2018 NFL Draft 

 

 

1. Cleveland Browns:  Josh Allen

 

I have the Browns selected the strong armed Allen over the likes of Sam Darnold. Allen is familiar with the weather conditions they face in Cleveland as he did in Wyoming. He will have time, at least this year to soak up the NFL from the bench behind Tyrod Taylor and learn to adapt better.

 

2. New York Giants: Bradley Chubb

 

The Giants would benefit from a trade down, but most teams (Bills/Cardinals) who need a QB would mortgage the future of the team and give up 4 picks minimum to get here. So I slot the G-Men with the best pure edge rusher in the draft being Chubb. He is explosive off the edge, and will replace JPP who the Giants traded to Tampa earlier this year.

 

3. New York Jets: Sam Darnold

 

The Jets have the best rated Quarterback fall into their laps, as the Giants decide to address an need over a want. Darnold has the complete package from field vision, to good arm strength and drive to win. He will need to get better at decision making, and the added pressure is the Jets traded up well before the draft to get a instant impact QB.

 

4. Cleveland Browns: Saquon Barkley

 

The Browns already addressed the future at the Quarterback position, now they take the top rated offensive player on the board. Barkley is a complete player, and can play all 4 downs. He has speed, some power and can catch. Even with the addition of Hyde in the offseason, the Browns can't pass on a weapon like this. With plenty of picks, they can address other needs in the next round.

 

5. Denver Broncos: Quentin Nelson

 

With the Broncos having issues on the offensive line last season, they decide Nelson over Mayfield to help protect Case Keenum. Nelson has been the best guard prospect in some time, and is a absolute force to deal with.

 

6. Indianapolis Colts: Tremaine Edwards

 

The Colts in this scenario miss out on Quentin Nelson, who would be a huge upgrade to their offensive line. So they address the defense, getting a very young and talented linebacker who can do a bit of everything. Edwards is only 19, and brings young to a ugly defense. A trade down with a team like the Bills is also possible.

 

7. Tampa Bay Buccs: Denzel Ward

 

Tampa has many needs on defense, but with acquiring JPP, they helped in one area of need. So they grab the best cover corner who has good speed and good hands. Ward is the top corner, and gets paired with Vernon Hargreaves.

 

8. Buffalo Bills: Baker Mayfield               (Bears get: #12, #53)

 

The first trade of the draft, with Buffalo moving ahead of Miami to make sure they get the QB they want. Mayfield proves he can win, and play big when his team needed him. He does have a wild personality at times, but I think he matures and learns to adapt to the NFL.

 

9. San Francisco 49ers:  Roquan Smith

 

The 49ers have to address the linebacker position even more now with the issues Rueben Foster has going on. They brought both Edwards and Smith in for visits, and Smith is available for them. He brings a lot of speed to the position, and is good at slipping blocks as well as chasing down opponents.

 

10. Oakland Raiders: Minkah Fitzpatrick

 

The Raiders have glaring needs at both cornerback and safety, so why not draft someone who has played and can play both positions? Fitzpatrick brings his versatility, ball skills and football IQ to a John Gruden led team.

 

11. Arizona Cardinals:  Josh Rosen             (Dolphins get: #15, 2nd rd pick in 2019)

 

The Cardinals are in desperate need to address the QB position, and with Rosen falling they call Miami and get a top signal caller. Rosen brings experience under center, and someone who can deliver in the pocket under pressure. He will need to mature, and get people to buy in that he can be a leader.

 

12. Chicago Bears:  Will Hernandez

 

After a trade down because target Denzel Ward was picked, the Bears select Hernandez who had a great combine. His brute power and ability to both pass and run block will help replace Josh Sitton, and make Mitch Trubisky feel more at piece.

 

13. Washington Redskins: Vita Vea

 

The Redskins ranked last against the run last year, and haven't had a good nose tackle in some time. Enter Vea, who is a "dancing bear" as some experts call him. He has top level strength, can eat up blocks and provides decent speed for a big boy.

 

14. Green Bay Packers: Josh Jackson

 

The Packers have had issues at the cornerback position for several years, letting Casey Hayward leave, and trading Damarius Randell this offseason. They select Josh Jackson, who defended 27 passes and produced 8 interceptions.

 

15. Miami Dolphins: Da'Ron Payne

 

The Dolphins moved on from Suh, and literally have a big hole to feel at defensive tackle. With Vea off the board, they can get the 2nd best defensive tackle in Payne. He can handle taking on blocks, has good strength and has multiple moves to get pressure.

 

16. Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Ridley

 

It seems the Ravens issues at receiver never really worked out with those they brought in last year, so the take Ridley and pair him with Crabtree. Ridley is explosive with speed, and the ability to separate if corners give him some room.

 

17. LA Chargers: Mike McGlinchey

 

The Chargers have done a good job already addressing the offensive line last draft, getting Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeny for the guard spots. Now they go get the best tackle in the draft, and continue overhauling the once weakest spot on the team from 2 years back. They also added Mike Pouncey at center this offseason.

 

18. Seattle Seahawks: Derwin James

 

The Seahawks need to start rebuilding their strong point that use to be, the defense and what way to do that by getting James. James is a force, and a big hitter who will replace Kam Chancellor who's future is in jeopardy with a neck injury.

 

19. Dallas Cowboys: Tavon Bryan

 

The Cowboys release of Dez Bryant might argue receiver is the top need, but they signed both Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson in the offseason to go with Williams, Beasley and Switzer. They have problems on the defensive line getting pressure outside of Demarcus Lawrence. Bryan can help bring inside pressure at the d tackle spot, and also brings some position flexibility on the line.

 

20. Detroit Lions: Marcus Davenport

 

New head coach Matt Patricia has a decision to make, address a weak pass rush or also weak offensive line. Being a defensive minded coach, and that Ensah is only under the tag this year they opt for defensive line. Davenport brings his small school ability speed and quickness off the edge, and has impressed at the combine and pro day.

 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: James Daniels

 

With Russell Bodine leaving in free agency, the interior of the offensive line is in big trouble, so taking flexible center/guard Daniels is ideal. His position ability allows the Bengals to have some options of their line. They already addressed tackle with acquiring Cordy Glenn from the Bills.

 

22. Buffalo Bills:  Isaiah Wynn

 

With a trade up earlier the Bills landed their Quarterback of the future being Baker Mayfield. They need to address the offensive line for him, with Eric Wood and Richie Incognito retiring. Isaiah Wynn is a good option, as he can play both guard and tackle if needed. His strength and positive use of his hands with allow him to start day 1.

 

23. New England Patriots: Rashaan Evans

 

The Patriots acquired this from the Rams for Cooks, and use it to address it's biggest need on defense. They were beat most of the year by running backs who matched up against linebackers. Evans brings many things, included the new age size and speed linebackers are looking like. He can cover, rush off the edge, and delay blitz up the middle. Pairing him another Bama linebacker in Hightower would be ideal.

 

24. Carolina Panthers: Cortland Sutton

 

The Panthers dealt Cam's favorite target away being Kelvin Benjamin to the Bills, and need to replace him. Cortland Sutton brings a big frame to them, bringing good size/speed combination and someone who can fight through traffic/contact.

 

25. Tennessee Titans: Harold Landry

 

The Titans made a big move to address the corner position getting Malcolm Butler paired with former Patriot Logan Ryan. Now they can address pass rush, as both Orakpo and Morgan are aging and free agents after this year. Landry can rush off the edge and uses his hands well, but also can drop in coverage.

 

26. Atlanta Falcons: Maurice Hurst

 

The Falcons have a solid defensive core that is young, but they need to pair someone with Grady Jarrett. Hurst also brings interior power and quickness, similar to Jarrett, but brings a bit more speed allowing him to penetrate gaps better and move along the line.

 

27. New Orleans Saints:  Mike Gesicki

 

The Saints had a great year, and struck gold in the draft with both Lattimore and Kamara. Their offense was good, but lacked production from the tight ends. Mike Gesicki will provide good speed, hands and route running to stretch the field like the Jimmy Graham days.

 

28. Pittsburg Steelers: Justin Reid

 

The Steelers also can consider linebacker, but they have drafted many in the last 3-4 years as TJ Watt was a good selection last season. With Ryan Shazier up in the air they will have a tough decision. They have missed a impact safety since Troy Polumalu and released Mike Mitchell this offseason. Reid has good football IQ, and can play deep cover or play up in the box.

 

29. Jacksonville Jaguars:  Connor Williams

 

The Jaguars made a big move signing Andrew Norwell to solidify left guard for some time, but the right side of the line also needs help. Williams played tackle at Texas, but some view him as a guard in the NFL. It will keep Blake Bortles happy, and Leonard Fornette.

 

30. Minnesota Vikings: Billy Price

 

The Vikings had a great season end short to the soon to be Super Bowl champs. They added Kirk Cousins, and he inherits some great offensive weapons in Diggs, Rudolph, Thielen and Cook. Getting additional help for the offensive line to keep him protected is needed, so they take a flyer on the best rated center in the draft. Price is very good, but is recovering from a injury in which he should be ready for pre-season.

 

31. Indianapolis Colts: Kolton Miller                         (Pats receive : #36, #67

The Colts have many needs on both sides of the ball, and got extra picks in the trade with the Jets. After addressing linebacker, they go with Miller at tackle. They need to protect Andrew Luck, and Miller has elite size and showed off in the combine from speed, bench and positional drills.

 

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Orlando Brown

 

The Eagles don't have many holes on the roster, but the loss of Jason Peters is a concern, especially for the long haul. Brown slipped after a terrible combine performance, but on tape shows a player who can dominate at his position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 





Cleveland Browns Offseason Gameplan

It's no secret that the Cleveland Browns have been terrible over the last 5-10 years, not threatening to make thee playoffs. No matter who is coaching, and playing QB they just cant muster together a winning season. The biggest issue I see isn't so much talent, as they have had a vast amount of draft selections it seems year in and year out. It comes down to coaching and team chemistry, both which never seem to come together. Now don't get me wrong, they do have a somewhat weak team structure as far as players as well. But for the amount of high draft picks they have obtained over the last 5 years, most players haven't stuck with the team. Once again, the Browns host a slew of draft selections being the 1st and 4th overall in the first round, as well as the 33rd, 35th and 64th. I am going to display a game plan for Cleveland, starting with the free agency period on how to try and right this ship, so lets have some fun!


Free Agency:


1) Their first move in my eyes is to lock in a Quarterback, and not through the draft. They have swung and missed with Kizer, Manziel and Weeden so far and cant risk a drat choice again. So my thoughts are go get A.J. McCarron who won his grievance against  the Bengals. You keep him in division, and he can face his old team twice a year. He isn't a flashy name, but who that is flashy wants to play in a cold weathered, bottom of the league team? If anything, a player willing to go their is someone who just wants to be a starter in this league. It wont break the bank, and he will rank as a mid-tier talent available. Other options could include Sam Bradford, or as a wild card is trading for Mike Glennon from the Bears.


2) Sign Terelle Pryor, though it seems crazy after he had a down season at least he knows the offense in Cleveland. ANd with that down year, I doubt he did much to have teams fighting for his services to improve a team. The Browns tried to re-acquire him at the trade deadline so they have interest in him. I think pairing him with Josh Gordan will help him re-emerge as a threat. That will be a solid dup on the outside, and you hope Corey Coleman stays healthy and is your slot guy.


3) Signing Malcolm Butler would go a long way into improving a very leaky secondary. Jason McCourty was a solid addition and played well, but they need more youth, and Butler is looking for a big pay day. The Browns can give him anything he wants as terms of funding with the space they have. Butler slates as their #1 cornerback.



NFL Draft:


#1 With the need of playmakers for a weak offense, I truly believe Barkley is the guy you take with this pick. He is as explosive as Zek was coming out of college, but also fielded punts in college as a 4 down player. He is explosive with speed, strength and elusiveness. Saquon Barkley can be tht game changing draft pick the Browns have missed on over the last 10 years.


#4 The need to add another playmaker on defense is still a focus, and Minkah Fitzpatrick is the best player coming out for secondary help. He can slot at either corner and safety, and has good speed and ball awareness. The Browns can implement some fun defenses with Fitzpatrick versatility and last years safety Jabrill Peppers.


#31 (Trade) The Browns make a move here to go up and grab a player who might not make it past the Eagles. The Patriots are known for trading down near the end of round 1, and will get the Browns #33 pick and #65. With this pick Cleveland will grab Kolton Miller who can help fill in at Right Tackle for now. He may be the successor for a aging Joe Thomas who is coming off injury this past season.


#64 To continue the offensive rehaul, the Browns will go with Anthony Miller at the receiver position. Some insurance for both Gordan and Coleman, Miller provides a speed and reliability for both guys. At Memphis he put up enormous numbers, grabbing 37 scores in 3 seasons.

2017 Mock Draft: With the 1st Pick, The Cleveland Browns Select....

1. Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett


-This pick has been rumored to be a toss up, as internal members of the front office also like Mitch Trubisky. In my eyes, it's all chatter, maybe to generate trade buzz for someone to offer them a monster package to grab a QB. But Garrett is on a similar Von Miller like level, a difference maker who will make a big impact. As they transition to a 43 defense, they need a additional defensive end to fill out the d line, and Garrett will fit the bill.


2. San Francisco 49ers - Solomon Thomas  (Possible trade scenario)


- Though the 49ers have more hole then swiss cheese on their defense, but it all starts in the trenches to generate pressure and take pressure off the secondary. With the draft being deep, they also can address a running back or secondary help in rounds 2 and 3. Thomas has climbed the boards in the last couple months, and it's because a strong combine and pro day. He will be paired with Armstead and Buckner, other 1st round selections in previous years. I will say this is a spot to watch a trade up for, as Carolina could move up for Thomas or Fournette. I won't close the books on a trade up here.


3. Chicago Bears - Jamaal Adams


- The Bears have done a good job last year bringing in a handful of help on both sides of the ball, and will continue to this year. Adams is a physical safety that will help bring the boom to the defensive backfield for the Bears, in a division filled with fast offenses that rely on the passing game. He also brings in good run support as well, can't miss pick here for the Bears.


4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette


- The Jags are always a tough team to gauge in draft situations, but with the struggle of Blake Bortles, getting a elite running back would go a long way to help him develop. They have drafted a couple in the past, but Yeldon and Robinson arent durable to run inside the tackles. Enter Fournette, one of the best running back prospects in the last 10 years. He has his weight down to 224, and is a physical machine with good speed for his size. The Jags would be crazy to pass him up.

5. Tennessee Titans: Corey Davis


- The Titans have done a good job building a young and strong offensive line, and then grabbed Murray and drafted henry at running back. They lack the receivers that can make a big impact, and Corey Davis is the compete package with both size and speed. He has overtaken Mike Williams, because he possesses more speed. You can't go wrong either way, and O.J. Howard is also in play if they dont go receiver here.

6. Cleveland Browns: Mitch Trubisky     (Jets Receive 12th and 33rd pick) 


- Cleveland decides to bite the bullet, and make a big trade to go get their Qb they also wanted at the #1 pick. Even though he is a 1 year starter, he has shown enough to warrant the pick, with a strong arm and good pocket presence.

7. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Hooker


- The Chargers are in need to replace the former Eric Weddle who was their centerfielder, and Hooker can cover a lot of field. He will miss 2-4 months of time, but he has great cover range, and good ball skills in college. The safeties aren't a strong suit right now for the Chargers, and Hooker instantly upgrades them, and is paired with Joey Bosa former Buckeye teammate.

8. Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey


- The Panthers have a aging Jonathan Stewart who is now 30, and they need some youth to help Cam Newton in that backfield. McCaffrey has shot up the boards of late, and displays good running ability and one of the best pass catching backs to come into the league this draft. He can play in the backfield, out in the slot and out wide. His flexibility will help the Panthers open up the offense with Benjamin and Olsen getting some help.

9. Cincinati Bengals: Derek Barnett


- Barnett had the most sacks in college football last season, and made more plays then Myles Garrett (not a lie). The Bengals have a aging defensive line, and have lacked getting pressure on the quarterback of recent. Barnett will upgrade and start day 1. The Bengals also are in play for addressing CB.

10. Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams


- The Bills say they are set at receiver ("we have our #2 receiver on the roster), but losing 3 guys and bringing in backups wont address the need. Enter Mike Williams, a tall physical athlete that made a lot of big catches in the championship game and during his whole career. He will battle for the ball, and thats something the Bills lack. He is another Clemson Tiger receiver to pair with Sammy Watkins, though the Bills haven't picked up his 5th year option yet.


11. New Orleans Saints: Taco Charlton


- Though the need at corner is very high, the ability to get a guy like Taco here isn't something the Saints will pass up. With many needs on defense, getting a physical freak of Charlton at 6'5" 277 who can win with strength or display good speed to win against offensive lineman.

12. New York Jets:  Jabrill Peppers


- The Jets traded down because they have a plethora of needs on both sides of the ball, and still get to address a big need with Peppers. Jabrill showed a ton of capabilities in the combine, as he worked on offense as well as defense. Peppers showed he has great ball skills in drills, and has speed to even play a slot corner role besides safety. He is a hybrid player, who will help the Jets big time.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Gareon Conley


- Well they won't see either big receiver fall to them, so they address another top need at cornerback, and Conley has been shooting up the boards after his combine. He has good speed and ball skills, and will pair with Peterson to create the best corner combine in the NFC West.

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Marlon Humphrey


- The Eagles have restructured parts of the defense this offseason, and already upgraded the receiver position. The need a cornerback, as they lack good play and Humphrey is a guy who is a solid option in the middle of the 1st. Both starters last year are gone, and Patrick Robinson was signed for just 1 year. Humphrey ran a good 4.41 speed, and sits at age 20 so he has lots of years and time to develop his game even more.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Takkarist McKinley 


- The Colts added a slew of different linebackers this offseason, so a outside edge presence is something they need to replace as Robert Mathis retired this year. Tak can win in both a speed rusher and with a combination of other moves.

16. Baltimore Ravens: Cam Robinson

- The Ravens lost Ricky Wagner at tackle this offseason, and don't have much on the depth charts to fill the void. Cam is believed by some to play inside at guard, while others still think he can play tackle. The Ravens will work him in at right tackle and let him develop and protect Flacco.

17.

Another Long Layover From Posting: Patriots Win #5!!!!

Wow, what can I say I kinda forgot I had a blog website still going. I have to start getting back into writing to some extent, and what better way like last time to base it off a SUPERBOWL WIN BY MY PATRIOTS!!!! #5 in the best fashion, coming back from down 25 points in the 2nd half to force OT and have Tom terrific lead a drive to end it before Atlanta had a chance.


If your not on Tom Brady as the GOAT train, you clearly must have some kind of pure hatred against the guy which I wont understand. Let me guess; deflategate??? The biggest crock for a investigation the NFL has ever had... Let's make it clear, the courts didn't over turn it in his favor because Goodell has absolute power to do what he wants, something the players union gave him during CBA talks. So regardless of the lack of proof it wouldn't matter. Did his phone get smashed, yes. Did he had over needed evidence and ask what they needed, yes. Fact is it had no bearing in that game, and the league has no physical proof other then "more likely then not". Try convicting someone on a speeding ticket or another basic violation and good luck have a ruling in your favor. The league would never say "we were wrong" and more evidence of that is the PSI report for the 2015 season that they said would be made public with findings, and never released them. If you have some kind of backing, you put it out there to support your ruling. This just in, the weather is a factor in pressure, just like car tires decrease in air when its cold. NFL this is scientific, breaking news.


Back to the game, what a crazy win that turned out to be, and at no point did i throw in the towel because i believe in #12 and BB. I distinctly was asked by my friend "how are you coming back down this much. It's over man" My response: "one play at A time, one play". And of course that is exactly what happened, with a defining moment coming on a Dont'a Hightower strip sack which gave the Pats the ball in Atlanta territory. That single play was the 2nd biggest play in Hightowers career, as his 1st was a tackle on M. Lynch back 2 years prior while being blocked to stop him at the 1 yard line. That next play led to the Butler interception, but that tackle gave life to the opportunity to seize by Butler.


Tom terrific was near perfect in the 4th quarter, as he led 3 scoring drives and 2 successful 2 point conversions to get the Patriots to tie the game with less then 2 minutes to go. He received big contributions from rookie receiver Malcolm Mitchell making many big catches. Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola also had several big plays as well. But nobody was more important then 3rd string running back James White. White played a Shane Vereen like style from 2 years ago, making many big plays in the passing game. He obtained 14 receptions for 110 yards with a scoring touchdown, and had 6 carries for 29 yards and 2 scores. He scored the overtime TD on a toss play right, that sealed the 5th SB victory for the patriots.


A under the radar performance during the game came from 2nd year player Trey Flowers, a under the radar defensive end who came on strong in the back half of the season.  He made several big plays, and recorded 2.5 sacks in the superbowl, one which hurt Atlanta field position wise while moving into Patriot territory. Bennett also had a somewhat quite yet strong performance that is overlooked because he also was used well to block. His 5 catches for 62 yards was one of his better performances, and also drew the interference in the endzone in OT to set up the Pats to win the game.



I slowly but surely kept myself calm but also continued to get amped more and more once that strip sack occurred and the Pats scored. I made a promise at the end of the game, after the Pats tied it that if the patriots won i was going snow diving. And as soon as White scored, I ran to the porch door, but ran back knowing that play would be reviewed. As soon as it was confirmed (and others at my superbowl party were swearing in anger) I kept my word. I dove off the porch landing, and made a snow angel in joy! I screamed "World Champs, Woooh'!!!! It wass truly a emotional period, in which i did tear up afterr the celebration and trophy was given. It's crazy to see what I have in the last 17 years, 5 superbowl wins. Hearing Brady isn't good anymore, they only cheat and win the rings. Well here are 2 more Rings. Roger That! Deflate these Balls!!

I'm Backkkk, and We The Best!!!

Man, it's been a long time since I was on this site, and a long time that I posted a story on my blog. But what a perfect time, as the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS are SUPERBOWL CHAMPS!!!! We finally got back on top of the world, and what a crazy game that was. I can tell you I was like a little kid in a candy store after the Malcolm Butler interception!

Knowing it was going to be a challenging game, and nobody invited my to a Superbowl party I went over to my parents for the big game. It was a Superbowl that I was so nervous for, after the bull crap deflate-gate garbage story, and knowing how physical the Seahawks are. I was preparing for the worst while hoping for the best, and as long as we didn't get blown out like the Broncos from the previous year. I didn't watch any pre-game crap until 5:35pm, knowing I didn't need any more nerves to start acting up that night. I was ready to go into the game with minimal build up from so many fake analyst, many who badgered the Patriots the weeks leading up to this game. Victory not only would bring piece to me, but the sweet victory to witness #4, remembering each game like it was yesterday.

The Patriots first drive ended after getting a first down, and lead to a punt which a questionably flag (running into the kicker) wasn't a personal foul as the rules state. The nerves started up, especially since we received the ball first and the offense was shut down. But the defense was able to hold there own, not letting Seattle cross into our territory. And the first quarter overall was a very fast pace, and led to no scoring.

The 2nd quarter things started to go in motion, as Brady started finding Gronk and Edelman. But it came on the goal line when Brady was under pressure and threw a bad pass on 3rd down that was intercepted by Jeremy Lane. The drive ended with no points, and the momentum that was built was gone.  The defense came up again with solid stops, and got the offense the ball back. The pats drove down the field and Brady found Lafell for 7 on a 11 yard pass. All I could do was a small fist pump, knowing that was a good start, but we needed to keep the momentum and pressure going. But as easy as that lead was, the Seahawks managed to move down the field, as Lynch ripped some good runs off. Wilson also had a couple key throws, but it was lynch from the 3 who pounded it in to draw a tie at 7-7 with 2:16 left. Brady and company though once again moved the ball, with help from Shane Vereen and Edelman in between the zone defense. It led to a Rob Gronkowski touchdown who was in coverage by Bruce Irvin I believe. Connecting for 22 yards, and giving a Gronk spike made it a 14-7 lead with 0:31 seconds left. But the Seahawks got a 19 yard run by Robert Turbin, followed by a big scramble by Russell Wilson and they were in business. After a costly roughing the passer, it set up a terrible defensive play by Logan Ryan allowing Wilson to find Chris Mathews for 11 yards and the score. The game went into the half 14-14 with Seattle getting the ball in the 3rd.

The opening drive was evenly distributed with good runs and solid passes, with Seattle getting a field goal and taking up 3:51 to take a 17-14 lead. The Patriots offense couldn't get anything going, with a couple drives getting first downs but nothing more. Legarrette Blount was non-existent in this game, and couldn't break off any good runs. After the start of a drive, and getting a first down Tom Brady tried squeezing a ball to Gronk which was picked off by Bobby Wagner. At that point, I thought the game was over. The Seahawks had all the momentum, and they were in good field position on our side of the field. This drive went 3:13, and 50 yards after some penalties but led to a Doug Baldwin touchdown and mocking of Revis who was picked on the play by the ref. Richard Sherman also joined the mocking by showing 2-4 (Revis Number) then pointing to the scoreboard and signaling a touchdown, score being 24-14.  The Pats next drive lead to a quick punt, nothing built offensively and the 3rd quarter was turning over to the 4th.

Now, at this point I was relaxed and felt things looked grim for the team and it would be more criticism for me at work after another big loss. The Pats were able to get a very strong drive going, throwing out of the shot-gun and getting consistent catches to move down the field fast. The drive was capped off by the oft injured Danny Amendola in the back of the end zone for 3 yards.  I had found hope, seeing the team drive and score in just over 4 minutes and having 7:55 left in the game. Knowing that the defense had to play big and hold any drive to 3 points or nothing. And they did just that, containing Lynch from any monstrous runs and the defense not letting receivers get open down field.  That gave Tom the ball back with Tim to do what he does best, drive the team down the field and have a chance. And they executed on that, when Tom led a pass heavy drive to the 3 yard line, and found Edelman on a Zig-Out leaving the corner jumping the slant fake and not coming close to making a play. It was 28-24, they overcame a 10 point 4th quarter deficit (most in a superbowl) and I was off my seat witnessing the greatness that Tom showed he had left. So it left Russell Wilson with 2:02 left, and the defense had to close it out like they didn't against the Giants in 2007 and 2012. It didn't start well with Lynch beating Collins for a big gain getting over the 50 yard line. After a small catch, then a incompletion I witnessed what looked to be the 3rd time a miracle catch would defeat the Patriots. Jermaine Kearse made an insane catch, that he tipped, which then hit his leg that he found and hauled in above his head while hitting the ground. He was able to get up and get to the 4 yard line. I was beyond hurt, knowing how each game versus the Giants had a similar play that lead to a touchdown. With Beast Mode ready to pounce at a chance to run it in, his first carry went for 3 yards to the 1. But the Seahawks tried to get cute, running a classic pick play allowing the back receiver to undercut and get open on a slant. But Malcolm "Who Are You" Butler made one of the greatest plays in the superbowl, jumping the route 4 yards deep in the end zone and cutting in front of the receiver beating him to the ball. He feel to the 3 yard line, and I jumped off the couch and ran down the halls screaming "It's OVER, WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I was almost in tears seeing a interception with 20 seconds left and Seattle at 1 timeout. The option of throwing over giving the beast the carry will echo with "Why did they pass" for years to come. All that mattered was the Patriots were kneeing the ball and taking that confetti shower. The Golden Boy did it at age 36, bringing his team down and winning it, but with the help of a undrafted, no name Malcolm Butler. The storybook ending came true, and I was there at 257 S. Fourth Ave watching the 4th Ring come to the New England Patriots.


It's been almost 4 weeks since the win, and I still look at the big picture, we now won another ring, but how can we keep improving? How can we dictate those salaries, lower our cap and obtain more talent? The win is still as sweet as summer pineapple, but the cycle of the combine, free agency and draft lead to look to the near future and how to improve and defend our title. It's still February, but it's still football season to me.

Mets future is bright

It was obvious that one team in New York was going to have some big changes sweep through the organization. When Omar Minaya started a spending spree which included; Jason Bay, Johan Santana, Oliver Perez and others. It was questioned because these were players who were near or past their prime. These moves cap strapped the team down and they all the signings backfired. To add insult to injury the team received news that members of the front office were declaring bankruptcy being Bernie Madkoff.

So what followed was many smart business moves which included Minaya departing. This left a organization in a semi rebuilding mode. They dealt Carlos Beltran and brought back Zack Wheeler who was considered the top pitching prospect in baseball. Another key move was drafting North Carolina pitcher Matt Harvey, who was a good prospect who needed to work on his offspeed pitches to be in the pros. Last season was bad and led to the trade of Dickey and they let Reyes go. In return for Dickey came highly regarded catcher Travis d'Arnaud and pitcher Noah Syndergaard who has been making some noise. Another young arm is Rafael Montero and also Michael Fulmer who both posted good era and strike out totals. Brandon Nimmo has been hitting good so far and seems like a possible outfielder of the future.

The Mets are in position to make some noise in the 2014 season, as this year is more of a trial run. Harvey is surprising everyone with his command and strikeout numbers. It seems Wheeler will come up next year in full, but needs gametime this year for experience. The likes of Ike Davis and Lucas Duda are important pieces who are struggling to perform. Pitching wise they will compete, but the performance will come down to how well the offense will come together. 

NFL defensive schemes

I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that as a Patriot fan that I favor a couple packages I have seen the Pats run over the years. I personally believe that the 34 defense is the stronger base defense compared to a 43, and I heavily favor the 1-5-5 sub nickel package as well in passing downs.

Let's first examine what the 34 defense is built for. You base your team around an "anchor" defensive (nose) tackle to take on multiple blockers and cover multiple gaps. In many cases they do the dirty work to help free up opportunities at the next level of the defense. They are more built for pure strength then for more of a speed rush ability. This also is a characteristic that the defensive ends are created for. They have a bit more flexibility not having to be pure run stuffers, but they also use gap control. They need to dictate changing the runners lane to inside or outside depending on what the defensive call is. You usually don't see how sack totals for any of the lineman. Your linebackers feed off of what the line creates. Your outside linebackers are in control of sealing off a runner to break outside, and kick the play back in. In passing downs they in many cases bring pressure,  but can be used in zone coverage. The inside linebackers rack up a lot of tackles if the nose tackle does his job. Their responsibility is shutting down interior movement. In passing down they can be left in zone of man coverage on a tight end of running back.

I feel there is a greater advantage when running the 34 defense compared to a 43 defense. You have more speed on the field, having an extra linebacker over a lineman. This allows you to have more zone defense, and can run the risk of man coverage with safety help deep. In many cases, even against the run you're outside linebacker has good enough size to engage and contain run plays. It also creates more unique blitz packages allowing you to overload a side, or cross your middle linebackers with a delayed blitz.

A under the radar formation I like is a sub nickel package, the 1-5-5. Used is longer passing downs, it is thrown in a couple times a game. You're only using one defensive lineman, with five linebackers. When you use this, the linebackers usually are constantly moving before the snap creating confusion on who is blitzing and who drops out in coverage. This leads the quarterback into calling a play without a full knowledge of what the defense will do. Once again you have better speed on the field, with a single lineman and many linebackers. It gives flexibility in what kind of blitz and coverage schemes you run.

Even though I favor these techniques, it truly comes down to what personal each team has. You can't run a system most players aren't familiar with or moving a player to a position they aren't known for. In many cases a outside linebacker is looked at a defensive end or vise versa depending on their size. Strategy and game planning have a major factor in determining what you run from week to week. Having the ability to practice and use multiple defenses at all stages of a game increases the success rate of the team.