NFL 2010
- Thread starter Dak
- Start date
Mort Divine
Shrine Maiden of the In-Crowd
If If every single current NFL player was on one team, who would you haveas the starters/immediate backups?
QB - Drew Brees, Peyton Manning
WR - Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Wes Welker
RB - Chris Johnson, Shonn Greene
FB - Lousaka Polite
TE - Antonio Gates, Brandon Manumaleuna
LT Joe Thomas, Jake Long
LG Steve Hutchinson, Carl Nicks
C Nick Mangold, Jeff Saturday
RG Jahri Evans, Chris Snee
RT Ryan Diem, Michael Oher
LDE - Ray Edwards, Richard Seymour
DT - Kevin Williams, Albert Haynesworth
RDE - Mario Williams, Dwight Freeny
OLB - Brian Cushing, Lance Briggs
MLB - Patrick Willis, Demeco Ryans
CB Namdi Asomuga, Darrelle Revis. Charles Woodson, Leon Hall
SS Troy Polamalu, Roman Harper
FS Ed Reed, Antrel Rolle
K Stephen Gostkowski
P Mike Scifres
K/P Returner - Joshua Cribbs
QB - Drew Brees, Peyton Manning
WR - Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Wes Welker
RB - Chris Johnson, Shonn Greene
FB - Lousaka Polite
TE - Antonio Gates, Brandon Manumaleuna
LT Joe Thomas, Jake Long
LG Steve Hutchinson, Carl Nicks
C Nick Mangold, Jeff Saturday
RG Jahri Evans, Chris Snee
RT Ryan Diem, Michael Oher
LDE - Ray Edwards, Richard Seymour
DT - Kevin Williams, Albert Haynesworth
RDE - Mario Williams, Dwight Freeny
OLB - Brian Cushing, Lance Briggs
MLB - Patrick Willis, Demeco Ryans
CB Namdi Asomuga, Darrelle Revis. Charles Woodson, Leon Hall
SS Troy Polamalu, Roman Harper
FS Ed Reed, Antrel Rolle
K Stephen Gostkowski
P Mike Scifres
K/P Returner - Joshua Cribbs
Valerie
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- Aug 29, 2005
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QB - Bugs Bunny
WR - Bugs Bunny
RB - Bugs Bunny
FB - Bugs Bunny
TE - Bugs Bunny
LT Bugs Bunny
LG Bugs Bunny
C Bugs Bunny
RG Bugs Bunny
RT Bugs Bunny
LDE - Bugs Bunny
DT - Bugs Bunny
RDE - Bugs Bunny
OLB - Bugs Bunny
MLB - Bugs Bunny
CB Bugs Bunny
SS Bugs Bunny
FS Bugs Bunny
K Bugs Bunny
P Bugs Bunny
K/P Returner - Bugs Bunny
WR - Bugs Bunny
RB - Bugs Bunny
FB - Bugs Bunny
TE - Bugs Bunny
LT Bugs Bunny
LG Bugs Bunny
C Bugs Bunny
RG Bugs Bunny
RT Bugs Bunny
LDE - Bugs Bunny
DT - Bugs Bunny
RDE - Bugs Bunny
OLB - Bugs Bunny
MLB - Bugs Bunny
CB Bugs Bunny
SS Bugs Bunny
FS Bugs Bunny
K Bugs Bunny
P Bugs Bunny
K/P Returner - Bugs Bunny
skeptik
Member
- Feb 7, 2003
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So, is anybody else willing to post up an analysis of their preferred teams' final 53 man roster? I'm interested in hearing what others have to say about teams I'm less familiar with. I'll start, naturally.
Overall, outside of obvious legal issues, this was a strong offseason for the Steelers, especially in terms of the quality of their draft. This should be obvious by the fact that 8 of their 10 draft picks are on the final 53 man roster, with the 9th being an OT from the 5th round who is currently on the PUP list and the 10th being a DE from the 7th round who more likely than not will wind up on the practice squad. Also, for the first time since Heath Miller, the Steelers will start a rookie on opening day (which can no longer be disputed, since they cut Justin Hartwig, their incumbent center) in the form of Maurkice Pouncey. They also stand to receive a good deal of special teams help from their rookie linebackers (Jason Worilds [OLB, 2nd rd], Thaddeus Gibson [OLB, 4th rd], Stevenson Sylvester [ILB, 5th rd]) and wide receivers (Emmanuel Sanders [3rd rd] and Antonio Brown [6th rd]). Of the other two draft choices not accounted for, running back Jonathan Dwyer and cornerback Crezdon Butler are not likely to see much playing time if at all this year, but both figure to be key contributors in future years. Both may prove to be steals several years down the road as they were drafted in the 6th and 5th rounds respectively, and Dwyer will most likely become the complimentary back to Mendenhall in time, whereas Butler may eventually take Ike Taylor's spot as the top cornerback, though not in the immediate future. Considering players that the coaches liked had to be cut to make room for them (Frank Summers and Joe Burnett, respectively), I think that says a lot. I'm happy that all of these players made the roster, especially those for whom it seemed their chances were slim, namely Dwyer, the 4th of 4 running backs, Butler, the 6th of 6 cornerbacks, and Sylvester, the 9th of 9 linebackers.
Outside of the rookies, the Steelers were also successful in free agency in bringing in quality players that have leadership capability and/or strong propensities to play special teams, namely Arnaz Battle and Will Allen, and returning players Bryant McFadden, Larry Foote, Bryant McFadden, and Byron Leftwich, who all provide solid and much needed depth. The bringing in of Flozell Adams to replace the injured Willie Colon looks like it should be a success, as the last two preseason games have shown him steadily improve his game as he adjusts to playing on the right side. Given the Steelers' commitment to the run this year, I think Adams should have a notably better season this year than last, among other reasons.
Overall, the Steelers did a very good job of getting rid of dead weight by either not resigning free agents (Willie Parker, Carey Davis, Tyrone Carter, Deshea Townsend) or cutting them now (Justin Hartwig, Patrick Bailey), though some sacrifices had to be made due to the sheer numbers game, including return specialist Stefan Logan (whom the Lions already snatched up), Kraig Urbik (already taken by the Bills, who beat out several other teams who also claimed him off waivers), Joe Burnett, and Frank Summers, though it appears the latter has signed to the practice squad, thankfully. I think the Steelers now have a strong roster built upon both veteran leadership and energetic youth, finally with legitimate depth players who have a lot of upside. Depth was obviously a serious issue last year. Of course we'll see how strong the QB depth is for the first month of the season. It's yet to be determined who is going to take the first snap of the season, though it should be noted that Charlie Batch HAS won opening day for the Steelers before.
Overall, outside of obvious legal issues, this was a strong offseason for the Steelers, especially in terms of the quality of their draft. This should be obvious by the fact that 8 of their 10 draft picks are on the final 53 man roster, with the 9th being an OT from the 5th round who is currently on the PUP list and the 10th being a DE from the 7th round who more likely than not will wind up on the practice squad. Also, for the first time since Heath Miller, the Steelers will start a rookie on opening day (which can no longer be disputed, since they cut Justin Hartwig, their incumbent center) in the form of Maurkice Pouncey. They also stand to receive a good deal of special teams help from their rookie linebackers (Jason Worilds [OLB, 2nd rd], Thaddeus Gibson [OLB, 4th rd], Stevenson Sylvester [ILB, 5th rd]) and wide receivers (Emmanuel Sanders [3rd rd] and Antonio Brown [6th rd]). Of the other two draft choices not accounted for, running back Jonathan Dwyer and cornerback Crezdon Butler are not likely to see much playing time if at all this year, but both figure to be key contributors in future years. Both may prove to be steals several years down the road as they were drafted in the 6th and 5th rounds respectively, and Dwyer will most likely become the complimentary back to Mendenhall in time, whereas Butler may eventually take Ike Taylor's spot as the top cornerback, though not in the immediate future. Considering players that the coaches liked had to be cut to make room for them (Frank Summers and Joe Burnett, respectively), I think that says a lot. I'm happy that all of these players made the roster, especially those for whom it seemed their chances were slim, namely Dwyer, the 4th of 4 running backs, Butler, the 6th of 6 cornerbacks, and Sylvester, the 9th of 9 linebackers.
Outside of the rookies, the Steelers were also successful in free agency in bringing in quality players that have leadership capability and/or strong propensities to play special teams, namely Arnaz Battle and Will Allen, and returning players Bryant McFadden, Larry Foote, Bryant McFadden, and Byron Leftwich, who all provide solid and much needed depth. The bringing in of Flozell Adams to replace the injured Willie Colon looks like it should be a success, as the last two preseason games have shown him steadily improve his game as he adjusts to playing on the right side. Given the Steelers' commitment to the run this year, I think Adams should have a notably better season this year than last, among other reasons.
Overall, the Steelers did a very good job of getting rid of dead weight by either not resigning free agents (Willie Parker, Carey Davis, Tyrone Carter, Deshea Townsend) or cutting them now (Justin Hartwig, Patrick Bailey), though some sacrifices had to be made due to the sheer numbers game, including return specialist Stefan Logan (whom the Lions already snatched up), Kraig Urbik (already taken by the Bills, who beat out several other teams who also claimed him off waivers), Joe Burnett, and Frank Summers, though it appears the latter has signed to the practice squad, thankfully. I think the Steelers now have a strong roster built upon both veteran leadership and energetic youth, finally with legitimate depth players who have a lot of upside. Depth was obviously a serious issue last year. Of course we'll see how strong the QB depth is for the first month of the season. It's yet to be determined who is going to take the first snap of the season, though it should be noted that Charlie Batch HAS won opening day for the Steelers before.
King Richard
Hello there
I don't understand the purpose of starting Charlie Batch over Dixon. This is a perfect opportunity to see what Dixon is made of, but yet the Steelers want to start the perennial backup Charlie Batch and do what exactly, salvage their season?
I did like a lot of the moves the Steelers made this offseason, especially the Pouncey move. I was really hoping the Colts would jump on him late in the first not just because I'm a Florida homer, but because he's really fucking good.
Dodens, do you think Mendenhall is going to have a big season like I do?
As far as the Colts go, this team is much improved over the 2009 team, and that's saying a lot considering the 2009 Colts practically went undefeated until their loss in the Super Bowl. The difference this season is as follows:
1) The return of Big Bad Bob Sanders, for at least one game. Lord knows he's had plenty of time to finally get healthy. The preseason game against the Packers showcased Bob doing what he does best, unleash the fucking fury, and make plays. I have to admit, when I saw him bulldoze Ryan Grant on one play and the very next play cause a fumble, I giggled like a schoolgirl.
2) Gonzo is back. The Colts' receiver corps this year is just ridiculously sick. A lot of Colts fans are confused as to what the Colts are going to do with Collie/Garcon/Gonzo, but I don't understand why they're concerned. All of those guys are basically interchangeable for now, so who cares? I will say, that for anyone who thinks Garcon has the #2 receiver spot locked up, don't be so sure. There were some very high expectations going into the 2009 season with Gonzo after the Colts cut Harrison in the offseason. The expectations were much higher than what I would expect to see out of Garcon this season. Assuming Gonzo's knee is indeed 100%, I believe he'll end up earning his #2 spot back this season. Either way, this is a very good problem to have, that being having four extremely talented receivers surrounding Peyton. And the best part is, these guys are only going to get better. :danceboy:
3) The Colts actually have a dedicated returner worth a shit! IT'S AMAZING! And the craziest part is he beat out one guy who everyone thought would come in and win the job outright in Brandon James. Brandon James being the speedster returner from Florida. But not so fast my friends. Polian scored big on yet another undrafted free agent Devin Moore who also happens to be an Indy native who played college football in Wyoming. I can only imagine how high on life that guy is right now not only for the fact that a team decided to take a chance on him, but for him to come in and win a job as an undrafted free agent for his hometown team. A dream come true no doubt.
4) The Colts also finally have also found their MLB of the future in second round pick Pat Angerer. I also really like his name for obvious reasons. From what I saw of him during the preseason the guy is going to be a stud. He reminds me a lot of a bigger Zach Thomas (one of my favorite players of all time). As for the rest of the draft picks, none of them really stood out much this offseason, but then again, I don't remember the last time any rookie ever did until the regular season starts. I never thought Jerraud Powers was going to be as good as he is until Marlin Jackson blew out his knee again last season giving him a shot to start. I don't know who it's going to be, but one of those draft picks is going to have a big year, we'll just have to wait and see who it is. What I do know is it won't be Kevin Thomas because he was placed on IR, and Ray Fisher because he was cut.
The only concern leading into this season, just like last season, is the offensive line. The Colts are a pass first team anyways, so if they don't improve in the running game I won't be all that surprised. What I am looking forward to is seeing how much progression Donald Brown has gone through since last season.
Speaking of running backs, Joseph Addai is in the last year of his contract. I don't think this is going to have any affect on how hard he plays because the Colts know what he brings to the table (phenomenal pass blocker and receiver, mediocre runner). I think for Addai to stick around next season he's going to have to be willing to sign a cheap(er), short(er) deal, otherwise the Colts will have to show him the door.
I did like a lot of the moves the Steelers made this offseason, especially the Pouncey move. I was really hoping the Colts would jump on him late in the first not just because I'm a Florida homer, but because he's really fucking good.
Dodens, do you think Mendenhall is going to have a big season like I do?
As far as the Colts go, this team is much improved over the 2009 team, and that's saying a lot considering the 2009 Colts practically went undefeated until their loss in the Super Bowl. The difference this season is as follows:
1) The return of Big Bad Bob Sanders, for at least one game. Lord knows he's had plenty of time to finally get healthy. The preseason game against the Packers showcased Bob doing what he does best, unleash the fucking fury, and make plays. I have to admit, when I saw him bulldoze Ryan Grant on one play and the very next play cause a fumble, I giggled like a schoolgirl.
2) Gonzo is back. The Colts' receiver corps this year is just ridiculously sick. A lot of Colts fans are confused as to what the Colts are going to do with Collie/Garcon/Gonzo, but I don't understand why they're concerned. All of those guys are basically interchangeable for now, so who cares? I will say, that for anyone who thinks Garcon has the #2 receiver spot locked up, don't be so sure. There were some very high expectations going into the 2009 season with Gonzo after the Colts cut Harrison in the offseason. The expectations were much higher than what I would expect to see out of Garcon this season. Assuming Gonzo's knee is indeed 100%, I believe he'll end up earning his #2 spot back this season. Either way, this is a very good problem to have, that being having four extremely talented receivers surrounding Peyton. And the best part is, these guys are only going to get better. :danceboy:
3) The Colts actually have a dedicated returner worth a shit! IT'S AMAZING! And the craziest part is he beat out one guy who everyone thought would come in and win the job outright in Brandon James. Brandon James being the speedster returner from Florida. But not so fast my friends. Polian scored big on yet another undrafted free agent Devin Moore who also happens to be an Indy native who played college football in Wyoming. I can only imagine how high on life that guy is right now not only for the fact that a team decided to take a chance on him, but for him to come in and win a job as an undrafted free agent for his hometown team. A dream come true no doubt.
4) The Colts also finally have also found their MLB of the future in second round pick Pat Angerer. I also really like his name for obvious reasons. From what I saw of him during the preseason the guy is going to be a stud. He reminds me a lot of a bigger Zach Thomas (one of my favorite players of all time). As for the rest of the draft picks, none of them really stood out much this offseason, but then again, I don't remember the last time any rookie ever did until the regular season starts. I never thought Jerraud Powers was going to be as good as he is until Marlin Jackson blew out his knee again last season giving him a shot to start. I don't know who it's going to be, but one of those draft picks is going to have a big year, we'll just have to wait and see who it is. What I do know is it won't be Kevin Thomas because he was placed on IR, and Ray Fisher because he was cut.
The only concern leading into this season, just like last season, is the offensive line. The Colts are a pass first team anyways, so if they don't improve in the running game I won't be all that surprised. What I am looking forward to is seeing how much progression Donald Brown has gone through since last season.
Speaking of running backs, Joseph Addai is in the last year of his contract. I don't think this is going to have any affect on how hard he plays because the Colts know what he brings to the table (phenomenal pass blocker and receiver, mediocre runner). I think for Addai to stick around next season he's going to have to be willing to sign a cheap(er), short(er) deal, otherwise the Colts will have to show him the door.
The Ozzman
Melted by feels
Badbird
Never banned
Krigloch the Furious
Pants full of poo
Damn. Ravens are going to kill this year!
Boldin and Housh, fuck Derek Mason.
oh, and it looks like Revis signed
and gay Leinart went to the Texans
Boldin and Housh, fuck Derek Mason.
oh, and it looks like Revis signed
and gay Leinart went to the Texans
Der Morgenstern
Trailer Park Bacchus
Krigloch the Furious
Pants full of poo
skeptik
Member
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DoucheManZadeh played with Seattle last year. His initial signing alarmed me, but then I remembered that he's fucking overrated and that the Ravens basically have 3 slot receivers now with their deep threat, Stallworth, out for a month. The Ravens don't scare me nearly as much as they do most people.
Thankfully, Dixon will be starting, if the fact that he's taking first team reps right now is any indication. Not that I don't think they can win with Batch, but Dixon is the better option, even if it means a couple of dumb mistakes Batch wouldn't make, simply because Dixon is harder to plan for.
Of course I agree about Pouncey. He has looked excellent so far in terms of pretty much every facet of the game, from stuffing 3-4 nose tackles, driving people 5 yards off the ball, coming off the line and blocking up field, finishing blocks, looking for guys to block, reading coverage, playing til the whistle, etc. I'm sure the Steelers are in for a couple of learning curve hiccups here and there (the first drive of their last game ended because of a bad snap on 3rd down...shit happens), but he's not only already much better than Hartwig was and the best lineman the Steelers have, he looks legit as hell, and I'm sure he'll retire with at least a couple of Pro Bowls to his name.
As far as Mendenhall goes, I agree that he should have a big year, for a number of reasons.
1) The Steelers have openly recommitted to running the ball during the offseason.
2) They will have to rely on the running game early on while Roethlisberger is suspended.
3) The o-line is geared toward running with maulers like Starks, Kemoeatu, Pouncey, and Adams (his weakness is pass protection).
4) The new o-line coach, Sean Kugler, is much better than Larry Zierlein.
5) Mendenhall is coming in as the known starter this year. He only seriously contributed in the last 13 games of the season and he managed to rush for 1,100 yards.
6) His lead blockers will be better this year (TE David Johnson, C/G Doug Legursky, and Isaac Redman)
7) He's still growing into his frame. They drafted him young. He turned 23 in June. Dude's younger than me, and that freaks me out a little.
I agree about pretty much all of your points regarding the Colts. Other than the offensive line not improving, I don't see anything to suggest that they won't be obvious contenders for the Super Bowl, as they have been for the better part of a decade now. Having Sanders back is basically like having Polamalu back. Clearly one of the top 3 safeties of the past decade along with Reed. The Colts having a bunch of young talented receivers is perfect for Manning. He doesn't need names to throw to, he needs hands. And he usually turns those hands into names anyway. As you said, a good problem to have. Now, I haven't studied their draft all too much, but I was impressed with at least their top two picks, and I think that they were the intelligent picks to make with their respective positions. Angerer was a wise choice for their defensive scheme. I kind of wish the Steelers were able to keep Stefan Logan as their dedicated returner, but the numbers game was against him, and he was ultimately expendable. A dedicated returner is a nice luxury to have, but it's just that, a luxury.
Thankfully, Dixon will be starting, if the fact that he's taking first team reps right now is any indication. Not that I don't think they can win with Batch, but Dixon is the better option, even if it means a couple of dumb mistakes Batch wouldn't make, simply because Dixon is harder to plan for.
Of course I agree about Pouncey. He has looked excellent so far in terms of pretty much every facet of the game, from stuffing 3-4 nose tackles, driving people 5 yards off the ball, coming off the line and blocking up field, finishing blocks, looking for guys to block, reading coverage, playing til the whistle, etc. I'm sure the Steelers are in for a couple of learning curve hiccups here and there (the first drive of their last game ended because of a bad snap on 3rd down...shit happens), but he's not only already much better than Hartwig was and the best lineman the Steelers have, he looks legit as hell, and I'm sure he'll retire with at least a couple of Pro Bowls to his name.
As far as Mendenhall goes, I agree that he should have a big year, for a number of reasons.
1) The Steelers have openly recommitted to running the ball during the offseason.
2) They will have to rely on the running game early on while Roethlisberger is suspended.
3) The o-line is geared toward running with maulers like Starks, Kemoeatu, Pouncey, and Adams (his weakness is pass protection).
4) The new o-line coach, Sean Kugler, is much better than Larry Zierlein.
5) Mendenhall is coming in as the known starter this year. He only seriously contributed in the last 13 games of the season and he managed to rush for 1,100 yards.
6) His lead blockers will be better this year (TE David Johnson, C/G Doug Legursky, and Isaac Redman)
7) He's still growing into his frame. They drafted him young. He turned 23 in June. Dude's younger than me, and that freaks me out a little.
I agree about pretty much all of your points regarding the Colts. Other than the offensive line not improving, I don't see anything to suggest that they won't be obvious contenders for the Super Bowl, as they have been for the better part of a decade now. Having Sanders back is basically like having Polamalu back. Clearly one of the top 3 safeties of the past decade along with Reed. The Colts having a bunch of young talented receivers is perfect for Manning. He doesn't need names to throw to, he needs hands. And he usually turns those hands into names anyway. As you said, a good problem to have. Now, I haven't studied their draft all too much, but I was impressed with at least their top two picks, and I think that they were the intelligent picks to make with their respective positions. Angerer was a wise choice for their defensive scheme. I kind of wish the Steelers were able to keep Stefan Logan as their dedicated returner, but the numbers game was against him, and he was ultimately expendable. A dedicated returner is a nice luxury to have, but it's just that, a luxury.
Badbird
Never banned
Question for Dodens, do you think the Steelers are the best team out of any franchise history? They have the most Super Bowls but not most championships out of anyone.
skeptik
Member
- Feb 7, 2003
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I think that they're the best organization during the Super Bowl era. It's hard to compare before and after since the league was so different then, but even comparing between 1970 and 2010 is difficult. They have certainly been one of the more consistent franchises during that time, as testament to the fact that they've had only 3 coaches since 1969, and each of them has a super bowl ring with the Steelers as a head coach. The mid-late 80s into the early 90s was a bit of a down period, but they were obviously dominant in the mid 70s through early 80s, and in the 90s, they were what the Eagles were in the 00s (several conference championship appearance, one super bowl appearance). The fact that they have the most Super Bowl championships is certainly a check mark in their favor, but there's more to go by than that. The Cowboys have 8 super bowl appearances to the Steelers' 7, for example. I think that the Steelers are the best organization, yes, in terms of consistency (the Rooney and Mara families are both deserving of any accolades they receive), and I think it's quite obvious that a strong argument can be made for them being the best team of the Super Bowl era. Of all time in the history of the NFL though, I don't know. There's not much history worth noting prior to Chuck Noll. But like I said, it's almost a different game before the NFL-AFL merger.
Badbird
Never banned
Well yeah the game has change lot from time to time. I have to agree they are the best franchise in the Super Bowl era. I agree too that the Rooney and Mara familes are the best in the NFL. I was looking at their record from before 1972 and only one wining season. Packers would be my choice for best franchise history with 12 titles. Bears have a great history as well but not mostly in the NFL-AFL merger.
Mort Divine
Shrine Maiden of the In-Crowd
Thoughts On Thursdays Game
Positives:
The defense looked great against the pass. Other than the big plays to Shiancoe there was nothing given up, and once Harper was made to cover him even he was unable to do anything.
Evans and Nicks absolutely dominated the Williams Wall. If the Saints ran the ball that entire game instead of throwing constantly in the first half then there would have been an easy hundred yard+ game for Thomas.
Bushrod made Jared Allen his bitch. He very rarely needed help from the TEs and RBs, something that he CONSTANTLY needed during the NFC Championship game. I am suddenly much more confident in his as the starter.
Reggie Bush was running hard when we gave him the ball, unfortunately though the ball wasn't given to him nearly enough.
Morstead is a beast at punting, Roby is a beast on special teams coverage.
Malcom Jenkins has earned my confidence as the FS. His near INT and massive hit on Harvin after Porter went low ... damn.
Ellis just completely destroyed the Vikings offensive line. On the sack play he had, he went through it seemed 3 lineman to get to Favre.
Negatives:
Most notably is Hartley! He was completely shook that game, it seemed as if he had no confidence, and missed a complete gimme kick. Silver lining to this situation, Peyton noted that the kicks were rushed (still no excuse) so they should have it fixed.
The run defense could still use a bit of shoring up. They did a good job of generally keeping Peterson in check, but he made WAY too many big runs.
Offense looked sluggish outside of their opening drive of the game, and opening drive of the second half. This, I have no doubt, will be fixed immediately.
Overall Impression:
If this defense continues to play as well as they did and the offense picks back up where it left off last year, hard team to beat.
Positives:
The defense looked great against the pass. Other than the big plays to Shiancoe there was nothing given up, and once Harper was made to cover him even he was unable to do anything.
Evans and Nicks absolutely dominated the Williams Wall. If the Saints ran the ball that entire game instead of throwing constantly in the first half then there would have been an easy hundred yard+ game for Thomas.
Bushrod made Jared Allen his bitch. He very rarely needed help from the TEs and RBs, something that he CONSTANTLY needed during the NFC Championship game. I am suddenly much more confident in his as the starter.
Reggie Bush was running hard when we gave him the ball, unfortunately though the ball wasn't given to him nearly enough.
Morstead is a beast at punting, Roby is a beast on special teams coverage.
Malcom Jenkins has earned my confidence as the FS. His near INT and massive hit on Harvin after Porter went low ... damn.
Ellis just completely destroyed the Vikings offensive line. On the sack play he had, he went through it seemed 3 lineman to get to Favre.
Negatives:
Most notably is Hartley! He was completely shook that game, it seemed as if he had no confidence, and missed a complete gimme kick. Silver lining to this situation, Peyton noted that the kicks were rushed (still no excuse) so they should have it fixed.
The run defense could still use a bit of shoring up. They did a good job of generally keeping Peterson in check, but he made WAY too many big runs.
Offense looked sluggish outside of their opening drive of the game, and opening drive of the second half. This, I have no doubt, will be fixed immediately.
Overall Impression:
If this defense continues to play as well as they did and the offense picks back up where it left off last year, hard team to beat.
King Richard
Hello there
I think the Vikings offense looked shitty, not so much that the Saints defense looked good. Favre looked rusty and really old during that game, which I'm sure will wear off as the season goes on (he looked just as bad last year at the beginning of the season as well). Peterson looked really good and did a great job not fumbling though. They should have gave him at least another 10 rush attempts imo.
The Saints offense was pretty mediocre as well. That was probably one of Drew Brees' worst games I swear. I've never seen him that inaccurate on easy passes before. He had a lot of help from what's his nuts dropping that gimme td pass. But I recall a wide open Shockey watching a ball double hop off of the turf in his direction.
Either way, it was just their first game, and a lot of nerves/rustiness was displayed and expected. Neither team looks like a "Stuper Bowl favorite" as of yet, but that discussion is kinda pointless atm.
The Saints offense was pretty mediocre as well. That was probably one of Drew Brees' worst games I swear. I've never seen him that inaccurate on easy passes before. He had a lot of help from what's his nuts dropping that gimme td pass. But I recall a wide open Shockey watching a ball double hop off of the turf in his direction.
Either way, it was just their first game, and a lot of nerves/rustiness was displayed and expected. Neither team looks like a "Stuper Bowl favorite" as of yet, but that discussion is kinda pointless atm.
Mort Divine
Shrine Maiden of the In-Crowd
Krigloch the Furious
Pants full of poo
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