If given the choice to play one game, or even one season, give me Matt Ryan. To start a franchise, I'd probably go Dalton.
hard for me to talk seriously about any QB coming off his rookie or first good season in the NFL....let's see them do it again
I don't see Dalton being as good this season, I don't know why...I just think he will have a sophmore slump
I agree. I think he's a good quarterback, but I don't see him taking the leaps this offseason to overcome the sophomore slump. Happens to a lot of quarterbacks though.
I'm with David I am not willing to build a franchise around one season. I am not saying Matt Ryan is a championship QB but I know what I am getting.
I think Daulton's success or lack thereof will come down to the development of a #2 target to ease coverage on AJ Green and the running game. Not earth shattering stuff I know but I think he played to well overall to slide back too far.
AJ Green is the only thing that scares me on offense for the Bengals, which is probably a factor of why I'm thinking Dalton will possibly slide in Y2
I think JFunk34 makes a valid point that he doesnt think I should put a one year wonder over a proven multi year starter like Ryan, but I honestly think Dalton is a better QB than Ryan. Matt Ryan has Michael Turner, a good O line, Tony Gonzalez, two legit #1 targets, and a huge home field advantage and he has yet to win a playoff game. I just think he is more a product of a great offense whereas Dalton was the reason the Bengals went from 4-12 to 10-6 in the toughest division in the NFL. SO, I see your point JFunk but I will still take Dalton and Romo over Ryan anyday... especially if its in a playoff game.
Tomahawknation provided this link today NFL must-read on 2 TE setsarticle below #salivate. This is what I'm talking about. I love being multiple in terms of formation, but 12 personnel is effectively multiple in of itself, given the personnel out there combined with potential pre-snap motion. FSU definitely will want to get its elite WR corps on the field this year, undoubtedly. But it is hard to pass up the schematic advantage of having a decent blocking TE (Hicks) and elite H-back (NOL) in an Ace (TE right & left), Tight wing (2 TE right/left), or H-back (1 TE on line; 2nd off, usually motion-able). Very hard to match-up schematically against. DC leaves 7 in the box? You may have #'s to one side - or at the very least 1x1 -You always have numbers with a running QB (tx, BenDNole) and you are free to move about the cabin. Put 8 in the box? Deep comebacks ought to get you big chunks of yards. Or I believe we may have a WR or two that could get open on a post. And NOL will probably have a LB on him. I'll take that match-up. Also, makes the successful recruiting this guy ( http://www.sbnation.com/college-foo...baylor-florida-state-arkansas-miss/in/2847167 ) a coveted asset. Two tight end formations will hit NFL by storm in 2012 By Bucky Brooks NFL.com In the NFL, coaches will spend time in the film room studying the schemes of the most productive teams from the previous season to see if there is a tactic that can be copied and implemented into their respective playbooks.Given the success of the New England Patriots offense behind the tight-end tandem of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, more teams are implementing two-tight end packages into their game plans. For instance, teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears acquired tight ends in the draft with the intention of utilizing more multiple-tight end formations in 2012. The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks added talented veteran tight ends to their rosters to provide their offensive coordinators with the flexibility to use more double-tight end sets.With the two-tight end package set to take the league by storm, here are three reasons why the strategy poses problems for the defense: 1. The use of "12" personnel neutralizes the effectiveness of eight-man fronts against the run.Offensive coordinators originally broached the idea of using "12" personnel to counter the eight-man fronts utilized by defensive coaches to stop the run. Defenses routinely drop an extra defender into the box to fill the eight gaps along the front line (each area between two offensive linemen/tight end is considered a gap and defenders are assigned a gap responsibility in a one-gap scheme). Against two-back formations, the addition of an extra defender gives the defense a numerical advantage at the point of attack, ensuring a free defender to the ball. However, the deployment of multiple tight ends along the line of scrimmage nullifies that advantage and creates big-play opportunities in the run game. For instance, if the offense aligns in an "Ace" formation, with the tight ends aligned at both ends to create a balanced formation, the defense is unable to gain an edge by dropping an eighth defender into the box. Without a free defender to run unimpeded to the ball carrier, the defensive coordinator must reconfigure the alignments of his front-line defenders to fill some of the gaps at the point of attack. Offensive coordinators are also incorporating more "Tight-Wing" formations with both tight ends aligned on the same side to create an advantage in the running game. By aligning two tight ends on same side in a tight alignment, the defense is vulnerable on the edge (tight side) due to a potential double team by the ends on the outside force player. In addition, the defense is also vulnerable to counters and traps to the open side (away from the tight end) with the Wing player pulling across the formation to kick out an unsuspecting defender on the interior. New England successfully used the tactic to spring their runners for big gains on inside runs, so others will certainly attempt to follow suit by incorporating more Tight Wing runs into their game plans. 2. Formation flexibility with "12" personnel poses problems defending the passing game.One of the benefits of utilizing "12" personnel is the ability for the offense to utilize a variety of base and spread formations without shuttling different personnel into the game. The H-back plays the role of a fullback, wide receiver or second tight end in the package, aligning in various spots within the formation to create problems for the defense. Offensive coordinators are tapping into that versatility by featuring a variety of open formations with the tight end deployed as quasi-receivers. By opening the formation, the offensive coordinator makes it easy for the quarterback to diagnose the coverage and creates potential mismatches in space. In the example below from the Patriots' Week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills, New England is in a "Dubs" formation with Gronkowski aligned in the slot on the right and Wes Welker in a stack position on the outside. On the left, Hernandez is in a stack alignment behind Tijuan Underwood in the slot. By displacing both tight ends away from the line, the Patriots are able to quickly identify the coverage based on the alignments of the linebackers and defensive backs. If the corners are matched up with the wide receivers, Tom Brady knows the Bills are locked in man coverage and he can audible to an effective route combination to exploit the scheme. Offensive coordinators are also incorporating the use of "Empty" formations with "12" personnel to create favorable matchups. In the example from Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants, the Patriots emptied the formation with Deion Branch and Welker aligned on the left and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Gronkowski and Hernandez deployed on the right. Hernandez is positioned as the No. 3 receiver to get an isolated matchup with Chase Blackburn over the middle of the field. The route-design calls for clear-out routes from Welker and Gronkowski on the hashes, creating space for Hernandez to slip past Blackburn following a stutter move on an option route. With a new wave of athletic tight ends capable of winning isolated matchups, offensive coordinators around the league will continue to utilize spread formations to create big-play opportunities in the passing game. 3. The size and athleticism of the "move" tight end creates matchup problems for defensive coordinators. As more teams start to incorporate double-tight end packages into their game plans, the H-back or "move" tight end becomes a bigger weapon in the passing game. Teams are adding basketball player-types at the position, and the combination of size and athleticism puts defensive coordinators in a quandary when determining how to match up with the package. If the defense remains in base personnel, the H-back enjoys a significant advantage over a linebacker lacking the agility to stay close in coverage. If the defensive coordinator uses nickel personnel, the H-back uses his superior size to post up smaller defenders in space. In the past, offensive coordinators would employ this tactic primarily in the red zone, but more play-callers are taking advantage of these matchups by aligning the tight end in a wide position to get him isolated on linebackers or defensive backs in space. The quarterback will capitalize on the matchup by targeting the tight end on fades (back-shoulder fades) and slants. Given the superior size advantage, this becomes a high-percentage throw that is nearly indefensible. Teams like the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints routinely utilize this tactic to get the ball into the hands of Jermichael Finley and Jimmy Graham, and others will certainly follow suit with athletic tight ends emerging as prominent playmakers in the passing game.
Trust me I won't argue the point of who is the BETTER QB. Strictly because Dalton is unproven at this point. Ryan has a fantastic arsenal of skill players around him but the o-line is mediocre at best. I don't think Ryan is a championship QB, I never have. If the Falcons win a championship it won't be because of him. Dalton may have the potential to be that kind of QB but right now it is too early to tell. And to validate your point I would never bet on Ryan or Romo in a playoff game.
Dru50 Breaking news: The Bucs have traded DT Brian Price to the Bears for an undisclosed 2013 pick, pending physical.
Who is Brian Price? Is he a scrub? Sorry, I don't follow the Bucs like I did when they were in the division.
I went and looked him up - I remember him when he played at UCLA but I never knew where he ended up after that. If he is a starting level DT, then it's a good move, if he can stay healthy.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Has Partially Torn Rotator Cuff http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.co...ger-has-partially-torn-rotator-cuff#storyjump by Neal Coolong on Aug 1, 2024 7:55 PM EDT in Steelers Training Camp/Preseason 2012 Maybe it wasn't just the ankle. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger spoke openly today about a partially torn rotator cuff that he says occurred during the Steelers' Week 9 loss vs. Baltimore, a game in which he threw for 330 yards and a big second-half touchdown pass to WR Mike Wallace Roethlisberger struggled the remainder of the season, and with him, did the rest of the offense. While he didn't reach the bottom depths of the league, his arm strength clearly looked less with each passing game. The Steelers offense wilted down the stretch, scoring just 53 points in their last four games, including a 26-20 (OT) loss to Denver in the AFC Wild Card playoffs. Roethlisberger, speaking to Post-Gazette reporter Ed Bouchette, said the injury won't affect him this season, which is similar to what he said about an ankle injury he suffered in the Steelers' 20-3 loss at San Francisco in Week 15. He wasn't the same player for the team's remaining three games. Playing through injuries is something Roethlisberger prides himself on, and more power to that mentality. All NFL players have to play with pain, certainly by the end of the season. But many of the hits he took weren't on sacks, and they often came as the result of him holding onto the ball waiting for a play to develop. One of new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's main jobs this season will be to change the big-play offense that fizzled along with Roethlisberger last season, and instill something in which the Steelers' franchise player can remain healthy through the end of the year, and not just the midway point. Roethlisberger has been a fast starter the last few seasons, and in this offense, he has the opportunity to put up some of the best efficiency numbers of his outstanding career. And a new offensive line will help keep him upright along with provide a stronger running attack to take some of the big playmaking pressure off him. Assuming he's ok with letting go of the ball, that is.
The Offseason Wasn't Kind To Ed Reed http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/8/9/3229533/ed-reed-is-old-photo by Brian Floyd • Aug 9, 2024 9:01 AM EDT He's out here looking like some time off aged him 30 years. via @Mo_Rease Ed lookin old
