Who isn't excited for fantasy football? The weeks of planning, the exciting, unpredictable draft, and an entire season full of gloating and sweet victory. Last season was marked as the year of the quarterback, where 10 passers threw for 4,000 yards or more. While the game we know changes, so does fantasy football, putting more stress on drafting a quality running back. In our first fantasy football preview, The NFL Report will supply a brief analysis on each and every player, as well as their statistics from the previous year. However, our take on fantasy football does not stop there; we will give tips involving pre draft preparation and draft day strategies. Important questions will be answered, and, last but not least, we give you, the reader, links to mainstream fantasy websites, where you can start a league of your own. We will be trying something new, though, by splitting our list into different posts, one about quarterbacks, one about running backs (etc). Please make sure to comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
The Passing Revolution
Go back 50 or so years to the days of Jim Brown and O.J. Simpson, and you will find just how important a dominate running game can be. Like anything else, the National Football League adapted to the new age, where passing became more important. The 80's brought superstars such as John Elway, Dan Marino, and Joe Montana, who shaped the present day NFL. Fast forward to 2011. By the end of Week 17, THREE passers reached the 5,000 yard mark; Matthew Stafford, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady (none won that year's MVP Award). Passing for 5,000 yards in a single season eluded all but one before the 21st century. The barrier has been broken, and a flood of new quarterbacks are projected to reach the no-longer impossible mark. This generation of quarterbacks have proven that with a great passing game comes success.
Ever since the NFL decided to change the rules of pass interference back in 1978, the wide receiver position has an advantage over his defender. It is now illegal for a cornerback to bump the wide receiver outside of a five yard gap, and if he were to violate this rule, a penalty would be called. Plus, cheap shots to the quarterback were outlawed, forcing defenders to rapidly change their style of play. Quarterbacks have taken advantage of this rulebook change, and the game has never been the same. Last season, a whopping 10 quarterbacks threw for 4,000 yards or more. However, this is not the first time 10 QBs accomplished this feature in a single season, where the same amount threw for 4,000 yards back in 2009. Had Brees broken Dan Marino's passing record in 2010, (or any other year) he would have been the obvious choice for MVP. But when compared with Aaron Rodgers (whom may not have broken 5,000 milestone, but broke the record for highest passer rating in a single season) it is no surprise Brees finished second. A team's winning percentage in todays day and age is affected by how lethal their passing is day in and day out. Last season, the average winning percentage among team's ranked in the top 10 for passing yards topped out at .663%. With so many teams trying to build a top-notch passing game, it is no surprise that the past three Super Bowl winners ranked within the top 5 in passing yards for that given year.
There is no telling what lies in store for quarterbacks 20 years in the future; it all depends on wether or not the NFL takes action, choosing to stricken the rules on pass interference. If the rule change favored defense more then offense, many fans would be disappointed by the low-scoring game. Unless some sort of immediate action were to take place, this league will remain a pass first, run second style of play.
There is no telling what lies in store for quarterbacks 20 years in the future; it all depends on wether or not the NFL takes action, choosing to stricken the rules on pass interference. If the rule change favored defense more then offense, many fans would be disappointed by the low-scoring game. Unless some sort of immediate action were to take place, this league will remain a pass first, run second style of play.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Three Best Present Day Rivalries
Throughout the National Football League's long and storied history, rivalries were formed between teams, and managed to withstand the test of time. Though several lost its pizazz over the years, new rivalries were formed. The creations of these hatreds vary; it could be caused by two nearby cities, two highly competitive teams, or two specific all stars. In such a rapidly changing league, teams tend to fade off from time to time, a lopsided rivalry, and create disinterest from the fans. Since the league was formed in 1920, rivalries have come and gone. In today's day and age, the three biggest rivalries are all within the division. Coincidence? I think not. As we look forward to the start of next year's season, the NFL Report will analyze the three best present day rivalries in the NFL. Please feel free to comment, or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport
1. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens: For the past decade or so, these two teams have been known for their legendary defense. Since 2000, the Ravens and Steelers combine for 3 total Super Bowl wins, 2 for Pittsburgh and 1 for Baltimore. The defensive powerhouses truly hate each other, and their physicality adds to the gruesomeness of every meeting. The first meeting between the two took place on September 8, 1996, and was won by Pittsburgh. From the get go, the games played were absolute bloodbaths, a tell-tale sign of hatred. These two teams are just 250 miles apart, and share a spot in the AFC North. Because Pittsburgh and Baltimore are so close by, there is even a bitter rivalry between fans, who always exchange words before and after games. Since the first game back in '96, the Steelers are currently winning the series 21-14. However, Baltimore is closing the gap, having won the past two meetings. It is clear Pittsburgh hates Baltimore, and Baltimore hates Pittsburgh, which every player realizes. Hines Ward once said, "The coaches hate each other, the players hate each other... There's no calling each other after the game and inviting each other out to dinner. But the feeling's mutual: They don't like us, and we don't like them. There's no need to hide it, they know it, and we know it. It's going to be one of those black and blue games." The division rivalry is becoming more competitive, and is going to be one that lasts for many years to come.2. Patriots vs. Jets: No team in the NFL matches the amount of trash talk spoken by the New York Jets, and the majority of these words are spoken towards the Patriots. This rivalry became extremely heated back in 2009, the first game between Bill Belichick and Rex Ryan, the newly elected Jets head coach. Ryan and several other Jets members continuously picked on New England, and it must have worked. New York ended up winning their first game against the Pats on the road since 2000 with a 16-9 final score. Though I would say the Steelers-Ravens rivalry is more of a battle on the field, the Jets-Patriots rivalry is a much bigger battle off the field. In 2010, the jarring off the field was at its peak, where the three total meetings all had insults before the game. Similar to the 2009 season, the Jets won their first meeting against New England but lost in the second regular season game. However, the Jets managed to knock off the highly favored Patriots in the playoffs, adding to this bitter rivalry. The first game between New York and new England took place in 1960, back when the New England Patriots were known as the Boston Patriots. Throughout the 1970s, most games were won by New York. Overtime, the series became more competitive up until the 2000s. Now, it has been more difficult for the Jets to take home a win against Tom Brady, whose Patriots lead the series with a record of 53-52-1. The clash of offense and defense is always something to look forward to, but it is not always the game that brings the most drama in this rivalry.
3. Bears vs. Packers: Since the days of Babe Ruth and prohibition, the Bears and Packers have been gruesomely battling on the football field. A tradition that dates back all the way to 1921, this Chicago-Green Bay series is easily the oldest rivalry in football. In total, the number of meetings between these two teams adds up to 184. When rural Green Bay takes on urban Chicago, the two teams leave it all on the field, not wanting to lose to the enemy. When the rivalry first started, Chicago won eight out of the first ten games, and were considered to be the favorites in every challenge. By the 1950s, however, the Packers transformed into the Green Bay franchise we know today; a strong, talented organization feared by many. Even though it is the oldest rivalry in the NFL, it still draws in thousands of viewers every time the two teams play. Chicago has always been known for its tough defense, from the days of Dick Butkus to present day Brian Urlacher, whereas Green Bay is a team that can put points on the board. Chicago may have more wins over Green Bay (92-86-6), but the Packers have won the last 6 out of 7 games thanks to star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There is not telling what this series will look like in 10 years, but no matter what, the Green Bay-Chicago rivalry will go down in history as the most storied matchup in the National Football League.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Madden Special: Top 5 Teams
In just two months, the largest sports game in America will be released to the public: Madden 13. For the past 24 years, John Madden football has swept the nation thanks to it's exciting gameplay and entertaining multiplayer mode. Many players have captured the Madden cover; this year the honor was awarded to All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson. With Madden brought the Madden Curse, a superstation that states any player who graces the cover is bound to have a terrible year the following season. Hopefully, the mega-star in Johnson will be able to succeed come 2012. Over the years, it appears that offense is more important than defense in Madden, which is why teams with elite offenses dominate this list. In order to prepare you for the upcoming release in August, the NFL Report presents the top 5 teams to play with in Madden 13.
Honorable Mention: Philadelphia Eagles: Though Michael Vick will be downgraded slightly in Madden 13, his speed and arm strength are disadvantages for the opposing team's defense. DeSean Jackson is outrageously fast, and is capable of blowing by the majority of defenders in Madden. If the pass is not your style of play, LeSean McCoy is an elite running back who will be great in the upcoming Madden. The best play to use with this team on offense is HB Screen, where you can bomb it down field to Jackson, pass to a wide-open McCoy, or, if all else fails, scramble for the extra yard with Vick. On defense, Jason Babin ranked third in the NFL last season in terms of sacks (18.0), all thanks to his extraordinary speed and strength. Philly may have disappointed their fans last season, but they have one of the best roster's on paper, and in Madden, that's all that counts.
Offense: B+/A-
Defense: B-
Overall: B
5. Atlanta Falcons: Though Philly is similar to Atlanta, the Falcons offense was the tiebreaker, for they out match that of the Eagles. Led by quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons have one of the best passing games in football. The number one wide receiver in Atlanta is Roddy White, a great weapon who can go for the deep pass, as well as make a clutch reception. Julio Jones on the other hand is extremely fast, and is bound to be highly graded in Madden 13. Lastly, tight end Tony Gonzalez may be 36, but his 6' 5" frame still helps him catch a high, quick pass across the middle. Running back Michael Turner is one of the most consistent rushers in the NFL (3 of past 4 seasons, rushed for at least 1,300 yards), and is a great option in Madden. John Abraham, a spectacular veteran defender, is always capable of sacking the opposing team's quarterback. Newly acquired Lofa Tatupu is another reliable defender to play as at the linebacker position. Newly acquired Asante Samuel, a cornerback known for picking off passes, is the best pass defender on Atlanta. The defense is made up of veterans, and there are several players to choose from when protecting the end zone. What separates Atlanta from most team's in Madden, however, is the highly talented offense.
Offense: A-/A
Defense: C+
Overall: B/B+
4. Pittsburgh Steelers: The number one defense in all of football belongs to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, Pittsburgh ranked first in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed, all thanks to their star studded roster. Troy Polamalu is the captain of the defense, and is always a great choice when playing with the Steelers. Along with Polamalu, James Harrison is another great option, a linebacker who is strong, fast, and quick off the snap. If those names don't impress you, there are still other spectacular options such as linebacker James Farrior, safety Ryan Clark and linebacker Lamar Woodley. It will be difficult for any opposing team to score on these guys in Madden with so many players to matchup against. I am not a huge fan of the offense in Pittsburgh, especially if Mike Wallace were to not sign with the Steelers by September. The only legitimate option for Ben Roethlisberger is in wide receiver Antonio Brown, a breakout star in 2011. Otherwise, the Steelers lack weaponry when it comes to wide receivers. However, the o-line should not be a problem for Pittsburgh, who spent three picks on offensive lineman this past draft. Running back Rashard Mendenhall saw not only a decrease in playing time, but also in production last season when comparing his statistics to 2010. Mendenhall is still a decent running back who can pick up the extra yard. If defense is what you want in Madden, then the Pittsburgh Steelers are your team.
Offense: B/B+
Defense: A+
Overall: A-
3. New York Giants: The defending Super Bowl champions are known to be undervalued by football fans everywhere. Eli Manning is a top 5 quarterback with a big arm and big talent. Moreover, he is surrounded by absolutely spectacular wide receivers. Originally, Hakeem Knicks was Manning's main target, up until Victor Cruz salsa-ed his way into the league and became an elite receiver. Both can be deep threats, as well as someone who can get the clutch reception for an extra 4 or 5 yards. Even if his superstar wide receivers are unable to get open, Manning is a decent scrambler when needed, a quite reliable trait in Madden. Had Brandon Jacobs stayed in New York, the Giants would likely be number 2 on this list, but now it is just Ahmad Bradshaw. Nothing against Bradshaw (a great rusher who is consistent and reliable), but the duo of Bradshaw and Jacobs was unmatched in the NFL. On the other hand, New York's defense is also top-notch, especially in part due to their great pass rush. Jason Pierre-Paul (16.5 sacks) and Justin Tuck (5 sacks in 12 games) provide a one-two-punch when facing an opposing team's offensive line. Their speed and strength would allow them to easily get past blockers in Madden 13. Another great pass rusher on New York is Osi Umenyiora, a defensive end who sacked the opponent's quarterback 9 times last season. The pass rush and passing game are the New York Giants best qualities in Madden, and should be highly rated due to their previous Super Bowl victory.
Offense: A
Defense: A-
Overall: A
2. New England Patriots: After falling short of a Super Bowl victory last season, the New England Patriots are showing signs of a second straight appearance. Quarterback Tom Brady is always rated highly in Madden thanks to arm strength, awareness and accuracy. A downside to this team is Brady's mobility, or lack there of. Personally, it is always reassuring to know the quarterback will be able to escape defenders when his receivers are unable to get open. Luckily, Brady has a lot of weapons to choose from. Starting with Rob Gronkowski, a tall, athletic tight end with extraordinary hands, and ending with Wes Welker, a fast receiver who can make the clutch chain-moving reception, the Patriots have a long list of weapons to choose from. Joseph Addai and Stevan Ridley are two very different running backs, but should be a fabulous duo in 2012. Defense is dominated by Vince Wilfork, a nose tackle whose strength is unstoppable in Madden. Linebackers Jerard Mayo and Dont'a Hightower should be low to mid 80's overall, as will free safety Patrick Chung. The biggest signings this offseason have been wide receivers Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney, both will make Tom Brady even more lethal in this game. The Patriots may not have the defensive line of New York, but their offense is just too good to turn down.
Offense: A+
Defense: B+/A-
Overall: A
1. Green Bay Packers: There is no disputing Green Bay at number one. When evaluating the Packers' roster, the amount of players who can potentially rank above 90 overall in Madden is jaw-dropping. Obviously, reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers will be unstoppable next season, and a rating below 99 would be a disappointment. Aaron Rodgers is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league, and throws complete bullets as well. Rodgers may not be the fastest, but he clearly is capable of rushing for the first down. Not only does Green Bay have an elite quarterback, but he is surrounded by spectacular offensive weapons. Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley make up the best receiving corp in the NFL. The departure of running back Ryan Grant slightly hurts the team, but James Stark will do a great job of replacing him. Though the defense had extreme difficulty last season, the players to choose from are all spectacular choices. Linebacker Clay Mathews is one of the best defenders in the league, and his speed and strength allow him to sack the quarterback. BJ Raji is another sensational defender at the defensive tackle position. Finally, cornerback Charles Woodson is known to shut down every wide receiver he covers, as well as pick off a few passes in the process. The Packers are looking to win next year's Super Bowl, and the team they have created is an outstanding first step towards their goal. When Madden 13 hits the shelves this summer, no team is a better choice to play with than that of the Green Bay Packers.
Offense: A+
Defense: A-
Overall: A/A+
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow?
Seven months ago, no player in professional sports rivaled the celebrity status of quarterback Tim Tebow. His Denver Broncos had been struggling to fill their hole at the quarterback position, Kyle Orton being the other passer to choose from. By Week 7, Tebow had the starting role, and resurrected his team's record to 8-5 once Week 14 rolled around. He may not have finished the year off nicely, but Tebow-mania continued into the postseason thanks to an 8-8 record. The Florida Gator miraculously beat Pittsburgh in a first-round-overtime victory, but fell to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots later on in the next round. Then came Payton Manning. In the off-season, John Elway convinced Manning to come play for Denver at Mile High Stadium. This signing meant it was time for Tebow to leave, even though his career for the Broncos lasted just two seasons. After several days of contract disputes, the New York Jets decided to add Tim Tebow to their roster. The decision made be New York shocked many football fans, and is sure to create a serious competition between newly-signed Tebow and Mark Sanchez. Luckily, training camp is just two months away, meaning reporters everywhere will discuss the mindset of Rex Ryan and who he decides to start on game-day. Before that takes place, The NFL Report will analyze both quarterbacks, and by the end, state which quarterback deserves the starting role in September.
"With the fifth pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select...Mark Sanchez, quarterback, USC." After Roger Goodell called his name on draft day, Mark Sanchez's rookie season started off nicely. The 2009 Jets escaped past both Cincinnati and San Diego in the postseason, but lost to Indianapolis when it came time to play the AFC Championship game. The following season, Mark Sanchez was given a second chance, but lost once again in the conference championship, this time to the Pittsburgh Steelers. His luck finally ran out last season, where the New York Jets not only finished at 8-8, but missed the playoffs entirely. Though 2011 was not the first time Sanchez's role as a starter came into question, it was likely the most serious point in which it seemed New York was searching for a replacement. In no way would I consider Mark Sanchez to be a top 5 quarterback (even top 10 is a stretch), yet his statistics have shown improvement since 2009. His 3,474 passing yards and 26 touchdowns in 2011 are impressive statistics; I am looking forward to the day when Sanchez throws for 30 touchdowns or 4,000 passing yards. Before then, Sanchez must work on limiting the amount of interceptions thrown. A whopping 18 passes were picked off by defenders last season, so Sanchez will need to be more careful when attempting to connect with a wide receiver. His numbers are absolutely atrocious, however, when trying to complete a pass above 21 yards. Thankfully, the Jets organization added rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill via draft, one of the more underrated college players, and he should be a great second option behind Santonio Holmes. Mark Sanchez has received much criticism within the past three years, but he deserves more credit from both the media and the fans of New York for his striking accomplishments. If Sanchez is able to improve both his consistency and on-field composure, the spot as starting quarterback would be secured.
How did he do it? How could someone so new to the league, lacking many skills necessary to succeed as a passer, leave such an impact in just his second NFL season? Superstar Tim Tebow may not be known for possessing extraordinary accuracy or arm strength, but he knows how to finish strong and lead his team to victory. The Denver Broncos running game last season ranked first overall, largely in part due to their quarterback, an extraordinary rusher. When all else failed, Tebow would escape from the pocket and help Denver get the first down. The first three quarters were typically the worst part of Tebow's game (the opposite of Lebron James), but when it came time for the fourth quarter, all eyes were on the 2nd year quarterback out of Florida. From November 13 to December 11, all 5 games were decided by a touchdown or less, but ll were won by Denver. Tebow's passer rating averaged out to 67.1 last season within the first three quarters, but his rating in the 4th was a respectable 81.3. When extra time was needed after the fourth quarter, his rating jumped to a whopping 145.8, one of the league's best marks. Though everyone remembers his heroics in the last quarter, it is important to keep in mind the atrocity the first three quarters brought. The AFC East will be a much more competitive division then that of the AFC West. If Tebow were to start slowly week in and week out, many teams would take advantage of his struggles and pull ahead early on. Another critique I have about Tebow is the amount of time it takes for him to release the ball. His form is being worked on by quarterback coaches, and he is bound to be a step closer towards becoming a better passer. As soon as he is ready to start a new life in the Big Apple, coach Rex Ryan will give him a chance as starter. Until then, the fight for starter...advantage Mark Sanchez.
Not only is Sanchez familiar with the types of plays and players on the New York Jets, but in the end, he is a better all around quarterback. Tebow will be put to good use, and their are countless plays Rex Ryan can put together using both Tebow and his starting quarterback. However, if the Jets record slips once again under Sanchez, the presumed starter, Ryan will not be afraid to yank him and put in Tim Tebow. The two quarterbacks are very different (one a decent scrambler, the other a decent passer), but Mark Sanchez has the upper hand here, and he will be given another chance to send New York to the Super Bowl.
 |
| Mark Sanchez |
How did he do it? How could someone so new to the league, lacking many skills necessary to succeed as a passer, leave such an impact in just his second NFL season? Superstar Tim Tebow may not be known for possessing extraordinary accuracy or arm strength, but he knows how to finish strong and lead his team to victory. The Denver Broncos running game last season ranked first overall, largely in part due to their quarterback, an extraordinary rusher. When all else failed, Tebow would escape from the pocket and help Denver get the first down. The first three quarters were typically the worst part of Tebow's game (the opposite of Lebron James), but when it came time for the fourth quarter, all eyes were on the 2nd year quarterback out of Florida. From November 13 to December 11, all 5 games were decided by a touchdown or less, but ll were won by Denver. Tebow's passer rating averaged out to 67.1 last season within the first three quarters, but his rating in the 4th was a respectable 81.3. When extra time was needed after the fourth quarter, his rating jumped to a whopping 145.8, one of the league's best marks. Though everyone remembers his heroics in the last quarter, it is important to keep in mind the atrocity the first three quarters brought. The AFC East will be a much more competitive division then that of the AFC West. If Tebow were to start slowly week in and week out, many teams would take advantage of his struggles and pull ahead early on. Another critique I have about Tebow is the amount of time it takes for him to release the ball. His form is being worked on by quarterback coaches, and he is bound to be a step closer towards becoming a better passer. As soon as he is ready to start a new life in the Big Apple, coach Rex Ryan will give him a chance as starter. Until then, the fight for starter...advantage Mark Sanchez.
Not only is Sanchez familiar with the types of plays and players on the New York Jets, but in the end, he is a better all around quarterback. Tebow will be put to good use, and their are countless plays Rex Ryan can put together using both Tebow and his starting quarterback. However, if the Jets record slips once again under Sanchez, the presumed starter, Ryan will not be afraid to yank him and put in Tim Tebow. The two quarterbacks are very different (one a decent scrambler, the other a decent passer), but Mark Sanchez has the upper hand here, and he will be given another chance to send New York to the Super Bowl.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The NFL Report Update
This season, there will be several changes made to the formatting and themes of my posts. For example, The NFL Report will now have a segment on Fantasy Football, as well as a recap of the previous Game of the Week (newly named GOWR). Many new and exciting posts await, and I promise to write more once the NFL season is in full bloom. Until then, there will be several articles talking about my many predictions for the upcoming season (standings, awards, busts etc.). Also, I will be sure to update you on my record when it comes to picking the winners of each and every game. Feel free to comment, subscribe, or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport! Thank you for the read, and go football!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Three Most Competitive Divisions
For the next several months or so, the NFL will not be catching many headlines, largely in part due to the tabloids, who would much rather talk about the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup then a football season in it's least active time frame. However, there is a lot of unfinished business left to be done, such as the signings of rookies or reaching agreements with star free agents. The NFL Report will be writing it's third installment of "The Three", this time discussing the three most competitive divsions in all of football. Please feel free to comment, or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport!
1. AFC North: Within the past decade, the AFC North has always been dominated by the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. From time to time, Cleveland may put up a fair fight against these two powerhouses, but it is short lived. Last season, however, the Cincinnati Bengals (thanks to a highly successful draft) went from 4-12 in 2010, to 9-7 in 2011. The team depended on rookie stars AJ Green (left) and Andy Dalton, both first round picks. The Bengals defense improved tremendously as well, and over time this young team will flourish into one of the league's best. The Pittsburgh defense is beginning to age, yet it managed to rank 1st overall by the end of December. The Steelers should be optimistic for the 2012 season, after picking up two spectacular offensive linemen in David DeCastro and Mike Adams. Wide receiver Antonio Brown had a breakout season last year, and it should be interesting to see if he can stay consistent. Similar to the Steelers, Baltimore defenders are getting old, and before long the veterans will be non existent. Luckily, there is still gas left in the tank, and it will be another 3 or 4 years until the Ravens need to adjust. In the draft, Baltimore added linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who should be able to make a slight impact on the defense. Cleveland is a few years away from being a competitive team, but Trent Richardson should be a decent replacement for Peyton Hillis.
2. NFC North: It seems like just yesterday, the Detroit Lions became the worst team in NFL history thanks to a 0-16 record back in 2008. Following the winless season, the Lions were below .500 in both 2009 and 2010. One of the many problems in that span was in part due to a hole in the quarterback position. Though they drafted Stafford in '09, he dealt with injuries throughout the year and into next season. In 2011, however, Mathew Stafford played all 16 games and lead his team to a 10-6 record, earning them a spot in the playoffs as the number five seed. His spectacular statistics were out shined by the fabulous team in Green Bay, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Up until Week 15, the Packers were undefeated, but after a loss to Kansas City, they finished off the year 15-1. The year previous, Green Bay defeated Pittsburgh to win their 4th Super Bowl in the organization's long and storied history. The Packers remain the powerhouse of the NFC North, but Detroit will be a great matchup against Green Bay. The Chicago Bears were one of the bigger disappointments in 2011, for their record dropped from 11-5 to 8-8, completely missing out on that season's playoffs. Jay Cutler may not be a star in Chicago, but the Bears have done their best to improve their quarterback by adding Brandon Marshall. The Bears had a highly successful draft, where they selected defender Shea McClellin and wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey. The Bears defense has always been top-notch, and 2012 has the potential to be a great season for Chicago. As for the Minnesota Vikings, they are several years away from becoming one of the league's best. Christian Ponder is young and lacks experience, but offensive lineman Matt Kalil will be a nice blocker. Their pass rush ranked first overall last season, all having to do with star defensive end Jared Allen. Though I have always said a great running game does not win championships, having Adrian Peterson certainly does not hurt the Vikings in anyway. I expect Green Bay to win the division title, but the fight for second will be one of the more interesting headlines come 2012.
3. NFC South: This off season, no story has been more shocking then that of the Saints bounty scandal. As soon as Roger Goodell and the National Football League confirmed these rumors, many important figures in the Saints organization were suspended. Now that New Orleans is in a state of chaos due to the loss of Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis, the NFC South should be a much closer division. Atlanta has become a top contender since Matt Ryan was drafted back in 2008, but last season was somewhat of a disappointment. The Falcons offense is top notch, and is the reason why Atlanta's record back in 2010 was 13-3. Though the Falcons missed out by not owning a first round draft pick, they still managed to recruit center Peter Konz, a spectacular new addition to an already excellent offensive line. The defense struggles from time to time, Atlanta is the best possible contender against New Orleans. Carolina appears to be in great shape after yet another nice draft, and they should be led by sophomore quarterback Cam Newton. Linebacker Luke Kuechly deserved to be taken 9th overall, and his skills will contribute to a more improved Panthers defense. Last but not least, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay had an off year last season, finishing the season 4-12. However, the Bucs were eager to sign several free agents on the market, and they were successful in doing so. On April 13, the Buccaneers signed Pro-Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and just 24 hours later picked up guard Carl Nicks. These two new additions have given a new life to Tampa Bay football, and they will try to make the playoffs for the first time since coach Jon Gruden won the division title in 2007. The investigation has rattled not only New Orleans, but the NFC South, and these suspensions will open the gate for other contenders to win this division's title.
Please comment, share and subscribe for more articles from The NFL Report!
 |
| AJ Green |
2. NFC North: It seems like just yesterday, the Detroit Lions became the worst team in NFL history thanks to a 0-16 record back in 2008. Following the winless season, the Lions were below .500 in both 2009 and 2010. One of the many problems in that span was in part due to a hole in the quarterback position. Though they drafted Stafford in '09, he dealt with injuries throughout the year and into next season. In 2011, however, Mathew Stafford played all 16 games and lead his team to a 10-6 record, earning them a spot in the playoffs as the number five seed. His spectacular statistics were out shined by the fabulous team in Green Bay, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Up until Week 15, the Packers were undefeated, but after a loss to Kansas City, they finished off the year 15-1. The year previous, Green Bay defeated Pittsburgh to win their 4th Super Bowl in the organization's long and storied history. The Packers remain the powerhouse of the NFC North, but Detroit will be a great matchup against Green Bay. The Chicago Bears were one of the bigger disappointments in 2011, for their record dropped from 11-5 to 8-8, completely missing out on that season's playoffs. Jay Cutler may not be a star in Chicago, but the Bears have done their best to improve their quarterback by adding Brandon Marshall. The Bears had a highly successful draft, where they selected defender Shea McClellin and wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey. The Bears defense has always been top-notch, and 2012 has the potential to be a great season for Chicago. As for the Minnesota Vikings, they are several years away from becoming one of the league's best. Christian Ponder is young and lacks experience, but offensive lineman Matt Kalil will be a nice blocker. Their pass rush ranked first overall last season, all having to do with star defensive end Jared Allen. Though I have always said a great running game does not win championships, having Adrian Peterson certainly does not hurt the Vikings in anyway. I expect Green Bay to win the division title, but the fight for second will be one of the more interesting headlines come 2012.
3. NFC South: This off season, no story has been more shocking then that of the Saints bounty scandal. As soon as Roger Goodell and the National Football League confirmed these rumors, many important figures in the Saints organization were suspended. Now that New Orleans is in a state of chaos due to the loss of Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis, the NFC South should be a much closer division. Atlanta has become a top contender since Matt Ryan was drafted back in 2008, but last season was somewhat of a disappointment. The Falcons offense is top notch, and is the reason why Atlanta's record back in 2010 was 13-3. Though the Falcons missed out by not owning a first round draft pick, they still managed to recruit center Peter Konz, a spectacular new addition to an already excellent offensive line. The defense struggles from time to time, Atlanta is the best possible contender against New Orleans. Carolina appears to be in great shape after yet another nice draft, and they should be led by sophomore quarterback Cam Newton. Linebacker Luke Kuechly deserved to be taken 9th overall, and his skills will contribute to a more improved Panthers defense. Last but not least, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay had an off year last season, finishing the season 4-12. However, the Bucs were eager to sign several free agents on the market, and they were successful in doing so. On April 13, the Buccaneers signed Pro-Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and just 24 hours later picked up guard Carl Nicks. These two new additions have given a new life to Tampa Bay football, and they will try to make the playoffs for the first time since coach Jon Gruden won the division title in 2007. The investigation has rattled not only New Orleans, but the NFC South, and these suspensions will open the gate for other contenders to win this division's title.
Please comment, share and subscribe for more articles from The NFL Report!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Three Teams to Watch Out for In 2012
Arguably the greatest part of each and every NFL offseason is the draft, where three days are spent in front of the television, watching the big names in college football start off their pro career. For the past few months, experts have been comparing this year's two top prospects--Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. RGIII may have won the Heisman over Luck last December, but the Stanford quarterback managed to earn the number one spot in the NFL draft. For many teams, the draft will be the difference between a shot at the playoffs, or yet another average season. Now that all seven rounds have been completed, it is time to look forward several months and predict the sleeper teams of 2012.
1. Cincinnati Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals had what many would call a breakout season in 2011, all thanks to their incredible group of rookies. Top picks AJ Green and Andy Dalton helped resurrect a struggling organization, whose record improved from 4-12 to 9-7, earning them a spot in the playoffs. However, the team as a whole is still young, and has yet to mature. Clearly, the Bengal organization relies a lot on their youth, which is why the draft is so important for Cincinnati. When entering 2012, the Bengals found themselves with 2 first round picks and in need of a replacement for corner back Jonathan Joseph. With the 17th pick in the draft, Cincinnati drafted Alabama corner back Dre Kirkpatrick, a fabulous all-around defender. The Bengals ranked 9th overall in passing yards allowed, and Dre Kirkpatrick should further improve this statistic. Four picks later, the Bengals decided to give away their spot to New England in return for 27th overall and a pick in the third round (93rd). Cincinnati needed to draft an offensive lineman who could protect quarterback Andy Dalton and newly-acquired rusher Benjarvus Green-Ellis. The Bengals decided to draft guard Kevin Zeitler with their second first-round pick, a decision I am not satisfied with. Guard Cordy Glenn of Georgia was still on the board, and is a much better blocker who deserved to be taken in the first round. Hopefully, Zeitler will be a nice fit for such an up-and-coming organization. One of the best picks for Cincinnati came in the second round, where they took defensive tackle Devon Still of Penn State. Many believed Still would be a first round pick, but somehow he managed to slip all the way back to 53rd overall. The one thing Cincinnati should try and do before the season starts is acquire a wide receiver like Braylon Edwards through free agency. Assuming Dalton and Green can stay healthy, this young team has the potential to win it all next season.
2. Carolina Panthers: After one of the best rookie performances in NFL history, Cam Newton is entering his second season, and will look to earn a playoff spot in 2012. The sophomore quarterback threw for a whopping 4,051 yards, 21 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns. Assuming this future superstar can repeat last season's performance, the Panthers should be in decent shape. Though Carolina's quarterback had a spectacular rookie season, the Panthers finished the year with a 6-10 record. The main reason behind such a mediocre season? Defense. The Panthers ranked 24th in passing yards allowed, 25th in rushing yards allowed, and 25th overall in sacks. With the 9th pick in the draft, Carolina needed a spectacular player capable of resurrecting a defense. No one is a better fit than inside linebacker Luke Kuechly of Boston College. In his junior year, Kuechly won all different types of prizes, ranging from the Dick Butkus Award to a spot on the All American team. His combine times put him in an elite group of players, and clearly Kuechly deserved to be taken 9th overall. Not only did the Panthers have a successful draft, but they helped their offense by adding running back Mike Tolbert. Their running corp, consisting of DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Stewart and Mike Tolbert, might be the best in all of football. The NFC South powerhouse (New Orleans Saints) is in a state of chaos, leaving an open door for Carolina. Offense should not be a problem next season, but the biggest concern will be on the defensive side of the ball. If the defense manages to play well, Carolina should earn a spot in the playoffs.
3. Buffalo Bills: One of the biggest headlines this offseason was the signing of Mario Williams, a defensive end who will be playing for Buffalo next season. Though he missed 11 games due to injury in 2011, Williams still managed to record 5 sacks on the year. Super Mario has become the highest paid defender in the league thanks to a 6 year, $96 million contract with $50 million guarunteed. The Bills also added another defensive end to the roster, free agent Mark Anderson. Last season, Anderson recorded 10 sacks with New England, and he should be a great new addition to the Buffalo Bills. The 6-10 Bills were looking to improve their offense through the draft last April, and had a successful result. Buffalo spent their 10th overall pick on corner back Stephon Gilmore, even though an offensive lineman seemed like the better decision. However, when it came time for them to use their 41st overall pick, gaurd Cordy Glenn was still on the board. They ended up taking Glenn, and then a wide receiver from NC State in the 3rd round. The Bills must play New England twice next season, along with games between San Francisco and Houston. Otherwise, Buffalo has one of the easier schedules in the NFL. Running back Fred Jackson will be returning next year after an injury sidelined him for 6 games in 2011. CJ Spiller was an excellent replacement last season, and he should get more carries in 2012. Buffalo started off the year 3-0, but by week 9 they began playing sloppy on both ends of the football. The defense has made major strides this offseason, and the main question is if the offense can improve as well. New England has basically locked up the AFC East, but the Bills have a shot at earning their first playoff spot via wild card since 1999.
 |
| Stephon Gilmore |
2. Carolina Panthers: After one of the best rookie performances in NFL history, Cam Newton is entering his second season, and will look to earn a playoff spot in 2012. The sophomore quarterback threw for a whopping 4,051 yards, 21 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns. Assuming this future superstar can repeat last season's performance, the Panthers should be in decent shape. Though Carolina's quarterback had a spectacular rookie season, the Panthers finished the year with a 6-10 record. The main reason behind such a mediocre season? Defense. The Panthers ranked 24th in passing yards allowed, 25th in rushing yards allowed, and 25th overall in sacks. With the 9th pick in the draft, Carolina needed a spectacular player capable of resurrecting a defense. No one is a better fit than inside linebacker Luke Kuechly of Boston College. In his junior year, Kuechly won all different types of prizes, ranging from the Dick Butkus Award to a spot on the All American team. His combine times put him in an elite group of players, and clearly Kuechly deserved to be taken 9th overall. Not only did the Panthers have a successful draft, but they helped their offense by adding running back Mike Tolbert. Their running corp, consisting of DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Stewart and Mike Tolbert, might be the best in all of football. The NFC South powerhouse (New Orleans Saints) is in a state of chaos, leaving an open door for Carolina. Offense should not be a problem next season, but the biggest concern will be on the defensive side of the ball. If the defense manages to play well, Carolina should earn a spot in the playoffs.
3. Buffalo Bills: One of the biggest headlines this offseason was the signing of Mario Williams, a defensive end who will be playing for Buffalo next season. Though he missed 11 games due to injury in 2011, Williams still managed to record 5 sacks on the year. Super Mario has become the highest paid defender in the league thanks to a 6 year, $96 million contract with $50 million guarunteed. The Bills also added another defensive end to the roster, free agent Mark Anderson. Last season, Anderson recorded 10 sacks with New England, and he should be a great new addition to the Buffalo Bills. The 6-10 Bills were looking to improve their offense through the draft last April, and had a successful result. Buffalo spent their 10th overall pick on corner back Stephon Gilmore, even though an offensive lineman seemed like the better decision. However, when it came time for them to use their 41st overall pick, gaurd Cordy Glenn was still on the board. They ended up taking Glenn, and then a wide receiver from NC State in the 3rd round. The Bills must play New England twice next season, along with games between San Francisco and Houston. Otherwise, Buffalo has one of the easier schedules in the NFL. Running back Fred Jackson will be returning next year after an injury sidelined him for 6 games in 2011. CJ Spiller was an excellent replacement last season, and he should get more carries in 2012. Buffalo started off the year 3-0, but by week 9 they began playing sloppy on both ends of the football. The defense has made major strides this offseason, and the main question is if the offense can improve as well. New England has basically locked up the AFC East, but the Bills have a shot at earning their first playoff spot via wild card since 1999.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees?
Last February, Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers was voted Most Valuable Player of the NFL in a “uninamous” decision. There is no question Rodgers deserved a spot on the ballot, for his MVP-like season may be one of the best in league history. However, Saints quarterback Drew Brees was just as good, if not better. 2012 was labeled as the Year of the Quarterback, and rightfully so when you are dealing with big names such as Tom Brady, Eli Manning and Mathew Stafford. Rodgers may have won the MVP Award, but in no way does that make him better then the Purdue alum. So who is the better quarterback: Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees?
Three years; that’s how long Rodgers sat on the Packers bench, watching star quarterback Brett Favre calling out plays on the field. Aaron Rodgers was drafted 24th overall out of UCal, and would be Favre’s replacement when needed. His career started off slowly, but things were looking up for the quarterback. Brett Favre was on the wrong side of 30, and later announced he would be retiring (or so we thought) by the end of 2007. When 2008 rolled around, it was Rodgers’ time to shine. In his first year as a starter, Rodgers passed for 4,038 yards and 28 touchdowns. However, the trait that differentiates Rodgers is his mobility. Early on in his career, it was clear to football fans the new quarterback possessed extraordinary speed. Rodgers has evolved his running game so that he can make a spectacular throw off balance, as well as rushing for a few extra yards. The next two seasons of Rodgers’ career were spectacular as well, where he ended up beating Pittsburgh for his first Super Bowl title. Undoubtedly his best year in the NFL came in 2011. The Packers quarterback threw for 4,643 yards, and was just 5 touchdowns away from the touchdown record with 45. His Green Bay Packers earned a 15-1 record, but were dethroned by New York in their first playoff game. Rodgers’ regular season success won him the MVP Award last February, and rightfully so. Taking all of this into account, I still find Aaron Rodgers one of the more overrated quarterbacks in the league. Now don’t get me wrong, Rodgers is clearly an elite passer, but not quite as elite as people think. When comparing Rodgers to Drew Brees, you will notice Rodgers’ receiving corp is dramatically better then that of New Orleans. Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley are all spectacular weapons that allow Rodgers to put up extraordinary statistics. The main reason why I am doubting Rodgers is due to Week 17 of the 2011 season. Green Bay started Matt Flynn in order to rest their star quarterback for the playoffs. Flynn had started in just one other NFL game, yet he was able to throw for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns against Detroit. Had Flynn been dealing with the Saints’ wide receivers, there is no way he could put up the same statistics. Rodgers has exemplified fabulous accuracy in his 4 seasons as a starter, but I am not sure if he is a better quarterback than Drew Brees.
Brees’ career began as the starting quarterback for the San Diego Chargers back in 2002. Many had doubted Brees due to his problems with injuries in the past, which is why was taken 33rd overall. He may not have been an elite quarterback when he first became a starter, and clearly the Chargers were not satisfied. That is why San Diego traded for NC State passer Philip Rivers. Brees stayed a starter for the rest of 2004, and was later slected to the Pro Bowl team. After one more season spent in San Diego, Brees was signed by the New Orleans Saints. Over time, he was able to improve his game bit by bit, and eventually brought a Super Bowl trophy home to New Orleans. He may not have been succesful in his quest for a second Super Bowl title, but last season statistically was the best of Brees’ career. In 16 games, Drew Brees threw for 5,476 yards (an NFL record), 46 touchdowns and a passer rating of 110.6. The most impressive feature of Drew Brees is his lack of weapons at wide receiver, even though the Saints quarterback manages to put up great staistics. Brees has spectacular accuracy (.71 completion percentage) which allows him to hit the smallest of targets. He may not have the same speed as Rodgers, but Brees definitely has the capability of escaping pass rushers. Overall, Brees has experience, arm strength, and awareness on the football field, the main reason why he has been so successful in the league.
Three years; that’s how long Rodgers sat on the Packers bench, watching star quarterback Brett Favre calling out plays on the field. Aaron Rodgers was drafted 24th overall out of UCal, and would be Favre’s replacement when needed. His career started off slowly, but things were looking up for the quarterback. Brett Favre was on the wrong side of 30, and later announced he would be retiring (or so we thought) by the end of 2007. When 2008 rolled around, it was Rodgers’ time to shine. In his first year as a starter, Rodgers passed for 4,038 yards and 28 touchdowns. However, the trait that differentiates Rodgers is his mobility. Early on in his career, it was clear to football fans the new quarterback possessed extraordinary speed. Rodgers has evolved his running game so that he can make a spectacular throw off balance, as well as rushing for a few extra yards. The next two seasons of Rodgers’ career were spectacular as well, where he ended up beating Pittsburgh for his first Super Bowl title. Undoubtedly his best year in the NFL came in 2011. The Packers quarterback threw for 4,643 yards, and was just 5 touchdowns away from the touchdown record with 45. His Green Bay Packers earned a 15-1 record, but were dethroned by New York in their first playoff game. Rodgers’ regular season success won him the MVP Award last February, and rightfully so. Taking all of this into account, I still find Aaron Rodgers one of the more overrated quarterbacks in the league. Now don’t get me wrong, Rodgers is clearly an elite passer, but not quite as elite as people think. When comparing Rodgers to Drew Brees, you will notice Rodgers’ receiving corp is dramatically better then that of New Orleans. Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley are all spectacular weapons that allow Rodgers to put up extraordinary statistics. The main reason why I am doubting Rodgers is due to Week 17 of the 2011 season. Green Bay started Matt Flynn in order to rest their star quarterback for the playoffs. Flynn had started in just one other NFL game, yet he was able to throw for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns against Detroit. Had Flynn been dealing with the Saints’ wide receivers, there is no way he could put up the same statistics. Rodgers has exemplified fabulous accuracy in his 4 seasons as a starter, but I am not sure if he is a better quarterback than Drew Brees.Brees’ career began as the starting quarterback for the San Diego Chargers back in 2002. Many had doubted Brees due to his problems with injuries in the past, which is why was taken 33rd overall. He may not have been an elite quarterback when he first became a starter, and clearly the Chargers were not satisfied. That is why San Diego traded for NC State passer Philip Rivers. Brees stayed a starter for the rest of 2004, and was later slected to the Pro Bowl team. After one more season spent in San Diego, Brees was signed by the New Orleans Saints. Over time, he was able to improve his game bit by bit, and eventually brought a Super Bowl trophy home to New Orleans. He may not have been succesful in his quest for a second Super Bowl title, but last season statistically was the best of Brees’ career. In 16 games, Drew Brees threw for 5,476 yards (an NFL record), 46 touchdowns and a passer rating of 110.6. The most impressive feature of Drew Brees is his lack of weapons at wide receiver, even though the Saints quarterback manages to put up great staistics. Brees has spectacular accuracy (.71 completion percentage) which allows him to hit the smallest of targets. He may not have the same speed as Rodgers, but Brees definitely has the capability of escaping pass rushers. Overall, Brees has experience, arm strength, and awareness on the football field, the main reason why he has been so successful in the league.
Both quarterbacks are basically equal when it comes to statistics, but in the end, I would rather have Drew Brees on my opening day roster than Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers Overall: 97.5
Drew Brees Overall: 98
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
2012 NFL Mock Draft
It has been 2 months since the final whistle was blown, and every football fan knows when April rolls around, it is time for the NFL Draft. This year's draft class is a spectacular group of athletes, led by quarterback Andrew Luck. Many have compared Andrew Luck to players such as John Elway or Peyton Manning. The Draft is always interesting, and The NFL Report has you covered on each and every first round pick.
13. Arizona Mississippi
1. Indianapolis Denver
 |
| Morris Claiborne |
2. Washington Washington Washington
3. Minnesota
4. Cleveland Brown: RB Trent Richardson: Due to the departure of running back Peyton Hillis, there is a large hole that needs to be filled in Cleveland Alabama , Richardson Richardson Alabama
5. Tampa Bay Tampa Bay
6. St. Louis
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Quinton Coples: Now that Morris Claiborne has been taken, it appears as if the next player Jacksonville Jacksonville Jacksonville
8. Miami Miami
9. Carolina
10. Buffalo Bills: OT Riley Reiff: After a busy off-season spent towards improving the defensive unit, Buffalo Iowa
11. Kansas City Chiefs: G David DeCastro: Now that Kansas City
 |
| Luke Kuechly |
12. Seattle
14. Dallas Cowboys: S Mark Barron: Besides a reliable quarterback, the main thing Dallas Alabama New York
15. Philadelphia Memphis
16. New York Jets: WR Michael Floyd: Last season was somewhat of a disappointment for New York New York
17. Cincinnati
18. San Diego Denver Illinois San Diego
19. Chicago Bears: G Cordy Glenn: In 2010, no offensive line was worse then that of Chicago Georgia Chicago
 |
| Whitney Mercilus |
20. Tennessee Tennessee is Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama
21. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Stephon Gilmore: The cornerback situation in Cincinnati
22. Cleveland Baylor University
23. Detroit Detroit , the Lions could make it all the way to New Orleans
24. Pittsburgh
25. Denver Denver
26. Houston Georgia
27. New England Patriots: DE/OLB Nick Perry: For the second time in four years, the New England Patriots made it back to the Super Bowl, just to lose it all against the Giants. New England 's pass rush is mediocre, something they need to work on in this year's draft. The best defensive end they can select with the 27th pick is Nick Perry. As a junior in 2011, Perry totaled 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles. Had he stayed for his senior year, Perry would be a top 10 pick in the 2013 draft. The USC defender is a great pass rusher, with exceptional size and speed. Perry would fit well into the Patriots defensive scheme, and might be able to lead them back to the championship game in New Orleans
28. Green Bay
29. Baltimore Baltimore Baltimore Baltimore
30. San Francisco 49ers: TE Coby Fleener: The major headline from 2011 is the extraordinary turnaround of San Francisco Stanford University
31. New England Patriots: CB Janoris Jenkins: Though I doubt the Patriots will keep hold of this pick instead of trading it away, Janoris Jenkins would be a spectacular new addition to such a struggling pass defense. The Patriots secondary was the 31st ranked defense when it came to passing yards allowed, only ahead of Green Bay
32. New York New York Boise State
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Top 10 Nike NFL Jerseys
Less then a month ago, the National Football League decided it was time to change each team's jersey. The previous designers were those of Reebok, who had exclusive rights to manufacture the jerseys worn by players since 2002. However, it was announced in 2012 that Nike will be the ones producing and selling the NFL uniforms. The jerseys have finally been completed, and released to the public. Though they are not that much different then the ones in 2011, The NFL Report will rank the top 10 Nike NFL jerseys.
10. Atlanta Falcons: To start off the list, I believe the number 10 spot is owned by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have always had great jerseys, especially due in part with the bright red as their primary color. I believe these uniforms have the potential to be number one (for example, making the helmets red and the jerseys black), but they still deserve a spot in the top 10.
9. Miami Dolphins: I am extremely disappointed with Nike that they did not go with the orange uniform for Miami. However, the turquoise blue remains a classic jersey in pro sports. The colors of turquoise and orange scream Miami, and reminds me a lot of the Flint Tropics (Semi-Pro). Even though I think Nike could have done better, the Dolphins still have one of the best jerseys in the league.
8. Minnesota Vikings: In sports, nothing is more unique then the colors of the Minnesota Vikings. Purple is not your average uniform color, nor is it common to find purple matched with yellow. When it comes to design, Minnesota is in a league of its own. I am glad that Nike did not make any major changes, and I wish the Vikings uniform will be left untouched for the rest of this franchise's history.
7. Carolina Panthers: After a slight change to their logo, the Panthers have stuck with the same jersey design, a smart decision on their part. I love the black and blue jerseys, for they are sleek, as well as bold. Blue helmets would have been a nice touch, but the Panthers have a spectacular color scheme in which they need to keep.
6. Green Bay Packers: The only team with a better color scheme then the Minnesota Vikings belongs to the Packers of Green Bay. If we were taking the helmets into account, Green Bay would have the best uniform hands down. Green and yellow are the best two colors, not only in football, but in all of sports. The jerseys are decent, even though I believe there should be a lot more yellow thrown into the mix.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers jersey is one of the more prestigious uniforms in all of football. The black with yellow sleeves are two great colors when matched, and I love the large Steelers logo in the top left corner. I believe Nike should have gone with yellow helmets to add more color, but the Steelers jersey itself is another perfect 10.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: In the eyes of football fans, they either love the Bengals jersey, or they don't. These new jerseys from Nike are perfect, for they have the black and white with orange on the sleeves (the stripes on the shoulders are a nice touch as well). The Bengals jersey has made several improvements since the franchise began in 1970, and I love the new uniforms produced by Nike.
3. Buffalo Bills: I assume several people would disagree with the Bills at number three, but I absolutely love these royal blue jerseys. Honestly, there is nothing that Nike could have done to improve such spectacular uniforms, but I am especially glad they chose to keep the stripes.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: I may not be a huge fan of the helmets in Kansas City, but the jerseys are a different story. The red and yellow are absolutely perfect together, and have been for the past 52 years. Similar to Buffalo, the white and yellow stripes on the sleeve are a great addition to such a spectacular tradition.
1. Denver Broncos: I am absolutely dumbfounded by how much I adore these jerseys. It was a great idea on Nike's part to have Denver return to orange as their primary color for home games. After adding Peyton Manning to the team, Denver has made yet another change in 2012. Not everyone will be a fan of the orange, but the Broncos in my opinion will have the greatest home jerseys come September.
Thanks for the read and feel free to comment on your top 10 Nike jerseys!
Also, you can pre-order your team's jersey at the NFL Shop!
Also, you can pre-order your team's jersey at the NFL Shop!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)