Around the NFC South

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Time for a look at the headlines from around the division.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan said the secondary doesn't deserve all the blame for Eli Manning throwing for 510 yards Sunday. He said the front seven of the defense could have given the secondary a lot more help.

It appears as if the Bucs are going to stick with Demar Dotson as their starting right tackle. Jeremy Trueblood had his chance under the new regime and didn't make the most of it.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel said he's looking forward to the atmosphere in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. I'm not sure he'll be so fascinated on Sunday when he's trying to get his team lined up before the play clock expires.

Although the numbers still are prolific, Nakia Hogan points out the New Orleans passing game hasn't been as sharp as in the past. It's been held back by dropped passes, penalties and missed assignments.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers want to upgrade Bank of America Stadium with new video boards and escalators. It's not clear if the team will seek public funding. The stadium, which opened in 1996, was built without any taxpayer money.

In his third season, Brandon LaFell has emerged as a solid No. 2 receiver. He might be the best complement to Steve Smith the Panthers have had since Muhsin Muhammad.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Cornerback Christopher Owens is going through the league's concussion protocol. I'd guess it's very unlikely he'll be ready to play Sunday at San Diego. That means either Dominique Franks or Robert McClain likely will have to take over as the nickel back.

Although he's off to a slow start and was charged with DUI on Tuesday, Mark Bradley writes that it's not time for the Falcons to unload Michael Turner. His point is that the Falcons still need a running game and that's very true. Turner might not be what he was in the past, but the Falcons need him (and Jacquizz Rodgers) to supply a bit of a running game to keep defenses honest against Atlanta's passing game.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39323/around-the-nfc-south-384
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

08.22 | 0 komentar | Read More

Podcast: Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39320/podcast-buccaneers-coach-greg-schiano
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

07.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Blogger Blitz

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39311/video-blogger-blitz-3
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

06.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Panthers-Giants preview

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39314/video-panthers-giants-preview-2
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

06.22 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Breaking down Panthers-Giants

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39317/video-breaking-down-panthers-giants
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

04.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

NFC South evening update

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Time for a look at the Wednesday afternoon headlines from around the NFL.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Let's start this one off with a fantasy-football alert. Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart could miss Thursday night's game due to a toe injury. Stewart hasn't practiced all week. If he can't play, expect more carries for DeAngelo Williams and fullback Mike Tolbert also could get some time at tailback.

The Panthers may be catching a bit of a break because the Giants are banged up. The Giants said running back Ahmad Bradshaw, receiver Domenik Hixon and tackle David Diehl will not play in Thursday night's game due to injuries. Andre Brown is expected to take over most of Bradshaw's duties.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Running back Michael Turner apologized to ownership, coaches and fans for being charged with DUI. Turner said he expects to play Sunday against the Chargers, the team he began his career with. Turner could face discipline at some point, but I think that's down the road, after his case moves through the legal system.

Coach Mike Smith is pleased with what he's seen from left tackle Sam Baker so far this season. While fans were spending the offseason screaming for Baker to be released, the Falcons stood by him, saying they believe he's a competent player when healthy. So far, he's been healthy, so maybe the Falcons knew what they were talking about.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The Saints are saying all the right things about their 0-2 start. They realize they've dug a hole, but keep pointing to how this team has dealt with adversity well in the past. That's true. But if the Saints don't win Sunday against Kansas City, this season could be over in a hurry.

You probably saw Drew Brees limping around a bit after hurting his ankle Sunday against Carolina. The Saints listed Brees on the injury report Wednesday, but the good news is it doesn't sound like anything to worry about. Brees participated fully in Wednesday's practice.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The Giants continue to gripe about the Bucs going all out when they were in the victory formation Sunday. The Giants have every right to voice their opinions on this, but they might be wise to move on from this. They've got another game coming up in just over 24 hours.

A lot of people thought the Bucs signed receiver Jordan Shipley because they were concerned about an injury to Preston Parker. As it turned out, they're more concerned about a foot injury to receiver Sammie Stroughter. Coach Greg Schiano said Stroughter's injury could be "long term." Parker practiced fully Wednesday.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39292/nfc-south-evening-update-41
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

16.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Panthers need to let Cam Newton run

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin spouted off about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaking an unwritten rule Sunday. As Thursday night's game between the Giants and Carolina Panthers approaches, Coughlin should know he's going to see another unwritten rule broken by an NFC South team.

The old adage about not having your quarterback run goes out the window with the Panthers, because they have something rare. They have Cam Newton.

Robert Griffin III, Michael Vick and Tim Tebow all have run versions of the read-option offense, but nobody does it better than Newton, and it shouldn't be just a fad or a gimmick that's used occasionally.

The Panthers need to use the read-option often. They did on Sunday. In a victory against New Orleans, Carolina had 41 rushing plays that went for 219 yards. Of those plays, 23 were designed options, and they resulted in 143 yards and a touchdown. Newton rushed for a career-high 71 yards on 13 carries.

That came only a week after the Panthers ran just one option play and rushed for only 10 yards in a loss to Tampa Bay.

Let's hope Carolina's coaching staff has learned a lesson from those two games. Newton also is a good passer, and the Panthers can't abandon that. But they need a healthy dose of the running game in their offense, and they need Newton to be a big part of that.

Some may say 13 runs by a quarterback are way too many. And for a lot of quarterbacks, that's true. It's often a formula for disaster to have a quarterback running in the open field. Take a big hit from a linebacker, and the quarterback's season could be over.

But that's not much of a concern with Newton because he's as big or bigger than most linebackers. He's 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds. At times in the past, Carolina's coaching staff has talked about possibly limiting Newton's carries. It sounds as if the staff is starting to realize that's not a good idea.

"He gets hit, but not big," coach Ron Rivera said. "And I think there's a difference in that, as well. And a lot of the runs that we have are calculated. He's reading for the most part as to whether or not it's a good idea to hand it off or keep it."

It's good to hear that Rivera realizes that. The chances of Newton getting hurt on a running play are minimal because of his size and strength. I think there's a much better chance of Newton getting hurt if he sits back in the pocket too long and gets blindsided by a large defensive lineman while standing still.

"I'm a football player at the end of the day," Newton said. "If they want me to run, I'll run. If they want me to throw, I'll throw. If they want me to block, I'll block. If they want me to go get some water to better the team, I'm going to do it."

The Panthers need to let Newton run because it causes major problems for opponents, and it also sets up the passing game nicely.

The read-option concept is simple. The quarterback goes up to the line of scrimmage and reads the defensive ends and the outside linebackers. He then takes the snap and goes to one side or the other with a tailback behind him. Depending on how the ends and linebackers react, the quarterback has the option of keeping the ball or pitching it to a running back.

It may not be conventional in the NFL, but even Coughlin, who is all about convention, isn't going to take Rivera to task for running his quarterback. Instead, Coughlin is bracing himself and trying to figure out ways to help his defense get ready for Carolina's read-option.

"Not only are they looking to read certain individuals in a defensive front, they're also setting up other things by his reaction not just simply if you keep, pull or pitch," Coughlin said. "All of that comes to prevail, and when you have a couple of obvious runners with the ability of (DeAngelo) Williams and (Jonathan) Stewart, it even puts more pressure on you because you're not going to arm tackle those guys. They're both fast and they're both capable of going the distance."

Newton's teammates know his running ability is an asset, and they're in favor of using it.

"If he wants to do it, then let him run the ball," veteran left tackle Jordan Gross said. "Because he's a big, strong guy and he's one of the best goal-line backs in the league, too."

Newton rushed for 14 touchdowns last season as a rookie. That's an NFL record for a quarterback. The Panthers are 6-3 when Newton rushes for at least 50 yards.

It's pretty obvious that when Newton is running, the Panthers have a better chance to win. So don't worry about convention. Let him run a lot.

Not even Coughlin, who was furious that Tampa Bay's defensive players still were going hard when the Giants were in their victory formation Sunday, can question going against this unwritten rule.

In Carolina, the rule is the Panthers are a better team when Newton is running.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39273/panthers-need-to-let-cam-newton-run
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

13.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Matt Ryan thrives in shotgun formation

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has been at his best out of the shotgun formation.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Ryan has the league's best Total QBR (98.6) out of the shotgun formation. Houston's Matt Schaub (93.3) is the only other quarterback with a Total QBR above 90 out of the formation.

Ryan has completed 23 of 32 (71.9 percent) passes for 227 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions out of the shotgun formation.

Carolina's Cam Newton hasn't been as efficient out of the formation, but he's used it more often and has put up a bigger yardage total. Newton has completed 33 of 48 (68.8 percent) passes for 517 yards and two touchdowns. But Newton also has been intercepted once and sacked four times. His Total QBR out of the shotgun formation is 66.4.

Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman has been somewhat efficient out of the formation, but he hasn't used it as much as Newton or Ryan. Freeman has completed 15 of 25 (60 percent) for 184 yards and two touchdowns. But Freeman also has been intercepted once and sacked twice. His Total QBR out of the shotgun formation is 80.2.

Surprisingly, New Orleans Drew Brees, who usually leads all NFC South quarterbacks in most statistical categories, has struggled out of the shotgun formation this season.

Brees has completed 42 of 74 (56.8 percent) attempts for 537 yards and two touchdowns. But Brees has been intercepted three times and sacked three times. His Total QBR out of the shotgun formation is 49.6.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39281/ryan-thrives-in-shotgun-formation
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

11.52 | 0 komentar | Read More

Julio Jones having problems with drops

Last season, Julio Jones was Atlanta's sure-handed receiver, while Roddy White was leading the NFL in drops.

So far this season, they've reversed roles. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Jones is tied for second in the league with three drops through two games. And tight end Tony Gonzalez isn't far behind Jones. Gonzalez has two drops.

The only other NFC South receiver, tight end or running back with two drops is New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham, who has had two passes slip through his hands.

The Falcons rank No. 4 in the NFL with six team drops. The Saints are tied for fifth with five drops.

The Panthers and Buccaneers each have dropped only one pass.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39276/julio-jones-having-problems-with-drops
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

10.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Carolina O-line gets recognition

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Offensive lines usually don't get the credit they deserve.

But we've got an opportunity to, at least temporarily, change that, so let's put the spotlight on Carolina's offensive line. The Panthers are this week's winners of the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award. Named after Hall of Fame coach John Madden, the award is intended to recognize an offensive line that gives its quarterback strong protection and contributes to the team's overall success.

Carolina's offensive line did that in Sunday's 35-27 victory over New Orleans. The Panthers had 219 yards rushing and quarterback Cam Newton was sacked just once and hit only twice.

"When you can beat a team like New Orleans, with a balanced offense of run and pass, you know you have a good offensive line,'' Madden said.

Carolina's offensive line consists of tackles Jordan Gross and Byron Bell, guards Amini Silatolu and Geoff Hangartner and center Ryan Kalil. But the Panthers could face a challenge Thursday night when they host the New York Giants. Bell is dealing with an ankle injury and might not be able to play. If he can't, the Panthers will have to turn to either Bruce Campbell or Garry Williams.

20 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39269/carolina-o-line-gets-recognition
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

09.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Freeman to Jackson working nicely

It's early yet, but Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman is looking a lot more like the quarterback he was in 2010 than the one that struggled in 2011.

Part of the reason is he's having success throwing downfield. Freeman has completed 8 of 14 passes of 15 yards or more and is averaging 15.9 yards per attempt in those situations. He also has two touchdowns, one interception and a 99.8 Total QBR in those situations.

Last season, Freeman completed just 37.9 percent of passes in those situations. He averaged 9.5 yards per attempt with three interceptions, seven touchdowns and a 73.3 Total QBR.

The pickup of free-agent receiver Vincent Jackson might be a big part of the reason for Freeman's improvement. Jackson is tied for the league lead with six receptions on passes that traveled 15 yards or more.

19 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39260/freeman-to-jackson-working-nicely
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

08.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Around the NFC South

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Let's take a look at some Wednesday morning headlines from around the NFC South:

ATLANTA FALCONS

There's some good news for the Falcons as they prepare to head to San Diego on Friday for Sunday's game with the Chargers. They're 5-0 in West Coast games under coach Mike Smith.

When asked about running back Michael Turner charged with DUI, Smith said he's disappointed anytime a negative light is cast upon the organization. But Smith wouldn't comment much further and wouldn't say if Turner will face team discipline. There really isn't much Smith can do right now. He has to wait and let the legal system run its course.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Rookie cornerback Josh Norman said he expects Eli Manning and the Giants to target him Thursday night. Of course they will. Norman's a fifth-round draft pick with promise, but lots to prove. The Giants already know veteran Chris Gamble can play, but they're going to find out about Norman.

Quarterback Cam Newton said Thursday night's game with the Giants is no different than any other. But it is on prime-time television and it is against the defending Super Bowl champions. It's probably the biggest game on Carolina's schedule. But you have to commend the second-year quarterback for at least acting like the game is no big deal. Newton is a guy that played in some pretty high-profile games in college.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Elbert Mack is back. The Saints have re-signed the cornerback who was with them in the preseason and previously played in Tampa Bay. With cornerback Johnny Patrick banged up, the Saints need depth and Mack knows the system. The Saints released receiver Adrian Arrington off injured reserve to make room for Mack.

The legal team for New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma plans to paint former defensive assistant Mike Cerullo, who has told the NFL a bounty program existed and provided details, as an unreliable witness. I'd expect nothing less. Vilma's lawyers get paid to defend their client and it's only natural to expect them to attack Cerullo's credibility.

The NFL released a statement, saying Cerullo is credible and that his statements have been backed up by other sources. The league also commended Cerullo for coming forward to talk about the bounty program.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

It appears the Bucs are sticking with Demar Dotson as their starting right tackle. Dotson got the start in place of an injured Jeremy Trueblood on Sunday and performed reasonably well. Even though Trueblood has had time to recover from the injury, it appears the Bucs again will go with Dotson on Sunday at Dallas. This should come as a relief to many Tampa Bay fans, who point to Trueblood anytime something goes wrong on the offensive line.

Scott Reynolds reports that defensive end Da'Quan Bowers has become a student of the game while being sidelined with a torn Achilles tendon. Nothing wrong with that. Bowers is gifted physically and studying the game should only help him become a better player. The Bucs are hoping Bowers can return around the middle of the season.

19 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39256/around-the-nfc-south-383
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

07.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Around the NFC South

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Temporary NFC South Blog headquarters are set up back in the Queen City, where I soon will start looking ahead to Thursday night's game between the Panthers and Giants.

But, first, let's take a look at the headlines from around the rest of the division:

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The Bucs re-signed receiver Jordan Shipley, who briefly was with the team in the preseason. Consider that an indication that receiver Preston Parker is likely to miss some time with a foot injury. Shipley showed great promise as a slot receiver with the Bengals early in his career. But he suffered a major knee injury and the Bengals released him during the preseason and the Bucs picked him up. Shipley didn't look like he had re-gained his full speed in the preseason. But, if he can get back to full health, he could provide a nice boost for the receiving corps.

The replacement officials are getting criticized after Monday night's game between Atlanta and Denver. But Stephen Holder points out some missed calls might have played a role in Tampa Bay's loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. This whole situation has gotten out of hand and the quality of the game is suffering. The NFL needs to do whatever it takes to get the regular officials back to work as soon as possible.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was at the center of the bounty drama early on, but he had seemed to fade in recent months. That now has changed. Williams has been subpoenaed in the defamation lawsuit by linebacker Jonathan Vilma against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. If that case ever makes it to trial and Williams has to testify, things could get fascinating. Williams and Vilma were very close when they worked together, but Williams reportedly has given the NFL a statement that says Vilma offered a $10,000 bounty for anyone that knocked Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre out of the game in the 2009 postseason.

A day after Vilma met with Goodell in New York, defensive end Will Smith and former New Orleans defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove had their meetings with the commissioner. Former New Orleans linebacker Scott Fujita, now with the Cleveland Browns, also was scheduled to attend. But Fujita backed out of his meeting, saying it was more important to stay in Cleveland.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn isn't happy about losing his starting job to rookie Josh Norman. That's understandable. Munnerlyn is a competitor and has lots of pride. But he can still turn this situation into a positive. He still is getting plenty of playing time and is only an injury away from starting again. He also is in the final year of his rookie contract. If he stays focused and performs well, he can get a shot at a starting job elsewhere next season.

Tom Sorensen writes that Carolina's $89 million investment in contracts for running backs DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert is worth every penny. I agree. Quarterback Cam Newton is the franchise and the passing game is very important, but Newton can be much more dangerous with good running backs behind him.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Mark Bradley writes that the Atlanta secondary might have had its finest game since the NFC Championship Game against Minnesota in the 1998 season. That's a strong statement, but the secondary was very impressive against Denver on Monday night. The Falcons intercepted Peyton Manning three times in the first quarter. Who does that? What's more impressive is that the Falcons did it without nickel back Christopher Owens, who missed much of the game after suffering a concussion, and were briefly without Asante Samuel, who was shaken up, but returned to the game. Backups Dominique Franks and Robert McClain stepped in and made big contributions.

Former Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking, now with Denver, did not have a good homecoming Monday. Part of it was because the Broncos lost and part of it was because Brooking drew boos from the fans. That's understandable because Brooking taunted the Falcons after he went to play for the Dallas Cowboys and fans remember that -- at least for now. However, somewhere down the road (and it will take a few more years), Brooking, who played high school and college football in Georgia, will end up being remembered as one of the most popular Falcons ever.

19 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39252/around-the-nfc-south-382
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

13.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

NFL: Week 2 knee-jerk reactions

AFC EAST by James Walker Running back C.J. Spiller is the real deal. He's leading the NFL in rushing. You can mark him down for the Pro Bowl right now. Spiller is a stud and it's been that way since the end of last season. He just needed playing time. The injury to Fred Jackson will actually help Buffalo in the short term, because Spiller is in his prime and ready to light it up. When Jackson comes back, he should be Spiller's backup for the rest of the season. Our guy, Reggie Bush, is even better. He's an every-down running back now. Book him for the Pro Bowl, too. Bush is probably the most improved player I've seen from one year ago to now. He's silenced his critics and deserves the title of an every-down back. But durability has always been a question with Bush. Can he take big hits for 16 games? That remains to be seen. This offense is done without tight end Aaron Hernandez. The Patriots were lost without him against the Cardinals. If he's out until at least October, don't expect the Patriots to score a lot of points until then. This is an overreaction if I ever saw one. The Patriots had trouble adjusting Sunday because they had to change their gameplan on the fly. New England is more prepared this week to play without Hernandez now, and the addition of former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. also will help. Get quarterback Mark Sanchez outta here! He could barely complete a pass for three quarters. It's Tim Tebow Time! He's a winner. Slow down, Tebow-ites. Sanchez only had one bad game against a very tough defense. It's expected. Besides, Sanchez needs to string together at least two or three bad games in a row before we even start thinking about Tebow. AFC WEST by Bill Williamson Peyton Manning has lost it. He threw three interceptions in the first quarter at Atlanta and he will never be back to the form he enjoyed before his neck surgery that cost him the 2011 season. Manning will be fine. Yes, the three interceptions cost the Broncos the game. But he settled down and showed he has ability. The truth is, he is still shaking off the rust and he is still getting into a rhythm with his new offense. It will take time. The Chiefs are out of the race. They are 0-2 and look awful. It's not reality yet. This team started 0-3 last year and nearly won the division. The Chiefs still have time, but the defense needs to tighten up. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp's West Coast offense doesn't fit the team. The offense has regressed under Knapp. The Raiders shined in recent years in a more power run game. But give Knapp's attack some time before we declare it a failure in Oakland. The Chargers are for real. San Diego looks great. They are 2-0 under Norv Turner for the first time. For the time being, it is reality. The Chargers have passed every test so far. Yes, it's early, but there isn't much to complain about. AFC NORTH by Jamison Hensley The replacement officials cost the Ravens the game in Philadelphia. A questionable offensive pass interference penalty negated a Jacoby Jones touchdown, which would have put Baltimore ahead, 27-17, with 5:29 remaining. Not. This isn't defending the replacement officials, who really embarrassed themselves in how they lost control of the game. The Ravens just can't point fingers at the referees after Joe Flacco completed eight passes in the second half and the defense allowed 486 yards. The Bengals have the worst defense in the league. They have given up over 400 yards in each of their first two games and rank 30th in the NFL in defense. It's a reality for right now, but this defense won't rank among the worst by the end of the season. Injuries have hurt the Bengals, who will be stronger when defensive end Carlos Dunlap and first-round cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick return. Quarterback Brandon Weeden has turned the corner. He set a team rookie record with 322 yards passing against Cincinnati on Sunday. Not. Just as fans wanted Weeden benched after that horrible season-opening performance, you can't say he's on the right track after one standout effort. Weeden is going to be a work-in-progress for the entire season. He did show once again he deserves to be the starter over Colt McCoy. The Steelers won't be able to run the ball all season. Pittsburgh has gained 141 yards on the ground in two games. Only the Raiders and Titans have less. Reality. The Steelers were only a middle of the pack running team last season when Rashard Mendenhall was healthy. The Steelers' backups, Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, have been underwhelming. A positive is new offensive coordinator Todd Haley isn't quick to abandon the running game like his predecessor Bruce Arians. AFC SOUTH by Paul Kuharsky Should I stay at the Marriott on Canal or the W hotel near the casino for Super Bowl Week in New Orleans? There is no way the Texans aren't going. I mean Houston's better than New England for sure. Two games have been very good, but Houston should beat up Miami and Jacksonville. Sunday's the Texans' first real test. Let's see how they do in hostile Denver against their old nemesis, Peyton Manning. Hey, look at how they reacted to adversity and responded. This team has some spunk and spark. Look how bad the Jaguars and Titans were? The Colts can get second place in the division and make a playoff bid. Easy there. It was a good win during which they showed some good qualities. The Colts are better than a team like Minnesota. They've shown they aren't one of the very bottom teams in the league. That team Sunday that was blown out by Houston looked an awful like last year's disaster. Jacksonville's doomed again. The Jaguars are pretty banged up and weren't likely to compete with Houston. If they can't measure up next week in Indy, then we'll start the doom and gloom talk. The Titans may be the worst team in the league. If they get the No. 1 pick in the draft, how much of a haul can they get by trading down to someone who wants a quarterback like Matt Barkley? It's too early to jump to that. They've been horrible, but we knew they were going to have a rough start with this schedule.

19 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39247/nfl-week-2-knee-jerk-reactions-2
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

11.00 | 0 komentar | Read More

NFL Power Rankings: NFC South

ATLANTA -- After Monday night's victory against Denver, the Atlanta Falcons are one of the top three teams in the NFL.

That's according to ESPN.com's Power Rankings. The Falcons, who were No. 6 last week, jumped up to No. 3 and trailed only the 49ers and Texans.

I don't think that's too high a ranking for the Falcons. But I do think they'll need to be more consistent to stay near the top. Their offense carried them in Week 1, but was relatively quiet Monday night and the defense had to carry them against the Broncos.

After the Falcons, there is a steep drop off until the rest of the NFC South teams. The Carolina Panthers, coming off a victory against New Orleans on Sunday, jumped four spots to No. 19. I think Carolina has the potential to be rated much higher, but the Panthers have to win some more games to prove that.

Despite losing to the New York Giants, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stayed put at No. 21, although Tom Coughlin reportedly had them at No. 33 on his ballot. Seriously, Tampa Bay's effort in a road game against the Giants came up short, but it got the attention of a lot of people.

Finally, the New Orleans Saints are the lowest-ranked team from the NFC South. That's the first time I can remember that happening.

The Saints fell eight spots to No. 24. The Saints still have enormous talent and it's hard to imagine them being ranked so low. But that's what happens when you start off 0-2.

19 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39236/nfl-power-rankings-nfc-south-3
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

NFC South programming notes

ATLANTA -- I'm about to begin another segment of a journey that feels more like an NBA road trip than an NFC South one.

After covering the Panthers and Saints in Charlotte on Sunday and the Falcons and Broncos in Atlanta on Monday night, I'm heading back to Charlotte. Instead of heading home for 24 hours or less, I've elected to go straight to Charlotte, where I'll be covering Thursday night's game between the Panthers and New York Giants at Bank of America Stadium.

I'll be out of pocket until later this afternoon, but stay tuned to the blog. We have some prepackaged stuff, including my take on where the NFC South teams are in the latest ESPN.com Power Rankings. I can't give away the rankings just yet, but I think you're going to be surprised by how highly one team is rated and how far another has fallen.

I'll check in from Charlotte later this afternoon.

19 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39241/nfc-south-programming-notes-65
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

09.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Michael Turner charged with DUI

ATLANTA – Running back Michael Turner reportedly was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding just hours after the Falcons defeated the Denver Broncos.

Turner, 30, was booked into jail at around 5 a.m. and released on bond a couple hours later. Police said Turner was driving 97 mph in a 65 mph zone.

"We are aware of the situation involving Michael and are in the process of gathering more information,'' the Falcons said in a statement. "Because this is now a legal matter, the club will have no further comment at this time."

Turner, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons with the Falcons, didn't have a huge impact Monday night. He carried 17 times for 42 yards, but 15 of those came on a late-game run. Turner did score on a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

The Falcons have said they want to limit Turner's number of carries this season. They have started giving second-year pro Jacquizz Rodgers more playing time and veteran Jason Snelling also remains available as a backup.

The Falcons are scheduled to play the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. That's the team Turner began his career with.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39233/michael-turner-charged-with-dui
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

08.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Statistical superlatives on the Falcons

September, 18, 2012

Sep 18

9:41

AM ET

ATLANTA -- With some help from ESPN Stats & Information and Atlanta's media relations department, let's take a look at some statistical superlatives from the Falcons' 27-21 win against the Denver Broncos at the Georgia Dome on Monday night.

• Atlanta's Matt Ryan didn't have a spectacular night in a game that many anticipated would be a shootout with Denver's Peyton Manning. But Ryan did outshine Manning in one key category. When it came to passing inside the numbers, Ryan completed 77.3 percent (17-of-22) of his passes, while Manning completed just 37.5 percent (6-of-16) of his attempts. Manning also threw all three of his interceptions inside the numbers. Also, Ryan was 5-of-6 for 75 yards when targeting Roddy White inside the numbers.
• Although the Falcons didn't get much out of their running game, they did well when it came to play-action passes. In those situations, Ryan was 12-of-13 for 95 yards and a touchdown.
• The Falcons are now 27-6 under coach Mike Smith in the Georgia Dome. The Falcons also are 5-0 in Smith's home openers.
• The Falcons forced four turnovers. That marked the 35^th time in the past 37 games that Atlanta has had at least one turnover.
• Atlanta running back Michael Turner didn't have a big night. But he scored on a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. That was Turner's 51^st touchdown run, a franchise record, since joining the Falcons in 2008. In that same time span, only Minnesota's Adrian Peterson has had more rushing touchdowns (54).
• The Falcons intercepted Manning three times in the first quarter. The last time the Falcons had three interceptions in a game wasn't that long ago. It came in the 2011 season finale against Tampa Bay. It also marked the first time in franchise history they've picked off three passes in the opening quarter. The Falcons previously had three interceptions in a quarter three times before. The first time was against Washington in the fourth quarter of a 1994 game. They also did it against Minnesota in the second quarter of a 2002 game and a 2003 game against Tampa Bay.
• The Falcons had takeaways on three straight possessions for the second straight game. They also had two interceptions and a fumble recovery in the season opener against Kansas City.
• In Smith's tenure, the Falcons now are 19-1 when they have had three or more takeaways in a game.
• This season, the Falcons lead the league with 26 points after takeaways.
• Ryan had a 101.5 passer rating. Dating back to last season Ryan has had a passer rating above 100 in three straight games. In Ryan's career, the Falcons are 25-0 when he has a passer rating of 100 or higher.
• Ryan now has 100 career touchdown passes.
• Since his entry into the league in 2008, the Falcons are 26-5 when Ryan has had two or more touchdown passes. He has at least one touchdown pass in 17 straight games and in 32 of his last 33 games.
• Ryan now has a franchise record 233 consecutive passes without an interception. The previous record was 197 attempts by Steve Bartkowski in 1982 and '83.
• White had 102 receiving yards. He has a franchise record 29 games with at least 100 receiving yards.

• ESPN NFC South Blogger
• Joined ESPN in 2008
• Began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990

Tags:

Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Roddy White, Peyton Manning, Adrian Peterson, Mike Smith, ESPN Stats & Information, Georgia Dome, Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, Monday Night Football, Steve Bartkowski

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39229/statistical-superlatives-on-the-falcons
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

07.00 | 0 komentar | Read More

Atlanta's defense winning with swagger

ATLANTA -- They still are wearing disguises -- lots of them -- but the days of the Atlanta Falcons masquerading as a team capable of going deep into the postseason might be ready to end.

If you saw Atlanta's defense in Monday night's 27-21 win against the Denver Broncos at the Georgia Dome, you probably didn't recognize it. It looked nothing like the Atlanta defense that spent the last four seasons without ever establishing any sort of true identity.

The Falcons have an identity now under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. They're aggressive, they've got swagger and, most important of all, the defense is capable of winning a game on a night when the offense never fully hit its stride.

The Falcons intercepted Peyton Manning on his first three drives, the first time in his career Manning has opened a game with three straight interceptions.

"It all came down to disguising things," said safety William Moore, who played what easily was the best game of his career.

Moore set up Atlanta's first touchdown with an interception and came up with a critical sack in the fourth quarter to help ice the game.

Let's begin with Moore's interception because that set the tone for the game. It started with a disguise. On Denver's third play of the game, Moore started off lining up at middle linebacker. As the ball was snapped, he quickly became a safety, dropping fast into coverage.

Moore picked off Manning's pass at the Denver 34-yard line and returned it to the 1-yard line to set Michael Turner's touchdown three plays later.

"It all comes down to looks," Moore said. "You can't show your hand to Peyton Manning or he'll eat you alive."

The Falcons threw all sorts of looks at Manning and he threw all sorts of uncharacteristic passes. They went almost all game with only two linebackers, sometimes only one, on the field. They lined up defensive backs at linebacker, sometimes dropping them into coverage and sometimes having them blitz.

Safety Thomas DeCoud picked off Manning on Denver's second drive and cornerback Robert McClain, who played only briefly while a couple of corners were banged up, came up with the first interception of his career on Denver's third drive.

"We were able to disguise our coverages pretty well," Atlanta coach Mike Smith said.

That's an understatement. The Falcons (2-0) left a certain Hall of Famer looking hopelessly confused. That's because the Falcons looked nothing like the play-not-to-lose defense they were under former coordinator Brian VanGorder. Under his watch, the Falcons played plenty of Cover Two and always seemed to be on their heels.

There's nothing laid-back about Nolan's defense. Outside linebackers Sean Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas were all over the field and the Falcons kept decent pressure on Manning. But it wasn't just Manning that was off balance.

Denver running back Knowshon Moreno lost a fumble near the end of the first quarter. Nicholas forced it and Weatherspoon recovered it as the Falcons finished the first quarter with four turnovers.

"It's Peyton Manning," DeCoud said. "We weren't expecting to get three or four turnovers right off the bat."

It turned out to be a very fortunate thing the Falcons got those early turnovers because their offense wasn't nearly as explosive as the defense. The Falcons managed only a touchdown and a field goal after the three Manning interceptions. They got only a field goal after the Moreno fumble. The offense seemed to go conservative at a time that it could have been blowing the Broncos out of the building. Turner looked slow as he finished with 42 yards on 17 carries and 15 of those yards came on a run late in the fourth quarter.

Wide receiver Julio Jones, who looked so good in the season opener, dropped several catchable passes and finished with four catches for 14 yards. Quarterback Matt Ryan (24-of-36 for 219 yards with two touchdowns), receiver Roddy White (eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown) and tight end Tony Gonzalez (seven catches for 70 yards and a touchdown) were the bright spots for an offense that wasn't nearly as good as it could have been.

But that's why the Falcons should take plenty of optimism out of this one. You look at their offensive talent and you know that they'll usually be more productive on that side of the ball.

The defense? That's another story.

This is an entirely new defensive scheme and a whole different attitude. If the Atlanta defense can go out and almost single-handedly beat Manning, the Falcons should be able to win a lot more games and they won't have to do it only with offense.

They suddenly have a defensive swagger.

"Hopefully, we made a big statement around the league," Moore said. "We went out and played an excellent game against the best quarterback in the league. If we have that [swagger] all season, it's going to be a great season."

If the Falcons play defense like this all season, they could be more than the winning team they've been in the Ryan/Smith era. They could have an explosive offense and an explosive defense and that -- at long last -- could take them a long way in the postseason.

 

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39217/atlantas-defense-winning-with-swagger
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

23.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rapid Reaction: Falcons 27, Broncos 21

ATLANTA -- Thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons' 27-21 victory against the Denver Broncos at the Georgia Dome on Monday night:

What it means: It wasn't the offensive shootout that many expected and it was far from the best game you'll ever see. But the bottom line is the Falcons are 2-0 and in sole possession of first place in the NFC South. They already have a two-game lead on the New Orleans Saints, who were supposed to be their main competition in the division.

What I liked: Atlanta's defense. The Falcons intercepted Peyton Manning three times in the first quarter. Aside from a touchdown drive at the end of the first half, Manning and the Broncos never really got into an offensive rhythm. This defense isn't perfect, but new coordinator Mike Nolan definitely has brought a more aggressive attitude.

What I didn't like: The officiating. It wasn't like the replacement officials totally were wrong on a bunch of calls. It's just that they didn't seem to have control of the game (and there were a couple times when their math seemed to be a little off when marking off penalties). There were a lot of flags thrown, a lot of back and forth with coaches and a lot of replays. The first half took almost two hours and the game didn't end until after midnight ET. The NFL is very conscious of its television audience. This was not a pretty game and, undoubtedly, a lot of viewers went to bed before it was over. If anything, this game might help prompt the league to resolve the labor situation with the regular officials.

What else I didn't like: The way Atlanta coach Mike Smith and/or offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter got so conservative with the play calling. The Falcons had a chance to blow the Broncos out early. Instead, they let them hang in way too late. It didn't result in disaster this time, but it's extremely dangerous to go conservative when you're playing against someone like Manning.

Game of his life: I thought Atlanta safety William Moore played as well as I've ever seen him play. He intercepted Manning on the first drive and returned the ball to the Denver 1-yard line, where the Falcons were able to punch it in for a quick touchdown. Moore also broke up another potential touchdown pass with a big hit on a receiver in the end zone and had good coverage all night. Moore also came up with a crucial sack midway through the fourth quarter.

Milestone time: The touchdown pass to Roddy White with 7:08 left in Matt Ryan's career.

Milestone-ending time: Atlanta receiver Julio Jones had the longest active streak in the league with at least one touchdown reception in his past five games. That streak is over. Jones didn't catch a touchdown Monday and also had several drops. White picked up the slack and carried Atlanta's receiving game. White topped the 100-yard mark in receiving for the 29^th time in his career.

What's next: The Falcons have a short week and a long road trip. They play at San Diego on Sunday afternoon. They'll practice Friday at their facility before making the flight Friday afternoon.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39210/rapid-reaction-falcons-27-broncos-21
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

21.39 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thoughts at halftime

ATLANTA -- Peyton Manning was still a young man when Monday night's game began.

By halftime, he's middle-aged. I'm not just saying that because Manning was intercepted three times in the first quarter. I'm saying that because the first half between the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons is one of the longest I've ever seen.

Blame it on replacement officials, lots of replay reviews, challenges and a couple of injuries. Whatever, this game probably isn't going to end until sometime Tuesday morning.

It's halftime now and the Falcons lead 20-7. That score is somewhat misleading because the Falcons should be leading something like 35-0, but Atlanta's offense has been strangely inconsistent.

That offense also has been way too conservative. It's almost like coach Mike Smith saw the early Manning interceptions and went to offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and said, "Let's play it safe''.

That's pretty much what the Falcons have done and it could end up coming back to bite them.

They were up 20-0, but Manning led a touchdown drive right at the end of the first half. That puts the Broncos within striking distance.

We'll find out in the second half if Smith and Koetter got too conservative. I'll be back after the game. Of course, that might not come until Tuesday morning.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39205/thoughts-at-halftime
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Jonathan Vilma meets with Goodell

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39196/video-jonathan-vilma-meets-with-goodell
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

16.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clabo, Weatherspoon active for Falcons

ATLANTA – There was some concern the Falcons would be without injured right tackle Tyson Clabo (hip) and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (hamstring) on Monday night.

Both players were listed as questionable, but there no longer is any question they'll both be in the starting lineup against the Broncos.

The Falcons just announced their inactives and Clabo and Weatherspoon are not on the list.

The inactives are quarterback Dominique Davis, safety Charles Mitchell, cornerback Terrence Johnson, center Joe Hawley and defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39198/clabo-weatherspoon-active-for-falcons
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

16.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Monday Night Live: Broncos-Falcons

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/38982/monday-night-live-broncos-falcons
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

15.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

NFC South evening update

September, 17, 2012

Sep 17

5:56

PM ET

ATLANTA -- Before we focus in fully on the "Monday Night Football" game between the Falcons and Broncos, let's take a quick spin to see what's going on elsewhere in the NFC South.

• Although he's been getting lots of heat for it, Tampa Bay Greg Schiano said he had no regrets about having his defense still playing hard as the Giants lined up in their victory formation Sunday. Schiano said that tactic worked for him at Rutgers. It's easy to say he's not at Rutgers anymore. But, if something has worked for you in the past, I don't see anything wrong with sticking to it.

• New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma arrived in New York for his meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday afternoon. I'd love to be a fly on that wall. No idea when Goodell will rule on discipline or if he'll backtrack on the original season-long suspension for Vilma. But, given how everything else has worked throughout the bounty drama, I'd expect this to drag on for at least a few more days.

• The Panthers have a couple of injuries and they have a short week as they face the Giants on Thursday night. Linebacker Thomas Davis' hamstring is minor, according to coach Ron Rivera. But the ankle injury to Byron Bell sounds like it could be a bit more serious. If Bell has to miss time, the Panthers can turn to Bruce Campbell or Garry Williams.

• ESPN NFC South Blogger
• Joined ESPN in 2008
• Began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990

Tags:

Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, NFC South, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Roger Goodell, Thomas Davis, Monday Night Football, Jonathan Vilma, Garry Williams, Ron Rivera, Byron Bell, Greg Schiano, Bruce Campbell

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39192/nfc-south-evening-update-40
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

15.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Spagnuolo: Time to look in the mirror

There was a very unique development in New Orleans on Monday.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who usually speaks to the media later in the week, called an audible. After consulting with the team's director of public relations, Spagnuolo decided to speak to the media Monday.

I salute Spagnuolo for being a stand-up guy. He realizes that, in the eyes of a lot of fans and media, he is the scapegoat for the team's 0-2 start. There might be some validity to that because the defense has been terrible in the first two games.

"I would say it first that I thought our defensive players played their butt off," Spagnuolo said. "There's no quit in these guys, none. There was no finger pointing. All there was was resolve. They all realize we're going through some growing pains here, but I think the growing pains will pay off in the end."

That was part of a lengthy opening statement from Spagnuolo. Before he even took the first question, he went on at length.

"I will also say that I strongly believe in two things,'' Spagnuolo said. "I believe in our players and our coaches and I believe in the scheme and unless something out of the sky falls, I'm not going to change in that regard. I do strongly believe in that. Having said that, we all realize that we're not happy or content with the performance of where we are at right now. That's obvious and when you get into a situation like this and firmly believe and we talked about it this morning, that you look in the mirror first. I'm going to look in the mirror with you and I'm going to tell you what I came up with when I looked in the mirror myself."

Again, I respect Spagnuolo for standing up and facing the music. But I'm not so sure it was best for him to break from routine and speak early. Although interim head coach Aaron Kromer also spoke to the media and defended the defense, putting Spagnuolo out there like that might be sending the wrong message.

It all depends on how you look at it, but I can see how this at least could give the impression of some division on a team that doesn't need any turmoil right now. This team needs unity.

Maybe Spagnuolo simply was throwing himself under the bus. But you could also walk away with the perception that he's getting pushed.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39186/spagnuolo-time-to-look-in-the-mirror
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

14.09 | 0 komentar | Read More

Preview of 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia'

ATLANTA – I just got into the Georgia Dome and had a preview of the "Monday Night Football'' opening song waiting in my mailbox.

It's a revised version of the 1979 "The Devil Went Down to Georgia'' song by the Charlie Daniels Band.

You can see the full lyrics here. But let me share the first few lines with you because I think they're pretty entertaining. Obviously, Daniels has changed the words to feature Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan and Peyton Manning.

Here you go:

Peyton went down to Georgia right out on the Falcons' home fieldHe was in a bind cause in the back of his mind he knew Ryan was the sho-nuff deal

The boy said my name's Matty and it might be a sin
But I'll make you a bet that you're gonna regret cause I'm the best there's ever been

Good stuff. But I will tell you this. I know Ryan fairly well. He has an inner confidence, but he's probably the last quarterback in the NFL that would ever claim publicly he's the best he's ever been.

Again, those are Daniel's words, not Ryan's. But, as I pointed in this column, this game gives Ryan an opportunity to really improve his perception on the national stage with a good performance and a victory.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39183/preview-of-the-devil-went-down-to-georgia
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

13.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Headed for the Georgia Dome

BUFORD, Ga. -- Since the traffic is probably the only thing I don't like about Atlanta, I'm going to start making my way down toward the Georgia Dome now in hopes of getting there before the worst of rush hour gets started.

A couple of broadcast notes: First, I'm scheduled to do a phone interview with SportsCenter at approximately 4:20 p.m. ET. Then, I'll follow that up at about 4:45 with an interview with Atlanta's 680 (AM) The Fan.

Once I get settled into the Georgia Dome, I'll check in to see what the other NFC South coaches had to say in their Monday media sessions. I'll also work ahead on some stuff for Tuesday.

Heck, I might even have enough time to check the Facebook pages of all the replacement officials, just to make sure none of them are Atlanta or Denver fans.

As we get toward the evening hours, I'll focus in on the "Monday Night Football'' game between the Falcons and Broncos. I'll get you the inactives about 90 minutes before kickoff and will weigh in if there is any pregame news or notes.

We'll be doing our Countdown Live chat once the game starts and I'll have Rapid Reaction right after the game and a full column a little bit later.

Meantime, I'll leave you with a little suggested reading:

• In this radio interview, Atlanta coach Mike Smith says he hasn't noticed a change in quarterback Matt Ryan. A lot of people are talking about the "new'' Ryan after his superb performance in Week 1. But I think Smith is right. Ryan hasn't changed. He's always been a hard worker, a leader and a good quarterback. People are just thinking he's more than that now and he may be. But it's not because he's changed. It's because the Falcons have surrounded Ryan with so much talent and they've brought in offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to run a system that suits his quarterback's skills very nicely.
• And check out this radio interview in which Denver cornerback Champ Bailey compares Atlanta receiver Julio Jones to a young Terrell Owens. In terms of athletic ability, I think that's a fair comparison. But I wouldn't compare the personalities of the two. I've yet to see any of the "diva'' attitude out of Jones that seems so common among Owens and many other big-name wide receivers.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39177/headed-for-the-georgia-dome-3
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

12.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Numbers: Saints are NFL's worst defense

We probably didn't need the NFL to tell us this because it was pretty obvious.

But the league just made it official that the New Orleans Saints have the league's worst defense. The NFL just put out its release ranking offense and defense through Sunday's games and the picture isn't pretty for the Saints.

They're No. 32 in overall defense. They're No. 32 against the run and they're tied for No. 26 against the pass.

And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are right behind them. The Bucs are No. 31 overall. They're No. 32 against the pass and No. 3 against the run.

The Atlanta Falcons play Monday night, so their ranking is based only on what they did in the season opener against Kansas City. The Falcons are ranked No. 22 overall (No. 29 against the run and No. 18 against the pass).

Barely, Carolina has the only NFC South defense in the top 20. The Panthers are No. 19 overall (No. 27 against the run and No. 13 against the pass).

Offensively, the NFC South teams rank much better, with three in the top 10.

The Saints are No. 3 overall (tied for third in passing and No. 19 in rushing). The Panthers are No. 8 overall (tied for No. 11 in rushing and No. 8 in passing). The Falcons are No. 10 overall (25^th in rushing and fifth in passing).

Tampa Bay is No. 29 in total offense. The Bucs are No. 29 in passing and tied for 15^th in rushing.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39165/numbers-saints-are-nfls-worst-defense
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

11.10 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Ryan, Gonzalez conversation

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

18 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39161/video-ryan-gonzalez-conversation
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

09.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Looking ahead to MNF: Broncos at Falcons

BUFORD, Ga. -- It's time to start looking ahead to the "Monday Night Football" game between the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos.

Let's take a look at some of the preview stuff from the pages of our site:

Here's my advance column on the game. It's about how Matt Ryan and the Falcons have played a lot of prime-time games in recent years, but the major storyline always has featured the opponent. The Falcons have a chance to start changing that against Denver.

Take a look at this Insider piece that examines how Denver's Peyton Manning and Ryan have fared historically when getting pressured by the pass rush. I don't think you'll be surprised by what the numbers have to say.

In this Insider piece , Ron Jaworski writes that Atlanta's offense is becoming elite. That's based on the season-opening performance against Kansas City, but I agree with Jaworski. I think Ryan will blossom because he's surrounded by so much talent at the skill positions. The only thing that could throw the Atlanta offense off track is if the offensive line has problems.

Here's our Monday Night HQ page, which features just about everything you could want to know about the game.

Also, we'll be doing Countdown Live throughout the game. Just check this blog this evening and you'll be able to get in. Please stop by and chat with us as we watch the Falcons and Broncos.

17 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39156/looking-ahead-to-mnf
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

08.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Experts: Greg Schiano was doing his job

Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano is getting some pretty strong support from high places for the way he handled the end of Sunday's loss to the New York Giants.

Although the Giants were lining up in the victory formation to run out the clock at the end of the game, Schiano still had his defense going hard and going after the ball. New York coach Tom Coughlin was critical of Schiano's tactics immediately after the game.

But, as the story comes under closer scrutiny Monday, others are saying there's nothing wrong with Schiano's approach.

"There's no doubt Tom Coughlin owes Greg Schiano an apology for how he reacted after the game,'' ESPN and former NFL analyst Ron Jaworski said in this radio interview .

Jaworski went on to say, "You play to the end of the game."

Former NFL player and coach Mike Ditka also said there was nothing wrong with what Schiano did in this radio interview .

"You've got pads and a helmet on," Ditka said. "The game's not over. Play."

I'm with Jaworski and Ditka on this one. If the Giants had been ahead by two scores or more, then Schiano might have been breaking some unwritten rules. But his team was down by only a touchdown. It was a long shot that the Giants would botch a snap or a handoff. But when you're only down a touchdown, you have to do everything you can with that hope in mind.

Coughlin might not have liked the way the Bucs played. But it's not Schiano's job to make Coughlin happy. His job is to try to win. He tried to do his job and he did it legally.

You're welcome to agree or disagree in the comments section below. Also, please head over to SportsNation, where you can cast a vote on whether you think Schiano or Coughlin is right on this one. Last I looked, the majority of fans were backing Schiano.

17 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39169/experts-greg-schiano-was-doing-his-job
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

07.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Looking back at Sunday by the numbers

BUFORD, Ga. -- I've set up temporary NFC South Blog headquarters here because it was a convenient and familiar stop on the way down from Charlotte on Sunday night. This is usually where I stay when I visit the Falcons during training camp at their nearby Flowery Branch facility.

I'll work out of here during the day Monday and head for the Georgia Dome late this afternoon for the "Monday Night Football" game between the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos.

But let's start the day of with some statistical reflections on the Sunday games involving the Buccaneers, Panthers and Saints, with some help from ESPN Stats & Information:

• In hindsight, maybe the Bucs shouldn't have blitzed Eli Manning so much in their 41-34 loss to the New York Giants. When Tampa Bay sent a defensive back after Manning, he completed nine of 14 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. In the fourth quarter alone, the Bucs blitzed Manning six times. In those situations, he completed four of six passes for 164 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown to Victor Cruz with 6:59 remaining.

• The Bucs signed receiver Vincent Jackson as a free agent because they wanted a downfield threat for quarterback Josh Freeman. So far, that's working out according to plan. Jackson was targeted eight times on passes at least 15 yards downfield. He caught five of them, all coming on throws of at least 17 yards, and finished with 128 yards and a touchdown.

• The Bucs extended their road losing streak to eight games.

• After rushing for only 10 yards in a season-opening loss to Tampa Bay, the Panthers rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns on 41 attempts in Sunday's 35-27 victory against New Orleans. It's crucial to point out that a big part of the reason the Panthers had so much success running the ball was because they took advantage of quarterback Cam Newton's ability to run the option. Of Carolina's 41 rushing plays, 23 were designed options and the Panthers had 143 yards and a touchdown. In Week 1, the Panthers only ran one option play and it went for a five-yard loss.

• Newton rushed for a career-high 71 yards and scored his 15^th career rushing touchdown. That ties Newton with Steve Grogan for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in his first two seasons. Grogan set the record in 1975-76. With 14 games remaining, I doubt Newton's going to remain tied with Grogan.

• Carolina safety Charles Godfrey returned an interception nine yards for a touchdown. That's a new team record for the shortest interception return for a touchdown in team history.

• Last year, New Orleans' Drew Brees led the NFL with a 59.8 completion percentage on throws of more than 10 yards downfield. In New Orleans' 0-2 start, Brees hasn't been nearly as efficient on such throws. He's completed 18 of 36 passes (50 percent) of more than 10 yards.

• The Saints have allowed 75 points in two games, tying them for worst in the league. The 75 points are the third-most allowed in team history through two games.

• The Saints are 0-2 for only the second time in the last 15 seasons. The only other time they've lost their first two in that span was 2007, when they started 0-4 and failed to make the playoffs.

17 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39151/looking-back-at-sunday-by-the-numbers-2
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

06.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

It's time for the Saints to panic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- To a man -- and that means players and coaches -- the New Orleans Saints say it's not time to panic.

So I'll go ahead and say: it is time to panic.

After Sunday's 35-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, it's time to sound every alarm there is.

Stop with the conspiracy theories. Even if side judge Brian Stropolo had been allowed to work the game with full Who Dat memorabilia under his officiating outfit, it wouldn't have made a bit of difference.

Oh, also, let's stop pointing to the absence of head coach Sean Payton and assistant head coach Joe Vitt.

"Sean Payton couldn't come out and run a route,'' New Orleans safety Malcolm Jenkins said. "Joe Vitt couldn't make a tackle.''

SportsNation: Saints fall to 0-2

After a tumultuous offseason, the Saints have opened the 2012 NFL season with back-to-back losses. Is it panic time in New Orleans?
Discuss and vote!

The simple fact is this: The Saints are not a good football team right now and that's on the players, largely veterans with a history of success, and not the coaches.

"No one's going to panic,'' interim head coach Aaron Kromer said. "Are we going to heat it up and are we going to keep working harder? Yes, we are.''

Heat it up and work harder, but go ahead and start panicking. It's time.

The fact is the Saints are 0-2, and the team that's dominated the NFC South in recent years is in sole possession of last place in the division. If the playoffs started today, the Saints wouldn't be in them.

When the playoffs start in January, the Saints won't be in them unless something dramatic changes.

"I'm telling you, we're going to stick together,'' Kromer said. "We're going to right the ship and we're going to win more games than we're going to lose. That's what we're going to do.''

I'm not ruling out the possibility Kromer could end up being right. The Saints have a tremendous collection of talent. Just on personnel, this team isn't that much different than the one that went 13-3 last season.

But that's the problem. The Saints aren't playing anywhere near their potential and the numbers are working against them. According to ESPN Stats & Information, teams that have started 0-2 since the playoffs were expanded to 12 teams in 1990, have made the postseason only 12 percent of the time.

The numbers also suggest the 1-1 Panthers and Buccaneers have a 41-percent chance of ending up in the playoffs. Two weeks ago, who would have put the odds on the Bucs and Panthers to be mathematically so far ahead of the Saints?

That's why it was so strange to hear Kromer open his post-game news conference by raving about how much the Panthers improved in a week.

"That's a good football team that didn't win last week,'' Kromer said. "But this week, you can see the progress that they're making.''

What may be even more disturbing than Kromer taking note of how the Panthers improved is that he also tried to make it sound like the Saints made significant strides from their Week 1 loss to the Washington Redskins and rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III.

"We asked them to cut the penalties down,'' Kromer said. "We asked them to convert third downs and we did both of those things.''

Hey, that's just fantastic. The Saints didn't have a lot of penalties and they did a better job on third downs. But how do you explain Drew Brees getting picked off twice, including a pick six to wide-open Carolina safety Charles Godfrey?

More importantly, how do you explain a defense that got lit up for the second straight week?

"We've played the most unconventional offenses in the National Football League,'' Kromer said. "You go from RG3 and then to Cam Newton, they're just unconventional. Do we have to do better against those style of offenses? Yeah, we do. But we need to get settled in on that style. We played two good offenses. We just need to keep plugging away on defense.''

Nice try, but I'm not buying it. Yes, Griffin and Newton are unique. But defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his players get paid a lot of money to slow down whatever challenge is in front of them.

So far, they haven't stopped anything. That's ironic because the common belief in the offseason was that Spagnuolo would come in and totally fix a defense that got the Saints bounced out of the playoffs the last two seasons. He came with a wonderful reputation from his previous days as a defensive coordinator. But now you have to start wondering why Spagnuolo failed as head coach of the St. Louis Rams.

More than that, I wonder if Spagnuolo has the personnel he needs to make his defensive scheme succeed. Before he began his eight-game suspension, general manager Mickey Loomis did a great job of overhauling the linebacker corps. But the Saints didn't make any major moves up front to improve the pass rush and it's well documented that Spagnuolo likes to generate most of his pass rush with his front four.

The Saints sacked Newton only once as he completed 14 of 20 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown. They also allowed Newton to gain 71 yards on 13 carries and the Panthers to rack up 219 yards on the ground after Carolina rushed for only 10 yards against Tampa Bay last week.

There's room to wonder about a lot of things with the Saints.

"Now, it's a matter of going out and actually getting a win, catching a breaking, having one go your way and get on a winning streak,'' Brees said. "We have done a great job of doing that here in the past. There is always adversity. Unfortunately, it has come to us a little bit sooner than we expected with the 0-2 start."

The Saints started 0-2 once before in the Brees era. That was in 2007. The Saints opened 0-4, spent the rest of the season trying to dig themselves out of a hole and didn't make the playoffs.

That's why it's not too early for the Saints to panic. If they don't do it now, they might find themselves in a situation where it's too late to panic.

17 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39138/its-time-for-the-saints-to-panic
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

16.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wrap-up: Giants 41, Buccaneers 34

Thoughts on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 41-34 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

What it means: I'm not a big believer in moral victories, but what the Bucs did Sunday came about as close to that as possible. They went on the road and took the defending Super Bowl champions right down to the wire. They blew a big lead, but showed plenty of character by rallying to tie the game late on a touchdown pass from Josh Freeman to Mike Williams. I look at the Bucs and see a team that definitely is way better than last season. But this one showed they haven't turned the corner yet. They're a .500 team right now.

What I liked: A defense that intercepted Eli Manning three times (Mason Foster, Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright each had a pick) in the first half.

What I didn't like: A defense that, when all was said and done, allowed Manning to throw for 510 yards and three touchdowns. You can win a lot of games when you're scoring 34 points, but not too many when your defense is giving up 41 points.

Free agents paying off: So far, it looks like Tampa Bay's decision to spend big money in free agency was a wise one. Wright had the big interception and the Bucs finally have given Freeman a true No. 1 wide receiver. Vincent Jackson had five catches for 128 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown.

What's next: The Bucs travel to Dallas next Sunday to play the Cowboys.

17 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39131/wrap-up-giants-41-buccaneers-34
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

14.39 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rapid Reaction: Panthers 35, Saints 27

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Thoughts on the Carolina Panthers' 35-27 victory against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

What it means: The Panthers are 1-1 and showed signs that their poor performance against Tampa Bay in the opener was a fluke. This time, the Panthers got back to the creative and explosive style of offense they played last season. Their defense was far better than it was last season when injuries devastated the unit. The Saints are 0-2 and in deep trouble. Their season is far from over. But they've dug themselves a deep hole and there isn't a lot of reason for optimism because the offense and the defense have had very few bright spots.

Rebound of the week: This goes to Carolina offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. He drew harsh criticism for the debacle in Tampa Bay. Every bit of the criticism was deserved because Chudzinski showed no imagination and failed to get much out of a talented unit. But that all changed against the Saints. Chudzinski got back to making the running game a big part of the offense. That led to openings for the downfield passing game. The reverse to Brandon LaFell in the first half was one of the best play calls I've seen so far in this young season.

Rebound of the week II: Carolina receiver Steve Smith got carted off the field with about eight minutes left in the third quarter with an apparent leg injury. Smith came out of the locker room and back onto the field a few minutes later and made a long catch that helped set up a Carolina touchdown.

Fall of the week: Take your pick of either New Orleans interim head coach Aaron Kromer or defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. They both are going to take plenty of heat from Saints' fans. I tend to put more blame on Spagnuolo's defense than anything else. It's just not working very well so far this season. Makes you wonder if the Saints should have made more off-season personnel moves on their defensive line to better fit Spagnuolo's scheme. I've heard plenty of offenses described as bland through the years. But I think you could call what we've seen of Spagnuolo's defense so far very bland. I also think it would be fair to describe the New Orleans defense as not being very good and that might be an understatement.

Whatever happened to Marques Colston? He's been New Orleans' top receiver since his arrival in 2006. But Colston was barely a factor for much of the day. Give Carolina's secondary, which includes rookie cornerback Josh Norman, a lot of credit for keeping Colston quiet.

Up to the challenge: Speaking of keeping Colston quiet, you have to give kudos to Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. His unit didn't completely silence Drew Brees, but no defense does that. What Carolina's defense did was put solid pressure on Brees. The Panthers forced some mistakes and made Brees look relatively ordinary. McDermott took lots of heat last year when Carolina's defense was banged up and playing badly. Give the man credit this time for containing one of the league's best offenses -- or at least what used to be one of the league's best offenses.

What's next: The Panthers have to deal with a very short turnaround. They host the New York Giants on Thursday night. The Saints return home to play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

17 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39126/rapid-reaction-panthers-35-saints-27
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

13.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Steve Smith carted off

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith was carted off the field at Bank of America Stadium with 8:17 remaining in the third quarter with an apparent leg injury.

Smith went down after getting tangled up with New Orleans cornerback Patrick Robinson, who was called for pass interference on the play.

Smith was dealing with a knee injury in the days leading into the game and was listed as questionable. It's not clear if the injury is to the same knee.

Smith returned to the sideline with 5 minutes left in the quarter. He stayed on the sideline for a couple of offensive plays before returning to the game.

17 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39120/steve-smith-carted-off
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

12.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

{Article}

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

16 Sep, 2012

-
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/feed?blog=nfcsouth
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

12.17 | 0 komentar | Read More