February 13, 2009
The NFL Network showed a replay of Super Bowl XLIII last night in its entirety. I was able to see a few things for the first time, since so much of the action came at the opposite end from my seat in the press box. This post isn’t remotely timely, but one of the most exciting fourth quarters in Super Bowl history should have a two-week shelf life … right?
A few final, random thoughts
It’s easy to say in retrospect, but Arizona went against their nature some by forgoing blitzes on Pittsburgh’s final two plays. The Steelers only left five in to block for maximum receivers, but Ben Roethlisberger felt virtually no pressure.
Before the winning touchdown, Pittsburgh had 15 plays inside the ten-yard line, and ten inside the five-yard line, with only one offensive touchdown. That nearly was the difference. Arizona’s defense made just enough big plays to keep them in the game despite the Harrison return.
Continue reading "One final look back at Super Bowl XLIII" »
February 02, 2009
The column is up and I'm back at my hotel for a quick stop before a morning flight. I'm not thinking straight enough to put together coherent thoughts on how the Steelers won, but here are a few stray things I learned after the game that I'd like to record before my goldfish-like memory forgets it all.
I stood right next to Dan Rooney as we both tried to get into a packed locker room well after the game. Even the owner of the team was having trouble going where he wanted. I’ve never met Rooney before, of course, but I said congratulations. I asked if championships were like kids or if you are allowed to have favorites. I hate that question, but it just came out. He said all championships are good, but the first one is the most special.
James Farrior said earlier in the week that he wasted too long with the media and missed a lot of the celebration the last time they won. This time, he made sure to finish up the minimum time on his podium, then run like hell out of the room while screaming in joy.
Gary Russell, despite being a rookie, seemed as overwhelmed and happy as any Steeler. Just beaming, continuing to say, “It’s better than I thought. And I’m speechless.” He said he didn’t get too caught up in his touchdown run because he had to get right back on the field for special teams.
I didn’t go into the locker room until after most of the podium pressers. It’s a strange place to be, with so many happy players trying to enjoy their moment while out-numbered by media. Chris Hoke and all the defensive linemen took turns taking pictures with the Lombardi trophy. Some players dressed and bolted as fast as possible to the team buses.
The most awkward scene in a locker room full of them was seeing ten people surround Ben Roethlisberger as he had a tearful conversation on the phone. Everyone was maintaining a respectful 5-10 feet, but it was like we were watching the “Ben Roethlisberger Show.”
Hines Ward teared up at the podium while holding his son and talking about what the Rooneys meant to him. He said he “couldn’t describe” the pain he played in. He said the injury was a 5-6 week injury. He held up well early, but blocking wore him down. Ward’s teammates have taken to calling him Papa Smurf. My wife calls him Hinesy.
Continue reading "Post-game lessons " »
February 01, 2009
Pittsburgh's defense took control of the game by stopping Arizona on their first drive to maintain a two-score lead.
The Cardinals out-gained the Steelers 129 to 27 by turning almost exclusively to the pass, which seems like a good idea, despite the final result of Kurt Warner's bone-headed pick. All nine Cardinals first downs are via the pass.
Most of the stats are close. The big difference is that Arizona didn't score off Ben Roethlisberger's interception. James Harrison scored a touchdown off Warner's throw that none of us will ever forget.
The Steelers get a chance to show they really can run the ball now with a two-score lead at halftime of the Super Bowl. If Willie Parker has a half-way decent second half, it's probably all over.
Already the press box is debating whether Tyree's play of Harrison's play is more amazing. I'd vote Tyree. Also I can confirm that that the sound-proof press box was the only place in the stadium not rocked by Bruce Springsteen. Many of us wanted to get out to listen, but it wasn't possible. So we were typing.
Karlos Dansby with his tenth career interception after Bryan Robinson tipped a Ben Roethlisberger pass. Dansby is a great player in the open field, so Mewelde Moore did a terrific job laying the wood on Dansby. And Dansby did a better job holding on to the ball.
Karlos Dansby with his tenth career interception after Bryan Robinson tipped a Ben Roethlisberger pass. Dansby is a great player in the open field, so Mewelde Moore did a terrific job laying the wood on Dansby. And Dansby did a better job holding on to the ball.
By the letter of the law, the chop block call on Edgerrin James was correct. It's questionable whether the linemen were engaged though when James hit the defender. That more or less killed a possible scoring drive for Arizona, with LaMarr Woodley's sack on Levi Brown pushing the Cardinals further backward. The game is moving very quickly. Both teams have had three possessions in 27+ minutes.
- Gregg
This game has been very chippy thus far, with at least three skirmashes and some late hits. DT Bryan Robinson definitely threw a punch, but nothing was called. The officials are letting them play.
Arizona needs to stay out third-and-long situations to keep Dick Lebeau's blitzes at bay. On their third-and-17, James Harrison blitzed without getting touched, ending the play before it started.
I'm surprised Mike Tomlin didn't go for the touchdown from the one-foot line. He did a lot during the year with mixed results. Pittsburgh's short-yardage struggles were certainly a factor in the decision.
No one will ever accuse Neil Rackers of having weak leg. He just nailed a 60-yarder in warmups, and hit the crossbar from 65. So we know where he's good from.
Jeff Reed hit from 55 with at least five yards to spare. It's always amazing to see the kickers warm-up, because they simply never miss in practice.
The crowd is picking up, but it's a closed-air press box, so it's hard to get a feel of how loud it really is. When the Steelers came out, and the place exploded. The Cardinals came out, and one or two sections cheer. It sounds pretty loud - the towels are in full effect. I suspect it's way louder than last year, if only because most of the crowd is for one team.
Ben Roethlisberger to Jerome Bettis: "It's the Super Bowl. Everyone should be nervous." Except the writers!
Cardinals inactives: NT Alan Branch, CB Eric Green, FB Tim Castille, LB Victor Hobson, OL Elliot Vallejo, OT Brandon Keith, TE Jerame Tuman, and third QB Brian St. Pierre.
Two of the former Steelers on the roster (St. Pierre and Tuman) won't be able to try to beat their former team. J.J. Arrington will return kicks and play despite being listed as questionable. Defensive ends Antonio Smith and Travis LaBoy will play, as expected.
Steelers inactives: S Anthony Smith, third QB Dennis Dixon, CB Fernando Bryant, OLB Bruce Davis, OT Tony Hills, OT Jason Capizzi, DL Scott Paxson, and DE Orpheus Roye are out for Pittsburgh. No major surprises there. Smith told me about his plans to hit Larry Fitzgerald as much as possible in the game - he won't get the the chance.
Jerome Betts got the entire stadium waving terrible towels as he crossed the field. Upon reaching Hines Ward, the two did an awkward half-jumping chest bump.
A really terrible-looking slice of pizza costs $9. An equally poor-looking turkey sandwich costs $15. A souvenir cup of beer is a relative bargain comparitely at $10. Luckily, we have the "media brunch" up here with some solid tacos.
Each seat comes with a Bridgeston seat cushion. Most writers toss them aside. At 5'5, I can use it with high tables here. The cushion comes stuffed with odd goodies like doo-rag and an ITunes Gift card for the free purchase of the video to the Super Bowl. They also come with an earpiece to listen to the game on NBC or Westwood one, although no one does that.
Belichick is on the pregame show, doing the x-ways and talking about taking advantage of Arizona's aggressiveness. Backside runs or rollouts could mean big plays for the Steelers. The Cardinals do make a lot of big plays, but also give up plenty of big plays.
Pretty awesome that Belichick went through the tapes and picked out all the plays to break down. Hearing Belichick, Tony Dungy, and Mike Holmgren talk about each team is pretty cool. And I'm not just saying that because I'm an NBC employee.
Unlike the Cardinals and Steelers, I’ll admit that I’m happy to be here. That’s what was speeding through my mind as I ran this morning on Bayshore Drive to the best Hold Steady/Lil’ Wayne mix in creation. (Perhaps the only one.) The weather has improved, already in the low sixties, with no wind, and no chance of rain all day. The Goodyear blimp is already overhead, the amount of fans asking me for tickets is increasing, and everyone in the hotel is checking their watches, seeing if its time yet to head over to Raymond James Stadium. Finally, it’s gameday.
The first bus to the game leaves at 1:30, and I plan to be on it. What else is there to do today? I understand where they are coming from, but I plan to never feel it. If I ever take this for granted, if my love for football ever wanes, if I ever can’t get excited for the Super Bowl, then it’s time to quit. It’s a privilege to be here and I’d write a Bob Hayes style list of thanks to everyone who has helped me get here, and who has helped me while here, if I thought anyone would find it interesting.
Continue reading "Gameday, Finally" »
January 30, 2009
I just got back from Roger Goodell’s state of the league address This may sound like a Carson Daly moment, but I could listen to Goodell answer questions all day. He’s a great public speaker and lets you know exactly where the league stands on a matter, even if you have to translate the legalese. Some highlights from the proceedings
Goodell had some very interesting things to say about overtime. While only 30% of overtime games historically have ended on a first drive goal, he says that number has risen to 47% recently. He says the competition committee needs to look at that whether that is dangerous, especially considering how improved kickers are.
Goodell discussed possibilities like moving the kickoff forward or just starting with the ball on the 20-yard line so that teams have to earn their way down the field. He says the league will discuss it all this off-season and he expects a recommendation from the committee by the end of March.
The league will not revisit the blackout policy, no matter how poor Detroit plays. Owners may bring up the possibility of taking away the Detroit Thanksgiving game, but he didn’t really comment on that.
Plaxico Burress wasn’t suspended already because he’s not a repeat offender.
Continue reading "Goodell on overtime rules and more" »
Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin spent part of their day issuing non-denial denials to Mike Florio's report that Big Ben underwent an x-ray on his sore ribs Wednesday. This morning, ESPN's bottom line going across their Austrailian Open coverage and Mike and Mike confirmed the report.
In typical ESPN style, they didn't credit Mike Florio or mention who from ESPN has confirmed the report. "Ben Roethlisberger underwent a second x-ray Wednesday on the rib injury he suffered in the AFC championship game," simply ran across the bottom line.
Again, Roethlisberger is clearly well enough to play and probably play well. But Pittsburgh's odd refusal to recognize this story makes it appear they don't want it to become a bigger story.
January 29, 2009
I spent the day talking to both teams, scrambing to get to the Steelers in time to be shut down by Ben Roethlisberger, omitted from a quote sheet, and then trying to overcome a computer meltdown. I'll get Edge's thoughts about his new Lambo, my long chat with the grestest strength coach ever, John Lott, and my fawning Tulane Mewelde Moore love tomorrow. For now, it's another column for NBCSports.com. My last until Sunday! Here was the Larry Fitzgerald column I filed last night. And for all you Steelers fans out there, a writer can appreciate Kurt Warner and Fitz without "hating on" your team! After talking to Moore today, it would be cool to see him get a ring. Both of us couldn't think of a Green Wave that has one.
***
The mood in Tampa has shifted dramatically today. The fans have arrived en masse. I got dinner last night with a few other writers near our hotel, and saw every possible ESPN personality at the restaurant. No one bugged them at all - that would not be possible tonight. The relatively empty downtown has been haunted only by media schlubs with an embarrasing pass dangling around their necks for the last five days. Now it's jamming. It's also raining, which is bad luck for the Coors Light girls who were scheduled to appear at the outdoor pool bar downstairs in our hotel. (No, I wasn't going to go. Yes, you can see the pool from the elevator, which is a nice bonus.)
January 28, 2009
Wake up call is bright and early for the reporters covering the Cardinals. (I call us "B team.") On Wednesday and Thursday, we scurry over to their team hotel before 8AM to hear Ken Whisenhunt and a star player (Kurt Warner today) talk alone for 15 minutes each. They get off easy: the rest of the players are stuck with us for 45 minutes after that, seated at folding tables spread out underneath an outdoor tent. Six players get a podium during that time. I'll be using some of the material later for a longer story, but here are some general impressions from the morning.
The politics of who gets a podium is fascinating. They try to spread out the podium love during the week, but superstars like Warner and Larry Fitzgerald need the protection. Anquan Boldin hasn't had a podium in two days, including yesterday when over ten players did! It's not a big deal, but it's weird for a two-time Pro Bowler. If the Cardinals were at all worried about Boldin's story turning negative this week, they know now that it won't. He has been the picture of team-first talk and genuinely doesn't seem annoyed with his contract situation or the team. His tolerance for repeating inane questions is rather high.
Antrel Rolle is not a morning person, yawning repeatedly before I sidled up to talk to him. He had an interesting comment about the change in leadership by Adrian Wilson's this year, saying Wilson was unapproachable in the past. "He wasn't too player-friendly before," Rolle said.
That may be the first time in history a player was called out for not being 'player friendly."
I talked to Wilson again today and can see how he would give off that vibe. He has a laser-like intensity that could rub people the wrong way, but his love for football shines through if you listen. When the other guys showed up in suits Monday, Wilson had on a hoodie. He doesn't care much for appearances and said he turned off his phone the night Arizona won the NFC Championship so he could focus on the Super Bowl. That's how we want our athletes to be.
One local TV guy, completely disregarding everyone at the table this morning, shoved a "boom mike" in Wilson's face and asked him to speak up. Wilson said "this is how I talk. And I was talking to this dude," gesturing to me.
I loved it; the other writers loved it. (The local TV species that assumes they can just cut off any reporter if they have a camera so they can ask 'How crazy is all this attention?' is the most vile I've met down here.)
Wilson says he "idolizes" Troy Polamalu and is his ability to cover ground in the secondary. Both Wilson and Polamalu say they watch tape of each other during the off-season to improve.
I'm doing a piece on Larry Fitzgerald and everyone seems to agree his practice habits have improved quite a bit over the last two years. Fitzgerald and Ken Whisenhunt think he's better after the catch because his routes are more precise, giving him more separation and room to run when he makes a catch. Fitz also keeps mentioning how much faster he is after losing 15 pounds.
Larry Fitzgerald addressed reports Wednesday morning that he would be willing to restructure his contract to help keep Anquan Boldin.
"I don't know where that came from,” Fitzgerald started, but then didn’t exactly shoot down the reports.
"Someone asked me if I'd be willing to do something to help the team and I said absolutely. ... This is an amazing feeling and I'll do anything I have to do to get back to this point."
Fitzgerald is a very honest and open interview subject. He answered a question about helping the team; of course he wants to. Whether that’s feasible or necessary is another question.
Fitzgerald’s agent Eugene Parker, probably isn’t in love with the topic being out in the ether so publicly. Ultimately, Parker will have the biggest say here and would probably prefer that these conversations not go on during Super Bowl week.
It’s also worth pointing out that Arizona has a lot of cap room. They have every reason to want to keep Boldin happy, and NFL.com’s Adam Schefter cites league sources that believe Boldin will be happy to stay if the Cardinals give him a sufficient offer.
And why shouldn’t they? Boldin is a highly productive player in his prime, who is far more of a team leader than his recent reputation would suggest. We’ll hear plenty of Boldin rumors early in the off-season, but the most likely endgame is that he’ll return to the Cardinals.
January 27, 2009
"It seems like he knows what you’re doing before you know what you’re doing."
That quote seemed to sum up what I heard about Kurt Warner at Media Day. We've all heard the biography of the man so much, what makes him special as a performer gets overshadowed. I tried to break down what makes Warner great in on the field a column today over at NBCSports.com. (Do check it out, won't you. My pretend reporter week is now complete with a feature. Woo.)
Warner is defined by his accuracy, toughness, decisiveness, and smarts. Warner's signature play would be one where he recognizes a blitz, gets rid of the ball quickly, and hits his receiver in stride. Let them make the play. But don't take my word for it.
With the help of super producer Matt Casey, the hardest working man at NBCSports.com, we tackled the big issues of Media Day, like who's the best Ladies man. Also included at the end is video proof that Cardinals MLB Gerald Hayes digs my sunglasses. Success!
The Steelers defense knows that it will be a tall task to stop Larry Fitzgerald on Super Bowl Sunday, and have a few different ideas on how to do it.
Safety Anthony Smith and others said the best way to slow Fitz down was to hit him - often. "As a safety, I’m going to hit him any time that I can. Try to tire him out. Because if he’s fresh, he’s going to be a problem."
Surging outside linebacker Lamarr Woodley thinks you have to stop Fitzgerald by concentrating elsewhere.
"To slow Larry down, you gotta go back there and hit the quarterback. You gotta hit the guy that is most dangerous. And the most dangerous is the guy with the ball."
As I mentioned below, Fitzgerald's teammates are his biggest fans. Video Evidence below.
I focused most of my media day energy on some goofy videos that we'll get up on the site over the next few days. That didn't leave a lot of time for "football" questions, but that's what the rest of the week is for. I found last year that the sessions with the players from Wednesday-to-Friday were a lot more useful for getting good info. With that said, here are a few stray thoughts from the proceedings.
Both teams were very loose, unlike the Patriots last season. Media Day is inherently trivial and silly, but most of the players, especially the lesser ones, seem to enjoy the moment.
More than any player, Larry Fitzgerald inspires awe from his teammates. Everyone had a crazy Fitzgerald practice catch story to tell, and we'll get those up on the site shortly. Apparently he pulled off a one-handed cross-hand grab with his fingertips that is hard to imagine.
Ryan Clark and Adrian Wilson got the nods for the players who can lay the most wood on the field. Early Doucet said he's cautious around Wilson even in practice, when he knows they can't hit at full speed.
I hesitate to draw any conclusions from these gab-fests, but nothing about the Steelers smack of overconfidence. They are ready to play, but their healthy respect for the Arizona offense seems genuine. They also have enough new or young players who have talked about getting their ring. It's a good mix of youth, talent, and experience.
Surprise funniest player: Steelers C Justin Hartwig. He'll be a star of the videos.
I've come to the conclusion that tight ends are the scariest looking dudes on a football team. Heath Miller comes to mind. The offensive linemen are bigger, but they are the best talkers and not in conventionally great shape. My favorite story about some of the ridiculous eating that linemen undertake was about Max Starks. It seems he's developed a way to sneak cheeseburgers into meetings by pressing them under his arms. Then when the coach isn't looking, he takes a bite and puts it back. Yummy.
There were a lot of comments from the male population at the stadium about the impressive female talent this year. I concur. Maria Menuonous was a personal favorite. I give a lot of credit to the beat writer who essentially was hitting on her after it was over.
Cardinals MLB Gerald Hayes complimented me on my sunglasses, which is the first time anyone has ever said anything complimentary about my appearance in my life. My wife, as usual, is to thank.
More than once, I saw a young defensive back tell Deion Sanders that he was their idol and ask for a picture. It's fun to see the pros acting like nervous kids.
The NFL Players have spoken: Madden '09 was a step backward.
I'm working on a column now that will try to be a little more coherent than this mess. Thanks for stopping by.
Most players are shy about saying too much on Media Day. Cardinals rookie running back Tim Hightower is not one of those players.
"I'm not going to be shy about (saying I'm going to score.) It's going to happen. It's going to happen twice. ... It's going to be a lot of fun and I'm going to enjoy it."
Hightower will probably be in at the goal line over Edgerrin James. The Cardinals have improved their short-yardage offense in recent weeks, but running on Casey Hampton and the Steelers is another matter.
Maybe Hightower got his candor from his mentor James, who was soaking in the moment on Media Day, loose as ever. Like many of the Cardinals, James feels he has something to prove.
"I'm an African American. I'm always the underdog."
January 26, 2009
Six Cardinals got in a 15-minute practice today for answering dumb questions. This will make tomorrow's hour-long Media Day less of a shock.
One thing you quickly notice at the Super Bowl is that the media festivities are not for the big-time football media. They stand on the sidelines, knowing they won't get much of value from the big setting. These pressers are for the people that barely cover another game all year. Like me.
My least favorite kind of question is the indirect slam. It usually starts with "A lot of people are talking that you guys aren't very good at blank. (Let's say 'playing defense'.)
Or: "The perception by many people is Blank. How does that make you feel?"
Or my favorite: "What do you say to all the haters?"
This is annoying on so many levels. First, no one cares. Second, the reporter is the one bringing up the issue - no one else. Stop passing off the buck to "The perception" or "A lot of people" or "America".
A perfect example from today was a guy who asked this question to multiple Cardinals: "The problem a lot of people have with your defense is that you gave up more points than anybody else that has ever reached the Super Bowl. How many times do you expect to be asked about this?"
"I don't (expect to be asked). We were better than every opponent in the playoffs. That's all that matters."
Defensive end Bertrand Berry answered it how I was hoping.
"I'll just say this. It doesn't really matter how many times I'm asked it because I still gotta talk about it. If you want to waste your ink and paper on it, be my guest."
One unsurprising theme I took from the Cardinals first media availability Monday, especially from their forgotten defense: They are going to play the Us Against the World angle. Hard. This can be tiring, but it works. They believe in it. And judging by some of the borderline insulting questions they received Monday, there is plenty of truth in the angle.
"The fact of the matter is that perception can't help us on Sunday. ... We don't care what people thing about us. People have said they don't like the fact that the Cardinals are in the Super Bowl. Too bad. We're here. You don't wanna watch us, watch something else. I'm sure there's programming on other channels. Good luck with that. ... We deserve to be here, we've earned the right to be here and we're not making any apologies. ... Change usually comes with a lot of resistance."
Well said. I also appreciated Berry's professionalism in wearing a sweater vest despite answering questions in a humid tent. Between Berry and Fitzgerald, the Cardinals have the most sweater vests on a single team since my high school tennis squad. And we won the state title! Omen?
So I will be sharing a blog throughout the week at NBCSports.com with Tom Curran. I am going to try to post in both places, but already today I've fallen behind with a few posts over there that never made there way here in the afternoon. I'm posting them now for posterity.
***
As Tom mentioned earlier, radio row has a toned-down feel to it this year. That is partly because it's Monday, the quietest day of the Super Bowl week. But it's also a smaller area because fewer stations are sending crews. The few that are left were fighting over the right to talk to Michael Irvin when I walked through.
The main hall of the media center is an odd-looking mix of sloppy-looking writers like myself walking past red and cream-colored leather couches. A pool table is set up, along with video game systems on monstrous HDTVs; I have not been able to confirm that any writer knows how to play. (But I did see the "intern" from The Tonight Show chugging beers on the couch in the late afternoon. I once was an NBC page in LA and sat people at the Tonight Show. You don't know pain until you've heard Jay Leno say the same 6 warm-up jokes in the same exact way for three months.)
The whole Media Center shebang is set up right on the water; NFL Network put their main set out there. Since I feel naked without actually mentioning, you know, football, here is point I've been meaning to make that the Cardinals and Steelers highlight: running the football is overrated.
Also I can confirm based on NFL Network's breathless reporting: The Steelers have landed! We'll be talking to the teams at their hotels later this afternoon.
-- Gregg
There is some thought that perhaps Edgerrin James won't get cut after all. He's been a nice story and all this post-season, but he's still a below average starting running back. Barring a 200-yard game in the Super Bowl, I don't think there is much chance he's back in 2009 at $5 million. A ring would bolster his Hall of Fame credentials, though
Ken Whisenhunt learned something about having a consistent message from Dick Lebeau. Expect me to talk about Dick Lebeau way too much this week as I join the Steelers players in trying to get this man into the Hall of Fame discussion next year.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: Will Edge stay" »
It doesn’t take long to remember exactly why you arrived in Tampa this week. The minute I stepped off the plane last night, the Super Bowl welcome committee greeted me warmly, with brochures in hand. Super Bowl XLIII decals are on every elevator and hallway I’ve seen in the city. Bud Bowl and NFLPA ads are on the rest.
Spotting NFL Network's Rod Woodson at baggage claim seemed to be a good omen for the week. He looked conflicted wearing a Steelers shirt and a Falcons cap pulled low over his eyes, but couldn’t be nicer to the guy who asked for him to sign a “Football for Dummies” book.
Unfortunately, my bag never did arrive. It’s supposed to come this morning, which robs the rest of Tampa from seeing me in the same navy hoodie all week.
The media center is located right next to my hotel, so I'll be over there shortly to get the lay of the land. Be back in a few minutes first with some links from the morning.
January 19, 2009
Special Teams
Jeff Reed is an excellent field goal kicker, but punter Mitch Berger is one of the worst in the league and hurt Pittsburgh during the AFC Championship. (Although he can tackle!) Pittsburgh’s coverage teams aren’t bad, but their returns struggled during the regular season. Santonio Holmes has given them a big boost in the playoffs, though.
Neil Rackers is an up-and-down kicker, and he’s the highlight of Arizona’s special teams. Their coverage units didn’t excel all season. Like the rest of the Cardinals, they are playing better in the playoffs. J.J. Arrington and Steve Breaston are average on returns.
Our pick: Steelers
Continue reading "SB Matchups by position: Special teams and coaches" »
Linebackers
Where to start? James Harrison was a deserving Defensive MVP choice, but fellow outside linebacker Lamarr Woodley is now nearly as good a pass rusher. 12-year veteran James Farrior locks down the middle. Pittsburgh allowed the fewest yards-per-rush in football (3.3).
Like Pittsburgh, Arizona’s defense is built on creating pressure from the linebacker level. Karlos Dansby is a consistent playmaker that can also defend the pass. Chike Okeafor and Bert Berry can play standing up or with their hand down, although their very best days are behind them. Travis LaBoy is injury-prone and left the NFC Championship. This group has helped shut down Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, and Brian Westbrook in the playoffs.
Our pick: Steelers
Continue reading "SB Matchups by position: Back seven" »
Offensive Line
Tackles Mike Gandy and Levi Brown protected Kurt Warner well all year, but the entire unit has improved their run blocking in the playoffs. Brown is a mauler that pushed Carolina and Philly around on the right side. This group communicated well in the first half to pick up Philly's blitzes. Ken Whisenhunt finally has the rugged unit he envisioned when he arrived in the desert.
Earlier this season, Pittsburgh’s offensive line looked like their fatal flaw. They improved week-by-week, and are no longer a liability. Left guard Chris Kemoeatu and C Justin Hartwig are run-blocking better. Left tackle Max Starks is still vulnerable to speed rushers, so keep an eye on him.
Our pick: Cardinals
Continue reading "SB teams by position: The linemen" »
The Super Bowl matchups continue ...
Wide receiver
Hines Ward hurt his knee in the Conference Championship. With terrific, hands, toughness, and smarts, he is Ben Roethlisberger’s target when a play is absolutely needed. Ward’s status for the Super Bowl will be key because he draws double teams and the Steelers would prefer to keep rookie Limas Sweed on the bench. Santonio Holmes lacked maturity in his third season, but he’s a great playmaker who is peaking at the right time. Nate Washington is another deep threat with inconsistent hands.
Larry Fitzgerald is dominating like no receiver in NFL playoff history, already setting a record with 419 yards. He is the best in football at catching jump balls, but his improved route-running and ability to go over the middle make him complete. I'd put him and Andre Johnson as receivers 1 and 1A in the entire NFL. Anquan Boldin is usually exceptional after the catch, but is battling a hamstring injury. The Cardinals will need to get his mind right after a frustrating NFC Championship. Underrated second-year pro Steve Breaston topped 1,000 yards out of the slot. When fully healthy, this is the best wide receiver group in the league.
Our pick: Cardinals
Continue reading "SB teams by position: The pass catchers" »
We may not have the best Super Bowl analysis, but we are determined to have some of the first! In lieu of a Skinny Posts morning, I'm working on some quick personnel writeups for NBCSports.com to see "Who has the edge" at various positions. I'll be posting these throughout the day, but here goes the quarterback and running back spots.
***
Kurt Warner has thrown eight touchdowns and two interceptions during a dominant playoff run. Warner has struggled with turnovers in the past when under duress, but he has been well protected this season. His quick release and intelligence are blitz-killers, as Eagles coordinator Jim Johnson found out. He won’t be fazed by the moment.
On paper, Ben Roethlisberger’s up-and-down statistical season mirrors his career. But don’t forget that his career yards-per-attempt average is seventh in NFL history. He throws an awesome deep ball and sheds tacklers better than any quarterback alive. That gives him extra time to make plays out of the pocket, and while he takes a lot of sacks, he usually delivers when it counts.
Our pick: Roethlisberger (Barely. This was really tough)
Continue reading "SB teams by position: Who has the edge?" »
January 18, 2009
"We didn't start this journey to get to Tampa," Mike Tomlin said while accepting the Lamar Hunt trophy for the AFC Championship.
"We got some business waiting on us there. We'll do like we always do. We'll get in the lab and go to work."
And with that, the long build-up to Super Bowl XLIII begins. The Whisenhunt Revenge Tour!
Ravens-Steelers III was a bloodbath, like you'd expect. The hits were vicious; the game dragging on like an ALCS Yankees/Red Sox game with both teams not giving an inch. Baltimore kept it close despite getting outplayed, but the difference at quarterback proved too great. The Ravens played Pittsburgh so tight in all three games, but there can be no doubt who the better team was. All the mojo in the world couldn't beat Pittsburgh's historic defense at home with a rookie quarterback.
This blog will get very Super Bowl-centric over the next week as I ready for my trip to Tampa. Thanks for stopping by.
At halftime, I asked if Donovan McNabb could lead the Eagles back from an 18-point deficit. He did, but it wasn’t enough.
Eagles fans will remember the non-call on the fourth-and-ten try to Kevin Curtis, but Curtis had his chance to make the play, just like McNabb had chances to hit open receivers the previous two plays. Philly was the beneficiary of the biggest missed call of the game on the kickoff at the end of the first half. They can’t complain about the zebras.
McNabb missed a lot of throws in the first half, but it’s hard to kill a guy who threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns. This game was about missed chances. McNabb had his opportunities, but so did his teammates.
Continue reading "Cardinals close out instant classic" »
February 07, 2008
Mike Pereira, the NFL Vice President of Officiating, spoke on the NFL Network about Eli's Escape from Super Bowl XLII. He said that the official Mike Carey was approaching Manning as Jarvis Green grabbed his shirt, and was a split second away from calling in the grasp. Eli got loose, and the correct no-call was made.
Asked if it was a borderline in the grasp call, Pereira said, "That was even inside the borderline."
Overall, Pereira thought the Super Bowl was a "clean game" that was well called. I can't disagree - they did a good job overall. Like the rest of the playoffs, they appeared to let the players decide things more than usual. He said the officials were the most euphoric he'd ever seen in the locker room because they were honored to be part of such a great game.
February 04, 2008
On the Morning after, the Phoenix Airport feels like the night after prom. I half recognize a lot of faces milling about; The NFL Network crew walks by; Everyone is talking about the crazy events of the night before. Just like the postgame festivities Sunday night, you can tell which side a person was on by looking at their face.
That was as devastating a loss as possible for anyone associated with the Patriots. No one who lives in New England will blame Bill Belichick for walking in a trance in the immediate aftermath because that's exactly how they felt.
Continue reading "The Morning After" »
The quick stomach punch to end that game was quickly replaced with an appreciation that I was able to cover it. I walked on the field after the game among the confetti, and tried to soak in the moment before taping a video segment.
I wrote about why the Giants won for NBC, and another piece will be up shortly. I had a list of "under the radar plays" but it didn't come out right. One list that I'll keep for Pancake Blocks is the Five Biggest Plays from the Super Bowl. Here goes ...
Continue reading "Five Biggest Plays" »
February 03, 2008
New York, New York is playing over the P.A. It's my adopted home, but I feel sick to my stomach. This is a good early lesson in how to be a professional. A couple short columns and a video will be up by late tonight.
9:06: Here we go. Second lowest scoring three quarters in NFL history. One possession game, 15 minutes to go. I bet the NFL isn't too happy they are getting such a low scoring game in what should be the highest rated Super Bowl ever.
9:09: Who needs Shockey? Kevin Boss gets the longest play of the game while exposing Rodney Harrison in pass coverage.
9:10: David Tyree, Steve Smith, and Kevin Boss killing the Patriots. Death by secondary depth. I'm going to have to slow my posts here as I prepare my post-game stories.
9:13: Patriots sideline is pretty calm after the Giants touchdown. Not much yelling or screaming. Brady needs a fourth quarter comeback to go undefeated. Who could ask for more?
Continue reading "Super Bowl XLII, Fourth Quarter" »
8:27: Patriots continue to go three or four wide every play. The Giants have mostly been rushing four or five.
8:28: Patriots offense looks much more crisp to open the second half. They are going to look to the middle of the field to counteract the Giants pressure.
Continue reading "Super Bowl XLII, Third Quarter" »
7:03: Interesting first quarter. As expected, the defenses didn't really make much noise. But they slowed the offenses down enough to keep ths score low. It reminds me a lot of the Jaguars-Patriots game. Laurence Maroney is your first quarter MVP.
7:08: Ellis Hobbs on Plaxico Burress, and he knocks it out of his hand. The Patriots have to consider a huge win whenever that happens.
7:10: On Amani Toomer's incredible long catch, he was wide open early in the play, but Eli Manning hesitated. Toomer was well covered by the time the ball got there, but his receiver made an outstanding play. Concern for Patriots: They are getting no pressure on Manning.
Continue reading "Super Bowl XLII, Second Quarter" »
6:30: And we're off. Flushbulbs a popping.
6:32: Giants go three wide on first down, four wide on third down. They get Plaxico matched up one on one with Randall Gay for their first down. They are definitely looking to spread out the Patriots early rather than attack them with the running game.
6:35: Giants are picking on Randall Gay. They get him matched up on Steve Smith (my pick for x-factor of this game) one-on-one for another first down. If you are a Giants fan, you have to love the confidence in Eli Manning.
Continue reading "Super Bowl XLII, First Quarter" »
Like Bill Simmons, I expected a Giants-heavy crowd tonight. But after pregame introductions, there is no doubt that Patriots fans outnumber New York. And are a lot louder. The Patriots fans all stood as the team hit the field. Chills again. I'm such a fanboy.
Okay, with the game starting, I'll do one post per quarter, but refresh for the updates.
We've got some inconsistent wireless internet going on up here, but my computer seems to be immune. Some notable faces around me include Don Banks from SI, Mike Celizic from MSNBC, Albert Breer from the Dallas Morning News, Greg Garber from ESPN, and Greg Doyel from CBS. I am taking special enjoyment that Boston legend Bob Lobel and the Bachelor Jesse Palmer are a few rows back. Same thing with the ESPN video reporters - Werder, Sal Pal, and Trey Wingo.
I've never understood people that wear jerseys to a game with players from other teams. I've seen three Brett Favre jerseys so far, and a few more Packers fans in gear. Looks like they jinxed their team by getting tickets early.
Favre wasn't close to the most random jersey I saw though. Some Patriots fan wore a Scott Zolak jersey (no, not Zolak himself, although he's here). And a Dallas Cowboys fan had on a custom made Bobby Carpenter t-shirt.
Troy Brown and Chad Jackson are among the notables for the Patriots. It would have been a shock to see Brown active, but this game will probably mark his final time in a NFL uniform.
Continue reading "Inactive analysis" »
They have announced that the roof will remain closed for Super Bowl XLII. Some writers think that they may open it up for the flyovers, then close it, but that seems odd.
A few players have taken the field and are doing light warmups. Richard Seymour and Tedy Bruschi have come on the field with their kids. Jared Lorenzen is throwing warmup passes. I've seen a lot of hugging going on between players, which I suspect doesn't happen two and a half hours before a regular season game.
Continue reading "Roof will be closed" »
Got here a little later than expected because of some busing problems, but I'm in my seat in the auxiliary press area, on the Patriots side of the field. Tom Curran and Alan Abrahamson are representing NBCSports.com in the main press box, but hundreds of the assembled press, including almost all online press and many other recognizable columnists, are seated in the crowd. Tables are set up in front of us with outlets, televisions, radios, food, and a game program set up at each seat. I'm not complaining.
The roof is currently closed, and it was drizzling on my way into the stadium. I'd expect the roof to stay closed, but we won't know for sure for about two hours.
There are a lot of tailgating buses outside the stadium, along with the NFL Experience and some concerts. When I got off the bus, I got chills for the first time this week. From what I've seen the Patriots fans are far more well represented than I expected. I've seen more Patriots fans than Giants fans, which is a big surprise. Perhaps the chance to see history has the Patriots traveling better than usual. We'll see who is louder come gametime.
The NFL won't decide whether to keep the roof open or closed today until roughly one hour before kickoff, but the early signs aren't good. It's about 46 degrees and overcast in Phoenix currently, with windy conditions and a 50-70% chance of rain tonight, possibly thunderstorms. The NFL won't want to risk any rain during the game.
Like Christmas morning as a kid, I couldn't sleep in today. The first media bus leaves for the stadium at 11:15 AM local time (1:15PM EST), and I'd leave on one right now if they let me. Anything to get away from the Spygate coverage on ESPN. Gotta wonder if the Patriots are watching at their team hotel right now.
February 02, 2008
Ah, the Maxim party. Where else can you see Jim McMahon followed by Ian Ziering on a red carpet? Here are seven favorite moments witnessed as the guests of honor walked past the paparazzi last night.
7. Seeing a middle-aged blonde from far away, and thinking, “She’s not bad.” Then realizing as it was Tom Petty.
Continue reading "7 Maxim moments" »
February 01, 2008
* Patrick Willis wouldn't take sides in the quarterback controversy in San Francisco, but said the team expected a competition and may the best man win. There's no "Alex is our QB" talk around the 49ers.
* Of all the players I've seen here, Kyle Brady is the most frightening. The proverbial guy who looks good (and huge) coming off a bus.
Continue reading "Home stretch odds and ends" »
For most of this week, you wouldn’t know the Super Bowl Hosted by Matt Leinart was in town unless you were at an NFL event. Or if you passed by a scary poster for the Saturday Night John Travolta Spectacular. The streets are quiet and I haven’t seen many fans down for the game. Old Scottsdale is the nighttime epicenter of the area, but we walked around early Wednesday night and most places was closed or empty.
That changed dramatically Thursday, where the party weekend kicked off with Madden Bowl XIV, among other shindigs. I covered the event while Tiffany Simons got a pep talk from Fifty Cent and played ping pong with Donovan McNabb.
The place was quiet upon media arrival with Patrick Willis and Shawne Merriman on couches playing video games upstairs. After overcoming some early fears about turning into Billy Bush, I interviewed Willis and then approached Chad Johnson.
Continue reading "Sad Chad and Lynch star at Madden Bowl XIV" »
January 31, 2008
One of the highlights of the morning was meeting Dr. Z of Sports Illustrated and Steve Sabol of NFL Films briefly, before leaving them to chatter. These are two of the titans of NFL coverage since the Super Bowl Era started, even if they aren’t as famous as the talking heads on Around the Horn.
Continue reading "Dr. Z is still feisty" »
January 30, 2008
* I want to be like John Clayton one day. Comfortable enough to wear a suit on top, and khakis and sneakers below since that will never be on camera. I've definitely noticed a high stature:casual dress ratio in effect with a lot of the writers. Michael Silver, who looks like coolest guy in school (and one of my favorite writers) in t-shirts. Peter King in a hoodie and a Tampa Bay Devil Rays hat.
* This is going to be in a notebook on NBCSports.com tonight, but the Giants all say that the Patriots play a vanilla defense this season. They line up in their 3-4 and don't vary rushers much. It's a strange thing to hear about a Belichick defense, but undeniably true. I think it's because Belichick doesn't quite trust the depth of his back seven.
Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride believes the Patriots lulled them to sleep last time with this approach before unleashing some creative blitzes late. I don't think the Pats will wait so long this time.
Continue reading "Final Wednesday Thoughts" »
One way the Giants can beat New England is by spreading them out and getting rookie Steve Smith involved. When asked if he expected to be on the field a lot on Sunday, Smith got a huge smile and said “definitely.”
I think the Giants are going to have to go three and four wide plenty to expose New England's secondary depth. Smith will beat Randall Gay or the Patriots safeties. Smith has been getting open well lately, but not always finishing the play.
Continue reading "The other Steve Smith will be a Rotoworld guy" »
Thinking fantasy first, I tried to get something today from Ahmad Bradshaw about his ever-growing role in the Giants backfield. Does he want to start? Is he impressed that his teammates all said he was the surest future star on the team? What does he need to work on this offseason?
He didn't bite. He said all the right things that he would happy sharing the ball with Brandon Jacobs and that he doesn't make the game plan. With both players under contract for a while, it's the only attitude to have. I think Bradshaw's development will ultimately hurt Jacobs, especially when Bradshaw rounds out his game.
While talking to him, I couldn't help thinking of a classic story I heard about when Bradshaw was drafted.
Continue reading "Bradshaw doesn't bite" »
January 29, 2008
Weakest Attempt at Street Cred
Goes to myself. After Laurence Maroney was finished talking about his Kool Aid tattoo, he mentioned that his only pregame ritual was listening to 'Lil Wayne. This led to a long exchange, in which Maroney didn't agree that 'Da Drought 3 is Weezy's best, while scores of horrified middle-aged men looked on.
Happiest to be there
Giants practice squader Kay Jay Harris was positively bubbly answering questions in Dolce n Gabanna sunglasses.
"I usually get my Super Bowl experience playing Madden. Now I'm here. This isn't a video game, this is reality. I can't even believe it. It won't hit until Sunday when the flashbulbs are popping."
Continue reading "A few more awards" »
By now, you've seen what Media Day is all about. It's a cliche to talk about the insanity, and all the TV Azteca reporters in skimpy outfits, the dumb questions, the woman in the wedding dress.
My focus was getting sound and video for NBCSports.com which will be shown throughout the week.
That led to a few more goofball questions and fewer football ones than I'm completely comfortable with, but I look to Kevin Faulk for guidance. Know your role, and that's mine this year. Here's some awards on the Patriots side.
Continue reading "Patriot Media Day Awards" »
Finally back safely from Media Day. The Cardinals Stadium is out of the way, literally across the street from some farming crops I couldn't ascertain. One of my favorite moments came early, while the media was being lined up while going through security. My producer Matt quickly spotted Chris Berman a little ways up.
As if on cue, he looks a few spots behind him at a nice looking young woman and asks, "YOU HAVING FUN YET?"
I was giddy at the live With Leather moment until we realized a few minutes later that the woman worked for ESPN. Still, you have to admire the professionalism. 9:30 in the morning, and he's already working it.
The NBCSports.com crew had dinner last night, getting our plan ready for Media Day which I'm about to leave for. Will be tough to blog there for a while, but we will get some good footage and hopefully quotes. Before leaving, I wanted to share some final thoughts from yesterday's action that didn't fit elsewhere.
Ty Warren, who was very relaxed and intelligent, said that James Sanders is the unsung hero of the defense and continues to improve. When I try to think of how the Patriots secondary has held it together this year, I don't think of Sanders fast enough. He's been a huge stabilizing force - the player Eugene Wilson was suppposed to be.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts" »
Rodney Harrison was typically blunt at his press conference today. I asked him if he ever feared that his career was over after last season's knee injury. Titans wide receiver Bobby Wade took Harrison's knees out on a blindside hit in Week 17 last season, tearing his MCL.
"I was initially frustrated. Early in the offseason, I wanted to find him (Wade). Then I realized things happen for a reason. ... There was a time when I wondered, do I feel like coming back?"
Still, Rodney is a man that doesn't take slights easily.
"We just better not play Minnesota."
Bobby Wade can rest easy. The Vikings aren't on the schedule next year.
January 28, 2008
My wife Emika made it clear she wouldn't be happy if she didn't see me asking a question on NFL Network during the Bill Belichick press conference.
I am amazed by her sudden football aptitude. I knew the tide was turning the day she was home watching football by herself (A Miami Dolphin game to boot, when Cleo Lemon found Greg Camarillo for their only win of the season.) Still, this was another level. I put her through a lot because of this job, but imagining her sitting at home watching a 20-minute Belichick presser with no payoff is cruel and unusual punishment.
Continue reading "Making the wife happy" »
Five thoughts from the Giants press conferences, held deep in the middle of the desert on an Indian Reservation.
1. Men in Black
In a display of well, something, the Giants organization nearly all wore black-on-black suits to their press conferences, with only Eli Manning and Jeff Feagles going with white shirts. Eli Manning mentioned something about it coming from Michael Clayton, the movie, not the Bucs wide receiver. It led to the most annoying line of questioning from the huddled masses of the afternoon, just behind “How do you avoid distractions this week?” and “What does Peyton think about all this?”
Continue reading "Live from the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass" »
Headed down to the Media Center in the Phoenix Convention Center this morning to pick up my credentials. First, as Hashmarks pointed out this morning, Phoenix is very spread out and the majority of the media hotels aren't close to the media center (and the game itself is another 30 minutes away).
On the way here, Tom Curran noted that we passed perhaps the longest stretch of used car dealerships in the country (no credit required!). The former BOB, home to the D-Backs, just erupts out of nowhere, then palm trees, some Arizona State downtown campus buildings, and we're downtown.
Continue reading "Setting the Scene" »
I'm probably the only person here more excited to see some of the media members than I am to see the players. With the players, everything is forced. You see them in a press conference setting, just like you would on television.
I get to see the media in their element. I'm one of them, although that will take some getting used to. Sitting here illegally at the Albuequerque sports radio table on radio row, Rich Eisen of NFL Network stands five feet to my left chatting up Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, then a swarm of local television and radio microphones circle around Eisen to get a sound bite. Eisen's "smarminess" causes considerable debate among the NBCSports.com crew, with me firmly in his corner as the perfect host for NFL Network. He won me over sometime around the first NFL Scouting Combine when he ran the 40 in laced up Zengna crocs. Okay, back in a few minutes where I'll set the scene at the media center.
Early on my flight to Phoenix, I faced the first decision of my Super Bowl trip. Watch the appropriately themed in-flight movie, The GamePlan or finish re-reading The Education of a Coach, picked up again this week for something I’m writing on Bill Belichick.
It was almost as if Belichick was beside me, eyebrows-raised, at the thought of choosing “The Rock” over him. I quickly sacked the movie (insert Drew Bledsoe joke here).
Continue reading "The Eagle has landed" »
January 27, 2008
I have the best job in the world. I know this, have known this long since before NBC bought Rotoworld, and have hung on for dear life since the day they started paying me to write about fantasy football. Like going to college in New Orleans, its something I struggled to initially believe was encouraged.
Now I’m headed to the Super Bowl, arriving in Phoenix late Sunday night. My first press box experience is going to be this game. That my hometown Patriots are in the game, with some history on the line, well … I’m going to shut up now before I get too obnoxious. I'll probably have to leave my Troy Brown throwback jersey behind.
Continue reading "Super Bowl blog ready for liftoff" »
January 23, 2008
As much as I like watching Senior Bowl practices, I hope that next week is more interesting. As I mentioned here before, I'm heading down to the Super Bowl to pretend I'm a journalist and record the festivities starting Monday.
I'll be at Media Day (and some of the other pressers) with the rest of the unwashed masses, and am planning on focusing on the lesser known players. Guys you might get an interesting answer from. Guys who won't have many people around them.
I was thinking you could all help me do my job for me. Include some questions you'd like to see answered below (can specify the player if you want), and I'll try to ask some of the better ones next Tuesday. Best question gets a free Rotoworld draft guide next year.
May 22, 2007
Indianapolis and Dallas waged a spirited battle for the right to host the Super Bowl in 2011, but Jerry Jones and his new stadium won the day. Since the stadium is in Arlington, it's officially "North Texas" getting the Super Bowl.
Tony Dungy, perhaps the most admired man in the NFL, spoke on Indy's behalf. But after Super Bowls in Detroit and Jacksonville, I think the owners wanted warm-weather, big-market cities.
Now they just need to get the game back in New Orleans.
Wade is still only going to the 2011 Super Bowl with a ticket.
February 06, 2007
Paul Zimmerman writes what I wish I wrote in the last day. Sunday's game was an interesting and entertaining Super Bowl. A better ending would have been great, but you couldn't pack more action into the first three quarters. Perhaps people just expected Rex Grossman to implode at the end, and implode he did.
Zimmerman credits Joseph Addai and the Colts rush defense mostly. While Dominic Rhodes enjoyed a monster fourth quarter, Addai helped win the game when it was in doubt. A few beautiful cuts helped convert key third downs. Rhodes' big fourth quarter should help Addai in the long run anyhow. Now Rhodes is more likely to get paid elsewhere in 2007 while Addai racks up 350 touches and a top-ten fantasy ranking.
Am I the only one (other than Zimmerman) that thought Sunday's game was a better-than-average Super Bowl?
February 04, 2007
Before we sign off on Super Bowl XLI (morning news is only 9 hours away), here are four key figures from this game that face uncertain futures.
Rex Grossman: Is he the guy? Lovie Smith can be as confident publicly as he wants, but there must be private doubts. The situation is made much trickier this off-season because Grossman has only one year left on his contract.
He'll want a new deal, and Chicago will want to give him one. But making the right offer, without insulting Grossman, could be very tricky. If he enters training camp next year without a deal, next year will be a bigger circus than this one. Brian Griese looms large.
Tony Dungy: Will he retire? He's accomplished everything you can in football and has spoken often about leaving the game in the past. He probably will answer this question this week. If Dungy left, assistant head coach Jim Caldwell would probably be the favorite to replace him. Ron Rivera would seem to be another candidate.
Thomas Jones: If Cedric Benson tore his ACL Sunday night, it will be easy to keep Jones. If the injury was less serious as expected, like a MCL tear or sprain, then Jones becomes quite tradeable. He has only one year left on his contract and both backs want to be "the man" in 2007. We'd keep them both, though. If it's not broke...
Dominic Rhodes:He made a lot of money Sunday night. He can probably earn more in free agency by leaving the Colts. He ran like a man possessed in the playoffs, but they will surive just fine without him.
It's been a great season, our first one with NBC, and I want to thank everyone for supporting the site. Our off-season coverage will get in full swing this week with a free agency preview and all the 24 hour coverage on our player news page.
I picked the the Colts to win the Super Bowl before the playoffs started because I thought Peyton Manning was playing the best football of his career. I thought it was their time and they were mentally tougher after all their failure and all the close wins they pulled off this season.
I didn't think their defense would lead the way for much of the playoffs. Honestly, tonight may have been their worst playoff game of the four this year. They were dominant once again, but let the Bears hang around forever because of early errors.
I've seen people write that it's ironic this Colts team made the Super Bowl because their old versions were better. But I disagree. They were 13-3. FootballOutsiders says this was a historically efficient offense. Their run defense was a sieve late in the regular season, but the team had little to play for. And it was always very good against the pass.
The Colts, like the Patriots (and Steelers/Eagles to lesser extent) have beat the salary cap parity era and maintained excellence for a long time. They deserve a title, especially their two leaders: Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. I'll be back with one more post before I sleep, but have to finish my Rotoworld news responsibilities first. Thanks for stopping by tonight.
My vote is for Rex Grossman. Okay, that's just mean.
Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai are over 100 total yards, so they will probably cancel each other out. Peyton Manning will probably be the pick. He could use the publicity. Plus it would be awkward to put Dominic Rhodes on the 2007 NFL Record & Fact Book. Especially if he leaves the Colts via free agency.
I'm starting to fatigue. Here's some advice for the kids out there. Never, ever go apartment hunting in February. Bad idea.
The rest of these posts are all over the place like Rex Grossman passes. Or snaps. I just peaked at a Washington Post liveblog from Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. Kornheiser is wasted. Why didn't I think of that?
I'm dreading the poor post-game press conference for Grossman. I hope they let him skip it. Some reporter will ask a, "I told you weren't that good" question and Grossman (or Lovie Smith) will go all Dennis Green.
Mike and the Mad Dog said earlier this week that the only person they've ever seen more miserable during Super Bowl week than Grossman was Marv Levy in his first Super Bowl. His week is about to get worse.
So much for this game not being defined by one play. Kelvin Hayden's 56-yard interception return of a Rex Grossman floater should put this one away.
The Bears haven't fooled the Colts defense all day. Hayden knew the double move was coming. Chicago, who struggles to complete short passes, hasn't hit short or long passes all day. It seems like Grossman doesn't get off his primary receiver very often.
Marvin Harrison is one of the greatest regular season receivers of all time , but he doesn't have much playoff success. If he doesn't make another play tonight, I'll always remember that diving 11-yard, top-tapping catch at the end of the third quarter.
It was a classic Harrison play: making an impossible catch look smooth. It also came at a point that Chicago had a little momentum brewing. This Super Bowl doesn't seem to be one that will be defined by one play, but an accumulation of steady big plays by Harrison, Wayne, Addai, and Manning. Since Muhsin Muhammad's touchdown, the Bears haven't made many.
(Of course in the time it take to write this, the Bears stop the Colts three plays later on a GREAT play by Nathan Vasher covering Harrison.)
We have a ballgame.
Like a lot of Super Bowls, this game has featured great intensity and occasionally sloppy play. It's beyond amazing that the Bears are still only one possession down late in the third quarter despite having only four first downs to 20 for the Colts.
It has been Chicago's M.O. to stop the opposing offense when they absolutely needed to during the playoffs. That has held true tonight, but they are going to have to start scoring points or forcing Indy into some three-and-outs.
Bill Polian's decision to let Edgerrin James walk via free agency, then take Joseph Addai late in the first round has proven to be a masterstroke.
Addai isn't flashy, but he's just so fundamentally solid and continues to make people miss while converting third downs. He has 126 total yards through three quarters. The Colts have run 57 offensive plays to 18 for the Bears.
Hunter Smith did a nice job on a bad snap to help Vinatieri hit a 24-yard field goal. The Bears have managed to slow down the Colts just enough in the red zone to stay in this game.
Gutsy decision by CBS to use two of their better analysts, Solomon Wilcots and Steve Tasker, as sideline reporters for this game. I like it.
Wilcots is usually buried on the fifth-team with Ian Eagle doing Browns-Texans, but he always does a great job. Tasker benefits from sitting next to the most exciting play-by-play guy in the NFL - Gus Johnson.
CBS just said that Muhsin Muhammad is the third player in NFL history to score for two different teams in the Super Bowl. Ricky Proehl is one of the others. Who's the third?
A nation of Patriots fans just made the same joke: Good to see Adam Vinatieri is still on the payroll.
It's worth noting that Vinatieri missed his biggest kick of the 2005 season, a playoff try against the Broncos that could have made it a one possession game. He also missed two kicks against the Patriots in Foxborough this year, and missed two kicks in New England's three-point Super Bowl win over Carolina.
There is no doubt in my mind Vinatieri is a Hall of Famer, and has made more big kicks than anyone in NFL history. He became one of my favorite players ever after the snow game against Oakland.
But like most "clutch" legends, his actual track record has shortcomings that people forget about. Clutch usually evens out over time. Colts fans just hope Vinatieri's karmic payback doesn't continue after halftime.
The Bears have to feel good about only trailing by two at halftime, and it's not just because Adam Vinatieri hooked a 36-yard field goal as time ran out of the second quarter.
The Colts are dominating total yardage 233-95. They have run 41 plays to a total of 18 for the Bears. Other than a 52-yard run by Thomas Jones, they don't have a rushing first down.
Games can change quickly, so it may not mean much that Chicago has mostly been dominated at the line of scrimmage in the first 30 minutes. But Lovie Smith doesn't want to get involved in a shootout, so his defense will need to tighten up and keep forcing turnovers to have a chance.
Peyton Manning and Jeff Saturday were campaigning for Saturday's block against Vince Wilfork on the game-winning touchdown in the AFC Championship to be dubbed "the block." Not a bad idea - Saturday cleared Wilfork off the screen.
Well Saturday just pulled off the same trick against Ian Scott on a first-and-goal from the eight, helping Dominic Rhodes get to the one-yard line. Just great leverage and toughness by Saturday, who made the Pro Bowl again. Rhodes scored one play later to help the Colts take their first lead of the night: 16-14.
The Colts have had their problems in this game, but moving the ball isn't one of them. That's 211 yards in 25 minutes. The Colts defense won't wear down if they aren't ever on the field.
Tough night for Cedric Benson: 2 carries, -1 yard, a lost fumble, and a knee injury. His return is questionable.
Chicago's big plan on offense is wear down Indianapolis by running all day. That will be much tougher if Benson doesn't return. If he doesn't, we'll find out how confident Lovie Smith is in 1) Rex Grossman and 2) Adrian Peterson.
Peterson was one of the most underrated players in the league in 2005 and is a fine third-down back. But he has only 16 touches all year.
Update:Benson will not return
Notice how the CBS cameras are avoiding any crowd shots? That's because there are a ton of empty seats in the lower bowl. I don't care if it's raining, that's ridiculous. But it's also consistent with what most spectators say about a Super Bowl crowd. It's bored and corporate.
Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith showed off their old conservative coaching styles, practiced by Dungy in Tampa.
Dungy punted on fourth-and-3 from the 36-yard line. It worked, the Colts pinned Chicago back.
The Bears followed that up by running on third-and-6 from inside their own ten-yard line after Rex Grossman was wild with a long pass.
The Bears call makes a lot more sense to me than Dungy punting. I bet Peyton Manning agrees.
We're not out of the first quarter and there have been four turnovers so far, and a botched extra point.
Cedric Benson's fumble wasn't the rain's fault. Bob Sanders put his helmet right on the ball, and nailed Benson. Two great individual plays be Robert Mathis and Sanders forcing fumbles in this game have kept the Colts within one score early.
Three passes, 10 yards, 14 points. Chicago will take that ratio all day.
Nice job by Rex, throwing a dart to Muhsin Muhammad in a tight window for Chicago's second touchdown.
So ... in the five minutes since my last post ... The Bears fumbled Adam Vinatieri's squib kick. Then Joseph Addai fumbled a handoff from Peyton Manning. Then Thomas Jones rushed for over 50 yards on the next play.
Of all the storylines this week, the rain got absolutely no attention. But it's partially responsible for three fumbles in the first quarter. Nerves probably aren't helping either.
Chicago is playing a deep zone tonight, like one would expect. The safeties are playing almost 20 yards off the line of scrimmage, them backing up.
So how does Reggie Wayne get so wide open on a 53-yard touchdown? That's either bad coaching, a missed assignment, or someone fell. Or all three.
Manning was under pressure and did a great job, but the amazing part is that Chicago didn't blitz on third-and-ten and Wayne was still that open.
Now a clutch hold by Hunter Smith means another botched extra point. So much for a blah Super Bowl.
Dropped interceptions are often one of the overlooked keys to the game. Charles Tillman had a chance to pick off one of Peyton Manning's early passes. Chris Harris didn't drop his chance at an interception a few plays later.
Manning tried to pump-fake Harris as if he was throwing to the seam, but Harris didn't bite. Round one to the inexperienced Chicago safeties.
It's early, but it's key for the Colts defense to keep it within one score early and settle down.
That was one of the most clutch kickoffs of all time by Adam Vinatieri.
Vinatieri is consistently poor on kickoffs. People don't talk about it much, but he's been among the worst in the league the last few years.
Of course, Devin Hester's amazing skills and Marlin Jackson's missed tackle helped Hester score on the opening kickoff, but Vinatieri's low liner barely made it over the ten-yard line. I don't think it will cost him a trip to Canton, but it's something to watch the rest of the game.
It was cool when the Patriots first came out as a team in 2001. It was original. Since then, slowly teams have become afraid to not come out as a team, as if introductions would prove the players are just mercenaries in it for themselves.
Both the Bears and Colts came out as a team tonight. I wonder what the NFL thinks of this. One well-known story from the Rams-Patriots Super Bowl is that Bill Belichick openly defied the league when he refused to have player introductions. The Patriots have reportedly battled over the issue since.
It looks like Belichick won.
(And yes, I had to include a Patriots post tonight. I promise, it will be the last one).
Okay, I've avoided the pregame festivities as long as possible. It's time for Super Bowl XLI!
Nick Harper will start at cornerback for the Colts. This is big news because there is a solid drop-off to Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden at cornerback. Jackson can play some safety as well. Ricky Proehl is inactive, so he won't be catching another Super Bowl touchdown.
For the Bears, second-year wideout Mark Bradley is active. He will split snaps as a slot receiver with Rashied Davis. The Bears don't go three wide that often, but Rex Grossman loves throwing to these guys when they do.
February 02, 2007
It's clear that all the criticism is getting to Rex Grossman. That's probably not a good thing for Sunday, when Grossman needs to play controlled, not angry.
But the outrage over his comments, when he called the media "ignorant," is laughable. Grossman is right. The majority of journalists covering the game are beat writers who probably haven't watched Grossman more than a few times all season. If that.
Football is an interesting sport to cover because it's impossible to watch most teams play. More than any sport, I believe players, coaches, and teams get slapped with labels or reputations that are very hard to shake. Groupthink is how the Colts have transformed from a team with no chance to beat the Ravens to one that is guaranteed to win the Super Bowl.
There is no denying that Grossman has been highly inconsistent, and some of his criticism is deserved. But he's right when he basically called much of the media lazy for repeating the same questions, often meta-questions about how he's handling the criticism. I haven't heard one question all week that specifically asked him about strategy or planning or why certain things have occured throughout the year.
Before the Arizona game, Grossman was talked about as a possible MVP candidate. He was the story of the NFL, the new gunslinger in town. Now he's a complete bum. The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle. The middle doesn't sell.
February 01, 2007
There's a decent chance Tony Dungy will retire if the Colts win the Super Bowl. Of all the repeated storylines on loop this week, Dungy's possible departure has received surprisingly little play.
Dungy has talked about retirement openly in the past. He previously said he planned to retire to pursue other interests at the age of 50. He's currently 51.
The possibility got me thinking: Who would land the Colts job if Dungy left?
Assistant head coach Jim Caldwell is a favorite of the organization and would likely be considered. Bears coordinator Ron Rivera's familiarity with the Cover Two defense would make him a natural fit. With Tom Moore still around, the offense wouldn't need much tweaking.
There is no doubt the Colts job is among the best in football. Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne are still in their prime. Bob Sanders and Joseph Addai are just getting started. If Dungy was concerned about his legacy, it would be a tough team to leave.
But when Tony Dungy says his career and life aren't defined by wins and losses, you believe him. When he says he has plans to make a difference after football, you know it's not just hot air. A year after his son's tragic suicide, Dungy showed a great deal of perservence to return to football, and then pulled off his best coaching job yet.
Perhaps Dungy doesn't need a win Sunday to define who he is as a man, but it would complete his life in football. Then he'd be free to move on to more important matters.
January 31, 2007
I can't be the only football fan that hates the buildup to the Super Bowl. After a draining season, two weeks is too long to wait. Everything that surrounds the game has little to do with, you know, actual football. I try to block it all out for as long possible.
The tide started turning for me this evening while I started diving into some old Bears game tape, already preparing for our ridiculously early deadline on our football annual this season.
An actual football game is going to be played Sunday starring the greatest quarterback (guess who), wide receiver (not Bernard Berrian), linebacker (Mr. Urlacher), and kicker (Adam Vinatieri) of this generation. If you can't get excited for that, something's wrong.
Now ... I'll get back to the tape, and keep trying to tune out the hype as long as possible.
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