Waiting for most of the offseason to see if he would find work, Terrell Owens has finally signed a one year 2 million dollar contract with the Cincinnatti Bengals. After a one year experiment playing with the Buffalo Bills, Owens finds himself playing for a former AFC North Division Champion with Super Bowl aspirations. Owens avoided controversy and negative attention despite playing for one of the NFL's more disappointing organizations. Patience finally paid off for the outspoken receiver, as he found himself being recuited for his services, drawing attention from the Rams, Jets and Bengals. In the end, winning, and a chance to play with his good friend, Ochocinco, Owens agreed to bring the popcorn to Cincy.
Cincinnatti was one of the biggest suprises of the 2009 season. Cedric Benson finally earned his first round status by rushing for career highs and Pro Bowl caliber play. The offensive line gelled, which provided the holes needed for Benson to use his aggressive, brash style to churn yards upfield. Benson's elevated play earned him praise across the league after washing out for the Chicago Bears.
Despite a solid running game and a stingy, run stuffing defense, Cincinnatti found itself eliminated by the New York Jets, who luckily managed to sneak into the playoffs with a 9-7 record and odds stacked against them. Nonetheless, even though the Bengals were able to win the AFC North and make the playoffs, the lack of a strong passing game and consistent pass rush led to a early exit.
During the offseason, the Bengals tried to bolster the passing game with the signing of Antonio Bryant, who came off a inconsistent stint in Tampa Bay. Bryant's addition gave Carson Palmer another target to look for when Chad Ochocinco found himself facing the secondary's attention. The 2010 NFL draft brought in Texas standout, Jordan Shipley, Kansas star Dezmon Briscoe, and Oklahoma tight end phenom, Jermaine Gresham. However, even with the talent added in free agency and the draft, the Bengals were determined to return the passing game to elite form.
Terrell Owens may be 36 and in the twilight of his Hall Of Fame contending career, yet still brings instant yards to any offense looking for his services, so long as the headaches don't outweigh the benefits and kill locker room chemistry. Owens combined with OchoCinco, Bryant, Shipley and Gresham provide Palmer all the necessary weapons to keep defenses honest.
Owens will likely contend for the number two spot opposite of Ochocinco and should help Ochocinco face less double teams. If Owens keeps his cool, and the Bengals are winning, the situation looks to benefits both parties. Only time will tell how the marriage will work out, but on paper, defensive coordinators will have plenty to plan for.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Trifecta Round Three: Preview of 2010 Miami Dolphins
The 2009 season was a rollercoaster ride for most Miami Dolphin fans. Inconsistent pass rush, inability to generate turnovers, and the lack of a true receiving option left Dolfans wondering when things would turn around.
The 2010 offseason has given fans and the organization a reason to smile with the additions to Brandon Marshall, Karlos Dansby, and defensive mastermind, Mike Nolan. Parcells and company traded away precious draft picks in order to acquire Marshall, but the glaring weakness at receiver left management with little to consider. Karlos Dansby has been a consistent force in the Arizona defense. He brings a tougher, athletic, playmaking ability to a linebacking corps plagued by mediocrity. The frustration with former defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, prompted Miami to sever ties and bring in Nolan. Nolan has been creditied for turning around the 49ers, Broncos, and Ravens during his short tenure in Baltimore. Playing in a division with such a high level of competition gives Miami little room for error.
The following is a breakdown of additions, questions and players to watch during the 2010 season:
Miami Dolphins:
Free Agency: The Miami Dolphins used the free agency period to make a aggressive push to acquire and sign MLB Karlos Dansby and FS Antrel Rolle (formerly of the U) to help improve their inability to stop the pass during the 2009 season. The Dolphins ranked in the bottom of the NFL for passing yards allowed, leaving little debate for changing the status quo. The Dolphins were fortunate enough to ink Karlos Dansby, to one of the richest contracts signed by a linebacker,who brings playmaking ability to the inside of the 3-4 defense. Dansby should help improve the coverage on tight ends while bringing pass rushing pressure up the middle. When the Dolphins traded with San Diego to move back in the draft, Miami was able to add underrated linebacker, Tim Dobbins,who has the potential to be a fulltime starter.
On offense Miami added receiver Brandon Marshall who should help Chad Henne in his development as Miami's franchise quarterback. Marshall adds a dimension to the offense which should help the other receivers on the roster while forcing opponents to reconsider stacking the box against the run.
Draft: The Miami Dolphins used the draft to help add youth and speed to a defense in need of restructuring. First rounder, Jared Odrick was a highly touted prospect from Penn State, and the third ranked defensive lineman behind Suh and McCoy. His presence allows for Miami to experiment with the line, shifiting former end, Randy Starks to take over at Nose Tackle. In the second round, Miami added Koa Misi from Utah, who brings speed, intelligence, and a high motor to the outside of Miami's 3-4 defense. Former Iowa standout, A.J. Edds was added to help with coverage on passing downs. Edds will compete with Dobbins to supplant Channing Crowder because of his inability to move in coverage. In attempt to fill the spot vacated from the release of safety, Gibril Wilson, the Dolphins drafted Georgia star, Reshad Jones, who displayed a nose for the ball while in college.
On the Rise: Look for Chad Henne to build on his 2009 effort and show the Dolphins that they made the right choice with this former second round selection. Henne has the moxie, arm stregnth, accuracy, and intelligence to do it all, and the presence of Brandon Marshall only makes his life easier. Another player on offense who should benefit from the addition of Marshall is second year receiver, Brian Hartline, who showed a ability to make the highlight reel catch and possess the yards after catch ability that the coaching staff speaks preaches during practice and at game time.
Defensively, linebackers Cameron Wake and Charlie Anderson are on deck to assume the vacancies left from the release of Joey Porter and failure to resign Jason Taylor, two of Miami's more experienced pass rushers. Anderson and Wake shined in limited playing time and both possess the speed, long arms and tenacity to get to the passer. Wake is a bit more of a question mark because he has yet to prove to be more than a pass rushing specialist. In the secondary, Chris Clemons looks to be in the lead to take over at free safety. It's hard to know whether he offers much more of an upgrade from the departed, Gibril Wilson, but he offers more athleticism and sure tackling ability that Wilson lacked. If Clemons proves to be the answer, the pass defense should drastically improve.
Questions Marks: Newly added Defensive Coordinator, Mike Nolan faces the challenge of turning around one of the league's most inconsistent defneses in 2009. Nolan is widely known for his ability to turn around a defense, with Denver providing the most recent example of his success. The Dolphins need to find the answer at outside linebacker, nose tackle and free safety in order to make the climb back up. Will Randy Starks make a successful transition to nose tackle, similar to Jay Ratliff? Does Miami have the answer at free safety, with both Reshad Jones and Chris Clemons competing to start. Will Koa Misi, Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake fill the void left from the departures of Joey Porter and Jason Taylor? If these questions are answered with the personnel on hand, Miami has alot to be optimistic about and a division title to compete for.
The 2010 offseason has given fans and the organization a reason to smile with the additions to Brandon Marshall, Karlos Dansby, and defensive mastermind, Mike Nolan. Parcells and company traded away precious draft picks in order to acquire Marshall, but the glaring weakness at receiver left management with little to consider. Karlos Dansby has been a consistent force in the Arizona defense. He brings a tougher, athletic, playmaking ability to a linebacking corps plagued by mediocrity. The frustration with former defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, prompted Miami to sever ties and bring in Nolan. Nolan has been creditied for turning around the 49ers, Broncos, and Ravens during his short tenure in Baltimore. Playing in a division with such a high level of competition gives Miami little room for error.
The following is a breakdown of additions, questions and players to watch during the 2010 season:
Miami Dolphins:
Free Agency: The Miami Dolphins used the free agency period to make a aggressive push to acquire and sign MLB Karlos Dansby and FS Antrel Rolle (formerly of the U) to help improve their inability to stop the pass during the 2009 season. The Dolphins ranked in the bottom of the NFL for passing yards allowed, leaving little debate for changing the status quo. The Dolphins were fortunate enough to ink Karlos Dansby, to one of the richest contracts signed by a linebacker,who brings playmaking ability to the inside of the 3-4 defense. Dansby should help improve the coverage on tight ends while bringing pass rushing pressure up the middle. When the Dolphins traded with San Diego to move back in the draft, Miami was able to add underrated linebacker, Tim Dobbins,who has the potential to be a fulltime starter.
On offense Miami added receiver Brandon Marshall who should help Chad Henne in his development as Miami's franchise quarterback. Marshall adds a dimension to the offense which should help the other receivers on the roster while forcing opponents to reconsider stacking the box against the run.
Draft: The Miami Dolphins used the draft to help add youth and speed to a defense in need of restructuring. First rounder, Jared Odrick was a highly touted prospect from Penn State, and the third ranked defensive lineman behind Suh and McCoy. His presence allows for Miami to experiment with the line, shifiting former end, Randy Starks to take over at Nose Tackle. In the second round, Miami added Koa Misi from Utah, who brings speed, intelligence, and a high motor to the outside of Miami's 3-4 defense. Former Iowa standout, A.J. Edds was added to help with coverage on passing downs. Edds will compete with Dobbins to supplant Channing Crowder because of his inability to move in coverage. In attempt to fill the spot vacated from the release of safety, Gibril Wilson, the Dolphins drafted Georgia star, Reshad Jones, who displayed a nose for the ball while in college.
On the Rise: Look for Chad Henne to build on his 2009 effort and show the Dolphins that they made the right choice with this former second round selection. Henne has the moxie, arm stregnth, accuracy, and intelligence to do it all, and the presence of Brandon Marshall only makes his life easier. Another player on offense who should benefit from the addition of Marshall is second year receiver, Brian Hartline, who showed a ability to make the highlight reel catch and possess the yards after catch ability that the coaching staff speaks preaches during practice and at game time.
Defensively, linebackers Cameron Wake and Charlie Anderson are on deck to assume the vacancies left from the release of Joey Porter and failure to resign Jason Taylor, two of Miami's more experienced pass rushers. Anderson and Wake shined in limited playing time and both possess the speed, long arms and tenacity to get to the passer. Wake is a bit more of a question mark because he has yet to prove to be more than a pass rushing specialist. In the secondary, Chris Clemons looks to be in the lead to take over at free safety. It's hard to know whether he offers much more of an upgrade from the departed, Gibril Wilson, but he offers more athleticism and sure tackling ability that Wilson lacked. If Clemons proves to be the answer, the pass defense should drastically improve.
Questions Marks: Newly added Defensive Coordinator, Mike Nolan faces the challenge of turning around one of the league's most inconsistent defneses in 2009. Nolan is widely known for his ability to turn around a defense, with Denver providing the most recent example of his success. The Dolphins need to find the answer at outside linebacker, nose tackle and free safety in order to make the climb back up. Will Randy Starks make a successful transition to nose tackle, similar to Jay Ratliff? Does Miami have the answer at free safety, with both Reshad Jones and Chris Clemons competing to start. Will Koa Misi, Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake fill the void left from the departures of Joey Porter and Jason Taylor? If these questions are answered with the personnel on hand, Miami has alot to be optimistic about and a division title to compete for.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" of Davis
When the 2009 season came to a close, the Oakland Raiders found themselves lost in NFL limbo with a abysmal close to their season. The run defense was atrocious down the stretch, with the Ravens and Browns exposing them for nearly 600 yards rushing. Tom Cable found himself facing heat from his apparent beating of a assistant coach and quarterback Jamarcus Russell continued to eat himself into oblivion. When the season ended, Raiders' fans had little to be optimistic about.
The 2010 offseason has brought a sense of hope to the organization with ths signs pointing towards progress and improvement. The acquisition of quarterback Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins finally gives the Raiders a legitimate passer with a strong arm and ability to maneuver in the pocket. The addition of Campbell and signing of Kyle Boller indicated that Jamarcus Russell had worn out his welcome with management and teammates. Russell was released shortly after the draft, which proved that the Raiders were willing to cut their losses and move forward.
The move to bring in quarterback and offensive guru, Hue Jackson, to assume the play calling duties should help put more points on the board. Jackson has been known for his work with quarterbacks, Joe Flacco and Ben Rothlisberger, and his expertise cannot be downplayed. Jackson has the tough task of developing receiver, Darius Heyward-Bey and tailback, Darren McFadden, who have both fallen short of expectations. The offensive line is everything short of spectacular but having a seasoned veteran, like Campbell, with his ability to get rid of the football, should help improve those numbers. Robert Gallery has been the only standout player on the line, but the additions of Bruce Campbell and Jared Veldheer at tackle, and speedster Jacoby Ford, out of Clemson, should make the competition harder on the holdovers from 2009.
On defense the Raiders are loaded with talent and promise, led by veterans, Nmandi Asomugha(CB) and Richard Seymour(DL). The Raiders weakness during the 2009 season was their inability to stop the run, but the additions of draft picks,Rolando McClain(MLB) and Lamar Houston (DT)bring toughness and run stopping ability that the Raiders desperately need. Veteran lineman, John Henderson was brought in to compete at tackle, with both his size and strength needed to clog up running lanes. Al Davis traded for former FSU standout linebacker, Kamerion Wimbley to take over on the strongside. Wimbley adds size, speed, and a pass rushing threat to help improve the defense. If McClain lives up to expectations and Henderson brings consistency to the defensive line, expect the Raiders to make a considerable step forward.
The additions made through free agency and the draft look great on paper, but only time will tell if the Raiders are close to contention. Jason Campbell gives the Raiders a true passer, one they sorely lacked since Rich Gannon's retirement. Look for Jackson and Campbell to work hard to improve the passing game, while the running game attempts to take charge. Tight End, Zack Miller has been consistent in his receiving and blocking abilities and should develop a strong chemistry with Campbell.
Should the run defense improve and the offense put up the points needed to compete against pass heavy teams such as San Diego and Denver, the Raiders have a legitimate shot at competing for a playoff run, and a possible division title. San Diego finds itself transitioning at key positions while Pro Bowlers, Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil threaten to hold out if contract negotiations do not progress. Denver is rebuilding and still has questions marks on both sides of the ball, with the departures of Brandon Marshall taking away a huge component of the Broncos offensive success. Kansas City has as many, if not more questions marks coming into the season ,than their division rival, Oakland Raiders. A division in flux, solid draft, free agency, and another year with Tom Cable leave Raider fans with a little more to be optimistic about than past offseasons. Time will tell, but be on the lookout for Silver and Black to be the subject of conversation around the league in 2010.
The 2010 offseason has brought a sense of hope to the organization with ths signs pointing towards progress and improvement. The acquisition of quarterback Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins finally gives the Raiders a legitimate passer with a strong arm and ability to maneuver in the pocket. The addition of Campbell and signing of Kyle Boller indicated that Jamarcus Russell had worn out his welcome with management and teammates. Russell was released shortly after the draft, which proved that the Raiders were willing to cut their losses and move forward.
The move to bring in quarterback and offensive guru, Hue Jackson, to assume the play calling duties should help put more points on the board. Jackson has been known for his work with quarterbacks, Joe Flacco and Ben Rothlisberger, and his expertise cannot be downplayed. Jackson has the tough task of developing receiver, Darius Heyward-Bey and tailback, Darren McFadden, who have both fallen short of expectations. The offensive line is everything short of spectacular but having a seasoned veteran, like Campbell, with his ability to get rid of the football, should help improve those numbers. Robert Gallery has been the only standout player on the line, but the additions of Bruce Campbell and Jared Veldheer at tackle, and speedster Jacoby Ford, out of Clemson, should make the competition harder on the holdovers from 2009.
On defense the Raiders are loaded with talent and promise, led by veterans, Nmandi Asomugha(CB) and Richard Seymour(DL). The Raiders weakness during the 2009 season was their inability to stop the run, but the additions of draft picks,Rolando McClain(MLB) and Lamar Houston (DT)bring toughness and run stopping ability that the Raiders desperately need. Veteran lineman, John Henderson was brought in to compete at tackle, with both his size and strength needed to clog up running lanes. Al Davis traded for former FSU standout linebacker, Kamerion Wimbley to take over on the strongside. Wimbley adds size, speed, and a pass rushing threat to help improve the defense. If McClain lives up to expectations and Henderson brings consistency to the defensive line, expect the Raiders to make a considerable step forward.
The additions made through free agency and the draft look great on paper, but only time will tell if the Raiders are close to contention. Jason Campbell gives the Raiders a true passer, one they sorely lacked since Rich Gannon's retirement. Look for Jackson and Campbell to work hard to improve the passing game, while the running game attempts to take charge. Tight End, Zack Miller has been consistent in his receiving and blocking abilities and should develop a strong chemistry with Campbell.
Should the run defense improve and the offense put up the points needed to compete against pass heavy teams such as San Diego and Denver, the Raiders have a legitimate shot at competing for a playoff run, and a possible division title. San Diego finds itself transitioning at key positions while Pro Bowlers, Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil threaten to hold out if contract negotiations do not progress. Denver is rebuilding and still has questions marks on both sides of the ball, with the departures of Brandon Marshall taking away a huge component of the Broncos offensive success. Kansas City has as many, if not more questions marks coming into the season ,than their division rival, Oakland Raiders. A division in flux, solid draft, free agency, and another year with Tom Cable leave Raider fans with a little more to be optimistic about than past offseasons. Time will tell, but be on the lookout for Silver and Black to be the subject of conversation around the league in 2010.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
2010 NFL Season Right Around the Corner
The 2010 NFL season is almost under way, with training set to start at the end of the month. With a new season comes new hope. All teams are in contention and no one has a losing record, but that will all change once the first game begins.
Will the 2010 season bring a new champion to the frontlines? Can the Saints defend their title and possibly bring home a second Lombardi trophy? Will Peyton Manning add another ring? Also, who can forget the drama and saga that is Brett Farve, putting ego personal gain ahead of team and sport.
Every team feels like they have a equal chance at competing for a spot in the playoffs,with the ultimate reward being a championship. Draft picks are signing and some may hold out, some stars are returning from severe injury and the question marks keep coming. Biggest question of all is if the labor dispute between the owners and players union will be settled before the 2010 season comes to a close.
With all this in mind, one cannot forget the controversy that has surrounded the NFL this offseason. First off, let's look at maligned quarterback, Jamarcus Russell who was finally cut from the Raiders after three seaons of inconsistency, lack of growth and more importantly, a lack of passion for the game. The news did not stop with his release, as Russell found himself in the facing charges for possession and possible distribution of liquid codeine. After the huge investment Al Davis made with the controversial QB, he slaps the organization and the teammates in the face with his lack of desire to learn and improve, while embarassing himself with his arrest.
Though Russell is arguably the biggest story from the offseason, there's plenty more to go around. Michael Vick, only a year removed from serving jail time and suspension from the NFL, found himself the target of criticism for a birthday party bash that included a former associate in his dog fighting scandal, with shots being fired somewhere in the evening. Vick should have used better judgement and avoided letting his ego control the shots. Drawing such negative attention to himself while the country has a fresh memory or his dog fighting scandal proves that Vick still could do some growing up.
In a less controversial light, former NFL castoffs and problem children, Adam "Pacman" Jones and Matt "Powder" Jones are both staging a comebacks with the orphanage for NFL troublemakers, the Cincinnati Bengals. These signings offer less controversy in comparison to the actions of Russell, Vick and Green Bay's Johnny Jolly, but still they attract controversy and attention. In Baltimore, receiver Donte Stallworth is working on getting back to football with a team that needs the help and speed at receiver. If Stallworth can return to form, he offers a discounted talent, capable of stretching the field and using the cannon, QB, Joe Flacco calls a arm.
The only redundant story that gets older than the quarterback himself is the Brett Farve drama that is plaguing the Minnesota Vikings. One would assume that after three years of indecision and dragging coaching staff, management and teammates around, that Farve would have the decency to make a decision and stick to it. The standard used for Farve in addition to the slack Childress gives him in Minnesota has to create tension in the locker room. If history has taught us something, Farve loves attention and stops at nothing to get it. Even his agent, Bus Cook was in the news critizing his prized client for the way he is dragging the whole process out. Time will tell what happens, but I assume he comes back and throw a interception to help lead his team out of the playoffs and into the offseason.
With all this in mind, there is definitely alot of news to catch up on and stories to share. Keep posted and there is more to report as the days go by. The next entry will focus more on some key position battles in the AFC and NFC, and some of the rookies that may have a dramatic impact on their organization.
Will the 2010 season bring a new champion to the frontlines? Can the Saints defend their title and possibly bring home a second Lombardi trophy? Will Peyton Manning add another ring? Also, who can forget the drama and saga that is Brett Farve, putting ego personal gain ahead of team and sport.
Every team feels like they have a equal chance at competing for a spot in the playoffs,with the ultimate reward being a championship. Draft picks are signing and some may hold out, some stars are returning from severe injury and the question marks keep coming. Biggest question of all is if the labor dispute between the owners and players union will be settled before the 2010 season comes to a close.
With all this in mind, one cannot forget the controversy that has surrounded the NFL this offseason. First off, let's look at maligned quarterback, Jamarcus Russell who was finally cut from the Raiders after three seaons of inconsistency, lack of growth and more importantly, a lack of passion for the game. The news did not stop with his release, as Russell found himself in the facing charges for possession and possible distribution of liquid codeine. After the huge investment Al Davis made with the controversial QB, he slaps the organization and the teammates in the face with his lack of desire to learn and improve, while embarassing himself with his arrest.
Though Russell is arguably the biggest story from the offseason, there's plenty more to go around. Michael Vick, only a year removed from serving jail time and suspension from the NFL, found himself the target of criticism for a birthday party bash that included a former associate in his dog fighting scandal, with shots being fired somewhere in the evening. Vick should have used better judgement and avoided letting his ego control the shots. Drawing such negative attention to himself while the country has a fresh memory or his dog fighting scandal proves that Vick still could do some growing up.
In a less controversial light, former NFL castoffs and problem children, Adam "Pacman" Jones and Matt "Powder" Jones are both staging a comebacks with the orphanage for NFL troublemakers, the Cincinnati Bengals. These signings offer less controversy in comparison to the actions of Russell, Vick and Green Bay's Johnny Jolly, but still they attract controversy and attention. In Baltimore, receiver Donte Stallworth is working on getting back to football with a team that needs the help and speed at receiver. If Stallworth can return to form, he offers a discounted talent, capable of stretching the field and using the cannon, QB, Joe Flacco calls a arm.
The only redundant story that gets older than the quarterback himself is the Brett Farve drama that is plaguing the Minnesota Vikings. One would assume that after three years of indecision and dragging coaching staff, management and teammates around, that Farve would have the decency to make a decision and stick to it. The standard used for Farve in addition to the slack Childress gives him in Minnesota has to create tension in the locker room. If history has taught us something, Farve loves attention and stops at nothing to get it. Even his agent, Bus Cook was in the news critizing his prized client for the way he is dragging the whole process out. Time will tell what happens, but I assume he comes back and throw a interception to help lead his team out of the playoffs and into the offseason.
With all this in mind, there is definitely alot of news to catch up on and stories to share. Keep posted and there is more to report as the days go by. The next entry will focus more on some key position battles in the AFC and NFC, and some of the rookies that may have a dramatic impact on their organization.
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