Category Archives: Lists
Top 5 Worst Football Injuries
Football is the most popular sport in America. We cheer on on our favorite team every Sunday in hopes of them winning.
We go crazy over the big hits and the eye popping collisions.
However, once in a while a player doesn’t bounce right back up and sometimes they suffer serious injuries.
So in remembrance of them I’ve compiled a list of the worst football injuries I’ve ever seen.
5. Patrick Edwards
Edwards is the least well know player on the list, but suffered a terrible injury nevertheless. Midway through the third quarter in a game against Marshall, Edwards ran a ‘go’ route and his quarterback overthrew it leading him just past the goal line. Edwards, not knowing where he was on the field, kept running and his momentum carried him full speed as his leg collided right on with one of those carts that are aligned at the back of the end zone. A horrific injury that could have been avoided if those carts weren’t there.
4. Tyrone Prothro
Most college football fans knew the name Tyrone Prothro for this catch. It won an ESPY for play of the year and is one of the best catches I have ever seen. As much of a high that catch was, his injury later in the year was as low at its gets. In a game against the Florida, Prothro was leaping for a ball in end zone and was taken down in mid air and landed hard on his left ankle, which bent in another direction immediately upon hitting the ground. Prothro broke his tibia and fibula on that play and never played another down.
3. Willis McGahee
Early in the fourth quarter of the 2003 National Championship Game (also the Fiesta Bowl) Wills McGahee caught a screen pass from Ken Dorsey. McGahee turned upfield, started running and was immediately hit by Will Allen right in the knee. His knee awkwardly hyper-extended as he tore his ACL, MCL and PCL. Despite the injury, McGahee entered the NFL Draft and was drafted in the first round. He sat out for one season recovering, but has gone on to a successful NFL career. That’s quite the testament to McGahee, as that injury would have ended many careers.
2. Joe Theismann
This is perhaps the most notorious football injury. Part of the reason being that it involved two high profile players in Joe Theismann and Lawrence Taylor and that it was on Monday Night Football. On the play the Redskins ran a flea flicker, but the Giants weren’t fooled. Lawrence Taylor came from Theismann’s blindside and jumped on his back pulling him down and in the process Taylor’s leg landed on Theismann’s knee, which made his leg bend in a nearly 90 degree angle. As Taylor got up he signaled over the training staff alerting them something is very wrong, which is one of the most memorable images in football. The injury ended Theismann’s career, though he has never blamed Taylor and has never seen the film of the injury.
1. Napoleon McCallum
It was the season opener for the Oakland Raiders as they took their bay area rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, on Monday Night Football. McCallum took a hand-off and ran up the middle and got caught in some traffic. Then 49er Ken Norton wrapped up McCallum and twisted him to the ground as McCaluum’s cleat stuck into the ground. Norton landed on his foot and his knee hyper-extended to nearly a 90 degree angle. On the play McCallum suffered a laundry lost of injuries: ruptured artery in his left knee, tore three ligaments in his left knee, tore the calf and hamstring from the bone, and suffered nerve damage in the knee. Needless to say, McCallum never played again.
Top 5 Rex Ryan Quotes From Hard Knocks
If you watched Hard Knocks last week, you couldn’t ignore the budding star that is Rex Ryan.
The noticeably slimmed down Rex dominated air time with his profane, yet utterly hilarious remarks.
From the start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat listening to what Rex would say next.
Here are the highlights of Rex from the first episode.
Top 5 Rex Ryan Quotes
5. “Last year, hey we were under the radar that’s a good place to be. F**k that the best place to be is when expectations are high.”
4. “Revis? Where are you?” (knocks on door) “I wish. Come home, Revis. Come home.”
3. “Great job. We’re right where we wanna be. No question about that. Enjoy this time, get away from it. No matter what your doing, it’s better than my f**king vacation. I’m cruising the Baltic with my in-laws and sh*t.”
2. “This will be some light reading for you. It’s every negative article they wrote about us. Just a little poop material.”
1. “Hey, guys, we don’t have Revis in this building right now.” “Does it matter that Revis is not here? Goddamn, he’s pretty f**king good. He’s pretty good, OK? But you know what guys? It isn’t about one guy, its about leading the league in f**ing wins.”
NFL Under the Radar Offseason Moves
All the big name free agents get all the hype and the talk, but they don’t always make the biggest impact. Sometimes it’s the forgotten guy who didn’t break the bank who winds up paying the greatest dividends. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the guys that are candidates for this year:
Steelers Trade for Byron Leftwich
Leftwich returns to the Steelers after one lackluster season with the Buccaneers. Though, he was hardly the only one to blame for the Bucs misfortune. He should start the season for the Steelers with Big Ben suspended for the first six games of the regular season.
He preformed well for the Steelers in 2008 when called upon and I would expect the same type of performance this season. He has weapons around him that will help him succeed, unlike in Tampa.
Titans Sign Will Witherspoon
The Eagles traded for Witherspoon during the season last year, but strangely decided to cut him in the offseason. The Eagles loss is the Titans gain.
He should start at one of the linebacker spots. He will be especially crucial after the Titans lost fellow-starting linebacker Gerald McRath to a four game suspension.
Jets Sign Brodney Pool
Lost in the shadow of the other big name moves the Jets made this offseason, Pool might have the greatest impact of them all. Pool was off to a great season last year (4 interceptions in 11 games) playing in Rex’s brother Rob’s defensive system before missing the last five games of the regular season.
He has the talent (was a second round pick in ’05), but injury concerns scared off team this offseason. However, it appears they were overblown. He has impressed coaches in the offseason and is a perfect fit for Rex Ryan’s defense. The Jets might have finally found their playmaker at safety, a role that Kerry Rhodes couldn’t fulfill.
Dolphins Sign Richie Incognito
The talent has always been there with Incognito, he just hasn’t been able to keep his head on straight. The Rams cut bait with them after he committed too many personal foul penalties and got into a verbal confrontation with coach Steve Spagnuolo. He was also voted the NFL ‘s dirtiest player last year in a poll by Sporting News.
Now, that may deter teams from Incognito and rightfully so, but the man still has talent and he fits in with the power scheme the Dolphins want to run. The Dolphins only signed him to a one year prove it deal so he will be on his best behavior or he will be out of town.
Jaguars Trade for Kirk Morrison
After the Raiders selected Rolando McClain in the first round of April’s draft, they had no need for Kirk Morrison anymore. So they dealt him to the Jaguars for a low draft pick.
With Morrison, the Jaguars are getting a tackling machine, who has amassed at least 100 tackles in all five of his seasons. He should help shore up a linebacking core that struggled last season.
Eagles Trade for Ernie Sims
To replace the aforementioned Witherspoon, the Eagles traded for Ernie Sims, surrendering a fifth round pick. Sims had fell out of favor with the Lions coaching staff this past season, but still has great potential.
He is a former top ten overall pick who looked like he was headed for greatness early in his career and has been compared to Derrick Brooks. The Eagles will hope he can regain his form.
Saints Sign Alex Brown
The Saints were hindered by the “final four” rules, so they couldn’t make a big splash in free agency. Alex Borwn might not be a flashy player, but he is a solid signing for the defending champs.
After releasing Charles Grant, the Saints had a glaring need at defensive end and Brown should help to plug the hole. He isn’t a spectacular pass rusher, but get his fair share of sacks and can hold his own against the run.
Best Offseason Moves
The offseason is filled with countless player movement.
Every team is trying to acquire the pieces that will put them over the top and into Super Bowl contention.
Even with the lack of a new CBA preventing over 200 players from being unrestricted free agents, there was still plenty of action especially on the trade market.
In fact, five of the seven moves I’ve highlighted below were results of trades and not free agent signings.
Without further ado, here are the best moves this offseason.
Raiders Trade for Jason Campbell-For once it seems like Raiders are having a good season. Which leads us to wonder, what has gotten into Al Davis? He still can’t be running the show? Is he dead?
Regardless, picking up Campbell for a future fourth round pick was a steal. He can bring stability to the position that JaMarcus Russell couldn’t. While, I wouldn’t expect the Raiders to make the playoffs this year, seven wins aren’t out of the question. That’s saying a lot for a team that hasn’t won more than five games since 2002.
Dolphins trade for Brandon Marshall- This move grabbed the most headlines this offseason, and rightfully so. Marshall is a big time risk, but he is also a big time player.
For the Dolphins, this deal was a no brainer. Their best receiver last year was Davone Bess, who is best suited in the slot. Now they acquire a legitimate number one receiver in Marshall who has caught over 100 passes three years in a row. This move will also help the development of Chad Henne, who according to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross can be better than Dan Marino.
Jets Trade for Santonio Holmes- How often do you find a former Super Bowl MVP who had over 1,200 yards last season and is only 26, available? I certainly can’t remember another time. Kudos to Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets for taking advantage of this opportunity and swooping in to snag Holmes before any other team.
The best part was it only cost them a fifth round pick. To put that in perspective, the 49ers acquired Ted Ginn Jr. for a fifth round pick this offseason. I’ll just let that sink in for a little bit.
Ravens Trade For Anquan Boldin- The third receiver trade on my list, but I love it nevertheless. Boldin may not be the player Marshall is, but he gives the Ravens the same type of impact Marshall will give the ‘Phins.
Joe Flacco struggled last year at times when his only options to throw to were Derrick Mason and Ray Rice coming out of the backfield. Now, defenses will have to respect all threats and that should open up the passing game as well as the running game.
Cardinals Trade For Kerry Rhodes- The Cardinals lost Antrel via free agency to the Giants. The Giants signed him to a record-breaking deal for a safety. While he was a good player , he wasn’t worth that kind of money and the Cardinals knew it.
So to replace him, they acquired Kerry Rhodes via trade from the Jets. The Jets grew tired of Rhodes last season after he failed to fit into their new scheme, so they were willing to deal him. However, Rhodes was a big time playmaker earlier in his career and if he can regain that form, this deal will go down as a steal for the Cardinals.
Broncos Revamp Defensive Line- The Broncos made it a priority this offseason to address their defensive line after they finished in the bottom third of the league in run defense. The certainly were aggressive acquiring a whole new three man front for their 3-4.
Jarvis Green, Justin Bannan, and Jamaal Williams will now anchor the defensive line. When playing a 3-4, the defensive line is essential because they need to be able to occupy blockers so the linebackers can be free to roam and make plays. With these three players on board, the Broncos run defense should be significantly improved.
Bears Sign Chester Taylor- The Bears made some noise this offseason, but I liked the Taylor signing the most. While Taylor will turn 31 during this season, he still has fresh legs having only logged over 160 carries once in his career.
He can form a dynamic 1-2 punch with Matt Forte, who struggled carrying the load by himself last year. He is also a great receiver out of the backfield, which makes him a great fit in Mike Martz’s scheme.
Worst Offseason Moves
The big question heading into the offseason was how the upcoming uncapped year.
And while it certainly did limit player movement to an extent, there were still plenty of moves made as teams tried to improve.
However, occasionally some teams thought they were making an improvement when actually they were making a colossal mistake. It happens every year, and this year was no different.
So I have highlighted, the moves that were the worst this offseason in the NFL.
Browns Sign Jake Delhomee- I think Mike Holmgren is one of the best football minds in the game, but I’m still scratching my head over this one. Did anyone in the Browns front office watch any tape of Delhomme since his epic meltdown in the 2009 playoffs?
And they paid him $7 million dollars. Add that to the money Carolina is still paying him and Jake Delhomme is raking in almost $20 million this yearI can’t believe I just said Jake Delhomme and $20 million in the same sentence. The Browns will regret this decision when Delhomme throws his first pick six … in training camp.
Bills Hire Chan Gailey- Gailey was last a coach in the NFL in 1999, where he failed to win a playoff game. Since then he coached Georgia Tech for six years, failing to finish in the top 25 once, and was fired as the Chiefs offensive coordinator before the start of this past season. And that qualifies him to get another chance as an NFL head coach how?
There are some many guys who have never even gotten a first chance (Leslie Frazier, Russ Grimm, Ron Rivera) and yet Gailey gets a second chance.
Seahawks Trade for Charlie Whitehurst- I’m guessing the Seahawks know something we don’t know, at least I hope. In his three years in the league Whitehurst hasn’t even attempted a pass. His only action has been in the preseason when he’s playing second and third stringers.
I mean, he couldn’t even beat out Billy Volek for the backup job in San Diego. I think the Seahawks wish they could have kept the second round pick they traded for him and instead drafted Jimmy Clausen.
Bears Hire Mike Martz- Last time I checked it was 2010 and not 2001, the last time Mike Martz coordinated a high-octane offense. In his last stops in Detroit (‘06, ‘07) and San Fran (‘08) he left a lot to be desired as the offenses weren’t very good.
Jay Cutler led the league with 26 interceptions last season, the last thing he needs is a coordinator who wants to throw the ball 40 times a game. If the Bears are counting on him to save their offense, they’re in trouble.
Jets Sign LaDainian Tomlinson- I like most of what the Jets did this offseason, but this move didn’t set well with me. Did anyone watch his guy play last season? I feel like ever time I saw him he was running into his offensive lineman and falling forward for a 2 yard gain.
At least, he is only being counted on to spell Shonn Greene. However, keeping Thomas Jones in that role would have been a much better idea.
Eagles Trade Donovan McNabb to Redskins- Note that last part. I wasn’t a big fan of dealing Donovan McNabb in the beginning because the Eagles have a roster that is capable for contending for a Super Bowl. But I’ll give them a pass because they’ve had good success in getting rid of veterans at the right time except Brian Dawkins.
Anyway, I still don’t get why they would trade him to the Redskins of all teams. I mean c’mon. They’re your divisional rival and your going to play him twice next season. Imagine if McNabb beats the Eagles in Philly and the Redskins make the playoffs over the Eagles. I wouldn’t want to see what Philly fans would do.
Rams Draft Sam Bradford- I went into grave detail on this subject a few weeks ago, so I’ll be brief here. Bottom line, Bradford has a laundry list of question marks (durability, system quarterback, lack of weapons around him, awkward delivery) that make him a huge risk, a risk that a lowly Rams franchise can’t afford to go wrong.
They would have been much better off trading down (the Redskins were in love with Bradford) and stockpiling picks.
6 Teams That Will Miss the Playoffs in 2010
Everybody is aware of the parity that exists in the NFL today.
It is one of the main reason why the NFL is so popular.
At the start of every year any team can rise above the odds and make the playoffs.
But it goes both ways.
Just because you were good the year before, don’t count on returning to the playoffs the following year.
Over the past five seasons at least six teams (half the playoff field) has failed to make it back the following year.
The top two seeds in each conference from the 2008-2009 playoffs (Tennessee, Pittsburgh, New York Giants, Carolina) all failed to reach the playoffs this past season.
I did this piece last year and last week I wrote about which teams will take their place.
Now for my picks for this year:
New England Patriots- The end of an era has finally come. These Patriots are no longer the ones that won 3 titles last decade. Their defense is a shade of its former self. Bill Belichick might finally be losing a step as evidenced by his decision to go for it against the Colts this past year.
The Pats have had a quiet offseason, resigning their players, but not adding much. They had a chance to draft Dez Bryant, but in typical Belichick fashion they traded down. With the Jets and Dolphins taking making strides forward, expect the Patriots to be the odd team out.
Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals were the surprise team last season, winning the AFC North and finishing 10-6. However, It will be tough to repeat that feat this season. First, there is no way they go 6-0 in the division again.
The Ravens have improved adding Anquan Boldin, the Steelers will be back, and quietly the Browns have made some small improvements. Also I’m not a fan of the Antonio Bryant signing. He has never been consistent and has only preformed in contract years.
Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles finally bit the bullet this offseason and dealt Donovan McNabb after 11 seasons. Long term the move should pay off, but they will suffer in the short term. In Kevin Kolb, you have the unknown.
Is he the guy who played great in two starts for McNabb last year, or is he the guy who threw four picks in relief duty in 2007. Beyond Kolb, there are also questions about LeSean McCoy’s durability and some question marks on the defense.
Arizona Cardinals- The Cardinals proved most pundits wrong last year by making it back to the playoffs, after they were called a one year one wonder. As impressive as that was, I don’t think they can pull it off two years in a row.
The NFC West has been terrible for two years, but improved this offseason. The 49ers beat the Cardinals twice last year and the Seahawks should be improved with Pete Carroll at the helm.
Minnesota Vikings- The NFC runner ups may struggle to reach the playoffs this upcoming season. A lot of that hinges on whether or not #4 decides to come back and if he does they should probably be removed from this list. But even if he does return, I’m still not sold on this team.
It will be hard for Favre to come close to the numbers he produced last season. Also the offensive line showed signs of breaking down at the end of last season and the secondary is a cause for concern.
New Orleans Saints- Now, I’ll admit this is a reach, but if someone told you the Steelers wouldn’t make the playoffs at this time last year you would have though they were crazy too. Never underestimate the Super Bowl hangover.
It’s a lot different playing the hunted, rather the hunter. Plus, arguably their best player last season, Darren Sharper, is coming off micro fracture surgery and is 34 so he can’t be counted on to have the same type of impact.
6 Teams That Will Crash the Playoff Party in 2010
One of the best things about the NFL is the parity that exists in the league.
No other sport comes close to matching the parity in the NFL.
Just two years ago in 2008, the Miami Dolphins made the playoffs with an 11-5 record one years after going 1-15 and finishing with the worst record in the league.
Tell me what other sport that happens in.
You can’t.
And that’s part of the reason why the NFL is the most popular sport in the country.
At the start of every season, every fan of every fan genuinely believes their team has a shot to make the playoffs and they’re right in believing so.
You can’t say that bout Royals or Pirates fans.
Over the past five years there have been at least six teams (half the playoff field) in the playoffs that weren’t the year before and three years there were seven teams.
I did this piece last year, and I nailed four out six teams including the Super Bowl winning New Orleans Saints and the surprising Cincinnati Bengals.
Now for my pick for this year:
Miami Dolphins- As a Jets fan this kills for me to say this, but the Dolphins are looking good. The already had a great running game and now upgraded the passing game by adding one of the best receivers in the game, Brandon Marshall.
Chad Henne should take major strides this year in his first full year as a starter and with Marshall in town. Don’t forget they also added Karlos Dansby to help shore up the middle of the defense. They also have a pair of second year corners in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, who will only get better.
The Dolphins are a well coached and disciplined team and should find a way to sneak in the playoffs for the second time in three years.
Tennessee Titans- If Jeff Fisher had put in Vince Young earlier; the Titans would probably have made the playoffs last season. Instead, he stuck with an old, ineffective Kerry Collins for six games (the Titans went 0-6) and that effectively cost the Titans a chance at the playoffs.
Vince recaptured some of his rookie year magic leading the Titans to an 8-2 record down the stretch. Coupled with the tantalizing play of Chris Johnson and the Titans have a dynamic backfield. If the Titans can get a consistent pass rush, they can challenge the Colts in the AFC South.
Pittsburgh Steelers- I’m not that worried about Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension. He’ll likely only be banned for four games and whether it’s Byron Leftwich or Dennis Dixon at the helm, they have both proven that they are capable of leading the team.
Also Rashard Mendenahll should be featured more as he gets a full season as the starter. But perhaps the biggest difference in this years Steelers team will be a healthy Troy Polamalu. When he was on the field last year, the Steelers were a completely different team.
I also get the sense that the team suffered from a “Super Bowl hangover” last year and will be hungry to recapture their Super Bowl glory of two years ago.
Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons finished 9-7 last season, marking the first time in franchise history that the team has had back-to-back winning season. However, it didn’t result in a playoff berth.
In the off-season the Falcons filled their glaring hole at cornerback by signing Dunta Robinson. While Robinson may be a tad overrated; he is still far superior to their other options at corner. They also drafted outside linebacker Sean Witherspoon in the first round and he should be able to come in and start right away, giving their linebacker corps a serious boost.
With Matt Ryan entering his third season and Michael Turner fully recovered from his ankle injury the Falcons are primed to take a huge step forward next season.
San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers have been on the cusp of making the playoffs for a couple of years now, and this is the year that they will finally break through the wall.
The 49ers have the talent. They swept the Cardinals last season and nearly took down the Colts and Vikings. Most of their success will depend on former number one overall pick Alex Smith. Smith showed some promise last year and will be in the same offensive system for consecutive years for the first time since college.
He has two great targets to throw in Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. Frank Gore and the running game should receive a nice boost this year after the 49ers drafted two offensive linemen in the first round.
New York Giants- With the Jets taking up all the headlines in New York now, the Giants are flying under the radar, right where they want to be. After a disappointing season last year, the Giants are motivated not to let that happen again.
The offense will be fine and I expect Eli Manning to his game to another level as Hakeem Nicks emerges, giving him two reliable targets to throw to. The question with this team is the defense.
The defensive line should be improved with Osi Umenyiora and Chris Canty both fully recovered from their injuries. Add in Antrel Role and hopefully a 100% Kenny Phillips and the secondary should be significantly better than last year.
