After some research into players and moves by some NFL teams in the past few days, I decided to give this another go around. Also had to make sure that the draft order was correct. So here we go.
1. St. Louis Rams
Ndamukong Suh, DT- There is a solid chance that this pick could be traded considering the Rams have so many needs, but I still see them taking the best player on the board in Suh.
2. Detriot Lions
Gerald McCoy, DT- Much like the first pick, this one could be traded to fill the Lions' many needs, but one of those is DT and McCoy would be too hard to pass up.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derrick Morgan, DE- Although Berry will definitely be considered here, the Bucs need a big time pass rusher and Morgan could give them just that.
4. Washington Redskins
Sam Bradford, QB- Jason Campbell's run in D.C. is over and new coach Mike Shanahan will be looking for the next franchise quarterback to build his team around, and his best option appears to be Bradford.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Anthony Davis, OT- The Chiefs need an insurance policy for Cassel as well as rising star running back Jamaal Charles, which Davis will provide.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Russell Okung, OT- Even though there is a more dire need a quarterback, the Seahawks need to find their replacement for aging left tackle Walter Jones.
7. Cleveland Browns
Eric Berry, S- With so many holes and none that stand out above the rest, the Browns will look to secure a player in the mold of Ed Reed who can be a superstar.
8. Oakland Raiders
Bryan Bulaga, OT- Although the last time they picked an Iowa offensive lineman, it was somewhat of a bust, the Raiders are desperate to find someone to block for all of the offensive talent they've drafted in recent years.
9. Buffalo Bills
Bruce Campbell, OT- With the offensive line talent flying off the board, the Bills won't hesitate to take the best option remaining, especially after losing Butler unexpectedly.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Carlos Dunlap, DE- Even with Pierre-Paul still on the board, the Jags should go for the supreme pass-rushing defensive end out of Gainesville, where the Jags have a tendency to draft out of.
11. Denver Broncos
Dez Bryant- Considering that the Broncos will most likely not have Brandon Marshall back, they need a spark plug who can spread the field and make plays in the passing game, which Bryant can deliver immediately.
12. Miami Dolphins
Rolando McClain, ILB- With the likely loss of Porter along with aging linebackers, the Dolphins shouldn't hesitate to take the proven McClain here.
13. San Francisco 49ers
Joe Haden, CB- With another pick only 4 spots down the board, the 49ers will take the best player available at this point, and Haden should be an excellent addition to the 49ers already solid defense.
14. Seattle Seahawks
Jimmy Clausen, QB- With the OT position already solidified, Pete Carroll can now look towards rebuilding the Seahawks offense, starting with a new quarterback.
15. New York Giants
Brian Price, DT- The Giants defense is looking for a new anchor to hold down the front line, and Price can do exactly that.
16. Tennessee Titans
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE- The defensive line needs some help with the possible loss of Vanden Bosch, and with an outstanding defensive end like Pierre-Paul still on the board, he should be too hard to pass up.
17. San Francisco 49ers
Trent Williams, OT- The 49ers need some help blocking for Gore as well as to allow Alex Smith a chance to prove he can handle the starting role. With Williams in the mix, that should be a little easier to do.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Iupati, G- With the signing of Hampton, the need for a DT isn't as big and the Steelers can look towards solidifying Big Ben's protection.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Kareem Jackson, CB- The Falcons had a tough time stopping the pass this season, and will Jackson's help, might be closer to crossing that threshold into the playoffs.
20. Houston Texans
C.J. Spiller, RB- It will be a miracle for Spiller to get this far into the draft, but the Texans need a running back bad and he will be too hard to pass up.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Jermaine Gresham, TE- With the loss of some key offensive components last season, the Bengals will look to bolster their receiving corps by bringing in an outstanding, athletic tight end to help out Carson Palmer.
22. New England Patriots
Sergio Kindle, OLB- They need help at linebacker, especially with getting pressure on the quarterback, and Kindle fits the bill perfectly.
23. Green Bay Packers
Maurkice Pouncey, G/C- With most of the first round talent on the offensive line off the board, the Packers will take the next best player in hopes of bolstering an offensive line that struggled to protect Aaron Rodgers.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
Taylor Mays, S- The Eagles are desperate to find the replacement to Brian Dawkins, and Mays' potential would make any team drool at this point in the draft.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Arrelious Benn, WR- Unless they bring in T.O., which is unlikely, they will still need some electric receivers to help out Joe Flacco and the Ravens' offense.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Dan Williams, DT- Williams is a steal at this point in the draft, and will help improve one of the Cardinals' biggest needs: the defensive line.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Earl Thomas, S- Thomas is a proven play maker who could immediate upgrade the athleticism of the Cowboys defense.
28. San Diego Chargers
Jahvid Best, RB- If they don't trade up in an attempt to secure Spiller, the Chargers will have to go for the next best option with Best, considering that they most likely won't have Tomlinson or Sproles going into the draft.
29. New York Jets
Golden Tate, WR- The Jets had a hard time finding a play making at the receiver spot this season that could catch big throws in the clutch, and Tate can do just that by giving Sanchez a big-time playmaker to throw to.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Jared Odrick, DT- Even with an outstanding defensive line, the Vikings need to find an eventual replacement for Pat Williams, and Odrick has done a good job of showing that he's NFL-ready.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Brandon Spikes, ILB- Although somewhat of a stretch, Spikes has shown glimpes of excellence and the Colts will need to find a replacement if they can't find a way to resign Brackett.
32. New Orleans Saints
Sean Witherspoon, OLB- An obvious fit for the Saints' defense, he should be able to come in and give immediate help to middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma.
So there you go, again. Another maybe coming once it gets closer to draft day.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saying Goodbye to Veteran RBs Becoming a Trend
First LaDainian Tomlinson and Jamal Lewis... Then Brian Westbrook... Now Thomas Jones. Who will be next to fall in the line of veteran running backs whos teams simply don't want to pay for their services anymore?
Maybe Ricky Williams or Clinton Portis will be getting the boot next. It seems that the NFL is evolving rapidly at the running back position. More and more, you see teams that have solid seasons from first and second year backs, which eliminates the need for these high-paid veterans to stay on payroll. There are so many talented running backs in the league that can get the job done, that more and more seasoned veterans are losing their jobs or becoming role players who are used to mentor these young players.
Take the New York Jets for example. This season, Thomas Jones ran for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. His backup, third round draft pick Shonn Greene, amassed 540 yards during the regular season and became a crucial part of the Jets' playoff run. Now that they have come to the conclusion that Greene can handle the load offensively, there's no need to pay a veteran like Jones, who still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
Of course, most of these players will find jobs, they will get their chances to prove they still have some play-making ability, and will probably play out the remainder of their NFL careers with a different team. But in the business that is the NFL, times are-a-changing.
Maybe Ricky Williams or Clinton Portis will be getting the boot next. It seems that the NFL is evolving rapidly at the running back position. More and more, you see teams that have solid seasons from first and second year backs, which eliminates the need for these high-paid veterans to stay on payroll. There are so many talented running backs in the league that can get the job done, that more and more seasoned veterans are losing their jobs or becoming role players who are used to mentor these young players.
Take the New York Jets for example. This season, Thomas Jones ran for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. His backup, third round draft pick Shonn Greene, amassed 540 yards during the regular season and became a crucial part of the Jets' playoff run. Now that they have come to the conclusion that Greene can handle the load offensively, there's no need to pay a veteran like Jones, who still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
Of course, most of these players will find jobs, they will get their chances to prove they still have some play-making ability, and will probably play out the remainder of their NFL careers with a different team. But in the business that is the NFL, times are-a-changing.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Mock Draft 1.0
As the 2010 NFL draft (April 22-24) draws nearer, there continues to be more and more speculation as to who will go where in this years draft. So, before the combine is over and players fall and rise based on their 40 yard dash times, I'm going to give my idea as to who each team will take with their respective picks.
1. St. Louis Rams
Ndamukong Suh, DT- With a team that needs help at basically every position except running back, the Rams will take the best possible player on the board.
2. Detroit Lions
Gerald McCoy, DT- In just about the same position as the Rams, they'll take the best player on the board in a draft dominated by outstanding linemen.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derrick Morgan, DE- The Bucs are looking for a dominant defensive lineman to anchor a rebuilding defense, and Morgan should do a solid job of that.
4. Washington Redskins
Sam Bradford, QB- With Jason Campbell's run in D.C. just about over, the Skins are looking to find a new franchise quarterback and Bradford seems to be the best option.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Russell Okong, OT- Branden Albert has been inconsistent at best, so look for the Chiefs to give Matt Cassell better blocking by drafting one of the valuable tackles with their early pick.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE- In an attempt to bolster a weak pass rush led by 33-year-old Patrick Kerney, the Seahawks go for a proven force at defensive end.
7. Cleveland Browns
Joe Haden, CB- The Florida star will add immediately help in a defensive backfield that struggled to keep offenses out of the endzone all year.
8. Oakland Raiders
Anthony Davis, OT- It will be nearly impossible to give any quarterback a chance to run the Raiders' offense with Mario Henderson starting at tackle. Immediate upgrade with Davis.
9. Buffalo Bills
Bruce Campbell, OT- With the sudden lose of Brad Butler to the world of politics, the Bills will be looking to solidify the tackle position.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brandon Graham, DE/OLB- Although it might be a little early for Graham to come off the board, this hybrid player can become a playmaker if given the time and opportunity.
11. Denver Broncos
Dez Bryant, WR- Following the likelihood that Brandon Marshall leaves, Bryant looks to be the best option at taking over the #1 receiver spot and could be the spark the Broncos offense needs.
12. Miami Dolphins
Rolando McClain, ILB- Even with a somewhat weak ILB class, the Dolphins are desperate and will take the best player available at the position, McClain.
13. San Francisco 49ers
Eric Berry, S- Considering they have a second pick only a few picks later, they take the best player on the board, Berry, who will be surprised to make it this far down without getting picked.
14. Seattle Seahawks
Jimmy Clausen, QB- Even though a OT would be tempting, Carroll needs a QB to build his team around and should go with Clausen with his second pick of the round.
15. New York Giants
Brian Price, DT- Not the ideal position for Price, the G-Men need a DT desperately and will take the best available at this point.
16. San Francisco 49ers
Bryan Bulaga, OT- With numerous questions at the tackle position, the niners will solidify the offensive line and take the big Iowa boy with their second pick.
17. Tennessee Titans
Kyle Wilson, CB- With no outstanding DE talent still on the board, the Titans will strenghten their secondary with an excellent cover man in Wilson.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Dan Williams, DT- Nose tackle is a pressing need for the Steelers, and Williams should be able to fill that void relatively quickly.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Carlos Dunlap, DE- The Falcons had one of the lowest sack totals and will look to upgrade their defensive line with Dunlap.
20. Houston Texans
Earl Thomas, CB/S- With the lose of Dunta Robinson a big possibility, look for the Texans to draft some secondary insurance with a promising player in Thomas.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Jermaine Gresham, TE- Adding an extra offensive weapon will help give Carson Palmer another way to air the ball out and allow the Bengals another run at the playoffs.
22. New England Patriots
Sergio Kindle, OLB- A solid pass rushing linebacker who will allow the Pats to depend on someone other than Tully Banta-Cain to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
23. Green Bay Packers
Trent Williams, OT- With an offensive line that struggled to give quarterback Aaron Rodgers time to throw, adding a player like Williams will give the O-line and Rodgers some confidence.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
Everson Griffen, DE- Trent Cole did an outstanding job at getting to the quarterback this year, and will do even better in 2010 with another good pass rusher on the other side of the line.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Mardy Gilyard, WR- Unless the Ravens make some blockbuster move to pick up a #1 receiver, Gilyard has proven that he can be a dangerous receiver, something Joe Flacco desperately needs.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB- With big names at OT off the board, the Cards will look to get some pressure from the linebacker position with outstanding pass-rusher Hughes.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Mike Iupati, G- Kyle Kosier is not getting the job done, and having a solid, new guard will only upgrade an already outstanding offense.
28. San Diego Chargers
CJ Spiller, RB- With the lose of Ladainian Tomlinson, the Chargers are going to be too tempted to pass up such a home-run threat with Spiller.
29. New York Jets
Jared Odrick, DT- The defensive line is getting old, so the Jets will inject some youth into the D-line with a young, promising player in Odrick.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Taylor Mays, S- The secondary was a major concern for the Vikings this past season, and the potential in Mays will be too hard to pass up this late in the round.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Charles Brown, OT- They need a franchise left tackle, and Brown should prove to be just that given the right amount of coaching and opportunity with the Colts.
32. New Orleans Saints
Sean Witherspoon, OLB- The Saints need to surround Jonathan Vilma with more talent, and they can do exactly that by picking an outstanding linebacker like Witherspoon with the final pick of the first round.
So there you go. Mock Draft 2.0 soon to come after the combine has concluded.
1. St. Louis Rams
Ndamukong Suh, DT- With a team that needs help at basically every position except running back, the Rams will take the best possible player on the board.
2. Detroit Lions
Gerald McCoy, DT- In just about the same position as the Rams, they'll take the best player on the board in a draft dominated by outstanding linemen.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derrick Morgan, DE- The Bucs are looking for a dominant defensive lineman to anchor a rebuilding defense, and Morgan should do a solid job of that.
4. Washington Redskins
Sam Bradford, QB- With Jason Campbell's run in D.C. just about over, the Skins are looking to find a new franchise quarterback and Bradford seems to be the best option.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Russell Okong, OT- Branden Albert has been inconsistent at best, so look for the Chiefs to give Matt Cassell better blocking by drafting one of the valuable tackles with their early pick.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE- In an attempt to bolster a weak pass rush led by 33-year-old Patrick Kerney, the Seahawks go for a proven force at defensive end.
7. Cleveland Browns
Joe Haden, CB- The Florida star will add immediately help in a defensive backfield that struggled to keep offenses out of the endzone all year.
8. Oakland Raiders
Anthony Davis, OT- It will be nearly impossible to give any quarterback a chance to run the Raiders' offense with Mario Henderson starting at tackle. Immediate upgrade with Davis.
9. Buffalo Bills
Bruce Campbell, OT- With the sudden lose of Brad Butler to the world of politics, the Bills will be looking to solidify the tackle position.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brandon Graham, DE/OLB- Although it might be a little early for Graham to come off the board, this hybrid player can become a playmaker if given the time and opportunity.
11. Denver Broncos
Dez Bryant, WR- Following the likelihood that Brandon Marshall leaves, Bryant looks to be the best option at taking over the #1 receiver spot and could be the spark the Broncos offense needs.
12. Miami Dolphins
Rolando McClain, ILB- Even with a somewhat weak ILB class, the Dolphins are desperate and will take the best player available at the position, McClain.
13. San Francisco 49ers
Eric Berry, S- Considering they have a second pick only a few picks later, they take the best player on the board, Berry, who will be surprised to make it this far down without getting picked.
14. Seattle Seahawks
Jimmy Clausen, QB- Even though a OT would be tempting, Carroll needs a QB to build his team around and should go with Clausen with his second pick of the round.
15. New York Giants
Brian Price, DT- Not the ideal position for Price, the G-Men need a DT desperately and will take the best available at this point.
16. San Francisco 49ers
Bryan Bulaga, OT- With numerous questions at the tackle position, the niners will solidify the offensive line and take the big Iowa boy with their second pick.
17. Tennessee Titans
Kyle Wilson, CB- With no outstanding DE talent still on the board, the Titans will strenghten their secondary with an excellent cover man in Wilson.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Dan Williams, DT- Nose tackle is a pressing need for the Steelers, and Williams should be able to fill that void relatively quickly.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Carlos Dunlap, DE- The Falcons had one of the lowest sack totals and will look to upgrade their defensive line with Dunlap.
20. Houston Texans
Earl Thomas, CB/S- With the lose of Dunta Robinson a big possibility, look for the Texans to draft some secondary insurance with a promising player in Thomas.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Jermaine Gresham, TE- Adding an extra offensive weapon will help give Carson Palmer another way to air the ball out and allow the Bengals another run at the playoffs.
22. New England Patriots
Sergio Kindle, OLB- A solid pass rushing linebacker who will allow the Pats to depend on someone other than Tully Banta-Cain to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
23. Green Bay Packers
Trent Williams, OT- With an offensive line that struggled to give quarterback Aaron Rodgers time to throw, adding a player like Williams will give the O-line and Rodgers some confidence.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
Everson Griffen, DE- Trent Cole did an outstanding job at getting to the quarterback this year, and will do even better in 2010 with another good pass rusher on the other side of the line.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Mardy Gilyard, WR- Unless the Ravens make some blockbuster move to pick up a #1 receiver, Gilyard has proven that he can be a dangerous receiver, something Joe Flacco desperately needs.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB- With big names at OT off the board, the Cards will look to get some pressure from the linebacker position with outstanding pass-rusher Hughes.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Mike Iupati, G- Kyle Kosier is not getting the job done, and having a solid, new guard will only upgrade an already outstanding offense.
28. San Diego Chargers
CJ Spiller, RB- With the lose of Ladainian Tomlinson, the Chargers are going to be too tempted to pass up such a home-run threat with Spiller.
29. New York Jets
Jared Odrick, DT- The defensive line is getting old, so the Jets will inject some youth into the D-line with a young, promising player in Odrick.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Taylor Mays, S- The secondary was a major concern for the Vikings this past season, and the potential in Mays will be too hard to pass up this late in the round.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Charles Brown, OT- They need a franchise left tackle, and Brown should prove to be just that given the right amount of coaching and opportunity with the Colts.
32. New Orleans Saints
Sean Witherspoon, OLB- The Saints need to surround Jonathan Vilma with more talent, and they can do exactly that by picking an outstanding linebacker like Witherspoon with the final pick of the first round.
So there you go. Mock Draft 2.0 soon to come after the combine has concluded.
Monday, February 22, 2010
LT Hits the Market
Sad, yet somewhat understandable news today for San Diego Charger fans as running back LaDainian Tomlinson was released before the March 5th deadline at which time the team would have had to pay LT $2 million in roster bonuses.
LT, who has spent all nine years of his illustrius NFL career on the Chargers, has struggled in recent years, ending this past season with a weak 3.3 yards per carry and only 730 yards on the ground. As age continues to become more and more of a factor for Tomlinson, the Chargers have decided that it was time to part ways with the player who ranks 8th on the all-time rushing yards list. Holding or sharing almost 30 Charger rushing records, he leaves the Chargers as their career rushing yards leader.
There are a few teams on the lookout for a solid running back this off-season, with those teams being the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Redskins. A real option could be the Texans, who were a playoff caliber team that lost close games this season due to the lack of a strong, consistent running game.
Although his heart lies with San Diego and the Chargers, LT looks to have a few more years worth of gas in the tank. So whoever picks him up could have a quality running back or at least a strong backup who can help develope younger running backs.
Although his run at the career rushing yards record is over barring some sort of miraculous comeback, Tomlinson still looks to be a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame as well as being considered one of the best running backs of his generation.
LT, who has spent all nine years of his illustrius NFL career on the Chargers, has struggled in recent years, ending this past season with a weak 3.3 yards per carry and only 730 yards on the ground. As age continues to become more and more of a factor for Tomlinson, the Chargers have decided that it was time to part ways with the player who ranks 8th on the all-time rushing yards list. Holding or sharing almost 30 Charger rushing records, he leaves the Chargers as their career rushing yards leader.
There are a few teams on the lookout for a solid running back this off-season, with those teams being the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Redskins. A real option could be the Texans, who were a playoff caliber team that lost close games this season due to the lack of a strong, consistent running game.
Although his heart lies with San Diego and the Chargers, LT looks to have a few more years worth of gas in the tank. So whoever picks him up could have a quality running back or at least a strong backup who can help develope younger running backs.
Although his run at the career rushing yards record is over barring some sort of miraculous comeback, Tomlinson still looks to be a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame as well as being considered one of the best running backs of his generation.
Friday, February 19, 2010
#1 QB in 2010 draft? Not Bradford or Clausen...
There have been many ideas as to who should be considered the best, most NFL-ready quarterback in this year's draft. Most experts and analyists would boil it down to 2 prospects: either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen.
But in my opinion, no other quarterback stands out more for me than the one that no one expects to make an impact: Tim Tebow.
Sure, he stands out in COLLEGE football history because he ran for tons of touchdowns. Sure, he doesn't have the greatest arm in the world. Sure, he only won the Heisman in his sophomore year (a first by the way). He tore defenses apart during his run as Florida's quarterback. And when the passing lanes weren't open, he made defensive backs look slow and linebackers look like they were still in Pop Warner. Now it may not be that easy when he finally hits the NFL considering the speed and tackling ability of defensive players, but the type of player he is will allow him to elevate his level of play whenever his opposition becomes stronger. He is an outstanding player with all the physical tools as well as the mental ones to become a key component to any team's offense. In my opinion, he should be a top 10 pick. That, unfortunately, most likely will not happen due to many critics peeception that he is unproven as a throwing quarterback.
Others may argue that his display in the Senior Bowl is a bad sign, but I doubt there is a single player in the history of the NFL that has never had a poor game. Tebow will show up at the combine ready to provide a much better idea of the amazing potential that he holds as a quarterback than was shown at the Senior Bowl.
His work ethic is exceptional, shown by his dedication to becoming more comfortable taking snaps unders center before the Senior Bowl. He will work on any facet of his game that needs it and should become a starting quarterback in the NFL within three years.
Just check this out.
But in my opinion, no other quarterback stands out more for me than the one that no one expects to make an impact: Tim Tebow.
Sure, he stands out in COLLEGE football history because he ran for tons of touchdowns. Sure, he doesn't have the greatest arm in the world. Sure, he only won the Heisman in his sophomore year (a first by the way). He tore defenses apart during his run as Florida's quarterback. And when the passing lanes weren't open, he made defensive backs look slow and linebackers look like they were still in Pop Warner. Now it may not be that easy when he finally hits the NFL considering the speed and tackling ability of defensive players, but the type of player he is will allow him to elevate his level of play whenever his opposition becomes stronger. He is an outstanding player with all the physical tools as well as the mental ones to become a key component to any team's offense. In my opinion, he should be a top 10 pick. That, unfortunately, most likely will not happen due to many critics peeception that he is unproven as a throwing quarterback.
Others may argue that his display in the Senior Bowl is a bad sign, but I doubt there is a single player in the history of the NFL that has never had a poor game. Tebow will show up at the combine ready to provide a much better idea of the amazing potential that he holds as a quarterback than was shown at the Senior Bowl.
His work ethic is exceptional, shown by his dedication to becoming more comfortable taking snaps unders center before the Senior Bowl. He will work on any facet of his game that needs it and should become a starting quarterback in the NFL within three years.
Just check this out.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Who Dat Gunna Win the Super Bowl?
The biggest sporting event of the year... The Super Bowl. It's finally upon us, and it looks to be quite a shoot out between to powerhouse offenses.
Super Bowl XLIV will match up the 14-2 Indianapolis Colts and the 13-3 New Orleans Saints.
The Colts, who have been dominant throughout the playoffs, are looking to bring home their second Lombardi Trophy in four years. With the help of quarterback Peyton Manning, the Colts have had little trouble scoring against opposing teams all year long. So far during the playoffs, they have put up 50 points, and with both teams today possessing high-flying passing attacks, that number could double before the game is over. Manning has plenty of options to throw to, from wide receivers Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie, to tight end Dallas Clark. Running back Joseph Addai should also be a big factor today as the defense will be doing its best to keep Manning and the rest of his passing attack under wraps. If the Colts can get the running game going and keep the Saints defense honest, the Colts should have an easy time putting points on the board. The biggest question mark for either team is the Colts' defense, which has been questionable from time to time this season. Manning has had seven fourth quarter comebacks this season, which were a result of a defense that has had some trouble keeping its opposition out of the endzone consistently. Another huge factor today will be the questionable status of All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney. He tore a ligament in his ankle during the Conference Championship game against the New York Jets, and has had trouble getting back onto the practice field. Although it is a rather serious injury, it shouldn't keep Freeney from seeing the field today. The question is whether he will be effective or not. If he isn't, backup Raheem Brock could be a much more favorable matchup for the Saints. This game will come down to whether Manning can pick apart this Saints defense and if the offensive line can keep the heavy Saints pass rush off of his back.
The Saints, who barely edged out the Minnesota Vikings to find their way into the Super Bowl, are coming into this game with a chip on their shoulders. This is going to be their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, coming only a few years after a devastating hurricane riped apart New Orleans. The city has rallied behind its team, and this would be a huge moral boost for NO and all of Louisiana. Quarterback Drew Brees has been the spark behind this Saints offense that was ranked #1 during the regular season. They scored the most points during the season and are hoping that their high scoring offense can kick in this week as well as they go against another high scoring offense. Brees has plenty of options to go to on offense, which has helped him be so successful this season, earning the Fedex Air Player of the Year. With receivers such as Marques Colston and Devery Henderon, along with tight end Jeremy Shockey and running back Reggie Bush, the passing attack could be a huge problem for the Colts today. With a trio of outstanding running backs in Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Bush, the Saints are hoping that their offense can be two-dimensional, which will give them an edge over a somewhat one-dimensional Colts offense. Getting Reggie Bush involved in the offense and putting the ball in his hands will be a huge factor in moving the ball against a quick Colts defense. Even with so many questions surrounding the offensive line and whether they can slow down the Colts' extremely quick defense, the Saints are confident that they can handle the pass rush and allow Brees plenty of time to throw. They kept two great pass rushing defenses, the Cardinals and the Vikings, to only one sack this post-season. The defense for the Saints has been solid all season, led by middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and safety Darren Sharper. The defensive line has done a great job of putting pressure on quarterbacks, especially two weeks ago against Brett Favre of the Vikings. Sharper will do everything in his power to lift his defense up and try to make plays against this outstanding passing attack of the Colts.
The Saints have done a good job of forcing turnovers this year, and whether they can force Manning into turnovers will be a key factor in today's game. With both teams possessing offenses capable of scoring early and often, this game should turn into a shoot out. The team that does the best job of not becoming one dimensional and forcing turnovers will win the Super Bowl and take home the Lombardi Trophy. Even though the Colts have the "been-there, done that" factor on their side, the Saints have the emotional side of this that could give them the edge.
My pick: New Orleans Saints
Super Bowl XLIV will match up the 14-2 Indianapolis Colts and the 13-3 New Orleans Saints.
The Colts, who have been dominant throughout the playoffs, are looking to bring home their second Lombardi Trophy in four years. With the help of quarterback Peyton Manning, the Colts have had little trouble scoring against opposing teams all year long. So far during the playoffs, they have put up 50 points, and with both teams today possessing high-flying passing attacks, that number could double before the game is over. Manning has plenty of options to throw to, from wide receivers Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie, to tight end Dallas Clark. Running back Joseph Addai should also be a big factor today as the defense will be doing its best to keep Manning and the rest of his passing attack under wraps. If the Colts can get the running game going and keep the Saints defense honest, the Colts should have an easy time putting points on the board. The biggest question mark for either team is the Colts' defense, which has been questionable from time to time this season. Manning has had seven fourth quarter comebacks this season, which were a result of a defense that has had some trouble keeping its opposition out of the endzone consistently. Another huge factor today will be the questionable status of All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney. He tore a ligament in his ankle during the Conference Championship game against the New York Jets, and has had trouble getting back onto the practice field. Although it is a rather serious injury, it shouldn't keep Freeney from seeing the field today. The question is whether he will be effective or not. If he isn't, backup Raheem Brock could be a much more favorable matchup for the Saints. This game will come down to whether Manning can pick apart this Saints defense and if the offensive line can keep the heavy Saints pass rush off of his back.
The Saints, who barely edged out the Minnesota Vikings to find their way into the Super Bowl, are coming into this game with a chip on their shoulders. This is going to be their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, coming only a few years after a devastating hurricane riped apart New Orleans. The city has rallied behind its team, and this would be a huge moral boost for NO and all of Louisiana. Quarterback Drew Brees has been the spark behind this Saints offense that was ranked #1 during the regular season. They scored the most points during the season and are hoping that their high scoring offense can kick in this week as well as they go against another high scoring offense. Brees has plenty of options to go to on offense, which has helped him be so successful this season, earning the Fedex Air Player of the Year. With receivers such as Marques Colston and Devery Henderon, along with tight end Jeremy Shockey and running back Reggie Bush, the passing attack could be a huge problem for the Colts today. With a trio of outstanding running backs in Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Bush, the Saints are hoping that their offense can be two-dimensional, which will give them an edge over a somewhat one-dimensional Colts offense. Getting Reggie Bush involved in the offense and putting the ball in his hands will be a huge factor in moving the ball against a quick Colts defense. Even with so many questions surrounding the offensive line and whether they can slow down the Colts' extremely quick defense, the Saints are confident that they can handle the pass rush and allow Brees plenty of time to throw. They kept two great pass rushing defenses, the Cardinals and the Vikings, to only one sack this post-season. The defense for the Saints has been solid all season, led by middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and safety Darren Sharper. The defensive line has done a great job of putting pressure on quarterbacks, especially two weeks ago against Brett Favre of the Vikings. Sharper will do everything in his power to lift his defense up and try to make plays against this outstanding passing attack of the Colts.
The Saints have done a good job of forcing turnovers this year, and whether they can force Manning into turnovers will be a key factor in today's game. With both teams possessing offenses capable of scoring early and often, this game should turn into a shoot out. The team that does the best job of not becoming one dimensional and forcing turnovers will win the Super Bowl and take home the Lombardi Trophy. Even though the Colts have the "been-there, done that" factor on their side, the Saints have the emotional side of this that could give them the edge.
My pick: New Orleans Saints
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