Rabid, Ranting Sports Fan Blog

When the April 26th – 28th NFL Draft takes place, one position that will be in high demand is the Defensive Line. How do I know this? Well, it’s because it’s ALWAYS in demand. Every season some team is in dire need of a big, agile body to line up in the trenches on their Defensive front. In this regard, the Green Bay Packers are no different.

In fact, they are on the needy side in light of Mike Neal’s 4 game suspension for banned substance usage and standout Ryan Pickett’s advancing age(32) . Venerable Howard Green has filled a role as a run stuffer and a space eater for the last two seasons, but was phased out last year as C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn saw more plays. Green(33) isn’t expected to return, and so far Wilson and Wynn have been average to below. General Manager extraordinaire Ted Thompson has signed free agent Defensive Linemen Daniel Muir and Anthony Hargrove to contribute to what is expected to be an “elevated level of competition” at the position.

Even with the signings of Muir and Hargrove, the Packers need help. They need quality depth at both Defensive End and Tackle and they need a pass rush. Depth has been a strength of the Packers since Thompson took over the helm in 2005. With his 68 picks since 2005, he has transformed the Packer’s cupboard from barren to bursting with talent at almost every position. Everyone has their flaws however, and it would seem that Thompson’s might be drafting Defensive Linemen. It has been a struggle, to say the least. Of his 68 total picks with the Pack, he has drafted 11 defensive Linemen(7 ends, 4 tackles), of which only 3 are currently on the active roster(Raji, Wynn, Wilson). Neal is serving his suspension and will return after week 4, barring the unforeseen.

The Packers draft at number 28 in the first round. With this being a fairly weak draft for DL, should one of these players still be on the board come their turn, Thompson might be hard pressed to pass them up:

1} DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan St. 6’3”, 310lbs. Worthy could be around for the Pack at 28. His playing in the Big Ten has allowed me to watch several of his games vs. Wisconsin. He is a load. The Badger’s Offensive Line is one of the finest in the country, if not THE finest, and he gave them fits on several
occasions. Athletic and very quick for a big man, Worthy could play End for the Pack. He is even used to wearing green. First Team All-American, First Team All-Big Ten 2011.

2} DT Kendall Reyes, Connecticut. 6’4”½, 299lbs. Reyes is on the lighter side for a Defensive Tackle, but he is fast and agile for his size. Good showing with 36 reps in the bench press at the combine. Another candidate for end in Green Bay, Reyes has a very good chance of being available to the Packers.
Probably a slight reach, Reyes was First Team All-Big East 2010,’11.

3} DT Devon Still, Penn St. 6’5”, 303lbs. Another top notch Big Ten prospect, Still has a chance to be around for the Packers, but it is less of one than our first two players. 2011 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. A true 2 gap player, Still is big and he is strong. Good anchor, plays the run well and has a great first step off the snap, but isn’t a dominant pass rusher. All-Big Ten, First Team All-American 2011.

4} DT Michael Brockers, LSU. 6’6”, 310lbs. Brockers plays with great leverage and power. Another 2-gap guy, he can hold his own against double teams. A coveted effort player who goes hard every play. Would most likely be a Nose Tackle for the Packers, as he isn’t very quick from side to side and doesn’t have much for pass rush moves. Really good player, has a remote chance of being there at 28.

5} DT Dontari Poe, Memphis. 6’5”,346lbs. Incredible combine most likely knocked him out of the Packers draft range. Unless Thompson has him graded very high and he falls far enough that Ted doesn’t have to give up the farm to trade up and get him,he probably won’t wear the green and gold. He is too much of a freak athletically to slip into the 20’s. Ran a 4.98 40yd dash at 346lbs at the combine. Put up 44 reps in the bench press. These numbers are just too amazing to last until pick 28 in my opinion, but stranger things have happened.

6} DT Alameda Ta’amu, Washington. 6’2” 350lbs. This guy would be a real reach in round 1, but nothing should surprise us about the draft. All it takes is one team to fall in love with a player and its over. Very quick for his size and has great burst, but doesn’t play the run real well. Can collapse the pocket
with his bull rush, but doesn’t seem to make many plays. A step down from the 5 above.

Any one of the top 5 listed here could fit the “Best Player Available” model that Thompson adheres to and also provide some value. They are very large, talented players that would give any GM a moment of pause, but might just make the stoic Thompson salivate considering his troubles drafting the position. Defense should be at the forefront of the team’s drafting strategy this year. If Thompson feels that the talent pool is deep enough that he can still get his impact pass rusher in round 2 or 3, Defensive Line might just be on the slate for Round 1 if the right situation presents itself.

Brian Minor~Sports-Trader.Net

brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

It’s no secret that the Green Bay Packers would love to find an OLB pass rushing match to Clay Matthews III. With 12 picks in the April 26th-28th NFL Draft and a decent talent pool to choose from, they should accomplish that very soon. They won’t look at just OLB’s though, as every season, there are a few players who switch positions when they enter the NFL. In this article, we will take a look at some College Defensive Ends who have the speed and agility to stand up and play Outside Linebacker at the next level.

1} Melvin Ingram, South Carolina. 6’-1” ,264 lbs- 4.66 40yd dash. This guy is a complete animal. Will play standing up at OLB at the next level, as his size isn’t right for DE in the pros. Strong, fast and agile, Ingram had 9 sacks and 15 tackles for loss his senior season for the Gamecocks. Phenomenal pass rusher that is a great athlete, isn’t stiff in the hips which should allow him to handle coverage. He doesn’t defend the run as well as he rushes the passer, but isn’t bad either. Round 1.

2} Courtney Upshaw, Alabama. 6’ 2” 272lbs-4.70 40yd dash. While Upshaw is thought to be sliding, his overall ability should keep him in round 1. His size is as such he could play DE in a 4-3 Defense at the next level, but has the physical tools to play standing up at OLB in a 3-4. Upshaw is relentless, with great hand technique to shed blockers. He can set the edge against the run , which he plays well. Very strong guy who doesn’t have that great first step off the line but has an array of power rushing moves to get the QB. Hips aren’t very flexible, coverage concerns could be the reason he slides if he indeed does. Round 1

3} Whitney Mercilus, Illinois. 6’ 4” 261lbs- 4.68 40yd dash. A “1 year wonder”, Mercilus exploded onto the scene in Champaign for the Illini as a Junior in 2011. He led the nation in both forced fumbles(8), and sacks(16). Although he doesn’t set a strong edge against the run yet, Mercilus’ other physical tools, non-stop motor and very quick initial burst will help him stand up at the next level. Tenacious rusher with a nose for the QB. Round 1.

4} Nick Perry, USC. 6’3” 271lbs-4.5 40yd dash. An athletic end with room to add weight, the impressive Perry ran an insane 4.5 40 yard dash. While he shows some explosiveness, he also seems to be somewhat stiff. This could be a major problem for him if he were forced to play OLB at the next level. He is best suited for DE in a 4-3 Defense and will most likely be drafted to play that role for someone. With his rare combination of size and speed however, he could be an enticing project at OLB. Round 1.

5} Andre Branch, Clemson. 6’4” 259 lbs-4.62 40yd dash. Light for DE at the next level, Branch has the body type to add weight should he want to. If not, he is an incredible athlete and should easily handle the transition to OLB in a 3-4. Although he plays too high sometimes, he has an explosive punch to keep Offensive linemen off him. Huge upside, fluid athlete. Round 1-2

6} Vinny Curry, Marshall. 6’ 3” 266-4.69 40yd dash. Curry’s combine performance was disappointing. His 40 time was considerably slower than expected at 4.98. He recovered and managed to run a 4.64 and a 4.69 on his Pro Day, likely pushing his draft status back into the early second round. If a team likes him enough, he could sneak into the first round. He has bona fide pass rushing ability. Marginal athlete with a high motor, plays big in big games. Round 1-2.

7} Bruce Irvin, West Virginia. 6’ 3” 245lbs-4.43 40yd dash. Yet another uncommonly physically talented College Defensive End, Irvin’s 40 time was nothing short of astounding. Explosive off the ball, he could turn out to be a handful at the next level. First, he will have to gain a few pounds to stand up against the run and work on his overall pass rushing skills. Might be best suited as a situational pass rusher in the Pros until he can hold the point. Very raw talent, but big upside. Round 2.

8} Jake Bequette, Arkansas. 6’5” 275- 4.78 40yd dash. Bequette’s stock is said to be on the rise following a decent combine and Pro Day. The largest of the potential converts, Bequette could gain weight to play DE in a 4-3, or stand up in a 3-4. While probably best suited to play DE in a 4-3 at the next level, Bequette shows good rush ability and would fit into a flexible scheme where he could play with a hand down or standing up, ala New England. Effort player with a nose for the ball. Round 3-4.

9} Cordarro Law, Southern Miss. 6’2” 261lbs-4.64 40yd dash. A huge sleeper in my opinion. Law is smart, physically gifted and instinctive. Says he models his game after that of LaMarr Woodley. Explosive player with a high motor. Round 4-6.

10} Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh. 6’ 2” 254lbs-4.78 40yd dash. While quick and athletic, the 254 lb Lindsey doesn’t have much for pass rush moves at this point. He also has to work on setting the edge vs. the run. He has a high motor, is quick off the ball and should be able to stay with Tight Ends at the next level. Round 4-6.

Judging from their size/speed ratios, there could be several “special” type players in this group. Keep an eye on the players above and expect at least one star to emerge from the them. With GM Ted Thompson pulling the trigger on the picks for the Pack, don’t be surprised if that star wears green and gold.

Brian Minor~Sports-Trader.Net

brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

According to the National Football League Players Association, the average career length of an NFL player as of 2011 was 3.3 years. By the position, Running Backs have the shortest career lifespan at a mere 2.57 years. Some of the special ones, or should we say the lucky ones, buck this trend and continue to be successful on a high level for twice that amount. If this special back has received a lot of carries however, there seems to be a “wall” of sorts that springs up at around ages 28-30. Production seems to fall off dramatically from this point on.

Here are some notable running backs of recent history who dropped off at or around age 30:

In 2007, LaDanian Thomlinson rushed for 1474 yards and a 4.7 yard average. He was 28. In 2008 at age 29 his total yardage dropped off slightly, but he lost nearly a full yard off his average yards per carry from the season before, falling to 3.8ypc. When he hit age 30, he missed two games and finished with 730 yards for a 3.3 average, breaking an 8 year streak of 1000 plus yard seasons. He rebounded with the New York Jets in 2010, climbing back up to 914 yards and a 4.2 average, but in 2011 he played in 14 games and only saw 75 carries for 280 yards.

In 2001 at age 29 , Pittsburgh Steelers star Jerome Bettis played in only 11 of a possible 16 games and still managed to rush for an impressive 1072 yards, a 4.8ypc average. At age 30 he hit the wall. He played in 13 games, totaling 666 yards and lost 1.2 ypc off his average from the season before, dropping to 3.6 ypc. He saw an up-tick in his yardage totals at ages 31(811) and 32(946), but he never again topped 1000 yards and retired at age 33 in 2005.

In 1989 Indianapolis Colts superstar tailback Eric Dickerson played in 15 games and carried 314 times for 1311 yards. 1990 saw him nosedive sharply, playing in only 11 games. His carries dropped to 166, his yardage total to 677. The following year, 1991, Dickerson carried 167 times for 536 yards and saw his YPC average drop from 4.1 to 3.2. He played in all 16 games with the Raiders at age 32 in 1992. He had 187 carries for 729 yards and upped his ypc to 3.9. The next season, his last, he only saw 4 games.

Marshall Faulk hit the wall at age 29, his rush total dropping to 956 after rolling up 1382 the season before. His ypc average dropped from 5.3 (3rd consecutive season of 5+ average)to 4.5. At age 30, Faulk’s yardage total continued to fall, sliding to 818. His ypc continued to slide right along with it, hitting 3.9. He missed 5 games. 2004 and age 31 treated him much better, with 195 carries for 774 yards in 14 games. He retired following the 2005 season after seeing only 65 carries in 16 games.

In 2007, 29 year old Arizona Cardinal back Edgerrin James carried for 1222 yards on 324 carries. The following season he declined sharply, his yardage total falling to 514 on 133 carries in 13 games. He asked for and was granted his release from the Cardinals following some personal issues. He signed with Seattle in 2009, but only saw 7 games. He announced his retirement after the season at age 31.

In 2003 at age 30, Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George rushed for 1031 yards on 312 carries. In 2004, George missed 3 games and only managed 432 yards on 132 carries. It was his final season.

In 2005 at age 28, Green Bay Packer’s halfback Ahman Green saw only 5 games following injury. He rebounded nicely in 2006 at age 29, playing in 14 games with 266 carries for 1059 yards. He left for Houston via Free Agency in 2007, where injuries caught him again, limiting him to a mere 6 games. He played in 8 games for the Texans in 2008 before returning to the Packers in 2009, seeing 8 games. He never again saw 300 yards in a season once he hit 30.

In 1976, Buffalo Bill’s star tailback O.J. Simpson rushed for 1503 yards on 290 carries in 14 games. He was 29 years old. 1977 saw him play in only 7 games for the Bills. His Hall of Fame career ground to a halt in San Francisco, where he never again regained his old form.

In 2003, Kansas City Chief’s running back Priest Holmes tore it up to the tune of 320 carries for 1420 yards at age 30. He only played in 19 games over the next 4 years, completely sitting out the 2006 season before coming back in 2007 at age 34 to see action in 4 games. It was his final season.

The 2012 “30 Club”:

Of the NFL’s top 50 rushers in 2011, only 3 were above this dreaded age with Kansas City’s Thomas Jones(478yds) leading the way at age 33. Thirty-One year old Fred Jackson(934 yds, 5.5 ypc) continued to be a workhorse for the Buffalo Bills and Denver’s Willis McGahee(1199yds, 4.8ypc) carried the load for the Broncos at age 30. Note that the highest run total belongs to the youngest player. Jones is most likely about at the end of the line. Jackson is quite a talent and appears to be holding steady, but a decline is inevitable at this point. The same with McGahee, he had a great year, but history has shown that those big seasons at or around age 30 really take their toll.

The 2012 “Soon to be 30 Club”:

Brandon Jacobs will be 30 when the 2012 season begins, but he has realistically been in decline since 2009 at age 27. Some of this is due to sharing time with Ahmad Bradshaw, but some of it is also due to slippage in ability. Jacobs is a punishing runner, so much so that it is actually amazing he made it this long. Realistically, Jacobs is a veteran backup option at this point in his career.

Atlanta’s Michael “The Burner” Turner will also be 30 when the season begins. Although he was used very sparingly his first 4 seasons, he has accumulated 1189 carries the last 4 seasons with the Falcons. He might be the exception to this rule for another season or so, but with a workload like he has had the last 4 years he won’t be outrunning Father Time for much longer.

The following backs are either 29 now, or will be when the seasons starts. Frank Gore(w/b 29), DeAngelo Williams(w/b 29), Darren Sproles(w/b 29), Cedric Benson(29), and Ryan Grant(29).

Gore has been one of the NFL’s best backs since he exploded for 1695 yards in 2006. He recovered from an 11 game, injury plagued 2010 to play in all 16 last season, rushing for 1211 yards. Gore has an extensive medical history(torn left acl 2002, torn right acl 2003), even though he hasn’t really started to slip, one has to wonder how much longer the legs will hold out.

After playing only 6 games in 2010,Williams was a disappointment after signing a 5 year ,43 million dollar contract with 21 million guaranteed to begin 2011. With the emergence of rookie QB Cam Newton as the short yardage option, and forced to split carries with Jonathon Stewart, Williams only got 155 carries. He did manage a 5.4 average and 836 yards, but for the money he received, more was expected from him. Still, Williams is a low mileage back, with only 996 total carries in his 6 year career. He is gifted and could easily become a dominant player again this season, especially if Stewart is traded in the wake of the Mike Tolbert signing.

Sproles absolutely flourished in 2011 with the New Orleans Saints….but it was as a receiver. The ultra-quick Sproles became a favorite target of Quarterback Drew Brees, catching 86 balls. His value is as a 3rd down back and a return man. He will continue to excel in these roles as long as his speed holds up. A low mileage player, Sproles should have a couple years left in the tank.

Benson’s yardage totals have slightly declined since 2009, when he logged 1251 yards in a mere 13 games. Last year he ground out 1078 yards through 15 games, but he has 1529 carries in his 7 year career and is likely nearing the end.

Grant is another low-mileage back. After overcoming a season lost to injury in 2010, Grant returned last season to split time with second year man James Starks. He managed 559 yards for a 4.2 average. Grant only has 964 carries for his 5 year career. Grant could surprise you. If he gets a chance to be a featured back again he still has the ability to be a solid performer, but most likely his prime has passed him by.

Brian Minor~Sports-Trader.Net
brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

Did the Packer’s Offense score too fast for its Defense to catch a breath? Let’s look at some numbers and find out.

In 2011, the 15-1 Green Bay Packer’s Offense was one of the most prolific in the storied history of the National Football League. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 2010 Super Bowl and 2011 League MVP , surpassed Peyton Manning’s all-time QB rating mark of 121.1 with a cool 122.5 to set a new NFL record. They scored 70 touchdowns…that’s right, 70…of which 51 came via the aerial assault. This ties them with the Dan Marino led 1984 Miami Dolphins for second all time(2007 Patriots-75td). They averaged a whopping 9.3 yards per pass.

The news wasn’t all good though, as the Packer’s Defense gave up an all-time high 4796 yards through the air. They dropped from 5th overall in pass defense in 2010 to dead last(32nd ) in 2011. These numbers are very misleading however, in that they finished 9th in total points allowed, a stat which carries considerably more weight.

In 2010 the Pack sported both All-Pro safety Nick Collins (arguably the league’s top player at the position), and talented pass rusher ,defensive tackle/end Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins was allowed to depart via free agency to Philadelphia in the off season. Collins seriously injured his neck week 2 of ‘11 vs. Carolina and was lost for the season at least, potentially forever. They were the only two key 2010 Defensive starters missing from the 2011 squad. Without Collin’s elite speed and incredible range at safety, opposing Offenses were able to get behind the Packer’s Defense on numerous occasions in 2011. Suffering from the complete and utter lack of a pass rush in the absence of Jenkins opposite Clay Matthews III(47 sacks in ‘10, 29 in ‘11), the fatigued coverage of the defending Super Bowl Champion was attacked 637 times, allowing 390 to connect for a 61.2% completion percentage.

But how could the second highest touchdown producing Offense in NFL history be the cause of some of the defenses problems? It all lies in these few stats:

2010 Packers Offense: Ran 1000 plays for a 5.7 yard average. They rushed the ball 421 times for a 3.8 ypc average and completed 352-541 passes for a 8.0 average. They scored 46 tds, and had a Time of Possession average of 32:14 to their opponent’s 28:46 for a + 3:28 margin.

2011 Packers Offense: Ran 988 total plays for a 6.6 yard average. They rushed the ball 395 times for a 3.9 ypc and completed 376-552 passes for a 9.3 yard average. They scored 70 tds, and had a Time of Possession average of 30:29 to their opponent’s 29:31 for a + 0:59 margin.

This 2:27 second per game difference in TOP margin from 2010 to 2011 was HUGE for the Packer’s Defense. Despite the fact that they led the league with 31 interceptions in 2011, the sheer volume of passes thrown against them was staggering. It is a direct result of an Offense so powerful that it grabs up large chunks of yardage and scores quickly, jumping out to big leads and forcing the opponent‘s to air it out and play catch -up. The 2011 version of the Packer’s Offense was so highly powered that it managed to have the ball on average 1:45 less per game than the year before and yet put up 24 more touchdowns.

The problem with this is that the Defense spent way too much time on the field, with short breaks between drives. With the lack of pass rush, opposing WR’s were able to execute routes that take longer to develop, forcing the beleaguered secondary into consistently longer coverage times as the games progressed. They simply wore down. Also, the reduced TOP resulted in their facing 80 more plays, with their opponents play total for the season reaching 1049 in 2011 compared to 969 in 2010. Dividing the Packers total plays for 2011 by 16, the number of regular season games, leaves us with a 61.75 play per game average. In other words the Defense, in facing another 80 plays, played the equivalent of around 17 1/3 games in the regular season to their Offense’s 16.

How do they fix it? Firstly, balance my friends, balance. Of their 70 tds in 2011, only 12 came via the rush, 51 via the pass, 2 via the return game and 5 via defensive scores. This is NOT balance. Even though this Offense runs on high octane fuel, the usage of the running game for a mere 10 plays more per game would shorten the length of the game for the Defense. They will face fewer plays. These plays will provide a greater TOP margin, and in turn the Defense can get some well deserved rest.

Secondarily, they need to draft a pass rushing compliment to the great Matthews III to replace the departed Jenkins. Opposing QB’s will be forced to get rid of the ball faster, meaning shorter routes and less coverage time, again saving the legs of their secondary. Evidenced by the reduction in sacks from 2010(47) to 2011(29), Jenkins loss stung a little more than expected. Matthews faced constant double and triple teams last season without a running mate on the right side to keep offensive lines honest.

The hardest fix of them all will be the situation with Collins. We could find out this week if he is cleared by his surgeon to play …but the word is that the Packer’s medical staff might not clear him for contact. He is a good player and a better man. Packer’s Management is genuinely concerned for his long term safety and they want him to be able to enjoy his life with his family in a normal way. If the 3-time pro bowler(’08,’09,’10) is able to return to Green Bay, this boost to the secondary and Defense is almost immeasurable. He is one of the finest safeties in the league, with great ball skills and blinding speed. Guys like him don’t grow on trees. If Collins is not cleared, GM Ted Thompson will have to strongly consider Alabama’s former safety Mark Barron should he be available when they pick at number 28 in the upcoming draft. Notre Dame’s Harrison Smith is another option.

One thing is for sure here: Thompson is a MASTER at his craft. With 12 picks, every perceived weakness that can be addressed through the draft will be. The ranks will be replenished. They WILL find their compliment to Matthews in this draft, which is a scary thing. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has proven to be very good at honestly and openly addressing his teams shortcomings and will work tirelessly to improve on them.

Considering this is a team that feels like a 15-1 record was a failure, count on them playing with a chip on their shoulder. With second year WR Randall Cobb expected to supplant timeless Donald Driver in the rotation, plan on seeing an even more potent Offense this year. With free agent defensive linemen Daniel Muir and Anthony Hargrove recently signed and more reinforcements on the way via the draft, expect this Packers Defense to recover fully and then some. Be nervous NFL. Be VERY nervous.

Brian Minor~Sports-Trader.Net

Brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

Peyton Manning’s long courtship appears to be at an end, with ESPN reporting that the Future Hall of Fame quarterback has chosen to sign with the Denver Broncos. Tennessee and San Francisco were thought to be the other finalists in the race to sign the NFL’s only 4-Time MVP.

Tennessee, while obviously disappointed that they lost out, is in considerably better shape at the position than San Francisco. The Titans used their 2011 first round draft choice on Washington quarterback Jake Locker, and they also have 3-time Pro Bowler Matt Hasselbeck under contract to man the position. The signing of 7-time Pro Bowl Guard Steve Hutchinson to a 3 year, 16 million dollar contract will help stabilize their line play no matter who is under center and will jump start Chris Johnson and the running game.

The Niners however, are in a bit different position. Their 2011 starting quarterback Alex Smith, an unrestricted free agent, is apparently agitated that his former team pursued Manning. Despite the fact that Smith led them to the NFC title game, San Francisco forced him to wait out the decision of Manning instead of showing faith in him and rewarding his growth. This situation is nothing but good for the bank account of Smith, as San Francisco will certainly have to ante up to ease his frustration. Earlier this month, the Niners signed the mercurial veteran wideout Randy Moss, as well as dynamic former Giant wideout Mario Manningham to join Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis in an effort to bolster their receiving corps. Without a reliable option at QB, these signings could be largely ineffective.

San Francisco exceeded all expectations last season and advanced to the title game of the NFC. They did this with a controlled offense that relied on the running of stud halfback Frank Gore as well as the passing efficiency of Smith(17td-5int)and incredible team chemistry. Chemistry plays a huge part in the success of any championship-caliber team. Have the events of the last few weeks damaged that chemistry beyond repair? The Niners gambled on an aging legend vs an up-and-coming, athletic player and in the process, they may well wind up with neither.

Smith met with the Dolphins for 5 1/2 hours Sunday night, and Miami didn’t make a play to sign Green Bay free agent Matt Flynn as many thought. Miami first year Head Coach Joe Philbin was the Offensive Coordinator in Green Bay for Flynn’s entire career, so for Philbin to pass on him suggested they had something else in the works. That was later confirmed, as ESPN reported this evening that the Dolphins has signed 34 yr old David Garrard. The Niners appear to have dodged a bullet.

Could the signing of Manning in Denver be the start of the 2012 implosion of the 49′ers? Without Smith, the possibility is very real. The Free Agent pool for QB talent has gotten pretty shallow, so San Francisco as a franchise could take a major step back should he sign elsewhere. The Free Agent game, it doesn’t always work so well, but it sure is fun to watch.

Brian Minor
brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

The 15th seeded Lehigh Mountain Hawks defeated the 2nd seeded Duke Blue Devils 75-70 Friday in one of the most shocking upsets in NCAA Tournament history. Earlier in the day,15th seeded Norfolk St. upset the 2nd seeded Missouri Tigers 86-84 in an absolute thriller,becoming the first 15th seed to defeat a 2nd seed in 11 years, a feat Lehigh matched later in the evening. Fourth seeded Michigan lost to 13th seeded Ohio 65-60, marking the first time 3 teams seeded 13th or lower won on the same day in Tournament history.

In other games,12th seeded South Florida defeated 5th seeded Temple 58-44, #11 seed N.C. State defeated #6 seed San Diego St. 79-65, 10th seeded Xavier defeated Notre Dame 67-63, 10th seeded Purdue upset #7 St. Mary’s 72-69 and 9th seeded St Louis defeated Memphis 61-54, leaving you with one of the most exciting, unforeseeable outcomes to a Tournament day in it’s history. For ESPN to report that not ONE perfect bracket remains in their annual Tournament Challenge is no surprise.

The mighty Blue Devils, one of the most successful and storied programs in all of college sports let alone the NCAA tourney, have won 4 National Championships, been to 10 Championship games and 15 Final Fours. They own a NCAA best .748 winning percentage in NCAA tournament games, so why sweat Lehigh? Can anyone say “SPEED BUMP!”? Yet the 27-7 Mountain Hawks,from tiny Bethlehem Pa., were more than up to the challenge. Behind a phenomenal 30 point-6 rebound-6 assist-2 steal performance from Junior Guard C.J. McCollum and some clutch free throw shooting at the end by 6-9 Junior Forward Gabe Knutson(17pts-8 rebs), the Patriot League Champions exorcised the Blue Devils from the tournament in a game that surely will become a “classic”. They advance to play Xavier.

Norfolk State, led by Sr. Center Kyle O’Quinn’s 26 point, 14 rebound performance, outlasted the Tigers of Missouri in another game with “classic” written all over it. Pendarvis Williams and Chris McEachin poured in 20 points each for the Spartans, who secured their first ever Tournament win on a rebound putback basket by O’Quinn with 35 seconds to go. He was fouled on the play and converted the free throw, giving Norfolk St. an 84-81 lead. The Tigers Phil Pressey’s three pointer at the buzzer bounced off the back rim, allowing the Spartans, 25-8, to face Florida.

Ohio used a stifling perimeter defense to keep the Big Ten Tri-Champs Michigan at bay, holding them to 7 for 23 from 3pt range…30.7%. The Bobcats were the Nation’s 13th ranked 3-pt defensive team this season. It wasn’t all about defense on this day however, as the Bobcats ripped the nets at a 51.2% pace. D.J. Cooper led Ohio with 21 points, Ohio St. transfer Walter Offutt dropped in 11,Ivo Baltic and Reggie Keeley added 10 apiece. The Wolverines were led by Freshman Trey Burke’s 16 points. They finish their season 24-10. Ohio advances to play South Florida.

As for the rest of our underdog winners, N.C State plays Georgetown, Purdue rumbles with Kansas and St. Louis throws down with Michigan St. All games will be played on Sunday, March 18th.

March Madness NEVER disappoints folks, so settle in and watch some great basketball…as a fan, you just can’t lose.

Brian Minor
brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

The Washington Redskins and the St. Louis Rams agreed to a trade involving several high level draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. In this trade, the Redskins agreed to send their first and second-round selections this year, plus their first-rounders in 2013 and 2014, to the St. Louis Rams for the second overall pick in this year’s draft. It is widely thought that the pick in this spot will be Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, a dynamic young quarterback considered to be a franchise-type player. An amazing athlete with 4.4 speed in the 40 yard dash, Griffin III could become the face of a football team in desperate need of an identity and a legitimate “go-to” player at the most critical position in the game. The question asked of me was “Did they give up too much to build an Offense around him?”. Lets take a look.

In looking at the last three Super Bowl winning teams Offensive depth charts,and adding the contributing players as well as starters, it doesn’t appear so. In this year’s(2012)Super Bowl win, the New York Giants Offensive roster consisted of 15 significant contributors:2 first round picks(Manning,Nicks),3 second round picks(Baas,Beatty,Snee),3 third round picks(Beckum,Manningham,McKenzie),1 fourth rounder(Jacobs),1 fifth rounder(Diehl),1 sixth rounder(Pascoe),1 seventh rounder(Bradshaw)and 3 Undrafted Free Agents(Ballard,Cruz,Hynoski). Five of the Fifteen players were drafted in round Two or higher. In other words, 10 of the 15 players who were significant contributors to a SB winning team’s offense were drafted in round three or lower.

The 2011 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl winning roster consisted of 16 significant contributors on offense:2 first rounders(Rodgers,Bulaga),3 second rounders(Jennings,Clifton,Nelson),2 third rounders(Jones,Finley),2 fourth rounders(Sitton,Lang),1 fifth rounder(Quarless),1 sixth rounder(Starks),2 seventh rounders(Driver,Wells)and 3 Undrafted Free Agents(Crabtree,Grant,Kuhn). Eleven of the Sixteen key contributors were drafted in round 3 or lower including 3 Pro Bowlers(Driver,Kuhn,Wells).

The 2010 New Orleans Saints Super Bowl winner consisted of 16 significant contributors:3 first rounders(Bush,Meachem,Shockey),3 second rounders(Brees,Henderson,Stinchcomb),1 third rounder(D.Thomas),2 fourth rounders(Evans,Bushrod),2 fifth rounders(Nicks,Goodwin),2 seventh rounders(Colston,Strief)and 3 Undfrated Free Agents(Moore,Eckel,P. Thomas). Ten of sixteen key contributors were drafted in round 3 or lower including 3 Pro Bowlers(Nicks,Evans,Bushrod).

The fact? Lower round talent is what makes up the majority of your team. This talent comes at considerably less expense and risk. The one common theme on these teams is that their Quarterback is in those top picks, always. He is your leader and your Field General and it is critical that your team has one that has “star” quality. These types of players don’t come along every day, as the Redskins can surely attest. The teams above were assembled around that key piece, that “once in a generation” type player. Whereas Rodgers fell to the Packers in the draft as the result of odd circumstance, the Giants and the Saints identified their man and did what it took to get him.

The Redskins had the nerve that it takes to make that blockbuster deal and they should be commended for it. It is the ultimate gamble, but it could be the one that puts the franchise back on track. If you don’t have that marquis player at the helm, the odds are you won’t be successful. If you don’t have that Superstar, you better find the nerve to go get one. In making this trade, they have eliminated alot of risk involved with 2 additional first rounders and at the same time improved their chances of getting a return on their investment.

What we know about RGIII is that he is supremely talented, bright and articulate. What we know about Redskin’s Head Coach Mike Shanahan is that he has been successful for many years in the league. But can they work together? There are no guarantees in life, you know this,and Shanahan hasn’t had the best track record with his QB’s lately. As I said earlier, it is the ultimate gamble. If it works out and the ‘Skins return to their former glory, it will be considered a steal.

If not, it very well could be considered “Shanahan’s Last Stand”.

Brian Minor, Sports-Trader.Net
brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

Thirty Five year old Peyton Manning was cut by the Indianapolis Colts today, ending the future Hall of Fame quarterback’s 14 year relationship with the team. The press conference, in which Manning thanked everyone for everything and expressed his gratitude for his years with the team, was sincere and it was emotional.

Team owner Jim Irsay was quoted as saying, “There will be no other Peyton Manning”, adding that he hoped Wednesday’s joint appearance would serve to “honor incredible memories and incredible things that he’s done for the franchise, for the city, for the state.”

Manning had this to say, “We all know that nothing lasts forever. Times change, circumstances change, and that’s the reality of playing in the NFL.”

Both sides claimed it wasn’t about money, despite the fact Manning was due a 28 million dollar roster bonus this week. Tearfully, respectfully…unthinkably…the Colts and the only 4-time MVP in NFL history parted ways. An era came to an end. How did it come to this?

This scenario came to be when Manning missed the entire 2011 season after having what was thought to be his third neck surgery in less than two years. S.I. later found out and reported a fourth procedure ,citing “NFL sources”. In his absence, the team utterly and completely collapsed, and the Colts earned the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft. This draft happens to have as highly touted a prospect as has been seen in many years,Stanford QB Andrew Luck….not to mention another stellar QB prospect in Baylor’s Robert Griffin III. The Colts are in the very unique position to replace an absolute legend with an absolute legendary prospect,basically they hope to get a Manning clone at a fraction of the price and age.

They say it wasn’t about money, but it very obviously was. Manning has made in the neighborhood of 200 million dollars in his days with the Colts, so one could believe that he doesn’t need it…..but why didn’t he see this coming? He has to realize the position the huge bonus, 90 million dollar contract and injury puts his owner and team in. It’s not as if he is 27 and healthy as a horse. He could have restructured, seeing the writing on the wall with the impending pick of Luck. Luck spoke reverently of Manning and said no one could ever replace him. He doesn’t come off as the kind of kid who would pout, demand a trade or any of that other stuff if he didn’t start day one. Manning could have mentored Luck for a season or two, and rode off into the sunset. Young followed Montana in San Francisco after a short apprenticeship, and Rodgers followed Favre in Green Bay in the same manner….it’s not a “career death sentence”. It would seem that sometimes greatness follows greatness.

Manning really left Irsay only one “sound” business option, and that was to release him. Despite all that the former #1 overall draft pick and icon had done for his team, the “Risk vs Reward” equation no longer favored him. From the “Bounties” of the Saints to the Salary Cap….from the Collective Bargaining Agreement to the ticket prices at the gate…emotional, tear-filled press conferences aside, it’s ALWAYS about the money.

Brian Minor
brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

The Milwaukee Brewer’s Left Fielder and League MVP Ryan Braun today became the first man to win an appeal vs a positive drug test in Major League Baseball history. I have read as much as I can find on the his appeal and it seems as though Mr. Braun had over TWICE the amount of testosterone as ever before found in a player. I am no chemist, I am no scientist, but Ryan Braun is a level headed, calm player and doesn’t seem any different than anyone else. Since this is so unbelievably out of whack, you almost HAVE to call for a second test don’t you? To my knowledge, MLB did not. Braun himself paid for one that was not admitted and not allowed as evidence, and it found him to be clean.
Certainly such a high test level would suggest a test flaw wouldn’t it? I fail to see how the testers AND for that matter, MLB can not call for a re-test to verify something so important to Braun, to Milwaukee and to Baseball itself. In Braun’s statement to the public earlier today, he had this to say:

“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision. It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.

“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances. I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide. I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year.” ~Ryan Braun, 2-23-12

Twenty-Five  random tests and not one hint of  an abuse until he winds up with double the amount ever tested?  This has to be considered very strange doesn’t it?  Yet MLB does not seem to be happy with the decision, or the process that it agreed to. Instead of being happy that it has a legitimate excuse for why one of it’s shining stars lost some luster, it released this statement:

“Major League Baseball considers the obligations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program essential to the integrity of our game, our Clubs and all of the players who take the field.  It has always been Major League Baseball’s position that no matter who tests positive, we will exhaust all avenues in pursuit of the appropriate discipline.  We have been true to that position in every instance, because baseball fans deserve nothing less.

“As a part of our drug testing program, the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association agreed to a neutral third party review for instances that are under dispute.  While we have always respected that process, Major League Baseball vehemently disagrees with the decision rendered today by arbitrator Shyam Das.” ~MLB Officials, 2-23-12

Now,wait just a second here. MLB vehemently disagrees with the decision? If MLB had the power,  or more importantly, the lock down PROOF to ruin a man’s life they would have used it. They still are recoiling from the initial findings of the PED scandals involving Rodger Clemens,  Alex Rodriquez,  Mark McGwire,  Barry Bonds and a handful of others. They NEED to show that they are addressing their problem by administering the appropriate “punishment”, and point blank they feel slighted by this blemish on their once perfect record in these matters.

The bottom line is this, MLB and Commissioner Bud Selig had the opportunity to shut this entire PED circus down. Alex Rodriguez didn’t lose his MVP award the year he was tested positive. His records weren’t removed and he wasn’t banned for life as he SHOULD have been. Bonds still has his HR record despite the testimony of his live-in girlfriend. Despite the fact that he perjured himself during the hearings.  McGwire is a bench coach for the Cardinals, still got his records. Clemens has been singled out and dogged endlessly, seemingly to set an example to those who won’t  admit what they have done and allow it all to pass but he still has his records. Why wasn’t MLB  more “vehemently” demanding stricter punishments right off? Make sure the players know their meal ticket is gone for good if they use these banned substances. These men have disrespected the game, and they shouldn’t have been allowed near it for a very, very long time …. if ever again.

Seem harsh? Well, consider this: the numbers put up by players like the aforementioned Bonds, Clemens, Rodriguez and McGwire  while using PEDs earned them blockbuster contracts. Numbers that were drastically beyond normal….fake…..numbers. In the real world, that’s known as FRAUD . That’s right, fraud.

As per Merriam-Webster:

Definition of FRAUD

Why didn’t MLB investigate this fraud? Why didn’t Congress, while they were at it? This scam netted the players mentioned above, and all the other players in the League a nicer payday as their contracts set the bar for contracts to come.  Marginal player salaries increased significantly, putting more burden on the small market teams and Owners across the board. Where were these extra costs made up do you think? Yep, at the gate. It came from YOU, from me…it came from the loyal fans who they so brazenly claim “deserve nothing less”.  They are flat out telling us that we deserve to pay for their mistakes and failures to administer  “the appropriate discipline” in the matters that preceded the Braun finding by years. This massive ripple effect has forever altered the history of  “America’s Game”.  It has inflated salaries and ticket prices both… along with player stats.  Selig and MLB had ONE CHANCE to get this right and make it clear that it wouldn’t be tolerated. They failed epicly.

There is an important difference in this matter where Braun is concerned. He has been found innocent. He isn’t like those mentioned above who have disrespected the game. No matter how vehemently MLB disagrees with the decision, it was a fair one considering  the indiscretions of the premature announcement and the glaring inconsistencies in the process itself. It was a process agreed upon by both the Players and MLB, they have nothing to cry about here. They will be lucky if Braun doesn’t decide to sue the pants off of them for it being released in the first place. The game needs role models and Braun certainly was one before this fiasco, hopefully today’s results will allow him to continue to be held in that regard.

He won an appeal of a highly questionable test result and that appeal’s findings support his career findings. Like it or not,Ryan Braun is a clean player.

Brian Minor~Sports-Trader.Net

brainzz@news.sports-trader.net

Tough Times Clip

Bo’s Message, 2006 Wisconsin Badger Basketball Camp

Back in 2006, my son Pat and his friend Seth were accepted into the Wisconsin Badger Boy’s Basketball camp in Madison.  We were all excited( kids and parents both),  and being hardcore Badger fans this opportunity was a dream. The chance for the boys to get some elite coaching from the UW staff, to rub elbows with some Badger players and compete with kids from all over the state was something we were sure they would never forget.  It didn’t disappoint.

It was a two-part camp, the boys went down for a weekend and went to a “shooting” camp, then would stay an additional 5 days for the main camp itself.  We headed down to Madison on Friday night and found the campus, parked  at the dorms and got all their things in order.   Parents were dropping off ball players right and left  so we kept it short,  the boys thanked me, told me to drive safe and headed off to check things out.   The 2 hour drive home passed by uneventfully.

The following day we got a call, and it was bad news…my Wife’s father had passed away. We didn’t  call Pat to tell him, wanting him to enjoy the camp for the weekend. It was a difficult time  for everyone to say the least, and there was no sense in telling him before he came home. Sunday night came, and shooting camp had ended.  The boys had to come home for just that night while the dorms were prepped for the week long camp, then go back the next day so  I drove down and got them. Couldn’t help but smile  listening to their stories and excited chatter over what was a great experience for them. I really dreaded what was to come.

After we dropped Seth off and I had a moment alone with Pat, I told him that his Grandfather had passed.  It didn’t go over well. That night, the plans were made that he would go to the camp the next day and I would go and get him on Tuesday night for the funeral on Wednesday. We all agreed, Grandpa would have wanted him to go. I returned the boys to Madison on Monday, then returned  the next night to get Pat as planned. He explained that  he had told the counselors about his situation and that Coach Ryan knew about it. Everything was good to go. We attended the funeral and I returned him to Madison so he could finish out the week.

At the end of camp, Coach Ryan gave a short speech and luckily I had brought my dvd recorder with me to catch it.  The two links above are clips from his speech that day. I was really surprised at what he had to say.  Missing was the “coach speak” and the basketball terminology.  He  spoke about being competitive, being productive and being a good person. He spoke about helping around the house, and making sure to take the time to thank your parents for all they do. It was a good message…..it was a 1950′s  message, and one that I believe makes Bo Ryan a true coach.  It’s not only about the sport to the coaches who “get it” on the level of a Bo Ryan. It’s not about his 262-98 record. It’s not about  his all-time best Big Ten winning percentage of .709 or his 152-11 home record before the start of this season. It’s about how sport prepares “his kids” for other challenges in life. It’s about how to use sport to develop a competitive edge and a mental toughness that carries over into life and paves the way for success.

When all the speeches were done, I waited in line and shook Coach Ryan’s hand. It was quite a thing for me being that I don’t get around famous people much, even semi-famous people.  I apologized for the unforeseen circumstances and he said “Oh, that was your son who left?”.

I said “Yes Coach, it was”.

He said “That is a shame, we all felt bad for the kid.  Kids are tough though, they will fight through.”

I nodded my head and smiled, then moved along so the line could keep moving.

Coach Ryan never said if his comment about the “tough times” was pointed at Pat, but I think that in the spirit of a true coach, he made sure he covered the needs of all his players.

Brian Minor, Sports-Trader.Net

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