jet gloves just in time for the Pro Bowl, and also in time to leak the Panthers new logo
- In an effort to increase the social profile for the game (and in stark contrast to their regular season policy), the NFL will allow players to use Twitter during the Pro Bowl game … but only from computers located in designated areas on each team’s sideline.
- Speaking of the NFL Skills Challenge, here are Ben Roethlisberger (2005) and Ken O’Brien (1991) competing in the QB Challenge from back in the day. This wasn’t actually a Pro Bowl week event, but was cancelled at the same time as the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge in a sweeping ban of all skills-based competitions by the league back in November of 2007. Yeah … after watching those, I guess it wasn’t that exciting after all. Even with the dramatic music.
- And last but not least, here is the biggest hit in the history of the Pro Bowl: Washington’s Sean Taylor destroying punter Brian Moorman on a fake punt:
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
23
Oct
2011
DeAngelo Williams Destroys Sideline Photographer (GIF)
We’ve got an early contender for Hit of the Week, and once again it comes on a poor, unsuspecting cameraman.
Watch RB DeAngelo Williams run roughshod over an elderly photographer on the sideline during today’s Panthers-Redskins game:
(Image via mocksession.com)
Fortunately, the cameraman seemed to be okay after the hit, and was able to recover to his feet relatively quickly.
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
7
Oct
2011
NFL 2011 Quarter-Point Jump To Conclusions Mat
Michael Bolton: That's the worst idea I've ever heard in my life, Tom (Image via blogspot.com)
Every year, we try to refrain from pulling a Tom Smykowski from Office Space, and jumping to any conclusions about the upcoming NFL season prematurely. In a sixteen-game season, it usually takes several games for teams to figure out their identity, and a lot longer than that to determine a realistic playoff picture.
So, while it’s tempting to draw knee-jerk reactions from a couple of games, we at least try to wait until the quarter-point mark to start making our hyperbolic and definitive statements about the season ahead. Even with the lockout-shortened off-season, four games is enough to get a sense of which teams are back in the driver’s seat (Packers, Patriots), and which teams are going to have trouble living up to expectations (Jets, Rams).
So without further adieu, here are our top 5 observations on the ol’ Jump To Conclusions mat:
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(Photo: Philly.com)
The “Dream Team” is actually a Nightmare: This pre-season, the Philadelphia Eagles were crowned as NFC East Champions based almost solely on the big name signings made by GM Howie Roseman, who apparently attended the Dan Snyder school of Free Agency. Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins were among the stars to join the Philadelphia roster, and Eagles fans were planning trips to the Super Bowl before a down had been played.
Well, after a 1-3 start, the Eagles are proving that it takes more than just raw talent to win in the NFL, and chemistry can be the most important thing for a team to succeed. Plus, in the age of the salary cap, spending huge money at certain positions inevitably results in deficiencies elsewhere (see the Eagles LB corps), and so far the Philly defense has been a big disappointment. It will be interesting to see how Andy Reid – and the egos in his locker room – handles their early adversity.
- The Detroit Lions will compete for the NFC crown: Yes, the Lions bandwagon is already starting to get crowded after starting the season 4-0 for the first time since 1980, and completing consecutive comebacks of 20 points or more against the Vikings and Cowboys.Ndamukong Suh and Calvin Johnson are unquestionably young superstars in this league, and if Matt Stafford can remain healthy, they give Jim Schwartz’ team a chance to compete in any game. And first round draft pick Nick Fairley could return from injury this week, making Detroit’s defense even more imposing. Bottom line: the Lions will make playoffs this year.
- The Buffalo Bills are for real: The Bills are off to an impressive 3-1 start, and after defeating their hated rival Patriots in Week 3, they’re a fashionable pick to surprise in the AFC this year. Chan Gailey’s offense is clicking with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson and Steve Johnson off to a hot start, and the Bills defense has been opportunistic with 8 INTs. But those takeaways could be covering up for bigger problems on defense, and Buffalo faces a brutal schedule late in the season which will really test their road toughness. So while the Bills are definitely improved, and there’s reason for optimism in Buffalo, the division still goes through New England until someone proves otherwise.
(Photo: WashingtonPost.com)
11
Sep
2011
Cam Newton shatters record for rookie debut passing yards in Panthers loss (VIDEO)
(AP PHOTO/PAUL CONNORS via AZcentral.com)
Panthers No. 1 draft pick Cam Newton had the best debut of any rookie NFL quarterback ever on Sunday, throwing for 422 yards and 2 touchdowns in a losing effort, falling 28-21 to the Arizona Cardinals. Newton’s performance destroyed the previous modern-day yardage record held by Peyton Manning, who threw for 302 yards back in Week 1 of the 1998 season, and ties Matt Stafford‘s 2007 Week 10 performance for most yards ever thrown for by a rookie. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the all-time record for a first-game by a rookie was 346 by Otto Graham for the Cleveland Browns in 1950.
Newton’s first professional touchdown pass came on this 77-yard strike to WR Steve Smith:
In total, Newton went 24-for-37 for 422 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception, plus 18 yards and 1 score on the ground. Both passing scores went to Smith, who finished with 178 yards receiving, with Newton completing passes to eight different receivers and making all the throws you could ever hope to see from your new quarterback.
Watch complete game highlights of the league’s newest superstar after the jump, via BSO:
12
Mar
2011
TheDarkHorse’s 2011 Mock Draft – Picks 1-5
Bank on it, this will be the new face of one NFL team come Draft Day (Source: Jimrome.com)
The 2011 NFL Draft could serve as our last dose of football for an unfriendly amount of time (especially if you’re an Oakland Raiders fan). Although it’s going to be awkward to watch NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell approach the podium before a packed house during a lockout, Draft Day (or, at this stage, Draft Thursday Night…) remains tangibly intriguing when a blue-chip quarterback has the chance to go No. 1.
It’s no sure thing, but with Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert rising up the board, it’s possible both could go in the top 10. One could argue that four of the first five teams to pick could go quarterback. I also wouldn’t rule out a team moving up for one the young guns — especially with Shanahan’s Redskins buried in the 10 slot — but this mock doesn’t include trades. Next month’s v.2 mock will take a shot at pinpointing some possible move-up/down scenarios. With that said, here’s my top 5 picks:
1. Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton – QB, Auburn: Some don’t even have Newton in their top 10. I just don’t see Ron Rivera passing up this opportunity to bring in a franchise-altering passer with the No. 1 pick in the draft. Newton has his flaws, but there’s no way Carolina takes on the NFC South with what we’ve seen out of (granted, young) Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen. While it’s awfully tough to bypass some of the defensive line talent in this draft, I believe Newton will continue to rise up the board. It’s only mid-March. This quarterback’s gifts will only become more coveted as we approach late April. The Panthers are serious about Cam Newton and I expect him to end up as the top pick in this draft.
2. Denver Broncos – Marcell Dareus – DT, Alabama: John Fox is going defense with this pick. At 6-foot-3, 319 pounds, Dareus fits well into Fox’s 4-3 scheme, and has the potential to wreak havoc as a 3-technique the way Warren Sapp did in Tampa Bay — and Sapp himself has showered praise on the prospect. For the many top-shelf defensive line prospects in this draft — it’s one of the more stunning DT/DE draft classes in years — Dareus might be the safest pick, as a guy without looming medical or off-the-field concerns. If Nick Fairley has more potential, Dareus appears to have the work ethic for continued growth.
3. Buffalo Bills – Patrick Peterson – CB, LSU: The Bills are courting Newton and no doubt Chan Gailey is enticed by his athleticism. If Carolina passes, Newton could land here at No. 3. If he’s gone — and he is in this mock — the Bills will take Peterson, possibly the best football player in the draft. It’s unusual for a team to strike on a corner this high, but I don’t see the Bills taking Gabbert with this pick. Besides, in Ryan Fitzpatrick, they have a passer the team believes in and grew behind in 2010. The Bills need help all over the place on defense and go with the best player available here.
4. Cincinnati Bengals – Blaine Gabbert – QB, Missouri: If Carson Palmer wasn’t so inconsistent, you work out the issues, get him back in the house and move on. Palmer and the Bengals are at a crossroads, and with the QB making it clear he’s had enough in the Queen City, it’s time for Cincy to find his replacement. I’m not in love with Gabbert. Accuracy is an issue when you look beyond his short-field body of work. That said, with Newton gone, Gabbert represents a new dawn for Marvin Lewis.
5. Arizona Cardinals – Von Miller – DE/OLB, Texas A&M: Some are calling Von Miller‘s decision to join the players’ antitrust lawsuit against the NFL a risk. Is he an immediate problem? A guy with a renegade spirit? No. Another way to look at it — this is someone who has chosen to take a leadership role among his peers and represent his rookie class on a critical issue to the players (even if you think they already make too much). That aside, Miller is perhaps the most versatile defensive talent in the draft and music to the ears of the Cards. I keep hearing over and over that Arizona does not go quarterback with this pick — mainly because this could be it for Ken Whisenhunt, and you don’t risk a critical season on a rookie. You have to wonder if the Cards would surprise people and shoot for Newton or Gabbert is one is available.
For picks 6-10, go here.
For picks 11-20, go here.
20
Dec
2010
VIDEO: Tripgate ain’t got nothing on these guys!
Look for the hoody in the top-left corner (Image via HappyHourPolitics.com)
In the wake of the recent “Tripgate” scandal involving the New York Jets, the league is obviously taking a close look at the behavior of teams on the sideline during punts. And as it turns out, perhaps the Jets weren’t alone – or even particularly novel – in their approach to impeding the progress of gunners who drift too far into their sideline.
In fact, last week after the incident with NY strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi, former Bills pro-bowl gunner Steve Tasker actually stood up in defense of Alosi and the Jets:
“You think this is the first time [a trip] ever happened? Come on,” Tasker said. “Guys were always giving me extra shoves. You don’t want to see someone get hurt, but it’s not a big deal. Why wouldn’t you give a guy a forearm shiver? Everyone on the sideline is part of a team and they all want to win. Shoot, even the doctors are competitive.
“If [the Jets] are coached to do that, so what? Call a penalty on them. If a gunner is going to use the sideline as a weapon, like I did, why wouldn’t you want to form a road block? There’s nothing wrong with that as long as it’s within the rules.”
FOX Sport’s Jay Glazer also reported that in speaking with teams and special teams coaches around the league, he found that it’s actually a fairly widespread technique that quite a few teams do, in fact, coach. He even said one team has a fairly clever codename for it: “Pink Floyd”. And although some folks might consider this cheating, the fact is that if they’re operating within the rules of the game, and if the gunners drift too far into enemy territory, they can rightly be considered fair game.
But watch this incident from week 14 (the same week Tripgate occurred), where DE Tyler Brayton of the Carolina Panthers gets up off the bench to drop Falcons’ gunner Chris Owen with an elbow to the head:
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
30
Nov
2010
Hit Of The Week: Peyton Hillis trucks over Charles Godfrey (VIDEO)
(AP photo via Boston.com)
With the Hit Of The Week, ReadAndReact will find the most brutal tackle, block or run from each weekend of NFL games, and present it for your viewing pleasure.
Today’s HOTW comes from Sunday’s Browns-Panthers tilt, where RB Peyton Hillis turned in another juggernaut performance with 131 yards and 3 TDs in leading Cleveland to a 24-23 win. Hillis proved to be a nightmare to tackle for Panthers defenders, and no more so than on his third touchdown run of the 1st half, which found an unfortunate Charles Godfrey standing in his path:
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
13
Aug
2010
VIDEO: Ravens OT gets rejected by goalpost
This is from last night’s Ravens 17-12 preseason victory over the Carolina Panthers. I didn’t watch the game (highlights here if you want to see how Jimmy Clausen did for Carolina), but this is the only play that really jumped out at us, so it must not have been that exciting.
In the 3rd quarter, Ravens QB Troy Smith scores on an 8-yd QB draw, and hands the ball to OT Joe Reitz – who happens to be 6’7″ and played four years of basketball at Western Michigan – to finish it off with a celebratory dunk on the goal post. See if you can guess what happens next:
Shutdown Corner has the full story on Reitz, who added almost 70 lbs of muscle after college to bulk up for the NFL. Apparently plyometrics weren’t part of Reitz’ training regimen, because his vertical leap has clearly suffered.
22
Jun
2010
Steve Smith broke his arm playing flag football
(Photo: David T. Foster/Charlotte Observer)
The Charlotte Observer is reporting that Panthers all-pro WR Steve Smith broke his arm while playing flag football in an adult rec league. And while the injury is certainly a blow to Carolina, it must be nice for Smith’s fans and teammates to know that he’s using his off-season to really work on his game against the best of the best:
Smith was playing flag football in an adult league at the Siskey YMCA Sunday when he fell and landed awkwardly on his left arm. He immediately called team officials, and met with team doctors before undergoing surgery to insert a plate and two screws into the broken left radius to speed healing.
Don’t kid yourselves … the Siskey YMCA has some of the best flag football players in the greater Metrolina area. Of course, this news comes in contrast to Smith’s original story, which was that he injured himself Sunday while working at his youth football camp. Turns out that camp actually ended on Saturday, so …
Smith is expected to miss at least 6 weeks, but his agent says he’ll be ready by the start of the regular season.
28
Dec
2009
Panthers’ Steve Smith breaks arm, Giants’ backs in win (video)
Giants fans would probably like to forget the last game played at Giants Stadium (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
There really isn’t too much to say about the horrendous display put forth by the New York Football Giants yesterday. In their final home game at Giants Stadium, Big Blue were trounced 41-9 by the Carolina Panthers, ending their playoff hopes and leaving fans wondering how this team ever won 5 straight games to start the season.
It was so bad, it even left pro bowl DE Osi Umenyiora wondering if this wasn’t his last home game in a Giants uniform:
“I couldn’t really explain what I’m feeling right now, disappointment is an understatement, in everything, the way everything has played out this year has been absolute nonsense, very disappointed, disheartened, discouraged, whatever you want to call it. I feel all those emotions. On a day like this, for us to come out and perform like that is unbelievable to me. I don’t even know what else to say.”
“It’s an unbelievable situation, man. Last game at Giants Stadium, probably as a Giant, just the way everything has unfolded has been unbelievable.”
Needless to say, things are going to get ugly in New York over the next few weeks, and don’t be surprised if Defensive Coordinator Bill Sheridan loses his job as a result of his unit’s collapse this season.
The highlight of the otherwise ugly game came on this play early in the 3rd quarter. After going into halftime up 24-0, the Panthers came out and squashed any hope of a Giant comeback with a 4 play, 71-yard scoring drive, culminating with this TD strike from Matt Moore to Steve Smith. Watch after the catch as Smith takes a hit from S Michael Johnson, but hangs onto the ball and continues into the end zone. We would later learn that Smith broke his left arm on the play:
Say what you will about the man, but that Steve Smith is one tough S.O.B.
