2012 replies to this topic

[True]

Lol AFC I guess. Only thing that I really like is the skills competition events.

I think Favre will return. Unless he gets injured he won't leave since he has a perfect team around him. If he does...his last pass as a Packer was a pick. His last pass as a Jet was a pick. Last pass as a Viking a pick? He wants to go out as King of the NFL.

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Now that most of our teams are out of the regular/post season what are the major concerns you want to get addressed?

For the Ravens:

Desperately need to fix the receiving corps. Derrick Mason has been a great #1, but he's old and on the verge of retirement. He plays great but he can't beat double coverage and doesn't have the same speed as before. Mark Clayton has a couple of good games a year but other than that he is very inconsistent. I'd move him to the slot to get more productive as he has trouble getting separation when he's one on one. Kelly Washington is primarily a third down receiver and always pulls out a first down, but he isn't exactly a #2 potential receiver, I'd still keep him around since he could possibly get better. I'd say with the first round pick we should get a receiver, but considering the Ravens' track record with drafting receivers in the first round, I'd be more inclined to get a defense player. I mean Ozzie is superb at drafting players and scouting out talent on the defensive side (Ngata, Suggs, Reed, and of course Lewis), but in terms of offense he doesn't have a keen eye for it (Kyle Boller and Mark Clayton..).

I'm looking at Brandon Marshall though he would cost a lot with a 1st and 3rd rounder, but I'd rather have him as proven talent with 100+ receptions then a young kid who could go up or down. Or possibly a try at Anquain Boldin as he seems unhappy in Arizona and is in the last year of his contract. He's a little older and has quite a few injuries so he would be cheaper than a 1st rounder, but he's twice as good as anything the Ravens already have. Either way, a new #1 WR is the top priority for the Ravens. The defense and running game are both in place, but the passing game needs a major overhaul.

Despite the defense being third overall, the secondary has been very battered up. Losing both Fabian Washington and Ladrius Webb at the #2 corner spot really hurt defending against the pass. Chris Carr is primarily a nickel-back and special-teamer and even though he played pretty decently as the second corner, he just isn't going to cut it. Same with Frank Walker who had so many illegal blocks and pass interference calls it drove me crazy. Webb was a great pickup in the third round last year and did great as a rookie, but tearing his ACL midway last season means he will probably have lost a step and won't be at 100% before the start of next season. That's why I figure the Ravens should use their first draft pick on a cornerback as Ozzie does great with defensive talent. I want to get back to the Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle in their prime shut down corner type defense we had back in 2006.

Another issue is the pass rush which I'm sure is probably because of Rex Ryan leaving and thus the Ravens weren't as blitz happy (and a depleted secondary adds to this too) and Greg Mattison uses more of a zone-coverage scheme with linebackers falling back into pass coverage. For his first year in the pros as a defensive coordinator he's done an amazing job considering the losses in the secondary. Terrell Suggs hasn't played to what he has been capable of due to an injury and being double teamed often, so bringing in another person to the left side would help accommodate for that. I know we drafted Paul Kruger in the second round last year, but he hasn't really shown anything to prove he's a top notch pass rusher. I'd more likely move him to to DL which will need new personal as Greg/Pryce are both getting old. I'd actually try and get Shawn Merriman in free agency. Even though he hasn't been as productive after his steroid incident (this would make him cheaper too), he's still a formidable pass rusher and having both him and Suggs would create major havoc for opposing offensive lines as they're great pass rushers. And hey he can come back to his roots here in Maryland! The defense isn't really a major concern, but I want the hard lined defense of the 2000/2006 seasons.

So yeah the three major issues that need to be addressed are getting a WR to pick up the passing game, a CB to help fix up the secondary, and a DE/DL to improve the pass rush. The Ravens are nearly a carbon copy of the Steelers (which pains me to say...) with a great running game and defense. What made the Steelers go on their Super Bowl runs was having Rothlisberger being an elite QB and having the receiving core to pass (Ward, Randel El, and Holmes) so they didn't become one dimensional. The Ravens have finally found a franchise QB in Joe Flacco and he has had the best start of any QB here and ten times as better as Boller was. But he needs some offensive weapons if he is going to succeed in the NFL and become an elite QB and make opponents respect the Ravens passing game that's never been great. If they can score 20 points in the game, they aren't going to lose with the defense we have.

EDIT: wow that was a lot longer than I thought..

[demonfox04]

For the Cowboys:

I would say new coaches, but Wade is staying & it seems that so is Garrett. That being said, those two actually did a lot better in the second half of the season, with the exception of the Vikings game. But I think that the Cowboys need to focus on their Offensive line. I felt they lost largely because of the O-Line. One thing is getting rid of Flozell. He used to be a force, but now he is old & brings too many unnecessary penalties and plays very dirty (granted, he's always been like that. =\). So I think Flozell needs to go & the Cowboys need to find a suitable replacement. I think that there should be a position battle between Colombo & Free as well. I think the big reason that the O-Line failed in the Vikings game was because the Cowboys made the stupid decision of putting Colombo, who had just come off of injury, over Free, who had played amazing for the previous 5-6 games. I think that really hurt them. So this is something they need to definitely look at.

The rest of the offensive seems to be doing fine. If Romo gets at least 3 seconds protection, things have usually been fine. Austin definitely has proven that he should be our #1 WR, and Crayton has always been a solid slot receiver and should just stick there because he gets great production out of the slot. If Roy can't work harder and get on track, I think the Cowboys should definitely look at pitting him against Ogletree because Ogletree is definitely a young talent who could develop into a #2 or #3 receiver, in my belief. I also think the Cowboys need to get the TE's more involved in the passing offense outside of blocking & outside of Witten.

But even on that point, I love what they do with the TE's in terms of blocking. Rather than a typical two tight end set, they run a three tight end set. Definitely really nice when you have 3 runningbacks with the ability to make a big run out of nothing (especially Felix). So they should definitely work a lot more on that, because I think if we can get that offensive set down pat, we could be a major force in running the ball. I feel the Cowboys should establish a run first, pass second mindset, as a matter of fact. They just need to keep/make the O-Line very aggressive and have a good rotation in the backfield (which they seem to be really developing well now).

On defense, I think the main point of attention is the secondary. The Cowboys just need to get more safety support. The addition of Sensabaugh was very nice & helped a bit. But I think we need to get a safety who is exceptional in coverage. I know that Alan Ball is somebody who can fill this role, so the Cowboys need to work with him on this over the offseason. In terms of CB's, the Cowboys seem to be finding a top corner in Jenkins, but Newman is also getting old & has been hampered by injuries the past 3 seasons or so. So they definitely need to look at finding a suitable replacement who can ease into the role once Newman can't go anymore. I would say, however, that maybe the Cowboys try & wait for Patrick Peterson out of LSU in 2 years. And in terms of safety, I think the Cowboys could definitely try and go for Chad Jones of LSU, if he is entering the draft this year. Of course, that is assuming that neither one goes before the Cowboys get to pick.

In terms of the front seven, I think the linebackers core is very good right now. You have two leaders at MLB with Bradie James & Keith Brooking, both who are seasoned and tough. And of course you have Ware at OLB and what looks to be a rising star in Spencer on the opposite side. Back ups are pretty solid. Carpenter is very good in coverage & seems to be working nicely on his rush and I think Victor Butler showed some nice flashes whenever he was in the game (very little). I think the Cowboys need to just work with the backups this offseason & also work to get Spencer and Ware to be in sync together, like Ellis & Ware used to be. If that happens, that'll be a terrible duo.

And in terms of the D-Line, I don't think there is much to fix. The Cowboys just need to find a suitable replacement for the D-Line coach & keep Jay Ratliff aggressive and attacking the middle.

In closing, I think the Cowboys should definitely focus on making their gameplan to pound the ball on offensive and to hit hard on defense. So basically, being aggressive is the key here. The more aggressive they are on the field, the better chances they have. That's what I think though.

[Mik3]

Well the Eagles went 11-5 which is good, but also got man handled in the final two games of the season. There needs to be changes.

The top priority should be defensive line. They get little to no pass rush from the front four. Trent Cole is one of the leagues best defensive ends but hes still undersized and he can get beat by sheer size at times. And he gets double teamed out the arse as well. The rest of the line besides broderick bunkley are also way undersized to be starting. Patterson is only about 6'0 and so is Juqua Parker. Dallas basically used their size on offense to beat the Eagles, it wasn't anything special on their part, just simple plays, with great execution. Now what id like them to do is go and get another top end DE to play opposite trent cole. Number one on my list is Ray Edwards. And we might have had a better shot at him if he hadn't exploded in the playoffs, because then he wouldn't be as valued. But most likely the Vikings will franchise tag him and i can't say i blame them. So next would be Julius Peppers who will finally be a free agent. Even if the panthers tag him again most likely the NFLPA would get involved. Both edwards and peppers are big fast lineman who can dominate the LOS, and we don't have that on our line and it would lossen up protection schemes for cole. Basically games are won in the trenches, o-line and d-line win games.


Next would be the linebacker corps. We lost a leader in Stewart Bradley to a pre-season injury and spent the rest of the season playing musical linebackers. And they got trashed by plenty of RBs late in the season. Luckily, once Stewart is healthy it fixes a lot of things. I'd put Will Witherspoon back at this outside linebacker spot and have a competition for the last LB spot. Also would like to keep Jeremiah Trotter for run situations, the old man can still plug the middle.


Then the secondary...


Well Asante Samuel just needs to learn how to tackle. I can't fault him for the times he bites at double moves, he was brought in to get picks and he does that, Sheldon Brown did really well this season, even when he got hurt midway in the season. They ought to pay him this offseason. Ellis hobbs and joseilo hanson also provide depth at CB, so were fin there. At safety, they really need to trade, sign, or draft somebody to fill the free safety void left by Brian Dawkins. I wouldn;t mind drafting Taylor Mays out of USC, hes big, hes fast and he can play the run at 6'3 230 pounds. Mikell i give a free pass too, though he doesn't deserve a pro bowl spot that he got.

On the offensive side, its time to pay Leonard Weaver. Hes a playmaker at fullback. Can't really say that about any other FB. He even took a paycut so he could play for us this season. He showed what he can do and now its time to lock him up.

Lesean Mccoy showed good progression during his rookie year, but now he needs to make the jump from rookie to nfl star. Brian Westbrook most likely will get released and it sad, he was overused in his career here and deserves a ring more than anyone else on this roster. They need to draft or sign a free agent to get depth at Running back.



The O-line got beaten up and so we had to face Dallas with backup center and a third string right guard. cannot say enough about how great dallas had it those last two games. Once again, they just need to get healthy, and see if we can get shawn adnrews back a right guard. we really have no choice, gotta give him one more chance. And they need to go out and sign a veteran for the dpeth becuase the lack of it hurt us in the end.

Were fine at wide reciever and I think next year Maclin will be ready to turn into a more every downs guy who can make the tough grabs as opposed to the big play machine desean jackson is. I wouldn't mind trading for a star wideout, but we can win with this group.


Finally...the QB situation. Hopefully it gets dealt with fast. After the superbowl we'll get to see how teams like arizona and minnesota are going to deal with their QB problems and if we can get a good deal for Mcnabb, then they should do it. Kolb may not be able to win a superbowl anytime soon but i think he may be ready to help us compete, If we dont get a great deal, id keep mcnabb in a heart beat and make one last run with him. Tough schedule this year with indy, dallas, minnesota and green bay all coming to play in philly. And having a qb like Mcnabb will sell tickets.





Also id like to do a quick look around at the other playoff losers.


Green Bay:Aaron Rodgers is going to win a superbowl evenutally, they are set on offense, ITs the defense they need to work on. Kampman might be gone and they need to get a good 3-4 de in their who can stop the run as opposed to rushing the passer. The secondary needs work as well, horrible safety play this year. The only guy they really had was the all pro charles woodson.

New England:Well, half of their plan is to jsut say "Well, we've got Tom and Randy," Because they're too old on defense. And its going to take time tuning a 3-4 defense. They need a running game, they haven't had one since they won the super bowl. And with Wes Welker potentially out for the first half of the season, Tom Brady is going to have to step it up. He threw a bunch of awful INTs this season. I though he actually was just average this year. As was their entire team. In all honesty, New England looks done as far as being asuper bowl contender is concerned.


Cincy Bengals:Palmer needs to bounce back too. Bad year, and they were over dependent on Cedric Benson. Front FOur also let them down in the loss to the Jets.

Ravens:Joe Flacco has done well his first tow seasons but now he needs to step up and make plays or they'll never be able to beat the colts. Gotta score points. They need to beg Mason not to retire for ast least one more season.

They remind me so much of the eagles in the earlier 2000s Great rushing attack and good defense. Better defense than the eagles had though. Hopefully Reed won't retire yet. But they need to get a big play Receiver. It turned the Eagles into a super bowl team and if T.O. had kept his mouth shut ,we might'be won one by now.
But they can't overuse Ray Rice because a Running backs career ends quickly. So they must get a target for Flacco. ITs a desperate need if they want to win a superbowl.


Chargers: I don't even know what to say anymore. Well, they'll get healtheir at Defensive line. Ian Scott sucks. Everywhere else...they're pretty well off. Just a matter of getting over their own hump I suppose.

Cowboys: I'd ike to start off with get over their punkish sense of acomplishment and entitlement they always have but now I think thats just the cowboy way. So really, they need to fix their secondary. Its always been bad. At least now Jenkins is looking like a shutdown corner and newman is also pretty good except the time when will just get burned on a bad day. Wade Phillips needs to be a better coach, he was pretty snug and thought hisself a genius for beating the Eagles. simple plan actually, bigger line beat smaller lineman Wade. Make Roy Williams compete for a spot because for what hes getting payed for , he needs to be producing big numbers, instead of Austin doing it. Also make Felix Jones the starter, though I understand the reluctance to do so, they don't want him out there getting banged up every play. But thing is, Barber has been losing steam every season because hes a guy who runs hard but isn't that big in actuallity.


Arizona:Hurry up and get the QB situation dealt with. I think Warner knows hes got shot at a superbowl with that team and will come back. If not they're in trouble. Matt Leinart has looked horrible and at best might win them 8 games. That would hurt after 2 seasons of being super bowl contenders. Id tell Warner to come back, afterall the NFC West is basically a free ticket to the playoffs. And how long can they play these games with Boldin? Doesn't look like they want to pay him. So if they're going to trade him do it now while he's still under contract. They've got depth at Wideout with Doucet and Breaston. But then again would Warner want to cme back if they traded Boldin? Lot of questions.


Minnesota:Same deal with them, what to do at QB? Now they have to dance with Brett Favre. Hopefully he gives them answer sooner rather than later. But if he doesn't I could see them trading for Mcnabb if they're willing to give up a 1st and a 3rd. Childress will be desperate and it would be a letdown to the fans if Tavaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels was the starter next season. And someone teach AP to hold on to the damn ball.


Jets:Well they basically repeated what the Ravens did so its kind of the same questins. Can Sanchez step up next year? Can they win with what they have on offense right now? They can start pushing the pats for a division title.

Edited by Mik3, 26 January 2010 - 07:17 PM.

[Illmatic]

Kurt Warner as expected has announced his retirement. Hell of a career, won a Super Bowl and nearly won another 2. Leinart has some big shoes to fill.

[Mik3]

Well they just lost their contender status but perhaps Leinart can pull an Aaron Rodgers

[Sir Whirly]

I would say I am crying manly tears, but that would be incorrect.

Well, here is to Leinart. Maybe he can do ok.

[True]

Kurt is a great person along with football player. Who would have thought a guy who was working at a grocery store would ever become such a prolific quarterback? Though I was younger, I still remember how incredible the 1999 Rams season was with "The Greatest Show on Turf" he led. Definitely has had a Hall of Fame career. Cheers to an excellent QB.

[Zatren6]

It's a bummer that Kurt had to retire, but I guess it was time. Hall of Famer in my book, he's had a spectacular career.

Off to go to the Pro Bowl in an hour or two! Can't wait. Let's go AFC!

[Mik3]

Eagles hired kitten Jauron as dbs coach. I wouldn't mind his involvement in the entire defense though. What do you have to say about him Ed?


Also, Colts will win the superbowl.

[JoHamSandwich]

I have to say, I used to not like Kurt Warner. I just thought he was only good because of the team and the system that he was in.

But, after seeing him lead change the Cardinals into a playoff contender in just 2 years, I have to give him my props. Short career for him, but in that short 10 or so seasons he played, he has produced amazing numbers. I think he'll be in the Hall of Fame... not right away, but he'll be there.

Also, Colts as Super Bowl Champs. I like Peyton Manning.

[Zatren6]

I say the Colts will win. But it's a close one.

[Illmatic]

Doritos will allow the fans to vote for the cover athlete of Madden NFL 11.

The Choices are

Drew Brees-New Orleans Saints
Reggie Wayne-Indianapolis Colts
Jared Allen-Minnesota Vikings

My money's on Drew. Vote Here!

[Sir Whirly]

Doritos will allow the fans to vote for the cover athlete of Madden NFL 11.

The Choices are

Drew Brees-New Orleans Saints
Reggie Wayne-Indianapolis Colts
Jared Allen-Minnesota Vikings

My money's on Drew. Vote Here!

Vote so Brews has a nagging injury for the rest of next season. Jeez, the Madden curse struck again. I am not really superstitious, but seriously Murphy's Law with this thing.

[True]

Why couldn't they put another Steeler on the cover? I don't want to see any of those guys get injured.

And I'll go with Saints to win the Supah bawl.

[Nate River]

Doritos will allow the fans to vote for the cover athlete of Madden NFL 11.

The Choices are

Drew Brees-New Orleans Saints
Reggie Wayne-Indianapolis Colts
Jared Allen-Minnesota Vikings

My money's on Drew. Vote Here!

I don't know how anyone who believes in the Madden curse could vote for this.

[Illmatic]

I don't know how anyone who believes in the Madden curse could vote for this.

I'm not very superstitious, but the Madden curse is legit to me.

Super Bowl XLIV

New Orleans Saints VS. Indianapolis Colts
`
The last game of the season I think it will be a very competitive game. The Saints must seize the oppurtunity they've given. Getting back to the big game after losing is very very tough. Their defense is one that is oppurtunistic, they won't shut anyone down, but they make big plays and force turnovers. Darren Sharper is a ballhawk, Manning better look out for him. The front four of the Saints must be able to get to Peyton, I don't think their secondary matches up well against the Colts receivers and tight ends. Reggie Bush is a gamechanger, some big returns could tip the scale in the Saints favor. Drew Brees and the Offense should mix up their playcalling and keep the Colts defense on their toes, watching these guys is like a real life game of Madden.

The Colts Defense has played very well without their leader Bob Sanders. However, the Saints will give them their toughest challenge of the season. I think Freeney will play, but will his injury affect his ability to get to the QB? On Offense, the Colts should limit their mistakes. New Orleans caught a ton of breaks against Minnesota, Indy shouldn't make things easy for them. Peyton Manning's intelligence sets him apart from other players. He can see the field, and find holes & weaknesses to exploit. He can adjust very well to any kind of defense, and makes his players better. The Duo of Addai and Brown have been quiet, but have contributed in this postseason run. Look for them to continue that today.
Prediction: Colts

Edited by Illmatic, 07 February 2010 - 06:47 PM.

[Dreamer]

Me being a southerner I'll say "Saints FTW!" After what happened to New Orleans and all It would be nice to see the Saint's win. I want to see the Super Haxed Mannings lose for once.

Edited by Uzumakikage, 07 February 2010 - 08:25 PM.

[Illmatic]

Hell is about to freeze over, The Saints are about to win the Super Bowl, wow. Gonna be crazy party on Bourbon Street tonight!

[Mik3]

two things.

1.Sean Payton is the real MVP. He is just an incredible coach.
2.The Colts finally just couldn't deal with their injuries of Sanders and Freeney. The defense just couldn't get some stops.

And grats to the Saints and especially Brees. He deserves a ring. And im voting him on the madden cover.

Edited by Mik3, 08 February 2010 - 02:49 AM.

[Freakazoid]

Really wasn't expecting the Colts to go down like that. It's gonna suck to be a Colts fan for the next couple of weeks.