Wattafan
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Posts posted by Wattafan
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How about they focus on the terrible amount of OPI that goes uncalled.
Exactly.
I am fed up with the sometimes subjective calls and the ones that could go either way and the defender gets caned with a 45 yard penalty.
It's the one area I hate about the game - it needs to be cleaned up properly.
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Bill O'Brien must be one hell of a motivational speaker to get Johnson to report to camp. Seems like they met to discuss his issues, and suddenly Johnson was all for the Texans. Kind of weird. Also makes you wonder how worried defenses should be if they do indeed start moving Johnson around on the field like he commented they would on Saturday. Johnson has always primarily been on the right side, could you imagine him in the slot? That would be a spectacle.
The whisper is he was concerned he might have been in line for the chopping block next season. Bob McNair apparently stepped in and spoke with him and assured him that he would retire a Texan.
Perhaps he got some guaranteed money? - stay tuned.
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I'm so stoked to see Hageman. He could be a potential stud in the future. He's got the sky for his ceiling.
You got a good one there Rain Man - I was hoping Texans would take him, but Xavier Su'a Filo is looking awesome at training camp even though he is way behind so I'm happy with that.
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I agree on Su'a Filo but Savage is well, meh.
4th rounder so no biggie if he is a no goer.
Dude throws a frozen rope and is reportedly very teachable and working his tail off.
Preseason could see him throw a few around and that will be interesting to watch.
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Obviously we are all more plugged into our team's roster and depth chart than the average NFL fan. So share with the rest of us-- what are the key positions of competition to be sorted out in camp and what are you predicting/hoping for as a result.
Texans have several battles looming.
With the addition of Tyson Clabo, Derek Newton will have some competition for the RT position, despite DN already being named starter. Newton could keep it for now, simply because he has a heads up on Clabo.
The linebacker positions also need to be solidified as do some of the secondary spots. Brooks Reid will likely switch to ILB with Cushing, with hopefully some strong competition from Max Bullough.
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I'm genuinely worried about how Crennel handles Watt. I hope he's not foolish enough to ask him to 2 gap more than once in a blue moon.
That said, a lot of interior linemen bump out to the edge now and then. But that doesn't make them edge players in my book. J.J. still does the majority of his damage from the 5 tech and in. Which puts him (at the top of) a different position group for me. But if you want to define him in this group, feel free to do so.
I agree with your assessment wholeheartedly - just heard rumblings over the off season that Crennel will be very imaginative with his D and it was suggested the scenario I mentioned could happen.
A novelty play possibly, but would be fun to watch - even if it was threatened, it could throw an O off sufficiently to slow a play/drive down.
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So this "position" can get controversial. Define it however you want, just make sure you let everyone else know how you're splitting things up. I'm defining "edge rusher" as 3-4 rush linebackers, 4-3 defensive ends, and Von Miller. May seem arbitrary to throw him in there, but I think this is where he belongs based on primary usage and where he adds the most value.
1. Robert Quinn
It is absolutely absurd how disruptive Quinn was last year. Over 30% of the time QB's dropped back against him, he sacked them. And that doesn't even begin to capture the hits (32!) or forced fumbles (7!). Just crazy edge rushing production.
2. Greg Hardy
Coming in just behind Quinn last year, Greg Hardy was an absolute force. There may be concerns over his off-field issues, but 16 sacks and 29 QB hits is tough to argue with. And he's no slouch in the run game either.
3. Von Miller
Miller only posted 5 sacks last year sandwiched between suspension and injury. But the last time we saw him over an entire 16 game schedule, he dominated. So he remains in my top 3, and one could make the case for putting him higher.
4. Justin Houston
So one of the things you have to consider in doing this is trajectory. And Houston's is heading up. He doesn't have a monster season under his belt on par with Aldon Smith or Robert Mathis yet, but it's looming. And Houston will actually be available for 16 games this season.
5. Aldon Smith
Smith is one of the harder guys on this list for me to gauge. Statistically, he's a monster. But when watching him, I often wonder how much of his production is a result of playing lined up over Justin Smith as often as he does. That said, he makes enough great plays on his own that I think top 5 is justifiable.
6. Cameron Wake
Wake missed a little time last year and as a result, his numbers were down. However, on a snap by snap basis he was still getting to the QB. He hit or sacked opposing signal callers 27 times-- very strong numbers in a season where he missed 3 games.
7. Clay Matthews
Clay Matthews would be higher on this list is he was more reliable. There aren't many players as dominantly well-rounded as he is when on the field, but he's dinged up too often. Still one of my favorite guys to watch.
8. DeMarcus Ware
Ware is a hard guy to rank for obvious reasons. He was genuinely invisible for much of last season. But the track record is such that you still have to respect the distinct possibility that he comes back strong and posts at least one more excellent campaign.
9. Robert Mathis
Full disclosure, I think Mathis was cheating and that affected where I ranked him. The fertility drug he blamed helps women ovulate (my wife is on it); the only reason men take it is to cycle down off a round of steroids. Which explains 19.5 sacks, more than what he posted in 2010 and 2011 combined.
10. Jared Allen
Seems like I keep waiting for Allen to fall off the cliff, and he just keeps getting to the QB. Say what you will about his run defense, the man hit or sacked the QB 40 times last year. Decline may occur, but I don't think it will be drastic enough in 2014 to make him a non-factor for Chicago.
There's a very good chance Crennel could swing Watt to the edge a few times this season. That will be fun to watch.
He may not be as fast as some of those guys, but he will be harder to stop.
Watt has been in full beast mode in training - I can't wait to see him in action again this season.
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Johnson showed up at training camp this morning per NFL network.
All you vultures can go back home now.
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Pretty self-explanatory. I'll just mention that I'm thinking overrated in terms of general consensus opinion on a guy (rather than just the TGP take on him). This should stir up some hard feelings
.Quarterback:
1st Team: Andrew Luck
Might come as a surprise given my recent defense of Luck, but he's broadly treated as though he's already an elite QB and he simply is not.2nd Team: Alex Smith
This is probably less surprising. A below average QB who is treated as a good starter because of circumstances on his teams that have led to good records over the past few seasons. Running Back:
1st Team: Arian Foster
Less of an elite player than just a good fit for a RB friendly system that gave him a lot of carries. 2nd Team: Ben Tate
Came into the offseason with really only 1 year to his name that was better than average (3 years ago, no less) but was viewed as a plug and play, high level starter.Wide Receiver:
1st Team: Eric Decker
A solid starting outside receiver who put up WR1 numbers in an offense that inflates receiving statistics.2nd Team: Desean Jackson
Saw career highs after being featured and placed in great position by Chip Kelly. A correction awaits him in Washington.Tight End:
1st Team: Jermaine Gresham
It would seem that draft hype is still clinging to this guy in the public arena, but on the field he's among the worst starters at the TE position. 2nd Team: Antonio Gates
A HOF caliber career is a good reason to think highly of a guy, but he's always been rather one dimensional, and that one dimension is fading.Offensive Tackle:
1st Team: Jake Long
Injuries have robbed him of his once dominant abilities, but my sense is that a lot of people think he's still as good as he once was with the Dolphins.2nd Team: Sam Baker
Parlayed one decent season (our of 5) into a 6 yr 41M$ contract that, at least in part, has created the impression that he's a good starter.Guard:
1st Team: Carl Nicks
His Saints days and a mammoth contract lend the impression of dominance, but the reality is that his toe injury has really limited him.2nd Team: Zane Beadles
Playing offensive line for Peyton Manning can make you look better than what you are; Beadles is average or worse in pretty much every facet.Center:
1st Team: Maurkice Pouncey
His rookie year was by far his best, and he's often been mediocre or worse since (when he's not hurt, that is).2nd Team: Scott Wells
Was a very nice player in Green Bay, and perhaps he's still viewed as that in STL (not that many people think about centers to begin with), but he hasn't been on that level since he joined the Rams.Edge Player:
1st Team: Paul Kruger
2nd Team: Connor Barwin
I'll just write one blurb for both of them, because they essentially have the same story: Fluky seasons with their former teams and bloated contracts have led to these guys both being really overrated edge pass rushers.
Interior Defensive Line:
1st Team: Darnell Dockett
The elite disruptor that lives in the mind of the public hasn't really existed since ~2010.2nd Team: B.J. Raji
An elite 2010 season created a very high opinion of a player who has been average or worse ever since.Off-LOS Linebacker:
1st Team: Dannell Ellerbe
A great run during the 2012 playoffs brought on star status and a ridiculous 5 year 35M contract for a pretty middling player.2nd Team: D'Qwell Jackson
The general surprise at his release, and the ensuing 4 yr 22M contract that he received let me know that there are some opinions of Jackson out there that haven't caught up to who he is at this point in his career. Cornerback:
1st Team: Richard Sherman
A system that fits him like a glove and elite safety play make Sherman looks better than what I think he is (a top 5 corner who is widely regarded as the uncontested best in the league).2nd Team: Cortland Finnegan
At one time a very effective man corner, Finnegan's play fell off a cliff last year. Safety:
1st Team: Dashon Goldson
The beneficiary of a great front 7 in San Fran that allowed him to take risks, Goldson was exposed last year not as a bad player, but as one that's not close to the elite status he garnered with the Niners.2nd Team: Mark Barron
Barron was billed incorrectly as an elite S prospect coming out and has been a middling player since entering the league. Arguably worse than that even in coverage. Sorry Bucs fans, it's nothing personal.My pick for overall team was the obvious one - last seasons Texans.
The most under-rated one is the Arizona Cardinals - last season they finished with a 10 - 6 record but missed out because they are in the toughest division in football. On the flip side of that, Packers scraped into the playoffs with an 8 - 6 - 1 record and home field ad.
I pity the Rams, who also are also in that division and will give grief to many opponents this season.
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Pretty self-explanatory. I'll just mention that I'm thinking overrated in terms of general consensus opinion on a guy (rather than just the TGP take on him). This should stir up some hard feelings
.Quarterback:
1st Team: Andrew Luck
Might come as a surprise given my recent defense of Luck, but he's broadly treated as though he's already an elite QB and he simply is not.2nd Team: Alex Smith
This is probably less surprising. A below average QB who is treated as a good starter because of circumstances on his teams that have led to good records over the past few seasons. Running Back:
1st Team: Arian Foster
Less of an elite player than just a good fit for a RB friendly system that gave him a lot of carries. 2nd Team: Ben Tate
Came into the offseason with really only 1 year to his name that was better than average (3 years ago, no less) but was viewed as a plug and play, high level starter.Wide Receiver:
1st Team: Eric Decker
A solid starting outside receiver who put up WR1 numbers in an offense that inflates receiving statistics.2nd Team: Desean Jackson
Saw career highs after being featured and placed in great position by Chip Kelly. A correction awaits him in Washington.Tight End:
1st Team: Jermaine Gresham
It would seem that draft hype is still clinging to this guy in the public arena, but on the field he's among the worst starters at the TE position. 2nd Team: Antonio Gates
A HOF caliber career is a good reason to think highly of a guy, but he's always been rather one dimensional, and that one dimension is fading.Offensive Tackle:
1st Team: Jake Long
Injuries have robbed him of his once dominant abilities, but my sense is that a lot of people think he's still as good as he once was with the Dolphins.2nd Team: Sam Baker
Parlayed one decent season (our of 5) into a 6 yr 41M$ contract that, at least in part, has created the impression that he's a good starter.Guard:
1st Team: Carl Nicks
His Saints days and a mammoth contract lend the impression of dominance, but the reality is that his toe injury has really limited him.2nd Team: Zane Beadles
Playing offensive line for Peyton Manning can make you look better than what you are; Beadles is average or worse in pretty much every facet.Center:
1st Team: Maurkice Pouncey
His rookie year was by far his best, and he's often been mediocre or worse since (when he's not hurt, that is).2nd Team: Scott Wells
Was a very nice player in Green Bay, and perhaps he's still viewed as that in STL (not that many people think about centers to begin with), but he hasn't been on that level since he joined the Rams.Edge Player:
1st Team: Paul Kruger
2nd Team: Connor Barwin
I'll just write one blurb for both of them, because they essentially have the same story: Fluky seasons with their former teams and bloated contracts have led to these guys both being really overrated edge pass rushers.
Interior Defensive Line:
1st Team: Darnell Dockett
The elite disruptor that lives in the mind of the public hasn't really existed since ~2010.2nd Team: B.J. Raji
An elite 2010 season created a very high opinion of a player who has been average or worse ever since.Off-LOS Linebacker:
1st Team: Dannell Ellerbe
A great run during the 2012 playoffs brought on star status and a ridiculous 5 year 35M contract for a pretty middling player.2nd Team: D'Qwell Jackson
The general surprise at his release, and the ensuing 4 yr 22M contract that he received let me know that there are some opinions of Jackson out there that haven't caught up to who he is at this point in his career. Cornerback:
1st Team: Richard Sherman
A system that fits him like a glove and elite safety play make Sherman looks better than what I think he is (a top 5 corner who is widely regarded as the uncontested best in the league).2nd Team: Cortland Finnegan
At one time a very effective man corner, Finnegan's play fell off a cliff last year. Safety:
1st Team: Dashon Goldson
The beneficiary of a great front 7 in San Fran that allowed him to take risks, Goldson was exposed last year not as a bad player, but as one that's not close to the elite status he garnered with the Niners.2nd Team: Mark Barron
Barron was billed incorrectly as an elite S prospect coming out and has been a middling player since entering the league. Arguably worse than that even in coverage. Sorry Bucs fans, it's nothing personal.Call me a homer but I think Foster is in the top 5 RB's - simply because he is a dangerous receiver as well.
As far as a system making him look good is concerned, you could probably make that argument for most RB's.
With Andrew Luck, he is probably a little over-rated. He does throw plenty of ints but you have to admire the way he can bring his team from behind for wins - that's impressive for a relatively new NFL QB.
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Yeah sounds like Jameis is gonna stay at FSU after this year no matter what.
EDIT:
VinYou can have Winston - I'll take Petty.
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I'm down for helping out again this time around, Vincenzo.
For the rest of you, here's the award list from last year. We probably need to update it a bit. For instance, the RoY award needs a new name, though "Sheldon Richardson Rookie of the Year Award" doesn't sound quite right. Maybe just the simple "Rookie of the Year Award?"
Also, the negative rep award needs a new name. I think James Harrison is a little dated. Who to take his place...Ndamukong Suh?
And - Joe Buck Award - for the most objective poster.
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Pats schedule is...
Just not many games that get my dick hard. I mean the home opener is 3 weeks into the season and it's against the dog shit Raiders.
Games I'm most looking forward to (besides the Jets)...
1. vs. Denver on 11/2
2. @ GB on 11/30
3. vs. Indy 11/16
4. @ KC on 9/29
5. vs. Cincy on 10/5
For a top flight team they certainly got an easy looking schedule.
If they don't make it to the playoffs again then they only have themselves to blame.
My Texans get an easier schedule than last year but still face 5 top defenses.
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Easy answer for the Texans is just being shitty at the most important position.
Mariota 2015 Fitz will be interesting to watch. I hope he isn't a dumpster fire.
We will be marginally better in the secondary and the line in general should be better - I hope Newton's injury woes are over and his hard work in the off season pays dividends otherwise RT could be problematical again.
Su'a Filo can play there I believe but he is a rookie.
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Ngata for Dre straight across. Fills a need for both teams for players past their primes.
There's a thought...
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I would love him. At his peak, I thought he was the best in the game. Even over Megatron. Even now, he's crazy good.
He has lost a step these days, but his route running is very clever. I saw one bit of footage where he made Sherman look like an amateur in last season's match-up.
I will hate to lose him as it hurts Texans offensive firepower this coming season, but it will make sense financially for Texans and may snag us an extra pick in the next draft.
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With a few exceptions, we're all pretty optimistic about our teams and what they may accomplish in 2014. But we also have to be aware that some teams are going to be good, and some are going to be bad. I'm sure each and every one of us is capable of explaining away any potentially mortal weaknesses on our teams' rosters, but let's take this space to be honest with ourselves. What is the one gnawing concern whispering in the back of your mind? You all know what I mean-- that question that you won't be able to answer until kick off and could be fatal. So check your homerism at this thread's door and spill your guts: if something is going to sink your team's fortunes in 2014, what's it gonna be?
Texans likely suffer from lack of good QB play but I don't think it will stop them from a .500 season - an injury to Watt would gut this team's morale and another injury to Cushing would also hurt big time.
It is very obvious this team's D is not the same without it's captain and it effects the whole team.
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Saints are moving more to a ball-control style offense, Cooks is going to be a legitimate target..but like others have mentioned before..he will never be the go to..or heavily relied upon option in a Sean Payton offense.
Payton is a master of keeping defense's on their toes, and using a host of players that you wouldn't expect in certain situations.
So for me...
OROTY:
Teddy Bridgewater
DROTY:
Aaron Donald
Donald is a strong chance to take DROY and ROY.
It's between him and Clowney imho.
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Yeah Rodgers doesn't leave the pocket often, but when he does he almost always converts to first down. I also feel that Jay Cutler is a very underrated as a scrambler.
Roethlisberger in his prime was seriously the best scrambling quarterback of all time (no joke) in my opinion. Although I would have loved to see Randall Cunningham in today's NFL. The moves he put on defenders back in his days were just simply ridiculous. Dan Marino was also severely underrated in that specific category.
I agree on Roethlisberger - not only is he a decent scrambler, but even when the D gets a hold of him he is hard to bring down and regularly manages to get the ball away when in the clutches of defenders.
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Statistical analysis that says Luck is good at something, and everyone's take away is "LOLAndrewLuckLove?" Wow... The hate force is strong with this group.
I figured there would be at least one poster in this thread that didn't use this as a platform to shit on the kid.
I'm with you bro - I hate Indy like crazy, but I respect Luck. He is the real deal and in three years will be the best QB in the NFL.
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Mustn't leave my Texans out:-
Hopkins will show his worth this year.
Johnson will be his usual self.
Posey is also very close.
Foster has always had very reliable hands.
Graham and Griffin have also shown flashes and Fiedorowicz will get some chances.
We just need the QB to get the ball to them.
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Yea, Eli's two seasons from a solid year. He could still surprise and put up another or a maybe even several, but his lack of consistent production would drop him out for me, I think.
Yeah - it's not an easy list.
I wonder how Eli would go with a new team with a whole new outlook and culture...I think he just needs a change of scenery.
I know it won't happen, but it would be real interesting to put a Texans uni on him with what they got going on over there.
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Just for the heck of it:-
Peyton Manning
Tom Brady
Drew Brees
Aaron Rogers
Matt Ryan
Andrew Luck
Cam Newton
Russel Wilson
Ben Roethlisberger
Eli Manning
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1. Jadeveon Clowney -> Jevon Kearse
2. Xavier Su'a-Filo -> Logan Mankins
3. Louis Nix III -> Vince Wilfork/Casey Hampton
I am liking Fiedorowicz's potential also - he could eventually be another Gronk as he can really block as well.
If Nix's knee is good, I see him at least as good as Dontari Poe after he learns the ropes.
I am high on Su'a Filo as well - he is very athletic for a big dude and can run.
Clowney will immediately benefit from having Watt on the line and could challenge the rookie sack record.
NFL increasing focus on defensive holding
in General NFL Talk
Posted
And 5000 yard seasons will also become meh. Soon 6000 will be the standard.