Joe's 2012 NFL Black Monday Breakdown posted by Joe Anello

Black Monday in the NFL is always chock-full of news and storylines and this latest incarnation is no different. Along with the two head coaching vacancies we’re already aware of (Miami and Jacksonville) two more holes opened up on Monday (with more likely on the way). Here’s my take on the day’s news.

As many great sound bites as Morris has given us, he also managed to deliver one craptacular year after raising expectations so high with a ten-win season in 2010. After starting this season 4-2, Morris’ young Bucs lost ten straight to finish at 4-12. And they weren’t close games either. These Bucs were routinely pummeled, ending with the 42-point first half they allowed to the Falcons on Sunday. The Glazer family had no choice.

Tampa Bay needs someone with experience this time around. Jeff Fisher’s going to be a hot commodity, but St. Louis or Miami would seem to have the inside track to land him. As opposed to the ridiculously young Morris, the Bucs could still hire someone young-ish, but a candidate with a greater wealth of NFL knowledge. Maybe Rob Chudzinski (currently OC for the Panthers) could be a dark horse for the job? Mike Sherman’s been bandied about by NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, which would be the direct opposite of Morris. You know, old white guy re-tread.

Going Forward: The Playoffs Begin Now for the Dallas Cowboys posted by Amari Harris

Going Forward

I think there is a general consensus in the football world that the Dallas Cowboys are in a heap of trouble.  For two consecutive weeks the 'Boys have had an opportunity to distance themselves away from the NFC East pack after taking the division lead during a four game win streak.  But for the last two weeks the Cowboys have gotten out coached and out hustled by the Arizona Cardinals, and then they let the New York Giants ring the door bell, break into their house, and steal their division.  To make matters worse, of the Cowboys 6 losses they had ample opportunity to win every game except the "Imma piss on you like R. Kelly"  Eagles game (I'll have to tell you about that one day).  But as a famous former Cowboys coach once said, "You are who you are," and these are the Cowboys.  They always have the talent compete and with Tony Romo at quarterback, but sometimes they find the most perplexing ways to lose games

The last two losses hurt like hell. They should have been wins, but they are losses and now the Giants control the NFC East.  So should Cowboys fans just put their collective heads in the sand and hide themselves from the inevitable collapse of the Cowboys season?  Or should they dust off their shoulders and push forward for three more games?  I think the answer is obvious.

The last 3 games (Tampa Bay, the damn Eagles, and the damn Giants) are no cake walk but I know I am not alone in thinking that the Cowboys can pull off a three game winning streak.  They pulled off a 4 game streak not too long ago. They've lost steam, but it's just a matter of the elements coming together.  Last week vs. Arizona, the Cowboys met the "good" Cardinals team that upset the Cowboys and the 49ers in successive weeks instead of the bad Cardinals team that was eliminated from playoff contention about a month ago.  In that game it appeared the Cowboys were playing to "not lose" the game while the Cardinals played like it was their Super Bowl (guess that's what being knocked out of the playoffs does for you).  But the blunders and mistakes of that game did not keep the Cowboys from getting ready for those G-Men and they had them dead to rights with 5:32 left in the fourth quarter.  Of course that is where things unraveled on offense, defense, and special teams and the Cowboys allowed a team to come back from more than two scores in the fourth quarter for the third time this season.  Hurts like hell.

The Opening Drive: Week 11, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

After the (eventually) thrilling start on Thursday night, week 11 continues with a number of exciting games to keep your eye on this weekend, including several divisional match-ups with playoff implications. What else do you need? Time to start The Opening Drive!

(4-5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at
(9-0) Green Bay Packers

I’m pretty positive the Packers will lose a game at some point, but it shouldn’t be this week. If the Packers don’t own a two-score lead by the end of the first quarter I’ll be stunned.

I would say this is the clear “Trap of the Week,” but I don’t think that a team that’s lost two in a row can get trapped by a team that’s won two in a row. Buffalo has no choice but to take this game seriously because of their own dwindling playoff chances. At 5-5 they would have nearly hammered the nail in their own coffin, and that my friends, takes talent. Miami’s just playing better football right now and has all the momentum.

(5-4) Dallas Cowboys at
(3-6) Washington Redskins

Because I know how Dallas operates, this claims the prize of “Trap of the Week.” Coming off an absolute trouncing of Buffalo the ‘Boys could head into Washington with inflated egos, leading them to take Rexy and the ‘Skins lightly. I’m not sure Washington is capable of taking advantage, but they could catch Dallas on one of their famously off days. Hopefully Jason Garrett off-sets those odds by handing it off to DeMarco Murray a bazillion times.

Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 24, Buccaneers 18 posted by Joe Anello

Were you sweating after that one? I’m pretty sure I stopped breathing for that last two minutes. It grew more uncomfortable than it needed to be, but the Bears pulled out a win on London Sunday afternoon, getting out early on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and hanging onto that lead for dear life. It took a helluva effort from Matt Forte and actual catches from Roy Williams, but Chicago got on the board early and played enough defense to keep the Bucs from completing the comeback late.

(4-3) Chicago Bears 24
(4-3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 18

After swapping punts with the Bucs, the Bears wasted no time in getting Matt Forte going. Handing it off several times on the drive, Forte got a key outside block from Matt Spaeth on his 32-yard score, putting the Bears ahead for good. But the game wasn’t without its negatives, positives, and plain old “what the FUCK was that” moments.

On the drive following their score, Chicago’s offense went on a putrid streak. A high pass from Jay Cutler to Marion Barber tipped off the running back’s hands and into the mitts of Tanard Jackson for a 42 yard return. On the VERY next play, Josh Freeman throws a ball deep over the middle that Chris Conte simply removes from Mike Williams’ grasp for should have been a momentum-changing interception. Instead, a Matt Forte run on the following play was held up in the endzone by Ronde “Old Man” Barber for a safety, getting the Bucs two points and the ball. It was a frantic and freakish series of plays that gave the Bucs the opportunity to jump ahead with a score. Thankfully Chicago’s defense kept the Buccaneers in check for most of the afternoon.

Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Buccaneers posted by Joe Anello

This week the Bears hop across the pond to visit London’s Wembley Stadium in the NFL’s annual UK event. Taking on the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bears are still playing catch-up in their own division, but this game is a key component of determining their place in the NFC. Let’s analyze this shiz yo!

(3-3) Chicago Bears at
(4-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As the Bucs still bore the ever-long piss out of me, I’m not going to get into TREMENDOUS detail. Their offense has a few decent pieces, starting with quarterback Josh Freeman. Freeman’s been touted as one of the best up-and-coming quarterbacks in the league, but I’m not sold. I think he’s overrated, but he doesn’t have the supporting cast to prove me wrong. Running back LeGarrette Blount will be inactive today, leaving Earnest Graham with the bulk of the carries, Good lucking running today Tampa! As far as receivers go, tight end Kellen Winslow is probably their most talented, but Arrelious Benn is probably the wide-out to keep your eye on deep. There isn’t a lot of danger from that unit though. Tampa’s offensive line is… okay? But Chicago should be able to get to Freeman on more than one occasion.

As for the up-and-down Mike Martz offense, they shouldn’t have to struggle get a few points on the board. Tampa’s defense is okay, but nothing scares me. Gerald McCoy won’t be at defensive tackle today, so Adrian Clayborn is the most disruptive lineman to watch for coming off the edge. Tampa’s Aquib Talib is a solid cover corner, but he’s all they’ve got. Ronder Barber is like, SUPER old. If the Bear receivers can’t get open today, they never will. Cutler should continue his streak of excellence and shred this Bucs secondary. Matt Forte should have a fun day coming out of the backfield, but I really expect to see Marion Barber pound it at the defensive tackles.

The Final Drive: Week 6, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

In the insanity of week six in the NFL, we saw two coaches sorta get into a confrontation, one team stave off utter embarrassment, and one pooper of a Monday nighter between offensive dregs. The Final Drive starts right now!

Don’t look now, but the Bengals are an astounding 4-2 after whupping the down-and-out Colts. They’re actually keeping pace with Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the AFC North! Almost as big of a story are the reports that Indy might be shopping Dwight Freeney or Reggie Wayne at the trade deadline. No Peyton Manning really takes a toll.

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 6, 2011"

The Opening Drive: Week 5, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

Week five is warmed up and ready to go, and that means The Opening Drive! A former “Dream Team” could turn into a nightmare in Buffalo and one of the best rivalries in football is renewed in New England. Let’s get into the games!

(3-1) Tennessee Titans at
(2-2) Pittsburgh Steelers
This seems like a pretty even match-up… which is really odd to say. But the Steelers defensive line will be missing tackle Casey Hampton and end Justin Smith, so look for the Titans to get Chris Johnson going early and often. I’m not all-in with the Titans, but Matt Hasselbeck could find weaknesses in this Pittsburgh secondary. With Ben Roethlisberger in a boot and Rashard Mendenhall set for limited action, the Steelers could be bent over for the kicking.

(1-3) Philadelphia Eagles at
(3-1) Buffalo Bills
Why are these records flipped? I’m positive no one saw this coming. The Eagles are in a bit of a must-win in October because of a poor start and are staring at a 1-4 hole. The Bills are coming off their first loss of the season (to Cincy, ugh) and need to get back on track at home versus the ex-Dream Team. On their own turf, the Bills could out-shoot Vick and the Eagles.

Cam Newton gets his first (of many) live looks at Drew Brees in this division match-up. The Saints will attempt to punish and confuse Newton with blitzes up the wazoo. Even with that in mind, I wouldn’t be shocked if this turned into a shoot-out.

The Opening Drive: Week 1, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

The first Opening Drive of the 2011 NFL season. God I missed this. On a day of remembrance, we also celebrate as Americans with the kick-off of our country’s favorite game. Here are the match-ups to watch in week one.

This could be ferociously ugly. One rookie quarterback and another with only a few starts under his belt. There’s going to be tons of hand-offs, few risky passes and lots of field goals.

We get to see how good the Eagles really are as they take on a supposedly legitimate Rams squad. St. Louis isn’t going to get any favors early in their schedule, but they have to take care of their business at home. But shutting down Michael Vick probably isn’t going to happen.

Two teams with heavy expectations and young quarterbacks meet in Tampa Bay. Detroit’s offense lit it up during the preseason, so let’s see if that momentum continues. Tampa’s secondary is ripe for the picking.

Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The NFC South posted by Joe Anello

In one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, the NFC South’s quarterbacks are all worth watching this season. Will Matt Ryan and the Falcons recover from their loss to Green Bay in the playoffs? Can Drew Brees get New Orleans back to the Super Bowl? In Tampa Bay, Josh Freeman is an up-and-coming star at quarterback, but is his supporting cast good enough? After beating out Jimmy Clausen for the starting job, is Cam Newton ready for the NFL spotlight? Your answers start here! 

For a team that racked up an impressive 13 wins in 2010, to exit the playoffs routed by the Packers was a tough pill for Matty Ice and company to swallow. In an aggressive move to regain top dog status, the Falcons traded away a sizeable ransom in order to draft receiver Julio Jones. Say what you want about the price they paid, Jones may be a break-out star in his first year. He excels in the short passing game but has the burners to stretch the defense to take defenders away from Michael Turner and fellow receiver Roddy White. Tony Gonzalez is still a nice piece at tight end, but his prime is long since passed and I’m not sure how much of a weapon he can still be. Re-signing Jason Snelling was integral to keeping this running game operating at a high level. The Falcons made one of the most understated moves of the offseason when they signed defensive end Ray Edwards to play opposite John Abraham. An instant pass-rushing upgrade, Edwards should thrive on the outside. Coach Mike Smith will unleash Abraham and Edwards on the QB’s of the NFC South, which is absolutely necessary in a division with such talent. They could use a better safety pairing, but Brent Grimes is the best corner in the league that no one talks about. They’ll take a slight step-back in terms of their record, but they should be a much improved ballclub.

Run Game Gaining a Lot of Ground posted by Randolph Charlotin

The best stat from Thursday’s shredding of Tampa Bay is the Buccaneers out-gained New England 244 to 200. That’s total yards to rushing yards.

Once the Patriots stretched out the passing game, the ground game took over. By the end of the night the Pats gashed and slashed their way through a helpless T.B. defense. It was a thing of beauty.

Danny Woodhead set the tone with 63 rushing yards on just 5 carries. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis made his preseason debut with 51 yards and two touchdowns on eleven carries. Stevan Ridley again put on a show, exploding for 84 yards on 14 carries.

The trio ran through holes big enough to sail a pirate ship through. Only one run out of 36 was for a loss.

In short, New England imposed their will on the ground. Once they decided to pound away, Tampa Bay was unable to stop what was coming. Yes the Buccaneers were 28th against the run last year, but it was great to see a dominant run game.

Shane Vereen is missing out on all the fun.

New England’s rush offense was underrated last year as the Pats finished ninth in the NFL. But with an aging backfield and questions along the offensive line, New England had to find solutions for a coming problem.

Early looks are very promising. If the Patriots ride the young stallions into the season, the coaches can feel confident moving on from Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk as they contributed just nine yards this preseason so far.

This production wouldn’t be possible without the stellar play of the offensive line. The unit hasn’t missed a beat with Dan Connolly replacing the retired Stephen Neal at right guard. Left guard Logan Mankins, who held himself out for the first six weeks of 2010 over the lack of a contract extension, was made the highest paid guard in the NFL and is locked up for seven years.

Bucs introduce new coach Schiano

Greg Schiano relishes the challenge of trying to turn around thestruggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Schiano's departure untimely for Rutgers (AP)

Greg Schiano came to Rutgers when the football program was in a state of disarray -- then left it in a bind. Less than a week before Rutgers was expected to lock up a highly touted recruiting class, Schiano accepted an offer to become coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. There is, however, no doubt that Schiano leaves Rutgers football in better shape than he found it when he was hired to... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Bucs introduce Schiano as new coach (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

NFL Roundup:Bucs select Schiano as coach (Yahoo! Sports)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will name Greg Schiano as their new head coach, according to numerous reports. Schiano is the Bucs choice after Oregon's Chip Kelly didn't get the job after the sides appeared to be finalizing a contract. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Buccaneers hire Schiano as coach

Greg Schiano is leaving Rutgers University to become the new headcoach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL