NFL in 2010

Publish Post

If I had to start a defense I would want a strong presence up the middle, just like in baseball. You need a nose/defensive tackle to disrupt the line, stuff the run, and occupy blockers to free up the linebackers. You then need a middle/inside linebacker that can cover a running back, lead a defense, stop the run, cover the field from sideline to sideline, and blitz if necessary. Then you need a safety that can make up for a cornerback’s mistakes, stuff the run, cover a tight end, and punish anyone that ventures into the middle of the field. Using those criteria the team that has the best three players to build a team around is the Patriots. Vince Wilfork is a Pro Bowl NT and the most dominant inside defensive lineman in football. Jarod Mayo was the defensive rookie of the year last year and will be a player that will get Pro Bowl consideration every year. Brandon Merriweather is just learning but already has become a force replacing Rodney Harrison, and plays like him already. While the rest of the defense is in flux, the Patriots will able to compete as long as they keep those three players healthy.

Moving the Pro Bowl to the week before the Super Bowl is a disaster waiting to happen. There is always a risk of an injury in any football game, even a glorified exhibition. When you play the game when there is still the most important game left to play you are putting the players in a tough position. If you are headed to the Super Bowl do you not play in the Pro Bowl? Do you play but risk injury? When Adrian Peterson tears an ACL, Drew Brees gets a concussion, or Peyton Manning breaks his hand, the NFL will be in trouble. The week off before the Super Bowl is used to rest, not risk injury for your league’s superstars.

Ray Rice will lead the NFL in total yards in 2010. The man is a beast with the ball and has the softest hands of any back in the league.

Julian Edelman will get catches in 2010

Never trust a player that judges his health by how he performs in bed, I am looking at you Ochocinco.

Darrelle Revis is the best cornerback in football and will be the best of this generation. If he stays healthy Canton will come calling for him.

Pete Carroll was surprised when the Seahawks came looking to hire him. He was the second choice to Mike Holmgren, not the person the Seahawks targeted from Day One, With NCAA snooping around USC over two running backs with potential illegal gift issues it was a good time to leave. He inherits a team with a few good players but nowhere to go. The sad thing is that Carroll told his players via text messages on phones given illegally by boosters.

Darius Butler will be a top kick return in 2010 and a Pro Bowl cornerback by 2012.

Eric Mangini will coach Cleveland in 2010 simply because the Browns don’t want to pay fired coaches more than their roster

When the Eagles trade Kevin Kolb they will get a return like the Falcons did when they traded Matt Schaub to Houston. The common link is that Michael Vick needs a backup even if he is your backup.

Scott Pioli getting the gang back together in Kansas City is going to be a disaster. Romeo Crennel needs to be in charge of the defense but wont have enough power to get the players he needs to make his system work. Charlie Weis likes his formations and to call the plays, but his head coach prefers a different offense and to call his own plays. Too many chefs not enough food in the kitchen.