Defending Super Bowl champs knocked out of the playoffs

OK, here are my picks for the NFC Divisional Playoffs:

1.     San Francisco 49ers over New Orleans Saints.

2.     New England Patriots over Denver Broncos

3.     Baltimore Ravens over Houston Texans

4.     Green Bay Packers over New York Giants

Not bad.  I got three right.  Interestingly, I said that I would love to see a big upset to add some drama to the playoffs.  Well, I got an upset and I am sure Packers fans are mad about my wish.

It is not surprising that the New York Giants came prepared to play.  While they only won nine games during the regular season, they ended strong.  I also think that they had a little chip on their shoulders because people were not really taking them serious.  It is surprising that they went into Lambeau Field and beat the Packers by 17 points.

Here is why the Packers lost.

1.     Nonexistent running game - QB Aaron Rodgers was the leading rusher.

2.     Listless passing game – Too many incomplete and dropped passes.

3.     Not focused – Three fumbles and two failed onside kicks.

So the teams for the conference championship games are set.  The New England Patriots will host the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC Championship Title.  The New York Giants will go west to play the 49ers for the NFC Championship.   I think the 49ers and Patriots will win.  But, if one can upset the Patriots, the Ravens certainly have the potential.

NFL conference champions are on Sunday.  The AFC game is at 3 p.m. on CBS and the NFC game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on FOX.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets

Not bad.  I got three out of four right. 

Happy New Year!

What a year it has been in the NFL.  It seems so distant now, but six months ago we were panicking about the NFL lockout.  Fans were on pins and needles hoping that NFL owners and players would reach an agreement so that America could have its favorite sport.  Fortunately, for fans, sports bars, chicken farms and pizza companies, a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was reached and not one down of professional football was missed.

The lockout ended just around the time training camps usually start.  Teams rushed to sign rookie contracts, get players to practice and bolster their rosters with free agents.  The Philadelphia Eagles shocked everyone by signing four pro-bowl defensive players.  Nnamdi Asomugha (cornerback), Jason Babin (defensive end), Cullen Jenkins (defensive tackle), and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (cornerback) all became Eagles within three days of each other.

The Eagles offense led by Michael Vick was fast and exciting in 2010.  They put up points and made it to the playoffs.  The defense on the other hand needed some help.  Especially against teams that pass a lot.  With some impressive additions to the secondary and Vick healthy, I thought that Philadelphia would make the playoffs and end up representing the NFC in Super Bowl XLVI.  You know, defense wins championships. 

Sticking with the fact that defense wins championships, I picked the New York Jets to win the AFC and play in the Super Bowl.  With 10 starters returning on defense and cornerback Darrelle Revis not holding out this year, I was sure that this would be the year for the Jets.   

Neither the Eagles nor the Jets made the playoffs.  Both teams finished the season at .500, winning only half of their games.  It was disappointing to see Philadelphia come in third in the NFC East, but there is reason to be hopeful.   In December, the defense started to look like the strong unit that I expected to see all season.  Unfortunately, for the Jets things are gloom.  Their young quarterback, Mark Sanchez, really struggled.  He was finished the season fourth in interceptions (18) thrown this season. 

The road to Indy for Super Bowl XLVI gets tough this weekend when the NFL playoffs start.  Here are the contenders.

AFC

No. 1 New England Patriots (13 – 3)

No. 2 Baltimore Ravens (12 – 4)

No. 3 Houston Texans (10 – 6)

No. 4 Denver Broncos (8 – 8)

No. 5 Pittsburgh Steelers (12 – 4)

No. 6 Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

NFC

No. 1 Green Bay Packers (15 – 1)

No. 2 San Francisco 49ers (13 – 3)

No. 3 New Orleans Saints (13 – 3)

No. 4 New York Giants (9 – 7)

No. 5 Atlanta Falcons (10 – 6)

No. 6 Detroit Lions (10 – 6)

Get dates and times for NFL playoff games.

The teams to beat are the Patriots and the Packers.  The Patriots are first in the AFC without a deep threat wide receiver.  Tom Brady has been manhandling defenses using two tight ends.  You have to be scared of the Packers because of their depth.  Anything can happen during the playoffs.  Green Bay’s backup quarterback, Matt Flynn, put up 480 yards and 6 touchdown passes in the team’s final game of the season. 

The other team that you have to watch is the San Francisco 49ers.  Jim Harbaugh has done a great job coaching this team.  They are prepared and run the ball well, which will help them use the clock during the playoffs.  If anyone can sneak passed the Packers, it will be the 49ers.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets

Half-season review of my Super Bowl picks

After tonight’s Monday Night Football game each team in the NFL will have played at least eight games.  The regular season is 17 weeks long.  Each team plays 16 weeks and has one week without a game called a “bye week.”  So, we are officially halfway through the regular season.   Since we are at the middle of the season, I thought that I would take a look at my Super Bowl picks and see how they are doing.

I selected the New York Jets to win the AFC.  With 10 starters returning, I thought that defense would lead them out of the regular season and past the tough quarterbacks in the AFC.  After Week 2, things looked gloom for the Jets.  They went three consecutive weeks without a victory; suffering losses to the Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.  At the moment, the Jets are tied with the Patriots and Buffalo Bills for first in the AFC East.  They beat the Bills yesterday and have to play them again in three weeks.  Next Sunday they have a big game against New England.  This is a must win because they lost to them earlier this year.  The Jets can still win their division.  To accomplish that and get to the Super Bowl, Mark Sanchez needs to be accurate and the defense has to dominate.

For the NFC, I thought that the Philadelphia Eagles would run away with the conference championship.  It has been a disappointing first half.  After winning their season opener, they did not win other game until Week 6.  The offense has looked lackluster and the defense has appeared confused.  Things are now starting to click for the Eagles.  Star cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha is adjusting to his role and had a key interception against the Dallas Cowboys last week.  The Eagles are in the inconsistent NFC East.  There is not a clear leader.  Philadelphia has only won three games, but a win tonight will put them at a tie for second in the NFC East.  For Philadelphia to get passed the undefeated Green Bay Packers, they need Michael Vick healthy and the defense focused. 

It has been a rocky road for my picks, but I am going to stay with them.

Ciao! 

Heels & Helmets

Super Bowl is over, but football is just getting started

Yes, we have our Super Bowl champs, but the conversation about professional football is not over; It is just getting started.   This is the time of the year when NFL teams start planning for the upcoming season.  The office chatter turns from what their teams did on Sunday to what their teams need to do to improve for next season.  A big part of this is who they think their teams should select in the NFL Draft. 

Before we get to the draft, we have to talk about the NFL Scouting Combine, referred to simply as “The Combine.”  It is the annual job fair for prospective NFL players.  This year it takes place from February 24 – March 1.  I describe the week-long process as an intense, invitation-only interview for the best college football players to get a job in the NFL.  Over 600 NFL personnel will analyze prospective NFL players as they participate in physical and psychological exams, interviews, tests and drills.  The athletes work hard to show all of the coaches, general managers and scouts from all 32 NFL teams that they are tough enough mentally and physically to handle a job in the NFL. 

I am sure that you have exciting plans this evening, so I will not go into the details of the top players today.  I am just going to explain the drills that are conducted at the combine. 

1. 40-yard Dash – Known as “the 40,” this is the most popular event at the Combine.  Players are timed running 40 yards.  Like track sprinting events, this drill is all about speed. 

2. Bench Press – This test is for strength and endurance.  Players bench 225 pounds as many reps as they can.  This will show who really spent time in the weight room in college.

3. Vertical Jump – Players stand straight up and stretch their hand to the sky.  The measurement of this point is the reach.  The player then jumps to hit a flag.  He must jump without running or rocking.  The difference between the reach and the flag is the measurement for “the vertical.”  This will show scouts the strength of the lower body.

4. Broad Jump – This is like a long jump without running.  Players stand and jump frontward as far as they can.  This is not only about the distance. The key is landing and not falling.  Scouts are looking for good balance.

5. 3 Cone Drill – Players run around 3 cones in an L shape and back.  This is to test an athlete's ability to change directions at a high speed.

6. 5-10-5 – The actual name is the Shuttle Run.  Basically the player has to run 5 yards to his right and touch the yard line, run 10 yards to his left and touch the yard line, then run a final 5 yards to the right to finish.

If anyone brings up a college player entering the draft, you can ask them how they think that player will do in “the 40.”  Otherwise, you can start the conversation by asking, “Who do you think will have the fastest 40 this year?”  For comparisons, review the highlights from the 2010 NFL Combine.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

 

Vince Lombardi is back at home!

The Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl XLV and are taking the trophy named after their legendary coach, Vince Lombardi, back to Green Bay.  Congratulations to the Packers organization and the game’s MVP Aaron Rodgers!

This game held true to the saying that defense wins championships and offense sells tickets.  In my opinion, the Packers’ underrated defense fueled the team’s victory.  They dominated the first half of the game.  They kept Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ offense off the field and limited them to just a field goal.  As a result, the Packers were up 21 – 3 at half-time.

During the second half of the game, the Steelers fought hard to come back.  By the fourth quarter, they were within a field goal.  With the score, 28 - 25, the Packers offense could not get a touchdown, so they settled for a field goal.  The Steelers had a little over 2 minutes to get a touchdown and extra point to win the game.  The Packers defense stopped them and the game was over.

Green Bay’s defense rocked!  Yet, the MVP honors went to an offensive player.

I am not taking anything away from the brilliant game that Aaron Rodgers had.  He threw for over 300 yards and had 3 touchdown passes.  However, two of those touchdowns were the result of a turnover.  Jarrett Bush’s interception and Clay Matthew’s forced fumble that was recovered by Desmond Bishop led to touchdowns.  This does not include the interception that Nick Collins returned for a touchdown. 

In addition to this, their leader and veteran cornerback, Charles Woodson, was on the sideline for the second half of the game.  Woodson broke his left collarbone in the 2^nd quarter.  Green Bay’s Defensive Coordinator, Dom Capers, had to make adjustments and use a couple of backup players to fill this huge vacancy.  Jarrett Bush and Pat Lee stepped up and covered the position usually handled by a 7-time Pro Bowl player.  Despite the challenges, this defense got it done.  Therefore, because of their tenacity and big stops, the 2^nd Heels & Helmets® Super Bowl REAL GAME CHANGER AWARD goes to the Packers Defense.  Congratulations!

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Super Bowl XLV Champs are…

Well it’s almost game time.  After looking at the teams during the week, I think that that both teams are pretty equal.  Here is why:

1.     Strong traditions – Green Bay has the most NFL Championships, Pittsburgh has the most Super Bowls. 

2.     Coach Mikes - Both coaches overcame major obstacles this season.  Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin got through the first quarter of the season without his starting quarterback.  Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy loss several players to injuries, he is on his fourth starting right outside linebacker of the season.

3.     Quarterbacks – Both Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger can throw and have a few options.

4.     Solid defenses – The top three players in the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year contest is on one of the teams playing in the Super Bowl.

So who am I giving the edge to?  

The Green Bay Packers.

I am giving the Packers the edge because of defense, primarily the secondary.  The Steelers’ defense has Safety, Troy Polamalu, in its secondary, but he is it.  This is the reason that the Jets took over the second half of the AFC title game and almost tied the game.  They could not stop Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes.  They will have difficulty against Greg Jennings.  Meanwhile, the Packers’ secondary has Charles Woodson, Sam Shields and Tramon Williams.  Hines Ward is a skilled, veteran receiver, but he and his teammates will not get past the Packers trio of defensive backs.  Plus, now with Maurkice Pouncey out of the Super Bowl, the Packers should be able to run better. and

I am predicting that the Green Bay Packers will take the trophy named in honor of its legendary coach Vince Lombardi to Green Bay for the first time since 1997.

Enjoy the game!

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Super Bowl XLV: Special Teams

Now that we know the key players on offense and defense of both teams, we have to take a look at the men on Special Teams.  The Packers and Steelers have similar defenses, so the game could easily come down to something that this unit does. 

Here are the crucial players for both the Packers and Steelers on Special Teams.  Go back to “special men will make or break you” to review why they are so special.

Green Bay Packers

Mason Crosby (#2, Kicker) – Made 22 of 28 field goals this season.  Has only missed 1 extra point in his four-year career.

Tim Masthay (#8, Punter) – Ranked 25 among punters and averaged 43.9 yards.

Sam Shields (#37, Kick Returner) – Backs up Charles Woodson and is the third defensive back on blitzes.  Catches and maintains the ball well. 

Tramon Williams (#38, Punt Returner) – Great speed and catching.  Starts at the cornerback position.

Greg Jennings, the Packers #1 receiver could return some punts.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Shaun Suisham (#6, Kicker) – Only missed one field goal this season.  Longest field goal was 48 yards.

Jeremy Kapinos (#13, Punter) – Just joined the team at the end of the regular season.

Antonio Brown (#84, Kick Returner) – Explosive player who is ready to run.

Antwaan Randle El (#82, Punt Returner) – Talented receiver on his second stint with the Steelers.

Emmanuel Sanders will most likely return some kicks.  He is a receiver who averaged about 25 yards per return this season.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Super Bowl XLV: Packers on Defense

The Green Bay Packers defense may not have the hype that Pittsburgh has, but it is good; Especially, it’s secondary (cornerbacks and safeties).  This is key because the Steelers are going to pass and the Packers have some veterans in the backfield who are talented and savvy.  Pittsburgh’s defense may have the current Defensive Player of the Year, but the NFC Champs’ defense includes the runner-up, Clay Matthews, and last year’s winner, Charles Woodson.     

Here are all of the players that will most likely start when the Packers' Defense comes out on Sunday. (Go back to the article Defense Wins Championships! to review the roles.)

Tackles and Ends - These guys are going after Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall

Ryan Pickett (#79, Left End) – Big blocker.  At 340 pounds, he is one of the heaviest guys in the NFL

B.J. Raji (#90, Nose Tackle) – Had over 6 sacks this season.  Scored on an interception in the NFC title game against Chicago.  (It was hilarious watching the big guy run.)

Cullen Jenkins (#77, Right End) – Had 7 sacks in just 11 games. 

Linebackers

Clay Matthews (#52, Left Outside Linebacker) – Pro-Bowl linebacker. Runner up in the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year Award.  Long lineage in professional football, grandad, dad and uncle all played in the NFL.  Fourth in the league in sacks at 13.5

A.J. Hawk (#50, Left Inside Linebacker) – Tough guy who hits hard.  Had 111 tackles this season. 

Desmond Bishop (#55, Right Inside Linebacker) – Forced to step up after the team suffered so many injuries.  Ended the regular season with 103 tackles and scored from an interception.

Erik Walden (#93, Right Outside Linebacker) – Joined Packers late in the season to fill a void created by several injuries.  Made a big contribution of 11 tackles and 2 sacks in Chicago regular season game to clinch a playoff berth.

Cornerbacks

Charles Woodson (#21) – 7 time Pro-Bowl cornerback.  2009 Defensive player of the year.  Leader of Packers’ defense.  Does not have a lot of interceptions this season because teams avoid throwing to his side.  Well-rounded defensive back who will shut down a receiver, tackle on the run and attack on a blitz. 

Tramon Williams (#38) – Went from practice squad to becoming a starter.  Did extremely well in the playoffs.  Teams go to his side to avoid Woodson, but playoff performance shows that he should not be taken for granted.  Good punt returner.   

Safeties

Charles Peprah (#26) – Injuries gave him the opportunity to start 11 games this season.  He got 63 tackles.

Nick Collins (#36) – Ended the regular season with 70 tackles and four interceptions.

Tomorrow we will review the special men on each of our Super Bowl teams - Special Teams.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Super Bowl XLV: Steelers on Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is not touted as much as its defense.  However, they have one the best quarterbacks in the league and several veteran players who have played in and won a Super Bowl.  This unit will need to establish a running game to slow the game down and exhaust time on the clock.  Quick drives filled with passes give the Packers more time to get back on the field and score.  Maurkice Pouncey will be key to the Steelers accomplishing this.  If he cannot play, his backup, Doug Legursky, and the other linemen will have to step up and block.

Here are the players that will most likely start or play a major role in the game.  You can go back to Offense Controls the Game to review the responsibilities of the players on offense.   
 

Quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger (#7) – Led Steelers to 2006 and 2009 Super Bowl Championships.  Missed four games because of suspension and still threw over 3,200 yards.  Not extremely fast, but big and strong so it is tough to sack him.

Center

Maurkice Pouncey (#53) - Rookie. Status is uncertain because he suffered a left ankle sprain in AFC title game.

Guards and Tackles – Need to block and create space for Mendenhall to run.

Chris Kemoeatu (#68, Left Guard) – Strong blocker.  Signed five-year contract last year despite missing almost half of the 2009 season with an injury. 

Ramon Foster (#73, Right Guard) – Replaced Chris Kemoeatu last season and got a starting job this year.

Jonathan Scott (#72, Left Tackle) – Became a starter after Max Starks was injured.

Flozell Adams (#71, Right Tackle) – Former left tackle.  Veteran who is starting because of injuries.

Wide Receivers

Hines Ward (#86) – Veteran receiver who does not mind blocking.  He and Ben know each other well and can adjust when plays break down.

Mike Wallace (#17) – Very fast.  Had over 1,250 yards this season.  Steelers’ deep threat option.

Running Backs

Rashard Mendenhall (#34) – 2^nd year starting. Was a rookie when the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2009.  Had 121 yards against Jets in AFC title game.

David Johnson (#85) – Truly a tight end.  As a full back he can block and catch short passes.  3^rd on the depth chart for the tight end position.

Tight End

Heath Miller (#83) - Strong blocker who catches well.  Pro Bowl in 2009.

Tomorrow we will review the men looking to take down Ben and stop this unit from scoring, the Packers’ Defense.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Super Bowl XLV: Steelers on Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their defense.  They are gladiators who hit hard and stop offenses with big tackles.  Out of the 32 teams in the NFL, they ranked #2 in total defense.  During the playoffs they led the league in defense.  They are particularly good at stopping offenses that run.  On average, teams got less than 63 rushing yards against them this season.

Pittsburgh’s defense is filled with superstars.  Many of them would go to other teams and be the leader on defense.  The #1 (Troy Polamalu) and #3 (James Harrison) players in the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year contest are on this unit. 

Here are all of the players that will potentially start when the Steelers' Defense comes out on Sunday. (Go back to the article Defense Wins Championships! to review the roles.)

Tackles and Ends - These guys are going after Aaron Rodgers and his Running Backs.

Ziggy Hood (#96, Left End) - Became a starter in the middle of the season.  Last season as a rookie, he mainly played on special teams.

Casey Hampton (#98, Nose Tackle) – Powerful guy in the middle.  He is the reason teams have difficulty running against the Steelers.

Brett Keisel (#99, Right End) – Really improved this year.  Ended the season with 3 sacks, 2 fumbles and an interception.

Linebackers

LaMarr Woodley (#56, Left Outside Linebacker) – Owns NFL record with a sack in six straight playoff games.  Good at defending passes.

James Farrior (#51, Left Inside Linebacker) – In his 14th season and still had 109 tackles and six sacks. 

Lawrence Timmons (#94, Right Inside Linebacker) – Had his best season this year with 135 tackles.

James Harrison (#92, Right Outside Linebacker) – Pro-Bowl linebacker.  Fearless and aggressive.  Led the NFL in fines for illegal hits.  Had 10.5 sacks this season.  Third in 2010 Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Cornerbacks

Ike Taylor (#24) – Forced a huge fumble in the AFC Championship Game.  Does not have a lot of interceptions, but does stay with receivers.  He will have to defend Greg Jennings.

Bryant McFadden (#20) - Fighting abdomen problem, but should be fine.

Safeties

Troy Polamalu (#43) - Pro-Bowl safety.  2010 Defensive Player of the Year.  Considered the best safety in the league.  Fast, strong and observant, so he takes down receivers and runners.

Ryan Clark (#25) - Hits and tackles well.

This group is going to use speed and strength to handle the Packers’ offense and keep Aaron Rodgers off the field.  Then it will be Big Ben’s turn to lead.  Tomorrow we will take a look at him and the rest of the Steelers' Offense.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Super Bowl XLV: When the Packers are on Offense

Super Bowl XLV is going to feature two of the most storied franchises in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Their passion, tradition and success make them icons in the world of football.  Their city nicknames tell it all.  Pittsburgh is the “City of Champions” and Green Bay is “Titletown, USA.”  The Steelers have won the most Super Bowls with six.  While, the Packers only have half as many Super Bowl wins, they have the most NFL championships with 12.  The trophy given to the winner of the Super Bowl is named in honor of Green Bay’s greatest coach.  It is the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  See, the history of greatness runs deep in both franchises. 

To start our preview, we will examine the offense of the NFC Champion, the Green Bay Packers.  Green Bay’s offense is led by quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.  He has not been included in discussions about the league’s current top-tier quarterbacks like Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady.  After leading Green Bay to become the first 6^th seed playoff team in the NFC to reach the Super Bowl, he is showing why his name should be included in that conversation.  During the playoffs he had 790 passing yards and 6 touchdowns. 

The key to the Packers’ offense is Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and James Starks.  They will need to balance their passing and running game and avoid turnovers.

Here is a look at all of the players that will most likely start on the Packers Offense next Sunday.  (Go back to our post on Offense Controls the Game to review the roles of each player.) 

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers (#12) – Had a great playoff performance.  Known for his accuracy.  Led the league in passing yards and had the most rushing yards for a QB during the playoffs.

Center

Scott Wells (#63) – Strong and versatile.  Will need to be ready for Steelers defense blitzing.

Guards and Tackles – Block against a very tough, experienced Steelers defense.

 Daryn Colledge (#73, Left Guard) – Needs to hold off the Steelers to help the running game.

 Josh Sitton (#71, Right Guard) – Strength and speed make him the best offensive lineman on the team.

Chad Clifton (#76, Left Tackle) –  Must protect Aaron’s blindside.

Bryan Bulaga (#75, Right Tackle) – Rookie going against a top defense.

Wide Receivers

Donald Driver (#80) – Veteran option for Aaron.  Known as Mr. Reliable because of his consistency and number of starts in 12 seasons with one team.  This was his first season in six seasons accumulating less than 1,000 receiving yards.

Greg Jennings (#85) – Had his third straight season with more than 1,000 receiving yards and tied for the most touchdown catches at 12.  Led the league in passing yards during the playoffs.

Running Backs

James Starks (#44) – Rookie who led the league in rushing yards during the playoffs after getting his first start in the Wild-Card game against Philadelphia.

Quinn Johnson (#45) – Tough runner who can also block.  Not much experience, but he has not fumbled.

Tight End

 Andrew Quarless (#81) – Rookie who did not play in the first three games of the regular season.  Started because of injuries and proved that he could use his size to block.

Tomorrow we will look at the men planning to stop these guys – Pittsburgh Steelers Defense.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®