SB Nation User Blog: IgnatiusJReilly

Postmortem: Giants 26 Bengals 23 OT

IgnatiusJReilly — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:39:11 -0000

First off, I wasn't expecting much. A virtually nonexistent offense versus a ferocious Giants D, a porous O-line versus perhaps the league's best pass rush, and a suspect defense versus a lineman-sized back and an efficient- if not spectacular, passing game with Manning the Lesser at the helm, the answer was clear even to the magic eight ball.

Still, because I am a glutton for punishment- goes with the territory, I sat down to watch what surely would be carnage. Right?

What I saw was this previously lifeless team rise from the ashes and go toe to toe with one of the best teams in the league for four quarters. And I honestly don't think it was a case of the Giants playing poorly. They played like the Giants play. Their pass rush was relentless but, despite six sacks of The Franchise, at the most crucial moments of the game, our line and backs gave Carson just enough time to engineer two masterful* second half drives mainly through the air.

David Jones got beat several times but with little consequence and he came up with a few really good hits- including one to force a punt. Simeon Castille, despite a couple rookie penalties, also showed up well. Brandon Johnson and Marvin White insured that Eli will need some soak time in the hot tub this week. Manning getting that last pass to Toomer- the one that set up the winning FG, was as much luck on Eli's part as it was a defensive shortcoming. I didn't hear Rivers mentioned much, Dhani got his hat in on a couple good hits, Geathers would be more fearsome if he could wrap up when he finds the ball carrier behind the line. Though Ward gashed us a couple times, Brandon Jacobs was, for the most part, contained. Leon Hall played a heck of a game. Once again, the defense kept us in the game.

Freed up to go outside, Chris Perry reminded us why we drafted him so high, why we stuck by him through the injuries. Carson(27/39/286/1TD) reminded us that, given just a little breathing room, he can thread that needle like nobody else. Antonio Chatman, for the first time maybe ever, provided a really welcome spark at the three position. Reggie Kelly made a couple big catches. Levi Jones needs to live in fear of Collins replacing his sorry, penalty gettin', sack givin' up ass- Ghiaciuc is safe because there isn't anyone waiting in the wings, unfortunately.

We didn't turn the ball over. Neither did they.

Two main reasons why this was a loss and not a win. Last drive of the game, we give up probably 15-20 seconds either trying to get lined up or getting the play in before Carson hit TJ at the 6- resulting in no shots at the end zone when we probably should have had at least two. Second, after a great job by the defense forcing the Giants punt at the beginning of OT, we come out and try two straight off tackle Perry runs, even as we had the hot quarterback and a line that had figured out how to protect him over the last quarter. Inex-fucking-cusable. Carson was finding seams in that Giants zone. We hadn't been able to run between the tackles all game. What fucking genius made those calls- and why is he still employed?

Overall, I'm about as happy as one can be after a loss because at least we competed this week.

Reflections On A Massacre

IgnatiusJReilly — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:17:34 -0000

I missed the liveblogging- obviously. Probably a good thing, considering the grunts, groans, and sputters associated with watching this game wouldn't have translated to type at all well.

First, I think it's important to give props to the defense because, with the exception of inconsistent pocket pressure, they played a whale of a game. I'd single out JonJo for being all over the field, Frostee Rucker for showing us some of that potential we've all heard about, Jonathan Fanene for some good end work, along with Domato Peko, Geathers and the rest of the d-line for run stopping. Yeah, that's right, I said props for run stopping on a day they gave up almost 230 yds on the ground. Considering the busted play bootleg and the double reverse to Clayton counted for 90 of those yards and that the last 50 yards or so came in the last five or six minutes of the fourth quarter when they were gassed by being on the field all day, I call it a good day. They did all I could expect of them, all the other side of the ball should expect of them. Jeanty, Jones, Rivers, and Brandon Johnson looked impressive, making sure tackles, flying to the ball.

Unfortunately, we seem to have brought the pre-season offense with us to Baltimore- minus Ryan "Crazy Legs" Fitzpatrick. Some specifics to our purportedly potent offense:

Carson: I realize that you are a pure pocket passer. I realize that your knee injury a couple years back may make you hesitant to move. But, goddamn it, dude, you can at least get the hell out of the way, you know, a sidestep here, a step up there. You've got the coordination of Gerald Ford back there, man. You're supposed to be an athlete. You're the leader of this offense whether that suits your personality or not. It's your job to determine the mood in the huddle. It's your fault when your entire supporting cast looks like they're terrified of the Ravens- who's admittedly staunch defense everyone of you has seen many times before. Grow a pair, man, and take charge of the situation.

The entire Offensive Line: You guys have had your man cards revoked. Baltimore made punks out of your asses. I don't see how you can face your significant others after today. You sucked, you quit, you played like whipped animals, you were practically French, for chrissakes.

Bob Bratkowski, Marvin, & whoever else was involved in the brain trust calling plays today: The definition of insanity is repeating the same action over and over and expecting different results. Yes, a power running game would be really nice. We don't have one right now, douchebags. How 'bout a pass play on first down? How 'bout anything other than runs on first and second leading to third and long? How 'bout a screen to our newly elusive backs? How 'bout some misdirection to take advantage of an overly aggressive defense? How 'bout a new offensive coordinator?

The only bright spot on this side of the ball was Chris Perry standing up to the Ravens' punishing assault. No, he didn't break any but he held up and that's something- at this point I'll take anything. I'm seriously starting to wonder whether it might be smart to start Fitzpatrick until the O-Line proves it can provide anything resembling protection. Otherwise, Albert Haynesworth may kill Carson.

One from the invites...

IgnatiusJReilly — Sun, 04 May 2008 05:25:58 -0000

One of the guys trying out for the Bengals this weekend. Meet Alabama State grad, Jay Peck, RB, 5-11, 202, 4.6 40.

via farm4.static.flickr.com

12/21/07 - 2007 All-SWAC First-Team, SWAC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: RB Jay Peck, Alabama State, 5-11 200 Sr., Columbus, Ohio, was selected All-Southwestern Athletic Conference First Team for the 2007 college football season. Peck was arguably the conference's top individual play this season. He led the league in rushes, rushing yards and 100 yard rushing games. The senior from Columbus, Ohio - who has already graduated with a degree in marketing - finished his career with 2,399 rushing yards, behind only Brad Baxter (3,732) and Rico White (3,470). "Jay has been named 1st team All-SWAC in back to back seasons, and not a lot of guys can say that," Barlow said. "He is not only a great football player, he's a great guy. "Jay just gets it", Barlow continued. "When we sat down as a staff and said what kind of characteristics we wanted in our players, we wrote them all down and then realized we were describing Jay Peck." - Alabama State Football

On film , the kid's got real good hands out of the backfield. Not breakaway speed but good field vision, utilizes his blockers well, and is not afraid of getting hit.

Jason Shirley- Manchild.

IgnatiusJReilly — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:23:09 -0000

via farm4.static.flickr.com

From Bryant-Jon Anteola at the Fresno Bee (Thursday):

'A chance. That's all Jason Shirley wants. A chance to get selected this weekend during the NFL draft.

A chance to keep playing.

But the former Fresno State football player knows he severely hurt those chances in October when he was charged with three misdemeanors, including driving under the influence.

The incident led to Shirley's third suspension of the season, and essentially ended his senior year.

"I know NFL teams frown upon those types of incidents," Shirley said. "It's always a big deal when you did something like I got involved in.

"They don't want guys who get in trouble. I just tell them: 'It was a mistake; it's unfortunate. I've moved on, and I've learned from it.' "

Most mock drafts project Shirley as a late-round selection or a free-agent signee.

At 6 feet, 5 inches and 329 pounds, and capable of running a 40-yard dash in 5.02 seconds, Shirley is one of the biggest and fastest defensive tackles in the draft.

He ranks 22nd overall at his position, according to NFLDraftScout.com, which cites his size and potential as positives but his stamina, off-the-field issues and maturity level as negatives.

Shirley said life hasn't been the same after his senior season was limited to three games because of the suspensions.

Shirley was suspended the first two games for conduct detrimental to the team. Stripped of his starting role, he returned to play three games and contributed immediately as the Bulldogs' primary run stopper.

He was suspended a second time after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Police say he crashed a car into an apartment complex on Oct. 8. Shirley was charged with three misdemeanors: driving under the influence, driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08% or higher, and hit and run.

Shirley appealed the suspension and provided medical documents that detailed a concussion he received days before the car crash. He soon was back on the team.

But a few days after he was reinstated, Shirley was charged with driving with a suspended license and expired registration. He was suspended again, this time for the remainder of the season.

Shirley said he became depressed, embarrassed and confused. The structure of football always had helped him manage his time, forced him to stay disciplined with his grades, and most importantly, gave him a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

When around his teammates, Shirley often pulled little pranks, like the time he sprayed a water bottle all over fullback Reynard Camp.

"Do you ever stop playing?" Camp yelled at his teammate.

Without football, Shirley was distant and kept to himself.

During his suspension, Shirley didn't watch another Fresno State game until the Bulldogs' Humanitarian Bowl victory.

"Watching them play was like putting salt on the wound," said Shirley, his eyes filling with tears. "I was proud of my former teammates. They showed a lot of heart. I just wish I could have been a part of it."

Shirley said he snapped out of his funk when he began playing football again in two senior all-star games: the Hula Bowl and the Texas vs. The Nation Bowl.

"I felt good to be back in pads, be back around the guys," he said.

Shirley took this semester off from school to prepare for the draft. He performed well last month at Fresno State's Pro Day, where NFL hopefuls run drills in front of scouts.

Among Shirley's more impressive marks were his 40-yard time, vertical jump (35 inches) and broad jump (9 feet, 10 inches). In comparison, USC's Sedrick Ellis, considered the second-best defensive tackle available, ran the 40 in 5.26, had a vertical jump of 26-1/2 and a broad jump of 8-7.

Still, ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper called Shirley an enigma.

And then there are Shirley's court issues.

Shirley appeared before a Fresno County Superior Court judge Wednesday for his DUI case, with his lawyer ready to go to trial. But the prosecutor from the District Attorney's Office asked for a delay, and the trial start was pushed to May 21.

Shirley's lawyer, Charles McGill, said a handful of NFL teams have called his office to find out details of Shirley's case. McGill said he couldn't recall how many teams or which specific teams called, except for the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I have a good feeling that Jason's going to get drafted," said McGill, who is representing Shirley in his legal case, but is not his sports agent.

Shirley said he plans to watch the draft from his parents' home in Fontana.

"Life is good," Shirley said. "I feel blessed. I'm excited. I'm a little nervous about this weekend. I'm not depressed anymore.

"I'm just ready to move on with everything, get back to playing football."'

I'm ready to give this guy a shot because he could really wreak havoc at the point of attack and lord knows we need that.

Jason Shirley- Manchild.

IgnatiusJReilly — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:15:07 -0000

Jason Shirley- Manchild.

My Last Trip Through the Mocks

IgnatiusJReilly — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:58:43 -0000

42 Mocks

53%(22) Sedric Ellis

17%(7) Keith Rivers

12%(5) Derrick Harvey

5%(2) Leodis McKelvin

5%(2) Rashard Mendenhall

2%(1) each for Kentwan Balmer,

Glenn Dorsey,

Branden Albert,

Chris Williams.

The most interesting occurred here:

Where we get Ellis at 9

Trade Chad to the Eagles for #19, #80, and their next year's first. Rivers at 19.

Early Doucet at 46.

Patrick Lee(CB-Auburn) at 77.

Jonathon Goff(ILB-Vandy) at 80

Terrell Thomas(CB-USC) at 97

Thomas DeCoud(S-Cal) at 112

John Sullivan(C-Notre Dame) at 145

Jermichael Finley(TE-Texas) at 177

Jordon Dizon(LB-Colorado) at 207

Mark Bradford(WR-Stanford) at 244

Wallace Gilberry(DE- Alabama) at 246.

I'm not exactly sure why we need two CBs. Probably ought to have got one more receiver at 77, 80, or 97 but, just think about it, Chad's gone, and we've got Sedric Ellis and Keith Rivers.

Interesting pick? Kendall Langford DE-Hampton, 6-6, 290.

Fingers crossed, gentlemen...

My Top Ten in the Draft and a Bengal's Wish List for Same.

IgnatiusJReilly — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:39:08 -0000

The first ten picks as theorized by me and, then, a wish list of sorts for the Bengals' other nine picks.

Dolphins are talking to Jake Long, supposedly trying to pre-negotiate a deal but I think it's a smoke screen and Chris Long is the pick. He's just too good to pass up. Size, speed, pedigree, film, everything you need in a DE.
St. Louis will be hugely pleased that Jake Long was a Dolphin smokescreen and snap him up before Goodell finishes the words, "...on the clock."
Atlanta can't live with Chris Redman as a starter and goes for perhaps the only bonafide NFL-caliber QB available this year, Matt Ryan.
Al Davis has a rare lucid moment and opts to ignore the flash and move to replace the retiring Warren Sapp with the potentially equally good, Glenn Dorsey.
Kansas City may have Jared Allen to replace and Vernon Gholston would really fill that bill.
New York Jets finally stop Darren McFadden's mini-slide.
This is the draft pick the Pats should have lost, not the 31st. However, their secondary is in shambles. DRC is bigger, stronger, and faster than either Jenkins or McKelvin so they go with the Tennessee State corner.
There's a real possibility that Baltimore trades up to Atlanta at 3 for Matt Ryan. Assuming that doesn't happen, no other QB merits the 8th, so they go with Ryan Clady in an effort to replace the retiring Ogden.
"Cincinnati is now..." SEDRICK ELLIS!
New Orleans opts to shore up a horrid secondary with Leodis McKelvin.

Bengals Picks?

2. Even assuming Odell is reinstated, LB is still a big need. Curtis Lofton would be my first choice here, followed by Adibi or Henderson.

3a. If, by some strange happenstance, Chris Johnson is available... I know, okay, Early Doucet or Malcolm Kelly if he slips this far- fingers crossed.
3b. Marcus Howard, OLB Georgia.

Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State.
Kellen Davis, TE/DE Michigan State- that's right, tight end and defensive end. 6-7, 270lbs., 4.59 40. Played defensive end freshmen year.

6a. Brian Johnston, DE, Gardner Webb

6b. Stanford Keglar, LB, Purdue.

7a. Arman Shields WR, Richmond

7b. Robert Jordan WR, Cal.