Panthers need some D to win

It is so trite to say it, but I cannot help it.  Defense wins championships.  In football, those who have it stop teams in the redzone and deflate loud stadiums.  Those who don’t, well to say it again, don’t win championships.  

Look at the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers game yesterday.  Rookie Cam Newton is putting up record numbers.  In both of his NFL games so far he has thrown over 400 passing yards.  He threw 432 passing yards against the Packers.  This was over 100 yards more than those of the opposing quarterback, Aaron Rodgers who had 308 passing yards. 

Those are impressive offensive stats, but they have not netted the Panthers a win.  The difference between Green Bay and Carolina is defense.  The veteran squad led by 7-time Pro Bowl corner Charles Woodson intercepted three of Cam’s passes.  The Packers won 30 – 23.

The long passes, great catches and fast runs are just nice stats if you do not win.  The Panthers must step it up on defense to get their first win.

Ciao! 

Heels & Helmets

Wel-CAM NEWTON to the NFL

Football returned over the weekend and Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton was ready!  A lot of stuff happened during the first weekend of the NFL season, but I have to talk about the debut of the #1 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.   

Cameron “Cam” Newton kicked off his NFL career by setting a record.  The surprising part is that the record is for passing yards and not rushing yards.  Cam is the first rookie to throw 422 yards in his first NFL game.  All three of the Panthers’ touchdowns in their season opener came from Cam.  He threw two touchdown passes and ran one yard to get in the end zone for a touchdown.

Cam’s performance was impressive for any rookie, but it is more remarkable because he was drafted during the NFL lockout.  He didn’t have OTAs (organized team activities), mini camps, team training, or meetings with coaches.  He did not have the annual orientation or the rookie symposium.  His preparation for the NFL was limited to training camp.  You would not have guessed any of this from the way that he played yesterday.

Critics talked about Cam needing a year to prepare and develop into a NFL style quarterback.  Well from what he displayed in his first game, Cam is ready now.  Athletically, he silenced the people who said that he could not throw the ball.  He showed maturity and poise and did not rush out of the pocket. 

Cam’s performance was not enough for the Panthers to get a win over the Arizona Cardinals, so they have some work to do.  (The final score was 21 – 28, Arizona.)  This is just the beginning for Cam.  As he builds on this solid debut, teams better watch out.

Ciao! 

Heels & Helmets

Locked-out and still trying to work

Due to the lockout, NFL players cannot use their team’s trainers or facilities to work out.  This isn’t stopping palyers from getting together and planning their own workouts.  Mark Sanchez invited his teammates to Southern California to work out.  Michael Vick has summoned the Eagles to Philadelphia for practice.  Even the newest NFL players who were just drafted a couple of weeks ago are preparing.  The pending rookies do not have contracts and are prohibited from wearing official team gear.  Most of them do not have the teams’ playbook.  This is not stopping them from selecting trainers and working out.  They want to be ready when the 2011 season starts. IF it starts.

It’s great that NFL players are conditioning on their own and planning small practices with other teammates.  It is helpful for quarterbacks to connect with their wide receivers and throw the ball.  However, it does not replace OTAs (organized team activities) or minicamps.  Despite the players’ efforts to prepare, without the direction of a coach, equipment and support from the conditioning staff, teams will be behind the mark when the labor issues are finally settled.  As Eagles running back, LeSean McCoy said, "It's tough when you don't have a facility to go to.” 

Teams like the San Francisco 49ers who have a new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, are at a strong disadvantage preparing for the season.  Teams such as the Carolina Panthers who drafted players with the expectation that they would make an immediate contribution will also have difficulty. 

Carolina used the first pick of the 2011 NFL Draft to select Auburn quarterback, Cam Newton.   Cam was drafted on the first day of the draft during the four days that the lockout was lifted.  He was able to go into the Panthers offices the following day.  Players selected after the first round did not have this opportunity.   At least Cam got his playbook.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Detroit Lions have impressive draft performance

Over 250 college players were drafted to play for NFL clubs over the weekend.  Cam Newton as expected went first overall to the Carolina Panthers.  Several teams draft performances standout in my mind.  The New Orleans Saints strengthened their running game by drafting Heisman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram.  The New England Patriots took Ryan Mallet in the third round.  Like the current starting quarterback in New England (Tom Brady), Mallet studied at The University of Michigan and is a pocket passer.  He will either shadow Brady for years or be good trade material.   The Cleveland Browns acquired a fast wide receiver (Greg Little) and gave the defense a little boost with a new tackle (Phil Taylor) and end (Jabaal Sheard).  But, the team that impressed me the most was the Detroit Lions.

The Lions have been at the bottom of professional football for years.  They have been bad for so long that I am afraid to say this because I do not want to jinx them, but I think the football gods are smiling on the Motor City. 

Two weeks ago the NFL released the 2011 regular season schedule and the Lions received their first Monday Night Football (MNF) game in over a decade.  There are rumors that the game was a sign of gratitude for the franchise graciously hosting the Vikings – Giants game that had to be relocated because the Metrodome collapsed.   But, who cares?  It’s not always how you get it, but what you do when you get it.

With their first pick in this past weekend’s draft, Detroit was able to select Nick Fairley, a defensive tackle from Auburn.  This is a huge help to the Lions.  Last season they were ranked 21^st in total defense in the league.  Having someone to help 2010 rookie of the year, Ndamukong Suh, on defense will improve that ranking.

Lions fans should be very pleased.  The first pick was not a quarterback or a wide receiver.  The Lions are clearly focused on defense.  If the football gods are truly smiling on Detroit, Matthew Stafford will rehabilitate well, not injure himself again and lead Detroit to the playoffs this year.  Now we just have to wait to see if we have NFL football this fall.

Check out all the draft selections.  What do you think of your team’s picks?

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

How does the NFL lockout impact the draft?

The NFL lockout ended yesterday by a court ordered injunction.  Doors are open for players to return to work this morning, but this does not mean that business is back to usual.  The collective bargaining agreement expired so the teams and players are operating without any rules. 

What happens with free agency?  How will rookie contracts be structured?   

This Thursday the NFL will begin its annual selection of rookies while they appeal Judge Nelson’s decision to end the lockout in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  They are seeking a stay of execution during the appeals.  Basically they are hoping that the judge will postpone the lift of the lockout until a decision is made in appeals court.

In the meantime, the 2011 NFL Draft will go on as planned.  I think that the Carolina Panthers will make Cam Newton the first overall pick of the 2011.  However, I am more curious about what this draft would look like if the lockout had been lifted earlier.  

With a talented, 26-year old quarterback like Kevin Kolb on the market to be traded would a team give up a first round pick to get Kolb?  If a team lands a veteran like Ochocinco, would they feel the need to use an early pick on a wide receiver?

What do you think?

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Lockout steals excitement from NFL Draft

It’s difficult to get excited about the NFL Draft when you don’t know when the season is going to start.  I can’t get pumped up to think about who is going to get drafted with the Number 1 overall pick when training camp is not scheduled.  It is really anticlimactic for a young guy to make his dream a reality and not be able to talk to his new coaches and formally practice with his new teammates.

In some ways, it’s also premature.  The current impasse between the players and the teams about labor issues prohibits free agency and trading.  If not for the lockout, teams would be filling some of their gaps with veteran players and strategizing draft picks.  No one knows what the landscape of a team will be when the labor issues are resolved.  If the season doesn’t start until half way through the regular season, surely a rookie will not play.

For these reasons, I’m not excited to watch the upcoming draft.  Who cares if Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert is drafted first if we don’t get to see them play this fall?  Why bother watching them put on a hat when we may not even see them at training camp?  For the players, shaking Goodell’s hand and then starting their careers striking against him isn’t exactly a path to primetime.

Good thing for college football.  They may have a crazy way to determine their champion, but at least we know they are going to play this fall.

Ciao!

 Heels & Helmets®

Spring is here and so is college football

While the NFL is still battling on labor issues with its players, college programs started spring practice.  These practices symbolize that football is in full spring on college campuses.  Most programs culminate the spring training session of 15 practices with a big intra-squad scrimmage.  They are usually dubbed by the schools colors.  For example, Florida has the “Orange and Blue” game every spring.  At The University of Michigan, it is simply, “Michigan Spring Game.”

At some universities the scrimmage is just an open practice that allows students, alumni and fans to see the team run plays.  At the larger programs, it has become just as big as the first home game with all of the fanfare, tailgating and display of school pride that you see in the fall.  Last year, the Florida Gators attracted close to 51,000 fans to their scrimmage.  Ohio State packed over 65,000 fans in the Horseshoe to see them last spring.

These scrimmages provide a good snapshot at the team’s development as they transition from last season.  How is the new coach directing the team?  Are players buying into the new coach’s message?  How does the offense or defense look after losing several players to graduation and/or the NFL draft?  Who will be the starting quarterback?  These are some of the questions that fans look to get answers for watching the spring game.

A lot has happened since the BCS Championship game.  Here are a couple of spring games that I think are noteworthy.

1.     Auburn – The Tigers lost the foundation and strength of their offense to the NFL Draft.  How they will replace the speed, rushing yards and size of Cam Newton will be interesting.

2.     Nebraska – This will be the Cornhuskers first scrimmage as a member of the Big Ten.  They were the Big 12 North Champions last year, but everyone is curious to see how they will fare in the oldest football conference.

3.     Ohio State – With Terrelle Pryor and Head Coach Jim Tressel out for the first five games of the season, fans will want to see how the backups fill in.

4.     Michigan – After three years of being embarrassed on the gridiron, the wolverines have a “Michigan Man” back at the helm of the program.  Head Coach, Brady Hoke, has one mission - restore greatness back to college’s most winningest program.  He has been clear about his expectations to win Big Ten titles and beat Ohio State.  All eyes will be on Michigan Stadium on April 16 to see the strides that he is making.

Get information on every school’s spring practice schedule.

Ciao!

 Heels & Helmets®

Free me from CBA talk, PLEASE!

For the last few weeks, professional football fans have been held hostage digitally by the news on the progress of the mediation between the NFL and NFLPA.

Free me!

Nothing has changed.  The owners still want more money and regular season games.  The players still want to see the books.   Well, I guess I should not say “nothing” because the sides are talking now (A LOT) and they did not for months.  This still is not enough to warrant the hostage.

Free me!

The hostage wouldn’t be so bad if both parties were not sworn to secrecy.  At least we would have some insight on the progress, the tension in the room, and the perspective from each side.  I am not asking for cameras, but a fiery remark from Jerry Jones would be satisfying.  Instead we have mundane “updates” telling us the same thing.  I can’t take it anymore.

I’M BREAKING OUT!!!

Now that the CBA analysis is behind me, I will get to where our focus should be in March.  College “Pro Days.”  These are workouts at colleges that NFL personnel attend to continue their evaluation of players to prepare for the upcoming draft.  It is similar to the Combine, but not as vigorous.  Plus, players who were not invited to the Combine have a chance to make an impression on NFL Scouts.

Tomorrow, a couple of top quarterbacks will participate in their schools’ Pro Day.  Cam NewtonRyan Mallett (Arkansas) both will display their talent at their university.  Ryan did well at the Combine and demonstrated that he has a strong arm and is accurate.  This is an opportunity for him to build on that performance and show he can throw at the professional level.  Cam on the other hand was disappointing at the Combine.  Auburn’s Pro Day gives him chance to improve on passing drills and exhibit that he can handle the NFL. (Auburn) and

Check out when your school is having its Pro Day.

It feels sooo good to be liberated! 

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Combine all about Cam

Last week the NFL’s 2011 Combine began in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Over 300 NFL hopefuls went to Lucas Oil Stadium to showcase their talents and interview for NFL personnel.  Most of the attention centered on Cameron “Cam” Newton.  The Heisman Trophy winner who led Auburn to a National Championship is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks selected in the upcoming draft.

Before Cam arrived at the Combine, the media was gushing over him.  This enthusiasm elevated when he entered to address the media on Saturday.  Unlike other players, he began with a prepared statement prior to taking questions from members of the media.  In anticipation of questions about his focus and arrogance, his remarks addressed a comment that he made a few weeks ago about his endorsement with Under Armour in which he asserted that he was an “entertainer-slash-icon.”  Cam explained that football is a priority for him, but since he is representing more than just football gear he wants to be the best ambassador for Under Armour. 

The other point that had the media salivating was his announcement that he would participate in all of the quarterback workouts including throwing.  This was a big deal because a lot of top quarterbacks do not throw at the Combine.  Many agents recommend that they save that for their school’s pro day, so they can throw to receivers that they are very familiar with.  This year all of the top quarterbacks threw except Blaine Gabbert from Missouri.

Yesterday Cam, completed his workout.  It was a lackluster performance.  He didn’t perform poorly, but like any high-profile athlete the expectations are lofty.  So, great from them just comes across as mediocre.  I was not surprised to see him complete just over 50% of passes (11 out of 21).  I was not expecting to see accuracy from a quarterback who barely threw in his college offense, but it was disappointing to see a guy who is known for jetting out of the pocket tie for third in the 40-yard dash.  Now a 4.58 in the 40 is really fast.  To put it in perspective, last year’s #1 pick was quarterback Sam Bradford who ran a 4.79 in the 40.  However, Cam is a runner, so I thought that he would be a little closer to Vince Young’s 4.48 time in the 40.

In my opinion, Cam exited the Combine the same way he entered.  He is full of talent, strength, and potential and has the gushing eye of the media.  I don’t think that this weekend diminished his draft stock or strengthened it.  He’ll have another opportunity to show off his arm next week at Auburn’s pro day.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

NFL Playoffs and BCS Champs is all Newton

Wild-Card weekend provided us the expected and unexpected.  Here is a recap of what happened in the first round of the NFL Playoffs.

NFC

In the first playoff game of the season, Seattle Seahawks shocked the defending Super Bowl champion, New Orleans Saints and won 41 -36.  They are the first team with a losing record (7-9) to win a playoff game.  The biggest play of the game was Marshawn Lynch’s 67-yard run for a touchdown.  Kudos to Pete Carroll for leading the Seahawks to victory in his first year back in the NFL, but I still think that the game should not have been in Qwest Field.  I am not making excuses for the Saints’ performance.  However, playing well during the regular season should be rewarded with a home game during the regular season.  A team that didn’t even win half of its regular season games should not be at home during the playoffs.  (Really, they should not have been in the playoffs, but I’ll save that for another time.)  In Qwest, opponents average over 2 false starts, thanks to the “12^th Man.”  We call it home-field advantage for a reason.  Nevertheless, the Seattle Seahawks will go to the “Windy City” to play the Chicago Bears.

In Philadelphia, Michael Vick could not get the Eagles pass the Green Bay Packers.  Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes to lead the Packers to a 21 – 16 win.  Charles Woodson and the rest of the Packers defense did a good job containing Vick.  While his last play was an interception, the 2011 NFC Pro Bowl starter still managed 292 passing yards and 33 rushing yards.  People will remember the last play of the game, but what killed the Eagles in this game was special teams.  (I always say these special men will make or break you.)  Philadelphia missed two field goals.  Had they just made those, the game would have gone to overtime.  Who knows what would have happened.  Now the Packers are going to the Georgia Dome to meet NFC Leader, Atlanta Falcons.

AFC

I expected the New York Jets to beat the Indianapolis Colts but thought the story would be about the quarterbacks – Peyton Manning (Colts) and Mark Sanchez (Jets).  It was not.  The game came down to special teams and the kickers.  Adam Vinatieri made a 50-yard field goal, his longest kick since 2008, with 53 seconds left.  The Colts thought it was over.  However, 50 seconds later, Nick Folk kicked a 32-yard field goal for the Jets.  Game over.  The Jets are on their way to Foxborough to meet the league’s best, Belichick’s New England Patriots for the third time this season.

No surprise in Arrowhead Stadium.  The Baltimore Ravens – Kansas City Chiefs game was not worth watching.  The playoff experienced Ravens dominated a youthful Chiefs team.  Baltimore’s defense led by Ray Lewis was on fire.  They forced five turnovers, got three sacks and limited the Chiefs to just one touchdown.  The offense looked good as well.  They scored passing and running to get the win, 30 – 7.  The Ravens will play their arch rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers next week in Heinz Field.

So we’re on to the NFL Divisional Playoff Round…

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers - Saturday, Jan. 15, 4:30 PM ET NBC

This is going to be a blood bath between division (AFC North) rivals.  Both teams are known for their old school, hard-hitting defenses.  At their last meeting, the Steelers won (narrowly), but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left the game with a broken nose.  These guys don’t play that push-you-out-of-bounds stuff, they tackle!  I see Ray Lewis’ adrenaline still pumping and the Baltimore defense continuing its roll from yesterday to end the Steelers’ season.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons - Saturday, Jan. 15, 8:00 PM ET FOX

Green Bay loss to Atlanta in November by just a field goal.  Green Bay ended the season with two tough games to guarantee a playoff spot.  They are focused.  The Falcons have been resting.  On Saturday, I think Green Bay will return to the Georgia Dome with a hungry offense and an angry, experienced defense to avenge their previous visit.

Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears - Sunday, Jan. 16, 1:00 PM ET FOX

Seattle is feeling confident.  They just upset the defending Super Bowl champs and they beat the Bears 23 - 20 during the regular season in Chicago.  Impressive win on Saturday, but I think that their season ends this weekend.  Chicago has improved since that close game in September.  Most notably is the running game.  Matt Forte ran for at least 91 yards in five of the Bears' final six games.

New York Jets at New England Patriots - Sunday, Jan. 16, 4:30 PM ET NBC

This is a contest between the top two teams in the AFC East.  Their last game again looked more like a pro team scrimmaging a college team.  Tom Brady massacred the Jets 45 – 3 on “Monday Night Football.”  It will not be easy for the Jets to travel and beat a well-rested, well-coached Patriot team.  BUT, the Jets are going to do it.  Mark Sanchez will step up, the defense will realize that it does not need to blitz on every play (deep threat Randy Moss hasn’t been a Patriot since September) and this good team will find a way to win.

College Football Championship Game

Tonight college football’s champion will be determined in warm Arizona.  Auburn Tigers will play Oregon Ducks in the Tostito’s BCS Championship Game.   This game will be “Nothing but Newton.”  Cameron “Cam” Newton.  This is Auburn’s extraordinary quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy this year.  

Oregon went undefeated, but they are in the PAC 10 and only played ONE team in the top 15.  Meanwhile Auburn dominated the extremely competitive SEC and beat FOUR teams in the top 15.  The SEC is the best right now in football.  Their bowl record this year proves that.  I’m a Big Ten girl so it pains me to make this acknowledgement, but I give credit when it is due.

Auburn will be champs and here are three quick reasons why:

1.     Oregon has not seen anything close to what they will experience tonight since their meeting with Ohio State in the Rose Bowl .  They couldn’t do anything with Terrelle Pryor and will not be able stop Cam Newton.

2.     Auburn ranks third in the nation in third-down conversions.  Why?  Cam Newton will scramble and make big plays with his feet.

3.     Oregon ranks seventh in the nation in turnover margin.  When they turnover to tonight they will be giving the ball back to Cam Newton.  I think you know what will happen.

Tostito’s BCS Championship Game kicks-off tonight at 8:30 pm on ESPN.

Ciao! 

Heels & Helmets®