The NFL and the New England Patriots bring WiFi access to their fans in the stadium to help improve game experience and increase fan interaction and, of course, to get fans back into the stadiums from the comfort of their own homes.
But how are the fans going to press all those small buttons and icons with gloves on?
And I bet the players still look just as tiny on the mobile screens as they do from the stands.
😉
Go Ravens!
Yes, the Redskins are out of the playoffs, but elements of their offense are still on the field (and no I am not referring to parts of RGIII’s knee). Shortly after Robert Griffin III reported to Redskin Park last spring, Kyle Shanahan said that together they would revolutionize the NFL.
The read-option offense has infiltrated the NFL and changed the way the game is played. Thanks, in part to the Shanahans and RGIII. Yes, this is a variation of some famous college offenses, but it has been successfully adopted by the NFL, with the help of a new breed of QB, and changed the way the game is played.
It started a couple years ago with Tim Tebow (remember him) and has been adopted by other teams with much more dynamic QB’s such as the Redskins, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.
In fact, take a quick look at the numbers of both Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick numbers from their last playoff games.
| Seattle Passing | ||||||||
|
C/ATT |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
INT |
SACKS |
QBR |
RTG |
|
| R. Wilson |
24/36 |
385 |
10.7 |
2 |
1 |
2 – 17 |
86.4 |
109.1 |
| Seattle Rushing | ||||||||
|
CAR |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
LG |
||||
| R. Wilson |
7 |
60 |
8.6 |
1 |
17 |
|||
| San Francisco Passing | ||||||||
|
C/ATT |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
INT |
SACKS |
QBR |
RTG |
|
| C. Kaepernick |
17/31 |
263 |
8.5 |
2 |
1 |
1 – 7 |
94.7 |
91.2 |
| San Francisco Rushing | ||||||||
|
CAR |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
LG |
||||
| C. Kaepernick |
16 |
181 |
11.3 |
2 |
56 |
They both had outstanding passing ratings and games but more importantly lead their teams in rushing as well.
The read-option gives the offense the ability to run different plays from the same or similar formations based on what the defense does.
This not only enables offenses to either run inside or out but also enables them to either run or pass.
Robert Griffin III, who, according to statistics Pro Football Focus, has preceded 39.6 percent of his pass plays with a fake. Russell Wilson is second at 36.2 percent.
Of Alfred Morris’s 335 rushing attempts this season, more than 52 percent have come from the shotgun formation. Translation: When the Redskins show pass, they’re just as likely to run, and they lead the league in rushing with 169.3 yards per game.
My son Mark is tired of me pointing out to him, over and over again, instances where defensive players did not hold their lanes or positions and allowed somebody, usually RGIII, Russell or Colin, to make big plays.
Of course holding ones position or lane (AKA gap) is not the end all of stopping the read-option, but it does go a long way to helping the defense win match-ups.
I believe in order for the read-option to be defeated, defensive coordinators will need to come up with their own form of misdirection to “fool” the QB into an incorrect read. New England did this in a way to help neutralize Tebow but, in the case of the New Breed QB, it would also help to have a couple safeties that could cover both the deep threat and the run option. Still, the defense will have to come up with their own way of disguising what they are going to do. Give it time, somebody will get it right; and when they do it will be as equally exciting to watch the defense once again win some of these battles.
In the meantime, everybody is scrambling to join the bandwagon. More and more teams are adding the read-option to their offense and more importantly, teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles are recruiting offensive geniuses to help restore franchise greatness.
Here is a review of some coaching changes: (I’ll get to the Eagles signing in just a minute)
San Diego Chargers (Mike McCoy): They fire one OC masquerading as a HC because he just can’t get the job done. Bravo. But then turn right around and hire another OC who experienced phenomenal success because he had a great teacher in Peyton Manning? Really? I guess if you can’t hire the master-mind, you hire one of his students. Maybe they think he has some of that ol’ Tebow type magic? Who knows.
Sorry I just don’t get this signing and think there were better HC candidates on the market.
Cleveland Browns (Rob Chudzinski): Here is an interesting combination of coaching personnel. Rob loves the Browns and has coached for them before as an assistant. Rob knows how to implement elements of the option and, depending on who you ask, has done a pretty good job with Cam Newton. He has a decent QB in Weeden but there are many other areas of concern that need to be developed in addition to his QB. Too bad Rob couldn’t bring Cam with him.
Norv Turner is actually a decent OC who loves to have a good RB to develop and build around. He’s got just that with Trent Richardson, but will need help.
I think this marriage could work if given the time.
Unfortunately, I just don’t think either will get it.
Chicago Bears (Marc Trestman): Last year, to help Cutler and the team maintain their quick starts and eliminate their reputation of fading in the stretch, they brought in some more offensive weapons, and changed up some other personnel within the organization. It didn’t work. Once again the Bears started strong and faded fast. So this year they bring in a well-respected ball coach who deserves a HC gig as much as anybody.
I like this signing, but we will have to wait and see if it does anything for the Bears staying power.
The good news is Da Bears have a ton of cap room; so they can make all the moves and signings they want.
Philadelphia Eagles (Chip Kelly): AKA – They lose one Reid for another more popular Read.
If you want to review a great article on Chip Kelly and his offense, take a look at Grantlands analysis here.
Kelly is a great coach who is well anchored in fundamentals; yet thinks outside the box. He implements the read-option and incorporates other elements of “confusion” keeping the defense off balance by installing a novel hurry up offense – much like another great playoff team – the New England Patriots.
However, pundits are already poo pooing ( yes that is a word – or two) his selection by stating the simplistic fact that Kelly has absolutely no NFL experience. Can anybody say Steve Spurrier?
However, to me, this signing makes a lot of sense. The Eagles have the personnel (on paper) to run Kelly’s style of offense. I think they may need some help on the offensive line in order to get the job done but hey, that is one of the jobs of coaching – and the GM.
The bad news here is the Eagles are in terrible shape with the cap – So good luck figuring that one out! You’ll need it.
I just wish they and Kelly were not in the NFC East.
Mr. Werth hit a walk off home run last night extending the Nats post season play while pointing to his teammates in the dugout – See That Is What $126 Million Buys You!
Thanks but $126 million means you have to do it again tonight.
Don’t worry, if his baseball thing doesn’t work out – you can always get work with GEICO!
Lets Go Nats!
Every year there are NFL playoff caliber teams, heck even championship caliber teams, knocked out of the postseason.
And every year there are teams which somehow, amazingly, turn it around and make it in.
After extensive study, analysis of facts and figures, and a truly “Satori-Zen” moment, I have come up with the enlightened Fantasy and Bookies nightmare list called The Fumbled Returns 2012 NFL Playoff Predictions.
Three Teams That Make It Into The Playoffs:
Three Teams That Don’t Make It Into The Playoffs:
Here are my predictions for the entire 2012 Playoff Teams:
AFC – East New England Patriots
AFC – North Cincinnati Bengals
AFC – North Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC – South Houston Texans
AFC – West Kansas City Chiefs
AFC – West Oakland Raiders
NFC – East Washington Redskins
NFC – North Green Bay Packers
NFC – North Detroit Lions
NFC – South Atlanta Falcons
NFC – South N.O. Saints
NFC – West San Francisco 49ers
No predictions, just some interesting NFL Championship and Super Bowl Trivia.
Oh, and if you don’t believe the tie in to Chia Pets, read on!
Last Ten Super Bowls:
Yet the overall match up is surprisingly close. AFC 6 wins, NFC 4.
And last, but certainly not least . . .
Ray Rice keeps in shape by eating Chia Pet Seeds!
These seeds, which are known as Salvia hispanica, or chia seeds, have a long history that dates back to the ancient Aztecs. Today, however, they’re better known as the main ingredient that gives Chia Pet models like Chia Pet Elvis, Chia Shrek and Chia Obama their thickets of lustrous green mossy hair.
Chia was a staple of the diet of the Aztecs, who are thought to be some of the fiercest warriors of all time. According to the 2009 book “Born To Run,” they were a preferred food of the Tarahumara Indians, who are able to run hundreds of miles barefoot without resting or eating all that much. “There’s a history behind it,” Rice said.
A survey of Baltimore’s locker room after a practice this week turned up another chia devotee—star linebacker Ray Lewis. “I put them in my shake every morning,” he said.
Check out the full article and video on the WSJ
Enjoy the football this weekend. It should be worth watching.
My son wants a Super Brothers Bowl featuring the Baltimore Ravens. This means he see them defeating the Patriots this weekend and then playing the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. As you saw with my last post, I am going in a slightly different direction.
I actually like the offensive weapons the Patriots have and respect their consistent tradition of winning. Trouble is, I’ve never really liked them all that much.
Truth is, despite the fact I was born and raised in Maryland, I never really liked Baltimore all that much either.
I think it has something to do with the fact that I grew up during the Redskin heydays and I’ve been hooked ever since. Now that I am across the river in Virginia, Baltimore is that ‘other team’. I guess it is similar to any metropolitan area that has a body of water separating teams and cities. It is a rivalry or mutual hate society between the two teams.
However, my loyalties to the Maryland DC area are stronger than those to anything that the frigid cold of New England has to offer.
So, sorry that is just the way it is. No in depth analysis of players, stats or coaches. Just biased personal opinions.
I’m picking the Ravens to win.
Baltimore Ravens 27
New England Patriots 20
Which means an East Coast Super Bowl prediction from me.
(Yes, I know the Patriots are on the east coast and are even in the AFC East. They shouldn’t be. In fact somebody please explain how Baltimore is in a North division? So, I hereby propose realignment. Any team located above the Mason Dixon Line should be in a North Division. Any team below the line, South.)
OK 😉
So who do you think is right? Who would you rather see win?
My Son who wants a Super Brothers Bowl (49ers vs Ravens)
Or
Me who wants an East Coast Super Bowl (Giants vs Ravens)
The NFL Playoff Conference Championship Games are this weekend and feature some of the best teams and players in the NFL.
Players with the names of Brady and Manning have been here before and know what it takes to win.
Others like Alex Smith and Vernon Davis have not. They are learning these valuable lessons right before our eyes. In the 49ers, we are witnessing not only the growth of a championship team, but also championship players. In fact it was not long ago that both Alex Smith and Vernon Davis seemingly were one step out the door. Fans and coaches alike chastised them for their lack of performance, attitude and perceived dedication to the game. And yet, both came through in the clutch against a championship caliber team last weekend and took that next step towards the super bowl. That is one reason why it is so easy to route for them and want them to win.
The Giants, on the other hand, have risen out of the muck of the NFC East to once again challenge for the ultimate prize. Trouble is, we all, myself included, have been waiting for them to experience a famous end of year collapse. It just has not happened yet. Looking back, I think they got that collapse thing out of the way in the beginning of the season and have pulled themselves together just in time to win against, well, just about anybody!
“but the redskins beat them twice this year!”
There, I said it, for all you die hard Redskin fans out there. But if you would take the blinders off for a second you would see that these NFC Championship Contenders (AKA Giants) are not the same team we played back earlier this season. They, like the 49ers are winning the old fashioned way, with great offensive and defensive line play. They are winning it in the trenches. Plain and simple. This game has the potential of being a great game. I almost wish these two teams were playing each other in the super bowl. That would be fantastic. A classic east / west matchup.
Alas, but it is not. So I have to pick a winner to go on to the Super Bowl. So here it is:
New York Giants 26
San Francisco 49ers 19
Next up: My AFC Championship Prediction
But he can’t make him win against the Patriots.
My take on the Playoff Lines:
New Orleans -3.5 vs. San Francisco.
I’ll take San Francisco at anything 4 and over. 3.5 is a toss of the coin. Go with the Aints.
New England -13.5 vs. Denver
New England has too many weapons and Denver does not have the offensive juggernaut they need to cover the spread. Take New England.
Baltimore -7.5 vs.Houston
I’ll take Houston and the points.
Green Bay -7.5 vs. NY Giants
Ditto for the Giants.
But that all that is betting the spreads.
Straight up . . .
I’ll take the Saints, NE, OK I’ll bet the Ravens don’t show up and take Houston, and Green Bay to pull off a cliff hanger victory (less than 3 points).
Houston and Green Bay will be the games to watch!
What do you think?
Oh, and just in case you did not see the Team Coco Replay, here it is . . .
When your playoff chances are shot, do you just throw in the towel and play to lose with the hope of getting a better draft spot? Sorry that is not good draft strategy or draft management. Look at the Patriots, they have been a perennial draft power house AND maintained a winning record.
Sorry, I don’t care how bad you are, you simply play for the love of the game, a paycheck (or in my case “bragging rights”), and to win!
That is the primary reason today is a good day for me.
The Redskins won!
The Giants lost – and the Redskins got to play spoiler!
And, most importantly, on the Fantasy Front . . . The East Coast has bragging rights to the Borderless League Trophy! This is the first time in 4 years we have won. My team $#@! This year, but that doesn’t matter. What matters most is that the East Coast Teams completed a shutout of the West Coast Teams in the playoffs this past weekend and next week’s championship will be an All East Coast Contest!
In my other fantasy league “League of Magnates” with only David Akers left to play on my opponent’s roster, I am feeling that my 36 point total will be just enough to get me into the Championship Round!
Now if only my stocks would play out just as well, everything would be perfect. 😉
No, the past 82 NHL Hockey Games were NOT the Hockey Season.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs ARE the season.
This is the time that every hockey player, team, coach, owner, fan dreams about when watching those 82 games.
This is the time that the level of play is at an entirely different level and anything can happen.
Everyone starts at 0 – 0 and the first one to win 4 out of 7 moves on to the next round.
With the NFL in lockdown and the Nats in buildup and the Wizards … (who knows where they are) , the DC area is ready for some real hard hitting playoff action and that is certainly what we will get up against the NY Rangers.
Here is hoping we advance with a 6 game or less opening series!
Let’s Go Caps !
Fumbled Returns 