2013 NFL Preview: NY Giants, NY Jets, Philadelphia Eagles

September 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

New York Giants

Coach Tom Coughlin

Offense Defense

QB ELI MANNING DE JUSTIN TUCK

RB DAVID WILSON DT LINVAL JOESPH

FB HENRY HYNOSKI DT CULLEN JENKINS

WR VICTOR CRUZ DE JASON PIERRE-PAUL

WR HAKEEM NICKS OLB KEITH RIVERS

TE BRANDON MYERS MLB MARK HERZLICH

RT DAVID DIEHL OLB SPENCER PAYSINGER

RG CHRIS SNEE CB COREY WEBSTER

C DAVID BAAS CB PRINCE AMUKAMARA

LG KEVIN BOOTHE FS RYAN MUNDY

LT WILL BEATY SS ANTREL ROLLE

Strengths: Whenever you have a Manning under center, you’re going to have a very good year. With great outside weapons with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks the Giants will put points on the board. Running back David Wilson has shown his explosiveness in the preseason and is poised for a big breakout year at running back. The Giants front four is their bread and butter on defense. When healthy Tuck and JPP provide a nightmare for offensive lines. With great depth at the defensive end position, with

With Manning, The Giants always have a chance

Mathius Kiwanuka and rookie Damontre Moore, and Joesph and Jenkins filling up the middle, the Giants defense could be poised to create havoc ion 2013.

Weaknesses: On offense the Giants are going to need to find consistency at the running back position. The G-men also need to keep Manning upright. Last season the offensive line showed many holes that at the moment don’t look to have been filled since the end of last season. If the Giants can’t keep Manning upright, then the offense will sputter. On defense the Giants need to stay healthy and get pressure on the quarterback. With a weak safety, and an even weaker line-backing core, the Giants need a big season out of the front four. If they can’t stay healthy or get to the quarterback, then the Giants defense will once again be a revolving door for the opposing offense.

Overall Prediction: 9-7 1^stplace NFC East:

With a difficult schedule this season a 9-7 record would be where the Giants finish. Considering all the question marks on defense, the offensive line, and health, the Giants should be able to make the playoffs despite not winning ten games. With the best quarterback situation in the talented NFC East. The Cowboys haven’t proven to be serious contenders in years, the Eagles are rebuilding, and the Redskins need to see if RGIII can get through a full season at quarterback. Either way it looks like the Giants will be back in the playoffs in 2013 and will try to make another run to the Super Bowl, which will be in their own stadium this year.

New York Jets

Coach Rex Ryan

Offense Defense

QB GENO SMITH(R)/ MARK SANCHEZ DE MUHAMMAD WILKERSON

RB BILAL POWELL NT KENRICK ELLIS

FB TOMMY BOHANON (R) DE SHELDON RICHARDSON (R)

WR JEREMY KERLEY OLB QUINTON COPLES

WR STEPHEN HILL ILB DAVIS HARRIS

TE JEFF CUMBERLAND ILB DEMARIO DAVIS

RT AUSTIN HOWARD OLB CALVIN PACE

RG WILLIE COLON CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE

C NICK MANGOLD CB DEE MILLINER (R )

LG VLADIMIR DUCASSE FS ANTONIO ALLEN

LT D’BRICKASHAW FERGUSON SS DAWAN LANDRY

Strengths: Rex Ryan team, think we know the answer to this one. If the Jets want to be competitive at all this season the defense must be a top unit in the NFL. While the deep secondary may have some holes, especially with Darrelle Revis leaving, the Jets still have a strong secondary with pro bowler Antonio Cromartie and rookie Dee Milliner. With Muhammad Wilkerson establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, the Jets also added first rounder Sheldon Richardson to the pass rush. While it remains to see if Quinton Coples will remain at outside linebacker, with more athleticism and a stronger emphasis on the blitz, the Jets defense will get to the

It’s official, the Jets are now Geno’s team

quarterback. On offense the Jets have added more depth to the running game as they will emphasis running the football more. Plus with pro bowlers Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson on the line, the Jets may once again be one of the best at running the ball in 2013.

Weaknesses: Hmm other than quarterback? While it remains uncertain who will be the signal caller for the Jets in 2013, one can only hope it’s not Mr. Buttfumble Mark Sanchez. While it does look like it will be Geno time sooner than later, the fact is the Jets quarterback situation is terrible. Add in the lack of a star running back, a weak receiving core that’s still unsure when Santonio Holmes will return, and arguably the leagues weakest crop of tight ends, yeah the Jets offense isn’r looking too good right now. On the defensive side the two questions are can the safeties be solid starters and can Quinton Coples effectively transition to the rush 3-4 outside linebacking position.

Overall: 8-8 2^nd AFC East: If Geno can be a solid quarterback, which isn’t too hard given Mark Sanchez’s recent history, the Jets can be a 500 team. Personally I’m not buying into the Dolphins or Bills until the finally can prove themselves as contenders this season. Rex Ryan is coaching to save his life and knows that he has to give a great performance this year. This defense is vastly underrated and has the potential to be a great defense. If the offense can run the ball, and not turn the ball over, then the Jets could surprise a lot of people in 2013. One things for sure, there is never a dull moment with this team.

Philadelphia Eagles

Coach Chip Kelly

Offense Defense

QB MICHAEL VICK DE FLETCHER COX

RB LESHEAN McCOY NT ISSAC SOPOAGA

WR DESEAN JACKSON DE CLIFTON GEATHERS

WR RILEY COOPER OLB TRENT COLE

TE BRENT CELEK ILB DEMECO RYANS

TE ZACH ERTZ ( R) ILB MYCHAL KENDRICKS

RT LANE JOHNSON (R ) OLB CONNOR BARWIN

RG TODD HEREMANS CB CARY WILLIAMS

C JASON KELCE CB BRADLEY FLETCHER

LG EVAN MATHIS FS PATRICK CHUNG

LT JASON PETERS SS NATE ALLEN

Strengths: Given Chip Kelly’s prolific offense in Oregon, this could be a year where the Eagles light up the scoreboard. When healthy Vick still has big play capability and a big arm to stretch the field. Whoever the quarterback is, he’ll have a vast arsenal of weaponry at his disposal. Jackson, Avant, Celek, Ertz, McCoy are all playmakers that create nightmare matchups for opposing defenses. With an improvement along the

Can Vick and Jackson stay healthy enough to give Kelly’s offense it’s explosiveness?

offensive line it could be a lot easier for Eagles quarterbacks this season. If the quarterbacks can remain upright, this offense will score some points.

Weaknesses: On offense there are only two. First who will be the quarterback by the end of the season, and second can this offensive line protects whoever that quarterback will be. Michael Vick hasn’t played a full season in years, and it’s likely that the Eagles will turn to Matt Barkley or Nick Foles by the end of the season. The biggest problem for this team is the defense. Last year it was one of the worst units in the NFL, but now many starters from last season have been replaced with general unknowns. While the Eagles have lost many defensive starters, the biggest problem is that they are switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. The problem? The Eagles personal fits a 4-3 defense better. Trent Cole, the Eagles best defender is a great 4-3, but moving him to a standing up 3-4 linebacker could make him less effective.

Overall: 6-10 4^th NFC east Sorry Eagles fan. In the difficult NFC East, questions at the quarterback position, and a terrible defense, it’s going to be a rebuilding year in Philadelphia. While the will score points, I think we will see games where they will score 30 points but loss because their defense is so bad. Chip Kelly may begin righting the ship in Philly and being his high-powered offense to the pros, but unfortunately you need to play defense to. 2013 will be a step in the right direction, especially with Kelly at the helm, but it just won’t be a step back into the playoffs.

Where are they now? Thad Castle BMS

August 19, 2013November 6, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

No matter what he does, Thad Castle leaves a mark

No matter what he does, Thad Castle leaves his own mark of Football

Thad Castle is a lightning rod, period. Whether it’s on or off the field, no football player has brought more attention and controversy to the game of football. Beginning with his glory days at Blue Mountain State, where he was the premier defensive player in college football, Castle has provided both jaw dropping playmaking ability and controversy. For a four-year period he was one of, if not the most dominating defensive force that college football has ever seen. However, despite his greatness, Castle is known more for his off the field shenanigans then his actual football play. Whether it’s complaining to NCAA officials that defensive players don’t win the Heisman trophy, a drug scandal on a boat that resulted in a one game suspension, threatening opposing players, and of course his arrest for a house party. Oh, not to mention he did his best Brett Favre impression and sent pictures of a certain body part to female BMS students.

After his senior year the question was where would he be selected in the NFL Draft? Would a team overlook the rampant off the field issues and draft Castle on his pure talent alone? When it was announced that Castle would be the cover athlete for NCAA Football 2012, it sparked a firestorm. Thousands of emails and letters were sent to EA Sports demanding that Castle be removed from the cover for being a terrible representation of the college athlete. When EA Sports announced that they would release a second copy with Mark Ingram on the cover Castle responded: “I knew it! These people just don’t get how great I am!” Surprisingly, the Castle cover became the highest selling copy of an EA video game to that point. After the cover controversy, Castle would be drafted by the New York Jets. However, Castle thought it was criminal because he was a first round talent and that team’s had made the biggest of their lives. Hey went to Twitter say “Tebow’s a first round pick and I’m not? What is this a conspiracy? #WTH”. While Castle was furious about not being selected in the first round, and even threatened to not attend training camp at all, Rex Ryan was excited to have Castle on the team. Ryan: “He’s a ferocious and aggressive football player. Did we know about the off the field issues? Of course, but we know this kid loves to play football and that he can be a playmaker on our defense. I love his swagger and know that he’ll bring the attitude to our defense”. Castle would make an instant impact with the Jets by knocking out Mark Sanchez in training camp for the season. At first this seemed like a bad thing, until people realized that this was a blessing in disguise since Mark Sanchez couldn’t play quarterback. In his rookie season Castle would have 145 tackles, 15 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions. Leading the number 1 defense in football, Castle propelled the Jets to a 17-7 victory in the Super Bowl where he was the MVP with a defensive touchdown and 15 tackles.

But once again, Castle’s biggest opponent wasn’t an offense, but his own success. Following the Super Bowl, Castle was arrested for possession of drugs and was found naked in his hotel room holding the Lombardi trophy. When asked about this behavior, NFL star Rob Gronkowski told Sports Illustrated : “jeez and I thought I liked to party. Castle makes me look like Tim Tebow!” After a tumultuous sophomore year in the league, which included two suspensions for the drug use in the off-season and for biting Tom Brady’s leg, Roger Goodell went on the war path stating that if Castle did not change his ways, he would be out of the NFL. Of course, this is Thad Castle we are talking about. That night he tweeted “Goodell is just jealous because he wishes he was a football star and not some loser wannabe #ThadRules”. We all know what happened next. Thad got suspended, Goodell got his way, and Castle went to twitter to infamously tweet: “FU NFL”. Despite the suspension, Castle still was still in the mainstream. He tried to become an action star in his own movie, Road Rage. The movie was a disaster from Castle’s terrible “acting”, and was critically panned by critics. But was this really a surprise? Really? Thad plus acting is not an equation that ends well. It didn’t help with all of the negative publicity about Castle getting into fights on the set and constantly pranking the director. At least he made millions off of his “Guck Foodell” t-shirts.

When he returned to the grid iron, he would once again help to lead the Jets to a second Super Bowl victory. However, after he flipped off Goodell when he took the Lombardi Trophy and told him to “suck it”, Goodell snapped. On the Super Bowl podium in front of the world he told Castle that he was done in the NFL.

Today, Castle is 29 years old and playing in the Canadian Football league. There he is trying to jumpstart his NFL and acting careers, both so far unsuccessfully. Currently he is in a heated battle in court trying to fight his NFL suspension to be reinstated. Castle’s main defense that while his actions, while idiotic, weren’t criminal. While he continues to fight the NFL ban and try to find a director gullible enough to give him an acting role, Castle has continues to play in the Canadian Football League with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. There, he has led them to two consecutive championships and has won the defensive player of the year twice. While his antics have continued north of the border, one anonymous GM told me that Castle will never be banned from the CFL. “Are you kidding me? Of course they wouldn’t suspend him. He’s the main attraction for the CFL right now and has brought countless revenue and media attention to this league. Now the CFL is a headliner because of Thad Castle. Now were in the same conversation with the NFL! He’s too big in the CFL and could get away with anything”.

While Goodell has made it known that he is trying to clean up the NFL, he might consider the Castle suspension because of the media magnet he’s become. Hey negative attention is better than no attention at all am I right? Whatever happens to Thad in the future two things are for certain. He is one of the best football players in the game today, and that he will be a media lightning rod. Heck just look at his twitter. Why else does he have over 15 million followers. Hey it’s Thad’s world, and all we can do is just sit back and wait to see what he is going to do next.

What could haven been? Barry Sanders

August 16, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Many wonder what records Sanders could have shattered

Why? If you could define Barry Sanders with one word it wouldn’t be spectacular, breathtaking, or greatest. The word most people associate with the hall of fame running back is why. In 1999 Barry Sanders walked away from the game of football. Even to this day we can’t solve the mystery of why the best player in the NFL retired in the prime of his career? Why would he retire within striking distance of Walter Payton’s all time rushing record? His retirement became one of the greatest conspiracy theories in sports. Did he retire to not pass Payton’s record? Was he sick of losing in Detroit and had a fallout with management? Nobody knows. Maybe we can’t stop talking about Barry Sanders because we always wonder what could have been? What if he hadn’t retired? What more could he have accomplished? Football fans, especially those in Detroit, can only dream if Barry Sanders continued playing. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when Sanders would become the all-time rusher. Sorry Emmit Smith, if Barry hadn’t called it quits you would never have been the NFL’s all-time rushing leader. Lions fans wonder if Barry Sanders had kept playing could they have made

What did he fans miss the most? Sanders incredible runs

a quicker return trip to the playoffs and prevent the franchise from its downward spiral of the next decade. However, I think what we all missed were those breathtaking runs. Words cannot fully capture the beauty of a Sanders run. The blue of number 20 darting and cutting between defenders and afterward you kept asking, how did he do that? When you watched him break off an incredible run that just made you say wow, and you knew you were witnessing the best back in football. That’s what I wish I could have seen. Sanders was just before my time and just watching his highlights cannot do any of his runs justice. If Sanders had continued how many yards and touchdowns could he have had? Would he have been the reason for the Lions making a turnaround and finally making the Super Bowl? We can only just imagine. For most greats you can see that someone could eventually come along and be just as good if not better. Not Barry Sanders. I can’t see anyone coming along and being better than Barry. Sure Adrian Peterson is a great physical back, but Barry’s runs were one of a kind. That’s why I think fans have a hard time accepting his retirement. Do I give Sanders a lot of credit for retiring, of course. It takes guts to retire at your peak and knowing that people will be critical. People just wanted to see more of those big runs and plays that none else could manifest. While he may have gotten heat for retiring, Sanders still is highly respected and loved by fans. Don’t believe me? Just pick up Madden 25 when it comes out. Who did the people want? Two words, Barry Sanders.

The “T” Factor: Tim Tebow’s role in Foxboro

July 27, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Will it be Tebow time in Foxboro?

Just mentioning Tim Tebow is sure bring numerous eye rolls, face-palms, and enough debate that would rival anything on capital hill. It’s the same old song and dance; He can’t throw, overrated, not a quarterback, distraction, Skip Bayless’ crush, etc. With the Tebow train pulling into Foxboro for the 2013 season, one thing is for sure, he’s not going to be competing for the starting quarterback role. With one of if not the greatest quarterback of all-time under center the question is, why is Tebow there? The answer, nobody really knows. While Tebow has repeatedly said that he wants to be a quarterback in this league, the problem is nobody wants a quarterback who can’t throw. It will be interesting the see what Bill Belichick has up his sleeve. After all he’s a coach who is known for finding successful niche roles for players on the Patriots roster. So what about Tebow? I don’t see him running a wildcat offense, or coming in for five plays to throw the ball. Taking five throws away from Tom Brady is too valuable. The best role for Tim Tebow? Tebow lovers cover your eyes!! Tight end! I’ll pause for a few seconds so you guys can debate or Tebow fans can scream their obscenities. Ok, everybody get that out of their system? Great, now that your back it only makes sense that Tebow should be used as a tight end. With the Aaron Hernandez situation, I’m not touching that one, and the injury to Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots are thin at both tight end and playmaker. Enter the Tebow, whose combination of size and speed could make him a formidable tight end. Plus, he might not only be catching passes, there could be a gimmick play for a pass, or Belichick could put him in the backfield. He probably wouldn’t run the ball but might take some direct snaps, or be a distraction so that a receiver could get open down the field. I know that Tim Tebow fans want to see him get an opportunity to play quarterback, and I do believe he does deserve another shot, but not in New England. So for all the people with Tebow crushes, I’m talking to your Skip Bayless, if you’re expecting him to drop back and throw passes in New England, you’re in for a huge disappointment. If the Patriots want to use Tim Tebow to help them win football games, it will be as a tight end. Will he be a superstar at tight end over night, no, but he could give Tom Terrific a viable target that he desperately needs. If they want to unleash Tim Tebow upon the NFL use his freakish athletic ability and size as a tight end and give Tom Brady some much-needed help. While he may not resurrect his quarterback career in Foxboro, if Tim Tebow wants to keep his football career alive, he will suck it up and play tight end. Since he is a team player, I think Tebow will do this because he knows that this is what’s best for the Patriots. Who knows maybe Tebow was that missing piece to another Super Bowl for the Brady-Belichick era.

Diamonds in the rough: 5 players the Jets should sign

June 27, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With training camp closing in the Jets still have many holes on this roster. Luckily here are five free agents still available who can help them for 2013.

5) Sione Pouha DT/NT

The Jets defensive could use this veteran

While the Jets did release Pouha earlier this year, the fact that he is still available should make the Jets bring him back. If the Jets could bring him back at minimum value, this could be a great signing. While Pouha does bring with him health concerns from last season, when healthy he is one of the NFL’s best run stuffers. With the Jets failing to address the nose tackle position and with a lack of depth after Sheldon Richardson, if the price is right the Jets should take this risk.

4) Dallas Clark TE

The Jets need help at TE

While hey may be old, Dallas Clark can catch a football. With the Jets receivers struggling to catch balls, and a depletion at tight end, Clark could be a versatile piece in the west coast offense. While he may not be an every down tight end at this stage in his career, he could be used in passing situations. Cumberland and Winslow aren’t exactly sure bets at tight end, so why not bring in a veteran who can also help the development of the young Jets quarterbacks.

3) Vonta Leach FB

Leach could bring some pound back to ground and pound

Ok what do the Jets do when they have the ball? Ground and pound! Ever since Tony Richardson retired the Jets have had a gaping hole in their rushing attack without a capable fullback. With the Super Bowl Champions releasing arguably the best fullback in the NFL, I’m shocked the Jets haven’t made an offer to Leach. A three-time pro bowler and all pro, Leach has helped Ray Rice become one of the most dangerous backs in the NFL. Listen the Jets QB situation is a problem, but the running game has serious potential. Why not give the running back bigger holes with Leach plowing ahead in front of them. The Jets need to ground and pound and adding Leach could help the Jets get back to number 1 in rushing in the NFL.

2) Braylon Edwards WR

With the Jets desperate for receivers Edwards could provide some depth

To say that the Jets are thin a wide receiver is a gross understatement. With Santonio Holmes will probably miss the start of the season with his injury, and the rest of the receiving core can’t even catch the ball in mini camp. Outside of Jeremy Kerley the Jets have nothing in the wide receiver department that warrants a threat. Unless Stephen Hill finally lives up to his potential, which I’m skeptical about this season, the Jets have a major problem. He may have some baggage but Braylon Edwards has had his best success in green and white. A physically gifted receiver who does have his warts, Edwards would be a cheap option with a lot of upside. Edwards has chemistry with Mark Sanchez and is at a point in his career where he needs to play well or face the threat of being out of the league. Look the Jets need a receiver, so why not bring one that’s had success in green and white and that would be a cheap option.

1) Kerry Rhodes S

It’s time to rebuild a burned bridge

Ok, ok I know this is a long-shot but hear me out. I understand that the Rex Ryan and Kerry Rhodes relationship was a tumultuous one at best, but it’s time to make amends. Chocolate, flowers, whatever it takes because like it or not these two need each other. Kerry Rhodes needs a place where he can be an aggressive safety and a place to get his career back on track. Rex Ryan’s job is on the line, so why not improve his defense. At the age of 30 he’s still got plenty left in the tank and adding him to the secondary would make the Jets a top secondary in the NFL. If the Jets are going to compete in 2013 they’re going to need a top 5 defense, and unless Rhodes is added it will be much more difficult to achieve this. Do you agree? Who else should the Jets look at? Comment below.

Can I get some help?? Tom Brady needs weapons

June 26, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

In the aftermath of the Hernandez situation Brady is lacking playmakers

In a matter of weeks Tom Brady has gone from master and commander of an elite offense, to a general without an army. After tight end Aaron Hernandez was released by the club on Wednesday in the wake of Hernandez’s arrest, Brady is left with a decimated offense. With Rob Gronkowski out for an unknown amount of time with his injury, and with Hernandez off the team, Tom terrific has lost both of his starting tight ends in a tight end heavy offense. To make matters worse, Wes Welker will be catching passes in Denver next season. Who’s left? Brandon Lloyd is still available but the Patriots have not made any indication that they will bring him back. Danny Amendola? To me this was an uncharacteristic signing for New England when they overpaid for an injury prone poor mans Wes Welker. Will Brady make him look good? Sure, will they regret not bringing Welker back? Absolutely. The rookies? While I love Aaron Dobson, he is still an unpolished receiver who would need to be eased into the NFL after playing at Marshall. Don’t get me wrong, he’s physically the best weapon the Patriots have at this point, but he is a very raw player. Josh Boyce could be another rookie that could help, but with a lingering toe injury he is way behind in understanding the Patriots complicated offensive attack. How about tight end? Jake Ballard is a solid receiver at tight end, but lacks the explosiveness that Hernandez and Gronk provided. To make matters worse there are slim pickings on the current free agent market. I can’t see the Patriots taking a chance on Terrell Owens or Braylon Edwards after the Randy Moss and Chad OchoCinco experiments both ended so well in Foxboro. While they could pick up a receiver, it wouldn’t be much of an improvement over the talent already on the roster. However, I think bringing in a guy like Dallas Clark, Kevin Boss, or Chris Cooley could be low risk high reward signing if the team decided to go in that direction. While they may be old veterans, they are good ball catcher how could thrive in New England’s system. Or, instead of going out to bring in players the Patriots may just adapt their scheme to running the ball more with LeGarrette Blount and Steven Ridley. Who knows maybe the prodigal son Tim Tebow will become the next ultimate weapon for the Patriots at tight end. Oh I can hear the Tim Tebow debates starting right about now. Whatever the Patriots decide to do, whether its run the ball more, use Tim Tebow as a weapon, or spread the field with additional receivers, it is clear that this team is hurting. This could be there year where another AFC East team finally dethrone the Pats as the division leader. One thing is for certain, it’s going to be a long training camp in New England