Week 4 of the 2012 NFL season is in the books. In the latest of our blog conversations, Mainzey (@mainzey7) and I take a look at the state of the league a quarter of the way through. The NFC part of our review actually began before the week 4 matches, whilst the AFC discussion began straight afterwards.
DUTTON - I think it's time we looked at how things have started off. Who are the surprises, who are the slow starters, and who "are who we thought were", to quote Denny Green.
As usual, we start with the NFC and the NFC East. Three teams sitting 2-1, with only the Redskins apart at 1-2. The Eagles offence, and overall offensive strategy, makes me violently sick.
MAINZEY - Has it been three weeks already? Doesn't time fly when you fantasy team stinks...(as of writing, Mainzeys Marvels are a glorious 0-4)
NFC East has been a strange one three teams 2-1 but in many different ways I mean the Eagles haven't played a good game yet which has got to be good, but after the bad first week I still think the GMen could be the best team with the best QB in football never mind the East.
But the only story in the East is RGIII what a start and if this is what I can expect for the next decade I will be a happy man unless Shannahan gets him killed first
DUTTON - I think RG3 needs to take heed from Vick, and NOT copy him. Get rid of the rock, just because you CAN run doesn't mean you HAVE to run.
I have to presume the Eagles O will start matching or at least coming close to the Eagles D, which has been awesome. The ignoring of McCoy continues to baffle and anger me.
The G may well be the best team in the NFC, but so far EVERYONE looks beatable.
Moving now to the North, and this is not a picture I thought we'd see. Are the Vikings for real, or due to fall away?
MAINZEY - It's not RGIII its the Coaches who are putting him in the dangerous position at the moment. I think the Eagles offence will come around but will it be under the stewardship of Vick is another matter
The North is interesting. Are the Lions the worst team in it (possibly)? Green Bay were screwed on Monday night (the now infamous Inaccurate Reception) but they need to sort their offence and fast and seriously can someone get the Bears GM to get some Tackles and Guards for Cutler please!!!!
The Vikings have been impressive just not sure if they can hold it up all season.
DUTTON - Ah, Shanahanigans...
The Bears O line is up there with the worst units in professional sport, up there with Liverpool's shooting and Bangladesh's bowling. Doesn't help that they are not given confidence by Jay "Good Luck" Cutler. It's not always the Right Tackles fault that you throw into triple coverage Jay.
The Packers are just too explosive to struggle to put points on the board for too long, but my god they're O-line needs to stop copying the Bears. A-Rod can not be getting sacked 8 times a game, let alone a half.
The Lions can will and so score points, but their secondary is garbage. The Vikings have started well, but honestly don't see them winning more than another five games tops.
How bout the South?
MAINZEY - I think that should read as bad as the Liverpool first team shooting as the kids are doing alright (7 in 2 games!!)
If you don't think Coaches are more importantly leaders are important just look at the Saints. I know Ross Tucker doesn't agree but the loss of Payton is a big loss although he doesn't coach defence and so far neither has Spags
Atlanta look excellent but I m holding judgement until they win a playoff game and they will get the chance at home this year by the looks of things
Carolina flat out stank last week (against the Giants week 3) and Cam looks short on weapons good job they spent all the money on RBs for no reason. As for Tampa they are playing hard just not sure they can win 10 and although I don't think Schiano was wrong not sure its very professional what he is doing at the moment. (Mainzey speaks here of Schiano's decision to blitz QBs when they are obviously in the kneel down / victory formation).
DUTTON - Carolina were awful. I remember reading a tweet from Sky Sports David Tuchman saying that Ron Rivera was one of the worst coaches in football...and that was during preseason.
Atlanta will not draw comment from me until they win a playoff game.
I can't believe how bad the Saints have been. I mean, it's STILL Drew Brees at QB!! The defence stinks, you could argue Spags had a better defence at St Louis.
I just think Tampa will struggle on offence, it stinks. At this stage, if I'm Schiano I'm seriously questioning whether Freeman is the answer at QB.
MAINZEY - And now to the best division in Football (yeah I said it) the NFC West
Even with the loss on Sunday I think San Fran are the best team in this division although if they keep falling 2 scores behind we may see the end of Alex Smith
Arizona are the surprise with the record especially when they have played New England and the Eagles but their defence is for real and they look like a good team.
Seattle are also an awesome defence and Russell Wilson has a little magic in him although not sure how long this will last I mean he is smaller than Melia for gods sake.
If I am St Louis I am happy as well I may not be good this year but the Redskins defence sucks and I have their picks for the next 2 years which should mean I will be good for years to come.
DUTTON - Potentially, especially with the injuries the Redskins have suffered, the West boasts the best division for defences in the National Football League.
Arizona have some serious studs like Dockett and Campbell, I'd argue that Seattle has the best secondary around, St Louis are improving and San Francisco's defensive strength is well documented. It's just not a great division for QBs. On paper Sam Bradford is the best, but has very few weapons. If you can take the lead on the 49ers you take Smith out of his comfort zone, Kolb is crap and Wilson needs to learn when NOT to throw the ball.
MAINZEY - So to the AFC and the East specifically. Miami have thrown Tannehill to the wolves hoping he doesn't drown. Bills started OK as have the Jets although their offence is putrid and the 2nd best player ever in their franchise is out for the year. The Patriots have a losing record for the first time since forever but I still expect 11 wins.
DUTTON - Nice mixed metaphor there Paul...The Pats looked very good in the second half, and lo and behold could this be that they are throwing the ball to Wes Welker again?
Tannehill is not the worst rookie QB I've ever seen, he just has no weapons. Hartline may have just topped 250 receiving yards, but if he gets the same tally over the next four games, I'll eat my hat.
The Bills...my you are exciting to watch. As Katy Perry said, you're hot then you're cold.
The Jets offend my eyes. Simply the worst offensive unit in the NFL. No play makers, no confidence, and no QB. Sanchez is averaging less than 50% completion rate. Not good enough. Tebow won't help.
MAINZEY - So to the AFC North.
The Steelers are starting to look old and injured, need Harrison and Polomalu to play otherwise they won't be getting to the playoffs. The Ravens look very good on both sides of the ball if Joe keeps the ball they will go far. I like the big play capability from fellow Ginger Andy Dalton especially to AJ Green, if they shore up the defence might get to the playoffs. Cleveland can hope the league contracts them soon although their 'young QB' looked good on Thursday. Pity he is throwing to the a Maghull 5th's team I played for (this is not good btw)
(Editors note - Paul played for the 5th XI during a time when some youngsters where selected for whom fielding and catching was not deemed a necessary part of the game.)
DUTTON - Ravens could be the best team in the AFC, though I think Houston may disagree. Flacco is not getting any poorer financially with each passing game, believe me. Baltimore are going to have to stump up a LOT of cash when he sits down for his contract negotiations. Not big on Pittsburgh. Putrid O line, no difference makers on defence. Nah, not for me. Cincy have a lot of talent going forward, Dalton to Green is a great hookup. Cleveland...not wasting my breath. And my worst ever 5th team caught the ball better than Greg Little. He sucks, he single handedly is making Weedon look terrible, which he is not....not really.
MAINZEY - And now the West. I think this division has disappointing so far. Peyton looks like he is still struggling with his neck a little but I will say they have lost to the best teams in the League so far (Houston, Atlanta). San Diego have wins in September which is good for them and good for Norv, get Rivers to throw to San Diego receivers and I think they could be a playoff team. Oakland are awful although Carson is playing OK but they lack talent. As for Kansas City... they follow the same issue as New Orleans as they also don't have a coach, at least New Orleans have a QB (ouch x2)
DUTTON - That's a big ouch for Kansas, or as I like to call them "my Superbowl pick Kansas City". They have been quite simply awful. I thought their offence was Cassell proof. I didn't realise how awful he truly is.
Very tough division to comment on, apart from that. Oakland are what I think we thought they were. Granted they beat the Steelers, but I think that says more about Pittsburgh than the Raiders. Phil Rivers seems to be playing at his 2011 level rather than his 2010 standard, but they are in the hunt early. Denver are a weird team. Manning shows flashes of his old surgical self (a Manning drive is still a work of art), but he and his receivers are not always on the same page. Their defence is not what everyone thought it would be either. Very odd division.
MAINZEY - And finally the worst division in the league AFC South. They have Houston and Andrew Luck and that is it. I do not wish to discuss it further.
DUTTON - I would tend to agree. Best team in the AFC (perhaps), best young QB in the league. Otherwise bloody awful.
MAINZEY - They all stink but could easily have a Superbowl team go figure!!
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So there you have it. Mainzey and I would also like to express our best wishes to Indianapolis Colts heach coach Chuck Pagano, who it was announced this week is suffering from a treatable form of leukaemia. From everything that I have read, Pagano seems to be one of the good guys of the NFL, and there is tremendous confidence that he will overcome this illness and return to the job.
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Thursday, 6 September 2012
NFL Top Five and Bottom Five
Welcome once again dear reader. Today I wish to share with you the thoughts of myself and Mainzey with regards who are, as we prepare for the 2012 season to start, the top and bottom five teams. It should be noted that these discussions took place ONE DAY BEFORE the season kicked off with the Dallas Cowboys thumping the New York Giants. This disclaimer has to be made, in order to prevent one of us being embarrased (not me...)
MAINZEY - Hey Dutts, With Liverpool being so crap and to celebrate the great news that the NFL is on Sky and Redzone is back (best invention ever) I thought lets to a power rankings blog conversation. As no really cares about the middle numbers I was thinking top 5 and a bottom 5. It may mean our teams aren't mentioned but you never know you may have had a drink.
MAINZEY - Hey Dutts, With Liverpool being so crap and to celebrate the great news that the NFL is on Sky and Redzone is back (best invention ever) I thought lets to a power rankings blog conversation. As no really cares about the middle numbers I was thinking top 5 and a bottom 5. It may mean our teams aren't mentioned but you never know you may have had a drink.
For me number 1 is easy. You lose the Superbowl and get better on offence and defence and you have Bellichek and Brady. No brainer, Pats number 1. I think they may even win a Super Bowl without taping other teams this year (hasn't happened yet)
Who is your number 1?
DUTTON - It's bad news when I have a disagreement with your opening line. Liverpool haven't been crap...they've been garbage.
I've not checked the Internet today, so I assume I've missed the Patriots signing a proper O line?
The best team in the NFL as we stand is the team with the best QB. It's a quarterback league, as we are frequently told, and that's why the Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay Packers are my number 1.
MAINZEY - Got a point on the O Line but not sure u can make that comment and then choose the Packers
That being said I will go Packers at 2. 15-1 last year and straight out of the playoffs would hurt. Surely their defence won't be as bad again actually I don't think it is possible.
DUTTON - True, the Packers O line isn't the best but ARod can make the plays with his feet.
To return the favour, I'll give you the Pats at 2. Brady is still Brady, they may now have a pass rush that eluded them in 2011, and the 0-2 since Spygate must annoy Palpatine...sorry, Bellichek.
MAINZEY - So for number 3 I am going to go back in time.
It's 2006, I say at 3 I am going to pick the most clutch QB in the NFL, who is also the best Manning and also has the most Superbowl rings in the Manning household and you say that's easy you are picking the Colts.
Well back to today and it's still easy. But I not picking Peyton and the Colts, I am picking Eli and the New York Giants.
DUTTON - Ha! Not even mentioned in my top five!
Sticking with my "quarterback league" theme, possibly the ultimate field general, especially as he is essentially the head coach too, I go with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Add the "the world is against us" mentality, and you have a potent offensive force.
MAINZEY - We have seriously diverged now! I am not sure the Saints are the best team in their league and I like to think coaches are important and they don't have 1.
At 4 the team that should have represented the AFC in the Super Bowl last year. The Houston Texans, solid all over the field and if they stay healthy very dangerous, also helps their division could be one of the worst ever assembled.
DUTTON - At last agreement!
The only real issue I have with the Texans is the damage they inflicted themselves upon the right side of their offensive line. Eric Winston is one of the best RTs in football, and they let him walk away...
The AFC South is the best example of why relegation should be introduced into the NFL.
MAINZEY - Yeah let's promote Alabama and USC and relegate Jacksonville!!!!
Number 5 is the 49ers great defence and added a few weapons on offence if Smith doesn't turn it over they will be very dangerous.
DUTTON - Agreed, this team is returning 11 starters on defence. So that's the same defence that dominated in 2011. Few more weapons, but I would be shocked if Smith is still the starter by the end of 2012. This team is being built for Kapernick.
OK, that's the cream of the crop sorted. How about the Crap of the Crop? For me, the worst team in football is Miami. The offseason has been one disaster after another, they have no talent on that roster. This, and maybe the next couple of years, will be painful for Dolphins fans.
MAINZEY - I hear what you are saying on the Dolphins but the worst team in football is the Browns. It's a close call but they also start a rookie QB (although he is about the same age as us) and I think they have less talent. Add to the fact they play Pittsburgh, Baltimore and the Bengals and they will have the worst record all said and done.
DUTTON - We can actually call Brandon Weedon "young man".
I take the Browns as 31st, as it were. Potentially they have some pieces on offence, with Weedon being protected by the best LT in football, Trent Richardson should be a stud (when fit) and second year wideout Greg Little should show improvement. The 2011 Browns D wasn't the worst, but they still will be picking early in the next draft.
MAINZEY - Interesting thing, think of the best left tackles in the game and then what teams they play for and you will notice something. It's the most overrated position in sports.
Dolphins at 31 for me they stink plain and simple.
DUTTON - Worst team in the best conference now, Minnesota. Banged up AP, aging defense (and that includes you Jared Allen), dump of a stadium. Nothing going for them.
MAINZEY - I think the Vikings are bad but to be 3 picks in and no AFC South team chosen did not seem right to me. I pick the Jags here. Their best player has been a holdout and their QB looked scared of people trying to hit him last year.
The sooner this team is the LA Cougars the better (copyright on the name)
DUTTON - I think my good friend Adam is rather hoping the Rams will have the LA prefix. (name drop alert, Adam is Adam Rank, NFL.com analyst and has on occasion conversed with me via Twitter. A good egg.)
I give you Jacksonville now. Again not the worst defence, but they'll be playing from behind an awful lot this year and the scaredy cat hippy QB will need to man up against the inevitable pass rush.
MAINZEY - Did I tell you I got a retweet from Staines FC (in your face!!!)
Vikings for me now not sure on Ponder or the age and fitness of their star players. In that division could be a serious struggle.
DUTTON - I've just had a chat with YCCC allrounder Richard Pyrah...
I think there is a leap to the 5th worst, and that is the Colts. Their schedule means they could be 2-1, and while they will not get to the playoffs (far from it...) they will be better than most think.
MAINZEY - And I move from the Ipad to the laptop (don't you just love technology)
I think I am going to agree here Colts are still built to have a lead and I don't think they will have one enough
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So there you have it, two idiots look at the best and worst of the NFL. I daresay Mainzey and I will speak again on this subject, and I have confidence that our answers will change!
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
The King is Dead
May 19th, 2004. England captain (and personal hero to your humble author) Michael Vaughan has been ruled out of the opening test of the summer against New Zealand. The captaincy will pass to Marcus Trescothick, but what of Vaughan's spot alongside him opening the batting?
"Simple" says I to my good friend Mainzey. "Move Butcher up to open, Nasser to 3 and bring in Collingwood."
My decision seemed logical at the time. I was, remained and retain membership of the Paul Collingwood fan club. He had played Test cricket, albeit briefly, and Butcher had opened before. Apparently though (as I was to discover years later) Butcher was not keen to surrender his spot at 3, and so the selectors plucked Andrew Strauss to make his test debut. Some thought (and still think) that I bemoaned the pick, and didn't rate Strauss. Not true. And his debut ton, coupled with a wonderful second innings knock that ended when Hussain ran him out (the last victim of Nassers career) before Hussain rallied the side to victory (both innings I watched after calling in sick for work at the Odeon. Sorry, but its been 8 years, sue me) thrilled me.
Today, Wednesday August 29th 2012, Strauss announced his decision to stand down as England captain and retire from all forms of cricket after a test series defeat by South Africa (if this sounds familiar, its because both Nasser and Vaughan resigned in the same circumstances. Bloody Saffers....) He played exactly 100 Tests, 50 of them as captain, and scored 7037 runs at an average of just over 40, with 21 centuries. He also won 46 of the tests he played in, winning the first eight.
I cannot say that I have been a constant supporter of Strauss. In 2007, his annoying habit of driving at full balls and nicking to slip (or keeper occasionally, just to mix things up) infuriated me, and I was not upset to see him left out of a tour to Sri Lanka. His return for the next series away in New Zealand confused me, as did the call to bat him at 3. But he won me round with brilliant centuries in Napier and in a great run chase at Old Trafford in 2008. When events opened up the England captaincy on a permanent basis in 2009, I was very happy to see Strauss take up a role he seemed to have been born to perform.
I have also been a constant reminder to people that after his first day ton at Lords v the Aussies in 2009, he didn't reach three figures in a Test match again until the first test over 16 months later, and then after not until May 2012. He continued to chip in, but frequently seemed to get out when set, especially when a bowler came round the wicket to him.
However, in spite of these, I will miss him. England under Strauss were ruthlessly efficient, dominant in the field and constantly looking like 20 wickets could be taken with as little as 60 deliveries. England did not lose a series after his debut series UNTIL they had reached the summit of Test cricket, some three years later. England won with a regularity that never became boring. I will miss the late cut, the pull over midwicket, even the cover drive which seemed to desert him after 2009 will be missed. England will also miss him in in the slips. His trusty mitts snaffled 121 catches in his 100 Tests, probably none better than the wonderful one handed grab at Trent Bridge to get rid of Adam Gilchrist in 2005.
Alastair Cook has been groomed to step in to the breach ever since he skippered the "mini tour" to Bangladesh in 2010. He has played 83 tests, has only one fewer test century than Strauss and also has 73 catches. He will not REPLACE Strauss, he will succeed him. He will be a different type of captain, and it will be interesting to see if full time Test captaincy can FINALLY do something that Shane Warne, loss of form and even batting 13 hours has failed to do. Make Cook sweat.
Fare thee well Andrew. Enjoy the next stage of your life, but please remember. I never hated you, I just thought it was Collingwood's time. It was not then, and I'm glad that it was yours.
"Simple" says I to my good friend Mainzey. "Move Butcher up to open, Nasser to 3 and bring in Collingwood."
My decision seemed logical at the time. I was, remained and retain membership of the Paul Collingwood fan club. He had played Test cricket, albeit briefly, and Butcher had opened before. Apparently though (as I was to discover years later) Butcher was not keen to surrender his spot at 3, and so the selectors plucked Andrew Strauss to make his test debut. Some thought (and still think) that I bemoaned the pick, and didn't rate Strauss. Not true. And his debut ton, coupled with a wonderful second innings knock that ended when Hussain ran him out (the last victim of Nassers career) before Hussain rallied the side to victory (both innings I watched after calling in sick for work at the Odeon. Sorry, but its been 8 years, sue me) thrilled me.
Today, Wednesday August 29th 2012, Strauss announced his decision to stand down as England captain and retire from all forms of cricket after a test series defeat by South Africa (if this sounds familiar, its because both Nasser and Vaughan resigned in the same circumstances. Bloody Saffers....) He played exactly 100 Tests, 50 of them as captain, and scored 7037 runs at an average of just over 40, with 21 centuries. He also won 46 of the tests he played in, winning the first eight.
I cannot say that I have been a constant supporter of Strauss. In 2007, his annoying habit of driving at full balls and nicking to slip (or keeper occasionally, just to mix things up) infuriated me, and I was not upset to see him left out of a tour to Sri Lanka. His return for the next series away in New Zealand confused me, as did the call to bat him at 3. But he won me round with brilliant centuries in Napier and in a great run chase at Old Trafford in 2008. When events opened up the England captaincy on a permanent basis in 2009, I was very happy to see Strauss take up a role he seemed to have been born to perform.
I have also been a constant reminder to people that after his first day ton at Lords v the Aussies in 2009, he didn't reach three figures in a Test match again until the first test over 16 months later, and then after not until May 2012. He continued to chip in, but frequently seemed to get out when set, especially when a bowler came round the wicket to him.
However, in spite of these, I will miss him. England under Strauss were ruthlessly efficient, dominant in the field and constantly looking like 20 wickets could be taken with as little as 60 deliveries. England did not lose a series after his debut series UNTIL they had reached the summit of Test cricket, some three years later. England won with a regularity that never became boring. I will miss the late cut, the pull over midwicket, even the cover drive which seemed to desert him after 2009 will be missed. England will also miss him in in the slips. His trusty mitts snaffled 121 catches in his 100 Tests, probably none better than the wonderful one handed grab at Trent Bridge to get rid of Adam Gilchrist in 2005.
Alastair Cook has been groomed to step in to the breach ever since he skippered the "mini tour" to Bangladesh in 2010. He has played 83 tests, has only one fewer test century than Strauss and also has 73 catches. He will not REPLACE Strauss, he will succeed him. He will be a different type of captain, and it will be interesting to see if full time Test captaincy can FINALLY do something that Shane Warne, loss of form and even batting 13 hours has failed to do. Make Cook sweat.
Fare thee well Andrew. Enjoy the next stage of your life, but please remember. I never hated you, I just thought it was Collingwood's time. It was not then, and I'm glad that it was yours.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Defending The Crown
England have named their squad for the World T20 tournament, to be played in Sri Lanka in September, a competition they enter as holders after winning the last tournament in the West Indies in 2010. There are a few notable changes from that 2010 team, as the captain, the leading bowler, and of course the Man of the Tournament are no longer part of the England setup for one reason or another. It will be tough for England to defend their title, but they are still the number one ranked side in T20, and will rightly enter the tournament with a high level of confidence.
The lineup for Englands last T20 game v the Windies was Kieswetter, Hales, Bopara, Morgan, Buttler, Bairstow, Patel, Swann, Broad (c), Dernbach, Finn.
All of the above 11 have been named, and are joined by Bresnan, Wright, Briggs and Lumb. Bresnan Wright and Lumb were key members of the 2010 squad. Lumb may have to back up Kieswetter and Hales, who smashed an England T20 record score of 99 v the West Indies in the last match. Briggs is something of a T20 specialist, with a career economy rate below 7 an over and a wicket every 16 balls. He is a specialist slow bowler, and not much of a spinner (much like Samit Patel, another slow left arm option). Luke Wright has been in and around the England setup since 2007, and has been hampered by having never found a specialist role (jack of all, master of....).
The key men for England are :
Eoin Morgan, one of the most destructive limited overs batsmen in the world
Graeme Swann, a wily campaigner who found Sri Lankan pitches to his liking in the recent test series (and his comeback International tour back in 2007)
Steve Finn, the fastest bowler in the squad with a proven track record of extracting life from even the flattest subcontinental wickets in the last year, and
Stuart Broad, entering an international tournament as captain for the first time, he must keep his temper and set an example for his mostly young squad (only two over 30s!)
Can England win? Yes, of course they can. They are a well drilled, well set squad. Will they win? I'm an England cricket fan, I'm not counting my chickens.
The lineup for Englands last T20 game v the Windies was Kieswetter, Hales, Bopara, Morgan, Buttler, Bairstow, Patel, Swann, Broad (c), Dernbach, Finn.
All of the above 11 have been named, and are joined by Bresnan, Wright, Briggs and Lumb. Bresnan Wright and Lumb were key members of the 2010 squad. Lumb may have to back up Kieswetter and Hales, who smashed an England T20 record score of 99 v the West Indies in the last match. Briggs is something of a T20 specialist, with a career economy rate below 7 an over and a wicket every 16 balls. He is a specialist slow bowler, and not much of a spinner (much like Samit Patel, another slow left arm option). Luke Wright has been in and around the England setup since 2007, and has been hampered by having never found a specialist role (jack of all, master of....).
The key men for England are :
Eoin Morgan, one of the most destructive limited overs batsmen in the world
Graeme Swann, a wily campaigner who found Sri Lankan pitches to his liking in the recent test series (and his comeback International tour back in 2007)
Steve Finn, the fastest bowler in the squad with a proven track record of extracting life from even the flattest subcontinental wickets in the last year, and
Stuart Broad, entering an international tournament as captain for the first time, he must keep his temper and set an example for his mostly young squad (only two over 30s!)
Can England win? Yes, of course they can. They are a well drilled, well set squad. Will they win? I'm an England cricket fan, I'm not counting my chickens.
Thursday, 16 August 2012
And Now...The AFC
DUTTON - So, the AFC..
DUTTON - Hard to argue, though I think the Patriots could use help at tight end.
The other three teams have passable defences, the Bills having spent big to improve. But the Dolphins will have a year of growing pains, and Tebow will be the starting QB by week five. Easy Patriots win.
The Powerhouse division would be the North, with three playoff teams in 2011. I have a feeling that the most talented team in this quartet is actually Cincinatti.
MAINZEY - Still sticking with the Jimmy Graham over Gronk joke I see
AFC North the one thing I do know is the Cleveland will be last. As for the others I think the best team are the Steelers they have Big Ben with Weapons and still have a defence. I am torn between the Ravens and the Bengals although I hope the Bengals win 10 games.
DUTTON - Sticking my neck out (never a task I'm afraid to do) in saying the Bengals finish above the Ravens in 2012.
The West is probably the most intriguing in the entire NFL. The Chargers are the perennial contenders, the Chiefs have a top defence and a few offensive weapons returning, Denver replaced a gimmick QB with some guy called Manning, and the Raiders begin a truly new era as they go into their first season post Al Davis. My money is on Kansas.
MAINZEY - Cincy and Kansas bloody hell Neil have you been drinking??
The Chargers may have Norv and they also have talent but I know who I am going with. The same person I have picked to win the AFC South since 2000. I am on the Peyton and Broncos bandwagon and I am sticking with it!!!
DUTTON - I don't think the Bengals will win their division, just finish above Baltimore!
I think Denver will push, but everything Kansas have done this offseason has impressed me.
MAINZEY - I may have missed what Kansas did, where they the team who signed Peyton Manning?
DUTTON - No, they have their own injury blighted QB, and they did sign another Peyton (the oft injured and 2011 Madden Curse victim Peyton Hillis).
MAINZEY - Ok just checking I hadn't missed something
DUTTON - Idiot.
So, potentially the worst division in pro football, the AFC North. Urgh...by all means, you can lead off on this one.
MAINZEY - AFC North is surely the poo division of the league this year.
That being said this is a no brainer for me Texans all the way the OLine may not be as good but with Foster and Schaub throwing to Johnson and Daniels they should have more than enough
DUTTON - I'll be prepared to controversial here, I think Johnsons days of "elite" are done. Can't stay healthy, Texans will ground and pound to lighten his load. Their receiving corps is a worry, but they are still the cream of this crap. Titans will compete, but Colts and Jags will stink again.
So Pats, Steelers, Texans and a disagreement in the West. Wild cards?
MAINZEY - May not be elite but better than the rest in that division.
Yeah my wildcards are going to be Ravens and Bengals. You?
DUTTON - I'm going with the Bengals...and the Denver Broncos.
So there you have it, all eight divisions broken down into idiot sized chunks. How will our selections pan out? You get to find out in under a month.
MAINZEY - The second best conference in terms of quality and Mannings (did I really just say that?), the AFC is like the Australian Olympic team compared the the GB team that is the NFC.
DUTTON - Yorkshire won more medals than Australia. There are, to my mind, NO outstanding Superbowl candidates in the AFC, but like the NFC lets start in the East.
MAINZEY - Ah, Mullins Division (NY Jets), and boy is he going to have fun this year with Timmy (God's personal representative in the NFL). My dads team should also have a blast with no QB until the boy Tannehill is ready, the Bills may surprise some people with their defence and a few skill players, but lets be serious. The Patriots win this division by a mile. Best QB in Brady, best coach in Bellichek...pretty easy one for me this.
The other three teams have passable defences, the Bills having spent big to improve. But the Dolphins will have a year of growing pains, and Tebow will be the starting QB by week five. Easy Patriots win.
The Powerhouse division would be the North, with three playoff teams in 2011. I have a feeling that the most talented team in this quartet is actually Cincinatti.
MAINZEY - Still sticking with the Jimmy Graham over Gronk joke I see
AFC North the one thing I do know is the Cleveland will be last. As for the others I think the best team are the Steelers they have Big Ben with Weapons and still have a defence. I am torn between the Ravens and the Bengals although I hope the Bengals win 10 games.
DUTTON - Sticking my neck out (never a task I'm afraid to do) in saying the Bengals finish above the Ravens in 2012.
The West is probably the most intriguing in the entire NFL. The Chargers are the perennial contenders, the Chiefs have a top defence and a few offensive weapons returning, Denver replaced a gimmick QB with some guy called Manning, and the Raiders begin a truly new era as they go into their first season post Al Davis. My money is on Kansas.
MAINZEY - Cincy and Kansas bloody hell Neil have you been drinking??
The Chargers may have Norv and they also have talent but I know who I am going with. The same person I have picked to win the AFC South since 2000. I am on the Peyton and Broncos bandwagon and I am sticking with it!!!
DUTTON - I don't think the Bengals will win their division, just finish above Baltimore!
I think Denver will push, but everything Kansas have done this offseason has impressed me.
MAINZEY - I may have missed what Kansas did, where they the team who signed Peyton Manning?
DUTTON - No, they have their own injury blighted QB, and they did sign another Peyton (the oft injured and 2011 Madden Curse victim Peyton Hillis).
MAINZEY - Ok just checking I hadn't missed something
DUTTON - Idiot.
So, potentially the worst division in pro football, the AFC North. Urgh...by all means, you can lead off on this one.
MAINZEY - AFC North is surely the poo division of the league this year.
That being said this is a no brainer for me Texans all the way the OLine may not be as good but with Foster and Schaub throwing to Johnson and Daniels they should have more than enough
DUTTON - I'll be prepared to controversial here, I think Johnsons days of "elite" are done. Can't stay healthy, Texans will ground and pound to lighten his load. Their receiving corps is a worry, but they are still the cream of this crap. Titans will compete, but Colts and Jags will stink again.
So Pats, Steelers, Texans and a disagreement in the West. Wild cards?
MAINZEY - May not be elite but better than the rest in that division.
Yeah my wildcards are going to be Ravens and Bengals. You?
DUTTON - I'm going with the Bengals...and the Denver Broncos.
So there you have it, all eight divisions broken down into idiot sized chunks. How will our selections pan out? You get to find out in under a month.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
2 Idiots Take On The NFC
In a concept stolen from noted American sports blogger and podcast host Bill Simmons, my friend Mainzey and I discuss the prospects for the NFC in the coming American Football season. Take a look, we may get sued before we can do another one.
Dutton - I think we should begin with the NFC Division that matters most to the pair of us, and coincidentally the home of the reigning Super Bowl champions, the NFC East.
No team has retained the East crown since the Eagles won 4 straight, ending with the 2004 title. I do not see this trend coming to an end in 2012. The Giants have not added quality to their roster, and in fact have several gaping holes where studs have departed. There is also the issue of Eli being the hunted rather than the hunter, his previous season as a Champion was not a triumph, for him or his team.
Mainzey - That Eagles team must have won a couple of superbowls with that record. I know you hate him but he is the best manning know with the best team resume. The team with the most talent has the star and the stupid owner
Dutton - The "Dallas has the most talent" argument is a myth, based on the same foundations as the Tooth Fairy. They have a serviceable quarterback, a good (but ageing) tight end and one great pass rusher. That's it.
The Eagles changed tack in 2012, by focussing on players they already had rather than high profile free agents. Vick is going to enjoy his first off season as the Eagles starting QB, he has two good receivers on the outside, a serviceable slot receiver, a top tight end and, potentially, the most complete back in the NFL.
Mainzey - Are we saying Ware is past it???
Can't believe I am defending my arch enemy
This is your best team since last years team which worked out well.... Seriously if you keep Vick upright you should win 10 games easily
So are we saying Eagles?
Also did you know golf on TV cricket on the iPad is the future?
This has the makings of a serious division for a change. St Louis intrigue me under Jeff Fisher, really need a big season out of Bradford but the defence should be solid
Dutton - I think we should begin with the NFC Division that matters most to the pair of us, and coincidentally the home of the reigning Super Bowl champions, the NFC East.
No team has retained the East crown since the Eagles won 4 straight, ending with the 2004 title. I do not see this trend coming to an end in 2012. The Giants have not added quality to their roster, and in fact have several gaping holes where studs have departed. There is also the issue of Eli being the hunted rather than the hunter, his previous season as a Champion was not a triumph, for him or his team.
Mainzey - That Eagles team must have won a couple of superbowls with that record. I know you hate him but he is the best manning know with the best team resume. The team with the most talent has the star and the stupid owner
Dutton - The "Dallas has the most talent" argument is a myth, based on the same foundations as the Tooth Fairy. They have a serviceable quarterback, a good (but ageing) tight end and one great pass rusher. That's it.
The Eagles changed tack in 2012, by focussing on players they already had rather than high profile free agents. Vick is going to enjoy his first off season as the Eagles starting QB, he has two good receivers on the outside, a serviceable slot receiver, a top tight end and, potentially, the most complete back in the NFL.
Mainzey - Are we saying Ware is past it???
Can't believe I am defending my arch enemy
But enough with these teams lets talk about the team of the future....
Dutton - Your "future" may remain much the same as your present, for the time being. Adding Robert Griffin III will make the Redskins a touch more dynamic, but the quality of help afforded to him is still not top tier. The Skins strength still lies in a more than adequate defence, with Kerrigan and Orakpo the studs.
Mainzey - We will win 7 I think. We were close in a lot of games I think RG3 helps us win a couple more
Dutton - I would say so. Big play offence, solid offensive line, great strength in depth on the defensive line. I would very surprised if the 2011 total of 8 wins was not surpassed.
Mainzey - So we both pick the Eagles which may make Jerry Jones blow up the team which makes me smile.
So NFC North. I think this could be the deepest. Chicago still can play D and now Jay has someone to throw to I think they are serious this year
Dutton - Ah the NFC North, the land of the lost cornerback....
To compete in this division, you need to sling the ball around. There are three top arm QBs, we don't know what Ponder is yet. Chicago do indeed have that stud receiver they have been seeking for so long, but my worries with the Bears is an abysmal offensive line and an ageing defence. Briggs and Urlacher are not getting younger. They will be better than last year, but I don't expect them to come out on top in this division.
Mainzey - Yeah age is a concern but it is for me and you too
If we are talking about slinging the ball about then we have to talk about the best 1-2 in the league Stafford to MEGATRON!! The issue is can they keep the team out of jail and off the operating table. If they can they are a fantasy owners dream, if they can't I think Schwartz may have questions to answers
Dutton - Stafford to Johnson may well be the Manning to Wayne of this generation. The Lions are loaded on offence, built to use their front seven to generate pressure on defence. Like most teams in this division, their secondary is suspect (I'm being polite.)
Possibly owning the worst secondary, we come to the Green Bay Packers. While Stafford has his go-to-guy in Megatron, who is Aaron Rodgers favourite receiver?
The Open One.
Mainzey - Packers need to get to the QB on defence. If they can I think they are the best team in the conference. I have 2 out of here me thinks Green Bay and Chicago
Dutton - Odd comment from someone who lives in the past...
Agreed. Packers to win, but I see a Wildcard for the Bears. Detroit will drop off from last season, but not disastrously so. I'm not even talking about the Vikings.
How about the NFC West, for so long a joke division but not any more?
Mainzey - Only when it comes to my sports teams...but Yeah the Vikings without AP could have a long season.
Dutton - This division is one of underrated (and talented) defences. San Francisco showed last year that they had a serious front seven. Seattle and Arizona showed flashes of improvement. The Rams have added talent to a talent starved roster, but don't expect them to climb away from the basement too far
Mainzey - The Seahawks are interesting to me. Will they progress or fall back a little? Not sure the offence can keep up with the defence especially with Lynch probably missing some games.
Dutton - So we have the 49ers winning this division then?
Mainzey - They were the best team in the division and I think they have gotten better so I can't see it being any other way
Dutton - Agreed.
Now the real head scratcher in the NFC, the South. For so long the preserve of the Saints, can they put Bountygate and the loss of their head coach behind them and retain their crown?
Mainzey - I suppose the answer to this is do they still have Drew Brees? As the answer is yes I think they still have 10 plus wins on them although they hopefully lose game 1 to RG3
Dutton - I think that's quite enough trips into fantasy land for you.
Yes, Brees is still the straw that stirs the drink in this team. I see the Bucs improving, though they could hardly regress, and I expect last years RG3 (Cam Newton) to continue to show signs of class. For me, I see Atlanta falling away. Not a Matty Ryan believer.
Mainzey - I like the signings by Tampa just not sure they have overtaken New Orleans. If I am honest give me Cam and the original Steve Smith
Dutton - Yep, can't argue.
So we have Eagles, Packers, 49ers and Saints topping their divisions. I have wildcards for the Bears and...New York Giants.
Mainzey - I am with you on the Bears and I think I will throw a curve and go for..... Carolina Panthers
Dutton - You on board the Cam Newton train I see?
Great discussion Paul. We must do this again soon, as we discuss the ugly sister that is the AFC.
Mainzey - There is always one team who sneak up on us and I just have a feeling Cam can do it.
Yeah join us soon for the AFC version!!
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
End Of ANOTHER Era
Since I began writing this blog, I have been able to write about the end of Rahul Dravids Test career, the end of Peyton Manning's time as an Indianapolis Colt, and the calling of time on the career of one of country crickets hungriest run getters in Mark Ramprakash. It is with a degree of sadness that I find myself writing once again about the end of a great era, as the news filters through of the end of the international (and probably cricketing) career of South African glove man Mark Boucher.
STANDING OUT, STANDING UP
In terms of sheer numbers, Boucher stands apart from all other wicket keepers. In Test cricket alone, his trusty mitts gobbled up an astonishing 532 catches in his 147 tests, and he backed these up with 23 stumpings (no mean feat, considering the lack of a quality spinner for virtually his entire Test career). Both the number of catches and the number of matches played are records for a Test wicket keeper.
He was also a nuggety lower order batsman, capable of rescuing his side (his first test century came as a nightwatchman), establishing a dominant position with some lusty late innings hitting or saving his side with the same grim determination. In terms of runs, he is the second highest run getter for all test match wicket keepers, his 5515 at an average of 30.30 (5 centuries, 23 fifties) a mere 55 runs behind that great freak of nature Adam Gilchrist (though Gilly got his 5570 in fewer matches at a higher average and with more centuries). He stands up well against other prominent keeper/batsmen of the modern era, with the same number of centuries as Knott, Dhoni and Dujon, a higher average than those great Aussie glove man Healy and Marsh, and more not outs than any other keeper.
He finishes his career after a freak incident in a tour match at Taunton, warming up for his 4th and last tour of England. An Imran Tahir googly hit the stumps, sending a bail up into the white of Boucher's left eye. A sad end to a golden career, and one that saw him win, lose and draw a series in England. His 1st series was in 1998, and he was to play a leading role in the match best remembered for the epic duel between Mike Atherton and Alan Donald at Trent Bridge. Early in England's chase of 247, an Alan Donald short ball slammed into the glove of Atherton, and flew through to Boucher, who began the celebrations of a prized wicket. Astonishingly still to this day, the umpire declined to advise Athers that his innings had ended. Donald was incensed. So began a spell of fast bowling rarely seen since the days of Bodyline. Round the wicket Donald kept coming at Atherton, shorter and quicker. The test match rested on this duel. In a rare respite, Atherton watched from the non strikers end as Donald induced a nick from Nasser Hussain. The ball flew through to Boucher...who dropped it. Donald screamed, the muscles in his neck looking like they were ready to pop. The spell was broken, Donald was done. At the end of the over, prior to his taking up his fielding position at fine leg, Donald made a special effort to console his young teammate, a sporting gesture every bit as powerful as Flintoff and Lee's chat at Edgbaston seven years later. England, famously, hung on to win by 8 wickets, and Atherton (ever the scamp) gifted Donald the glove, with his signature barely covering the red ball mark.
Apparently, Boucher retires on 999 international dismissals (998 of which are as a wicket keeper).The two mentioned above would have taken him to the awesome tally of 1000. But they didn't. Such is life. Farewell Mark, maybe after this series we can take time to dwell on how truly great you are. One thing is for sure, I'm happy you are not playing, but I wish you'd played again.
STANDING OUT, STANDING UP
In terms of sheer numbers, Boucher stands apart from all other wicket keepers. In Test cricket alone, his trusty mitts gobbled up an astonishing 532 catches in his 147 tests, and he backed these up with 23 stumpings (no mean feat, considering the lack of a quality spinner for virtually his entire Test career). Both the number of catches and the number of matches played are records for a Test wicket keeper.
He was also a nuggety lower order batsman, capable of rescuing his side (his first test century came as a nightwatchman), establishing a dominant position with some lusty late innings hitting or saving his side with the same grim determination. In terms of runs, he is the second highest run getter for all test match wicket keepers, his 5515 at an average of 30.30 (5 centuries, 23 fifties) a mere 55 runs behind that great freak of nature Adam Gilchrist (though Gilly got his 5570 in fewer matches at a higher average and with more centuries). He stands up well against other prominent keeper/batsmen of the modern era, with the same number of centuries as Knott, Dhoni and Dujon, a higher average than those great Aussie glove man Healy and Marsh, and more not outs than any other keeper.
He finishes his career after a freak incident in a tour match at Taunton, warming up for his 4th and last tour of England. An Imran Tahir googly hit the stumps, sending a bail up into the white of Boucher's left eye. A sad end to a golden career, and one that saw him win, lose and draw a series in England. His 1st series was in 1998, and he was to play a leading role in the match best remembered for the epic duel between Mike Atherton and Alan Donald at Trent Bridge. Early in England's chase of 247, an Alan Donald short ball slammed into the glove of Atherton, and flew through to Boucher, who began the celebrations of a prized wicket. Astonishingly still to this day, the umpire declined to advise Athers that his innings had ended. Donald was incensed. So began a spell of fast bowling rarely seen since the days of Bodyline. Round the wicket Donald kept coming at Atherton, shorter and quicker. The test match rested on this duel. In a rare respite, Atherton watched from the non strikers end as Donald induced a nick from Nasser Hussain. The ball flew through to Boucher...who dropped it. Donald screamed, the muscles in his neck looking like they were ready to pop. The spell was broken, Donald was done. At the end of the over, prior to his taking up his fielding position at fine leg, Donald made a special effort to console his young teammate, a sporting gesture every bit as powerful as Flintoff and Lee's chat at Edgbaston seven years later. England, famously, hung on to win by 8 wickets, and Atherton (ever the scamp) gifted Donald the glove, with his signature barely covering the red ball mark.
Apparently, Boucher retires on 999 international dismissals (998 of which are as a wicket keeper).The two mentioned above would have taken him to the awesome tally of 1000. But they didn't. Such is life. Farewell Mark, maybe after this series we can take time to dwell on how truly great you are. One thing is for sure, I'm happy you are not playing, but I wish you'd played again.
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