Wes Welker has proven to be a reliable target for Tom Brady, catching 76% of the balls thrown to him this season. Going into the Saints game, he has 79 receptions for 854 yds. for a 10.8 yd. average.
From the line of scrimmage he averages 5.3 yds. The telling stat is his yards after the catch. He has piled on 435 yards on his own. He leads the league in this category. In fact, during his three years with the Pats, he has more yards after the catch ( 1,833 ) than at the point of reception ( 1,361 ). This is the best in the NFL over the last three years.
Tom Brady is one of the beneficiaries of his tenacious running skills as he has already passed for 3,049 yards this season with six games to go. Welker's value to the team can never be underestimated.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Don't Cry for Charlie
Former Pats Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis was fired by Notre Dame after leading their football program for the last five years. He finished his 2nd consecutive 6-6 season. He was under contract through 2015.The school will reportedly pay him a buyout of $18M. His immediate plans are unclear, but leaving the Pats after their 3rd Super Bowl win was a great move financially.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
They Drafted the Wrong Guy
Coach Belichick is quick to sing the praises of Wes Welker. At a press conference the other day, he admitted that he could not defense against him when Welker was with the Dolphins. He said he traded for Welker for that reason. He mentioned about"if you beat him, then join him".
Pointing out that Welker went undrafted in 2003, the coach admitted that the team made a mistake in drafting his team's QB instead of him.
Kliff Kingsbury was drafted in the 6th round, the 201st player selected. While playing with Welker at Texas Tech, he set 39 school, 16 Big 12 and 17 NCAA records, including a 83.05% career completion record.
At the Pats 2003 training camp, Kingsbury was Brady's 3rd backup behind Rohan Davey and Damon Huard. He was placed on Injured Reserve before the end of camp with a "shoulder injury".
Released in 2004, he was signed to the New Orleans Saints Practice Squad. After the season, he did the same with the Denver Broncos in 2005. He got a break when the New York Jets signed him to their 53 man roster for the end of the season.
Onto NFL Europe in early 2006, he was later signed by the Buffalo Bills where he served as a back-up, but saw no action.
A stint in the CFL in 2007 ended his career after being traded from Montreal to Winnipeg.
He is currently in his second season as the Offensive Quality Control Coordinator for the University of Houston football squad.
Meanwhile, his former undrafted target fought his way into the NFL and is a vital cog of the Pats offense. He also gets paid pretty well.
So much for making the right draft picks.
Pointing out that Welker went undrafted in 2003, the coach admitted that the team made a mistake in drafting his team's QB instead of him.
Kliff Kingsbury was drafted in the 6th round, the 201st player selected. While playing with Welker at Texas Tech, he set 39 school, 16 Big 12 and 17 NCAA records, including a 83.05% career completion record.
At the Pats 2003 training camp, Kingsbury was Brady's 3rd backup behind Rohan Davey and Damon Huard. He was placed on Injured Reserve before the end of camp with a "shoulder injury".
Released in 2004, he was signed to the New Orleans Saints Practice Squad. After the season, he did the same with the Denver Broncos in 2005. He got a break when the New York Jets signed him to their 53 man roster for the end of the season.
Onto NFL Europe in early 2006, he was later signed by the Buffalo Bills where he served as a back-up, but saw no action.
A stint in the CFL in 2007 ended his career after being traded from Montreal to Winnipeg.
He is currently in his second season as the Offensive Quality Control Coordinator for the University of Houston football squad.
Meanwhile, his former undrafted target fought his way into the NFL and is a vital cog of the Pats offense. He also gets paid pretty well.
So much for making the right draft picks.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Train Wreck
As the season gets to its most crucial point, the injury reports get rather bleak. QB Marc Bulger of the Rams is a case in point. In Sunday's loss to Carolina, he sustained a broken leg and had concussion symptoms. He also underwent two MRI's for groin and hamstring injuries, as well as a swollen knee.
In spite of this beating, the team feels he will only be out 3-6 weeks and decided not to place him on season ending Injured Reserve. I wonder what it would take to put him out for the season.
In spite of this beating, the team feels he will only be out 3-6 weeks and decided not to place him on season ending Injured Reserve. I wonder what it would take to put him out for the season.
Nunn More
It's always a risky venture when a team attempts to keep a player on their practice squad with the hope that no other team signs them.
WR Terrence Nunn of Nebraska went undrafted in 2008 and subsequently took the year off from football. He came back in 2009 and impressed the coaching staff enough to earn an invitation to training camp. He was able to survive the final cut and was signed to the practice squad.
Under league rules, teams can acquire players from another team's practice squad as long as they are signed to the 53 man roster. Tampa Bay exercised that right and signed Nunn.
This is a great break for Nunn who was passed over by Branden Tate when the team was low on receivers a few weeks ago.
WR Terrence Nunn of Nebraska went undrafted in 2008 and subsequently took the year off from football. He came back in 2009 and impressed the coaching staff enough to earn an invitation to training camp. He was able to survive the final cut and was signed to the practice squad.
Under league rules, teams can acquire players from another team's practice squad as long as they are signed to the 53 man roster. Tampa Bay exercised that right and signed Nunn.
This is a great break for Nunn who was passed over by Branden Tate when the team was low on receivers a few weeks ago.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Upset Rex
Coach Rex Ryan of the Jets is quite unhappy with the Pats for driving for another score late in Sunday's game. He thought the long toss to Randy Moss, with Tom Brady working out a shotgun formation, was an attempt to run up the score of 31-14. There was less than 30 seconds left in the game.
Apparently, it angered Coaach Rex enough to shout obscenities on the sidelines and take a time out with 5 seconds left in the game for one more pass by QB Mark Sanchez.
As long as I've followed the NFL, its teams and players have placed great emphasis on the issue of "respect". It's nothing new and it won't change. Piling up points is one of Coach Belichick's trademark beliefs. You can never have enough points. Tom Brady often compares his coach with a driver with his foot on the gas pedal to the floor.
Coach Rex and others must realize that teams put the offense on the field to score points. With the fast and violent nature of NFL play, anything less than full speed would be a hazardous way to play the game.
This is not youth football. Everyone doesn't get a trophy at the end of the season. There is only one trophy. Maybe the Jets might need to wait at least another year to make their trip to the White House.
Apparently, it angered Coaach Rex enough to shout obscenities on the sidelines and take a time out with 5 seconds left in the game for one more pass by QB Mark Sanchez.
As long as I've followed the NFL, its teams and players have placed great emphasis on the issue of "respect". It's nothing new and it won't change. Piling up points is one of Coach Belichick's trademark beliefs. You can never have enough points. Tom Brady often compares his coach with a driver with his foot on the gas pedal to the floor.
Coach Rex and others must realize that teams put the offense on the field to score points. With the fast and violent nature of NFL play, anything less than full speed would be a hazardous way to play the game.
This is not youth football. Everyone doesn't get a trophy at the end of the season. There is only one trophy. Maybe the Jets might need to wait at least another year to make their trip to the White House.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Post Game Thoughts on the Jets
RB Laurence Maroney fumbled the ball in yesterday's win against the Jets. It was the second consecutive week where he fumbled. Prior to this season, he had only coughed up the ball once in his time with the Pats.
The TD reception by Randy Moss gave him 144 for his career and tied him for 5th all-time. He continues to make his personal assault on NFL receiving records. He had a challenging day with CB Darrell Revis. Late in the 4th quarter, he was called for offensive pass interference. The replay showed that he had his arms around Revis.
Leigh Bodden enjoyed a career day with three interceptions. I heard an interview with him on Friday. He appreciates his time with the Pats as he spent last season in Detroit on a team that went winless.
WR Julien Edleman continues to emerge as a Wes Welker clone. His gritty reception and run after the catch on 3rd and 4 kept a drive alive. Maroney subsequently scored on a 1 yard run.
Safety Brandon Merriweather continued his emergence as a force on defense with a critical interception in the 4th quarter.
LB Tully Banta-Cain recorded his 5th sack of the season, stripping the ball from QB Mark Sanchez with Derrick Burgess recovering the fumble.
As expected, Coach Belichick was a different person in his post-game press conference. He even made the memebers of the media laugh.
The TD reception by Randy Moss gave him 144 for his career and tied him for 5th all-time. He continues to make his personal assault on NFL receiving records. He had a challenging day with CB Darrell Revis. Late in the 4th quarter, he was called for offensive pass interference. The replay showed that he had his arms around Revis.
Leigh Bodden enjoyed a career day with three interceptions. I heard an interview with him on Friday. He appreciates his time with the Pats as he spent last season in Detroit on a team that went winless.
WR Julien Edleman continues to emerge as a Wes Welker clone. His gritty reception and run after the catch on 3rd and 4 kept a drive alive. Maroney subsequently scored on a 1 yard run.
Safety Brandon Merriweather continued his emergence as a force on defense with a critical interception in the 4th quarter.
LB Tully Banta-Cain recorded his 5th sack of the season, stripping the ball from QB Mark Sanchez with Derrick Burgess recovering the fumble.
As expected, Coach Belichick was a different person in his post-game press conference. He even made the memebers of the media laugh.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
A Bad Gamble
When the Pats face the Jets today, Gang Green will be without RB Leon Washington. He was lost for the season after breaking the lower two bones in his leg in a game against the Raiders. It was a bad injury and has a recovery time of 6-12 months. It was a very unfortunate twist of fate for Washington who was earning $535,000 in the last year of his rookie contract.
Prior to the season, he had gone through extensive negotiations with the Jets for a contract extension. He walked away from an offer that would have included $5M in guaranteed money. Now, he must wait to see if the Jets make him any offer after the end of the season.
Washington was well on his way to being a dangerous runner, with the ability to gain yards on running, pass and return plays. Last year, he gained 2,337 all-purpose yards. It remains to be seen whether he ever does that again for the Jets or any other team.
Prior to the season, he had gone through extensive negotiations with the Jets for a contract extension. He walked away from an offer that would have included $5M in guaranteed money. Now, he must wait to see if the Jets make him any offer after the end of the season.
Washington was well on his way to being a dangerous runner, with the ability to gain yards on running, pass and return plays. Last year, he gained 2,337 all-purpose yards. It remains to be seen whether he ever does that again for the Jets or any other team.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Book on Isaiah
WR Isaih Stanback was recently promoted from the practice squad for the Colts game last week. He has a fascinating story. He was drafted in 2007 by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round and was with them until the final cut this year.
During his senior year at Washington, he was on his way to being a contender for the Pac-10 Player of the Year when he suffered a devastating foot injury on October 14, 2006 in a game against Oregon State. The broken bone in his Lisfranc joint in his foot is often a career-ending injury for a player. It caused him to miss the all-star collegiate games, as well as the NFL Scouting Combine. He dropped to the 4th round where the Cowboys selected him.
Ironically, all of his play at Washington was at QB. Dallas converted him to a receiver. During his first two seasons, he was active in only 10 games due to injuries to his knee and shoulder.
When the Cowboys released him at the start of the season, he had 10 teams to choose from before signing with the Pats. Apparently, the team had him on its radar during the 2007 draft. He was a valuable member of the practice squad taking snaps at receiver and QB. Now that he is on the roster, he can also fill the role as the backup 3rd QB and 3rd receiver. Two roster spots for the price of one. Coach Belichick likes those kind of players.
During his senior year at Washington, he was on his way to being a contender for the Pac-10 Player of the Year when he suffered a devastating foot injury on October 14, 2006 in a game against Oregon State. The broken bone in his Lisfranc joint in his foot is often a career-ending injury for a player. It caused him to miss the all-star collegiate games, as well as the NFL Scouting Combine. He dropped to the 4th round where the Cowboys selected him.
Ironically, all of his play at Washington was at QB. Dallas converted him to a receiver. During his first two seasons, he was active in only 10 games due to injuries to his knee and shoulder.
When the Cowboys released him at the start of the season, he had 10 teams to choose from before signing with the Pats. Apparently, the team had him on its radar during the 2007 draft. He was a valuable member of the practice squad taking snaps at receiver and QB. Now that he is on the roster, he can also fill the role as the backup 3rd QB and 3rd receiver. Two roster spots for the price of one. Coach Belichick likes those kind of players.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Will He Play?
During the Colt's game, RG Stephen Neal took a knee to the back of his head after Tom Brady threw an interception. He came out of the game and didn't return. The team has been somewhat silent on his condition. It was ruled as a "head injury". There are reports that it might be a concussion. This has to be treated very seriously by the team. They only need to look at the tragic ending to LB Ted Johnson's career and his subsequent medical problems due to his numerous concussions that he experienced during his time with the Pats.
RB Brian Westbrook of the Eagles suffered his 2nd concussion in three weeks and has been undergoing extensive tests to determine if he can play again this season or perhaps at all. Too many players go on the field every week because they are afraid of losing their job due to injury. The NFL needs to do better job in addressing injuries.
RB Brian Westbrook of the Eagles suffered his 2nd concussion in three weeks and has been undergoing extensive tests to determine if he can play again this season or perhaps at all. Too many players go on the field every week because they are afraid of losing their job due to injury. The NFL needs to do better job in addressing injuries.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wildcat Tamed?
The Miami Dolphins suffered a devastating loss when they placed RB Ronnie Brown on Injured Reserve due to a season ending foot injury. Brown has been the catalyst for the highly successful Miami Wildcat offense, taking the direct snap from the center and leading the offense.
RB Rickie Williams has rejuvenated his career while playing an integral part of it as a decoy, blocker and ball carrier. Rookie QB Pat White has been seeing a lot of action as the season progresses and appears to be the heir apparent to Brown's role.
No matter how it works out, the Dolphins (4-5) face an uphill battle for a playoff spot and need a win tonight against the Carolina Panthers in order to stay in the hunt.
RB Rickie Williams has rejuvenated his career while playing an integral part of it as a decoy, blocker and ball carrier. Rookie QB Pat White has been seeing a lot of action as the season progresses and appears to be the heir apparent to Brown's role.
No matter how it works out, the Dolphins (4-5) face an uphill battle for a playoff spot and need a win tonight against the Carolina Panthers in order to stay in the hunt.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Upon Further Review
Fans and the "experts" just won't let go of the issue of 4th & 2 against the Colts. Coach Belichick has always stated that whatever he does is in the best interest of the team. You either believe that or you don't. It's always easy to second guess someone when it doesn't work out.
The coach has stated that his decision was based on wanting to keep the ball out of the hands of Peyton Manning. The best chance of winning the game was to have Brady lead the offense to try and get less than two yards. It wasn't asking to much from such a potent offense that had moved the ball at will up to that point. Throwing the ball to Kevin Faulke was a no-brainer as he has been so dependable throughout his career. He made the reception, but his forward progress didn't get him past the yard marker according to the spot of the ball.
Can you imagine the outcry if the pass had been incomplete or if Brady took a sack? You live and die with these calls. What really bothers me is that this has given people an opportunity to pile on Belichick because they feel he was being arrogant. I'm not sure what he was being arrogant about. If the team can't make less then two yards when the game is on the line, maybe they aren't good enough to go deep in the playoffs.
These same fans will be the ones jumping on the bandwagon if the team makes a run in the playoffs. Maybe the coach should appoint a committee of fans to critique his decisions during the game. They could sit up in the booth with Belichick advisor Ernie Adams.
The coach has stated that his decision was based on wanting to keep the ball out of the hands of Peyton Manning. The best chance of winning the game was to have Brady lead the offense to try and get less than two yards. It wasn't asking to much from such a potent offense that had moved the ball at will up to that point. Throwing the ball to Kevin Faulke was a no-brainer as he has been so dependable throughout his career. He made the reception, but his forward progress didn't get him past the yard marker according to the spot of the ball.
Can you imagine the outcry if the pass had been incomplete or if Brady took a sack? You live and die with these calls. What really bothers me is that this has given people an opportunity to pile on Belichick because they feel he was being arrogant. I'm not sure what he was being arrogant about. If the team can't make less then two yards when the game is on the line, maybe they aren't good enough to go deep in the playoffs.
These same fans will be the ones jumping on the bandwagon if the team makes a run in the playoffs. Maybe the coach should appoint a committee of fans to critique his decisions during the game. They could sit up in the booth with Belichick advisor Ernie Adams.
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