By-Matt Marino-Contributing Writer/Football Reporters Online/Pro Football NYC
As a kid growing up in Brooklyn, New York, I’d go up to the roof every July 4th for the fireworks, look to the left and the Towers were the first thing in sight. I’d be on my way home from school, driving towards Manhattan and they were the first buildings to come into view. Exiting Giants stadium from the upper tier, they were the first buildings you saw as you looked back towards the East. And when you came up out of the subway anywhere in the city and lost your sense of direction for a couple of seconds, you could always look up, find the Twin Towers and know exactly where you were. Growing up here, they became a compass.
The City’s sports teams did their part in the aftermath of 9/11. Then NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and MLB commissioner Bud Selig did the right thing and cancelled a weeks worth of games. But, it was also the right thing to do by resuming play a week later. The right thing because it was something people around New York City needed.
Following the 9/11 attacks, the city and the people of the city were shocked, hurt and exhausted. I remember listening to then New York Giants and New York Jets coaches, Jim Fassel and Herm Edwards, explaining that the scope of what happened did not set in until they drove by the commuter rail stations in New Jersey and Long Island respectively (where each team would practice) and see the same cars in the same parking spots and that’s when it hit them that those people were not coming back. It was also when they realized that their coaches and players needed do anything possible to help heal a city.
In the days after the attacks, athletes from the New York area teams began visiting the first responders at Ground Zero. Whether they handed out bottled water or just visited family members, who had lost loved ones, it was important they were there. They did not do it out of obligation to the team they played for, but because they were part of the community of New York City, representatives of the people of the city. Professional athletes that were playing for New York felt a new connection to the city, and its fans.
How we experience sporting events in this country changed that day. When you go to a stadium now, there is a good chance you will need to walk through a metal detector, there are mandatory bag checks, armed military personnel, and the Department of Homeland Security has trained teams on how to protect their stadiums against acts of terrorism. You will also see more American flags in stadiums displayed by fans than prior to the events of 9/11. There is now a seriousness to the national anthem and there certainly will be this Sunday. Video boards scan the fans, crowds cheer and chant USA as the camera locks on to a firefighter, police officer or a member of the Armed Forces - all things that were not a usual occurrence before 9/11.
Some people disagreed with the decision to resume professional sports after 9/11 but I recall the role the games that the New York sports teams played during that fall. Mike Piazza won the first game played in New York City after the attacks with a dramatic 8th inning home run. The Giants and Jets won their first games on the road, but were treated as the home teams with signs of love for New York visible across the stadiums in Kansas City and Foxborough. The Jets, being urged on by New York City Fireman Ed Anzalone, “fireman Ed”, were able to make the playoffs. The Giants played the first football game at home following the attacks and showed what a team and stadium of 80,000 people can do to brighten the spirits of a city.
And Even though the Yankees lost in the 7th game of the World Series, they gave New Yorkers three of the most dramatic nights in sports history with a first pitch from the President of the United States and back-to-back nights with game-tying ninth inning home runs and extra inning wins. All teams did this while showing their support by wearing the hats of the FDNY, NYPD and PAPD during their games.
The Jets and Giants were some of the first athletes to get to Ground Zero after the attacks and by doing so, demonstrated to others watching that, if these professional athletes are down there helping, maybe I can do something myself to help. It also gave the players an idea of what they meant to the fans of New York, and how much they were looked up to.
Those teams provided a place for people to gather and escape from what they were going through – if only for a few hours, it was still needed. Fans assembled in large numbers at stadiums around the city, all places that were deemed terrorist targets at the time. Sports gave complete strangers, who were in the same dilemma, a connection, and it helped keep memories alive of loved ones and acted as a form of therapy for others.
For the 10th anniversary of 9/11, with the NFL set to have its own pre-game ceremonies throughout the league, the Jets and Giants are involved in the largest tributes around the league. The Jets will don hats on the sideline with the FDNY insignia on them and will have the FDNY, NYPD and PAPD bagpipers perform Amazing Grace on the field. The stadium lights will be shut off at halftime for the start of another tribute created by 9/11 family members. The Giants will be playing in Washington – the site of the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11. And if Justin Tuck can play, I’m sure he will be wearing a New York Giants fireman helmet as he comes onto the field. The ceremonies commemorating 9/11 will be especially poignant for both teams. Although there are few players and coaches still associated with the Jets and Giants that were on the teams ten years ago, both teams still represent New York City. This Sunday will give everyone a sense of enjoyment, a coming together, something positive to share with one another for a couple of hours during a difficult time - the same thing that sports accomplished in the months following the attacks in 2001.
On this Sunday, we will be reminded of the significance of sports, not just as something to enjoy but also as a way to remember the past shared with family and friends. As my friend Mike Modafferi, the son of Rescue 5 Battalion Chief Louis Modafferi who died on 9/11, told me “Sports were something I could feel good about, it was a way of being close to him and keeping his memory alive because we both got so much enjoyment out of them. One of the reasons I love sports is because my father got me into them. When I go to games now, I think about being there with him.”
Showing posts with label football NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football NFL. Show all posts
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Some things and Other Things-the Preseason#1 edition
By Dr. Bill Chahckes-Executive Editor-Football Reporters Online
Well it’s been awhile since we’ve written, so with the lockout firmly in the rear view mirror and pre-season well underway, here are some things to think about during a thunderstorm soaked northeastern U.S weekend.
Just when it seems Mike Vick’s issues are behind him, there he goes running his mouth again. His commenting on the Eagles being his third choice of team to mount his comeback from incarceration may or may not have any long term effect on his overall rising status as the “it” guy at QB in 2011, but it the short term, it has to have a few fans annoyed to say the least. Seems to me that Andy Reid and Joe Banner weren’t thinking too clearly when they went all “NY Yankees” in the shortened Free Agency period. Lots of personality there at the “linc”, maybe too much?
Speaking of the Eagles Free agent moves, WR Steve Smith didn’t waste any time cutting the cord with his former teammates and fans after signing his new contract to move down I-95. While he was very apologetic on his facebook page, he released a statement late last week clearly stating that the “NYG’s are now my enemies.” He also states that Giants head coach Tom Coughlin felt he had a “long way to go” but the doctors from both teams cleared him to begin preparing to play. Let’s see how much of that new contract he’ll earn before he re-injures himself. Not that I didn’t like Steve as a person, and I still do, once you get past the “Front” that this business makes players put up. I just think there are lots of stories out there about what happened with those contract discussions, and unless Steve or his agent decides to tell us directly, we’ll never know. Forget the posturing you heard on NY sports radio, there is a deeper truth here.
The new CBA and the landscape of free agency in the league has had a trickle down effect to other pro leagues, with the UFL contracting to four teams from five recently. It’s quite sad, because we’ll miss the Hartford Colonials franchise, staff, and players. While several of the Hartford players were selected in a “re-allocation” draft, players like Andre Dixon and Colt Brennan were left out to dry. We feel for them and wish them luck. Many have said that the NFL needs a developmental league similar to what they did with NFL Europe and the UFL would be a perfect fit.
To me, more pro football is good for the game and it’s fans.
The NFL Supplemental Draft was rescheduled for this coming Monday, August 22nd. Clearly the only storyline here that means anything to anyone is “where will Terrelle Pryor play in the NFL?” The NFL decided that Pryor will have to sit out five games, just as if he had returned to Ohio State to play his final season of college football. There are several dissenting opinions here, and we discussed it a bit on last night’s “FRO” show on Blogtalk Radio. Matt Marino is of the belief that what Pryor did in college should not have an impact on his pro career, but I believe Mr. Goodell and company needed to send the message out that ”college players who run afoul of the rules will not use the NFL as an escape hatch.” Still some NFLPA player reps have trouble agreeing on this methodology of punishment. If anyone remembers the actor Robert Blake from the 70’s hit TV show “BARETTA,” he had an opening line in the theme song “don’t do the crime if ya can’t do the time.” While most athletes beg for a chance to show they have the ability to play at the professional level, some guys from big time programs continue to live a life of supposed entitlement. Maybe they wouldn’t need to sell Jerseys for meal money if the NCAA gave them a stipend to live on each month. To me, Andrew Luck is starting to look even smarter then he is every day! For every “Ham” Newton, Matt Stafford and Sam Bradford out there, there are just as many Mike Barnard’s, Josh Harrison’s, and Mike Montoya’s who are waiting for their shot at the brass ring.
Let’s face it: while we love the game, the life expectancy of “Football Athletes “ is shortened by as much as 25 years due to numerous health issues from playing, from damaged joints, to traumatic Spine and Brain injuries. While the NFL is waking up to this cold hard fact, the players association keeps tweeting about how much money per active player goes into the health benefits program. (Nolan Harrison get over yourself please! The only person you making happy aside from yourself is Al Davis) But it’s a fraction of what is needed for the pre-1993 players. Lawsuits will continue to be filed, like the one involving Jim McMahon this week. The NCAA & the NFL are making an oil tanker full of money. Accept the fact that, yes, the players should know the risks, but no, no one bothered to tell them what those were. John Mackey passed away recently. We believe he died for the cause. Kudos should go out to the “Veteran Players” who support the retired players movement like Tony Gonzalez. They know they are only one step away from being in the same boat as Earl Campbell, Conrad Dolbler, and Brent Boyd.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
SOMEWHERE BACK IN the NFL Time Machine With: The 1978 NEW YORK JETS
By Don Stokes–Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online/Pro Football NYC
(Editor’s note: This is the start of a series of articles about different New York Jet seasons in their 51 year history. They were randomly chosen with each reflecting the joy and frustration of being a Gang Green fan. Each story will have a Jet player of importance from that specific season).
With the NFL in a self imposed lockout at the present with Billions (yes BILLIONS) on the table. I wanted to reflect on a simpler time period. While questions currently arise regarding a possible 18 game campaign in 2011, I recalled the last time the National football League changed the amount of their scheduled games: 1978. A thought occurred to me. High on a shelf in my bedroom closet in my Ohio home a very old box dry but slightly water stained caught my eye. Along with dated important papers (I’ve away felt compelled to keep for reasons unknown) I found an old 1979 New York Jet Yearbook. Its cover page now bent and fading from prolonged sun exposure was no longer in mint condition. The faces on this now over 30 year old magazine were familiar to most Jet fans over the age of 30.
Head Coach Walt Michaels, WR Wesley Walker and QB Richard Todd were all featured prominently on the cover. All three have big a place in the 51 year Jet history. But in the bottom right corner of the cover was a player wearing jersey number 17 who would not be so familiar to most. But for one season he was very important. From what I personally recalled from that 1978 season is it was a watershed year for the New York Jets. At the conclusion of that season the club expectations rose. The Jets suddenly were expected to contend for a playoff position for the seasons to come. But for this number 17 in the 1979 yearbook he wouldn’t be around to be a part of it. Flipping thru the old pages of auto dealership ads and 1978 team stats I noticed that one Jets player profile in particular.
Here is some of what the paragraph in the Jet yearbook read: “Brought energy and enthusiasm back to club not seen since the heyday of Joe Namath.” “Led team with 2002 passing yards and 13 touchdown passes which were the most since 1975” Another line went: “Formed a deadly combination with All-Pro Wesley Walker with a deep passing attack not seen since Namath to Maynard days”. I looked at the black and white photo of the long since retired former Jet quarterback. With a Tony Danza (From the show “taxi” not “Who’s the boss”) type haircut and sporting a thick Fu Manchu mustache was a smiling Matt Robinson.
Since he was a personal favorite of mine (I was one of the only teenagers in my North Bronx neighborhood who actually had a number 17 Jet jersey in 1978…...I even cut my sleeves to resemble the way Robinson wore his uniform) why not seek him out for his point of view of the ’78 season. What’s the worst that could happen? He’d say no. He’d think I was a crack pot? Maybe so. But to my surprise he was very gracious and agreed to be a part of this story. I recently caught up with the former Jet QB Matt Robinson, now living in the Jacksonville Florida area. We’ll get to Matt’s reflections on his ‘78 season a bit later but first let me lace up the old Chuck Taylor Converse high top sneakers, put on my mood ring and rub my cool pet rock for a little needed background info. Let’s take a stroll.
10 seasons had now passed since the ‘guaranteed’ victory in Super Bowl III. For the 1978 Jets who were reeling after three straight 3-11 records any positive change of fortunes would be welcomed. Arriving with the opening of the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens New York, Shea Stadium the new home for both the NY Mets and NY Jets were to become the epitome of the new modern age multi sport stadiums. But soon Shea had become enervated and stale by the 1970’s. So true was the Jets franchise because by the mid 1970’s the Jet organization had become downtrodden and irrelevant. Big Shea along with the other tenant being the New York Mets baseball club being just as bad now was filled with fans disguised as empty seats had become a depressing place to attend a sporting event of any type.
With issues developing at Shea regarding the facilities and other leasing problems, NY State Supreme Justice Harold Baer allowed the Jets to open their 1977 regular season in New Jersey. This was a newly constructed stadium erected in the swamps of East Rutherford called the Meadowlands (A Jets loss 20-12 to the Baltimore Colts opened their 1977 home schedule). This was now the new home of the NY football Giants (another former shared Shea tenants with the NY Yankees, Mets and Jets all playing their 1975 seasons there………The natural grass on the field really took a beating) moving into their new area by 1976. The Jets would return to Shea Stadium for their second game of the 1977 season and remain there for the rest of the decade and beyond. But the Meadowlands now were on the Jet’s radar for future seasons. Perhaps a portent of things to come but that’s another story.
Since 1973 the NFL has a policy that the home team must sellout their stadium 72 hours before a game or that market will not be able to watch that home team play in that radius. With that in place many Jet fans during this period didn’t see home Jet games on local television. With no Shea Stadium sellouts when the Jets played at home for most of the decade the NBC local games that was broadcast were the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the Jets sunk deeper into mediocrity I watched, like so many Jet fans the team play only on the road for they were the only televised Jet games available. I decided I could follow the Jets play by play when they played home games with a transistor pocket radio. This item became a part of my Sunday wardrobe attire for the next 4 years. As of this writing 1977 was the last year that a New York Jet home game was blacked out locally.
By the mid seventies many of the Jet greats of the past like RB’s Boozer and Snell, WR Don Maynard, LB Ralph Baker and DE Gerry Philbin had been either released or simply retired. Their replacement gamely tried but was not as talented as their predecessors. The Jets free fall from media darlings to the lower half of the NFL was surprisingly quick. By the close of the 1976 season the Jets strongest link to their past Super Bowl glory QB Joe Namath also moved on. At his request Broadway Joe went to Hollywood to finish his career with the Rams in Los Angeles. Big shoes needed to be filled in Queens. And very quickly.
Earlier that same year the Jets had drafted a seemly gifted quarterback also from the same college Namath starred many years earlier. In 1976 the Jets chose University of Alabama’s quarterback Richard Todd. With rookie quarterbacks come growing pains. And Todd had plenty them while splitting playing time with Namath in 1976. With Joe’s departure Todd took the QB reins and started well in 1977. The Jets had gutted the veterans on the squad so now stood 17 first or second year starters on Offense, Defense and Special teams. They were eager but their rawness showed. When your team is young and inexperienced you tend to lose many close games. That was truly the case for the 1977 New York Jets.
Here are some examples:
On October 23rd at Shea, Richard Todd riddled the defending Super Bowl Champion Oakland Raiders with 396 yards (271 at the half) passing along with 4 touchdowns to put the Jets ahead at halftime 27-14. On that bright sunny Sunday afternoon I was one of the many walkups on the day of the game but was denied entrance because of a late large turnout and no tickets were available. The game unexpectedly had become a sellout. I returned home via the subway by halftime heartbroken and because of the NFL Blackout rule applied the game still was not shown to the New York City area. With my transistor in hand I listened intensely. The Raiders went ahead in the 3rd quarter and hung on for a 28-27 victory. This loss continued a losing streak that would finally grow to 7 in a row. Despite the defeat it seemed apparent Richard Todd was ready to become the next great franchise QB in Jet history. Two weeks later against the Dolphins at home during a 14-10 loss, a 3rd quarter knee injury placed Todd on the shelf for 2 games. It was during this contest that gave an opportunity to the backups, first to former Baltimore Colt Marty Domres.
Unfortunately for the Jets, the nine year veteran Ivy Leaguer from Columbia was nearing the end of his playing career and for two games both he and the offense were lifeless. A change once again was needed at starting quarterback while the incumbent Todd was still recovering. Enter the rookie from Farmington, Michigan QB Matt Robinson.
A 1977 9th round draft pick from the University of Georgia QB Robinson now had his opportunity. After two relief appearances for the starter Domres, Matt Robinson’s first NFL start would be against the Pittsburgh Steelers at home. A young quarterback as in Robinson’s case up against the Pittsburgh vaunted “Steel Curtain” defense. Just as expected with little running game both he and the offense struggled. The Shea Stadium fateful began a loud chant for Richard Todd to replace an ineffective Robinson. With the game close in the 4th quarter and needing an offensive spark, 1st Head Coach Walt Michaels sent in Todd to an adoring Shea gleeful crowd. But he was rusty and fared no better. On his first two passes came 2 straight interceptions occurred in the 23-20 home loss.
By the following week against the New Orleans Saints Todd returned fulltime and remained the starter for the final 3 games of 1977. For the NFL this would be the very last year where a 14 game schedule would exist. Before the 1978 season new major changes awaited the National Football league. With zone defenses become the norm during the early 1970’s the league had become a defensive paradise with once many strong offensive teams struggling both on the field and the gate. Despite the dominance of a few clubs the NFL had become a Big 10 type brand of football, three yards and a cloud of dust. Wide receivers were now marked men with constant muggings downfield by over aggressive defensive backs (see Oakland’s Jack Tatum and the Redskins Pat Fischer). League owners weren’t pleased with the defensive dominance across the board and the turn styles began to reflect it.
Example: In 1977 the Atlanta Falcons with their “Grits Blitz” defense gave up an NFL record low 129 points in 14 games with is an average of 9.21 points a contest but scored only 179 points. Atlanta finished 7-7 and out of the playoffs. By 1978 the Falcons gave up 290 points and scored 240 but improved with a 9-7 mark and made the NFC playoffs. Also in 1978 two additional teams were added to the playoff round increasing the total to 10 thus making the end of the regular season much more exciting with more teams in the playoff chase. For most teams running backs routinely led their team in receptions and that was the norm for majority of the decade.
With new rule changes the trend would begin to favor the more graceful wide receivers (Seattle’s Steve Largent and the Chargers John Jefferson for example) over the Don McCauley and McArthur Lane type running backs of that time period to open up the game. Another big help with the passing game occurred when the NFL put in the “Mel Blount” rule into effect. From now on there was to be no contact by a Defensive Back after 5 yards pass the line of scrimmage. More changes also occurred in pass blocking with offensive lineman now allowed to extend their arms and open their hands. By 1978 NFL teams with good passers like Dan Fouts of San Diego and Archie Manning of the New Orleans Saints (who was named NFC Player of the year in 1978) for example because of the new offensive changes flourished.
But also the rich got richer: For annual Super Bowl participants like Pittsburgh and Dallas they used their wide outs more than ever before and became even more potent. The game would truly evolve for big play wide receivers like Lynn Swann, John Stallworth and Tony Hill to excel into the next decade. Next the NFL regular season would begin 2 weeks earlier than normal, shorten the pre-season from 6 games to 4. Those 2 lost pre-season games were added to the regular season now making the season 16 games instead of the usual 14 games since the 1961 season. With no bi-week in place until twelve years into the future (1990 NFL season) all 28 clubs were on now unchartered territory. For the 1978 NFL season it was a whole new world.
But for one team, the Kansas City Chiefs with new head coach Marv Levy from the CFL it was a step backwards. Forsaking the pass for the most part they installed a “Wing T” offense which consisted of a three running back, two tight end formation. It helped very little in the victory column (from 2 wins in ’77 to 4 in 1978) for the Chiefs. While for other teams the change would be just cosmetic. For the first time the San Diego Chargers with new Head Coach Don Coryell now wore their white jerseys with the white lightning bolt gold pants for their 1978 home games. The Chargers with “Air Coryell” led the NFL in passing yards (3,375) in 1978. There was also new threads for the football team in flushing, New York. The Jets with new space age type uniforms awaited the players as they arrived at training camp for the 1978 season signaled a dramatic change from the past.
Now gone was the all white double green stripe helmets down the middle with the Kelly green NY Jets football logo on both sides. The new gear was an all solid Kelly green helmet with a green stripe in the middle. A new “Jets” logo resembling a sleek modern font like a wing of a fighter jet all in white blazed on each side. The facemasks on the helmets were no longer grey but now all white. The familiar Joe Namath 1960’s type jerseys with the home green with white sleeves and road whites with green sleeves had been replaced with an all home green with white piping and all white road jerseys with green piping. The uniform pants instead of the white trousers with two green stripes along the sides were still white but with no stripes. The socks were now all white but the hose underneath was solid green. And all Jet players now wore white shoes. This made for a more futuristic appearance. If anything this was an interesting fashion statement to say the least.
“Let’s talk about the Jet training camp of 1978. You had gotten some playing time in 1977 because of a Richard Todd injury. How much playing time did you expect in 1978 and also what were the expectations of the team in 1978?” I asked the starting quarterback of the ’78 Jets Matt Robinson, now a Co- founder and President of Home Team Equity, LLC a mortgage marketing company working with former athletes and lending organizations. He took time out of his taxing schedule and slowly began “Well, the number two QB in 1977 Marty Domres was not up to par physically any longer and had retired, so the number two quarterback job was up for grabs. Pat Ryan (the third QB on the roster) was just drafted in 1978 and was a rookie, so I knew I had a great shot for the number two QB job”.
I stated to Mr. Robinson that in 1978 the Jets were judged as having the NFL’s toughest schedule that year (1977 playoff teams included Miami, Denver, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Dallas) along with two 9-5 teams New England and Washington which was strange considering the Jets had the second worst record in the AFC (Kansas City was 2-12) record the previous season. Matt pondered then answered “ We didn’t pay attention to the schedule because at that time there weren’t as many experts or media outlets as there is now so we weren’t aware of it. We just took one game at a time and just played the games as they came”.
I asked Matt “Just how did you get along with the incumbent Richard Todd, the man who was chosen to replace the legendary Joe Namath?” Without hesitation he said “Richard and I got along great. I enjoyed being his teammate. Richard had it tough replacing (Joe) him. I, on the other hand had it a bit easier than him. When I played poorly I wasn’t ripped by the media. But when he (Todd) played poorly it was kind of hard. I wasn’t really expected to play that well because I was a low draft choice, so when I did play well I was treated great. Richard followed Joe which was a lot of pressure. I, on the other hand replaced Richard because of injury. I didn’t get the heat he did.
With Robinson locking down the number 2 quarterback job the 19th season in Jet history began with the Jets standing on top of the AFC East with a 2-0 record after two weeks. During wins against division rivals Dolphins and Bills, QB Richard Todd threw for 441 yards with 6 touchdowns with the Jets outscoring Miami and Buffalo 51 to 40. Unfortunately for him and the Jets the six touchdowns passes Richard threw during the 1st two games would be the last he would throw the remainder of the year.
After a tough week three 24-17 loss against the Seahawks, the Jets traveled to D.C. to play former Jet John Riggins and the Redskins in week 4. After 1 quarter the Jets went ahead 3-0 on a Pat Leahy field goal. But by the 2nd quarter “the Diesel” Riggins and the not yet named “Hogs” offensive line took over the game. Washington ran for over 250 yards with Riggins leading the way with 114 yards and to a 23-3 final score. During the 4th quarter of the blowout Richard Todd like the previous season was again injured, this time it was a fractured collarbone. Enter once again backup QB Matt Robinson. He explains his take on the Washington game. “You never wish anyone to get hurt but when Richard got hurt in the Washington game, I knew it was my chance to shine. I was a little nervous and uncomfortable but after my first completion I was ok. I just decided to go with it and just play.”
With Todd’s injury, Matt Robinson assumed control of the Jet offense. But it seemed to walk in baby steps. After a week 5 loss at home to Pittsburgh 28-17 which dropped the Jets to 2-3, Gang Green dashed off three straight wins against the Bills (45-14), Baltimore Colts(33-10) and St. Louis Cardinals (23-10). The Jets literally “ran” to each victory.
“Let’s talk about the 3 wins in a row against Buffalo, Baltimore and St. Louis.” I said.” During those three games the Jets ran for 605 yards but you threw but 44 passes”. I then proceeded to ask Matt about the play calling during that streak. “Was this just a conscience decision to run the ball with FB Kevin Long and HB Scott Dierking or did the coaching staff wish to simplify things for you since you was a 2nd year QB at that point?” I sensed a moment of pride as Robinson began “We were in the tough AFC East man. Every team ran the ball (ex. NE ran for a league record 3,165 yards in 1978). The team may have scaled the playbook down a little but I called my own plays. John Idzik was the Jet Offensive Coordinator and he had a lot of confidence in me and my ability. Like most QB’s of my day I was proud to call my own plays unlike today’s quarterbacks”
But I quickly added “Everyone’s quarterback called their own plays except that team who’s coach wore that funny looking hat on the sidelines”.
Matt immediately chuckled. We both knew who I was referring to. Former Cowboys Head Coach Tom Landry who wore the funny looking fedora for “America’s Team” of course. Robinson began a short story “Later that season I spoke with Danny (or was it Randy?) White of the Cowboys (The Jets opponent the final game in 1978) and he told me about all the scripted plays the Cowboys ran for every possible offensive situation. It was just nuts. Like what to do on 2nd down and 6. Or 3rd down and 7. Or 4th and 3. It was a big long sheet printed on computer printout paper. Most of the players on the Cowboys at the time thought you got to be kidding we got to learn this stuff. But you can’t argue with their success can you”?
After the three game winning streak the Jets now stood at 5-3 and headed to Foxboro to play the 6-2 Patriots for 1st place in the AFC East. A little independent movie named “Halloween” was released to the public on October 25th of 1978. The antagonistic character Michael Myers was introduced to audiences and became a cultural icon for years to come. In Massachusetts on October 29th, Halloween came early for the Jets because similar to the characters in that movie they too were hacked up by the Patriots. As stated earlier the Pats ran the ball well all season in 1978, setting the still standing NFL record for yards rushing in a season. This game was no different. New England ran for 240 yards and along with 4 touchdown passes from Steve Grogan the Jets were crushed 55-21. This score doesn’t indicate how badly the Jets played: They trailed 48 -7 heading into the 4th quarter. Stopping the run would be an on-going problem all season for the 1978 Jets.
Now at 5-4 New York was at the crossroads. After much promise how would the rest of the season play out? Would they go into the tank like previous seasons? Who was up next for the Jets: A trip to Denver to play the defending 1977 AFC Champion Broncos.
Heading into the Bronco game I asked Matt if there was concerns since the Jets were facing the “Orange Crush Defense” who was the AFC representative in the Super Bowl the previous January.
Matt’s reply:” We knew who they were (the Broncos) but we weren’t intimidated at all”.
The way the game began it looked as if the Jets may not have been intimidated but were a little taken back. Like in New England they fell behind 28-7 in the second quarter and the game and the season were slipping away. With the nearly 75,000 Mile High rocking loud and out of control, the Jets began the 2nd greatest comeback in team history. After closing the score to 28-17 at half the Jets then took control of the game. In the 3rd quarter running back Scott Dierking’s 3 yard run got the Jets closer at 28-24. Now late in the 4th quarter with Denver clinging to a 4 point lead would the biggest play of the game would take place.
I’ll have Matt Robinson explain the circumstances: “We knew we had the play whenever we needed it. Dan Henning (the Jets receivers coach) let us set it up. This game was a back and worth battle. Dan knew we could get the right match up on defense and when the right time opened up, we took it”. The plays end result? A game winning 75 yard bomb to Wesley Walker for the 31-28 lead. Walker blew past two Bronco defenders with Robinson hitting him in stride. After a missed FG by former Jet Jim Turner with seconds remaining the Jets soared out of Denver with a 31-28 victory. This was a big confidence builder for this young Jet team after the Foxboro Halloween Massacre. Broncos Head Coach Red Miller was quoted saying: “Robinson brings something special. He just has a certain Moxie about him”. Remember this comment by Miller. It would be important (see Post Script) later.
One would have thought this win would surely carry New York to the level of playoff contenders, right. Well it did not. The Jets soared into Philadelphia for a game against the Eagles. And crash landed in the Vet. Eagles QB Ron Jaworski hit WR Harold Carmichael for a 6 yard TD pass late in the 4th quarter increasing a 10-9 Eagle lead to a 17-9 Philly win against a flat Jet team. That loss should be nothing new because as of 2010 the Jets have never defeated the Philadelphia Eagles (0-8) in a regular season contest.
A November 19th rematch with the Patriots now awaited Gang Green, this time at raucous Shea Stadium.
The starter Richard Todd was now ready to return from his injury. Matt Robinson had played well in his absence but Todd was the incumbent. The Jet coaching staff had to make a tough decision. Go with the hot hand (Robinson)? Or go with the face of the franchise (Todd)? With a sold out Shea Stadium and a national television audience at hand Walt Michaels chose Richard Todd to start. Matt explains: “This was the coaches’ decision to start Richard. I understood the choice but I didn’t agree with it. There is an unwritten rule in sports that you can’t lose your starting job because of injury. Although the opposite did happened to me while I was starting at Georgia. I had broken a rib just prior to the season and when I was ready to play, Ray (Goff) just kept my starting job. In both cases I had to deal with it but I didn’t like it but I’d be ready if needed”.
The excitement generated upon Richard Todd’s return to the lineup unfortunately was short lived. He didn’t play very well as planned. Todd was mostly ineffective going 7-13 for 52 yards with 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. But surprisingly it was the Jet defense (a sore spot all season) that kept them in the game. Once again Matt Robinson entered the fray. And the team responded to his leadership. In the third quarter Pat Leahy tied the game at 10 with a 45 yarder in the swirling winds blowing off Flushing Bay. The Patriots ground game put them ahead in the 4th quarter 16-10. Then the magic of Robinson and Walker worked once again. Matt hit Wesley with a perfectly thrown 56 yard bomb putting the Jets on top 17-16 in a jubilant, rocking Shea.
The running game of NE brought them down to take the lead on a 24 yard field goal 19-17. I asked Matt what occurred when he got the ball back for the final drive with just a couple of minutes to go. “We got the ball back with not much time left on the clock. During the final last drive I just missed Wesley for a game winning TD down the sidelines. If I had held the ball just a second longer I would have hit him. That one bugged me for awhile. Wesley had very strong hips and thighs. You could never over throw him. I had all the confidence whenever I threw the ball he would get it. But we still had time and we drove the ball down to get close enough to try a game winning FG. The baseball markings were still on the field so we made the decision to try the FG near the pitcher’s mound near the left hash marks.” The Jet fans both on television and at Shea anticipated victory. Like me they all thought this was a chip shot for one of the better place kickers in the NFL. The Patriots called time out to try to “ice” the kicker, a common attempt which normally is not successful. No problem, I thought Leahy is a veteran kicker at that point (5 years) so this is nothing.
But remember this was Shea Stadium and the winds always changed direction thru out the game. On the mid range attempt in the swirling winds, Pat Leahy a reliable kicker throughout his career shanked it wide right. Game over……The final score 19-17 Patriots. The loss dropped the Jets to 6-6. This game cut deep because New York needed this win to keep pace for a playoff position. But there no time to cry: South Beach awaited the Jets for a return match up with Miami.
This was the contest Matt Robinson felt put him on the map with the national audience. With the Jets trailing 6-3 at the half, the Jet offense stalled by the Dolphin defense most of the game finally awoke. After two Jets rushing TD’s, Matt Robinson hit Wesley Walker for a 33 yard Touchdown in the 4th quarter sealing the victory 24-13. This game in Matt’s eyes was his most impressive of the 1978 season. “This was a really big win for us. It had been quite a while since we (the Jets) beat Miami in Miami. It was a nationally televised game on NBC and I played very well”. “This game” Matt added “put him on the map”. He was correct in that assessment. The Jets hadn’t beaten the Dolphins in Miami since the 1971 season. This game placed Matt who was 17 of 26 for 257 yards as the starting QB for the remainder of the season.
Returning to Shea against the Colts on December 3rd was to be a special event. This was the 10 year anniversary celebrating the 1968 Jets Super Bowl victory against Baltimore. All of the old Jets now retired were there, former coach Weeb Ewbank, John Elliott, Johnny Sample, George Sauer, etc. all took the field at halftime. This included a certain white shoe long hair recently retired Super Bowl MVP QB Joe Willie Namath. Only one player could not be part of the halftime festivities. That player was the starting left guard for the 1968 Jets Randy Rasmussen who was an 11 year vet and still an active starter on the Jets roster.
The Jet running game (202 yards) returned against the 3 straight (1975-’76 and ’77) former AFC East Champions but now stood at 5-9 Baltimore Colts. Robinson who said he wasn’t nervous with the old Jets in attendance played somewhat shaky (7-18 for 186 yards with 2 INT) but still threw 2 touchdowns to Wesley Walker fueling the 24-16 win. A good time at sold out Shea was had by all who attended. I would personally know of this: I was one of the 55,000 in attendance. The newspapers the next morning showed the most recent AFC standings. While the Jets who were now 8-6 would not catch the neither the Patriots nor Dolphins in their own division with some help they possibly could make the playoffs for the first time since 1969. It would be a nice touch with the Jet organization recognizing the ’68 Super Bowl team anything was attainable. But a cold reception awaited them in Cleveland as the Browns were up next.
A game in Cleveland is never fun especially when it’s under frigid conditions. The Lake Erie winds brought a bitter cold wind to Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium as the Browns faced the Jets. This was a game of many parts.
First the bad: In the 16 degree weather in the cold and blustery Cleveland the Jets fell behind big and quickly. Within a blink of an eye the Jets trailed 17-3. By the end of the 3rd period the score was now Browns 27 Jets 10. But I wasn’t upset to say the least because the games the Jets played in 1978 season this one was my favorite. As I continued to watch the game from the comfort of my living room I felt something special was going to happen.
Let’s get to the good: the 1978 Jets were a team of resilience and buoyancy, never giving up despite what the numbers on the scoreboard read. In 1978 quarterback Matt Robinson embodied that team spirit. Matt, struggling all day with his accuracy got hot in the 4th quarter. Suddenly the Jets offense awakened scoring 24 unanswered points to go shockingly ahead 34-27. I’m thinking this game is done as I watch the Browns offense take the frozen field with little left on the clock in the 4th quarter. Just one stop by the Jet defense needed and the Jets win and go to 9-6 and still remain in the playoff race.
On to the ugly: These were the pre-Cardiac kids, the not yet the Cleveland Browns of the upcoming seasons ahead. And the Browns had a future NFL MVP in Brian Sipe at quarterback. After stalling for the majority of the second half he drove the Browns down the field. With seconds left Sipe hit Calvin Hill with an 18 yard pass for a touchdown tying the game at 34-34 thus sending the Municipal Stadium fans into a frenzy. Now in overtime the Jets after stalling on offense now punted to the Browns Greg Pruitt who returned it 31 yards setting up the 22 yard game winning field goal by Don Cockroft. The final score Browns 37 Jets 34.
Instead of returning home at 9-6 and possibly with a great effort against Dallas would finish 10-6 and a playoff chance. The Jets came back to Shea Stadium wounded and defeated. And flat. An uninspiring 30-7 loss to the 1977 World Champion Cowboys at home finished the Jets season at an 8-8 record. Still this was a very good year to be a Jet fan. The Jets had won nearly more games (8) in one season than the previous three seasons (9) combined.
The Jet offense was explosive they finished 3rd in the NFL with 359 points. At WR was a deep threat with All-Pro Wesley Walker, who in his 2nd season led the NFL with a 24.4 average and 1169 yards receiving. New York had a solid running game with Kevin Long (954 yards) and Scott Dierking (681) leading the way. Although on defense which had many holes to fill (only the Colts with 421 points gave up more than the Jets 364 in the NFL) but did have some gifted players like 2nd year DE Joe Klecko, who made the all AFC second team in 1978. And also a good run stopping tough as nails Linebacker in 3rd year pro Greg Buttle from Penn State. Last but not least there would be a legitimate battle for the starting QB job in 1979. In one corner the physically gifted heir apparent to a legend from the same college (Richard Todd). Or, the new gunslinger that resembled Broadway Joe with his looks (the Fu Manchu ‘stach) and his bombs away style of play (Matt Robinson) in the other corner. Who would win the job in 1979? The future of the Jets was in good hands. Or was it?
1978 JETS TEAM LEADERS:
PASSING: Matt Robinson 2002 yards 13 TD
RUSHING: Kevin Long 954 yards 10 TD
RECEIVING: Wesley Walker 48 catches 1169 YDS
INTERCEPTIONS: Burgess Owens & Bobby Jackson 5
1978 Post Script………..With the inspired play of Matt Robinson in 1978 the QB job was up for grabs in 1979. Robinson clearly outplayed Todd in the pre-season. After the final pre-season game while showering Matt was told by Head Coach Michaels that he, not Richard Todd had won the starting quarterback position. He was elated of course.
Matt Robinson tells the rest: “The Saturday night before the 1979 season opener against the Browns, I along with some of the players and a few of the coaches went out for a beer or two. Nothing really special to it just a little team bonding, that’s all. DE Joe Klecko and I had an arm wrestling contest, still no problems. I shared an apartment with WR Bobby Jones and I was helping him move in. There were unpacked boxes on the floor behind me. I fell backwards and in doing so fell on my thumb on my throwing hand. The next day was game day of course and when I woke up my thumb was now swollen.
I told the trainer (Bob Reese) about and had it wrapped up with tape. During the pre-game warm ups I tried to hide it but was questioned by Walt (Michaels) about it and I told him I was good enough to play. So now I’m in deep water because I lied and the trainer didn’t tell Walt about it either. Against the Browns I thought I played well. Although I did hit Wesley with a long pass but it was underthrown and he didn’t score on the play. Anyway we (the Jets) go ahead very late in the game. So, thinking the game was over I start to take off the tape on my swollen thumb. But Sipe and the Brown tied the game. In OT because of my now un-taped thumb I played poorly and threw an interception. The Browns kicked a FG and we lost. After the game Walt was pissed and said I personally let the team down. I always liked Walt but after the Browns game he was done with me”.
Walt Michaels named Richard Todd the starter for the next game against the Patriots (a 56-3 whipping by NE). And Todd remained the starter for the rest of the 1979 season. As for Matt Robinson he never threw another pass for the NY Jets again.
After the ’79 season the Jets shipped Matt Robinson to the Denver Broncos for QB Craig Penrose and a second and fourth round pick. The Broncos Head Coach Red Miller recalled Robinson when he led the Jets to the comeback win against the Broncos in 1978 and was still impressed. Matt was to be the young stud to replace the aging veteran Craig Morton (37) at quarterback in 1980.
Matt explains: “In Denver Rod Dowhower was the offensive coordinator. He tried to change my throwing motion and in doing so it ruined my career. I didn’t play great my first season in Denver but I did have a winning record (4-3) compared to Morton (4-5). The Broncos were getting eliminated from the playoffs earlier and earlier each year since 1977. A new owner Pat Bowlen brought with him a new Head Coach Dan Reeves from the Cowboys. He (Reeves) was at one time Morton’s roommate in Dallas when they played together. He was even Morton’s best man at his wedding. They brought in a Dallas type offensive system. He was a pro-Morton guy. I knew I was done and I went on to Buffalo to back up Joe (Ferguson)”
After a stint in the USFL Jacksonville Bulls by 1986 Matt’s football career was over. Although his time in New York was brief, He had his shining moments.
Matt commented “The fans in New York were great and it was fun. I miss Shea and I really enjoyed playing in the Big Apple”. For those who recalled watching him in 1978 it was fun us also.
Former Jets born in 1978:
DE John Abraham 5/6
RB Thomas Jones 8/19
RB Lamont Jordan 11/11
WR Justin McCareins 12/11
I will end each article the same way until the Jets once against win a Super Bowl with:
AND THE JOURNEY CONTINUES…………………….
Don Stokes is a senior mid west writer for Football Reporters Online & a contributor to Pro Football NYC, which have been covering football since 1975. While Don No longer wears theTrademark "AFRO" of his Teen Years, he still has his mood ring.
(Editor’s note: This is the start of a series of articles about different New York Jet seasons in their 51 year history. They were randomly chosen with each reflecting the joy and frustration of being a Gang Green fan. Each story will have a Jet player of importance from that specific season).
With the NFL in a self imposed lockout at the present with Billions (yes BILLIONS) on the table. I wanted to reflect on a simpler time period. While questions currently arise regarding a possible 18 game campaign in 2011, I recalled the last time the National football League changed the amount of their scheduled games: 1978. A thought occurred to me. High on a shelf in my bedroom closet in my Ohio home a very old box dry but slightly water stained caught my eye. Along with dated important papers (I’ve away felt compelled to keep for reasons unknown) I found an old 1979 New York Jet Yearbook. Its cover page now bent and fading from prolonged sun exposure was no longer in mint condition. The faces on this now over 30 year old magazine were familiar to most Jet fans over the age of 30.
Head Coach Walt Michaels, WR Wesley Walker and QB Richard Todd were all featured prominently on the cover. All three have big a place in the 51 year Jet history. But in the bottom right corner of the cover was a player wearing jersey number 17 who would not be so familiar to most. But for one season he was very important. From what I personally recalled from that 1978 season is it was a watershed year for the New York Jets. At the conclusion of that season the club expectations rose. The Jets suddenly were expected to contend for a playoff position for the seasons to come. But for this number 17 in the 1979 yearbook he wouldn’t be around to be a part of it. Flipping thru the old pages of auto dealership ads and 1978 team stats I noticed that one Jets player profile in particular.
Here is some of what the paragraph in the Jet yearbook read: “Brought energy and enthusiasm back to club not seen since the heyday of Joe Namath.” “Led team with 2002 passing yards and 13 touchdown passes which were the most since 1975” Another line went: “Formed a deadly combination with All-Pro Wesley Walker with a deep passing attack not seen since Namath to Maynard days”. I looked at the black and white photo of the long since retired former Jet quarterback. With a Tony Danza (From the show “taxi” not “Who’s the boss”) type haircut and sporting a thick Fu Manchu mustache was a smiling Matt Robinson.
Since he was a personal favorite of mine (I was one of the only teenagers in my North Bronx neighborhood who actually had a number 17 Jet jersey in 1978…...I even cut my sleeves to resemble the way Robinson wore his uniform) why not seek him out for his point of view of the ’78 season. What’s the worst that could happen? He’d say no. He’d think I was a crack pot? Maybe so. But to my surprise he was very gracious and agreed to be a part of this story. I recently caught up with the former Jet QB Matt Robinson, now living in the Jacksonville Florida area. We’ll get to Matt’s reflections on his ‘78 season a bit later but first let me lace up the old Chuck Taylor Converse high top sneakers, put on my mood ring and rub my cool pet rock for a little needed background info. Let’s take a stroll.
10 seasons had now passed since the ‘guaranteed’ victory in Super Bowl III. For the 1978 Jets who were reeling after three straight 3-11 records any positive change of fortunes would be welcomed. Arriving with the opening of the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens New York, Shea Stadium the new home for both the NY Mets and NY Jets were to become the epitome of the new modern age multi sport stadiums. But soon Shea had become enervated and stale by the 1970’s. So true was the Jets franchise because by the mid 1970’s the Jet organization had become downtrodden and irrelevant. Big Shea along with the other tenant being the New York Mets baseball club being just as bad now was filled with fans disguised as empty seats had become a depressing place to attend a sporting event of any type.
With issues developing at Shea regarding the facilities and other leasing problems, NY State Supreme Justice Harold Baer allowed the Jets to open their 1977 regular season in New Jersey. This was a newly constructed stadium erected in the swamps of East Rutherford called the Meadowlands (A Jets loss 20-12 to the Baltimore Colts opened their 1977 home schedule). This was now the new home of the NY football Giants (another former shared Shea tenants with the NY Yankees, Mets and Jets all playing their 1975 seasons there………The natural grass on the field really took a beating) moving into their new area by 1976. The Jets would return to Shea Stadium for their second game of the 1977 season and remain there for the rest of the decade and beyond. But the Meadowlands now were on the Jet’s radar for future seasons. Perhaps a portent of things to come but that’s another story.
Since 1973 the NFL has a policy that the home team must sellout their stadium 72 hours before a game or that market will not be able to watch that home team play in that radius. With that in place many Jet fans during this period didn’t see home Jet games on local television. With no Shea Stadium sellouts when the Jets played at home for most of the decade the NBC local games that was broadcast were the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the Jets sunk deeper into mediocrity I watched, like so many Jet fans the team play only on the road for they were the only televised Jet games available. I decided I could follow the Jets play by play when they played home games with a transistor pocket radio. This item became a part of my Sunday wardrobe attire for the next 4 years. As of this writing 1977 was the last year that a New York Jet home game was blacked out locally.
By the mid seventies many of the Jet greats of the past like RB’s Boozer and Snell, WR Don Maynard, LB Ralph Baker and DE Gerry Philbin had been either released or simply retired. Their replacement gamely tried but was not as talented as their predecessors. The Jets free fall from media darlings to the lower half of the NFL was surprisingly quick. By the close of the 1976 season the Jets strongest link to their past Super Bowl glory QB Joe Namath also moved on. At his request Broadway Joe went to Hollywood to finish his career with the Rams in Los Angeles. Big shoes needed to be filled in Queens. And very quickly.
Earlier that same year the Jets had drafted a seemly gifted quarterback also from the same college Namath starred many years earlier. In 1976 the Jets chose University of Alabama’s quarterback Richard Todd. With rookie quarterbacks come growing pains. And Todd had plenty them while splitting playing time with Namath in 1976. With Joe’s departure Todd took the QB reins and started well in 1977. The Jets had gutted the veterans on the squad so now stood 17 first or second year starters on Offense, Defense and Special teams. They were eager but their rawness showed. When your team is young and inexperienced you tend to lose many close games. That was truly the case for the 1977 New York Jets.
Here are some examples:
On October 23rd at Shea, Richard Todd riddled the defending Super Bowl Champion Oakland Raiders with 396 yards (271 at the half) passing along with 4 touchdowns to put the Jets ahead at halftime 27-14. On that bright sunny Sunday afternoon I was one of the many walkups on the day of the game but was denied entrance because of a late large turnout and no tickets were available. The game unexpectedly had become a sellout. I returned home via the subway by halftime heartbroken and because of the NFL Blackout rule applied the game still was not shown to the New York City area. With my transistor in hand I listened intensely. The Raiders went ahead in the 3rd quarter and hung on for a 28-27 victory. This loss continued a losing streak that would finally grow to 7 in a row. Despite the defeat it seemed apparent Richard Todd was ready to become the next great franchise QB in Jet history. Two weeks later against the Dolphins at home during a 14-10 loss, a 3rd quarter knee injury placed Todd on the shelf for 2 games. It was during this contest that gave an opportunity to the backups, first to former Baltimore Colt Marty Domres.
Unfortunately for the Jets, the nine year veteran Ivy Leaguer from Columbia was nearing the end of his playing career and for two games both he and the offense were lifeless. A change once again was needed at starting quarterback while the incumbent Todd was still recovering. Enter the rookie from Farmington, Michigan QB Matt Robinson.
A 1977 9th round draft pick from the University of Georgia QB Robinson now had his opportunity. After two relief appearances for the starter Domres, Matt Robinson’s first NFL start would be against the Pittsburgh Steelers at home. A young quarterback as in Robinson’s case up against the Pittsburgh vaunted “Steel Curtain” defense. Just as expected with little running game both he and the offense struggled. The Shea Stadium fateful began a loud chant for Richard Todd to replace an ineffective Robinson. With the game close in the 4th quarter and needing an offensive spark, 1st Head Coach Walt Michaels sent in Todd to an adoring Shea gleeful crowd. But he was rusty and fared no better. On his first two passes came 2 straight interceptions occurred in the 23-20 home loss.
By the following week against the New Orleans Saints Todd returned fulltime and remained the starter for the final 3 games of 1977. For the NFL this would be the very last year where a 14 game schedule would exist. Before the 1978 season new major changes awaited the National Football league. With zone defenses become the norm during the early 1970’s the league had become a defensive paradise with once many strong offensive teams struggling both on the field and the gate. Despite the dominance of a few clubs the NFL had become a Big 10 type brand of football, three yards and a cloud of dust. Wide receivers were now marked men with constant muggings downfield by over aggressive defensive backs (see Oakland’s Jack Tatum and the Redskins Pat Fischer). League owners weren’t pleased with the defensive dominance across the board and the turn styles began to reflect it.
Example: In 1977 the Atlanta Falcons with their “Grits Blitz” defense gave up an NFL record low 129 points in 14 games with is an average of 9.21 points a contest but scored only 179 points. Atlanta finished 7-7 and out of the playoffs. By 1978 the Falcons gave up 290 points and scored 240 but improved with a 9-7 mark and made the NFC playoffs. Also in 1978 two additional teams were added to the playoff round increasing the total to 10 thus making the end of the regular season much more exciting with more teams in the playoff chase. For most teams running backs routinely led their team in receptions and that was the norm for majority of the decade.
With new rule changes the trend would begin to favor the more graceful wide receivers (Seattle’s Steve Largent and the Chargers John Jefferson for example) over the Don McCauley and McArthur Lane type running backs of that time period to open up the game. Another big help with the passing game occurred when the NFL put in the “Mel Blount” rule into effect. From now on there was to be no contact by a Defensive Back after 5 yards pass the line of scrimmage. More changes also occurred in pass blocking with offensive lineman now allowed to extend their arms and open their hands. By 1978 NFL teams with good passers like Dan Fouts of San Diego and Archie Manning of the New Orleans Saints (who was named NFC Player of the year in 1978) for example because of the new offensive changes flourished.
But also the rich got richer: For annual Super Bowl participants like Pittsburgh and Dallas they used their wide outs more than ever before and became even more potent. The game would truly evolve for big play wide receivers like Lynn Swann, John Stallworth and Tony Hill to excel into the next decade. Next the NFL regular season would begin 2 weeks earlier than normal, shorten the pre-season from 6 games to 4. Those 2 lost pre-season games were added to the regular season now making the season 16 games instead of the usual 14 games since the 1961 season. With no bi-week in place until twelve years into the future (1990 NFL season) all 28 clubs were on now unchartered territory. For the 1978 NFL season it was a whole new world.
But for one team, the Kansas City Chiefs with new head coach Marv Levy from the CFL it was a step backwards. Forsaking the pass for the most part they installed a “Wing T” offense which consisted of a three running back, two tight end formation. It helped very little in the victory column (from 2 wins in ’77 to 4 in 1978) for the Chiefs. While for other teams the change would be just cosmetic. For the first time the San Diego Chargers with new Head Coach Don Coryell now wore their white jerseys with the white lightning bolt gold pants for their 1978 home games. The Chargers with “Air Coryell” led the NFL in passing yards (3,375) in 1978. There was also new threads for the football team in flushing, New York. The Jets with new space age type uniforms awaited the players as they arrived at training camp for the 1978 season signaled a dramatic change from the past.
Now gone was the all white double green stripe helmets down the middle with the Kelly green NY Jets football logo on both sides. The new gear was an all solid Kelly green helmet with a green stripe in the middle. A new “Jets” logo resembling a sleek modern font like a wing of a fighter jet all in white blazed on each side. The facemasks on the helmets were no longer grey but now all white. The familiar Joe Namath 1960’s type jerseys with the home green with white sleeves and road whites with green sleeves had been replaced with an all home green with white piping and all white road jerseys with green piping. The uniform pants instead of the white trousers with two green stripes along the sides were still white but with no stripes. The socks were now all white but the hose underneath was solid green. And all Jet players now wore white shoes. This made for a more futuristic appearance. If anything this was an interesting fashion statement to say the least.
“Let’s talk about the Jet training camp of 1978. You had gotten some playing time in 1977 because of a Richard Todd injury. How much playing time did you expect in 1978 and also what were the expectations of the team in 1978?” I asked the starting quarterback of the ’78 Jets Matt Robinson, now a Co- founder and President of Home Team Equity, LLC a mortgage marketing company working with former athletes and lending organizations. He took time out of his taxing schedule and slowly began “Well, the number two QB in 1977 Marty Domres was not up to par physically any longer and had retired, so the number two quarterback job was up for grabs. Pat Ryan (the third QB on the roster) was just drafted in 1978 and was a rookie, so I knew I had a great shot for the number two QB job”.
I stated to Mr. Robinson that in 1978 the Jets were judged as having the NFL’s toughest schedule that year (1977 playoff teams included Miami, Denver, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Dallas) along with two 9-5 teams New England and Washington which was strange considering the Jets had the second worst record in the AFC (Kansas City was 2-12) record the previous season. Matt pondered then answered “ We didn’t pay attention to the schedule because at that time there weren’t as many experts or media outlets as there is now so we weren’t aware of it. We just took one game at a time and just played the games as they came”.
I asked Matt “Just how did you get along with the incumbent Richard Todd, the man who was chosen to replace the legendary Joe Namath?” Without hesitation he said “Richard and I got along great. I enjoyed being his teammate. Richard had it tough replacing (Joe) him. I, on the other hand had it a bit easier than him. When I played poorly I wasn’t ripped by the media. But when he (Todd) played poorly it was kind of hard. I wasn’t really expected to play that well because I was a low draft choice, so when I did play well I was treated great. Richard followed Joe which was a lot of pressure. I, on the other hand replaced Richard because of injury. I didn’t get the heat he did.
With Robinson locking down the number 2 quarterback job the 19th season in Jet history began with the Jets standing on top of the AFC East with a 2-0 record after two weeks. During wins against division rivals Dolphins and Bills, QB Richard Todd threw for 441 yards with 6 touchdowns with the Jets outscoring Miami and Buffalo 51 to 40. Unfortunately for him and the Jets the six touchdowns passes Richard threw during the 1st two games would be the last he would throw the remainder of the year.
After a tough week three 24-17 loss against the Seahawks, the Jets traveled to D.C. to play former Jet John Riggins and the Redskins in week 4. After 1 quarter the Jets went ahead 3-0 on a Pat Leahy field goal. But by the 2nd quarter “the Diesel” Riggins and the not yet named “Hogs” offensive line took over the game. Washington ran for over 250 yards with Riggins leading the way with 114 yards and to a 23-3 final score. During the 4th quarter of the blowout Richard Todd like the previous season was again injured, this time it was a fractured collarbone. Enter once again backup QB Matt Robinson. He explains his take on the Washington game. “You never wish anyone to get hurt but when Richard got hurt in the Washington game, I knew it was my chance to shine. I was a little nervous and uncomfortable but after my first completion I was ok. I just decided to go with it and just play.”
With Todd’s injury, Matt Robinson assumed control of the Jet offense. But it seemed to walk in baby steps. After a week 5 loss at home to Pittsburgh 28-17 which dropped the Jets to 2-3, Gang Green dashed off three straight wins against the Bills (45-14), Baltimore Colts(33-10) and St. Louis Cardinals (23-10). The Jets literally “ran” to each victory.
“Let’s talk about the 3 wins in a row against Buffalo, Baltimore and St. Louis.” I said.” During those three games the Jets ran for 605 yards but you threw but 44 passes”. I then proceeded to ask Matt about the play calling during that streak. “Was this just a conscience decision to run the ball with FB Kevin Long and HB Scott Dierking or did the coaching staff wish to simplify things for you since you was a 2nd year QB at that point?” I sensed a moment of pride as Robinson began “We were in the tough AFC East man. Every team ran the ball (ex. NE ran for a league record 3,165 yards in 1978). The team may have scaled the playbook down a little but I called my own plays. John Idzik was the Jet Offensive Coordinator and he had a lot of confidence in me and my ability. Like most QB’s of my day I was proud to call my own plays unlike today’s quarterbacks”
But I quickly added “Everyone’s quarterback called their own plays except that team who’s coach wore that funny looking hat on the sidelines”.
Matt immediately chuckled. We both knew who I was referring to. Former Cowboys Head Coach Tom Landry who wore the funny looking fedora for “America’s Team” of course. Robinson began a short story “Later that season I spoke with Danny (or was it Randy?) White of the Cowboys (The Jets opponent the final game in 1978) and he told me about all the scripted plays the Cowboys ran for every possible offensive situation. It was just nuts. Like what to do on 2nd down and 6. Or 3rd down and 7. Or 4th and 3. It was a big long sheet printed on computer printout paper. Most of the players on the Cowboys at the time thought you got to be kidding we got to learn this stuff. But you can’t argue with their success can you”?
After the three game winning streak the Jets now stood at 5-3 and headed to Foxboro to play the 6-2 Patriots for 1st place in the AFC East. A little independent movie named “Halloween” was released to the public on October 25th of 1978. The antagonistic character Michael Myers was introduced to audiences and became a cultural icon for years to come. In Massachusetts on October 29th, Halloween came early for the Jets because similar to the characters in that movie they too were hacked up by the Patriots. As stated earlier the Pats ran the ball well all season in 1978, setting the still standing NFL record for yards rushing in a season. This game was no different. New England ran for 240 yards and along with 4 touchdown passes from Steve Grogan the Jets were crushed 55-21. This score doesn’t indicate how badly the Jets played: They trailed 48 -7 heading into the 4th quarter. Stopping the run would be an on-going problem all season for the 1978 Jets.
Now at 5-4 New York was at the crossroads. After much promise how would the rest of the season play out? Would they go into the tank like previous seasons? Who was up next for the Jets: A trip to Denver to play the defending 1977 AFC Champion Broncos.
Heading into the Bronco game I asked Matt if there was concerns since the Jets were facing the “Orange Crush Defense” who was the AFC representative in the Super Bowl the previous January.
Matt’s reply:” We knew who they were (the Broncos) but we weren’t intimidated at all”.
The way the game began it looked as if the Jets may not have been intimidated but were a little taken back. Like in New England they fell behind 28-7 in the second quarter and the game and the season were slipping away. With the nearly 75,000 Mile High rocking loud and out of control, the Jets began the 2nd greatest comeback in team history. After closing the score to 28-17 at half the Jets then took control of the game. In the 3rd quarter running back Scott Dierking’s 3 yard run got the Jets closer at 28-24. Now late in the 4th quarter with Denver clinging to a 4 point lead would the biggest play of the game would take place.
I’ll have Matt Robinson explain the circumstances: “We knew we had the play whenever we needed it. Dan Henning (the Jets receivers coach) let us set it up. This game was a back and worth battle. Dan knew we could get the right match up on defense and when the right time opened up, we took it”. The plays end result? A game winning 75 yard bomb to Wesley Walker for the 31-28 lead. Walker blew past two Bronco defenders with Robinson hitting him in stride. After a missed FG by former Jet Jim Turner with seconds remaining the Jets soared out of Denver with a 31-28 victory. This was a big confidence builder for this young Jet team after the Foxboro Halloween Massacre. Broncos Head Coach Red Miller was quoted saying: “Robinson brings something special. He just has a certain Moxie about him”. Remember this comment by Miller. It would be important (see Post Script) later.
One would have thought this win would surely carry New York to the level of playoff contenders, right. Well it did not. The Jets soared into Philadelphia for a game against the Eagles. And crash landed in the Vet. Eagles QB Ron Jaworski hit WR Harold Carmichael for a 6 yard TD pass late in the 4th quarter increasing a 10-9 Eagle lead to a 17-9 Philly win against a flat Jet team. That loss should be nothing new because as of 2010 the Jets have never defeated the Philadelphia Eagles (0-8) in a regular season contest.
A November 19th rematch with the Patriots now awaited Gang Green, this time at raucous Shea Stadium.
The starter Richard Todd was now ready to return from his injury. Matt Robinson had played well in his absence but Todd was the incumbent. The Jet coaching staff had to make a tough decision. Go with the hot hand (Robinson)? Or go with the face of the franchise (Todd)? With a sold out Shea Stadium and a national television audience at hand Walt Michaels chose Richard Todd to start. Matt explains: “This was the coaches’ decision to start Richard. I understood the choice but I didn’t agree with it. There is an unwritten rule in sports that you can’t lose your starting job because of injury. Although the opposite did happened to me while I was starting at Georgia. I had broken a rib just prior to the season and when I was ready to play, Ray (Goff) just kept my starting job. In both cases I had to deal with it but I didn’t like it but I’d be ready if needed”.
The excitement generated upon Richard Todd’s return to the lineup unfortunately was short lived. He didn’t play very well as planned. Todd was mostly ineffective going 7-13 for 52 yards with 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. But surprisingly it was the Jet defense (a sore spot all season) that kept them in the game. Once again Matt Robinson entered the fray. And the team responded to his leadership. In the third quarter Pat Leahy tied the game at 10 with a 45 yarder in the swirling winds blowing off Flushing Bay. The Patriots ground game put them ahead in the 4th quarter 16-10. Then the magic of Robinson and Walker worked once again. Matt hit Wesley with a perfectly thrown 56 yard bomb putting the Jets on top 17-16 in a jubilant, rocking Shea.
The running game of NE brought them down to take the lead on a 24 yard field goal 19-17. I asked Matt what occurred when he got the ball back for the final drive with just a couple of minutes to go. “We got the ball back with not much time left on the clock. During the final last drive I just missed Wesley for a game winning TD down the sidelines. If I had held the ball just a second longer I would have hit him. That one bugged me for awhile. Wesley had very strong hips and thighs. You could never over throw him. I had all the confidence whenever I threw the ball he would get it. But we still had time and we drove the ball down to get close enough to try a game winning FG. The baseball markings were still on the field so we made the decision to try the FG near the pitcher’s mound near the left hash marks.” The Jet fans both on television and at Shea anticipated victory. Like me they all thought this was a chip shot for one of the better place kickers in the NFL. The Patriots called time out to try to “ice” the kicker, a common attempt which normally is not successful. No problem, I thought Leahy is a veteran kicker at that point (5 years) so this is nothing.
But remember this was Shea Stadium and the winds always changed direction thru out the game. On the mid range attempt in the swirling winds, Pat Leahy a reliable kicker throughout his career shanked it wide right. Game over……The final score 19-17 Patriots. The loss dropped the Jets to 6-6. This game cut deep because New York needed this win to keep pace for a playoff position. But there no time to cry: South Beach awaited the Jets for a return match up with Miami.
This was the contest Matt Robinson felt put him on the map with the national audience. With the Jets trailing 6-3 at the half, the Jet offense stalled by the Dolphin defense most of the game finally awoke. After two Jets rushing TD’s, Matt Robinson hit Wesley Walker for a 33 yard Touchdown in the 4th quarter sealing the victory 24-13. This game in Matt’s eyes was his most impressive of the 1978 season. “This was a really big win for us. It had been quite a while since we (the Jets) beat Miami in Miami. It was a nationally televised game on NBC and I played very well”. “This game” Matt added “put him on the map”. He was correct in that assessment. The Jets hadn’t beaten the Dolphins in Miami since the 1971 season. This game placed Matt who was 17 of 26 for 257 yards as the starting QB for the remainder of the season.
Returning to Shea against the Colts on December 3rd was to be a special event. This was the 10 year anniversary celebrating the 1968 Jets Super Bowl victory against Baltimore. All of the old Jets now retired were there, former coach Weeb Ewbank, John Elliott, Johnny Sample, George Sauer, etc. all took the field at halftime. This included a certain white shoe long hair recently retired Super Bowl MVP QB Joe Willie Namath. Only one player could not be part of the halftime festivities. That player was the starting left guard for the 1968 Jets Randy Rasmussen who was an 11 year vet and still an active starter on the Jets roster.
The Jet running game (202 yards) returned against the 3 straight (1975-’76 and ’77) former AFC East Champions but now stood at 5-9 Baltimore Colts. Robinson who said he wasn’t nervous with the old Jets in attendance played somewhat shaky (7-18 for 186 yards with 2 INT) but still threw 2 touchdowns to Wesley Walker fueling the 24-16 win. A good time at sold out Shea was had by all who attended. I would personally know of this: I was one of the 55,000 in attendance. The newspapers the next morning showed the most recent AFC standings. While the Jets who were now 8-6 would not catch the neither the Patriots nor Dolphins in their own division with some help they possibly could make the playoffs for the first time since 1969. It would be a nice touch with the Jet organization recognizing the ’68 Super Bowl team anything was attainable. But a cold reception awaited them in Cleveland as the Browns were up next.
A game in Cleveland is never fun especially when it’s under frigid conditions. The Lake Erie winds brought a bitter cold wind to Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium as the Browns faced the Jets. This was a game of many parts.
First the bad: In the 16 degree weather in the cold and blustery Cleveland the Jets fell behind big and quickly. Within a blink of an eye the Jets trailed 17-3. By the end of the 3rd period the score was now Browns 27 Jets 10. But I wasn’t upset to say the least because the games the Jets played in 1978 season this one was my favorite. As I continued to watch the game from the comfort of my living room I felt something special was going to happen.
Let’s get to the good: the 1978 Jets were a team of resilience and buoyancy, never giving up despite what the numbers on the scoreboard read. In 1978 quarterback Matt Robinson embodied that team spirit. Matt, struggling all day with his accuracy got hot in the 4th quarter. Suddenly the Jets offense awakened scoring 24 unanswered points to go shockingly ahead 34-27. I’m thinking this game is done as I watch the Browns offense take the frozen field with little left on the clock in the 4th quarter. Just one stop by the Jet defense needed and the Jets win and go to 9-6 and still remain in the playoff race.
On to the ugly: These were the pre-Cardiac kids, the not yet the Cleveland Browns of the upcoming seasons ahead. And the Browns had a future NFL MVP in Brian Sipe at quarterback. After stalling for the majority of the second half he drove the Browns down the field. With seconds left Sipe hit Calvin Hill with an 18 yard pass for a touchdown tying the game at 34-34 thus sending the Municipal Stadium fans into a frenzy. Now in overtime the Jets after stalling on offense now punted to the Browns Greg Pruitt who returned it 31 yards setting up the 22 yard game winning field goal by Don Cockroft. The final score Browns 37 Jets 34.
Instead of returning home at 9-6 and possibly with a great effort against Dallas would finish 10-6 and a playoff chance. The Jets came back to Shea Stadium wounded and defeated. And flat. An uninspiring 30-7 loss to the 1977 World Champion Cowboys at home finished the Jets season at an 8-8 record. Still this was a very good year to be a Jet fan. The Jets had won nearly more games (8) in one season than the previous three seasons (9) combined.
The Jet offense was explosive they finished 3rd in the NFL with 359 points. At WR was a deep threat with All-Pro Wesley Walker, who in his 2nd season led the NFL with a 24.4 average and 1169 yards receiving. New York had a solid running game with Kevin Long (954 yards) and Scott Dierking (681) leading the way. Although on defense which had many holes to fill (only the Colts with 421 points gave up more than the Jets 364 in the NFL) but did have some gifted players like 2nd year DE Joe Klecko, who made the all AFC second team in 1978. And also a good run stopping tough as nails Linebacker in 3rd year pro Greg Buttle from Penn State. Last but not least there would be a legitimate battle for the starting QB job in 1979. In one corner the physically gifted heir apparent to a legend from the same college (Richard Todd). Or, the new gunslinger that resembled Broadway Joe with his looks (the Fu Manchu ‘stach) and his bombs away style of play (Matt Robinson) in the other corner. Who would win the job in 1979? The future of the Jets was in good hands. Or was it?
1978 JETS TEAM LEADERS:
PASSING: Matt Robinson 2002 yards 13 TD
RUSHING: Kevin Long 954 yards 10 TD
RECEIVING: Wesley Walker 48 catches 1169 YDS
INTERCEPTIONS: Burgess Owens & Bobby Jackson 5
1978 Post Script………..With the inspired play of Matt Robinson in 1978 the QB job was up for grabs in 1979. Robinson clearly outplayed Todd in the pre-season. After the final pre-season game while showering Matt was told by Head Coach Michaels that he, not Richard Todd had won the starting quarterback position. He was elated of course.
Matt Robinson tells the rest: “The Saturday night before the 1979 season opener against the Browns, I along with some of the players and a few of the coaches went out for a beer or two. Nothing really special to it just a little team bonding, that’s all. DE Joe Klecko and I had an arm wrestling contest, still no problems. I shared an apartment with WR Bobby Jones and I was helping him move in. There were unpacked boxes on the floor behind me. I fell backwards and in doing so fell on my thumb on my throwing hand. The next day was game day of course and when I woke up my thumb was now swollen.
I told the trainer (Bob Reese) about and had it wrapped up with tape. During the pre-game warm ups I tried to hide it but was questioned by Walt (Michaels) about it and I told him I was good enough to play. So now I’m in deep water because I lied and the trainer didn’t tell Walt about it either. Against the Browns I thought I played well. Although I did hit Wesley with a long pass but it was underthrown and he didn’t score on the play. Anyway we (the Jets) go ahead very late in the game. So, thinking the game was over I start to take off the tape on my swollen thumb. But Sipe and the Brown tied the game. In OT because of my now un-taped thumb I played poorly and threw an interception. The Browns kicked a FG and we lost. After the game Walt was pissed and said I personally let the team down. I always liked Walt but after the Browns game he was done with me”.
Walt Michaels named Richard Todd the starter for the next game against the Patriots (a 56-3 whipping by NE). And Todd remained the starter for the rest of the 1979 season. As for Matt Robinson he never threw another pass for the NY Jets again.
After the ’79 season the Jets shipped Matt Robinson to the Denver Broncos for QB Craig Penrose and a second and fourth round pick. The Broncos Head Coach Red Miller recalled Robinson when he led the Jets to the comeback win against the Broncos in 1978 and was still impressed. Matt was to be the young stud to replace the aging veteran Craig Morton (37) at quarterback in 1980.
Matt explains: “In Denver Rod Dowhower was the offensive coordinator. He tried to change my throwing motion and in doing so it ruined my career. I didn’t play great my first season in Denver but I did have a winning record (4-3) compared to Morton (4-5). The Broncos were getting eliminated from the playoffs earlier and earlier each year since 1977. A new owner Pat Bowlen brought with him a new Head Coach Dan Reeves from the Cowboys. He (Reeves) was at one time Morton’s roommate in Dallas when they played together. He was even Morton’s best man at his wedding. They brought in a Dallas type offensive system. He was a pro-Morton guy. I knew I was done and I went on to Buffalo to back up Joe (Ferguson)”
After a stint in the USFL Jacksonville Bulls by 1986 Matt’s football career was over. Although his time in New York was brief, He had his shining moments.
Matt commented “The fans in New York were great and it was fun. I miss Shea and I really enjoyed playing in the Big Apple”. For those who recalled watching him in 1978 it was fun us also.
Former Jets born in 1978:
DE John Abraham 5/6
RB Thomas Jones 8/19
RB Lamont Jordan 11/11
WR Justin McCareins 12/11
I will end each article the same way until the Jets once against win a Super Bowl with:
AND THE JOURNEY CONTINUES…………………….
Don Stokes is a senior mid west writer for Football Reporters Online & a contributor to Pro Football NYC, which have been covering football since 1975. While Don No longer wears theTrademark "AFRO" of his Teen Years, he still has his mood ring.
Friday, May 13, 2011
NFL: Prince Amukamara to do Online Chat for Fans...
Big Ups to the New "Prince of NY" for doing some Fan Outreach!!
WHAT:
adidas and Eastbay will host a live online video chat with New York Giants first round draft choice Prince Amukamara on Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. ET. Fans will have the chance to ask the #19 overall selection questions and view his live responses at www.Eastbay.com/adidas.
The former University of Nebraska All-American cornerback will showcase the new adiZero 5-Star, the lightest cleat in football. At 6.9 ounces, the adiZero 5-Star is three ounces lighter than the nearest competitor and is designed to help make the fastest football players even faster. The adiZero 5-Star is available now at www.Eastbay.com.
Over the past several months, the adidas NOW portal at www.Eastbay.com has hosted chats with star athletes such as Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, B.J. Upton of the Tampa Bay Rays and C.J. Spiller of the Buffalo Bills. adidas and Eastbay will continue to run athlete video chats throughout the year.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 18
7:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
Hosted on www.eastbay.com/adidas
Monday, May 09, 2011
American Dream to benefit Jets, Giants & Meadowlands
American Dream to Benefit Jets, Giants, & Meadowlands-By David Levy-Fan Experience Reporter-Football Reporters Online
(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Standing in a building that has remained unchanged and likely to get over $200 million in tax incentives, Gov. Christie ushered in the arrival of the "American Dream" in North Jersey last week. The much-maligned and long-stagnant Xanadu development at the Meadowlands, which Christie called the "the ugliest damn building in New Jersey, and maybe America," along with everyone else who drives by it, will get a makeover by the Canadian developer who built Mall of America in Minnesota.
Next to the Jets and Giants stadium, with a dead-on view of the Manhattan skyline, the newly minted complex, called American Dream at Meadowlands, will feature high-end shopping, a 26-screen movie theater, nightclubs, a performing arts theater, restaurants, an indoor ice-skating rink, and an indoor ski slope (with moguls and a snowboard half-pipe), according to Triple Five, the developer.
And in a structural addition to the original Xanadu, there will be glass-domed amusement and water parks - with sand and palm trees. Triple Five has been know to do this in Mall of America and other malls across Canada. They design their malls to be places of destination for everything under one roof rather than finding entertainment is several locations.
Reuters reported that Triple Five will be developing the world's largest and most comprehensive retail, entertainment, amusement, recreation, and tourism project ever built. Not a bad way to help crate jobs and revenue for New Jersey. The economic impact for New Jersey would be $3.8 billion according to Triple Five.
Many might wonder how this will benefit the Jets and Giants. What this will do is add options to fans and families for weekend getaways. So instead of a Sunday of football, there is a weekend of activities. The Jets and Giants could run activities a few days before across the road to get people psyched up for Sunday's game. Not to mention tie ins and other pregame festivities run by the organizations.
Show up on a Friday night to a local hotel and have dinner at American Dream and do whatever fun activity there is to do. There is something there for every member of the family. On Saturday one can do so much in one location, why go anywhere else? Sunday is football. Those not attending the game will have restaurants to watch the game in, some will shop as other family members attend the game.
The project will get at least $200 million in tax incentives from the state, Christie said at a news conference last Tuesday inside the 2.4 million-square-foot, partially built structure. But he refused to provide more details about the deal his administration worked out with Triple Five. I am sure a lot of those breaks also include some incentives for certain NJ politicians.
The Sierra Club blasted the arrangement, releasing a statement even before the media tour of the facility was over. The environmental group said American Dream, sitting on the most valuable piece of real estate in New Jersey, would end up getting $350 million in tax subsidies once it expands, as it has planned. If NJ is in need of the business, jobs, and revenue, there should be not be given that much tax subsidies, but then again, NJ tax payers do not make those decisions.
Triple Five may want to call this the American Dream, but it is a nightmare to taxpayers that will pick the pockets of us regular New Jersey citizens. It is ludicrous that at a time when many are hurting financially, local governments are broke, and property taxes are rising, that we are subsidizing this monster mall.
According to the Christie administration, the complex will create more than 9,000 construction jobs and 30,000 permanent jobs once it opens. Officials expect between 50 million and 60 million annual visitors, with half of them tourists. Expect big numbers on football weekends as well. I am sure the teams will set up weekend packages with tickets.
Most of American Dream will open in the fall of 2013, in time for the Super Bowl scheduled to be played at the new Meadowlands stadium. One will wonder if American Dreams theater's will air the Super Bowl to keep patrons there. I am sure screens will air it all over the place to keep people shopping, riding rides, and doing what it takes to keep them there to spend money.
Triple Five plans to invest $1.5 billion atop the $2 billion already spent there, and expand by nearly a third, or one million square feet. The existing structure is well on its way to completion, with extensive aesthetic changes planned. Other essentials - such as escalators and the ski lift - also are in place.
One can only wonder if the expansion will take up more room in the non PSL parking. Will it create trouble for those parking by the Izod Center? Will this expansion do anything to disrupt the tailgating that goes on. No one can tailgate in the parking garage so that is out. Also, with the building through 2013, how will this affect fans parking for Jets and Giants games? We can only wait and see.
The theater at American Dream will have seating for 2,000 to 3,000 people. Screens in the center of the complex will change colors on football game day, depending on whether the Jets or Giants are playing next door. And there are plans to build either a bar or movie theater on an outdoor patio that has spectacular views of New York, about 10 miles to the east.
Most of all, Triple Five vowed to replace the massive multicolored exterior panels, so hated by Christie and most of us here in New Jersey. Driving by it it looks like a rust colored piece of trash. Triple Five plans to give it a more glowing feel so people will be amazed at it look from a distance.
The Jets and Giants have both been waiting for someone to pick it up across the road. With the American Dream coming in, it can only help their overall business from an off the field point of view. It provides more opportunities to hold events. The restaurants, stores, and other facilities might even have events or specials to help draw customers to spend more. Clothing stores will have sales on jets and Giants merchandise so fans can have it in time for the game on Sunday.
I am sure Triple Five has been in touch with the Jets and Giants. To see what opportunities it can provide each other. Not to mention what it can do to help each other make more revenue during the 2014 Super Bowl. Triple Five knew the opportunity and make a calculated decision. The NY teams will have a presence at American Dream. Might even see ESPN do some broadcasting from there at some point.
Once American Dream is completed, New jersey will have a another destination that many will flock to for vacations. We have Atlantic City, the Jersey shore, and now American Dream. Being close to NYC, it creates a good destination for those wanting to visit both. It also provide the Jets and Giants an opportunity to keep fans close for an entire weekend. But how will it benefit them financially? We can only wait and see. Right now, Triple Five & New jersey seem to be the only one set to profit.
Eds. Note: While we feel this is a great Idea to revamp the area and will provide additional jobs, it should NOT go on the backs of tax payers!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Judge Nelson LIfts Lockout,..but is it really Over??
A commentary(short) By Dr. Football(Dr. Bill Chachkes)
Late today Judge Susan Richard Nelson effectively ended almost 6 week long Lockout between the NFL players and the NFL owners. Almost as soon as the result was public, the NFL released the following statement:
(From NFLMedia.com)
NFL STATEMENT
"We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree. But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal."
So who has really won, If both sides claim a victory? Well, the fans for one have at least a temporary stay of execution with regard to the 2011 season. The Judge is saying that once again, the owners are wrong to expect "indentured servitude" to continue, that Athletes DO have rights as humans. Rights to a safe(at least as safe as possible) work place, and maybe it's finally time for the Pre-1993 Players to get some help with medical costs and a better pension........
Maybe.....
So what happens now? Most likely if the NFL loses on appeal(maybe) and they are forced to begin "offseason activities" as usual, within a few days after the next ruling the 2010 rules will be in place for player movement and free agency will begin in at least some form.... Giants Defensive Lineman Osi UMenyiora said in his released statement “A win for the players and for the fans." Several Teams' Players Association reps are telling players tonight that until another judge grants the NFL a stay, they can go back to their facilities and work out and get treatment....
Maybe.....
Then the owners and players can get back to the table and get a new deal done before training camp......
Maybe.....
Oh how I hate when the legal system invades sports....
Late today Judge Susan Richard Nelson effectively ended almost 6 week long Lockout between the NFL players and the NFL owners. Almost as soon as the result was public, the NFL released the following statement:
(From NFLMedia.com)
NFL STATEMENT
"We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree. But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal."
So who has really won, If both sides claim a victory? Well, the fans for one have at least a temporary stay of execution with regard to the 2011 season. The Judge is saying that once again, the owners are wrong to expect "indentured servitude" to continue, that Athletes DO have rights as humans. Rights to a safe(at least as safe as possible) work place, and maybe it's finally time for the Pre-1993 Players to get some help with medical costs and a better pension........
Maybe.....
So what happens now? Most likely if the NFL loses on appeal(maybe) and they are forced to begin "offseason activities" as usual, within a few days after the next ruling the 2010 rules will be in place for player movement and free agency will begin in at least some form.... Giants Defensive Lineman Osi UMenyiora said in his released statement “A win for the players and for the fans." Several Teams' Players Association reps are telling players tonight that until another judge grants the NFL a stay, they can go back to their facilities and work out and get treatment....
Maybe.....
Then the owners and players can get back to the table and get a new deal done before training camp......
Maybe.....
Oh how I hate when the legal system invades sports....
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Football Reporters' NFL Mock Draft-A Palooza 2011
By the Staff of Football Reporters Online with Special Guests
This past Thursday evening was very special for us at The FRO! Not only was it our annual Mock Draft-A-Palooza Show it was also the 3rd Anniversary of our First Broadcast on Blog Talk radio! To date we have had over 1.7 Million live listeners and total downloads. We want to thank our listeners for their support, and to all of our Mock Draft GM's, Our regular staff that took part, Bill Carroll, Don Stokes, and Ralph Garcia, Anthony Carrillo, Our new writing intern Mark Kern of Kansas State, as well as several Guest GM's for the evening, Matt Elder, Eric Dolan, Joel Barker from First Round Exchange, and our "Celebrity" Draft Prospect who joined us, Mike Montoya, a RB from Laurier College in Canada. Here then we present our 2011 Mock Draft-a-Palooza!
1.
Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley
2.
Denver Broncos- Marcel Darius
3.
Buffalo Bills- Cam Newton
4.
Cincinnati Bengals- A.J Green
5.
Arizona Cardinals- Von Miller
6.
Cleveland Browns- Robert Quinn
7.
San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Petersen
8.
Tennessee Titans-Julio Jones
9.
Dallas Cowboys- Prince Akamura
10.
Washington Redskins- Jake Locker
11.
Houston Texans- Cameron Jordan
12.
Minnesota Vikings- Blaine Gabbert
13.
Detroit Lions- Tyrone Smith
14.
St. Louis Rams- Anthony Castonzo
15.
Miami Dolphins- Mike Pouncey
16.
Jacksonville Jaguars- Da Quan Bowers
17.
New England (from Oakland)- JJ Watts
18.
San Diego Chargers-Corey Liuget
19.
New York Giants- Ben Ijalana
20.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mohammad Wilkerson
21.
Kansas City Chiefs- Aldon Smith
22.
Indianapolis Colts- Derrek Sherrod
23.
Philadelphia Eagles- Mark Ingram Jr.
24.
New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan
25.
Seattle Seahawks- Jimmy Smith
26.
Baltimore Ravens-Torrey Smith
27.
Atlanta Falcons- Gabe Carimi
28.
New England Patriots-Nate Solder
29.
Chicago Bears- Ras-I-Dowling
30.
New York Jets-Phil Taylor
31.
Pittsburgh Steelers-Kyle Rudolph
32.
Green Bay Packers- Cameron Heyward
This past Thursday evening was very special for us at The FRO! Not only was it our annual Mock Draft-A-Palooza Show it was also the 3rd Anniversary of our First Broadcast on Blog Talk radio! To date we have had over 1.7 Million live listeners and total downloads. We want to thank our listeners for their support, and to all of our Mock Draft GM's, Our regular staff that took part, Bill Carroll, Don Stokes, and Ralph Garcia, Anthony Carrillo, Our new writing intern Mark Kern of Kansas State, as well as several Guest GM's for the evening, Matt Elder, Eric Dolan, Joel Barker from First Round Exchange, and our "Celebrity" Draft Prospect who joined us, Mike Montoya, a RB from Laurier College in Canada. Here then we present our 2011 Mock Draft-a-Palooza!
1.
Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley
2.
Denver Broncos- Marcel Darius
3.
Buffalo Bills- Cam Newton
4.
Cincinnati Bengals- A.J Green
5.
Arizona Cardinals- Von Miller
6.
Cleveland Browns- Robert Quinn
7.
San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Petersen
8.
Tennessee Titans-Julio Jones
9.
Dallas Cowboys- Prince Akamura
10.
Washington Redskins- Jake Locker
11.
Houston Texans- Cameron Jordan
12.
Minnesota Vikings- Blaine Gabbert
13.
Detroit Lions- Tyrone Smith
14.
St. Louis Rams- Anthony Castonzo
15.
Miami Dolphins- Mike Pouncey
16.
Jacksonville Jaguars- Da Quan Bowers
17.
New England (from Oakland)- JJ Watts
18.
San Diego Chargers-Corey Liuget
19.
New York Giants- Ben Ijalana
20.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mohammad Wilkerson
21.
Kansas City Chiefs- Aldon Smith
22.
Indianapolis Colts- Derrek Sherrod
23.
Philadelphia Eagles- Mark Ingram Jr.
24.
New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan
25.
Seattle Seahawks- Jimmy Smith
26.
Baltimore Ravens-Torrey Smith
27.
Atlanta Falcons- Gabe Carimi
28.
New England Patriots-Nate Solder
29.
Chicago Bears- Ras-I-Dowling
30.
New York Jets-Phil Taylor
31.
Pittsburgh Steelers-Kyle Rudolph
32.
Green Bay Packers- Cameron Heyward
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
2011 NFL Draft Fullback Rankings
(This is the 8th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters Online)
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online
1. Stanley Havili FB USC 6'0" 227 lbs. 40 Time: 4.64 Sr.
Havili is not your hard runner but can be very effective. He shows some patience and follows his blockers. He is quick and can make the cuts necessary. Has balance and power to get between the tackles. When he gets to the edge he can get you yards. He has good field vision and has the knack of making the tackler miss. Good in the open field with the ability to make the sharp cut to avoid a tackler. He can also do some blocking in the passing game. He picks up the blitzing player and plays strong. He will not blow you away with his power overall but will hold on to the ball. Has good hands out of the backfield and will run good routes. Needs to work on his open field blocking and decision making. Gets hurt now and then but often plays through the pain. Can improve on his straight burst to through the line after the snap. Takes to lunging too much at times which is a reason he does not hold his block as long as he should. Projected Round: 2
2. Charles Clay FB Tulsa 6'3" 245 lbs. 40 Time: 4.69 Sr.
Clay is strong and the type of back that will drag his tackler and still get the yards needed. He is versatile and has played the H-back spot. He works well using his head fakes and some jukes. Can block one man at a time not more than that. Uses his arms well too. Has a good base and will protect his quarterback. Will work in an offense where the quarterback likes to use his FB often. Has played special teams which will be a requirement on the next level. Has tendency to run too high and give defenders too much to hit. Needs to have better field vision and awareness. Needs to become a better route runner and not take so long to get open. Does not put ball on outside hand like he should when carrying the ball. He must work on sustaining his block longer when getting to the second level. Has a tendency to get injured and be inconsistent. Projected Round: 3
3. Owen Marecic FB Stanford 6'0" 246 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80
Marecic is a big strong guy. Loves to hit and be hit hard. Has very good technique and a fair football IQ. He is effective in pass rush blocking and has good knee bend. Can catch the ball out of the backfield with his good hands. Get the yards after the catch and can pop a would be tackler good. Will work out good in short yardage situations. Very competitive player that will earn the respect of his peers in the future. Does not possess the speed and quickness needed to sustain himself game in and game out. needs to work on run blocking skills and he won't blow you away carrying the ball. He needs to work on his field vision, awareness and reading the defense. He will be a project at best and may get a better look if he were to try his hand at linebacker. Projected Round: 4
4. Shaun Chapas FB Georgia 6'2" 247 lbs 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.
Chapas is like a throwback who is tough and stays with his man till the end. Good lead blocker when he uses his feet properly. He will hit you hard and is good on pass protection. Has good awareness and and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Gets to the second level and hits the linebacker hard. He will need to work on his technique and blocking. He will not overwhelm his opponent so he will need to bulk up and get stronger. Has a problem recognizing where his assignment is. He needs to get into better position to catch the ball. Misses his block due to lack of mobility. He will never be a factor in the running game so he will have a lot of special teams work. Projected Round: 5
5. Henry Hynoski FB Pittsburgh 6'0" 257 lbs. 40 Time: 5.06 Jr.
Hynoski is a very aggressive player with the knack to block one man and hit another too. He has the power to drive his defender back. He has shown that he has that ability to reach away from him to make the catch. Very good football IQ. Long arms will help sustain his block. Has the athleticism and will block in the run game. Looks to benefit as a lead blocker with his frame. He will help in pass protection too. Does not have the speed and quickness needed for the position. This limits his ability to be a difference maker in the run game. Will not get you yards after the catch in the passing game. Needs work on field vision and recognition of the play around him. Can play too high and does not have good knee bend. Footwork is really suspect at best. He needs to finish the play and not quit when defender gets the best of him. Projected Round: 5
6. Anthony Sherman FB Connecticut 5'11" 239 lbs. 40 Time: 4.70 Sr.
Sherman has a good build for his position. He gets good leverage in run and pass blocking. Good at making the block and then creating space for his running mate. Has a good base and works the point of attack. He is not the most versatile back and needs a a lot of work. His footwork is below average and he needs to learn to use his hands. He will not make any kind of impact on any offense as a ball carrier. Struggles in the passing game once he catches the ball. Does not have the ability to make tacklers miss in the open field. Does not have the field vision to change a play or see the oncoming hit. The fact that he not very versatile will make it hard to stay with an NFL team. He may fit in at special teams, but even that is a reach. Projected Round: 6
7. Robert Hughes FB Notre Dame 5'11" 245 lbs 40 Time: 4.72 Sr.
Hughes is very strong and has good size for fullback. He will put in the work and it shows on the field. There is no questioning his heart and effort. He has soft hands as a receiver and is good at blocking on special teams. He will study his craft hard and will earn the respect of players. He does not have the speed or agility to make it on a team.. The fact is he lacks the pop to be a lead blocker. He is not very athletic and needs to greatly improve his footwork. He is not very effective in the passing and running game at blocking. Will not wow anyone at the next level and may have to settle for being on the practice squad. His lack of overall talent will hurt his chances. Projected Round: 7
8. Ryan Taylor FB North Carolina 6'3" 250 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.
Taylor has the speed to get off the snap of the ball quickly. Has good hand work on the defender and possess good lateral movement. Able to sustain his block and hold back his defender. Very good at sealing off man and loves to attack the play. He can pull a bit and has good football awareness. Though he can sustain a block, he will have trouble keeping a stronger man down. He appears to need work on his field vision and reading the defense. Does not have the anchor necessary to make in the long haul. Needs work on his balance and staying off the ground so much. Does not have a lot of experience in the passing game. His leverage was good in college but there will be questions at the next level. Projected Round: 7
9. Brett Morse FB Iowa 6'2" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.89 Sr.
Morse s a big kid that plays physical. He has the right size for his position and and has good football smarts. Very competitive player that will play every week if he makes a team and sticks. He can provided a punishing lead block. Plays until the whistle and gives maximum effort. Always stays with his block in the passing and running game. Plays too stiff and straight up giving defenders more of a target. Does not have the best speed and needs work catching the football. Will not get you many yards after the catch and his field vision is average at best. Is weak at pass protection and cannot pick up the blitz too good. It is going to be hard for him to make a team as a fullback and it may be just as hard to make special teams. This kid is a prospect at best, but he will give it his all. Projected Round: FA
10. Kenny Younger FB Virginia Tech 5'11" 228 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80 Sr.
Younger is very flexible and agile. He has the ability to get that lead block and contain his man. Will provide that block at the second level and is a decent cut-blocker. Can get to the edge and seal off his man. He has average hands in the receiving game and can greatly improve on that. His size will not help keep a job in the NFL. He has not produced much in the run game during his collegiate career. On top of that he had only four receptions to further hinder his chances. He missed a season due to a knee injury and that will be looked at too. Has played some at defensive end and tight end but that won't help him. Overall, Younger will have to go above and beyond and commit like never before to have a chance to even make a practice squad. Projected Round: FA
11. Patrick DiMarco FB North Carolina 6'1" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.75 Sr.
DiMarco is one tough cookie like one of the old school players. He is considered one of the best isolation blockers on college football. He has great technique and a good football IQ. He is not big enough or fast enough to make a difference. It will be hard for him to stick on a team. Projected Round: FA
12. Jon Hoese FB Minnesota 6'2" 236 lbs. 40 Time: 4.90 Sr.
Hoese is a tough nose player that has good size for a fullback. He gives maximum effort and finishes his blocks. Is not the most athletic or flexible player. Will try to make it as a special team player where he did a lot of work in college. Projected Round: FA
13. Ben Guidulgi FB Cincinnati 6'1" 232 lbs. 40 Time: 4.77 Sr.
Guidulgi has the size and good hands for a fullback. May give a team good production in the passing game. Does not posses the necessary speed and versatility. Needs a lot of work on blocking skills and special teams to make it.
14. Lucas Cox FB Georgia Tech 5'11" 243 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80 Sr.
Cox is a big strong player that plays physical. Good lead blocker as well. Will need to work on the fundamentals like footwork, hand placement and awareness. Projected Round: FA
15. Kevin Cooper FB Tennessee 6'0" 242 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.
Cooper has good football vision. Excels at lead blocking and hard work. Needs to learn how to be more of a factor in the offense. Work on pass catching. Projected Round: FA
16. Brian Maddox FB South Carolina 5'10" 230 lbs. 40 Time: 4.56 Sr.
Maddox is a versatile back that can be effective in the running and passing game. He has a knack for getting the ball into the end zone. Must bulk up to sustain day-to-day grind of the NFL. Projected Round: FA
17. Marcus Sims FB North Alabama 6'0" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.50 Sr.
Sims is a very good blocker and is effective in the running game. Will need to work very hard at everything to keep a job on Sunday's. Projected Round: FA
18. Matt Dunham FB Florida State 6'1" 258 lbs. 40 Time: 4.74 Sr.
Dunham is a big guy that can provide a pop off the ball. Does not have a lot of experience at his position, so he has lots of studying to do. Projected Round: FA
19. Dan Dierking FB Purdue 5'9" 195 lbs. 40 Time: 4.54 Sr.
Dierking has been pretty good in the passing and running game. His size will hurt him so he will need to add weight and muscle. Projected Round:FA
20. Bryant Ward FB Oklahoma St. 5'11" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.95 Sr.
Ward is a good solid lead blocker with size. Has athleticism and loves to play the power game. Needs to work on filed vision and awareness. Projected Round: FA
21. Dean Rogers FB UC Davis 6'1" 242 lbs. 40 Time: 4.97 Sr.
22. Ryan Mahaffey FB Northern Iowa 6'2" 256 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.
23. Mark Moundros FB Michigan 6'1" 234 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.
24. Moncell Allen FB Kentucky 5'6" 237 lbs. 40 Time: 4.98 Sr.
25. Patrick Hanrahan FB Mississippi St. 5'11" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.92 Sr.
26. Johdrick Morris FB Southern Mississippi 6'3" 218 lbs. 40 Time: 4.81 Sr.
27. James McCluskey Boston College FB 6'2" 252 lbs. 40 Time: 4.78 Sr.
28. Jake Hutton FB Idaho St. 6'0" 228 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.
29. Corday Clark FB McNeese St. 6'1" 234 lbs. 40 Time: 4.72 Sr.
30. Vai Tafuna FB Weber St. 6'1" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online
1. Stanley Havili FB USC 6'0" 227 lbs. 40 Time: 4.64 Sr.
Havili is not your hard runner but can be very effective. He shows some patience and follows his blockers. He is quick and can make the cuts necessary. Has balance and power to get between the tackles. When he gets to the edge he can get you yards. He has good field vision and has the knack of making the tackler miss. Good in the open field with the ability to make the sharp cut to avoid a tackler. He can also do some blocking in the passing game. He picks up the blitzing player and plays strong. He will not blow you away with his power overall but will hold on to the ball. Has good hands out of the backfield and will run good routes. Needs to work on his open field blocking and decision making. Gets hurt now and then but often plays through the pain. Can improve on his straight burst to through the line after the snap. Takes to lunging too much at times which is a reason he does not hold his block as long as he should. Projected Round: 2
2. Charles Clay FB Tulsa 6'3" 245 lbs. 40 Time: 4.69 Sr.
Clay is strong and the type of back that will drag his tackler and still get the yards needed. He is versatile and has played the H-back spot. He works well using his head fakes and some jukes. Can block one man at a time not more than that. Uses his arms well too. Has a good base and will protect his quarterback. Will work in an offense where the quarterback likes to use his FB often. Has played special teams which will be a requirement on the next level. Has tendency to run too high and give defenders too much to hit. Needs to have better field vision and awareness. Needs to become a better route runner and not take so long to get open. Does not put ball on outside hand like he should when carrying the ball. He must work on sustaining his block longer when getting to the second level. Has a tendency to get injured and be inconsistent. Projected Round: 3
3. Owen Marecic FB Stanford 6'0" 246 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80
Marecic is a big strong guy. Loves to hit and be hit hard. Has very good technique and a fair football IQ. He is effective in pass rush blocking and has good knee bend. Can catch the ball out of the backfield with his good hands. Get the yards after the catch and can pop a would be tackler good. Will work out good in short yardage situations. Very competitive player that will earn the respect of his peers in the future. Does not possess the speed and quickness needed to sustain himself game in and game out. needs to work on run blocking skills and he won't blow you away carrying the ball. He needs to work on his field vision, awareness and reading the defense. He will be a project at best and may get a better look if he were to try his hand at linebacker. Projected Round: 4
4. Shaun Chapas FB Georgia 6'2" 247 lbs 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.
Chapas is like a throwback who is tough and stays with his man till the end. Good lead blocker when he uses his feet properly. He will hit you hard and is good on pass protection. Has good awareness and and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Gets to the second level and hits the linebacker hard. He will need to work on his technique and blocking. He will not overwhelm his opponent so he will need to bulk up and get stronger. Has a problem recognizing where his assignment is. He needs to get into better position to catch the ball. Misses his block due to lack of mobility. He will never be a factor in the running game so he will have a lot of special teams work. Projected Round: 5
5. Henry Hynoski FB Pittsburgh 6'0" 257 lbs. 40 Time: 5.06 Jr.
Hynoski is a very aggressive player with the knack to block one man and hit another too. He has the power to drive his defender back. He has shown that he has that ability to reach away from him to make the catch. Very good football IQ. Long arms will help sustain his block. Has the athleticism and will block in the run game. Looks to benefit as a lead blocker with his frame. He will help in pass protection too. Does not have the speed and quickness needed for the position. This limits his ability to be a difference maker in the run game. Will not get you yards after the catch in the passing game. Needs work on field vision and recognition of the play around him. Can play too high and does not have good knee bend. Footwork is really suspect at best. He needs to finish the play and not quit when defender gets the best of him. Projected Round: 5
6. Anthony Sherman FB Connecticut 5'11" 239 lbs. 40 Time: 4.70 Sr.
Sherman has a good build for his position. He gets good leverage in run and pass blocking. Good at making the block and then creating space for his running mate. Has a good base and works the point of attack. He is not the most versatile back and needs a a lot of work. His footwork is below average and he needs to learn to use his hands. He will not make any kind of impact on any offense as a ball carrier. Struggles in the passing game once he catches the ball. Does not have the ability to make tacklers miss in the open field. Does not have the field vision to change a play or see the oncoming hit. The fact that he not very versatile will make it hard to stay with an NFL team. He may fit in at special teams, but even that is a reach. Projected Round: 6
7. Robert Hughes FB Notre Dame 5'11" 245 lbs 40 Time: 4.72 Sr.
Hughes is very strong and has good size for fullback. He will put in the work and it shows on the field. There is no questioning his heart and effort. He has soft hands as a receiver and is good at blocking on special teams. He will study his craft hard and will earn the respect of players. He does not have the speed or agility to make it on a team.. The fact is he lacks the pop to be a lead blocker. He is not very athletic and needs to greatly improve his footwork. He is not very effective in the passing and running game at blocking. Will not wow anyone at the next level and may have to settle for being on the practice squad. His lack of overall talent will hurt his chances. Projected Round: 7
8. Ryan Taylor FB North Carolina 6'3" 250 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.
Taylor has the speed to get off the snap of the ball quickly. Has good hand work on the defender and possess good lateral movement. Able to sustain his block and hold back his defender. Very good at sealing off man and loves to attack the play. He can pull a bit and has good football awareness. Though he can sustain a block, he will have trouble keeping a stronger man down. He appears to need work on his field vision and reading the defense. Does not have the anchor necessary to make in the long haul. Needs work on his balance and staying off the ground so much. Does not have a lot of experience in the passing game. His leverage was good in college but there will be questions at the next level. Projected Round: 7
9. Brett Morse FB Iowa 6'2" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.89 Sr.
Morse s a big kid that plays physical. He has the right size for his position and and has good football smarts. Very competitive player that will play every week if he makes a team and sticks. He can provided a punishing lead block. Plays until the whistle and gives maximum effort. Always stays with his block in the passing and running game. Plays too stiff and straight up giving defenders more of a target. Does not have the best speed and needs work catching the football. Will not get you many yards after the catch and his field vision is average at best. Is weak at pass protection and cannot pick up the blitz too good. It is going to be hard for him to make a team as a fullback and it may be just as hard to make special teams. This kid is a prospect at best, but he will give it his all. Projected Round: FA
10. Kenny Younger FB Virginia Tech 5'11" 228 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80 Sr.
Younger is very flexible and agile. He has the ability to get that lead block and contain his man. Will provide that block at the second level and is a decent cut-blocker. Can get to the edge and seal off his man. He has average hands in the receiving game and can greatly improve on that. His size will not help keep a job in the NFL. He has not produced much in the run game during his collegiate career. On top of that he had only four receptions to further hinder his chances. He missed a season due to a knee injury and that will be looked at too. Has played some at defensive end and tight end but that won't help him. Overall, Younger will have to go above and beyond and commit like never before to have a chance to even make a practice squad. Projected Round: FA
11. Patrick DiMarco FB North Carolina 6'1" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.75 Sr.
DiMarco is one tough cookie like one of the old school players. He is considered one of the best isolation blockers on college football. He has great technique and a good football IQ. He is not big enough or fast enough to make a difference. It will be hard for him to stick on a team. Projected Round: FA
12. Jon Hoese FB Minnesota 6'2" 236 lbs. 40 Time: 4.90 Sr.
Hoese is a tough nose player that has good size for a fullback. He gives maximum effort and finishes his blocks. Is not the most athletic or flexible player. Will try to make it as a special team player where he did a lot of work in college. Projected Round: FA
13. Ben Guidulgi FB Cincinnati 6'1" 232 lbs. 40 Time: 4.77 Sr.
Guidulgi has the size and good hands for a fullback. May give a team good production in the passing game. Does not posses the necessary speed and versatility. Needs a lot of work on blocking skills and special teams to make it.
14. Lucas Cox FB Georgia Tech 5'11" 243 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80 Sr.
Cox is a big strong player that plays physical. Good lead blocker as well. Will need to work on the fundamentals like footwork, hand placement and awareness. Projected Round: FA
15. Kevin Cooper FB Tennessee 6'0" 242 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.
Cooper has good football vision. Excels at lead blocking and hard work. Needs to learn how to be more of a factor in the offense. Work on pass catching. Projected Round: FA
16. Brian Maddox FB South Carolina 5'10" 230 lbs. 40 Time: 4.56 Sr.
Maddox is a versatile back that can be effective in the running and passing game. He has a knack for getting the ball into the end zone. Must bulk up to sustain day-to-day grind of the NFL. Projected Round: FA
17. Marcus Sims FB North Alabama 6'0" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.50 Sr.
Sims is a very good blocker and is effective in the running game. Will need to work very hard at everything to keep a job on Sunday's. Projected Round: FA
18. Matt Dunham FB Florida State 6'1" 258 lbs. 40 Time: 4.74 Sr.
Dunham is a big guy that can provide a pop off the ball. Does not have a lot of experience at his position, so he has lots of studying to do. Projected Round: FA
19. Dan Dierking FB Purdue 5'9" 195 lbs. 40 Time: 4.54 Sr.
Dierking has been pretty good in the passing and running game. His size will hurt him so he will need to add weight and muscle. Projected Round:FA
20. Bryant Ward FB Oklahoma St. 5'11" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.95 Sr.
Ward is a good solid lead blocker with size. Has athleticism and loves to play the power game. Needs to work on filed vision and awareness. Projected Round: FA
21. Dean Rogers FB UC Davis 6'1" 242 lbs. 40 Time: 4.97 Sr.
22. Ryan Mahaffey FB Northern Iowa 6'2" 256 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.
23. Mark Moundros FB Michigan 6'1" 234 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.
24. Moncell Allen FB Kentucky 5'6" 237 lbs. 40 Time: 4.98 Sr.
25. Patrick Hanrahan FB Mississippi St. 5'11" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.92 Sr.
26. Johdrick Morris FB Southern Mississippi 6'3" 218 lbs. 40 Time: 4.81 Sr.
27. James McCluskey Boston College FB 6'2" 252 lbs. 40 Time: 4.78 Sr.
28. Jake Hutton FB Idaho St. 6'0" 228 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.
29. Corday Clark FB McNeese St. 6'1" 234 lbs. 40 Time: 4.72 Sr.
30. Vai Tafuna FB Weber St. 6'1" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
2011 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings
(This is the 7th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" present by Football Reporters Online)
By Dan Benton-CEO Giants 101.com
1. Kyle Rudolph-TE-6’6-259 lbs.-Notre Dame-Cincinnati, OH-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 1st Round
Rudolph gets off the line exceptionally well for his size and has shown great hands. He’s known to be a great teammate, and has all of the intangibles. He will need to work on his route running as he tends to round out patterns. He also doesn’t break as many tackles as he should for his size, and runs a little too upright. He’s likely to be a mid-to-late first round selection, and could potentially become one of the better all-around tight end’s in the NFL in a short amount of time.
2. Luke Stocker-TE-6’5-258 lbs.-Tennessee-Berea, KY-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.68; Cone – 7.03) Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Stocker has tremendous hands, and can adjust well to poorly thrown balls thanks in large part to good body control. He runs north-south when he has the ball, and lowers his shoulder upon impact. His size makes him difficult to bring down. He does tend to stop and turn to catch passes, as opposed to hauling them in on the move. Stops momentum. Could be a solid run blocker if he were to hit the gym, but will enter the NFL as a bit of a project in that area. His route running could also use some improvement.
3. Lance Kendricks-TE-6’3-243 lbs.-Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.65; Cone – 6.94) Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Kendricks is a unique blend of speed and size. He’s very athletic, has solid hands and makes good adjustments to the ball in the air. His route running is quite crisp, although he could become a bit more consistent. He is a good blocker, but lacks the frame to be dominant at the next level. He struggles to make defenders miss in the open field. He’s a bit of a work in progress, but could potentially be a starting NFL tight end in a couple of years.
4. D.J. Williams-TE-6’2-245 lbs.-Arkansas-Little Rock, AR-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.59; Cone – 7.29) Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Williams does a good job at getting separation and is quick off the line when he’s not being pressed. He has very good north-south speed, and makes very good cuts. He runs route well, and is agile enough to fake out defenders. He’s a hard worker and team leader. He lacks size and gets out-matched when blocking. His balance is also frequently caused into question. One-dimensional.
5. Rob Housler-TE-6’5-248 lbs.-Florida Atlantic- Converse, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.46; Cone – 6.90) Draft Projection: 3rd – 4th Round
Housler is the prototypical size for an NFL tight end, and has the soft hands to match it. He has good balance, runs good routes and may be the fastest tight end in the draft. He’s a mature, hardworking team player. He lacks the strength to be an every-down NFL player and gets beaten by more powerful and physical defenders while blocking. He tends to get jammed at the line or caught up in traffic.
6. Virgil Green-TE-6’3-249 lbs.-Nevada-Tulare, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.54; Cone – 6.90) Draft Projection: Draft Projection: 4th Round
Green has catapulted up draft boards with a good Combine, and has shown flashes of brilliant natural athleticism. He has very good hands, good speed and decent size for a tight end. He’s still extremely raw, very inconsistent with his route running and a very poor blocker. He lacks aggressiveness and may be looked at as an “H-Back” at the next level. The building blocks are there, and if put together properly, Green could be very solid.
7. Jordan Cameron-TE-6’5-254 lbs.-Southern California-Newbury Park, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.53; Cone – 6.82) Draft Projection: 4th Round
Cameron has good straight-line speed, a nice burst off the line and an ability to shed defenders. He’s got long arm and soft hands. He’s got a no-fear soft of attitude, and is extremely aggressive on the field. A position switch from wide receiver and little playing time prior to that has really limited Cameron’s development. Has done very little work on his blocking skill, and would need to bulk up in order to compete with larger players in the NFL. His route running remains suspect.
8. Andre Smith-TE-6’5-269 lbs.-Virginia Tech-Savannah, GA-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 4th – 5th Round
Smith has very good size, a lot of experience and may be one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft. He has a good base, good footwork and does a great job sealing the edge. He can run block and pass block, which will be unique combination for teams are evaluating tight ends. He’s rarely used as a receiver, lacks speed and will not be used as an offensive threat at the next level. On occasion, he will result to a poor blocking technique, but that should be easily corrected by coaches in the NFL.
9. Julius Thomas-TE-6’5-246 lbs.-Portland State-Stockton, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.64; Cone – 6.96) Draft Projection: 5th Round
Thomas looked very natural during the NFL combine and got the attention of many scouts. He showed soft hands, the ability to catch the ball away from his body and displayed good speed for a man of his size. He’s extremely athletic and a natural on the field. He does lack experience and has a lot of learning to do. He’s a poor route runner, lack awareness and has to develop many football instincts before he reaches his ceiling. He’s a basketball player turned football player and that has set him back a few years.
10. Mike McNeill-TE-6’4-232 lbs.-Nebraska-Kirkwood, MO-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th – 6th Round
McNeill is a reliable receiver with good hands and deceptive speed. He does a good job catching and securing the ball before turning upfield, and has turned into a solid redzone threat. He’s been known to pick apart zone coverage’s, but is able to haul in a pass in traffic as well. He lack elusiveness in the open field and gets jammed by larger linebackers. He’s a below-average blocker who would need to bulk up to survive in the NFL. He also has a history of injury (toe, shoulder and ribs) which may raise some red flags.
11. Lee Smith-TE-6’6-269 lbs.-Marshall-Powell, TN-Combine Numbers (40T – 5.01; Cone – 7.13) Draft Projection: 7th Round
Smith was the tallest tight end to attend the NFL Combine. Obviously, he’s got great size for a tight end, is a very solid target in the redzone and has good hands. He’s also a good blocker with power. He does lack good speed and struggles to gain separation. He lacks experience and has had some minor off the field issues in the past.
12. Charlie Grantt-TE-6’4-255 lbs.-Michigan State-Farmington Hills, MI-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.89; Cone – 7.15) Draft Projection: 7th Round
Grantt is a very intelligent football player. He catches the ball at its highest point and has become moderately reliable in the passing game. He’s a very good blocker and does an excellent job sealing the edges. He can be a little sluggish, lacks constant concentration and needs to make several adjustments as a receiver.
13. Zack Pianalto-TE-6’3-256 lbs.-North Carolina-Springdale, AR-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.87; Cone – 6.85) Draft Projection: FA
Pianalto is a very good route runner who plays specifically well against zone coverages. He’s capable of making difficult catches in traffic and was North Carolina’s leading receiver in 2010 prior to an injury shutting him down for the final seven games. He isn’t the fasted, has some problems when blocking and has a long history of injuries.
14. Weslye Saunders-TE-6’5-270 lbs.-South Carolina-Curham, NC-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Saunders is quite athletic, has deceptive speed and good size. He high points the ball and gives defenders a lot of trouble when trying to bring him down. Very good balance and lower body strength. He’s somewhat inconsistent, lacks discipline and has some serious character concerns. May not be taking this career seriously.
14. Schuylar Oordt-TE-6’6-261 lbs.-Northern Iowa-Waterloo, IA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.67; Cone - 6.83) Draft Projection: FA
Oordt has good size and good speed. He gets off the line quickly and shown a good ability to find holes in coverage. He’s tough and doesn’t fear hauling in a pass over the middle. He needs to learn to catch the balls with his hands as opposed to his body, and really need to improve as a blocker. He also needs to increase his lower body strength.
15. Cameron Graham-TE-6’3-244 lbs.-Louisville-Inglewood, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 5.11; Cone – 7.19) Draft Projection: FA
Graham is a very good receiver with soft hands. He adjusts well to the ball and is a powerful runner. He has an incredible stiff-arm and plays with an attitude. He’s very slow and lacks elusiveness. He’s not going to outrun anyone and lacks athleticism to become a true weapon in the NFL.
16. Kyle Adams-TE-6’5-257 lbs.-Purdue-Austin, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.83; Cone – N/A) Draft Projection: FA
Adams is very quick and reaches stop speed in the blink of an eye. He possesses good balance, flexibility and the athleticism to adjust. He’s a good character guy who gets the best out of those around him. Lacks the strength to be a force while blocking, and has displayed very poor technique. Missed the entire 2008 season due to a knee injury.
17. Allen Reisner-TE-6’2-248 lbs.-Iowa-Marion, IA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.97; Cone - 7.31) Draft Projection: FA
Reisner is a very good receiver who broke out in 2010. He has big hands, catches the ball away from his body and has tremendous awareness. He’s a well-rounded player, but may be looked at as an H-back in the NFL. He lacks the strength to compete with powerful NFL defenders and his ceiling may be near.
18. Konrad Reuland-TE-6’5-258 lbs.-Standofrd-Mission Viejo, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone - DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Reuland is a tall, built receiver who used his body to put distant between the ball and defenders. He’s a solid blocker who’s been known to create big lanes for his running backs. He will struggle to gain separation in the NFL, and lacks the overall athleticism to go up and grab an overthrown pass. His blocking ability will most certainly land him a roster spot eventually.
19. Stephen Skelton-TE-6’5-247 lbs.-Fordham-El Paso, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Skelton has a very high football IQ and athleticism runs in his family. He’s a dependable receiver who runs good routes and has reliable hands. For his height, he could use to put on some weight in muscle. He’s an average blocker at best. The tools to make him a useful tight end are certainly there, but it will take some work.
20. Daniel Hardy-TE-6’4-249 lbs.-Idaho-Anchorage, AK-Combine Numbers (40T – N/A; Cone – N/A) Draft Projection: FA
Hardy has tremendous hands, runs good routes and makes the difficult catch. He could use to gain some bulk, lacks elite speed and needs to improve as a blocker.
21. Richard Gordon-TE-6’4-265 lbs.-Miami-Miami, FL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Gordon is athletic with deceptive speed. Has excellent body control and balance, and is a very good in-line blocker. Needs to improve his routes and has little experience as a receiver.
22. Preston Dial-TE-6’2-238 lbs.-Alabama-Mobile, AL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Dial has a good first step, possesses good balance and is well coordinated. He lacks size, runs upright and gets beat at the point of attack. Must add bulk.
23. Jeffrey Anderson-TE-6’3-264 lbs.-UAB-Selma, AL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Anderson has improved as a receiver every year in college. He has good hands, run hard and has good lower body strength. Will struggle going up and wrestling a ball away from defenders.
24. Joe Torchia-TE-6’6-260 lbs.-Virginia-Cold Spring, NY-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Torchia has good body control, engages in blocks quickly and gets good leverage. He isn’t a receiving threat and will likely only be a reserve tight end in the NFL.
25. Brad Taylor-TE-6’3-241 lbs.-Baylor-Madisonville, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Taylor has decent speed and a lot of heart. Shined as a receiver in 2007, but has yet to recapture that glory. He lacks both strength and size.
26. Andrew Kennedy-TE-6’3-243lbs.- Columbia-Westport, CT. No Combine-Draft Projection-FA
After establishing himself as the premier TE in the Ivy in 2009 he continued to impress. In ’10 he was the first Lions player to be named to the Walter Camp FCS team in 6 years (50-616-9TD’s) and completed his career with 102 catches for 1,187 yards and 15 TD’s. Kennedy is more then deserving of a shot somewhere at the next level. Could be converted to FB.
27. Brett Brackett-TE-6’6-248 lbs.-Penn State-Lawrenceville, NJ-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Brackett could be a sleeper. He is very tall, has long arms and does a great job boxing out defenders. He’s also very raw and may need to convert to wide receiver in the NFL.
28. Mike Higgins-TE-6’5-242 lbs.-Nebraska at Omaha-Pickrell, NE-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Higgins is large and very athletic. He has long arms and plucks the ball out of the arm. He isn’t exceptionally fast and lacks the lower body strength he’d need to compete as a blocker in the NFL.
29. Eric Peitz-TE-6’4-258 lbs.-Colorado State-Yankton, SD- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Peitz has good size and good strength. He has good lateral quickness and is a solid run blocker. He struggles as a receiver and will likely catch on as a goal-line tight end in the NFL.
30. Greg Smith-TE-6’4-245 lbs.-Texas-Montgomery, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Smith is athletic with soft and reliable hands. He doesn’t have top-notch speed and will struggle to separate from defenders in the NFL.
31. Ben Thayer-TE-6’4-240 lbs.-Eastern Michigan-Kalamazoo, MI- Combine Numbers** (40T – 4.85; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 7th Rd.
32. Ben Cleveland-TE-6’3-246 lbs.-Arkansas-Springdale, AR- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
33. Will Yeatman-TE-6’6-273 lbs.-Maryland-San Diego, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
34. Mike Ragone-TE-6’4-245 lbs.-Notre Dame-Cherry Hill, NJ- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
35. Alston Umuolo-TE-6’4-250 lbs.-San Diego State-Phoenix, AZ- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
36. Collin Franklin-TE-6’5-252 lbs.-Iowa State-Simi Valley, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
37. Martell Webb-TE-6’4-256 lbs.-Michigan-Pontiac, MI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
38. Evan Frosch-TE-6’3-264 lbs.-TCU-Midland, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
39. Ed Barham-TE-6’3-260 lbs.-North Carolina-Dendron, VA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
40. Larry Donnell-TE-6’6-257 lbs.-Grambling-Ozark, AL- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
41. Jeff Lindsay-TE-6’3-235 lbs.-Purdue-Macomb, MI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
42. London Landry-TE-6’3-235 lbs.-South Dakota-Lancaster, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
43. A.J. Simmons-TE-6’4-262 lbs.-Arizona-Oakland, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
44. Kyle Nelson-TE-6’3-240 lbs.-New Mexico State-Waco, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
45. Vaughn Charlton-TE-6’4-254 lbs.-Temple-Landenberg, PA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
46. Jonny Moore-TE-6’4-240 lbs.-Texas at El Paso-San Antonio, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
47. Ifeanyi Momah-TE-6’6-240 lbs.-Boston College-Elwood, NY- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
48. Chris Blohm-TE-6’4-262 lbs.-Yale-San Francisco, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
49. Tommy Gallarda-TE-6’5-250 lbs.-Boise State-Brea, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
50. Colin Cochart-TE-6’4-255 lbs.-South Dakota State-Kewaunee, WI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
** From the BSN Combine ,Akron,OH 4/10/11
By Dan Benton-CEO Giants 101.com
1. Kyle Rudolph-TE-6’6-259 lbs.-Notre Dame-Cincinnati, OH-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 1st Round
Rudolph gets off the line exceptionally well for his size and has shown great hands. He’s known to be a great teammate, and has all of the intangibles. He will need to work on his route running as he tends to round out patterns. He also doesn’t break as many tackles as he should for his size, and runs a little too upright. He’s likely to be a mid-to-late first round selection, and could potentially become one of the better all-around tight end’s in the NFL in a short amount of time.
2. Luke Stocker-TE-6’5-258 lbs.-Tennessee-Berea, KY-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.68; Cone – 7.03) Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Stocker has tremendous hands, and can adjust well to poorly thrown balls thanks in large part to good body control. He runs north-south when he has the ball, and lowers his shoulder upon impact. His size makes him difficult to bring down. He does tend to stop and turn to catch passes, as opposed to hauling them in on the move. Stops momentum. Could be a solid run blocker if he were to hit the gym, but will enter the NFL as a bit of a project in that area. His route running could also use some improvement.
3. Lance Kendricks-TE-6’3-243 lbs.-Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.65; Cone – 6.94) Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Kendricks is a unique blend of speed and size. He’s very athletic, has solid hands and makes good adjustments to the ball in the air. His route running is quite crisp, although he could become a bit more consistent. He is a good blocker, but lacks the frame to be dominant at the next level. He struggles to make defenders miss in the open field. He’s a bit of a work in progress, but could potentially be a starting NFL tight end in a couple of years.
4. D.J. Williams-TE-6’2-245 lbs.-Arkansas-Little Rock, AR-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.59; Cone – 7.29) Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Williams does a good job at getting separation and is quick off the line when he’s not being pressed. He has very good north-south speed, and makes very good cuts. He runs route well, and is agile enough to fake out defenders. He’s a hard worker and team leader. He lacks size and gets out-matched when blocking. His balance is also frequently caused into question. One-dimensional.
5. Rob Housler-TE-6’5-248 lbs.-Florida Atlantic- Converse, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.46; Cone – 6.90) Draft Projection: 3rd – 4th Round
Housler is the prototypical size for an NFL tight end, and has the soft hands to match it. He has good balance, runs good routes and may be the fastest tight end in the draft. He’s a mature, hardworking team player. He lacks the strength to be an every-down NFL player and gets beaten by more powerful and physical defenders while blocking. He tends to get jammed at the line or caught up in traffic.
6. Virgil Green-TE-6’3-249 lbs.-Nevada-Tulare, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.54; Cone – 6.90) Draft Projection: Draft Projection: 4th Round
Green has catapulted up draft boards with a good Combine, and has shown flashes of brilliant natural athleticism. He has very good hands, good speed and decent size for a tight end. He’s still extremely raw, very inconsistent with his route running and a very poor blocker. He lacks aggressiveness and may be looked at as an “H-Back” at the next level. The building blocks are there, and if put together properly, Green could be very solid.
7. Jordan Cameron-TE-6’5-254 lbs.-Southern California-Newbury Park, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.53; Cone – 6.82) Draft Projection: 4th Round
Cameron has good straight-line speed, a nice burst off the line and an ability to shed defenders. He’s got long arm and soft hands. He’s got a no-fear soft of attitude, and is extremely aggressive on the field. A position switch from wide receiver and little playing time prior to that has really limited Cameron’s development. Has done very little work on his blocking skill, and would need to bulk up in order to compete with larger players in the NFL. His route running remains suspect.
8. Andre Smith-TE-6’5-269 lbs.-Virginia Tech-Savannah, GA-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 4th – 5th Round
Smith has very good size, a lot of experience and may be one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft. He has a good base, good footwork and does a great job sealing the edge. He can run block and pass block, which will be unique combination for teams are evaluating tight ends. He’s rarely used as a receiver, lacks speed and will not be used as an offensive threat at the next level. On occasion, he will result to a poor blocking technique, but that should be easily corrected by coaches in the NFL.
9. Julius Thomas-TE-6’5-246 lbs.-Portland State-Stockton, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.64; Cone – 6.96) Draft Projection: 5th Round
Thomas looked very natural during the NFL combine and got the attention of many scouts. He showed soft hands, the ability to catch the ball away from his body and displayed good speed for a man of his size. He’s extremely athletic and a natural on the field. He does lack experience and has a lot of learning to do. He’s a poor route runner, lack awareness and has to develop many football instincts before he reaches his ceiling. He’s a basketball player turned football player and that has set him back a few years.
10. Mike McNeill-TE-6’4-232 lbs.-Nebraska-Kirkwood, MO-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th – 6th Round
McNeill is a reliable receiver with good hands and deceptive speed. He does a good job catching and securing the ball before turning upfield, and has turned into a solid redzone threat. He’s been known to pick apart zone coverage’s, but is able to haul in a pass in traffic as well. He lack elusiveness in the open field and gets jammed by larger linebackers. He’s a below-average blocker who would need to bulk up to survive in the NFL. He also has a history of injury (toe, shoulder and ribs) which may raise some red flags.
11. Lee Smith-TE-6’6-269 lbs.-Marshall-Powell, TN-Combine Numbers (40T – 5.01; Cone – 7.13) Draft Projection: 7th Round
Smith was the tallest tight end to attend the NFL Combine. Obviously, he’s got great size for a tight end, is a very solid target in the redzone and has good hands. He’s also a good blocker with power. He does lack good speed and struggles to gain separation. He lacks experience and has had some minor off the field issues in the past.
12. Charlie Grantt-TE-6’4-255 lbs.-Michigan State-Farmington Hills, MI-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.89; Cone – 7.15) Draft Projection: 7th Round
Grantt is a very intelligent football player. He catches the ball at its highest point and has become moderately reliable in the passing game. He’s a very good blocker and does an excellent job sealing the edges. He can be a little sluggish, lacks constant concentration and needs to make several adjustments as a receiver.
13. Zack Pianalto-TE-6’3-256 lbs.-North Carolina-Springdale, AR-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.87; Cone – 6.85) Draft Projection: FA
Pianalto is a very good route runner who plays specifically well against zone coverages. He’s capable of making difficult catches in traffic and was North Carolina’s leading receiver in 2010 prior to an injury shutting him down for the final seven games. He isn’t the fasted, has some problems when blocking and has a long history of injuries.
14. Weslye Saunders-TE-6’5-270 lbs.-South Carolina-Curham, NC-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Saunders is quite athletic, has deceptive speed and good size. He high points the ball and gives defenders a lot of trouble when trying to bring him down. Very good balance and lower body strength. He’s somewhat inconsistent, lacks discipline and has some serious character concerns. May not be taking this career seriously.
14. Schuylar Oordt-TE-6’6-261 lbs.-Northern Iowa-Waterloo, IA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.67; Cone - 6.83) Draft Projection: FA
Oordt has good size and good speed. He gets off the line quickly and shown a good ability to find holes in coverage. He’s tough and doesn’t fear hauling in a pass over the middle. He needs to learn to catch the balls with his hands as opposed to his body, and really need to improve as a blocker. He also needs to increase his lower body strength.
15. Cameron Graham-TE-6’3-244 lbs.-Louisville-Inglewood, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 5.11; Cone – 7.19) Draft Projection: FA
Graham is a very good receiver with soft hands. He adjusts well to the ball and is a powerful runner. He has an incredible stiff-arm and plays with an attitude. He’s very slow and lacks elusiveness. He’s not going to outrun anyone and lacks athleticism to become a true weapon in the NFL.
16. Kyle Adams-TE-6’5-257 lbs.-Purdue-Austin, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.83; Cone – N/A) Draft Projection: FA
Adams is very quick and reaches stop speed in the blink of an eye. He possesses good balance, flexibility and the athleticism to adjust. He’s a good character guy who gets the best out of those around him. Lacks the strength to be a force while blocking, and has displayed very poor technique. Missed the entire 2008 season due to a knee injury.
17. Allen Reisner-TE-6’2-248 lbs.-Iowa-Marion, IA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.97; Cone - 7.31) Draft Projection: FA
Reisner is a very good receiver who broke out in 2010. He has big hands, catches the ball away from his body and has tremendous awareness. He’s a well-rounded player, but may be looked at as an H-back in the NFL. He lacks the strength to compete with powerful NFL defenders and his ceiling may be near.
18. Konrad Reuland-TE-6’5-258 lbs.-Standofrd-Mission Viejo, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone - DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Reuland is a tall, built receiver who used his body to put distant between the ball and defenders. He’s a solid blocker who’s been known to create big lanes for his running backs. He will struggle to gain separation in the NFL, and lacks the overall athleticism to go up and grab an overthrown pass. His blocking ability will most certainly land him a roster spot eventually.
19. Stephen Skelton-TE-6’5-247 lbs.-Fordham-El Paso, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Skelton has a very high football IQ and athleticism runs in his family. He’s a dependable receiver who runs good routes and has reliable hands. For his height, he could use to put on some weight in muscle. He’s an average blocker at best. The tools to make him a useful tight end are certainly there, but it will take some work.
20. Daniel Hardy-TE-6’4-249 lbs.-Idaho-Anchorage, AK-Combine Numbers (40T – N/A; Cone – N/A) Draft Projection: FA
Hardy has tremendous hands, runs good routes and makes the difficult catch. He could use to gain some bulk, lacks elite speed and needs to improve as a blocker.
21. Richard Gordon-TE-6’4-265 lbs.-Miami-Miami, FL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Gordon is athletic with deceptive speed. Has excellent body control and balance, and is a very good in-line blocker. Needs to improve his routes and has little experience as a receiver.
22. Preston Dial-TE-6’2-238 lbs.-Alabama-Mobile, AL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Dial has a good first step, possesses good balance and is well coordinated. He lacks size, runs upright and gets beat at the point of attack. Must add bulk.
23. Jeffrey Anderson-TE-6’3-264 lbs.-UAB-Selma, AL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Anderson has improved as a receiver every year in college. He has good hands, run hard and has good lower body strength. Will struggle going up and wrestling a ball away from defenders.
24. Joe Torchia-TE-6’6-260 lbs.-Virginia-Cold Spring, NY-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Torchia has good body control, engages in blocks quickly and gets good leverage. He isn’t a receiving threat and will likely only be a reserve tight end in the NFL.
25. Brad Taylor-TE-6’3-241 lbs.-Baylor-Madisonville, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Taylor has decent speed and a lot of heart. Shined as a receiver in 2007, but has yet to recapture that glory. He lacks both strength and size.
26. Andrew Kennedy-TE-6’3-243lbs.- Columbia-Westport, CT. No Combine-Draft Projection-FA
After establishing himself as the premier TE in the Ivy in 2009 he continued to impress. In ’10 he was the first Lions player to be named to the Walter Camp FCS team in 6 years (50-616-9TD’s) and completed his career with 102 catches for 1,187 yards and 15 TD’s. Kennedy is more then deserving of a shot somewhere at the next level. Could be converted to FB.
27. Brett Brackett-TE-6’6-248 lbs.-Penn State-Lawrenceville, NJ-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Brackett could be a sleeper. He is very tall, has long arms and does a great job boxing out defenders. He’s also very raw and may need to convert to wide receiver in the NFL.
28. Mike Higgins-TE-6’5-242 lbs.-Nebraska at Omaha-Pickrell, NE-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Higgins is large and very athletic. He has long arms and plucks the ball out of the arm. He isn’t exceptionally fast and lacks the lower body strength he’d need to compete as a blocker in the NFL.
29. Eric Peitz-TE-6’4-258 lbs.-Colorado State-Yankton, SD- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Peitz has good size and good strength. He has good lateral quickness and is a solid run blocker. He struggles as a receiver and will likely catch on as a goal-line tight end in the NFL.
30. Greg Smith-TE-6’4-245 lbs.-Texas-Montgomery, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
Smith is athletic with soft and reliable hands. He doesn’t have top-notch speed and will struggle to separate from defenders in the NFL.
31. Ben Thayer-TE-6’4-240 lbs.-Eastern Michigan-Kalamazoo, MI- Combine Numbers** (40T – 4.85; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 7th Rd.
32. Ben Cleveland-TE-6’3-246 lbs.-Arkansas-Springdale, AR- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
33. Will Yeatman-TE-6’6-273 lbs.-Maryland-San Diego, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
34. Mike Ragone-TE-6’4-245 lbs.-Notre Dame-Cherry Hill, NJ- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
35. Alston Umuolo-TE-6’4-250 lbs.-San Diego State-Phoenix, AZ- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
36. Collin Franklin-TE-6’5-252 lbs.-Iowa State-Simi Valley, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
37. Martell Webb-TE-6’4-256 lbs.-Michigan-Pontiac, MI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
38. Evan Frosch-TE-6’3-264 lbs.-TCU-Midland, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
39. Ed Barham-TE-6’3-260 lbs.-North Carolina-Dendron, VA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
40. Larry Donnell-TE-6’6-257 lbs.-Grambling-Ozark, AL- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
41. Jeff Lindsay-TE-6’3-235 lbs.-Purdue-Macomb, MI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
42. London Landry-TE-6’3-235 lbs.-South Dakota-Lancaster, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
43. A.J. Simmons-TE-6’4-262 lbs.-Arizona-Oakland, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
44. Kyle Nelson-TE-6’3-240 lbs.-New Mexico State-Waco, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
45. Vaughn Charlton-TE-6’4-254 lbs.-Temple-Landenberg, PA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
46. Jonny Moore-TE-6’4-240 lbs.-Texas at El Paso-San Antonio, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
47. Ifeanyi Momah-TE-6’6-240 lbs.-Boston College-Elwood, NY- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
48. Chris Blohm-TE-6’4-262 lbs.-Yale-San Francisco, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
49. Tommy Gallarda-TE-6’5-250 lbs.-Boise State-Brea, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
50. Colin Cochart-TE-6’4-255 lbs.-South Dakota State-Kewaunee, WI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA
** From the BSN Combine ,Akron,OH 4/10/11
Monday, April 18, 2011
Training for"NFL" Football
(This article is the 6th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" By Football Reporters Online)
Training for "NFL" football?
By Eric Dolan-Beyond Sports Network Partner & Parisi Speed School Owner/Trainer
Before getting into the “training for football” thing, it is important to look at why we care so much about football. We have coaches, trainers, scouts and journalists along with former coaches, trainers, scouts and journalists being dubbed as “experts” in football. Everybody has an opinion and everybody justifies their opinion using film, stats, athletic feats, and so on. At the end of the day, we are all fans and we all claim to evaluate without bias and to base our opinion on how some particular player looks on the field of play. This claim is basically a lie. Let’s face it, how the guy plays is only part of the equation. There is the difficult task of trying to figure out “how his game translates to the NFL.” While I am a believer in actually watching the man play being the most important step, it is true that schemes are different and different players fit different schemes.
There are guys better suited to play in the CFL, for example, than in the NFL. I don’t believe every CFL player is inferior, but I do believe the required skill sets are certainly different. You have different rules, a different field, and different schemes. So, trying to figure out who fits what scheme and who may be able to play in a system they never played in before, and who may have trouble with the “mental side” of the game, and who may be too fragile emotionally to play in a big market, etc, are all things that basic film study may not easily translate.
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Then there are the numbers. The stats. Yes, the stats that so many people claim they don’t look at. Anybody can play with numbers and make them work to their own advantage. Lies, damned lies, and statistics. We hate stats. Stats are for baseball, not football, right? Wrong. Stats are what we train for. I’m talking numbers across the board. Tackles, sacks, interceptions, receptions, yards and touchdowns are some of the numbers we look at, but there are more than these. There are numbers like how many feet of water some random unknown safety can jump out of and still land on his feet. How many back flips did Jason Pierre-Paul do again? Then there is the ultimate set of numbers known as the Combine. What gets lost in these numbers is that the Combine actually consists of several variables including football drills, interviews, written tests and so on. What we are interested in, though, are the numbers. We want to know height, weight, forty time and vertical jump more than anything else. If we can get shuttle, broad jump, and three cone times; well, that’s just icing on the cake. How big are his hands? So, we train for this – not making our hands bigger, but the other stuff. We train to put on Vernon Davis and Mike Mamula displays of athleticism. This training and these numbers move millions of dollars in and out of the hands of future professional athletes before they ever sign a contract. A dominant, SEC, 3-year starter, and widely respected inside linebacker is a first rounder on everybody’s board. Oops. He ran a 4.97 forty. Umm, second rounder because of his production and despite his struggles with long linear speed.
The truth is, we have to train to become a better athlete in order to perform on the field, and we have to train to test well when the time comes. Some believe that testing and playing do not correspond. I do not completely agree with this. Testing may not always directly correspond, but there will be aspects that do and good, hard training is good for an athlete no matter how you slice it. Let’s take a look at Mark Ingram this year. Most feel he is the best running back in the draft. Some weren’t thrilled with his forty time because it was basically average. He caught a little slack for this. What few pointed out was that he had an exceptional “ten yard” dash to start the run. He obviously trained and trained hard on that run, but focused on the initial ten yards. Now we should ask ourselves whether we want a RB with a blazing forty or one who goes from zero to top speed in the shortest time and distance – a blazing 10 yarder. How many RB’s have to go fast in under 10 yards, stop and do it again versus how many run straight for 40 yards on any single play. Keep in mind there are different ways to time these players as well. Hand timing with a stopwatch will give the fastest times. Electronic timing will give the slowest, but most accurate. The NFL Combine uses a hand start, electronic finish which lands somewhere in the middle.
The other big tests are the 20-yard (5-10-5) shuttle and the three cone (L-drill) which are measures of agility and change of direction. The 5-10-5 also shows short lateral speed; and the vertical jump and the broad jump, which show different levels of explosiveness. The 60-yard shuttle is another popular drill that also indicates levels of stamina. I hear varying opinions on the importance of this drill. There is no doubt that we will never run an exact 20-yard shuttle, counting our steps, on the football field. We will also never do a standing broad jump on the football field. I’m fairly certain a 60-yard shuttle has never been attempted during a game either. Of course, if I told you that I could train you in these areas and I would promise you to get faster, more explosion, have more agility, quickness and stamina; would that make you a better ball player? It certainly can’t hurt.
A football player must first become an athlete. Training should start with this premise. We should absolutely move into sport-specific and testing-specific training within an appropriate time prior to taking the field or participating in a combine, but we need the basic fundamentals of athleticism before we can reach full potential in the more specific areas. We must eventually master football though. There is a great story about an NFL personnel guy and a coach arguing over a player and the coach finally admits he took the guy because of his great athleticism. The personnel guy responds with “You want great athletes, go to the Olympics, but the problem is half of them are women. I’ll get you great football players if that’s what you’re looking for.”
I love that story and it is absolutely true that a great athlete does not make a great football player. Of course, most great football players are indeed great athletes and have trained as such. When we get into sport specific training mode, strength, flexibility and injury prevention tend to get lost at times and these are the most important aspects of our training. Players should always perform an active and dynamic warm-up before training. I’m not talking about static stretching and a quick jog around the backstop. Stretch a cold rubber band out and let me know what happens. I’m talking about a good warm-up that actively assists in flexibility and strength. A good warm-up will not only loosen you up, but you will break a little sweat. A good warm-up increases your core temperature, activates your central nervous system and gets your muscles in competition mode.
Focus on technique. This is where combine-specific training really comes into play. You want more speed, power, and explosion – you need to generate more force production. Strong legs will do that. Technique will make the difference. The challenge with technique is that it’s a re-learning experience. This is why combine training takes such a long time to master. We all taught ourselves how to run when we were two years old. We also taught ourselves how to jump. Nobody learns how to efficiently run and jump with the least amount of wasted movement and best techniques to maximize force production until they are much older than two. This is a complete change in mental and neural makeup. One must completely change how their body acts and responds until it actually becomes the way their body acts and responds. This change in make-up goes for test training as well. You will actually hear players counting their steps, for example, when practicing their shuttles. Everything has to be on point and perfect. There is no quick fix to training for a combine or pro-day. Players pay monetarily, physically, emotionally and huge in time commitments to train for strength, flexibility, injury prevention, technique and, of course, statistics because they stand to gain and lose a lot more based on a tenth of a second.
Eric is a recent addition to the contributors List at the FRO. He is the Director of Scouting & Training at our co-operators BEYOND SPORTS NETWORK (www.beyondsportsnetwork.com) and a Parisi School Owner/Operator In Maryland.
Training for "NFL" football?
By Eric Dolan-Beyond Sports Network Partner & Parisi Speed School Owner/Trainer
Before getting into the “training for football” thing, it is important to look at why we care so much about football. We have coaches, trainers, scouts and journalists along with former coaches, trainers, scouts and journalists being dubbed as “experts” in football. Everybody has an opinion and everybody justifies their opinion using film, stats, athletic feats, and so on. At the end of the day, we are all fans and we all claim to evaluate without bias and to base our opinion on how some particular player looks on the field of play. This claim is basically a lie. Let’s face it, how the guy plays is only part of the equation. There is the difficult task of trying to figure out “how his game translates to the NFL.” While I am a believer in actually watching the man play being the most important step, it is true that schemes are different and different players fit different schemes.
There are guys better suited to play in the CFL, for example, than in the NFL. I don’t believe every CFL player is inferior, but I do believe the required skill sets are certainly different. You have different rules, a different field, and different schemes. So, trying to figure out who fits what scheme and who may be able to play in a system they never played in before, and who may have trouble with the “mental side” of the game, and who may be too fragile emotionally to play in a big market, etc, are all things that basic film study may not easily translate.
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Then there are the numbers. The stats. Yes, the stats that so many people claim they don’t look at. Anybody can play with numbers and make them work to their own advantage. Lies, damned lies, and statistics. We hate stats. Stats are for baseball, not football, right? Wrong. Stats are what we train for. I’m talking numbers across the board. Tackles, sacks, interceptions, receptions, yards and touchdowns are some of the numbers we look at, but there are more than these. There are numbers like how many feet of water some random unknown safety can jump out of and still land on his feet. How many back flips did Jason Pierre-Paul do again? Then there is the ultimate set of numbers known as the Combine. What gets lost in these numbers is that the Combine actually consists of several variables including football drills, interviews, written tests and so on. What we are interested in, though, are the numbers. We want to know height, weight, forty time and vertical jump more than anything else. If we can get shuttle, broad jump, and three cone times; well, that’s just icing on the cake. How big are his hands? So, we train for this – not making our hands bigger, but the other stuff. We train to put on Vernon Davis and Mike Mamula displays of athleticism. This training and these numbers move millions of dollars in and out of the hands of future professional athletes before they ever sign a contract. A dominant, SEC, 3-year starter, and widely respected inside linebacker is a first rounder on everybody’s board. Oops. He ran a 4.97 forty. Umm, second rounder because of his production and despite his struggles with long linear speed.
The truth is, we have to train to become a better athlete in order to perform on the field, and we have to train to test well when the time comes. Some believe that testing and playing do not correspond. I do not completely agree with this. Testing may not always directly correspond, but there will be aspects that do and good, hard training is good for an athlete no matter how you slice it. Let’s take a look at Mark Ingram this year. Most feel he is the best running back in the draft. Some weren’t thrilled with his forty time because it was basically average. He caught a little slack for this. What few pointed out was that he had an exceptional “ten yard” dash to start the run. He obviously trained and trained hard on that run, but focused on the initial ten yards. Now we should ask ourselves whether we want a RB with a blazing forty or one who goes from zero to top speed in the shortest time and distance – a blazing 10 yarder. How many RB’s have to go fast in under 10 yards, stop and do it again versus how many run straight for 40 yards on any single play. Keep in mind there are different ways to time these players as well. Hand timing with a stopwatch will give the fastest times. Electronic timing will give the slowest, but most accurate. The NFL Combine uses a hand start, electronic finish which lands somewhere in the middle.
The other big tests are the 20-yard (5-10-5) shuttle and the three cone (L-drill) which are measures of agility and change of direction. The 5-10-5 also shows short lateral speed; and the vertical jump and the broad jump, which show different levels of explosiveness. The 60-yard shuttle is another popular drill that also indicates levels of stamina. I hear varying opinions on the importance of this drill. There is no doubt that we will never run an exact 20-yard shuttle, counting our steps, on the football field. We will also never do a standing broad jump on the football field. I’m fairly certain a 60-yard shuttle has never been attempted during a game either. Of course, if I told you that I could train you in these areas and I would promise you to get faster, more explosion, have more agility, quickness and stamina; would that make you a better ball player? It certainly can’t hurt.
A football player must first become an athlete. Training should start with this premise. We should absolutely move into sport-specific and testing-specific training within an appropriate time prior to taking the field or participating in a combine, but we need the basic fundamentals of athleticism before we can reach full potential in the more specific areas. We must eventually master football though. There is a great story about an NFL personnel guy and a coach arguing over a player and the coach finally admits he took the guy because of his great athleticism. The personnel guy responds with “You want great athletes, go to the Olympics, but the problem is half of them are women. I’ll get you great football players if that’s what you’re looking for.”
I love that story and it is absolutely true that a great athlete does not make a great football player. Of course, most great football players are indeed great athletes and have trained as such. When we get into sport specific training mode, strength, flexibility and injury prevention tend to get lost at times and these are the most important aspects of our training. Players should always perform an active and dynamic warm-up before training. I’m not talking about static stretching and a quick jog around the backstop. Stretch a cold rubber band out and let me know what happens. I’m talking about a good warm-up that actively assists in flexibility and strength. A good warm-up will not only loosen you up, but you will break a little sweat. A good warm-up increases your core temperature, activates your central nervous system and gets your muscles in competition mode.
Focus on technique. This is where combine-specific training really comes into play. You want more speed, power, and explosion – you need to generate more force production. Strong legs will do that. Technique will make the difference. The challenge with technique is that it’s a re-learning experience. This is why combine training takes such a long time to master. We all taught ourselves how to run when we were two years old. We also taught ourselves how to jump. Nobody learns how to efficiently run and jump with the least amount of wasted movement and best techniques to maximize force production until they are much older than two. This is a complete change in mental and neural makeup. One must completely change how their body acts and responds until it actually becomes the way their body acts and responds. This change in make-up goes for test training as well. You will actually hear players counting their steps, for example, when practicing their shuttles. Everything has to be on point and perfect. There is no quick fix to training for a combine or pro-day. Players pay monetarily, physically, emotionally and huge in time commitments to train for strength, flexibility, injury prevention, technique and, of course, statistics because they stand to gain and lose a lot more based on a tenth of a second.
Eric is a recent addition to the contributors List at the FRO. He is the Director of Scouting & Training at our co-operators BEYOND SPORTS NETWORK (www.beyondsportsnetwork.com) and a Parisi School Owner/Operator In Maryland.
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