Recently three known players retired. We'll take a look at their stats, career, and HOF potential.
Ronde Barber - Safety
Ronde Barber was the first of the following three players to retire only a few weeks ago. Many would claim he wasn't so great but that could just be him overshadowed by his loud mouth little brother Tiki. Barber played in over 240 games since 1997. Barber had 28 sacks, 47 interceptions, and 8 defensive touchdown. All great numbers. Barber lives in a time of great DBs such as Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey. The Hall of Fame has not been to kind to DBs but all three of these players should get in. Barber could potentially be a first ballot Hall of Famer but expect to see him more of a third to fifth ballot.
Steve Smith - Wide Receiver
Steve Smith (the non-Carolina one) is the definition of a player who was truly affected by an lingering injury. Only being in the league since 2007 where he was drafted 51st overall to the New York Giant, Smith got a Superbowl ring his rookie year despite only catching 8 balls. However, his productivity came quite important to the Giants. In 2008, Smith caught 57 passes, the next year he caught 50 more tham the previous year (107). Smith looked like to have a very high ceiling but in 2010, Smith received a devastating injury that never quite healed properly. The next two season he played for both the Eagles and Rams, however Smith only caught for 255 receiving yards. This off season Smith signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but just two days ago he retired. Though it seem premature, Smith knows his body and he does not think it could handle a training camp. There seems to be no HOF chances for Steve.
Brian Urlacher - Linebacker
Brian Urlacher is quite similar to Ronde Barber. Coming into the NFL as the 9th overall pick by the Chicago Bears, he, similar to Barber, stayed with one team his entire career. Since the moment he stepped on the field Urlacher has been a non replaceable leader for the Bears. Many claim that Urlacher and Ray Lewis are the two people to have redefined the linebacker position for the modern NFL. The Bears chose not to resign Urlacher this off season which helped him decide to retire. Urlacher had 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns in his career. Brian could be a first ballot HOFer but with the retirement of Ray Lewis (who just won a Superbowl) the same year, Urlacher may be looking at a second, third, or maybe even a fourth ballot selection.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Twitter and Facebook
Like reading Moshe Football? Make sure to follow on both Twitter and Facebook.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moshe-Football/109170522490071
https://twitter.com/MosheFootball
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moshe-Football/109170522490071
https://twitter.com/MosheFootball
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Three Surprise Players To Watch Out For
Continuing on with our recent theme. The following three players are people you might not have on your radar, but should.
1. Andy Dalton - QB - Cincinnati Bengals
Okay, this might not be such a surprise since Dalton has been pretty solid and led his team to the playoffs already. However, the chances are most people won't have that big of an eye on him. Last season Dalton threw for over 3,500 yards. There is only an upside as the teams in the North get weaker.
2. Christian Ponder - QB - Minnesota Vikings
Next up is another young QB. Ponder has been ridiculed by fans and critics for his play. The Vikings have verbally committed to Ponder. With new first round picks, Floyd and Rhodes, and the addition of Jennings, despite the loss of Harvin, Ponder's numbers won't be much bigger, but better.
3. Daryl Richardson - RB - St. Louis Rams
This is a risky call as Richardson might not even be the starting running back for the Rams. Jeff Fisher said Isaiah Pead will have the chance to earn the starting job. Zac Stacy could steal the starting job too, but Richardson is still the favorite. Richardson a seventh rounder constantly is proving himself worthy. With as much as almost 500 yards rushing as the back up last season, that could double as a starter.
1. Andy Dalton - QB - Cincinnati Bengals
Okay, this might not be such a surprise since Dalton has been pretty solid and led his team to the playoffs already. However, the chances are most people won't have that big of an eye on him. Last season Dalton threw for over 3,500 yards. There is only an upside as the teams in the North get weaker.
2. Christian Ponder - QB - Minnesota Vikings
Next up is another young QB. Ponder has been ridiculed by fans and critics for his play. The Vikings have verbally committed to Ponder. With new first round picks, Floyd and Rhodes, and the addition of Jennings, despite the loss of Harvin, Ponder's numbers won't be much bigger, but better.
3. Daryl Richardson - RB - St. Louis Rams
This is a risky call as Richardson might not even be the starting running back for the Rams. Jeff Fisher said Isaiah Pead will have the chance to earn the starting job. Zac Stacy could steal the starting job too, but Richardson is still the favorite. Richardson a seventh rounder constantly is proving himself worthy. With as much as almost 500 yards rushing as the back up last season, that could double as a starter.
Three Players To Watch Out For
Look for these three players to make a huge impact in the upcoming season.
1. Danny Amendola - WR - New England Patriots
Amendola is with a new team led by Tom Brady. Danny was a key factor for the St. Louis Rams offense the past few years, but injuries kept him off the field for a considerable amount of time the past few seasons. While that should be a concern going into next season, you should remember that the Patriots don't need Amendola like how the Rams utilized him. The lesser role should not only help Amendola by keeping defending teams put less defenders on him but also by helping him stay healthy.
2. Eli Manning - QB - New York Giants
Two years ago Manning led the Giants to a Super Bowl win against the Patriots. Last year, Manning didn't lead his team to the playoffs. After being dwarfed by the hype that is RGIII, look for Manning to put up big numbers. Last year, Manning threw for almost 4,000 yards. If his receiver core stays healthy then Manning should throw for over that.
3. Wes Welker - WR - Denver Broncos
Welker and Amendola are two identical players except Welker is proven. That still didn't stop the Patriots from allowing Welker to walk, and sign Amendola in the process. Welker will be facing the Patriots this year, and both teams are expected to be contenders. Watch for Wes to play with a chip on his shoulder.
1. Danny Amendola - WR - New England Patriots
Amendola is with a new team led by Tom Brady. Danny was a key factor for the St. Louis Rams offense the past few years, but injuries kept him off the field for a considerable amount of time the past few seasons. While that should be a concern going into next season, you should remember that the Patriots don't need Amendola like how the Rams utilized him. The lesser role should not only help Amendola by keeping defending teams put less defenders on him but also by helping him stay healthy.
2. Eli Manning - QB - New York Giants
Two years ago Manning led the Giants to a Super Bowl win against the Patriots. Last year, Manning didn't lead his team to the playoffs. After being dwarfed by the hype that is RGIII, look for Manning to put up big numbers. Last year, Manning threw for almost 4,000 yards. If his receiver core stays healthy then Manning should throw for over that.
3. Wes Welker - WR - Denver Broncos
Welker and Amendola are two identical players except Welker is proven. That still didn't stop the Patriots from allowing Welker to walk, and sign Amendola in the process. Welker will be facing the Patriots this year, and both teams are expected to be contenders. Watch for Wes to play with a chip on his shoulder.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Rivalries Now: 6-10
In the spirit of last weeks post. We will be looking at the next best rivalries. It's important to state that this list isn't about the all time greatest rivalries but the best rivalries out there today.
10. Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins
Many debate that these two franchises hold the best rivalry of all-time. While the teams haven't been their best the past few years they still hate each other just as much. Last year's finale ignited a fire once again. While the Redskins got the best of the Cowboys winning the East, RG3's injury concerns could give the Cowboys a much need head start this upcoming season.
9. San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams
This is an old rivalry that used to be two California based teams. Few teams have gotten the better of the 49ers last year. The Rams did twice. Yes, technically these teams tied one game but the Rams were a much lesser talented team than the 49ers. However, Jim Harbaugh was out-coached, leaving question if Fisher really is the best coach in the division.
8. Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts
For many years Houston was second to Indianapolis, but the past two seasons Houston has been atop of the South. It seemed the the Colts would have a long rebuilding time frame but Andrew Luck has already made them a playoff team. Houston is strong but they have many weakness that Luck and the Colts are ready to exploit.
7. Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots
The past two AFC Championships featured these two teams. The first saw a last second Patriot win while the second saw a Raven win. It wouldn't be out of the question to see another Raven/Patriot championship game.
6. Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers seem to always fight it out with their tough defenses. These two teams and fans hate each other. While Pittsburgh hasn't had the best season last year they still will fight for the division against a Ravens team that doesn't look quite the same from last year.
10. Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins
Many debate that these two franchises hold the best rivalry of all-time. While the teams haven't been their best the past few years they still hate each other just as much. Last year's finale ignited a fire once again. While the Redskins got the best of the Cowboys winning the East, RG3's injury concerns could give the Cowboys a much need head start this upcoming season.
9. San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams
This is an old rivalry that used to be two California based teams. Few teams have gotten the better of the 49ers last year. The Rams did twice. Yes, technically these teams tied one game but the Rams were a much lesser talented team than the 49ers. However, Jim Harbaugh was out-coached, leaving question if Fisher really is the best coach in the division.
8. Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts
For many years Houston was second to Indianapolis, but the past two seasons Houston has been atop of the South. It seemed the the Colts would have a long rebuilding time frame but Andrew Luck has already made them a playoff team. Houston is strong but they have many weakness that Luck and the Colts are ready to exploit.
7. Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots
The past two AFC Championships featured these two teams. The first saw a last second Patriot win while the second saw a Raven win. It wouldn't be out of the question to see another Raven/Patriot championship game.
6. Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers seem to always fight it out with their tough defenses. These two teams and fans hate each other. While Pittsburgh hasn't had the best season last year they still will fight for the division against a Ravens team that doesn't look quite the same from last year.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Rivalries Now: Top 5
Yes, nothing compares to the old Bears/Packers, the Redskins/Cowboys, but we're talking about the hottest rivalries today.
5. Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay has controlled the division for a while and the road to the North is through them. However, the Vikings gave the Packers some trouble last year splitting the series. Their records only finished one game apart. After a big first round draft for the Vikes, the team looks to contend for the North. But don't forget the Vikes signed former Packer Greg Jennings. Green Bay is still a little sore about Favre joining their rivals a few years ago.
4. Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints
No team has finished on top of the NFC South two years in a row in a long time. The Falcons and Saints have been those two teams that seem to be contenders this year. While Matt Ryan finally had some post-season success, Drew Brees was left in New Orleans with a bounty scandal that led to the dismissal of Sean Payton for a year. They Saints were still a threat though finishing 7-9. With Payton back, watch this division come down to the wire.
3. Denver Broncos and New England Patriots
This isn't much of a Broncos/Patriots rivalry as it is a Tom Brady/Peyton Manning rivalry. This past season was a second coming of this Rivalry with a reincarnation of one of the players in Denver. It seems as if the top two teams in the AFC once again feature Brady and Manning.
2. Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos
What a game last year's divisional round between these two clubs was! That Raven win sparked one of the hottest rivalries out their today. Not just between fans but players. The Broncos open up against the Ravens with some Bronco players claiming they requested that game first.
1. San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks
If you go on any NFL forum, you would see that there isn't a bigger fire than the 49ers and Seahawks fans arguments Both have had two young successful QBs last year, and are considered to be the top two teams this year. While the 49ers won the division twice in a row, and made the Superbowl, the Seahawks were recently ranked first on ESPN's Power Rankings, and still claim to their 42-13 win last season.
5. Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay has controlled the division for a while and the road to the North is through them. However, the Vikings gave the Packers some trouble last year splitting the series. Their records only finished one game apart. After a big first round draft for the Vikes, the team looks to contend for the North. But don't forget the Vikes signed former Packer Greg Jennings. Green Bay is still a little sore about Favre joining their rivals a few years ago.
4. Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints
No team has finished on top of the NFC South two years in a row in a long time. The Falcons and Saints have been those two teams that seem to be contenders this year. While Matt Ryan finally had some post-season success, Drew Brees was left in New Orleans with a bounty scandal that led to the dismissal of Sean Payton for a year. They Saints were still a threat though finishing 7-9. With Payton back, watch this division come down to the wire.
3. Denver Broncos and New England Patriots
This isn't much of a Broncos/Patriots rivalry as it is a Tom Brady/Peyton Manning rivalry. This past season was a second coming of this Rivalry with a reincarnation of one of the players in Denver. It seems as if the top two teams in the AFC once again feature Brady and Manning.
2. Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos
What a game last year's divisional round between these two clubs was! That Raven win sparked one of the hottest rivalries out their today. Not just between fans but players. The Broncos open up against the Ravens with some Bronco players claiming they requested that game first.
1. San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks
If you go on any NFL forum, you would see that there isn't a bigger fire than the 49ers and Seahawks fans arguments Both have had two young successful QBs last year, and are considered to be the top two teams this year. While the 49ers won the division twice in a row, and made the Superbowl, the Seahawks were recently ranked first on ESPN's Power Rankings, and still claim to their 42-13 win last season.
No Post-Draft Predictions
Moshe Football has decided to not write Post-Draft predictions. Pre-season predictions will still be written.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)