Wrapping the Fish, again

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://www.seahawkshuddle.com/v1/portal.php?topic_id=15500

Baltimore Ravens Overview 2007
-- William Duda, Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have managed to stay out of the limelight for quite some time. Even after finishing a solid 13-3 at the end of the 2006 season, to many onlookers it was only a matter of time before the aging black birds met their demise.
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After having dealt with injuries to Mulitalo and venerable Pro Bowler Jonathan Ogden last season, it only made sense to secure the offensive front five. Although the young replacements did an upstanding job, giving up only up 17 sacks last season, Newsome is again planning for the future.

And the future is now.

Newsome utilized the Ravens first pick to select Ben Grubbs, a 6’3”, 313 lbs. offensive guard out of Auburn. Much like Chris Chester, whom the Ravens drafted in 2006, Grubbs is a former tight end converted to offensive guard. This equates to two very quick and athletic guards who will begin to change the face of Baltimore’s traditionally bruising offensive unit.

The Ravens used their third pick to select Marshall Yanda, a 6’4”, 304 lbs. offensive guard out of Iowa. Yanda intrigued the Ravens for two reasons: His athleticism as well as his versatility. Although listed as a guard, Yanda has the ability to play tackle as well, offering relief to Ogden on an as needed basis.
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Look for the Ravens to surprise in 2007 with a much-improved offense, ala Brian Billick’s days as an offensive guru in Minnesota. If the defense can turn in a stellar performance again this season, we may have a preview of the AFC Championship game when New England rolls into Baltimore on December 3rd.

My fellow draftniks - I like Yanda as a RT or LG, but I consider it a stretch to see him as a LT behind Ogden...any thoughts?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://sport.monstersandcritics.com...ge_Five_Teams_on_the_Rise_Five_on_the_Decline

Line of Scrimmage: Five Teams on the Rise, Five on the Decline

If you're seeking some solid tips on the bear market, look no further than this space.

It was around this time last year that we referred readers to five teams on the decline, correctly asserting that 2005 playoff entries Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, and Denver would struggle to keep their footing into 2006. We missed on just one of the five teams we pegged for tougher times - New England - though we accurately predicted that the Patriots would win a watered-down AFC East in spite of their perceived inadequacies.
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Below we take our annual look at five teams primed for an imminent ascent, and their counterparts in the department of descent.

ON THE RISE

49ers
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Broncos...San Diego remains the class of the AFC West as the season begins, but should Norv Turner perform his patented face-plant, a high- quality Denver team will be lying in wait to reclaim the division.
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Panthers...But John Fox's squad will enter 2007 with improved health, a dash of fresh talent (rookie linebacker Jon Beason and wideout Dwayne Jarrett, for starters), and a new offensive mastermind in former Browns coordinator Jeff Davidson.
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Bengals - Was there an NFL team more maddeningly inconsistent than the Bengals in 2006? ... There is no guarantee that the Bengals will stay out of the police blotter (especially with 'hear no evil, see no evil' Marvin Lewis running the show)...
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Jaguars...The quarterback situation remains in flux, particularly given the club's apparent fixation on Daunte Culpepper at the moment...But can Jack Del Rio's squad endure the inevitable drama?

Honorable Mention: Texans, Cowboys, Lions, Browns, Raiders
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ON THE DECLINE

Chiefs - Kansas City's backdoor maneuver into the 2006 playoff bracket could end up being the highlight of the Herm Edwards era... Is it me, or does this ship seem rudderless?
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Giants
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Titans - And you thought Vince Young was a one-man team last year?
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Jets - Eric Mangini did a masterful job assembling a playoff team from a 2006 roster that looked to most to have below-average talent. But maintaining that postseason standing will require a greater degree of difficulty for the 2007 Jets, who sill have some major issues that need addressing.
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Dishonorable Mention: Bills, Falcons, Packers, Vikings, Chargers

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6915756#talkback

NFL's risers and fallers

Despite a noticeable plummet in quality, the NFL has become even more popular than Paris Hilton's prison memoir.

For the record, this popularity has nothing to do with the league's off-field audition for its own Law & Order spin-off. I'm not exactly sure why the NFL has achieved such penetration in America's sporting market, but am prepared to offer a big clue.

That clue is parity, which prevents anyone from truly knowing which team will win the Super Bowl until the Madden Bowl results are in. According to football insiders, the ability of every NFL team — except, perhaps, the Arizona Cardinals — to rise from despair into immediate contention makes the league accessible to most sports fans.

Parity usually is reached because the NFL's salary cap prevents any franchise from employing more than four good players simultaneously.

With this parity-induced, quantum-leap philosophy in mind, a couple of teams riding low expectations into training camp will emerge as solid playoff contenders.
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NFC RISE

Please meet the San Francisco 49ers, whose ownership did much more than spend a great deal of loot to fill its decreasing number of holes.
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It also doesn't hurt that San Francisco's schedule includes six games with NFC West foes and excludes any dates with the Chargers, Indianapolis Colts or New England Patriots.

NFC FALL

Despite the potential to alienate half of my soon-to-be in-laws, I have to go with the Chicago Bears.
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AFC RISE

With none of the conference's heavyweights seeming that prepared to step aside, finding an upgrade over here is really tricky. That explains why I'm taking a big, blind swing and going with the (drum roll) Houston Texans.

Now that you've finished laughing (well, most of you), let's count the ways these Texans have a puncher's chance.

Are you convinced? I don't blame you.

AFC FALL

It's seems equally nutty to predict doom for the best defensive teams in each conference, but the Baltimore Ravens are my hot pick to cool down.
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I suppose the trickiest issue facing the Ravens is a schedule that includes games with the Chargers, New England Patriots and Colts ... on consecutive weeks.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Drooling over Herm Edwards - CAUTION - high BARF risk

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6915026

My pick? Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards.

When HBO recently announced it was bringing back NFL training camp mini-series Hard Knocks this season, I was intrigued. When I discovered that they'd be following the Chiefs, I tried setting my DVR three months in advance.

I'm that excited.

I'm not sure America has any idea of what it's in store for starting on Aug. 8. Having lived in New York throughout the Herm Edwards era of Jets football, I can assure you that we're about to witness one of the greater leading men in television history.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-25-55/Don-t-Expect-Big-Changes-in-Game-4.html

ESPN's David Thorpe has been watching these Finals and wishing that Cleveland coach Mike Brown, realizing his team was outmatched, would have been bold in experimenting with different approaches. Thorpe cites Bill Belichick who, in leading the New England Patriots as massive underdogs in 2002's Super Bowl XXXVI, essentially invented a whole new defense to shock and knock off the mighty Rams.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://www.411mania.com/sports/nfl/55712/4th-and-Long-06.14.07:-The-Debut.htm

Hello, and welcome to my first NFL column here at 411. Thanks for taking the time to check it out, and hope you enjoy it. I also hope you that if you have any opinions on my opinions, you take the time to drop me an email and generate some real discussions on all things NFL related.
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Could the Dolphins be the worst run organization in football right now?
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So, how does the spring go for the offense under Cameron's watch? Here's a short overview:

- Wideout/return man Wes Welker - the only real offensive highlight last season and the team's leader in receptions and returns - leaves in a sign and trade with, of all teams, division rival New England. I am sure there was some salary cap considerations in play here, but letting your offensive MVP go to one of your biggest rivals? Not a good move.
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Well, it's a safe bet he won't be the spokesperson for the SPCA...
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I'll leave the investigative work and the legal implications to others, but professionally, how could someone be so stupid? When you make more money out of endorsements than on the field, it does not take a genius to realize you should probably avoid even showing up at something as reprehensible as a dog fight, let alone breed pitbulls as a side business. I don't know how much money Vick stands to lose over this, but I'll bet you his accountants know down to the penny.
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-- The best off season in recent memory has to belong to the Patriots. You know it's good when signing the best defensive player available - Adalieus Thomas - gets almost no press.

 

[patfanken]

Just a note of thanks Box, I'm sure we all appreciate your effort in bringing us this information. I know I do.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://www.townonline.com/canton/homepage/x1593635430

As I carried my newborn son, Zachary into the Patriots Pro Shop at Gillette Stadium the other day, I couldn’t help but tell him about where we were.

“Zachary,” I said, “Look where we are! This is the home of daddy’s favorite team, the New England Patriots! We’re going into the pro shop to buy you a jersey!”

My wife looked on, shaking her head at my Patriots obsession. As we walked into the pro shop, I kept talking to Zachary.

“Look, Zachary! A Rodney Harrison throwback jersey! Look, Zachary! A picture of the kick Adam Vinatieri made in the snow game against the Raiders in 2001! Look Zachary! A picture of John Hannah!”

He just looked at me, drooling and gurgling, his big blue eyes shooting me a quizzical look.

It hit me at that point—the kid didn’t understand a freakin’ thing I was saying.

:rocker:

 

[jczxohn1]

Drooling and gurgling, hmm, sounds like my kind of fan!!

 

[Lee Evans83]

I dont see how the Bills are on the decline when we have probly the youngest team in the league

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I dont see how the Bills are on the decline when we have probly the youngest team in the league

Some folks don't get excited over O-line investments...though you've got to admit there was some serious cash handed out this season. I'm waiting to see how your boys do this year, I think your secondary and linebackers will be just fine, the defensive ends are in good shape, it's your defensive tackles who will need to prove they've got it together. On offense your backs will be fine, J.P. was looking better and could finally turn the corner, the O-line will be okay despite the cash flow surprise, it's going to be the guys playing behind your namesake who need to step up their game more than any other position on the team. That's my thinking, what are you seeing?

 

[Crazy Patriot Guy]

I dont see how the Bills are on the decline when we have probly the youngest team in the league

Buffalo was 7-9 last season and lost some good players. If they had gone 2-14 or something, there is nowhere to go but up. IMO a lot of experts think of the Bills as a team that showed flashes then gutted their team to start over.

I for one don't think they will be the disaster that a lot of people are predicting but I can see why so many have doubts. It wouldn't be the biggest shock of all time to see them fight for a playoff spot, though it's not something I'm predicting.

 

[captain stone]

Drooling over Herm Edwards - CAUTION - high BARF risk

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6915026

Wow. Is he serious?

Tommy "The Pinball Wizard" Walker could have written a more accurate column.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Prisco listing again...
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10225498

When I put together the CBS SportsLine.com Top 50 rankings of the NFL players each summer, I'm guilty of the same thing.

If you're aging and sliding, or injured and non-productive, or even loafing too much (that's you, Randy Moss), there's a good chance you're being dropped down or even out of my list.

I'm always looking for fresh faces.

This year, there are 19 players on my Top 50 who weren't on the list last year. Some are veteran players who had good seasons, but most are young, rising players who belong, a couple who were even left off the Pro Bowl teams last December because they didn't have name recognition.
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2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: He's just a hair behind Manning. Look out now, though, with all those receivers on the roster. This could be a special year for Brady.

11. Richard Seymour, DE, New England Patriots: One of the class guys in the NFL is also one heck of a player. When he got hurt in the AFC Championship Game loss to the Colts, it really showed up on the defense.

43. Ty Warren, DE, New England Patriots: He's the most underrated player in the league. He could be on his way to his first Pro Bowl this season.

Just missed: ... Asante Samuel, CB, Patriots; Vince Wilfork, DT, Patriots; Logan Mankins, G, Patriots ...

 

[Lee Evans83]

Some folks don't get excited over O-line investments...though you've got to admit there was some serious cash handed out this season. I'm waiting to see how your boys do this year, I think your secondary and linebackers will be just fine, the defensive ends are in good shape, it's your defensive tackles who will need to prove they've got it together. On offense your backs will be fine, J.P. was looking better and could finally turn the corner, the O-line will be okay despite the cash flow surprise, it's going to be the guys playing behind your namesake who need to step up their game more than any other position on the team. That's my thinking, what are you seeing?

Im a little worried about our corners and the DTs but if Darwin Walker gets signed ill feel better, the only thing that worries me on O is the oline gelling...other than that i think the team is in pretty good shape

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6919700

Don't fit Pats for rings just yet

I've never been a Debbie Downer.

But in the past few months, I keep catching myself feeling like one when discussing a particular NFL topic. On the sports talk radio shows I've appeared on, in my columns, just chatting with other NFL writers and fans — it seems like I'm the only one bringing down the mood when a certain conversation begins.

Of course, I'm talking about everybody's unanimous Super Bowl XLII champions: The 19-0 2007 New England Patriots.

Call me crazy. Call me nuts. Call me a Debbie Downer — but as much as I want to throw caution to the wind and jump on the bandwagon, I'm having some doubts.
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Whatever it is, I'm not fitting the Pats for their Super Bowl XLII rings.

Yet.
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Chemistry

Never in a million years would I ever have imagined worrying about locker room chemistry on a team coached by Bill Belichick and led by veterans like Tedy Bruschi and Tom Brady. But in comes a ton of new faces; highly paid faces that have had illustrious NFL careers elsewhere.
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Over the next few months, NFL previews and Super Bowl predictions will be coming out fast and furiously from every direction. A lot of folks are going to be picking New England to win it all.

And that's fine. With the off-season the Patriots had, America's got every reason to love New England in '07.

I just have my doubts. Call me Debbie Downer if you must, but I'm not crowning the Pats as kings.

Not yet.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6926526

Is it hot in here or is that just Romeo Crennel's seat?

When discussing coaches who are in a make-or-break type of year, you'll often hear the Browns coach talked about in the same shaky breath as Giants head honcho Tom Coughlin.

And that's just not fair.

Under no circumstance should Romeo Crennel's job be in jeopardy. It shouldn't even be an option in Cleveland.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://www.hreonline.com/HRE/story.jsp?storyId=15298140

Rosabeth Kanter: Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End (Three Rivers Press, 2006)

From the locker room to the living room to the board room -- how winners become winners, and stay that way. Is success simply a matter of money and talent? Or is there another reason why some people and organizations always land on their feet, while others, equally talented, stumble again and again? There's a fundamental principle at work -- confidence -- that makes the difference between winning and losing in any competition, be it a high school basketball game or a high-stakes business situation. Kanter shows why organizations of all types may be brimming with talent but not be winners. Based on her extraordinary investigation of success and failure in companies such as Continental Airlines and Verizon and sports teams such as the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, as well as the arenas of education, health care, and politics, Kanter explores a new theory and practice of success and provides people in leadership positions with a prescriptive program for maintaining a winning streak or turning around a downward spiral.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://www.hawkcentral.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070615/HAWKS0104/706150315/1053/HAWKS

Five months later, the sting still lingers for the San Diego Chargers.

Five months later, the mere mention of last season brings back the memories of the abrupt conclusion, not the remarkable beginning, middle and everything leading up to the end.

"It's disappointing on so many different levels," said offensive lineman Mike Goff, one of three former Iowa players on last year's San Diego roster and one of the handful of Chargers in town this weekend for the second annual Nate Kaeding Drive-Putt-Kick Golf Tournament. "There are so many different things you can sit there and say, 'If this would've happened.'"
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"You look at Indianapolis and Pittsburgh the year before, and they were bumping their heads against the wall for three or four years before they were actually able to make that next step," Kaeding said. "We've got the guys, the talent; we've just got to keep moving."
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"We got in that game against New England, and here's (coach) Bill Belichick and (quarterback) Tom Brady, and these guys have won three Super Bowls and a plethora of playoff experience," Kaeding said. "They've been there however many times. And then there's us -- we're a relatively young team, and they've done it before and we haven't. We get down to the end of the game and we just didn't make plays when it came time to make them. But once we get there, get that experience, we're going to break through."

Perhaps, but it helps to have the discipline and situational knowledge to utilize that talent properly. Norv is no disciplinarian. Marlin Mcree boasting about how he'd run back the ball again despite the experience of having it stripped while he was playing super hero doesn't speak well to situational football knowledge.

Keep thinking Super Bowl boys. Please don't read any of the recent quotes from the Pats talking about how they are working on making themselves better individually before entering Training Camp and developing the team - we wouldn't want you young bucks in San Diego to learn the secret to winning consistently with talent has a mental component.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://www.journalreview.com/articles/2007/06/14/sports/moore.txt

Nothing like a little NBA action in the middle of June to remind me that the NFL is the greatest professional sports league in America.
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When it comes to professional sports, nothing compares to the NFL.