This week the Green Bay Packers (1-1) hit the road to take on the St. Louis Rams (0-2). I am going to give my top ten players for the St. Louis Rams as of week #3 and some accompanying comments:
St. Louis Rams:
#10 - Chris Long (RE): This is more based on potential since he was the 2nd overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. His production thus far has been marginal over his first 18 games: 51 tackles, 4 sacks and 1 forced fumble.
#9 - Donnie Avery (WR): He was the first WR taken in the 2008 NFL Draft, just three spots ahead of current Packer wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Avery has been hobbled by injuries so far this season which has limited his impact to 7 receptions for 50 yards in two games this season.
#8 - Leonard Little (LE): This is his 12 season as a St. Louis Ram. Little's health and production has declined over the last few seasons but he still draws occasional double teams.
#7 - Donnie Jones (P): Jones is averaging 48.3 yards gross and 41.3 yards net per punt this season.
#6: Josh Brown (K): In his second season with the Rams, Brown has converted on 80.8% of his career field goal attempts but is coming off a season where he converted on 86.1% of his field goal attempts.
#5: Oshiomogho Atogwe (FS): He is a turnover machine. Atogwe anchors a secondary that has seen a fair amount of turnover in the last few season.
#4: James Laurinaitis (MLB): Despite spending high draft picks in recent drafts (Adam Carriker in 2007 and Chris Long in 2008) Laurinaitis looks to be the future of the St. Louis defense. In his rookie campaign Laurinaitis leads the team in total tackles with 22.
#3: Jason Brown (C): The Rams gave Brown a huge contract in the off-season (five-year, $37.5 million contract with $20 million guaranteed) to lure him away from the Baltimore Ravens. The Rams are unsettled on the offensive line with an injury to 2009 first round draft pick Jason Smith so the jury is still out on Brown.
#2: Marc Bulger (QB): He has been the leader of the Rams since taking over for Kurt Warner in 2003. After experiencing early success with the Rams, Bulger has been under enormous pressure in recent years. He has failed to eclipse a quarterback rating of 72 since 2006.
#1: Stephen Jackson (RB): One of the most underrated RBs in the NFL, Stephen Jackson has been the jack-of-all-trades for the Rams since joining the team in 2004. Jackson has rushed for over 1,000 yards the last four seasons.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Packers cut Rouse and sign Giordano
As expected the Green Bay Packers signed free agent safety Matt Giordano, a 4th round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2005 NFL Draft. Giordano appeared in 55 games for the Colts over the last four season, starting six contests. The Colts cut Giordano at the end of the preseason. The signing of Giordano reunites him with former California teammate Aaron Rodgers.
To make room for Giordano the Packers cut often maligned safety Aaron Rouse; a 3rd round pick by the Packers in the 2007 NFL Draft. Coming out of Virgina Tech Rouse was a physical specimen at 6'4" and 223 pounds. Rouse ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 at the NFL Combine. Rouse was projected as a late first round pick but his lack luster senior season saw him fall to the 3rd round. Throughout his Packer career everyone talked about his "potential" but Rouse never produced on the field, which lead to the Packers parting ways with Rouse.
Both of the Packers starting safeties (Nick Collins and Atari Bigby) are sidelined with injuries. That leaves recently acquired Derrick Martin, converted corner back Jarrett Bush and Matt Giordano as their only healthy options at safety. The Packers lack of depth at safety calls into question Packers General Manager Ted Thompson's decision to cut Anthony Smith before the start of the season. Smith was signed because of his understanding of the new 3-4 defense because he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2006 to 2008. Ironically Smith now plays for the St. Louis Rams, the Packers next opponent.
Injuries happen in the NFL, which makes the Packers complete lack of depth at safety very alarming. Matt Giordano better pick-up the 3-4 defense fast because he will most likely be active this weekend against the Rams.
To make room for Giordano the Packers cut often maligned safety Aaron Rouse; a 3rd round pick by the Packers in the 2007 NFL Draft. Coming out of Virgina Tech Rouse was a physical specimen at 6'4" and 223 pounds. Rouse ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 at the NFL Combine. Rouse was projected as a late first round pick but his lack luster senior season saw him fall to the 3rd round. Throughout his Packer career everyone talked about his "potential" but Rouse never produced on the field, which lead to the Packers parting ways with Rouse.
Both of the Packers starting safeties (Nick Collins and Atari Bigby) are sidelined with injuries. That leaves recently acquired Derrick Martin, converted corner back Jarrett Bush and Matt Giordano as their only healthy options at safety. The Packers lack of depth at safety calls into question Packers General Manager Ted Thompson's decision to cut Anthony Smith before the start of the season. Smith was signed because of his understanding of the new 3-4 defense because he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2006 to 2008. Ironically Smith now plays for the St. Louis Rams, the Packers next opponent.
Injuries happen in the NFL, which makes the Packers complete lack of depth at safety very alarming. Matt Giordano better pick-up the 3-4 defense fast because he will most likely be active this weekend against the Rams.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Preview of Week #2 of the 2009 NFL Season – Packers v. Bengals
Here is an abbreviated preview of the Green Bay Packers v. Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field at noon on Sunday:
Offense:
The Packers offense had a lack luster showing last week against the Chicago Bears until their final drive when Aaron Rodgers hit Greg Jennings for a 50 yard go ahead touchdown to beat the Bears.
The Cincinnati Bengals only put seven points on the board last week against the improved Denver Broncos defense; don't expect that to be a trend the whole season with the likes of Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco.
Defense:
The Packers defense picked up where they left off in the preseason. New Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers gave the Bears a number of different looks, which kept the Bears offense off balance all day. They forced Jay Cutler to throw four interceptions in his Bears regular season debut.
The Bengals defense gave up a back breaking fluke 87 yard touchdown with only seconds remaining in their game last week to lose to Denver 12-7. Look for them to rebound defensively this week against the Packers.
Special Teams:
The Packers have a shaky punter and place kicker while the Bengals have a rookie punter and a veteran place kicker.
Bottom Line:
The Packers are favored by 9 points and the under/over is 42 points. If I were a betting man (and I am not) I give the edge to the Packers and the over. That said, it doesn't matter what I think because the only thing that matters is what happens on the field on Sunday.
Offense:
The Packers offense had a lack luster showing last week against the Chicago Bears until their final drive when Aaron Rodgers hit Greg Jennings for a 50 yard go ahead touchdown to beat the Bears.
The Cincinnati Bengals only put seven points on the board last week against the improved Denver Broncos defense; don't expect that to be a trend the whole season with the likes of Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco.
Defense:
The Packers defense picked up where they left off in the preseason. New Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers gave the Bears a number of different looks, which kept the Bears offense off balance all day. They forced Jay Cutler to throw four interceptions in his Bears regular season debut.
The Bengals defense gave up a back breaking fluke 87 yard touchdown with only seconds remaining in their game last week to lose to Denver 12-7. Look for them to rebound defensively this week against the Packers.
Special Teams:
The Packers have a shaky punter and place kicker while the Bengals have a rookie punter and a veteran place kicker.
Bottom Line:
The Packers are favored by 9 points and the under/over is 42 points. If I were a betting man (and I am not) I give the edge to the Packers and the over. That said, it doesn't matter what I think because the only thing that matters is what happens on the field on Sunday.
Fielder Breaks Brewer Single Season RBI Mark
Prince Fielder got his 127 RBI for the 2009 season on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 8th inning in a Brewers' win over the Houston Astros. That RBI gave Fielder the single season Brewers' RBI record. Ironically the former record holder Cecil Cooper manages the opposing Astros and was very gracious in complementing Fielder breaking his club record.
Yet another sign of the camaraderie in the Brewers clubhouse despite their disappointing season was Trevor Hoffman closing off the clubhouse to pay Fielder a proper tribute. Despite only joining the Brewers in the spring, Hoffman has become a clubhouse favorite. Hoffman along with other veterans such as Jason Kendall and Mike Cameron have helped the Brewers maintain a positive attitude despite missing the playoffs this season after making the playoffs last year for the first time in 25 years.
Who knows whether this will be Fielder's last season with the Brewers but as he showed this season he is a forced to be reckoned with at the plate.
Yet another sign of the camaraderie in the Brewers clubhouse despite their disappointing season was Trevor Hoffman closing off the clubhouse to pay Fielder a proper tribute. Despite only joining the Brewers in the spring, Hoffman has become a clubhouse favorite. Hoffman along with other veterans such as Jason Kendall and Mike Cameron have helped the Brewers maintain a positive attitude despite missing the playoffs this season after making the playoffs last year for the first time in 25 years.
Who knows whether this will be Fielder's last season with the Brewers but as he showed this season he is a forced to be reckoned with at the plate.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Preview of Week #1 of the 2009 NFL Season – Packers v. Bears
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears renew one of the oldest rivalries in professional sports this Sunday night on NBC. There are two subplots that jump-start the storied rivalry. First, the Bears made the blockbuster acquisition of quarterback Jay Cutler in the off-season. That gives the Bears’ their first pro bowl quarterback since Jim McMahon in 1986. Second, the Packers made the transition from the 4-3 defense to the 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Dom Capers. That gives the Packers’ a new look on defense, which they sorely need after their poor defensive performance in 2008. Here is a position-by-position breakdown of the upcoming game:
- Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers v. Jay Cutler Round 1. They are two of the youngest, undeniably talented and most promising QBs in the NFL. Cutler is learning a new system but by mid-season he should know it like the back of his hand. Rodgers returns to the same system that he has worked in for the last four seasons, which gives him a leg up Cutler. The Packers have the advantage at quarterback.
- Running Back: the Bears hold the advantage here with promising 2nd year running back Matt Forte coming off a very successful rookie year edging out incumbent Packers’ starting running back Ryan Grant. The Bears have the advantage at running back.
- Wide Receivers: the Packers have much better top end WRs with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver over the Bears’ Devin Hester and Earl Bennett. Furthermore, the Packers have better depth with James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Brett Swain over Rashied Davis, Devin Aromashodu, Juaquin Iglesias and Jonny Knox. On both top end talent and quality depth the Packers have the advantage at wide receiver.
- Tight End: although this season might be Finley’s coming out party, he has to prove it on the field. The Bears’ have better TEs in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark over the Packers’ Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley. As a result, the Bears have the advantage at tight end.
- Offensive Line: both the Packers and Bears have a revamped offensive line coming into the 2009 season. The Bears signed starting left guard Frank Omiyale and left tackle Orlando Pace as free agents in the off-season. 2008 1st round draft choice Chris Williams takes over at right tackle for the retired John Tait. Holdovers, right guard Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz return. The Packers return starting left tackle Chad Clifton and left guard Daryn Colledge. Jason Spitz started all over the offensive line last season for the Packers; this season he took the starting center job away from Scott Wells. The Packers tabbed promising young players Josh Sitton at right guard and Allen Barbre at right tackle. With both offensive lines in flux, it almost too early to tell. The offensive line is a wash.
- Defensive Line: the Bears have a veteran line with Adewale Ogunleye, Tommie Harris, Anthony Adams and Alex Brown. As long as the Bear’s defensive line stays healthy, they have a very formidable front four on defense. The Packers are trying to see what players fit where in their new defensive scheme. NT Ryan Pickett and DE Johnny Jolly have excelled in the preseason but rookie defensive lineman B.J. Raji has been limited in the pre-season because of contract negotiations and an ankle injury. The Bears have the advantage at defensive line.
- Linebacker: although early reports are that Urlacher had one of his best training camps in years, the Bears’ linebackers got a year older with Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. The Packers’ transition to the 3-4 means they will utilize more linebackers (they kept ten on their 53-man roster). Aaron Kampman seems to have made a smooth transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Nick Barnett has made a healthy return to middle linebacker along side A.J. Hawk. With all of their depth and talent, the Packers have the advantage at linebacker.
- Defensive Backs: the Packers’ have a better starting defensive backfield in Charles Woodson, All Harris, Atari Bigby and Nick Collins over Trumaine McBride, Nathan Vasher, Kevin Payne and Daniel Manning. The Packers have the advantage at defensive back.
- Special Teams: Devin Hester, Daniel Manning, punter Brad Maynard and place kicker Robbie Gould are much more accomplished then Will Blackmon, Jordy Nelson, punter Jason Kapinos and place kicker Mason Crosby. The Bears have an advantage at special teams.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Packers and Bears both won two positions and tied on one. As a result, the offensive side of the ball is a wash. On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers won two positions and the Bears won one position. As a result, the Packers won on the defensive side of the ball. For special teams, the Bears have the advantage on paper. Add that all up and it looks like there will be a great battle between the Packers and Bears at Lambeau Field tune into NBC Sunday night to see it unfold.
- Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers v. Jay Cutler Round 1. They are two of the youngest, undeniably talented and most promising QBs in the NFL. Cutler is learning a new system but by mid-season he should know it like the back of his hand. Rodgers returns to the same system that he has worked in for the last four seasons, which gives him a leg up Cutler. The Packers have the advantage at quarterback.
- Running Back: the Bears hold the advantage here with promising 2nd year running back Matt Forte coming off a very successful rookie year edging out incumbent Packers’ starting running back Ryan Grant. The Bears have the advantage at running back.
- Wide Receivers: the Packers have much better top end WRs with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver over the Bears’ Devin Hester and Earl Bennett. Furthermore, the Packers have better depth with James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Brett Swain over Rashied Davis, Devin Aromashodu, Juaquin Iglesias and Jonny Knox. On both top end talent and quality depth the Packers have the advantage at wide receiver.
- Tight End: although this season might be Finley’s coming out party, he has to prove it on the field. The Bears’ have better TEs in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark over the Packers’ Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley. As a result, the Bears have the advantage at tight end.
- Offensive Line: both the Packers and Bears have a revamped offensive line coming into the 2009 season. The Bears signed starting left guard Frank Omiyale and left tackle Orlando Pace as free agents in the off-season. 2008 1st round draft choice Chris Williams takes over at right tackle for the retired John Tait. Holdovers, right guard Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz return. The Packers return starting left tackle Chad Clifton and left guard Daryn Colledge. Jason Spitz started all over the offensive line last season for the Packers; this season he took the starting center job away from Scott Wells. The Packers tabbed promising young players Josh Sitton at right guard and Allen Barbre at right tackle. With both offensive lines in flux, it almost too early to tell. The offensive line is a wash.
- Defensive Line: the Bears have a veteran line with Adewale Ogunleye, Tommie Harris, Anthony Adams and Alex Brown. As long as the Bear’s defensive line stays healthy, they have a very formidable front four on defense. The Packers are trying to see what players fit where in their new defensive scheme. NT Ryan Pickett and DE Johnny Jolly have excelled in the preseason but rookie defensive lineman B.J. Raji has been limited in the pre-season because of contract negotiations and an ankle injury. The Bears have the advantage at defensive line.
- Linebacker: although early reports are that Urlacher had one of his best training camps in years, the Bears’ linebackers got a year older with Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. The Packers’ transition to the 3-4 means they will utilize more linebackers (they kept ten on their 53-man roster). Aaron Kampman seems to have made a smooth transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Nick Barnett has made a healthy return to middle linebacker along side A.J. Hawk. With all of their depth and talent, the Packers have the advantage at linebacker.
- Defensive Backs: the Packers’ have a better starting defensive backfield in Charles Woodson, All Harris, Atari Bigby and Nick Collins over Trumaine McBride, Nathan Vasher, Kevin Payne and Daniel Manning. The Packers have the advantage at defensive back.
- Special Teams: Devin Hester, Daniel Manning, punter Brad Maynard and place kicker Robbie Gould are much more accomplished then Will Blackmon, Jordy Nelson, punter Jason Kapinos and place kicker Mason Crosby. The Bears have an advantage at special teams.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Packers and Bears both won two positions and tied on one. As a result, the offensive side of the ball is a wash. On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers won two positions and the Bears won one position. As a result, the Packers won on the defensive side of the ball. For special teams, the Bears have the advantage on paper. Add that all up and it looks like there will be a great battle between the Packers and Bears at Lambeau Field tune into NBC Sunday night to see it unfold.
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