2013-2014 Season NFL Draft: Top 5 Picks – Week 9 predictions

There are many players that we know of from college who can easily make it to the NFL. Here are my Top 5 draft picks, after week 9:

#1 Pick by the Kansas City Chiefs: Quarterback Geno Smith (West Virginia Moutaineers)

Geno Smith out of West Virginia is a player that reminds many of RG3 in Baylor and how he started off his NFL career with the Washington Redskins, as well as Donovan McNabb in Syracuse and in his early years as an Eagles player, and Andrew Luck in Stanford. Matt Cassel literally sucks, so don’t be surprised to see Smith in a red and white Chiefs uniform.

#2 Pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars: Quarterback Matt Barkley (USC Trojans)

It’s pretty obvious that Matt Barkley will go Number 2 (if he doesn’t go number 1), and he has shown us that so far. He plays like an NFL QB and he can make the right plays at the right time. The only reason that I wouldn’t put him as the number 1 pick is because he can’t escape from all the pressure that the defenses are giving him. Also, he got a lot of criticism after the USC Trojans lost to the Stanford Cardinal 21-14.

#3 Pick by the Cleveland Browns: Defensive End Barkevious Mingo (LSU Tigers)

The Cleveland Browns have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, but a defense that many coaches might not want to rely on. Mingo could very easily change that. Though, the Browns have to make the right pick, or else Mingo is out of the picture!

#4 Pick by the Carolina Panthers: Wide Receiver Keenan Allen (Cal aka California Golden Bears)

The Carolina Panthers don’t have a star wide receiver other than Steve Smith, so the speedy Allen out of Cal is the perfect choice. He has a 6’3”, 210 pound frame. He is one of the fastest wide receivers in the country. He has the explosiveness to make big catches, and the agility to make defenders miss. The Panthers can’t pass off on Allen, no matter what circumstances may lie in front of them.

#5 Pick by the Washington Redskins: Defensive End Sam Montgomery (LSU Tigers)

The Washington Redskins have a similar situation to what the Cleveland Browns are going through, so Montgomery is the perfect choice. Washington needs a player at defense so that he can fill in when players like Brian Orakpo or London Fletcher or anyone else gets injured, he can fill in. Though, he can still get valuable playing time even when there are no injuries (or any major injuries). He is a player who is very tough to block, and he is the best, most reliable pass-rusher in the country. The Redskins should definitely take advantage of this high pick to be able to get a player such as Sam Montgomery who can also play at the Left Outside Linebacker position. He played Left Outside Linebacker on many key and crucial 3rd down plays for LSU. He is a great pass-rusher who has the speed and power to get the job done for LSU defense (which was number 1 in the country in the 2011-2012 NCAA Football season) and possibly for the Washington Redskins defense (if he gets drafted by the team)!

Eagles vs. Saints: Can the Eagles End Their Struggles?

The Philadelphia Eagles were coming in as huge NFC East contenders and also a huge shot at the playoffs in the NFC, though so far, it has slipped away. The Eagles have recorded 17 turnovers through 7 games, 11 coming from Michael Vick. Vick has lost 3 fumbles and 8 INTs this season. Can they change that? We shall wait…and see…

Keys to Winning

Eagles:

#1: Contain Drew Brees

Brees is a QB who loves to take his time in the pocket. He hasn’t been sacked many times, though if Philadelphia wants a chance to win, then the D must use some type of blitz-coverage type of package for a chance to win. The Eagles have the best defense in the NFL, so the Eagles could force a lot of punts and field goals, and definitely not a lot of touchdowns or 3rd down conversions in this game.

#2: Limit Turnovers!!!

JUST LIMIT TURNOVERS!!! The Eagles offense have been struggling due to turnovers. Vick needs to take his time to find a receiver instead of just throw the ball half a second later.

Saints:

#1: Force Turnovers

The Saints have to think total opposite of what the Eagles offense is thinking. FORCE TURNOVERS, no matter what type of circumstances!!!

#2: Run the Ball Effectively

The New Orleans Saints have to make adjustments to their offensive line when running the ball in this game. The Eagles are one of the best run defenses in the league thanks to Middle Linebackers Demeco Ryans and Jamar Chaney, and Defensive End Trent Cole. Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas will have a hard time running the ball. New Orleans Saints Offensive Lineman, make adjustments as soon as possible.

My call: The Eagles will FINALLY end their struggles and should win big. The final score after 60 minutes of play: Eagles 38, Saints 26

When: Monday, November 5th, 2012; 8:30pm

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America, Home of the New Orleans Saints

Weather: Indoor Stadium (Closed Roof Dome)

Spread: Eagles win by 12 points

NY Jets to Trade Tebow???

There have been rumors that QB Tim Tebow might be traded so that he can become the starter of that team. Here are some trades that could suit Tebow and the Jets as well as many other teams.

Trade Option 1: Tebow to the Carolina Panthers for QB Cam Newton

Many are considering the fact that Newton should be traded, so this will suit both teams because both teams want to trade their QBs from their respective teams.

Trade Option 2: Tebow to the Philadelphia Eagles for QB Michael Vick

Eagles fans desperately want a new QB or at least some new type of offensive scheme that will help them win more games throughout the 2nd half of the season. Tebow might help in some type of way.

Trade Option 3: Tebow and LaDanian Tomlinson to the Jacksonville Jaguars for RB Maurice Jones-Drew and QB Blaine Gabbert

Before Tebow was traded to NY, there were many rumors that he would go to the Jaguars. Many Florida Gators fans would want him back in Jacksonville.

Trade Option 4: Tebow to Arizona Cardinals for John Skelton

Arizona’s offense was red-hot to begin the season, though when Kevin Kolb went down with a ribs injury, John Skelton had took over. After Derek Anderson signed a contract with the Panthers, Skelton had to take over at QB. He was 3-4 as a starter and he was excellent as the starter. Now, it seems that he is a player that has literally lost his mind. If the Cardinals take Tebow in this possible trade, then Tebow might get some great playing time at QB due to the advantage he has with Kolb out, and having targets such as Larry Fitzgerald, Early Doucet, Todd Heap, Jeff King, and rookie Michael Floyd from the University of Notre Dame.

Trade Option 5: Tebow released from Jets and signed by the New England Patriots

When Peyton Manning went to the Denver Broncos, Tebow’s contract was up, and so Denver sent him to the Jets. The Jets are thinking about releasing him, so him going to the Pats would be good because he could play the wildcat or as a RB. Or, Tebow could replace Tom Brady and they could split playing time between each other, so Tebow could play the 1st half, and Brady will lead the way in the 2nd half.

My call: Tebow will either end up in Philadelphia (Philly), Boston (New England), or in Carolina. The Jets will most likely decline all trades from Jacksonville, even though Jacksonville or Carolina are probably the 2 best choices for the Jets to stick with, especially if they want to get rid of Tim Tebow. And so, Tebow ends up in which uniform? We shall await the New York Jets decision from November 1st onwards. Tebow?? Where could he possibly end up before the end of November???

Redskins vs. Giants: The NFC East Decider

The Washington Redskins are huge underdogs coming into this game, though my prediction is that these 2 teams will go 1-2 in the NFC East and ease into the playoffs. Whoever wins is No. 1 in the division, and the loser gets No. 2. This game is between 2 teams that have MVP-caliber quarterbacks in potential rookie of the year Robert Griffin III and 2-time Super Bowl MVP, Eli Manning. This is a matchup of 2 QBs selected as either No. 1 or No. 2. This also features 2 teams that are tied for the 2nd highest points scored per game.

Key Matchups

RG3 vs. Eli Manning

In a matchup that is very important, this is what I expect.

RG3:

30-36, 309 yards, 1 TD, 12 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD

Griffin is going to have a fantastic performance against the Giants, a team that has just 3.5 sacks in the last 4 games and have one of the lowest amount of sacks by any defense.

Eli Manning

29-45, 305 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Manning will have a great game, though not as spectacular as Griffin’s. Expect some struggles.

My call: The Redskins will win a close battle, winning 26-19.

Chargers vs. Broncos, Manning vs. Rivers

Peyton Manning has had many struggles against the Chargers throughout his career. Philip Rivers has always won the best of the best vs. Manning, though in a new chapter of his career, he might end his great struggles. Here’s how well I think Philip and Peyton will matchup.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos QB

My prediction:

His stats will be amazing, and he’ll end up burning Quintin Jammer and the ‘Bolts secondary.

28-40, 399 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers QB

My prediction:

He has improved to start the season after having 11 picks throughout the first 6 games of last season. His stats will not be as impressive, and he’ll struggle against this great pass rush led by Von Miller, and a great secondary led by Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey, and Andrè Goodman.

19-38, 209 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs, 1 FUM

My call:

The great Peyton Manning will win the duel against Philip Rivers and end his struggles. The Broncos will win big 28-10.

NFL Week 5: The Injury Report

Week 5 has been a week in the NFL which has been full of injuries to many key players from their respective teams. Let’s have an update to see how bad the outcome of these injuries are.

Lamaar Woodley: Right Hamstring, Questionable Return.

Woodley’s injury seemed scary at first, but the Steelers won’t have to worry after the great play by backup linebackers Lawrence Timmons and James Worilds. Woodley had not registered a tackle or any other defensive stat.

Troy Polamalu: Aggravating Right Calf, Out Week 6 (vs. Titans).

Polamalu’s injury will be very serious. The Steelers only hope at Strong Safety is Ryan Clark, who says that it is hard to see Polamalu get hurt after forcing Michael Vick’s second fumble (which he recovered and fell 1 yard shy of the end zone).

Robert Griffin III: Mild Concussion, Questionable Week 6 Return.

RG3’s season has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s had one of the best rookie seasons you could’ve imagined from a rookie quarterback. This will hurt for Redskins fans. The Redskins are testing out Kirk Cousins and Rex Grossman.

BJ Raji: Ankle, Expected to Play Week 6.

Raji has been one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL, and for Green Bay players and coaching staff, the injury sure did look ugly. Luckily for the Packers, Raji is to return for Week 6.

Cedric Benson: Foot, Questionable Return.

Many said that he would be the best running back in Packers history, though his dreams of being a great back were shattered. Packers are looking to use John Kuhn on a lot of rushing plays.

Andre Brown: Concussion, Questionable Return.

Brown was looking to impress a lot of experts this season with his great speed and blocking ability. The Giants used a good 200 rushing yards from Ahmad Bradshaw, so there’s no need to worry for NY Giants fans.

Will it be a big return and bounce-back for these players, or will some have to go home and cheer on their team as a spectator? What’s next for these players and their future? We shall wait to find out what will happen…

Is Tebow-mania Nearing?

Tonight will be the game where the Jets might have to sit Sanchez out, so Tebow will probably be able to play most of this game. Here are my predictions for Tebow, and what he needs to do to help his team beat the powerful Houston Texans.

If I’m the coach of the New York Jets, I’d tell Tebow that he needs to throw moment he finds an open receiver, and not try to run the ball that much. John Fox, the Broncos coach, had told this to Tebow many times, and still Tebow hasn’t found enough success ever since he left the University of Florida. I would only tell Tebow to run if it is play action in the shotgun, and the defense doesn’t seem like they’re going to blitz. Tebow should also set up a lot of screenplays, since he has had lots of success with that play.

My expectations for Tebow (if he were to follow this advice):

Tebow’s stats:

19-20, 228 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 18 carries, 108 yards, 2 TDs, 0 FUMs

My expectations for Tebow (if he wouldn’t follow this advice):

Tebow’s stats:

8-20, 88 passing yards, 0 TDs, 4 INTs, 20 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, 1 FUM

I think that if Tebow wants to win, he should follow this advice.

My call: Tebow shall follow this advice given, and Tebowmania survives Arian Foster and Co. in a huge comeback in the 4th quarter. The Jets D might struggle, though Tebow knows how to roll and rally in the 4th. It will be a well-matched game. I would love to see Jets win with final second field goal 24-21.

Redskins vs. Falcons, RG3 vs. Matt Ryan

We have seen the best from both RG3 and Matt Ryan, and it will be a key matchup coming into the game on Sunday afternoon @ 1pm EST. Both players have thrown for 300+ yards passing, though their respective RBs have also come into the fun and have been very successful at protecting their QB and running the ball for their teams.

Key Matchup

RG3 vs. Matt Ryan

RG3. Whenever you hear his name, you think rookie of the year, and he has played with an attitude to do just that. He has thrown for 1,070 yards and 4 TDs, which is pretty impressive because he runs the ball very effectively (He has a 101.1 QB rating). He has run for 234 yards off just 41 carries, which for a QB is pretty impressive. RG3 must make sure that he doesn’t throw any interceptions against a great pass coverage defense.

Matt Ryan. A true MVP candidate for this season. He has shown us how well he can pass the ball this season, and he has passed the ball much more effectively than all of his previous seasons. He has the highest QB rating (112.1). He has thrown 1,162 yards and 11 TDs. He was sacked 9 times vs. Panthers last Sunday in the 30-28 win and threw for 369 yards and 3 TDs, which was 4 yards short of tying his career-high in yards thrown in one game. The offensive line must protect Ryan against a furious blitzing team.

My call: It will be a big fight, but the Redskins have a great chance on their home field against a tough team. It will certainly be a battle of which team can pass and/or run the football better. The offensive line will need to protect their QB’s and RB’s for a chance to win. RG3 and the ‘Skins shall end the Falcons undefeated season and improve to 3-2. Redskins, 31 Falcons, 30

My Super Bowl Picks – after week 4

The unusual start to the season was expected, such as the Falcons going 4-0. But can the Packers and the Patriots take a step forward after starting 2-2. What will happen next?

Here are my picks of the Super Bowl:

Texans vs. Falcons:

They are the 2 best defenses led by JJ Watt and Asante Samuel. They will be big for the Super Bowl XLVII.

My call: Falcons 27, Texans 20 Not only does the defense keep it close, but the offense will keep it even more competitive.

OR

Ravens vs. Cardinals:

The Ravens have allowed the 3rd least amount of points per game. The Cardinals have allowed the least amount of points in the league.

My call: Ravens 31, Cardinals 20 The Ravens are a better, more physical team compared to the Cardinals despite the fact they have an equal amount of Super Bowl appearances. Ravens offense should play well against a run-happy defense and a pass-happy offense.

How The Packers Won @ Lambeau

The Packers fans probably wanted some payback after the remembrance of 9.24.2012 @ Seattle, where MD Jennings intercepted the football, but the replacement officials said that Golden Tate had more control of the ball than Jennings (the replacement refs sucked and were very in-diligent. Packers fans came in wearing THE WORST CALL EVER shirts…

 

Okay, now to the game.

 

  • Rodgers went 31-49 for 318 yards, 4 TDs
  • Brees went 35-44 for 446 yards, 3 TDs

 

Now, Brees threw 128 yards more than Rodgers, but that is not the case.

 

4th quarter 2:58 left, and the Saints attempt a field goal of 48 yds. John Casey’s kick is good, but Daniel Thomas is called for a 10 yard holding penalty. The Packers declined the penalty to get the ball back

 

The Packers decided to let Cedric Benson and Randall Cobb run the ball and kill the last 2:50.

 

Aaron Rodgers had 3 TDs in the 1st half. 2 of those 3 were on connections to James Jones, who had a big game towards receiving, and will be a big part of the Packer offense this season.