SB Nation - Ross Tucker

Game Day Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/29

MattRichWarren — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:21:37 -0000

Gameday Tipsheet - Week 12 | BuffaloBills.com
Chris Brown's things to watch for.

Buffalo Bills set to host Miami Dolphins | Democrat and Chronicle
John Wawrow's AP preview

Simmons expected to start – Inside The Bills
The seven-year veteran Kendall Simmons is expected to start at right guard in place of rookie Eric Wood.

Game Previews
Bills-Dolphins Preview | BuffaloBills.com
Preview from the Associated Press.

Bills Daily Gameday Preview
The Bills blog gives its preview.

Dolphins' Porter out to prove he's not all talk : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Expect Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter to have blood in his eye Sunday when he faces the Buffalo Bills.

NFL Preview - Miami (5-5) at Buffalo (3-7) | Sports Network
The 2009 season has descended into the abyss for the Buffalo Bills. On Sunday, when Perry Fewell makes his Ralph Wilson Stadium debut as the team's interim head coach, the 3-7 Bills will be looking to drag the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins down with them.

Week 12 NFL game previews - USATODAY.com
Dolphins @ Bills is a third of the way down the page: The Dolphins have won the past three meetings by an average of 16.7 points.

Bills-Dolphins scouting report : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Here is Allen Wilson's breakdown of today's matchup.

Game Day: Buffalo Bills | Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana's six points and gameday preview.

Dolphins vs. Bills Preview | wgrz.com
Adam Benigni spoke with Dolphins color Commentator Joe Rose as the team arrived at the Adam's Mark hotel in downtown Buffalo.

Buffalo Bills Game Day (Two Bills Drive)
Gameday preview by the Bills blog, Two Bills Drive.

Who has the edge: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - Miami Dolphins - MiamiHerald.com
Armando Salguero breaks down who has the edge during several specific times in the game like when the Bills run or the Dolphins pass.

Team in Transition
Russ Grimm emerges as candidate for Bills job | ProFootballTalk.com
Charley Casserly of CBS's The NFL Today suggested the Cardinals line coach.

Mike Shanahan, Leslie Frazier among NFL coaching candidates - Don Banks - SI.com
Don Banks profiles the list of potential head coaches fir 2010.

The Tuna recipe to NFL success : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Dolphins football chief Bill Parcells built winners in New York, New England and Dallas, and now he has helped remake Miami in his own image. The veteran coach's doctrines are no secret; adopting them could pay major dividends for the Bills.

A strong GM is a thing of the past in these parts : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
Jerry Sullivan profiles Colts GM Bill Polian.

UFL's Jim Haslett Contacted for NFL Job --FanHouse
Haslett didn't elaborate or even say if it was for a head coaching job or a coordinator position.

Tasker, Reed named Hall of Fame Semifinalists
Hall of Fame announces 25 semifinalists | ProFootballTalk.com
No-brainers for enshrinement are Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice. Tim Brown might have to wait until Carter gets in. Reed arguably should get in before either of them.

NFL Videos: Road to Canton with Rod Woodson
The Hall of Fame DB discusses Tim Brown, Cris Carter, and Andre Reed. When asked to pick one of the 3 he picks Andre calling him "the most complete" and "the greatest at yards after the catch".

Reed, Tasker Make Final 25 List for NFL HOF : Buffalo Sports Daily
"In what is sure to raise the ire of Buffalo Bills fans everywhere, Darryl Talley was inexcusably not included among the final 25."

More Bills News
ONLY GATORS Get Out Alive - Florida Gators college football
New Bills practice squader Jason Watkins played on the UFL's New York Sentinels.

Calls and Effect: AFC East penalty tracker - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Officials already have marched off 75 infractions against the Buffalo Bills. Their 71 accepted penalties last year were the NFL's second-fewest.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
"[Eric Wood] is back in town ... and everything looks good," interim coach Perry Fewell said.

Mace jersey number – Inside The Bills
Chris Brown is worried that Mace's promotion means Marcus Stroud may be limited even if he plays.

Prep work already on Jets – Inside The Bills
Buffalo's position coaches already have the shell of the game plan set up for the Thursday night game against the Jets.

Felser: Bills need to find out Brohm's capabilities : The Buffalo News
The Bills need to find out everything there is to know about Brohm and his possibilities as a quarterback who could produce a contender in Buffalo says Larry Felser.

Buffalo Bills have lost their home-field advantage | Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana laments the loss of Buffalo's homefield advantage.

Video: Kelly wants Bills to draft Tebow - AFC East Blog - ESPN
ESPN takes a look at Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly's recent comments about Tim Tebow being a perfect fit for the Buffalo Bills.

Wilson owes a debt to fans like Chuck : Donn Esmonde : The Buffalo News
Donn Esmonde uses a fan named Chuck Jones to highlight some of the struggles Bills fans go through rooting for the team when they are so bad.

Answer Man: Buffalo Bills should consider McCoy | Democrat and Chronicle
"I believe McCoy has the arm strength, accuracy, mobility and savvy to be a very good NFL quarterback for a long time."

Bills finished with Edwards | Olean Times Herald
Chuck Pollack thinks the BIlls addition of Brian Brohm means they are permanently done with Trent Edwards on any level - backup this year, backup next year, starter if Fitzpatrick is hurt.

Bills Tweets
Terrell Owens
Is it time 2 put the Xmas tree??? I'm puttin up my tree rite now: http://tweetphoto.com/5516897

Thurman Thomas
@DarrylTalley ur a hall of famer in my book, I love you and ur family

Lydell Sargent
Mannn Tim Tebow has hearttt bro!!! Heart, Passion, Swag!! I can respect it....

ESPN's Adam Schefter
Q: What do you think the chances of terrell owens staying in buffalo?
A: Far less than chances he'd ever play there.

Former Bill Ross Tucker
Love the fake QB sneak by ND. We did that in Buffalo vs. Seattle in 2004. Mike Mularkey special.

Ross Tucker
JeremyNPike: "One more game and the Bills would have been in the playoffs. So close that year."
Tucker's response: "Tell me about it."

Thurman Thomas
Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It wld be nice if 72,000 fans gave the Dolphins the Bud Adams at the same time... I'm just saying

Thurman Thomas
They sld show nothing but Bills/Dolphins highlights on jumbo tron today.... 90's highlights...Y I'm not workin over there blows my mind

The AP's John Wawrow
#Bills #Dolphins an absolutely perfect late November morning for Buffalo. Mild, partly cloudy. 2 bad not many fans showing up early.

Thurman Thomas
I asked Thurman: "Do you hate the Dolphins more or less now than you did before your one year there?"
He responded: "less it ws a different experience, but I gained alot of friends there. Taylor, Zac,McDuffie,even got 2 spend time wit Marino"

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 11/18

MattRichWarren — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:41:12 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

about 1 month ago: Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell speaks during a news conference where he was introduced as the NFL football team's new interim head coach at Bills headquarters in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. Fewell takes over after Dick Jauron was fired as head coach on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

Browse more photos »

Perry Fewell Named Interim Head Coach | BuffaloBills.com Video
Perry Fewell meets the media for the first time as a head coach.

Tavern talk: Bills need a team for the elements | National Football Post
Michael Lombardi at National Football Post looks at Jauron's firing and the task of Russ Brandon moving forward of building a winning football team.

Jauron relieved of coaching duties | BuffaloBills.com
Team statement regarding coach Jauron's ouster.

Dick Jauron the Latest Example of Damage a Bad Quarterback Can Do -- NFL FanHouse
Dan Graziano scapegoats Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and J.P. Losman for Dick Jauron's demise in Buffalo.

Jauron’s dismissal is business as usual | National Football Post
Former Jauron pupil Matt Bowen discusses the coach and the Bills' decision to fire him yesterday.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Immediate Reactions, Fire(d) Jauron
Nick Mendola's immediate reaction to Dick Jauron's firing.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - WGR Homepage
Plenty of audio clips from John Clayton, Tim Graham, Andre Reed and Ross Tucker all reacting to DJ's firing on WGR's homepage. Click on the "Audio Vault" links on the left-hand side to listen.

Buffalo Bills NFL News Updates - CBSSports.com Rapid Reports
Bills interim coach Perry Fewell on how to turn things around: "We just need to go out and be successful. We have to have some success, get excited about what we’re doing ... just win one football game and then I think that will take care of itself. That’s the best cure."

Ironic twist for Fewell – Inside The Bills
Perry Fewell will be facing the team with which his NFL coaching career began in Sunday when Buffalo travels to Jacksonville.

Fewell’s plans – Inside The Bills
Here's a rundown of the plans for this weekend's game.

Fewell ready to lead | BuffaloBills.com
It was a roller coaster day for Fewell, who was buried in the process of game planning for the Jaguars Tuesday, before hearing the news of Jauron's termination as head coach. He admitted the day carried a wide range of emotions for him.

Dear Ralph: No more football on the cheap : Jerry Sullivan : The Buffalo News
Whatever it takes, Wilson has to loosen the purse strings and pay the going rate for good football people. It's time. No more hiding behind the small-market excuse.

Jauron's tenure falls short; Fewell takes over : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Jauron's desperation came to an end Tuesday when he was fired by Wilson. Mark Gaughan lays out the reasoning for the firing and the hiring.

Sudden firing takes Bills players by surprise : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Several Bills players were taken aback by the timing, expecting it to be on the bye week or not at all.

BillBoard: Fewell in charge
Mark Gaughan says Fewell makes the most sense as the interim coach because he has experienced assistants on the defensive side of the ball.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Home of the Buffalo Sabres - A Commitment To Mediocrity?
Ross Tucker of Sports Illustrated and Sirius radio, and former Buffalo Bill, says his former coach Marty Schottenheimer would be a great choice.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Home of the Buffalo Sabres - Jauron leaving has to be the first move of more
Paul Hamilton advocates for more heads to roll as front office members like John Guy and Tom Modrak need to be sent packing as well as the Bills hire a new football guy at GM.

Scott Pitoniak: Firing Jauron first step on Bills road to recovery
This change was long overdue. But it should be viewed as only the beginning.

Blame not all on Jauron | Democrat and Chronicle
Both Steve Tasker and Chris Kelsay said that Jauron is not totally to blame for the way the 2009 season has disintegrated.

Dick Jauron timeline | Democrat and Chronicle
From birth until yesterday's firing, the D&C has you covered.

Buffalo Bills fans react to firing of Jauron | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
Fans have written in expressing their thoughts on coach Jauron.

Players, Levy, others shocked | Democrat and Chronicle
Players contacted by the Democrat and Chronicle and WGRZ-TV in Buffalo were shocked by the firing but at the same time said that with the team struggling, something was bound to happen.

Dick Jauron biography | Democrat and Chronicle
Everything you wanted to know about Dick Jauron's resume.

Jauron remains true to old pals | Democrat and Chronicle
Three of coach Jauron's high school buddies relay some stories from back in the day. This is an article being reprinted from August 2009.

Bills answer fans' agony, replace Jauron | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana's take on the Jauron firing.

Democrat and Chronicle | Three-Point Stance
Sal Maiorana gives his honest, non-word-count opinion on Dick Jauron's tenure in Buffalo.

Niagara Gazette - BILLS: Fewell picked to replace Jauron as Bills coach
The AP report of the new coach.

The Case for Dick Jauron as Defensive Coordinator 2010 - Arrowhead Pride
A member of Arrowhead Pride already has DJ's next job lined up.

Blogger's Blitz: AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Tim Graham looks at Buffalo's firing of Dick Jauron, the ongoing controversy over Bill Belichick's fourth-down call and other news out of the AFC East.

Who will be Buffalo's coach in 2010? - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Here are some thoughts on a few potential candidates in no particular order including all the big names.

Bills finally fire Jauron - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"The only surprising aspect of the decision is that it happened now."

Unexpected Holiday | The Goose's Roost
TGR suggests a celebration. I just don't feel right about that yet.

NFL.com Videos: What do the Bills do?
NFL Total Access looks at coaching candidates for the Bills and ponders their future.

No More Mr. Nice Guy– More Changes To Come? : Buffalo Sports Daily
""I really don’t have anything to say," was all Jauron would say when reached on his cell phone by The Associated Press. It’s the only comment we’ve heard from Jauron at this time.

Jauron Firing Also Means Ralph "Gets It" | Ed Kilgore | wgrz.com
"A source tells me C.O.O. Russ Brandon has already started the search for a respected football man to head up football operations, and that person would be in charge of bringing in the next head coach along with all other changes in the personnel department, and changes there will be."

Anti-Jauron Billboard Leaders: "Mission Accomplished" | wgrz.com
Dave McKinley gave a phone call to the guy who coordinated the billboard calling for Jauron's firing to get his thoughts.

Channel 2 Sports Roundtable | wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY
See what Ed Kilgore, Stu Boyar and Ben Hayes think about the firing of Dick Jauron and what's ahead for the franchise in this Channel 2 sports roundtable that you'll see only here on wgrz.com.

Bills drop axe on Jauron - The Globe and Mail
Head coach dismissed by stumbling NFL team despite 2½ years remaining on contract extension. The view from north of the border.

Tonawanda News - DUVALL: Start the hope-cycle again for Buffalo Bills
Eric DuVall says moves like this give Bills fans hope.

Lockport Union-Sun and Journal Online - BUFFALO BILLS: With Jauron out, fans doubt Wilson will pay for name coach
"Some of the Bills’ followers were pretty pragmatic in wake of the decision and reasoned that Wilson would watch his wallet, something the Bills’ only owner has been criticized for in the past."

Non-coach Bills news
Bell reportedly out 2 weeks – Inside The Bills
NFL Network reporter Jason LaCanfora is reporting that Demetrius Bell’s knee injury will keep him on the shelf for two weeks.

Levitre not using youth as excuse – Inside The Bills
[Now former] Bills head coach Dick Jauron has chalked up a lot of his line’s penalty problems to youth and inexperience. But rookie Andy Levitre doesn’t want to use youth as an excuse.

DT Williams working to return | BuffaloBills.com
Williams is doing all he can to return after a two-game absence as he’s putting a lot of time in to get his knee right again, spending up to 11 hours a day at One Bills Drive doing rehab and treatment.

Week 11 power rankings: AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The Bills have fallen to 26.

How I See It: AFC East Stock Watch - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The Bills offensive tackles make the list as Fallers.

Random Season Predictions Regarding the 2009 Arizona Cardinals

Hawkwind — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:00:21 -0000

With the Arizona Cardinals season opener creeping closer and closer, what better time to surf around the net and find out just how the 'experts' are projecting the Red Birds this season. We'll not only look for predictions of record and playoff status but also for the random predictions that guys have thrown out there.

Sports Illustrated pulled together nine of the NFL contributors (Peter King, Don Banks, Jim Trotter, Ross Tucker, Damon Hack, Lee Jenkins, John P. Lopez, Adam Duerson & Dominic Bonvissuto) to compile a huge group of projections and predictions that comprised two different posts (here and here). Here's a sampling of what they had to say about the Cardinals...

Of the nine experts, six of them predict the Cards to win the West although no one expects them to play in the NFC Title game.
Under a section titled "Star Who Has A Subpar Season," Peter King lists Anquan Boldin and he cites injuries and the lack of a new contract as his reasons. Don Banks also lists Kurt Warner although he doesn't really list a clear reason why other than that he doesn't think that KW can duplicate his 2008 success.

ESPN has similar format although they really go overboard and get the opinion of 16 experts including, John Banks, Jeffri Chadiha, John Clayton, Tim Graham, Jeremy Green, Paul Kuharsky, Matt Mosley, Len Pasquarelli, Mike Sando, Adam Schefter, Kevin Seifert, James Walker, Seth Wickersham, Bill Williamson, Matt Williamson and Pat Yasinskas. Together they are picking the division winners, and the usual individual awards (MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year etc.). An even 50% of the vote came in with the Cardinals winning the West and the Niners did receive a couple of votes as well so it wasn't just Arizona or Seattle.

Chadiha was the only one of the 16 though to give an individual award to a Cardinals' player or coach and he picked Chris Wells to win the offensive rookie of the year award.
In case you didn't think that was enough though, ESPN also has a Cardinals preview in which each of the 16 experts gives his views on the team and explains his projections as well as some other good stuff.

Arizona's own Arizona Republic put together their own panel of experts to predict the final standings and the Cardinals were picked to win the West by three of the four. Again though no one picks them to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Clark Judge of CBS Sports previews the NFC West and his top dog in the division is actually a bird, but it's not a Cardinal. Judge says that Arizona will fall victim to the Super Bowl losers curse and that seems to really be the only reason he's not backing the Cards this season.

Fox Sports has season preview after season preview, three of them in fact, that predict the Cardinals will win the NFC West and one even has their record at a lofty 11-5 (here, here and here).

The Sporting News looks at it from a little different perspective and instead of listing each team's record and final spot in the standings they basically filled out a playoff bracket. In the end it accomplishes the same goal and of their seven experts, five of them project the Cardinals to make the playoffs and two of them actually had the Cardinals losing in the second round after receiving a first round bye. Again though, no NFC title game.

What If Sports is a simulation-based program that is normally way off but it's fun to look at none the less. They actually have a rematch of the NFC title game (ARI vs. PHI) although this time it's played in the city of (not so) Brotherly Love and the Eagles win 28-17. If you're really interested you can check out the box score and play by play from the fictional game but I do have hard time believing that Leonard Pope will catch a ball in that game. They also list the top five candidates at each of the individual awards and Larry Fitzgerald gets a mention at fourth and fifth in the race for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards, respectively. Their NFC West preview also has some interesting stuff.

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That's about all I can find but I think you get the picture. Plenty of people think the Cardinals can repeat at champs of the West but no one expects them to return the NFC Title game, much less the Super Bowl. Since we're talking predictions though, what are yours for the season? They can be anything from MVP to rushing title to Super Bowl Champ to Pro Bowls on the Cardinals roster.....have fun.

Horse Tracks 8/13/09 - Torain Waived, another Marcus Thomas added; BMarsh on trial today

Douglas A. Lee — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:10:25 -0000

Update 10:07am EST. I knew I was forgetting something this morning as I put Tracks together...today is Broncobear's birthday. Happy Birthday, Doc! Hope it's a great one, my friend!

DB - Taking a Long Look - Chris Gentilviso
Josh McDaniels reminded the rookies that tomorrow's game is time for them to prove they belong.

DB - Day 13: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - Day 13: Orton - Broncos TV
I wonder if this guy gets excited about anything. Certainly doesn't matter, but Kyle doesn't seem to like talking to the press - like it's quite a chore...

DB - Day 13 Blog - Zach Eisendrath
LaMont Jordan returned to practice yesterday, while some of the rookies got to shave off their awful hairdos.

DP - Marshall takes in alma mater's practice before trial
BMarsh dropped in on UCF's football practice on his way to Atlanta for trial today and possibly tomorrow.

SI - Postcard from camp: Broncos - Ross Tucker
Tucker thinks Kyle Orton's cerebral persona and supporting cast make him a good fit for the Broncos. He likes Josh McDaniels' thick skin but isn't sold on the front seven. Andre' Goodman apparently thinks Alphonso Smith will be one of the five-best nickel corners by season's end. Tucker expects a big year out of Knowshon and was impressed by Richard Quinn and Chris Baker.

LTC - Salivating for sacks - Brian Howell
Although Elvis Dumervil won't predict how many sacks he'll tally in '09, he says he may have more opportunities this year thanks to his move back to OLB.

AP - McDaniels taking preseason stuff very seriously - Arnie Stapleton

LTC - Broncos’ Williams vying for more playing time
Brian Howell profiles Jack Williams

DP - Davis part of veteran look at LB - Jeff Legwold
McDaniels says 3-4 inside linebackers are a difficult commodity to find, with college programs looking for faster players at LB.

9NEWS - The only Shanahan on the sidelines
Kyle Shanahan is proud to be the only Shanahan working this year, and he says his allegiance is still with the Broncos as far as being a fan goes, and that after Texans games he rushes home to watch Denver.

DP - Broncos' schedule: Potential woes with tough foes
Klis reminds us that Denver has a tough schedule looming (had you heard?). Apparently the over/under has dropped to 7 wins as the under bets have poured in.

ESPN - Camp Confidential: McDaniels is in control - Pork Chop

DP - Fans, 49ers can expect to see plenty of top selection Moreno - Jeff Legwold
Torain apparently has a strained LCL and was expected to miss 3-4 weeks. Meanwhile, Darcel McBath will reportedly start in BDawk's free safety position.

DP - Dove Valley Days: Smith bolstering Broncos' secondary - Jeff Legwold

LTC - Buck's tops here - Brad Cochi
McDaniels praises Correll Buckhalter's versatility and work ethic.

DP - Mailbag: Practice picks a concern?
Woody thinks we should worry about Orton's practice INTs. Plus, somehow it matters that the Broncos' opponents have better QBs.

AP - Broncos Cut Oft-Injured Ryan Torain - Arnie Stapleton
Peyton Hillis points out that he's now the only remaining RB from '08 on the roster.

CSG - Broncos camp glance for Wednesday - Frank Schwab

CSG - Broncos notes: Team waives Torain - Frank Schwab

CSG - Broncos' Simms continues comeback after spleen injury - Frank Schwab

DB - Day 13: Transcripts - McDaniels and Orton

*********************************

SDUT - Forney appears to be set at RG

SDUT - Rookie's goal: Make Chargers say, 'We've got to keep this guy'

KCS - Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch

KCS - Chiefs Buzz: Hali making progress

SFC - RAIDERS / Exhibition opener offers mini QB controversy

SFG - Raiders Silver and Black Blog : Mike Mitchell a scratch

*********************************

NFL - Texans LB Cushing suffers knee injury, could miss two preseason games

NFL - Colts safety Bethea misses practices with broken right hand

SI - Assessing season-ending injuries and their lasting effects on teams - Ross Tucker

NFP - Tavern talk: blue-chip players, part 3
Lombardi counts Marshall and Clady as Denver's blue chips, with Champ falling a bit below. He thinks McDaniels will be successful in Denver if he's given enough time.

SI - Postcard from camp: Colts - Peter King

SI - Titans look confident and poised to keep Super Bowl hopes alive - Don Banks

NFL - Deep, confident Bears team eager to kick off season - Thomas George

CBS - Falcons camp tour: Grimes, Houston face big challenge - Pete Prisco

FOX - These teams will challenge Lions for futility in '09
Peter Schrager is expecting horrid seasons from the Rams, Bucs and Browns.

NFP - Three teams Vick should be calling - Matt Bowen

Y! - Shockey Q&A: Full speed at all times - Jason Cole

Y! - Jarrett finally grasping Panthers' tough love - Charles Robinson

NFP - Diner morning news: Injuries happen - Mike Lombardi

NFP - Wednesday whys: Dealing with White’s contract - Andrew Brandt

NFP - Jets’ Jones: a good fit in Seattle - Matt Bowen

FOX - CAMP SIGHTS: Wrestling dad shaped Laurinaitis - Alex Marvez

NYT - Greatest Quarterback by the Numbers: Peyton Manning? - Toni Monkovic

NYT - The Pinpoint Accuracy of Drew Brees - Toni Monkovic

NFP - 2009 NFP scouting series: Hawaii - Wes Bunting

Tales of Mythology III

Emmett Smith — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:30:09 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

6 months ago: Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton takes part in drills during the team's football minicamp at the Broncos headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Sunday, June 14, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Browse more photos »

Myth #3: Mobility and the Quarterback

"He makes plays with his feet!"

That's something that you frequently hear from color announcers on football games when trying to explain the value of a quarterback. They're talking about the guy who can move the pocket, who can gain you yards out of the pocket, who loves the bootleg and the roll out. There's not a thing wrong with that - in Elway Country, there had better not be if you want to avoid being spammed, flamed, tarred and feathered (in no particular order). But the quarterback who really makes plays with his feet isn't necessarily the guy who leaves the pocket.

As always, it's best to define terms. This is not an argument against a QB who can roll out, bootleg, play action and throw across his body and even across the field. That requires a big arm and a natural skill that you will only rarely see; you have to love those guys. John Elway was the king of them; Jay Cutler can do it at times. That kind of skill is a huge boon if it's used right. There is a common debate as to whether the oft-heard idea that a college QB's ability to run with the football is really going to "re-define the QB position."

You will also hear this while listening to endless pre-draft and post-draft discussions: "He makes plays with his feet. That’s what sets him aside from other quarterbacks." How often have you heard this? You used to hear it with Daunte Culpepper and Donovan McNabb. Michael Vick was another one of the supposed ‘new movement’ in quarterbacks (he came closest, before losing control of his life, and might achieve this yet, but he's a surprisingly patient pocket quarterback). Vince Young was a third. There were/are many. The running ability of these quarterbacks was going to redefine the position. What happened?

What happened in nearly every case (the jury remains out on Vick, who may play again) was that the demands of the modern NFL quarterback position are such that the position increasingly redefined these players rather than the other way around. The ability to process information, to make good decisions in a split moment and to make the throws that you need to requires all of the time that a good offensive line can give the quarterback. Over and again, what we saw from these players was that they had to do one of two things. They needed to stay in the pocket, look for their receivers and make the throws or give up on the pass quickly and try to run. If they did try to run, two things would consistently occur:

They would miss receivers and the passing game would suffer.
They would run, and in doing so they gave time to the faster modern NFL CBs and linebackers to converge on them and make tackles for short (or no) average gains.

Over and over, what we have seen is that the footwork that really does make the difference for an NFL quarterback is the ability to move within, not beyond, the pocket. Who is the best in the NFL? People’s opinions differ, but two names are never far from the top – Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

Manning’s mechanics may be the best in the NFL. If you carefully watch his footwork, he shuffles his feet in the pocket. No, it’s not ‘happy feet’ – he’s constantly lined up with his targets, shoulder’s squared, arm just right, doing all the tiny things that change a quarterback from good to great. He’s not going to make a lot of plays by running the football. That’s why he has running backs and receivers. He knows that his job is to calmly survey the chaos, dissect the defense and throw a dagger into it. By focusing on those functions, Manning has risen to the top of the quarterback position.

Coming from the lineage that he does, Manning has had the benefit of many years of top coaching, coaching that not all quarterbacks receive (to put it mildly). One of the things that stood out when Broncos HC Josh McDaniels ran his first minicamp was that he gave minute, detailed instructions to both Kyle Orton and Chris Simms on how to take instruction, run the huddle, call the plays, take the snap, and throw the ball. His approach was that no matter which QB took the #1 slot, they would know how to do everything the Broncos Way and the rest of the players in the huddle would be able to count on things being done a certain way and done right. Since then, McDaniels has spent huge amounts of time working with each QB on footwork and mechanics, breaking down even the smallest movements. Orton’s habit of patting the football – called ‘burping the baby’ – will be a thing of the past. Simms’ inconsistency is going to be diminished or eliminated. What kind of a difference could that make?

Another example is coming to us out of Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers had what was, for all purposes, a rookie season last year and he made some rookie mistakes. As he came into minicamps and OTAs this year, his coaches presented him with a list of 10 things that he needed to change in order to become the kind of QB that he clearly has the skill to be. The very first on his list was changing his footwork within the pocket. Keep in mind what kind of QB you are looking at with Rodgers; he put up over 4,000 yards, threw 28 TDs with only 13 INTs and yet his first job in the offseason will be changing his footwork. I thought that summed up the importance of this factor.

The job of an NFL quarterback is to effectively analyze the defense, call the play, receive the ball, and either hand it off or pass it. If a quarterback is noted for running – and I’m thinking of Dante Culpepper, Michael Vick and Vince Young among many others, including Donovan McNabb in his younger days – they tend to think pass, no, run!. But the reality is, that’s not their job and it’s not generally an advantage to the club.

Consider this question answered by Ross Tucker of SI.com. Tucker is a former NFL player:

Could you comment on the issues that a 'mobile' QB creates for an offensive line in pass protection? I have noticed that various athletic and mobile QBs (Daunte Culpepper pre 2005 injury, Mike Vick, Matt Cassel, Ben Roethlisberger) seem to have a high number of sacks, even though they are considered to be very elusive and tough to bring down. Is it all on the offensive line for the high number of sacks?

--No name given, Corunna, Ontario

In my experience offensive linemen typically get excited when they initially work with a mobile quarterback because they feel as if that will help them give up less sacks, i.e., if they get beat, the quarterback may be able to avoid the pass rusher. That excitement, however, quickly gives way to the reality that a lot of times scrambling quarterbacks rack up higher sack numbers because they aren't always where you expect them to be when you are blocking for them and their confidence in their mobility leads them to try to extend plays when sometimes they should just cut their losses.

Ultimately, the most offensive-line friendly quarterbacks are the ones that get their team into the right play or protection at the line of scrimmage, set up in the pocket exactly where the linemen expect them to be, move subtly in the pocket to avoid pressure, get rid of the ball on time, and if all else fails, throws the ball away when nothing is there.

That's a third reason that mobility in the pocket has huge advantages. Do QBs really avoid sacks when they like to run outside the pocket? Tucker would say no, but conventional wisdom would say yes. It's a very good question.

The two best QBs right now are Brady and Peyton Manning, in either order. Both are talented field generals. Neither often ‘makes plays’ with their feet in the common parlance, but both do so constantly, in reality. Watch Manning’s feet carefully some time. He shuffles them within the pocket: his shoulders are always squared, the ball held perfectly, he’s constantly ready to make the throw and he can change directions by shuffling slightly within the pocket. Manning is thinking pass, pass, pass, okay, run. And that’s his job. His ability to make decisions is also otherworldly and no one doubts his leadership. The same is true of Brady. It's not coincidence that those two are the best in the business. Both avoid sacks regularly by staying in the pocket, concentrating on their art and throwing the ball promptly, even if it means throwing it away. By the way, that's one area where Kyle Orton has room to improve.

The reality is that when I was young, back in the 1950s and 60s, I was taught that a QB had 5 seconds in the pocket. If he didn't get rid of the ball within those 5 seconds, bad things would happen. In modern times, that's down to 2.5 seconds. Ben Alamar of the Journal of Quantitative Analyses in Sports puts it this way:

Time in the pocket and the rate at which the quarterback is under pressure are the two most important aspects of a team's performance (both offensively and defensively), yet no record of it is kept."

This is borne out by a simple story regarding Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants. In Week 10 of the 2004 season, Arizona sacked New York's QB Kurt Warner 6 times en route to a 17-14 victory. The New York media predictably piled on the offensive line, shredding them in print. Coughlin, though, went back over the tape with a stopwatch. He found that Warner wasn't getting rid of the ball in 2.5 seconds, nor 3 seconds. On thirty of the thirty-seven pass plays, he held the ball for 3.8 seconds or longer. Coughlin promptly benched him, and Eli Manning got his first start. The media was predictably clueless as to why the change was really taking place, but it's a great illustration of why the importance of a quarterback's mobility outside the pocket is often overstated. 2.5 seconds from snap to throw is all you get (Yes, Elway was, as always, a definite exception).

Watch Brady carefully. He constantly laughs about his own supposedly poor mobility, but that’s totally deceiving. He’s very mobile – within the pocket. His mechanics are tremendous; textbook, in fact. Where his hands are, his shoulders, his feet, how he moves any part of his body - every movement or position is scripted and purposeful. Manning’s may be even better. Those specific mechanics are the product of intense training, constant year-round repetition and careful coaching; they are the stuff that really wins games, week in and week out.

Many folks think that it's in the West Coast Offense that the quarterback's footwork is paramount. After all, every timing pattern starts and ends with proper footwork, right? The WCO uses, almost exclusively, timing routes, set to the rhythm of the 3- or 5-step drop, right? That's true, as far as it goes. In the modern NFL, however, nearly every team uses some timing patterns. The term West Coast Offense has come to mean so many things as to be almost useless. Screen passes or no? Reverses, bootlegs? Go routes (Bill Walsh generally disdained them)? Run-based WCOs, such as Chicago's? Anathema! How about 2-TE power formations in the WCO? Well, sure, maybe, but....

What is important here is that all systems for QBs have one thing in common. They require the QB to have good footwork in order to be in position to make the necessary throws in a very specific amount of time. You need to perfect the QB's footwork to maximize the timing, the position of his shoulders and the QB's balance. Most plays aren't scripted to be run outside the pocket. Even those that are will require the same things of the QB - the balance, footwork and mechanics to make the throw. Footwork is a key to the game that may be exceeded only by decision-making and leadership. Beyond those two things (both of which are done without reference to the ball), making the throw you decided on will require the quarterbacking trinity of balance, footwork and mechanics.

If your quarterbacks coach is a good one (and books such as Phil Simms' Sunday Morning Quarterback cast doubt on that for many teams) he'll be breaking down the QB's movements and skillset using modern approaches such as slow-motion video that permits overlapping 4 to 8 images to promote the development of a specific motion until it's perfect. He will also know or employ coaches who know exactly what precise positions the quarterback's hips, feet, shoulders, arms, head and hands should be at every split moment of the progression, as well as how to run a huddle, call audibles, and break down any defense. Frankly, those kinds of coaches don't grow on trees. The Broncos are very lucky to have one, even if he's a head coach. Mike McCoy also has a very good reputation here. That's one reason that Jake Delhomme has done as well as he has.

The quarterback position is about learning incredible amounts of specific minutiae that will permit the quarterback to make good decisions and to throw the ball to his receivers. It’s not about how far or fast he can run or whether he’d make a good running back. So when you hear someone rave about the quarterback who makes plays with his feet, you might also ask how well that guy makes decisions and throws the ball. That’s what he’s really getting paid for.

Mobility to avoid sacks can be a positive. It can also lead to fleeing the pocket to avoid a sack just before your guy is open. Mobility to gain 1st downs is a positive, but only if there's no other choice - QBs get hurt running the ball and take unnecessary hits. The ability to be a 'wildcat' QB is good for a 2nd- or 3rd stringer, ala Pat White - but is nearly useless for your #1 guy. Why? You don't want to be paying that kind of coin for a fellow to block and run when he really needs to be mastering the quarterback position. If he really has mastered it over the years, you don't want to be exposing him to injury.

There is a final reason to respect mobility in the pocket even more than mobility out of it - every year, the NFL is going to seem to get a little faster. Every year, each QB is going to get a little slower, over the course of time. Age and repeated poundings do that to you.

It's not that there is a darned thing wrong with being mobile. It can be a very real benefit at certain times. But don't let it mislead you - first and foremost, the job of the QB is to be ready to deliver the ball, to make the decisions that permit him to do so and to throw it with excellent balance and good mechanics of delivery. Those things require footwork - in the pocket - to achieve good results on play after play.

Have you noticed the emphasis on that type of message from the 'new Broncos' coming out through the media? That's a good thing. As much as the conversation regarding which player is the better quarterback or who fits a certain system better, a better question might be "Which quarterbacks in the league get the teaching and coaching to learn the smaller points that will let them maximize the talents that they have (and do the hard work to internalize it)?" When the quarterbacks are getting that coaching, you can bet that footwork - within the pocket - will be at the top of their list.

Every quarterback makes plays with his feet. With some, it shows more than with others.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Haye In The Shade Edition

August West — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:20 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Only 45 more days. Only 45 more days. Only 45 more days. Only 45 more days. Only 45 more days. Only 45 more days. Only 45 more days. Only 45 more days. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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Terry McCormick catches up with Dave Ball, who is adjusting to playing on the left side this year, where he'll line-up opposite of Boom King. Ball is also adjusting to not getting cut.

Crazy Legs and LenDale are taking shots at each other on Twitter and via the media, with some seeing the 2nd year stud as looking more and more selfish. Personally, I hope they both play angry... I'd love to see two 1,000 yard rushers.

Keith Bulluck got a custom-made cowboy hat from Tim McGraw.

The competition for the kick and punt return spots won't start until minicamps in a month, but Gary Estwick has an early look at the potential applicants. I better not see Cortland Finnegan or Michael Griffin back there either.

Here are some good notes, including one on Jovan Haye learning new techniques.

Peter King chimes in on the VY-Collins mentor/mentee relationship again in his mail bag column.

Ross Tucker talks with current players, all of whom are interested in broadcasting after they retire, about current broadcasters.

Now that the slower period of the off-season is upon us your help in finding out of the way Titans stories is more important than ever. If you have a link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com! (Be sure to include your commenting handle so I can give you glowing, semi-anonymous credit.)

Chiefs' Thigpen: 'Some Players Took Advantage of the Freedom Herm Edwards Gave Us'

Joel Thorman — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:06:27 -0000

"And if you real look real close, you'll see it's a...dog? No no. It's a pony! You have to cross your eyes and then slowly pull the sheet of paper back. OK, we're done here today." (via Photo Source)

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For the past three years, Kansas City Chiefs fans have been subjected to Hermisms, press conferences where the coach talked a lot without saying anything and a general feeling that there was a lack of accountability around One Arrowhead Drive. Maybe that's because, you know, there wasn't any accountability.

In an appearance on Sirius Satellite Radio, Tyler Thigpen told Bryan McGovern and Ross Tucker that he felt some players took advantage of this. I was listening to the show but here's Tucker's latest Tweet:

Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen just told us that he felt like some of the players took advantage of the freedom that Herm Edwards gave them.

We're only four and a half months into the Scott Pioli and Todd Haley era but we've quickly realized that there is assuredly a level of accountability with the "new" Chiefs.

David Macklin was arrested for DUI. Five days later he was released.
Michael Merritt was arrested (over just a little bit of weed?). 19 days later he was released.
Will Franklin reportedly showed up to mini-camp overweight. He was released.

I'm not trying to hold resentment against the previous regime because at this point it doesn't really matter. A cynic might say I posted this to take a shot at Herm Edwards (Hint: You may be partially right). But it's also interesting to note that for a player like Branden Albert, who was on the Red Zone Podcast today, have said that Herm was a coach who conducted toned down practices. At least comparative to the reports coming out of Haley's practices.

S Bernard Pollard:

"They hold everybody accountable. So if you mess up, they’re gonna call you out. That’s the thing with this coaching staff, they’re not going to hold anything back."

LB Derrick Johnson:

"I like the coaches. They are very passionate about what they do. There’s an energy around the Chiefs right now. There’s a lot of change going on. Everybody is adjusting and we are ready to go."

NT Tank Tyler:

"Well, I wouldn’t say that. I’ve had some conversations with Coach Haley and he’s a real cool dude but an intense coach. He’s strictly business and that’s a good thing."

DE/DT Glenn Dorsey:

"I won’t say he’s different. He’s really hands on. He doesn’t play any bull. He’s real straight forward. He tells you like it is. He don’t sugarcoat anything. If you ain’t doing good, he’s gonna tell you. He’s straightforward and I like him. He’s no nonsense, man. He’s ready to win."

LB Zach Thomas:

"I think he's doing great with the team. He’s tough and that’s what you need. He’s trying to get the mindset changed here and he does make you a little uncomfortable – which is good. You need that."

***

That's half the defense on record talking about the intensity of Todd Haley and his practices. That's gotta count for something come September.

Poll

Do you think that Herm Edwards' more laid back approach to practice and conditioning hurt the Chiefs?

Yes

797 votes

No

30 votes

Not sure

35 votes

862 votes | Poll has closed