Category: NFL (Page 674 of 1282)

      Breaking down the 2009 NFL Offensive Rookie Year candidates

      August 24, 2009 /

      Around this time last year, I compiled a top 10 list of Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates and ranked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan No. 1. He went on to throw for 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns and led Atlanta to a remarkable playoff appearance, all while making me look like some kind of OROY-predicting genius.

      Of course, I also listed Titans running back Chris Johnson at No. 7 behind less-productive names like Darren McFadden (No. 4), Kevin Smith (No. 5) and Rashard Mendenhall (No. 6), hence making me look like some kind of OROY-predicting moron.

      To see my top 10 ranking from last year, click here. And for my top 10 ranking of the offensive rookie of the year candidates for this season, see below.

      1. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos
      While the knee injury he suffered in Denver’s preseason opener is a concern, Moreno is expected to be ready for Week 1 and will be given every opportunity to shine in ’09. Granted, he’s stuck in a crowded backfield and could be eased into the season after hurting his knee, but he has the potential to be an every-down back at some point this year. He was the most complete back in April’s draft, has outstanding vision and should get plenty of opportunities to make plays in Josh McDaniels’ shotgun-heavy offense. He’ll also benefit from running behind the Broncos’ stellar O-line. Expecting him to put up rushing numbers similar to those of Chris Johnson (1,228 rushing yards) last year might be a little ambitious. But if Moreno stays healthy, a 400-plus yard receiving season in McDaniels’ system is certainly doable.

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      NFL

      Poll: How far do the Vikings have to advance to justify the whole Brett Favre saga?

      August 24, 2009 /

      Here are the results of our recent poll:

      107 total votes

      23% — the playoffs
      26% — the championship game
      23% — the Super Bowl
      27% — nothing can justify this

      I’m a little surprised by the results. After all, the Vikings did make the playoffs last season, so just making the postseason again would seem like treading water more than making a step forward, so I don’t know that it would justify the Favre saga.

      Conversely, I threw in the “nothing can justify this” as kind of a joke, but it ended up being the top answer. I guess Favre fatigue outweighs common sense to some degree. Do people honestly think that even if the Vikings represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season that the Favre signing is still not justified? That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, does it?

      Tell me why I’m wrong.

      (P.S. As a long-time Packer fan, my stomach turns every time I see Favre anywhere near the color purple.)

      NFL

      Russell named Raiders’ starting QB

      August 24, 2009 /

      The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Raiders head coach Tom Cable has officially named JaMarcus Russell his starting quarterback.

      Raiders coach Tom Cable made the unstunning declaration during a conference call, all while lamenting how Jeff Garcia’s calf strain kept a true quarterback competition from breaking out in training camp.

      It’s not that Cable wanted Garcia to beat out Russell. The job was Russell’s to lose. It’s just that Cable hoped Garcia would use his experience and fiery attitude to spur Russell to greater growth.
      This is the season Russell has to step up and stop relying on the excuse that he’s still learning. He’s entering his third year and while Oakland doesn’t have the greatest line in which to play behind, Al Davis has surrounded Russell with more than enough playmakers to be effective.

      I don’t think the Raiders are expecting Russell to post a 100-plus QB Rating and lead the league in touchdowns. But they do expect him to look more comfortable in the pocket, not overthrow his receivers by 20 feet and most importantly, to work hard and be a leader.

      NFL

      Rookie Coffee rushes for 129 yards in Niners’ preseason win

      August 23, 2009 /

      Don’t tell 49ers’ rookie running back Glen Coffee it’s only the preseason.

      Glen CoffeeAfter rushing for 67 yards on 14 carries in San Fran’s preseason opening win over the Broncos last week, Coffee backed that performance with a 16-carry, 129-yard effort against the Raiders on Saturday night.

      From ESPN.com:

      Coffee, a third-round pick out of Alabama, gashed Oakland’s run defense, ripping off four runs of at least 10 yards, including a 35-yarder that led to a field goal by Joe Nedney. Coffee, who replaced Frank Gore after one series, finished with 129 yards on 16 carries.

      The Niners took a little heat when they selected Coffee over fellow running back prospects Rashad Jennings and Andre Brown in April, mainly because Coffee wasn’t the most elusive or explosive back in the draft. But obviously the young man has shown great toughness and coaches have marveled at his speed and pass blocking abilities.

      Frank Gore is obviously still San Fran’s best offensive weapon and their top back. But with the way Coffee has looked thus far, don’t be surprised if the Niners find ways to get him plenty of touches this season.

      NFL

      Vick burns down Lincoln Financial Field

      August 22, 2009 /

      …not really – Michael Vick just got The Onion treatment:

      PHILADELPHIA—Newly acquired Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was “humiliated” Tuesday after an iron he had left unattended inside the team’s locker room sparked a blaze that eventually burned Lincoln Financial Field to the ground. “I just wanted to press some shirts so I could look nice and make a good impression on the team, but now everybody is going to hate me,” said Vick, choking back tears as he surveyed the still smoldering remains of the $518 million stadium. “I didn’t mean to do it. I tried really hard to put out the fire, but when I smothered the flames they just got bigger and everything started burning. I’m super sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.” Vick, who said he did not notify police or the fire department because it would violate the conditions of his reinstatement, added that the stadium might be fine once it cools down.

      That’s pretty funny.

      On a related note, Andy Reid said that Vick would make his Eagles debut next Thursday against the Jaguars.

      NFL

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