1) Turner for MVP
Michael Turner should be a serious contender for NFL MVP. I am not sure why he isn't being discussed more for the award. He is the #1 reason for the turnaround of the Falcons offense, supported of course by Matt Ryan, the OL, developing WR and less off-field distractions. You look at the number of FA busts, and then you look at Turner. Without him, Atlanta are not in the playoff race.
2) Coach of the Year??
Could Mike Smith make it a double for Atlanta? The new Head Coach has worked wonders as the Falcons head man, overcoming the roster issues, rookie QB and off-field dramas to make the Falcons a playoff team. Some would argue for Tony Sparano, who has done an equally impressive reclamation effort in Miami, but some of his credit would go to Parcells. Others might lobby for Bellichick who has kept the Patriots in the thick of it without Tom Brady, but surely some credit must go to Matt Cassel.
3) Declaring or Not Declaring...
Just my thoughts. Tebow = no, Bradford = depends on title game, McCoy = no, Stafford = yes, Moreno = yes, Crabtree = yes, Maclin = yes. Just some of the big names to consider. If Bradford declares, he will be a first rounder. If Stafford does, but Bradford doesn't, he will be one. If they both go, look for BRadford to edge Stafford. IMHO Crabtree will be late 1st or even into the second if he comes out. Maclin will be the kind of speed guy that teams covet so will likely be 1st rounder, but probably be in the Ted Ginn range of success. Moreno will be a first-rounder if he does. The success of rookies this season in the NFL will give him this chance and with very fresh legs after only 2 in the NCAA.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
13 DEC - 2008
1) Bradford the Best
You can't argue it, although all 3 QBs in NY for the Heisman ceremony were great candidates, but Sam Bradford is a deserving winner. As a redshirt Sophomore Bradford has led his Oklahoma team to the National Championship game, amassing amazing statistics on the way. Bradford's acceptance speech was humble, with the obligatory thankyous and praise to all present. Bradford's next big acceptance speeches could be huge - the title game (if they overcome UF) or maybe as a 1st round draft choice if he chooses that route. 2nd place Colt McCoy probably now has 2 reasons to stay in school - another shot at the National Championship and the Heisman.
2) Setting up a Super Showdown
The BCSNCG was already looming as a sensational matchup, but the proceedings in NY only added to the drama, as this year and last year's Heisman winners face-off for the ultimate bragging rights. Bradford knocked off reigning champ Tim Tebow in the Heisman race and Tebow can speak loudly with a Florida win in the big game in Miami. The duo of course will rely on their support crew, led by stifling defenses, dominating offensive lines and skill positions that are out of this world. My tip goes to Florida.
3) Coaching Craziness in Auburn
Gene Chizik is the exciting new name at Auburn? You remove a quality, proven, respected coach like Tommy Tuberville, presumably to go for a wow factor coach who can 'restore' the Auburn program to the top of the SEC and you go for a coach who is 2-10 this past season? How will the potential recruits respond to this? How will the boosters, the notoriously pushy boosters, respond? Mississippi State goes out and hires Dan Mullen, the Florida offensive coordinator. Now there is a move that brings optimism. The coach who helped lead Florida to two title games and tutor Tebow, is certainly someone to light a fire in the Bulldogs. Steve Sarkisian in Washington is the same. His record at USC as a recruiter and proven coach stand for themselves, but still, like in Knoxville, there are doubters. Now check out the doubters to appear in Auburn!
You can't argue it, although all 3 QBs in NY for the Heisman ceremony were great candidates, but Sam Bradford is a deserving winner. As a redshirt Sophomore Bradford has led his Oklahoma team to the National Championship game, amassing amazing statistics on the way. Bradford's acceptance speech was humble, with the obligatory thankyous and praise to all present. Bradford's next big acceptance speeches could be huge - the title game (if they overcome UF) or maybe as a 1st round draft choice if he chooses that route. 2nd place Colt McCoy probably now has 2 reasons to stay in school - another shot at the National Championship and the Heisman.
2) Setting up a Super Showdown
The BCSNCG was already looming as a sensational matchup, but the proceedings in NY only added to the drama, as this year and last year's Heisman winners face-off for the ultimate bragging rights. Bradford knocked off reigning champ Tim Tebow in the Heisman race and Tebow can speak loudly with a Florida win in the big game in Miami. The duo of course will rely on their support crew, led by stifling defenses, dominating offensive lines and skill positions that are out of this world. My tip goes to Florida.
3) Coaching Craziness in Auburn
Gene Chizik is the exciting new name at Auburn? You remove a quality, proven, respected coach like Tommy Tuberville, presumably to go for a wow factor coach who can 'restore' the Auburn program to the top of the SEC and you go for a coach who is 2-10 this past season? How will the potential recruits respond to this? How will the boosters, the notoriously pushy boosters, respond? Mississippi State goes out and hires Dan Mullen, the Florida offensive coordinator. Now there is a move that brings optimism. The coach who helped lead Florida to two title games and tutor Tebow, is certainly someone to light a fire in the Bulldogs. Steve Sarkisian in Washington is the same. His record at USC as a recruiter and proven coach stand for themselves, but still, like in Knoxville, there are doubters. Now check out the doubters to appear in Auburn!
Friday, December 5, 2008
5 DEC - 2008
1) Tuberville Looms as Mississippi State Option
As news is filtered down that Tuberville wasn't asked by Auburn AD to resign, my thought immediately jumps to another quick coaching option for Tuberville - Miss State. The Bulldogs need a credible coach and Tubs can stay in the SEC. Would make sense to me, especially with no news on hiring.
2) Tajh Boyd gets no love from Kiffin
Apparently Tennessee QB recruit Tajh Boyd was called by incoming VOlunteers coach to inform that they were pulling his offer. Kiffin is quoted to have said that Boyd wasn't a good fit for the system. Not sure who on the Vols roster is, but Boyd will have his options.
3) Hot Seat for Crennel
His name was on the list of coaches in the firing line before the 2007 season. Then came their impressive season and he was back safe. Now they struggle again. As with the previous discussion about Marinelli, how much is his fault?
As news is filtered down that Tuberville wasn't asked by Auburn AD to resign, my thought immediately jumps to another quick coaching option for Tuberville - Miss State. The Bulldogs need a credible coach and Tubs can stay in the SEC. Would make sense to me, especially with no news on hiring.
2) Tajh Boyd gets no love from Kiffin
Apparently Tennessee QB recruit Tajh Boyd was called by incoming VOlunteers coach to inform that they were pulling his offer. Kiffin is quoted to have said that Boyd wasn't a good fit for the system. Not sure who on the Vols roster is, but Boyd will have his options.
3) Hot Seat for Crennel
His name was on the list of coaches in the firing line before the 2007 season. Then came their impressive season and he was back safe. Now they struggle again. As with the previous discussion about Marinelli, how much is his fault?
5 DEC - 2008
1) Huskies go Sark
Steve Sarkisian will be the new UW coach it has been revealed. Sarkisian, the USC Offensive Coordinator, did a stellar job keeping under the radar in coaching options, perhaps overshadowed by his former colleague Lane Kiffin. I guess Sarkisian likes a challenge, which is exactly what he has ahead with the 0-11 Huskies. Jake Locker is a talent and Sarkisian will be asked to work his wonders with him, but more importantly, in the recruiting game. Sarkisian could have some troubles attracting the same calibre of kids that USC does, but the Pacific Northwest perhaps has become more appealing.
2) Championship Game Showdowns
The SEC Title game between Alabama and Florida would have been satisfactory as a National Championship Game, but now, we get an extra champ game with the winner to advance to the game. Now if only we could do the same for Texas and Oklahoma...Oh wait, they have already played, and Texas won. Yet, it is the Sooners ranked higher. I don't think that there have ever been more Missouri fans in Texas than there is ahead of this weekend's Big 12 title game. For what it is worth, my tips are Florida and Oklahoma.
3) Where to in Detroit?
The Lions won't win a game this season. Pitiful. But whose fault is it? Is it a weak roster? Or poor coaching? Or both? Rod Marinelli has to be looking shaky to hold his post, but I have trouble believing this is all on him. A chronically underperforming defense and an offense lacking consistency and stability at QB has hamstrung them to their state they are in. Who is their QB next season? Time to look into the FA market. Get Derek Anderson in pronto. More OL help is a must so that the QBs can stay healthy. Oh, and less Jon Kitna making guarantees.
Steve Sarkisian will be the new UW coach it has been revealed. Sarkisian, the USC Offensive Coordinator, did a stellar job keeping under the radar in coaching options, perhaps overshadowed by his former colleague Lane Kiffin. I guess Sarkisian likes a challenge, which is exactly what he has ahead with the 0-11 Huskies. Jake Locker is a talent and Sarkisian will be asked to work his wonders with him, but more importantly, in the recruiting game. Sarkisian could have some troubles attracting the same calibre of kids that USC does, but the Pacific Northwest perhaps has become more appealing.
2) Championship Game Showdowns
The SEC Title game between Alabama and Florida would have been satisfactory as a National Championship Game, but now, we get an extra champ game with the winner to advance to the game. Now if only we could do the same for Texas and Oklahoma...Oh wait, they have already played, and Texas won. Yet, it is the Sooners ranked higher. I don't think that there have ever been more Missouri fans in Texas than there is ahead of this weekend's Big 12 title game. For what it is worth, my tips are Florida and Oklahoma.
3) Where to in Detroit?
The Lions won't win a game this season. Pitiful. But whose fault is it? Is it a weak roster? Or poor coaching? Or both? Rod Marinelli has to be looking shaky to hold his post, but I have trouble believing this is all on him. A chronically underperforming defense and an offense lacking consistency and stability at QB has hamstrung them to their state they are in. Who is their QB next season? Time to look into the FA market. Get Derek Anderson in pronto. More OL help is a must so that the QBs can stay healthy. Oh, and less Jon Kitna making guarantees.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
4 DEC - 2008
1) More SEC Openings
Add Auburn to the list of teams looking for a new leader. Tommy Tuberville today 'resigned' as coach of Auburn, but lets just say he was asked to resign. The Auburn job is a plum job, regardless of their performance this year, but those boosters in Alabama have some clout. Look for Auburn to go big-name hunting in their search for a replacement, after all, their in-state rivals have some guy called Saban. Naturally, the names being floated include Leach and Muschamp. Leach could have some fun with higher level talent he could recruit in the SEC, how would the scheme go...after Paul Johnson's success with the Triple Option, that question doesn't even exist anymore. Muschamp has ties to Auburn as former DC, but he is now the HC in waiting at Texas. Question is, will he wait? I wouldn't be surprised to see Florida DC Charlie Strong get a look in at Miss State, but I expect the Tigers will go for an offensive minded coach. Just who is that coach? I have a quiet suspicion that Dirk Koetter might be a candidate. Sure, his Jags offense is struggling due to lack of personnel, but as a proven college HC and strong recruiter, he might be an option. Admittedly, I have a knowledge bias towards the Jags, but still...
2) Hazelton and Green Transfer
USC has lost two talented players to the USC depth perception, RB Broderick Green and WR Vidal Hazelton. Green has already revealed he is off to join fellow transfer Ryan Mallett in Arkansas. I wouldn't be surprise to see Ark. coach Bobby Petrino have a crack at Hazelton too. Hazelton cited the ilness of his Grandfather (based in NY) as a reason for leaving. Some have suggested that Rutgers could now come into the picture. What about Penn State where he was originally contemplating. Look for Tennessee to have a go with former SC coach Kiffin (who recruited Hazelton) to have a shot.
3) I had a Plaxident
Mark it in the dictionary now. Plaxico Burress has had a bizarre year on the back of a Superbowl victory. Shooting himself in the leg is beyond bizarre.
Add Auburn to the list of teams looking for a new leader. Tommy Tuberville today 'resigned' as coach of Auburn, but lets just say he was asked to resign. The Auburn job is a plum job, regardless of their performance this year, but those boosters in Alabama have some clout. Look for Auburn to go big-name hunting in their search for a replacement, after all, their in-state rivals have some guy called Saban. Naturally, the names being floated include Leach and Muschamp. Leach could have some fun with higher level talent he could recruit in the SEC, how would the scheme go...after Paul Johnson's success with the Triple Option, that question doesn't even exist anymore. Muschamp has ties to Auburn as former DC, but he is now the HC in waiting at Texas. Question is, will he wait? I wouldn't be surprised to see Florida DC Charlie Strong get a look in at Miss State, but I expect the Tigers will go for an offensive minded coach. Just who is that coach? I have a quiet suspicion that Dirk Koetter might be a candidate. Sure, his Jags offense is struggling due to lack of personnel, but as a proven college HC and strong recruiter, he might be an option. Admittedly, I have a knowledge bias towards the Jags, but still...
2) Hazelton and Green Transfer
USC has lost two talented players to the USC depth perception, RB Broderick Green and WR Vidal Hazelton. Green has already revealed he is off to join fellow transfer Ryan Mallett in Arkansas. I wouldn't be surprise to see Ark. coach Bobby Petrino have a crack at Hazelton too. Hazelton cited the ilness of his Grandfather (based in NY) as a reason for leaving. Some have suggested that Rutgers could now come into the picture. What about Penn State where he was originally contemplating. Look for Tennessee to have a go with former SC coach Kiffin (who recruited Hazelton) to have a shot.
3) I had a Plaxident
Mark it in the dictionary now. Plaxico Burress has had a bizarre year on the back of a Superbowl victory. Shooting himself in the leg is beyond bizarre.
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