SB Nation User Blog: ShadowFlash

A Day in the Life of Jeremy Shockey

ShadowFlash — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:59:59 -0000

Now, now Saints fans and fanatics alike, I have, like a lot of you, been bored out of my mind just waiting for training camps to start. And I really don’t hate Jeremy Shockey. I like his abilities and what he can offer. With that said, here’s a satirical look into a day in the life of Jeremy Shockey. And as usual, I appreciate comments.

8:30 Woke up to "Circus" by Britney Spears. Brushed my teeth, took a shower, and slicked back my hair. My hair is so damn luscious.

9:15 Got a call from Coach Payton. He wanted to talk to me about my apparent lack of production. Pfft. Lack of production? He can’t have been looking at this year’s marvelous 500 yard campaign. Nevertheless, I decide to go anyway. Maybe I can set things straight.

9:30 Just to annoy coach I decided to go a little late. So now I jump into my sweet ride, wearing a muscle shirt so that all can revel in the glory of my tattoos.

9:55 Coach looked a bit mad at me. Uh-oh. He yelled at me for being late and stressed the importance of punctuality. All this time I just looked into empty space. I told coach that it was an honest mistake and that I had actually been working out for three hours. He seemed to like that. Hey look! I spotted my man drew Brees in the distance, but then I saw that he was practicing with Billy Miller, not me. I was infuriated.

10:15 Drew and I decided to work out our differences like mature men. While I don’t to delve into the details of our "chat," I can tell you that it involved a "WTF!" and a "I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU!" plus a "DON’T MAKE ME RIP YOUR HAIR OFF!" at which point I had settled. My hair was too precious to be manhandled. And did I mention the tearing up of the grass? No? Okay.

10:50 I decided to make a deal with Drew. I told him that I would be a good pass-catching, defense-mauling, awesome-tattoo-wearing tight end from now on. Maybe I should have left the last part off because next thing I knew he was unzipping his bag and giving me a book about "How to Catch Touchdowns." Like I didn’t know that already. But then I realized that I had zero touchdowns last year with Brees as my Quarterback, so I felt the slightest twinge of regret and kept the book against my will. I said something about stupid doctors misdiagnosing me.

11:40 To get over my troubles, I decided to rent a jet to Las Vegas. Then I decided against it for my own safety. I thought back to my last "incident" in Vegas. I definitely did not want to get dehydrated again.

12:45 I was having a bad day so I fired my agent. Again. I would look for a new one later.

1:20 I took some alone time in the Jacuzzi. Without beer this time. Or hard rock.

1:55 Oh my god. I looked at the time. I forgot there was organized practice at 3:00. Stupid doctors. So I quickly got out, slicked my hair back again, and changed. Always got to keep that hair looking brilliant.

4:00 Practice went better than usual today. Drew had calmed down (which was a relief to me), Coach was looking happy, and Billy Miller had to forego this practice for some other stupid event. Yay me! I even caught five passes and a touchdown. "Good for you, Jeremy," I though, looking at the mirror.

5:00 Yawn. I was so tired. Yet I turned on the TV to watch some random episode of House that I had recorded. But that was about doctors, and that meant I was reminded of stupid doctors misdiagnosing me. Wow. I decided to call it a day.

7:30 I finished eating and climbed onto my massive bed. I set my alarm to play "Can’t Touch This" and then I dozed off.

Ratings...Fantasy

ShadowFlash — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:15:01 -0000

Hey i just got my fantasy team and i would appreciate it if you guys were to rate and leave comments on it. I was pretty psyched about this team especially if Reggie Bush can stay healthy the whole year. Of course I would have liked Thomas but Reggie's cool too. And seeing as i have AP on this team I cant complain :)

Starters

QB- Aaron Rodgers

WR- Randy Moss, Steve Smith, Eddie Royal

RB- The Purple Jesus and Reggie Bush

TE- Jason Witten

K- Neil rackers

D/ST- Pittsburgh

Backups

QB- Jay Cutler

RB- LenDale White

TE- Jeremy Shockey

WR- Mushin Muhammad

K- Garrett Hartley

D/ST- Indianapolis

Poll

How good is this team (With Five being the best and One being the worst)?

One Star

7 votes

Two Stars

0 votes

Three Stars

6 votes

Four Stars

18 votes

Five Stars

3 votes

34 votes | Poll has closed

More Disrespect (Aaarghhh!)

ShadowFlash — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:36:19 -0000

And so the disrespect continues. The latest from sporting news. In a list of the top 25 impact players in '09, Drew Brees is ranked 13. The Offensive Player of the Year is ranked 13th. Guess who is ahead? DeMarcus Ware, who is a linebacker, is ranked 4th overall. Andre Johnson, a wide receiver, is ranked 8th overall. Reggie Wayne, another WR, is ranked 10. Shawne Meriman, who didn't even play last year, is projected to be the 11th most impact player. I mean, "What the heck?"

Please feel free to vent out your frustration in the comments section...

The Verdict: Bayou Style

ShadowFlash — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:33:08 -0000

With all the chatter and actions taking place around the NFL, it seems like a good, if not great time, to talk about the one and only NFC South outlook. I guess it will be hard not to be biased for the Saints, but it can’t be harder than Drew Rosenhaus trying to bring Edge over to the good side, if you know what I mean…And so we go.

via static.nfl.com

The door is wide open...

Atlanta Falcons

The Key: Matt Ryan is now the unequivocal leader of this unit. The key has passed from Vick to Matty Ice. Fans should not delude themselves into hoping for a slump from Ryan this year as he continues to mature. In fact, look for him to get better.

The X-Factor: This could go a number of ways but I look for the X-Factor of the team to be Tony Gonzalez. How much more does he have left in the tank? If he’s healthy, he can possibly counteract any "preparation" the oppositions have done for Matt Ryan. If he isn’t producing well, Matt Ryan’s production could be facing a decline. Gonzalez opens the field, can block, can be a deep threat, etc. He can change the outlook of the Falcons.

The Outlook: Look for them to be no lower than second in the division. They have made improvements. Any "preparations" that teams are planning against Matt Ryan will possibly be counteracted by several key additions during the offseason.

Carolina Panthers

The Key: Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams in the backfield are poised to be extremely productive once more. They produce; Panthers win. They don’t; Panthers are harder-pressed to win. That simple. This will likely be the most productive unit out of the offense. With that said, it brings us to…

The X-Factor: Jake Delhomme almost literally holds the key to the Panthers’ success. The running corps can be effective all it wants, but in the end, the quarterback has to be the big player. It looked like he was recuperating well until the nightmare against Arizona in the playoffs last year. And even during times in the regular season, Delhomme started to show age. That will make all the difference this year as well.

The Outlook: Third in the division is all the credit that I’m giving this team. There is simply too many question marks outside of Delhomme as well. With not too much new faces, this is just about the same team as last year. That may bode well, but while the Panthers have stayed the same, other teams have been improving.

New Orleans Saints

The Key: Drew Brees, no questions asked, is the man. Nothing more need be said about this guy. He’s flat out sick and nasty. His bad game is throwing for two-hundred yards. Most guys don’t throw two-hundred yards in a bad game. ‘Nuff said.

The X-Factor: I wanted to say Robert Meachem, but the real X-Factor here is Gregg Williams and the defensive unit. As was shown last year, the defense cost us quite a few games. Charles Grant and Will Smith are going to be out in a relatively rough opening schedule. Gregg Williams better have something planned, because he holds the Saints’ playoff hopes. I’m not saying more than that.

The Outlook: Well, they have improved, at least on paper. So even if they can hold opponents to three fewer points per game than last year, I’m giving this team at least a second place ranking. With the offense in place, it’s high time the defense picked itself up.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Key: Can’t find one with this team right now. They have got more question marks than McDonalds has got customers. It might have been Jeff Garcia or Derrick Brooks, but no. Too many X-Factors lying around this place.

The X-Factor: Raheem Morris, the new head coach, is the man on the spot. With the changes he has been making the offseason moves that have left his fans dizzy and searching for answers, this guy better deliver, or his head will be a target pretty soon. Monty Kiffin is gone. A proven quarterback in Jeff Garcia is gone. The franchise is in shambles. It’s all up to Morris to right the ship.

The Outlook: Cellar. Basement. Bottom dwellers. There’s too much that is wrong with this team right now than can be fixed by what is right. Don’t expect a Cinderella story out of these guys just yet. At least not until we see what they are capable of.

So, what’s the verdict? Who ranks high and who doesn’t? Who makes the cut? Respond in the Comments Section, and good day to all.

4 Reasons To Keep Believing

ShadowFlash — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:02:16 -0000

Honestly, what have the Saints actually done to make you not believe that next year will be better? The answer is not the 2007 offseason. Actually I believe that Jason David can still prove himself this year. He came on a little strong last year as he was part of the top ten interception leaders. However, what have they done this year to make you believe is the question. And with that said, so we go, hoping that this turns out as efficient as my first two posts. After all, third time’s the charm.

via blog.nola.com [Somebody looks pretty ecsastic...]

1) Two Quarterbacks on the Defense: Last year the addition of Jonathan Vilma provided an experienced, proven, and battle tested veteran that was a truly solid fit for the Saints defense. He helped anchor a linebacking corps. This year, Darren Sharper enters the Big Easy with the same air of worthiness around him. I am really wondering who will get the radio helmet this time. It is one battle that I am actually pretty happy to see.

2) Coaching Shakeup: Out with the old, and come on in with the new. Gary Gibbs had his chance to try his heavy discipline defensive strategy. To put it bluntly, it just wasn’t meant to be. This is an aggressive depth chart on defense. They need better guidance. And enter Gregg Williams. He could be god after what Saints fans have been through the past two seasons, seeing Gary Gibbs’s defense bust time and time again. If track records mean anything nowadays, then Williams is a perfect fit. An aggressor on defense to complement the aggressor on offense. How wonderful.

3) Flashes of Speed: Last year, I am a firm believer that our running game actually started to put it all together. I am all for a backfield of PT and Reggie Bush. Thomas can be more of the bruiser while Reggie Bush can be the hybrid that he was meant to be. Last year Bush was pretty efficient until he was hampered by leg injuries, even matching an age-old record (Two Punt Return TD’s). And when the second of that tandem can is one of the rare players that can light up a defense led by a certain linebacker named Brian Urlacher for 100 yards receiving and rushing each, then you are probably in good shape with the talent level.

4) Cuts: In reference to an earlier CSC post, it’s really fun to make your team better while making your mortal enemy worse. The Bullocks move was pure genius. That’s all there is to it. Then they cut Mike McKenzie, who was due to become a liability on the cap as well as the roster, if his injury woes were any indication. The same can be said for Deuce McAlister. My heart still grieves, but my mind says yes. Bottom line is that the Saints’ front office has been overall efficient this offseason.

Poll

Do you still believe?

Truly with my heart...

113 votes

What a joke...

5 votes

118 votes | Poll has closed

An Obvious (Or What Should Be) Offensive Plan

ShadowFlash — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:20:37 -0000

As a follow-up to my first article (Re: The Saints…One Step from Greatness), here comes the (possibly or possibly not) anticipated encore.

-----------------------------------------------

via static.nfl.com

Sean Payton’s game plan, as far as offense is concerned, should be a no-brainer, simple to figure out. With the artillery and weapons that he has at his disposal, his offensive execution strategy should be like what George H. W. Bush did to the opposition in Desert Storm, which is to annihilate them.

Regular Downs: On first and second down situations, say that you start at a normal 10 yard situation. Don’t follow conventional wisdom and run the ball as pundits say. The Saints’ offense isn’t meant for that. Throw the ball on first down. Possibly screen the ball or try for the deep bomb. As far as second downs go, run the ball on these situations to keep the defense honest and to test out the ground game. If it is working, there is less pressure on Drew Brees. However, by running the ball on first down in the first quarter, defenses generally blitz on first down and that could be dangerous, especially with a bruiser-back. By the Half, Sean Payton would have seen how the defense is strategizing, and this would either open or close a few options.

Third and Short or Fourth and Short: This depends, sort of. The defense is obviously going to bring a blitz. If they don’t, then the quarterback is open to run the middle. I considered "short" to be a variety of situations. If it’s is at least a yard, then play action or just screen. If it is less, then use Heath Evans or Pierre Thomas to take it in. This strategy, I noted, worked admirably last year. However, Sean Payton cannot keep deluding himself that Reggie Bush is a pound-it-in type of runner. Bush is not the ideal fit for those situations. And the Bush-run-it-in thing didn’t work out so well last year…

Trick Plays: This concerned me last year. In the Vikings game, Sean Payton tried an onside kick in the first quarter, and, well, it kind of misfired. Let’s not go into details. Play actions are cool, after the first quarter. And in order to do this, you have to pull out a few nice runs in the first quarter. Plain to see. Flea Flickers actually might be pretty cool to see, but not before the half. I say that Brees should either let Moore or Henderson throw. I say Henderson because he is a speed threat. The defense would be drawn instantaneously down towards the line (with the right timing) allowing a tight end to get open or Reggie Bush. Devery Henderson should be involved in more double reverses along with Reggie Bush.

Basically, I say shoot the defense with throws and use the run as a balance option. If you pass thirty times, then I say, run 10-15 times. Use tricks in mediation. Reggie Bush needs to get a lot more involved in special effects. Devery Henderson can be a double threat, in either running or receiving. Heath Evans has arrives, which indicates that Payton is trying to get a lot more grounded on short yardage situations. Again, this is my view on things.

Poll

Do you agree with the Suggested plan of attack?

Looks pretty decent.

26 votes

Bah! It makes me sick!

6 votes

32 votes | Poll has closed

The Saints...One Step from Greatness

ShadowFlash — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 23:50:48 -0000

Hello to everybody and as some of you highly respectable CSC members may notice, I am a new blogger writing my first fan post. With that said, let's go.

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The Saints are truly one step from greatness so let's first examine what's right with them.

via images.usatoday.com

1) Air Force 9: Drew Brees (hence the number nine connection) is prolific, and that is an understatement. He does great things game in and game out. Under Drew Brees, the offense ranks 1st, 4th, and 1st again in 2006, 2007, and 2008 respectively. That 4th ranked offense was in a 2007 campaign in which the Saints started 0-4. Might want to think about that.

2) Reception Clear: The Saints receiving core is amazing. We have a native LSU speedster in Devery Henderson. Remember his 80 something yard race on that free play in the 2008 season opener versus the Bucs? Then there is Marques Colston who is entering just his fourth year but surpassed the 1000 yard mark in his rookie and sophomore seasons. Lance Moore flourished and thrived last year, and honestly (I don't know about you) but I am going to cry if he leaves the Saints. Robert Meacham is still young, but Brees showed a lot of confidence in him, which is a plus.

3) Tandem: I honestly believe that a two-headed running back attack of PT-Cruiser and Reggie Bush works really well. When one of them is a running back who can shred the Bears defense continuously (Thomas), which has to be a good sign. While Thomas can do heavy lifting, Bush should be used properly, in out routes, empty backfield sets, and screens as well as in the return game. He is the HYBRID.

Let's not forget. The Saints are still not great (not that they are bad). Here are weaknesses.

1) Leaky Pass Rush: Honestly, it is still a very young line with room for improvement. It consists of people like Bobby McCray, Paul Spicer, Sedrick Ellis, and Charles Grant. That is a rotation that I am hoping Gregg Williams can set right because it isn't a bad rotation. Nevertheless, despite flashes of brilliance, the pass rush was pretty inconsistent. Just saying.

2) Second Rate Secondary: Thankfully, there are major revamps going on here with the additions of Darren Sharper, Jabari Greer, and other notables. Kaesviharn and Bullocks were released, which made me sigh in relief. Despite a good second half of the season, Jason David needs to be more consistent in playmaking.

3) Short Yardage: there is only one thing I have got to say. Do not use Reggie Bush to run on short yardage situations. Utilize the screen game more. Use Pierre Thomas, and now Heath Evans.

My thoughts? I still wish for the Saints to add another playmaker in the secondary through the draft, be it Vontae Davis or Malcolm Jenkins. The kicking game and special teams is actually pretty stable right now, but John Carney is available.

Thank you, and I hope that you had as much fun reading this as I had writing it. Feedback is appreciated.

Poll

How was this text? Did you like it?

Pretty good article.

95 votes

Go jump in a lake. This was horrid.

11 votes

106 votes | Poll has closed