Wed 02/20/2013

Film Room: Antonio Cromartie Not a Shutdown Corner

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Recent Posts

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Evolution of NFL Fullback From Cog to Specialized

.@fbgchase (FP) examines the evolution of NFL fullback from key cog to specialized role.  Once a glamour position w Super Bowl MVPs, carry leaders, and high draft picks, the passing game, bigger D Linemen, athletic TEs have pushed them into the fringes of specialized player.  Now, FBs are specialists: pure blocker (Vontae Leach), pass catchers (James Casey), rushers (Mike Tolbert), goal line (John Kuhn).  Link

Rich Eisen Podcast: Jed York & 49ers Super Bowl

.@TheEisenPodcast (NFL) talked to 49ers CEO Jed York about getting Super Bowl to San Francisco, and then goes to the entertainment industry talking to Jason Bateman about Arrested Development, Rob Lowe about the Colts and “Behind the Candelabra.”  Link

Jason Pierre Paul’s Pass Rush

.@PFF_Ben profiles Jason Pierre-Paul.  More to the story than falling sack total.  Best run defending 4-3 DE in game, good at batting down passes.  Pass rushing, his strength is inside pass rush, weakness outside.  Outside pass rush a real concern because closes down his strength inside.  Link

Fantasy Football: Matthew Stafford’s Declining Value an Opportunity

.@Score_Tomlinson (100YR) says Matthew Stafford has been devalued in Fantasy Football and that creates opportunity.  Stats dropped because of mechanics as well as lack of dependable non Calvin Johnson targets.  But, still has upside of 2011 at price of 2012 season value.  Link

Andrew Luck Feeling Very, Very Comfortable

.@realrobertmays (GD) says Andrew Luck is feeling very, very comfortable.  Another year as pro, addition of his OC from Stanford Pep Hamilton, Free Agent additions up front on line in Gosder Cherilus & Donald Thomas, maturation of his young targets.  NFL beware.  Link

NFL Teams Will Be Allowed to Use Computers During Games

.@espn_nfcwest says big changes are coming to the NFL in 2014 when teams will be allowed to use computers during games (in conjunction w a partnership w Microsoft XBox gaming systems).  Teams will be better able to calculate percentages tendencies & historical precedent.  Might be better utilized by younger coaches.  Might help facilitate greater usage of analytics in going against conventions like going for it on 4th down.  Link

Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley Must Learn From Nix’s Mistakes

.@ChrisTrapasso (Yahoo) says new Bills GM Doug Whaley must learn from Buddy Nix’s mistakes.  Nix had mixed results, bringing team from the bottom but not able to take next step.  Inability to find franchise QB and surround him with weapons, refusal to let go of the past ultimately doomed Nix.  But, Whaley has already been handed EJ Manuel.  A good start?  Link

Johnathan Cyprien Pivotal to Jacksonville Jaguars Defense

.@espn_afcsouth says Johnathan Cyprien a pivotal player in Jaguars secondary.  Already showing great instincts though needs to be smoothed out.  Already trying to lead even though a rookie (made easier by youth surrounding him).  Gus Bradley wants all of secondary to look same on tape.  Link

Josh Freeman: 10th Best NFL Quarterback Under 25

.@greggrosenthal (NFL) tabs Josh Freeman as his 10th best QB under 25.  Mobility stands out but maddeningly inconsistent even from quarter to quarter.  Next offseason could see him signing long term contract or hitting free agency, but surely some team will be interested in him as starter.  Link

NFL Quarterbacks’ Performance Under Pressure

.@PFF_Neil looks at how NFL quarterbacks fared under pressure in ’12.  Ben Roethlisberger & Ryan Tannehill actually better WITH pressure.  Colin Kaepernick, Josh Freeman, Jake Locker saw biggest drop off out of starters.  Link