Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Analysis of the Austin Collie Hit

First, let me start with this: I was extremely dismayed when Collie was hurt. No one wants to see something like that, especially when it seems as if they are literally laying motionless on the field. It a horrible prospect and everyone was concerned about Collie's condition.

Now, moving on to the wonderful officiating of this call. Here's a Youtube link if you haven't already seen if, or if you want to watch to argue with me later.

1. Austin Collie was not, even by the NFL's shaky rules, a defenseless receiver. He catches the ball, secures possession, gets two feet down and makes a move to protect his ribs before Mikell even makes contact with him. As Mikell makes contact with him, he takes a third step.

2. In all honesty, if the NFL were to throw a flag on anyone who used their helmet as a weapon, it would have to be Collie. Watch the video. Seriously, watch the slow motion near the end of the video and pause it if need be. Which of the three players has his head down when entering contact? Collie. Mikell and Coleman both approach with their eyes up and lead with their shoulders. Obviously none of the players made the textbook approach to this hit, but there was no launching and neither of the defenders used their helmets as a weapon.

3. The correct call is a fumble. Yes, I am sorry that Collie got hurt. But using the NFL's definition of a catch, Collie fulfilled all requirements and then loses possession of the football before hitting the ground. Eagles ball.

4. If you really want to be angry at someone just because someone got hurt, your aim should not be the defenders. All they did was react to the pass and catch as they should have, legally. You can't expect Collie to be ready for that hit, so the "blame" must fall on Manning. When DeSean Jackson got blown up by Robinson, Robinson only reacted to the pass as a DB should. Kolb was the one who hung him out to dry, and it is a similar situation here.

5. Hope that Collie takes his time returning to play. We should all know by now that concussions are nothing to brush off and rush back from. Collie needs to be absolutely certain that he is recovered before he even practices. I know the Colts need him, but he needs rest more.

P.S. The Eagles fans were not booing Collie being on the ground. I've been reading comments (and entire biased articles written by a supposedly professional writer) where people think that the Eagles fans were doing as such. They were merely reacting to the replays on the Jumbo-tron and cheered twice for Collie when he was moved off the field. Don't spread false stereotypes.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Top 10 Fantasy QB's

1. Drew Brees
Although the teams as a whole usually take a slide after winning the Super Bowl, the winning QB's for the past 5 years have shown no fall-off. I don't see Brees taking a step back either, so he grabs the top preseason rating for 2010.

2. Aaron Rodgers
The potential here is amazing. He was off to a rough start last year, but that can be directly related to the poor line play. Now that the starters are back, and the Packers grabbed a great tackle in Bulaga, he should be able to find stable ground much sooner. He could very easily capture the top overall ranking by the end of the year.

3. Peyton Manning
One of the greats, Peyton has proved to be one of the most consistent producers, so if you want someone who will throw 30 TD's and around 4,000-4,500 yards, Peyton can do it for you. Don't overvalue him, but don't pass on him if you need a QB in the second or third round.

4. Philip Rivers
An up-and-comer recently, Rivers has proven that he can produce against all teams, and is definitely worth a look during the second round of most drafts. Could throw for 30+ TD's this year with his favorite targets Gates and Jackson. He needs Matthews to produce for him to reach his potential.

5. Tony Romo
As much as it pains me to say this as an Eagles fan, Romo has developed very well and the Cowboys just keep adding toys for him to play with. They got Bryant, possibly the top WR in this years draft, to join Austin and Witten as Romo's targets.

6. Tom Brady
Yes, apparently I am crazy for listing Brady "only" at no. 6. I do have justification though! You shouldn't doubt Belichick and Brady, but the Patriots seem to be fading. Maybe age is catching up with them, maybe everyone is sneaking into practice to learn their plays, who knows. But they were outmatched in a few games last year and didn't show the fire they used to win 3 Super Bowls. And I don't like them.

7. Matt Schaub
The NFL passing yard leader last year, Schaub made the Pro Bowl as a replacement and looks to produce at a near top tier fantasy QB. If he can find a way to drop his INT total, he can be a very solid producer.

8. Eli Manning
The Giants' QB has shown improved play and numbers almost every year, and looks to be in a dogfight in the NFC East this year. I'd look for big numbers, as many of the defenses in the NFC East have been consistently burned through the air.

9. Donovan McNabb
He took in hit in the caliber of his receiving corps by moving down to Washington, but he will find a way to produce.

X. Brett Farve
If he plays, he will make this list. He shied away from many of his gunslinger ways last year (except that crazy dumb pass that kept the Vikings out of the Super Bowl), but he may have a return to form. He can be anywhere on this list, but until I know if he is coming back I can't truly place him.

Sleeper - Vince Young
A flame in his first 3 seasons, Young showed the play-making ability expected of him last year when he replaced the incumbent Collins as the starter, and with Chris Johnson in his backfield he will have plenty of opportunities to produce.

Wild Card - Kevin Kolb
He could be anywhere from bad to great, so keep an eye on him. We know he will be the starter, so if you need a cheap backup, he would be a decent option, but don't overvalue him. His only production last year came against the Chiefs and the Bucs, so he still hasn't proven himself.

Rookie To Watch - Jimmy Clausen
Bradford will be the first out of the gates, but playing behind the Rams' line will make the going tough for him. If Clausen can beat out Moore for the starting spot in camp, which is very possible since he is NFL ready, he has the benefit of one of the best lines and the best 1-2 RB punch. He could produce very well in his first season.

Friday, April 30, 2010

My Fantasy World Awaits

It's never too early to start getting ready for the NFL season, so hopefully shortly I will have my first positional top 10 lists for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Get pumped.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Ravens vs. Lions

Midway through 1st quarter:
Well I've already seen a very weak 15-yard flag on roughing the passer against the Ravens. What makes it worse is that the Ravens had picked off Culpepper on the play and because the NFL is making such wimpy calls they lose the turnover.
That fumble killed the Ravens too. Right after breaking a beautiful 50 yard run, Rice catches the ball over the middle and tries to make something happen with 4 Lions in front of him and loses the ball. Instead of getting at least a field goal out of it, they get nothing. Sloppy play.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Cards vs. Vikings

Vikings were dominated! Really a twenty point win since that last TD came with 1:2 0 left. Is this a sign that the Vikings peaked too early? No, I think this was just a bad game for AP and oldman winter. The line play by the Vikings was not good, as they got no push against a great Arizona front. Sorry AP fantasy owners, 19 yards will get you no where.

Cowboys @ Giants

Sorry Cowboys, but this one is all on you. The Giants had been limping through November and you came into this game red-hot, but coming out of halftime you looked flat. And NY capitalized on it. The good news is that you still have the lead in the NFC East, although the Eagles and Giants are now breathing down your necks. You've got to execute better, particularly on defense and the running game, as those were the weak spots today, and you're going to need those factors for the rest of December with the tough schedule you're facing.

No, there were no blown calls for "personal fouls" although there was an offensive PI that should have been called on Williams' first TD. Holding your defender at arms length so that you can make a catch is indeed a penalty.

Cards Vikings, hoping for a high scoring one here, but Favre can only throw to Shiancoe and nothing to Harvin. Gotta clinch a playoff spot for fantasy football.

Cowboys @ Giants

It's right before half and Brandon Jacobs just scored as I typed this! Will Dallas continue their December slide and give new life to the fading Giants? We'll know in two quarters.

Also, whoever it is who made the Sherlock Holmes movie, HE IS A DETECTIVE, NOT RAMBO.