Notes from Day Two of the NFL Draft posted by Joe Anello

Another exciting, fast-paced night of the NFL Draft passed Friday as rounds two and three wrapped up in under four hours. Without any more filibuster, let’s get right to some of the stories that caught my eye.

-The night after taking Stanford’s Andrew Luck with the first overall pick, the Colts come back on Friday and draft Luck’s tight end Coby Fleener. At that point, the Colts had a field stretcher in a league that has gone tight end crazy. But they didn’t stop there, taking Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen at the start of the third. Allen’s more of a complete tight end than Fleener, being able to get on the end of the line and take on defenders. Still, I thought that would be the last pick for a few rounds that the Colt spent on offense. I was wrong, as they got into the end of the third round to take Florida International receiver T.Y. Hilton, who figures to get time in the slot. So I guess that GM Ryan Grigson isn’t concerned about that shittastic defense? Looks like the new Colts are going the same direction as the old Colts. Spend the valuable assets on offense and fill in the gaps with late rounders on defense. I’m puzzled by their draft. The moves will improve their offense certainly, but they needed to get much bigger on defense in order to handle new coach Chuck Pagano’s schemes.

-With three picks in the second round, the Rams had an opportunity to address a number of needs and even take a chance. Following their pick of receiver Brian Quick to start the night, they took a risk by selecting Northern Alabama corner Janoris Jenkins, who fell off of many teams’ draft boards thanks to two marijuana arrests and other poor decisions. Regarded as the second best (if not the best) cover corner in the draft, Jenkins partners with Cortland Finnegan to give the Rams a ballsy defensive backfield. The action didn’t stop for them there however, following those picks with the selection of the speedy RB Isaiah Pead to help spell Steven Jackson. And if that wasn’t enough, they selected Montana corner Trumaine Johnson in round three. Fisher just overhauled an area of extreme weakness, but he’ll need to stay on top of Jenkins and Johnson to keep them in line. I really like what the Rams did, even if they got too cute and traded away from Morris Claiborne.

The Saga Concludes: Mannning and Colts to Part Company posted by Joe Anello

Who would have thought that the 17-16 playoff loss to the New York Jets on January 30th, 2011 was the last game we would see Peyton Manning as an Indianapolis Colt? Not this man. And that’s probably why it’s taken me so long to fully articulate my thoughts on Peyton’s now-confirmed departure from the team that drafted him 14 years ago. This was a story I never thought I would have to write. Correction: it was a story I never wanted to write.

If the reports coming out from various sports networks are to be believed, owner Jim Irsay broke the news to Peyton on Monday night that he would not be coming back for a run in 2012. This flies in the face of Irsay’s comments throughout this process that it would be “Peyton’s decision” whether or not he’d be back in the blue and white. As he’s been working out like a fiend with numerous leaked descriptions of those throwing sessions, you knew that Manning wanted to be back in Indy. Collective bargaining prevented Irsay and new GM Ryan Grigson from watching those sessions in person, but you can bet they talked to people who did. Or at least that was Manning’s hope.

Seeing it unfold as it did, I’m fairly convinced that this was Irsay’s prerogative all along. Why pay Peyton another $28 million when you’re not convinced he’s the same player when Andrew Luck is yours for the taking? Though it can be said that the only reason Luck was available to Irsay is because Manning (an 11-time Pro Bowler, 4-time MVP, Super Bowl MVP, countless record holder and undeniable Hall of Famer)  missed an entire season, leaving the Colts with the worst record in football. I’m not convinced this was the right move, but then again, it’s not my franchise. I didn’t just pay Manning $26 million dollars to sit on my sidelines. Jim Irsay did, and now he’s decided it’s time to move on. Now we get to watch over the next few seasons if he made the right choice.

Breaking Down the Bowl: The Prop Bets of XLVI posted by Joe Anello

After over 3000 words were spent on the Patriot and Giant previews, I needed to take a small break from the in-depth analysis for my favorite blog of the year: the Super Bowl Prop Bets. For those of you not in the betting zone, prop bets are side wagers on anything aside from the game’s final score or what team wins. There are some boring standards like first touchdown reception or most rushing yards, but there are plenty of non-sports related wagers in which to take part.

For beginners, there are a few different ways these bets are placed/measured. The first is simply the odds (2/1, 9/4). There could also be a money line (+150, -200). So if you see a +150 that means if you bet $100 you’ll win $150. If you see -200 it means if you bet $100 you win $50. (I’m still not sure why I only see money lines when odds could be used as well, but whatever.) The third is simply an over/under followed by a number. This just means you’re betting on whether you think this event/action will occur more than the corresponding number.

Ready to gamble away money yet? No? Awesome. Here are some of the best Prop Bets of Super Bowl XLVI.

An annual prop staple, this year’s longshot of blue is awfully tempting. Something tells me it’s gonna be red though. (Someone hold me to that. I dare you.)

Joe's 2012 NFL Black Monday Breakdown posted by Joe Anello

Black Monday in the NFL is always chock-full of news and storylines and this latest incarnation is no different. Along with the two head coaching vacancies we’re already aware of (Miami and Jacksonville) two more holes opened up on Monday (with more likely on the way). Here’s my take on the day’s news.

As many great sound bites as Morris has given us, he also managed to deliver one craptacular year after raising expectations so high with a ten-win season in 2010. After starting this season 4-2, Morris’ young Bucs lost ten straight to finish at 4-12. And they weren’t close games either. These Bucs were routinely pummeled, ending with the 42-point first half they allowed to the Falcons on Sunday. The Glazer family had no choice.

Tampa Bay needs someone with experience this time around. Jeff Fisher’s going to be a hot commodity, but St. Louis or Miami would seem to have the inside track to land him. As opposed to the ridiculously young Morris, the Bucs could still hire someone young-ish, but a candidate with a greater wealth of NFL knowledge. Maybe Rob Chudzinski (currently OC for the Panthers) could be a dark horse for the job? Mike Sherman’s been bandied about by NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, which would be the direct opposite of Morris. You know, old white guy re-tread.

The Opening Drive: Week 17, 2011-12 posted by Joe Anello

I’ll bet you thought week 17 in the NFL was meaningless! Well I call shenanigans on that premise entirely, as I’m ready to touch on ELEVEN games going on New Year’s Day. How’s THAT for an Opening Drive?

 

(10-5) Detroit Lions at
(14-1) Green Bay Packers

We pretty much know the story here. Detroit wants like hell to avoid losing and dropping to the sixth seed in the NFC, because that would mean a trip to New Orleans in the wild card round and a quick trip back home after a swift kick in the ass from Drew Brees and company. Green Bay has absolutely nothing to play for, so they’ll likely sit Rodgers and any banged up skill players early. Lions should win this one.

St. Louis is primed to snatch the number one draft pick away from Indy with another loss, meaning they’ll be the subject of so many “Should they draft Andrew Luck or trade (incumbent starter)” questions throughout the offseason. Seriously though, getting the number one pick twice in a span of only three seasons? Ouch.

There’s some mild playoff implications for the Jets here if they win and get a whole bunch of other (better) teams to lose on Sunday. Unfortunately, they probably won’t get past the whole “winning” thing on their own. Miami is one of those better teams.

Joe's 2011 Thursday Night Preview: Texans at Colts posted by Joe Anello

A whopping nine wins separate Thursday Night Football’s combatants tonight as the AFC South Champion Houston Texans travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the finally-not-winless Colts. Will this be a game… or a slaughter?

(10-4) Houston Texans at
(1-13) Indianapolis Colts

Let’s just get this out of the way right now. Indy isn’t “dangerous.” Could they win behind Dan Orlovsky and a healthy dose of Donald Brown? Sure, maybe. That’s essentially what the offensive gameplan that Houston’s will employ. However, what will really be the factor tonight is the defense. Indianapolis just won’t be able to create the same turnovers or get the same stops as Houston’s can. They’re still pretty bad. They even have a reason to lose as they must ensure they get the number one pick. (Not saying they’ll do it on purpose, but hey, they probably should.)

For Houston, they’re going to need to follow the same formula they’ve been using all season. Hand that ball to Arian Foster and make sure the quarterback (whoever it is) doesn’t screw up. T.J. Yates had his issues last weekend against Carolina, but he won’t have to put up that kind of point total tonight. Lucky for him too, since he’s still without Andre Johnson. Houston is the forgotten division winner, having lost their top two quarterbacks and wide receiver to injury. They’ve had a successful season, but who could really pick them to get any further than the divisional round?

The Final Drive: Week 13, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

Week 13 in the NFL saw a variety of last second comebacks, including more “Jebus and Teebs” magic and a scare for the undefeated champs. Need to know more? Welcome to The Final Drive.

(7-5) Denver Broncos 35
(2-10) Minnesota Vikings 32

This is really starting to piss me off. Can’t SOMEONE knock this guy off the horse for ONE week? To be honest, this was probably Tebow’s best statistical game. He did complete 10 of his 15 passes. However, you can thank the defense for a timely turnover and Matt Prater for two clutch field goals. They are the real heroes.

I told you 20.5 points was too large a line! It was just begging to be betted on. Indianapolis played its best game in some time, out-gaining New England and controlling the ball. Unfortunately their two turnovers cost them this one, making their 21 fourth quarter points too little, too late.

Ow. That kinda hurt. After riding high with those “moral victories,” those pesky Bengals finally got put down by the cream of the AFC North. They might still get in for a wild card spot, but I don’t see them making much noise yet.

What a fantastic freaking game this was. Defenses were scarce aside from a few key plays, leaving these quarterbacks plenty of opportunities to light up the scoreboards. I don’t think I want to see what Tom Coughlin’s face looked like this morning. I swear that old man is so mad all the time his face probably takes 2-3 days to un-furiate.

Pick Six: Week 13 posted by Randolph Charlotin

1. The Gillette Stadium crowd thought they witnessed a Patriot claim another record, but the celebration was short lived. TE Rob Gronkowski scored three touchdowns, tying the record for touchdown receptions by a tight end in a season with 13. Gronk’s third TD was actually was a lateral though. History will have to wait at least a week for Gronkowski, but he did score his first rushing touchdown.

2. When Matthew Slater was drafted in 2008, he had experience at UCLA as a receiver, a returner, and safety. His defensive background was fully put to use as he started the game in place of Patrick Chung. Besides finishing with seven total tackles, Slater forced a fumble in the third quarter. Naturally, the ball was recovered by the human loose ball vacuum, CB Kyle Arrington.

3. It was ruled a fumble when RB Kevin Faulk hit the ground on a three yard gain in the first quarter. But when the replay was shown, head coach Bill Belichick reached for his red challenge flag. After further review, Faulk was down by contact and the play was reversed. Belichick has been money when challenging plays this season. He has won six of eight challenges.

4. A few firsts to mention. We saw the debut of Nick McDonald at center. WR Tiquan Underwood had his first reception as a Patriot for a 10-yard gain. The recently signed CB Nate Jones not only was in the starting lineup, he defended his first pass with the Pats. And LB Jerod Mayo had his first career interception on an athletic diving play over the middle in the fourth quarter.

5. WR Chad Ochocinco had his first reception since week 10 against the New York Jets. Ochocinco making a miniscule contribution is nothing new. How he was used was. Ochocinco’s reception came when the offense was running a no-huddle attack. This might be a sign of Ochocinco’s understanding of the offense. He wasn’t on the field during no-huddle or two-minute offense situations before. Ochocinco doesn’t play much, but if he fully grasps the offense, his role could expand. It would add a new wrinkle to the offense late in the season. Defenses don’t want to deal with another Patriot weapon.

The Opening Drive: Week 13, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

The weeks are rushing by in the NFL with the playoff picture beginning to take shape. Two 11-game streaks could push their way to 12 and an NFC contender tries to get by without one of their biggest stars.

(6-5) Tennessee Titans at
(5-6) Buffalo Bills

I gotta say, the only reason I’m putting this one on here is that the Titans could actually sneak their way into contention for a wildcard slot if the Jets and Bengals lose. That shouldn’t be a tremendous feat against the Bills, who are stumbling mightily.

This is crazy. A 20.5 point line for a professional game? That just proves how utterly hopeless the Colts have been this season. I don’t expect it to be close… but that’s a very large number. Very. Large. Still, with Dan Orlovsky starting for Indy it could be a safe bet.

The Bengals have had two shots to make statements against the Ravens and Steelers but have failed to deliver. Round two against the AFC Champs takes place on Sunday as the Bengals try to hang onto their playoff hopes. Look for things to be different this time around as Andy Dalton should hopefully have A.J. Green for the entire game.

Uh… who’s Houston starting at quarterback again? T.J. Yates? …It would be REALLY hard for me not to take Atlanta here. I’m not saying Yates is awful, but first starts are hardly ever stand-out performances. The Falcons are quietly winning but need a noisemaker for anyone to start taking them seriously.

Hours Before Kickoff: Week 13 posted by Randolph Charlotin

It was a convincing win over the Philadelphia Eagles that came surprisingly easier than expected.

Hope you enjoy re-runs for the rest of the season.

The combined record of the remaining opponents is 18-37. A third of those wins belong to the streaking Denver Broncos that won their last four games without a quarterback.

If the Patriots handle their business, there shouldn’t be a close game for the rest of the season. Try not to get bored by the second halves.

Watching New England play Bully might deliver some level of entertainment (especially against the hated and handicapped Colts and NFL darling QB Tim Tebow), but what do the Patriots get out of it?

For one, Belichick wants to build momentum in December to carry into the playoffs. Since 2001, New England finished the season with at least four wins eight times. Only in 2008 did they fail to reach the playoffs despite an 11-5 record.

When the Pats lost twice during the final stretch, New England either missed the playoffs (’02) or was one and done (’09).

Opposing records don’t matter. Looking at the four Super Bowl seasons, the remaining opponents combined for a losing record every time:

2001: 32-43
2003: 27-37
2004: 28-52
2007: 30-50

The power of momentum argument loses a little credibility in 2010. Against the toughest group of opponents (43-37 combined record), New England swept the five games, but lost in the divisional round. It is the only time a playoff-bound Patriots team finished undefeated through December but failed to reach the Super Bowl.

Indianapolis signs 4 draft picks (Yahoo! Sports)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indianapolis Colts have signed four of their 10 draft picks, including the last pick of the draft, Chandler Harnish. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Vegas sportsbooks release NFL spreads for every game through Week 16 (Shutdown Corner)

If you're the type of person who's already interested in the line for the Week 8 game between the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers -- and, let's face it; you're on Shutdown Corner on a Wednesday afternoon four months from the start of the season, so we know the answer -- then you may want to clear the next 20 minutes. Cantor Gaming, a company that runs a number of Las Vegas sportsbooks, has released lines for every NFL game through Week 16 of the 2012 NFL season. Want to bet on the Lions-49ers rematch? Hoping to get on the RGIII bandwagon early? Eager to throw some money on your favorite team to win after their bye week? Desperate to find another way to lose your paycheck in Vegas? You're in luck, my degenerate friends. What do the odds show? Vegas loves the Philadelphia Eagles, has no idea what to do with Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos, wavers on the decimated New Orleans Saints and is fairly certain how Mike Mularkey's first season in Jacksonville is going to go. The season spreads contain few surprises -- the Indianapolis Colts are expected to be bad, the Green Bay Packers are expected to be good -- but are a good way to kill some time during the NFL's May doldrums. A week-by-week selection of the most interesting lines (via Covers.com ): Week 2 Detroit Lions (+3.5) at San Francisco 49ers Week 3 New York Giants (PK) at Carolina Panthers Week 4 New York Giants (+4) at Philadelphia Eagles Week 5 Green Bay Packers (+9.5) at Indianapolis Colts [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Luck heads back to Stanford with work to do (Yahoo! Sports)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Luck begins working out with new Indy teammates (Yahoo! Sports)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

10-plus years prison term for ex-NFL, Ohio St QB (Yahoo! Sports)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The painful saga of ex-Ohio State and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Art Schlichter came to a close Friday when a federal judge sentenced him to nearly 11 years in prison for scamming participants in what authorities called a million-dollar sports ticket scheme. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports