First Pick Blog

Here’s some other boneheaded decisions yesterday, taken from Theblaze.com

-At Nashville, with 16 seconds remaining in regulation, Detroit’s Shaun Hill threw to Nate Burleson on the sideline and he then lost the ball. It looked to be a completion then a fumble because the side judge threw his beanie, but another official ruled an incomplete pass. Titans CB Alterraun Verner had grabbed the ball and started to run and there were questions why the replay booth didn’t review it.

-Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo fumbled twice on plays in the third quarter that weren’t initially ruled turnovers until challenged by Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano.

First, Romo was in the grasp of Gerald McCoy with his right arm extended, when he flicked the ball forward in what was initially ruled an incomplete pass. Officials watched the replay and determined the ball was loose when Romo tried to push it out, and called it a fumble recovered by Gary Gibson at the 19.

Later, Michael Bennett sacked Romo and knocked the ball loose, but officials quickly whistled the play dead and Romo down even as Eric Wright ran toward the end zone with the football.

After Schiano challenged, officials reversed it to a fumble recovered at the 31, and the Bucs failed to score.

“They blew it dead. But the refs are doing a great job,” McCoy said. “A lot of people are complaining. We’ve got what we got. Everyone needs to accept it. They’re trying their hardest. No ref wants to go out there and make a bad call.”

-Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was taken to the hospital with a neck injury after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Ryan Mundy that was not penalized.

Heyward-Bey was running across the end zone early in the fourth quarter to catch a pass from Carson Palmer when Mundy launched his body and lowered his helmet into Heyward-Bey’s facemask. Heyward-Bey’s neck jerked violently and his head also crashed into the ground. The pass was incomplete.

“Once again, the refs missed it, like they always do,” Oakland defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said.

-Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano was ruled to have made a catch near the Jets’ goal line and the call was held up after review, even though the ball touched the ground as he was tackled.

“Well, I think the fact that we have to talk about it after every game is something right there,” Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway said. “I don’t think in my seven-year career that I’ve had to do that ever. So that probably tells you the story right there.”

Not to say Bill Belichick didn’t have any reasons to be pissed after Sunday Night’s game, but clearly he tried to grab the ref as they leave the field. Most leagues frown upon any physical contact with officials, so expect a fine coming for Bill. By the way Pats fans, we should hear no griping about penalties from you, New England was called for 10 penalties for 83 yards while Baltimore had 14 for 135 yards. Plenty of other bad ref moves yesterday, including an unsportsmanlike conduct call on the Redskins while half of the Bengals squad was on the field thinking they had won the game already. Awful…..

Comment on this post with your winners!

1. Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh)

vs.                            ___________________

8. Chan Gailey (Buffalo)

4. Ron Rivera (Carolina)

vs.                         _____________________

5. Lovie Smith (Chicago)

2. Jeff Fisher (St. Louis)

vs.                       _______________________

7. Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati)

3. Sean Payton (New Orleans)

vs.                    _________________________

6. Andy Reid (Philadelphia)

It is time to introduce the segment that may rule the headlines and blogospheres for days and days to come! The launch of our 2012 Cage Match Madness Bracket. We have been racking our brains for days, studied all the statistics, and are ready to pin coach vs. coach in a fantasy cage match brawl scenario. 32 coaches, 1 winner, it’s on like Donkey Kong. First, the guidelines to the tournament:

1. The bracket will be divided into 4 regions of 8 coaches. The regions are named: Lombardi, Ditka, Shula, and Parcells.

2. Each day we will release the different regions, today we will post the Lombardi Region

3. Starting Monday each pair of coaches will have their battle. The winner will be decided, with long deliberations and debating, by the First Pick Blog Staff. You the fan can vote for your winner as well! Shoot us an email at firstpickblog@gmail.com

4. The coaches will fight in a regulation cage match ring, to First Blood or KO with 2 minute rounds.

5. The fighting attire will be team polos and khakis (Bill Belichick in his hoodie with cutoff sleeves) as well as headsets (which can be used for fighting props)

6. We will release each new round’s winners and soon have our champion!

The Lombardi region is coming at you later today, but first….areeee youuu readyyyy to rumbleeeee?!!!!!!??!!

Week 2 is in the books…time to rank each team!

1. San Francisco 49ers (2-0) San Fran looked unstoppable against Detroit this week, the run game has been impressive now 3rd ranked in the league. Should be 3-0 after playing Minnesota next week.

2. Atlanta Falcons (2-0) Peyton who? Atlanta kept Manning and company uneasy all game long. When you make one of the greats flinch, you deserve the number two spot.

3. Houston Texans (2-0) Two underwhelming opponents in Miami and Jacksonville…but their schedule is pretty easy all around. Number 1 team in passing yards so far this year.

4. New England Patriots (1-1) Let’s be honest, the Pats were a field goal away from being 2-0 to start the season. Give credit to the Cardinals for the win, but Brady and New England still look strong.

5. Green Bay Packers (1-1) Poor, poor Chicago. Cutler and the O-line felt the wrath of Green Bay this week. The Packers were most people’s preseason favorites, they need to earn their worth to get any higher than 5 in our Power Rankings

6. Baltimore Ravens (1-1) The AFC North will be the Raven’s to lose. The loss to Philly hurts, but trust in Ray Rice and Baltimore should be fine.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) Why are they ranked lower than the Ravens, the team they just beat? Week 1’s almost loss to the Browns. Don’t worry Eagles fans, another win could propel them up the leaderboard.

8. New York Giants (1-1) Eli’s gutsy comeback was really quite amazing, but New York could also easily be 0-2 to start the season. 

9. Denver Broncos (1-1) I still believe in Peyton Manning’s impact on Denver, give them time.

10. San Diego Chargers (2-0) I have a feeling after next week’s game against Atlanta the Chargers will be undefeated no more…but for now give them props

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) Ranked 30th in rushing yards, and only 19th in passing yards, let me know when the real Steelers show up

12. Arizona Cardinals (2-0) The Miracle in Foxboro was impressive, pulling for the Cards to go 3-0

13. Chicago Bears (1-1) Please help Jay Cutler….please….

14. Detroit Lions (1-1) It hurts me to rank my beloved Lions so low, but I can spot a Bad Lions team as well as anybody. Matt Stafford must improve or the Lions will fail.

15. Seattle Seahawks (1-1) Grantland.com’s Bill Simmons has Seattle as his “Super Bowl Sleeper” pick…only if he puts the team on his back doe..

16. Washington Redskins (1-1) Losing to the Rams is never good for cred, but RGIII looked impressive once again. Could the Skins sneak into a playoff spot?

17. Dallas Cowboys (1-1) Great first win of the season, bad first loss. 

18. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) Ranked 30th defense? 

19. Carolina Panthers (1-1) Cam Newton is the man! Putting up 35 on New Orleans with ease.

20. New York Jets (1-1) Put in Tebow…please

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) Close loss to the Giants, Big game against Dallas next week.

22. Buffalo Bills (1-1) Remember last year Bills fans?…yea hold on to those memories…

23. New Orleans Saints (0-2) Saints will turn it around starting with this week’s game against Carolina

24. St. Louis Rams (1-1) Shut down RGIII, cause a big penalty at the end of the game, come away with a win, solid week for the Rams

25. Indianapolis Colts (1-1) RGIII>Luck, but Andrew still looks solid

26. Tennessee Titans (0-2) Will the real Chris Johnson please stand up?

27. Miami Dolphins (1-1) Solid start for a mediocre team

28. Minnesota Vikings (1-1) AP is back ladies and gentlemen!

29. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) I hope the Chiefs can work out the kinks, too much talent to let go to waste

30. Oakland Raiders (0-2) Tough schedule coming up for Oakland

31. Cleveland Browns (0-2) Give the ball to T-Rich!!

32 Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) Lol…

By Ben Simpson

This comes from Yahoo Sports:

On Monday, Bear’s Defender D.J. Moore was asked by Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune what he thought of Cutler’s actions. The third-year nickel back didn’t hold back at all.

“Is it unfair to criticize Jay right now? Shoot, it’s unfair for him to be like that toward J’Marcus. In every game in every sport, there’s always somebody who has a tough day. For you to come off on the sideline, once you holler at him it makes it seem like [Webb] is the only reason.”

“I don’t talk to him. He knows. But if I was J’Marcus, shoot … it wouldn’t have went down like that. You just can’t … then when [Cutler] shoved him stuff, man. I don’t know.

“I don’t feel for Cut. He knows what he was doing. I don’t think you do that. I think if you have a problem with [Webb], maybe do that in the locker room or something.

 

The Redskins have found a phenom at the running back position in the form of Alfred Morris.

Morris was a sixth round draft pick of the Redskins in this years draft from Florida Atlantic University. He was a standout runner there and is a standout runner for Washington, too.

In two games this season, Morris has rushed 44 times for 185 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Saints in week one, Morris took the handoff 28 times for 96 yards and two scores. He’s a solid back weighing in at 218 pounds and can really lay the wood when running with the ball. One thing I like about him is that he’s always running downhill. Morris always finishes going forward.

Over the summer, I got the chance to interview Alfred Morris. Below is our conversation.

First off, looking back at your career for Florida Atlantic University, what is the fondest memory you have of playing for them?

“I would have to say the connections I made and the relationships that were built. They say you make lifelong friends in college and I definitely can attest to that.”

Where were you when you received the call from the Redskins saying they were drafting you?

“I was back home in Pensacola sitting outside patiently waiting for the call while enjoying my family.”

What was the moment like when it was announced that the Redskins had drafted you and it became official?

“I didn’t actually get to see my name pop up on the screen, but when I received the call with Coach Shanahan on the other end it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulder.”

How were you received when you first arrived at Redskins Park to be introduced?

“I was received just as everyone else. They treated us all the same and I know as rookies we will have to pay our dues, so I’m curious what’s to come.”

What are your expectations or goals that you have for yourself this season?

“My main goal right now is to make sure I make the 53 man roster. Without reaching that goal, none of my other goals will even be possible.”

How are you going to contribute to and help improve the Redskins offense?

“I will do my best to learn under the vets the ins and outs and do my best to compliment the ground attack with my hybrid style of running.”

How do you plan to get involved in the Redskins community?

“I love doing charity and reaching out to others. I’ve helped with Special Olympics, Autism programs, and habitat for humanity, just to name a few. I will definitely by finding who’s in charge of community outreach with the ‘skins’ and volunteering as soon as I get a chance.”

Once you get that first pay check, what is your first big purchase going to be?

“I don’t have any big purchase planned. I don’t see a need in buying some extravagant toy that I don’t need. If anything I would probably donate to a cause of choice.”

What excites you the most about becoming a Washington Redskin?

“To me it’s like the ultimate fan experience. I was a fan of the Redskins for quite some time and to actually get drafted by them is a dream come true.”

Morris is the ultamite team player. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He and Robert Griffin III have been the leaders of the offense. Whether it’s running the option or Morris blocking for Griffin, the offense revolves around these two key players.

By Brian Skinnell

Here’s a few quotes after the Skins/Rams game, from The Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog

“Never have I been involved in a game like this.” — Mike Shanahan.

“You wait for the second [punch] to be thrown before you throw a flag? They were doing a lot of dirty stuff after every play.” — Santana Moss, after the game.

“This is the dirtiest game I’ve ever played in. Hitting after the play. A guy ripped my helmet off one time. I didn’t know that was legal.” — Darrel Young, For the record, not legal.

“They were doing a lot of dirty stuff after the play. In those situations, sometimes your emotions get the best of you.” — Fred Davis

“I think the game was out of hand from early on. It was tough to try to keep your composure. It was real chippy.” — DeAngelo Hall

“Obviously everybody wants the officials back. Hopefully it can happen in the near future.” — Shanahan

“The Rams/Redskins officiating crew is 50 shades of lame.” — Colin Cowherd. At least he didn’t use “chippy.”

“I’m officially over it. The regular refs need to get back on the field. Enough is enough.” — Mike Pereira FOX Sports rules analyst.

Now the real question is…who will budge first?

WHERE DID THIS COME FROM?! Odds in this game to be anything close were way out the window coming in. The Cardinals? Yeah they looked alright in their first game, but that was against a weak NFC West opponent.  How about going into New England, one of the most hostile environments to play on the road in all of the NFL and play a game that most everyone in their right mind is picking against you. The match-ups are just not there. No one can cover the 2 tight-end tandems of Hernandez and Gronkowski. Brady’s poise seems to be in full-effect even if the game is not going his way. He and Belichick just find a way to win games, especially at home. Last time the Patriots dropped a home opener…2001. That’s more than 10 years ago; back in the days of Drew Bledsoe’s famed injury and the magic that was Adam Vinatieri. Needless to say the Cardinals had a lot going against them before the ball was placed on the tee for kickoff Sunday.

What they did on Sunday was more then incredible. It dramatically reshaped the way we see two franchises.  The Cardinals have a new defensive identity. After finishing a pedestrian 18^th in total defense last year, they have found a way to shut down THE Tom Brady. The Patriots are a team as vulnerable as ever. Well…not really. They made a couple of mistakes, but in all honesty they could have won that game a number of ways.  If Brady looked at his second read on the 2 point conversion instead of forcing it into a tough play for Gronk, if Gronk didn’t hold that guy when Woodhead was way down the field, or if ‘Goatskoski’ didn’t miss his first kick of the season on a potential game winner, things might be a little different in Foxboro. More importantly I wouldn’t even be talking about this game. It is what it is though, and as the quote goes “the numbers don’t lie”.

Back to the Cardinals defensive performance: The way that they got after Brady with the mixed blitz packages today reminded me of the 2007 Giants defense that literally stole the show in the Super Bowl, or maybe even the Browns taking hard shots on Brady in 2010 causing them to upset them 34-14. Call me crazy, but I see this team making a run for the division title.  Patrick Peterson on the edge, made plays of a shutdown cornerback almost reminiscent of Champ Bailey. And Calias Campbell is a force that cannot be stopped. His motor keeps running even with double teams. 10 tackles, 3 assists, 2 sacks, and a number of hurries on Brady made him arguably the MVP of that game. He was the reason that the Patriots were out of rhythm with their offensive progression. Some people might point fingers at the fact that Aaron Hernandez was injured early on in the game. So what? Brady still had plenty of options to throw the ball to.

The one play that really got me was the 3^rd and 9 on about the 48 of the Cardinals (or something like that) with about 30 seconds to go before the half.  Patriots have 2 timeouts left and the Patriots have been driving down the field looking for a score to help open up what has been so far a closely fought match. Brady from the gun gets pressured right up the middle and forces a short throw to the right side. He lands up on his back and just walks off the field, shakes his head, and plops down sulking on the bench. That, my friends is a defense getting into a quarterback’s head. I cannot even count the amount of times Brady was in the exact same position and points were up on the board before you could turn the channel to check how the other game is going.  Even though there were games with Manning throwing 500 yards, Vick overcoming another poor performance and winning, or even the “Lucky” win of the day. My friends, this is the game of the day.

By Jimmy Luehrs