Frustration in the NFL

 Frustration In the NFL 

  This time, I am going to take a break from the Top 5 In the NFL and talk about frustration. This year in the NFL there has been plenty of frustration in both players and teams. Some dreams dashed by injuries, players not having a good year, and bad coaching staffs. 

paraorkut.com

   In 2004, Philip Rivers was drafted by the New York Giants. But he didn't stay there for long. He soon went to the Chargers and then had to wait a short but painful two years before he would eventually get to start. One year it was Drew Brees starting, then when Brees left, Doug Flutie took over, then finally it was his time to start. And what a way to make a statement. Throwing over 3,000 yards and 22 Touchdowns. Ever since then, he has never missed a game. I feel sorry for Rivers. He had high hopes, the fans had high hopes, and every football fan had hopes. I thought he was going to have a year better than last year. But so far his stats are:

• 13 Touchdowns
• 15 Interceptions
• 6 Fumbles
• 80.2 Passer Rating 

 These stats are pitiful. Last year he had a great year. Near 5,000 yards passing, 30 Touchdowns, and 13 Interceptions. No where near as good as last year. Major disappointment. But don't get me wrong. When the real Rivers comes to play, he is the best on the field. But when he doesn't play, he is as bad as a 3rd String QB. Every QB is entitled to mistakes, expect a better year next year.




 theheismanwinners.com

 Disappointment Number 2 is Sam Bradford. This guy had such high hopes this year. He almost took his team to the playoffs last year but lost in the deciding game against Seattle. He although did win Offensive Rookie of the Year. This year has been a total opposite of last year. He has played 6 out of 9 games. Here are his stats

• 3 Touchdowns
• 3 Interceptions
• 3 Fumbles
• 72.3 Passer Rating

 This is disappointing. I understand being injured for a few weeks contributes to this, but still what about the 6 game he did play. Is it him or just his Wide Receivers lack of catching ability. Only two years of experience doesn't give us much to predict by. I guess we will see how the rest of the season goes for him.

carolinapanthersblog.com

 The final frustration has got to be the Carolina Panthers. I mean look at it. A huge draft pick Cam Newton who has done wonders for his team's offense. Then the season is ruined by injuries. Training camp, David Gettis tears his ACL. Game one, tragedy. Jon Beason is injured for the season with an Achilles injury. Then the next week, Thomas Davis is a out for the rest of the season. Then just recently, Offensive Lineman, Jeff Otah is out for the season with a knee injury. This team was ruined due to injuries. Hard to stop the run and have a chance at the pass if you do not have any good Linebackers. Another problem is the secondary. It stinks. They have only had 5 Interceptions this year. If this team was healthy you better believe that they would be a serious contender this year. But Newton has impressed me. He has faced these star defenses for the first time and he has handled them very well. Just imagine how he will do with another year of experience under his belt.

The Top 5 Quarterbacks in the NFL: 2011

The Top 5 Quarterbacks in the NFL: 2011

Quarterback Number 5-Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

 My Number 5 Quarterback is Ben Roethlisberger from Pittsburgh. This guy has done a great job in the 7 years that he has been playing in the NFL. He has gone to three Super Bowls, XL, XLIII, and XLV, and has won two, XL and XLIII. So is it safe to say that he is a vet? Yea I would say so.

si.com

 So far this year, he has had an average year. As usual, he has had interception trouble. Last year was an exception with only 5, he usually reaches double digits. His rushing the football has also caused some issues with holding on to the football. Here are his stats this year:

• 2,300 Passing Yards
• 14 Touchdowns
• 7 Interceptions
• 6 Fumbles
• 95.7 Passer Rating

 Like I said average stats. The 6 Fumbles is definitely something that Tomlin needs to work on with his QB. His passing yards are nice and so are the Touchdowns.
 
 I personally expected more TD's. I mean look at all the weapons. Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, and Hines Ward. This guy possibly one day could be in Canton.



Number 4-Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

 The Number 4 Quarterback is Matthew Stafford out of Detroit. Only 3 years of football and he has missed a good deal of it due to injuries in his first two years. Both the same injury. Shoulder injuries in 2009 and 2010. So far this 2011 season he has made it mostly injury free. A little scare with an ankle injury but he played through it.

the-storms.org

  

  It is hard not to have a great year when you have such great teammates as Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Brandon Pettigrew, and Jahvid Best. Each one of these guys is a key part of Matthew Stafford's game. Here are his stats:

• 2,179 Passing Yards
• 19 Touchdowns
• 4 Interceptions
• 2 Fumbles
• 99.1 Passer Rating

 A very good year for Matthew Stafford and it is only halfway through the season. I am partial to the Lions, so I believe that they have a good chance of becoming a Super Bowl team.


 Matthew Stafford is very young and has a very nice looking future in the NFL. It is a little early to say there is a spot in Canton with his name on it, but I wouldn't rule it out.







 Number 3-Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

  QB Number 3 is Drew Brees of the Saints. This guy is without a question a veteran in the NFL. 11 years and only two teams is very good. He was drafted in 2001 by San Diego and a few seasons of shine. But he never really did anything worth while until 2006 when he went to New Orleans. Having a season better than he had with San Diego. Then a few years later in 2009, he helped lead his team to a Super Bowl win against Indy.

 worldbestsports.com

  This year has been a very good year for Brees. The only problem has been his Interceptions. He normally has a little problem with coverage reading. I also believe he needs some better receivers. Now here are his stats so far through this year:

• 2,746 Passing Yards
• 19 Touchdowns
• 10 Interceptions
• 0 Fumbles
• 100.6 Passer Rating

 Like I just said, Interceptions are his only problem. He would be the perfect QB if he could just improve his amount of Interceptions.
I expect that he will go to another Super Bowl before too long. They have the talent on their team. The time just needs to come.














Number 2-Tom Brady, New England Patriots

  The QB Number 2 is Tom Brady from New England. Brady is so popular, even some people who don't even like football know who this guy is. The worst thing happened for Brady in 2008. The first game of the Regular Season, he gets injured. Out for the season. That allowed Matt Cassel, who now plays for the Chiefs, to step up and show what he had. So far Brady has kept injury free since and has had a very good career so far. A special highlight was last year, only throwing 4 Interceptions on the season.


www.free-extras.com

 This year is not like last year for Brady. His season is good but not perfect. More interceptions and less touchdowns than usual. It seems like with the right pressure he gets rattled easier than usual. To show how the year has gone, here are his stats:

• 2,361 Passing Yards
• 18 Touchdowns
• 8 Interceptions
• 1 Fumble
• 104.4 Passer Rating

 Is Brady losing his touch? I think 12 years in the NFL is catching up to him. If he does get injured, I think they have a solid backup, Ryan Mallet out of Arkansas. So at least if something does happen to Brady, they have some insurance. I think we will see a few more years of Brady.







Number 1-Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

We have finally reached the Number 1 Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay. This guy has had quite a career. From playing at a nothing college, to going to California, then in the NFL being in the shadows of Favre, to now when he helped win his team a Super Bowl. He is so young and I know, and you all know that he will be there for a while. All the weapons he has is unbelievable. Another Super Bowl is in the making.

coolspotters.com
This year has been another great year for Rodgers. His team is undefeated. And the way his stats look he will be a threat for the rest of the season if everything goes there way. Well, let me show you the stats that prove he is number 1:

• 2,372 Passing Yards
• 20 Touchdowns
• 3 Interceptions
• 1 Fumble
• 125.7 Passer Rating

 WHAT NUMBERS. The guy has only 3 Interceptions on the year. QBs from other teams average around more than 5 right now. This guy is going to be around for a long while. Expect it.








That will do it for another edition of the Right Field. Until next time.

The Top 5 Linebackers In the NFL: 2011

The Top 5 Linebackers In the NFL: 2011

Number 5-James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers
  James Harrison from Pittsburgh is the Number 5 Linebacker. This guy has gotten a lot of mess from the NFL for the past few years because of his rough, or I should say amazing, playing style. Just how aggressive he is, brings fear to whoever has the ball.

cleveland.com
  He was the one who pretty much brought on the whole "fining players for hard hits". So I guess you could say he is a pioneer of aggressive play. When I show the stats, you will see that they
 are low. That is mainly due to a right broken orbital socket. Yea, I know, painful. But for playing only 4 games these are good stats, here they are:

• 23 Tackles
• 2 Sacks
• One of these sacks against Indy the other against Seattle
• Both sacks combined for 13 yards of loss

 Like I said he only played 4 games. More like 3 and a half because he was taken out halfway through the game. A statement was issued by Harrison, saying that it was up to the doctor's whether he was clear for play or not. If he does come back then that will be a good break for the Steelers defense. Hall of Famer? If he can keep up the rate he has had from the past 4 years, with more than 10 sacks a year, then he will be.




Number 4-Von Miller, Denver Broncos

 The Number 4 Linebacker is Von Miller, out of Denver. It is for sure that Denver has found them a very good Linebacker that always has the scent of the football. This guy had extremely high hopes coming out of Texas A&M. Probably the thing that the Broncos liked was the nose for the QB. Rookie year:

bloblog.stack.com
Last year he had 10 sacks and the year before 17. So it is obvious he gives QB's nightmares. Very understandable that the Broncos used their first draft pick on him. Here are his stats for his

• 26 Tackles, 21 were solo

• 6 Total Sacks
• Has had at least one sack 5/7 games
• 2 Forced Fumbles

This guy has a huge future in the NFL. Rookie year and he has done so well. The sky is the limit at such a young age. A lot of teams would give up their best players for a player like him. When you can get to the QB and can get to the football, that is potential for a long playing time in this leauge.



Number 3-Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

 Perhaps, one of the most aggressive Linebackers I have ever seen. He is a tackle machine and it is understandable why. Look who he has as his mentor. LB Ray Lewis. You can not go wrong if  he is on your side.

espn.com

 Last year, Suggs had 11 sacks and it is looking like he will break it this year. His team's defense is looking like playoff material.  So to show how he has been doing this year, here are his stats this year:

• 33 tackles, 26 solo
• 6 sacks
• 2 Forced Fumbles
• 1 Interception

 Every bit of this 6'3'', 260 lb Linebacker makes people hurt. He is a weapon in himself. And I would not want to face him play after play. Expect a few more years of this guy and a possible Hall of Fame spot.


Number 2-Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49er's

 This guy is a definite vet in the football world. He has been playing the game since 2007. He has been Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007 and he has been to the Pro Bowl every year since the year he has been in the league. Willis has also been known has one of the hardest hitting defensive players ever. Now here are his stats for this year:

espn.com

• 54 Tackles, 43 Solo
• 1 Sack
• 1 Forced Fumbles
• 2 Fumble Recoveries

 Now most of you are thinking one sack, is that all? Sacks do mean something. But tackles mean something too. If you can get to the ball carrier, that is almost as good as a sack. I think after only 5 years of play, this guy will have a bust of him in Canton one day. Count on it.





Number 1-Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

 At last we have reached the Number 1 Linebacker in the NFL. It is Ray Lewis out of Baltimore, this would make my second Linebacker out of Baltimore in this post. There is an easy reason why Lewis is the number one linebacker. He has: Been in the NFL 16 years, has been to the Pro Bowl 12 times, has one Defensive Player of the Year, etc.

espn.com
  Do I believe that Ray Lewis is done after this year. No I don't. Even though this guy is getting up in age, he still has alot in him. Here are his stats:

• 55 Tackles, 43 Solo
• 2 Sacks
• 2 Forced Fumbles
• 1 Interception

 Halfway through the 2011 season, it has gone very well for Lewis. He is more than halfway to 100 tackles, and it is highly possible that he could exceed that amount. Kinda makes a person excited to see such a player.

Well that will wrap it up for another edition of the Top 5 Countdown. Stay tuned for another post of Right Field.

Key Injuries In the 2011 NFL Season

Key Injuries In the 2011 NFL Season

Sadly with the lockout, there wasn't enough time to get the players conditioned right. They missed a good two to three weeks of training camp due to the lockout. This put every team behind because they didn't get the physical training they needed. But there are also injuries that sometimes have nothing to do with the lockout. Sometimes something happens wrong and you are out of service for a while. I am going to go through a list of the key injuries to teams this year.

RB-Ryan Williams,Arizona Cardinals

Arizona played Green Bay during a pre-season game on August 19th. Ryan Williams took the ball from Kevin Kolb and was hit by a Green Bay tackler. And that was the beginning of the end to a great season. Ryan Williams was a terrific Halfback for Virginia Tech. And I really felt sorry for the guy. Imagine looking forward to playing in the NFL for months, and then you get knocked out in the preseason. It was confirmed that the next day, he had a ruptured tendon in his knee and would be a season ending injury. He had high expectations by a lot of people and now they will have to wait until next year. Here are his stats at Virginia Tech last year:

(http://nflsfuture.com)

• 477 Rushing yards
• An Average of 4.3 yards per carry
• 9 Touchdowns
• 1 Reception Touchdown

Now the reason the stats are so low is because he was injured Weeks 4-7. But it was a disappointment for the Cardinals and Cardinal Fans that day. Now they have to wait til next year to see how this 2nd Round, (68'th Overall) draft pick will do.

QB-Chad Henne,Miami Dolphins

On the afternoon of October 2nd in San Diego, Chad Henne snapped the ball, on what was supposed to be a handoff and missed. He was hit and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly on his arm. The next morning reports stated that he was going to have surgery on the shoulder he injured. Meaning he is out for the season. Now the team is left with Matt Moore as the starting QB for the rest of the year. Here are his stats for the 4 games he did play:

(everyjoe.com)

• 868 Passing Yards\
• 4 Touchdowns
• 4 Interceptions
• 112 Rushing yards
• 1Rushing Touchdown

Experts are believing that game against the Charge was the last game Henne would play for Miami. That is possible. If the Dolphins could get a QB in the draft next year, that is entirely possible. But, who knows, at the end of the season they could be happy with Matt Moore. But look for Henne on the free agency list sometime in the near future.

K-Nate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers

On September 11, it was kickoff time as San Diego played, at home, Minnesota. Nate Kaeding runs and kicks the ball off then sprawls on the ground, obviously in pain. He was taken out on a cart and didn't return for the game. MRI results showed that he had torn ligaments in his knee. He would have to have surgery and would be out for the season. Now this kicker will be missed and be expected to have a great season. Here are his stats from last year:

(grantland.com)

• 23-28 kicks made
• 10 kicks made within 40-49 yards
• 40-40 PATs made
• 2 tackles

I know it was a disappointment for Kaeding to be out for the season but he knows he will be back unless something awful happens. Expect this guy to be in your fantasy football lineup again next year.

That will be it for the Right Field this week. Have a good one

The Top 5 Running Backs In the NFL: 2011

The Top 5 Running Backs In the NFL

RB Number 5- Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

Running Back Number 5 is, Ryan Mathews out of San Diego. I watched this guy on his debut preseason game and I was shocked. This guy was amazing. Breaking wimpy tacklers everywhere. Getting about 10 yards per carry. Looks like he is going to be around for a long time. Only his second year in the NFL and he is on his way to Canton. Here are his stats so far this year:

• 413 Rushing Yards
• 3 Touchdowns, one for 100 yards or more
• An average 4.9 yards per carry
• An average 82 yards per game

The reason I ranked him so low, is because he hasn't scored a Touchdown in his last 2 games. Even though he has rushed for over a hundred or close to a hundred yards. But I expect him to keep getting better each year.

zimbio.com

Running Back Number 4-Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

My Running Back Number 4 is Darren McFadden out of Oakland. I remember when this guy was drafted in 2008. I knew that someday he would be worth something in the NFL. Because I saw him play at Arkansas and there was something special. Turns out I was right. After he proved he was better than Michael Bush and Justin Fargas, then he was named the starter. Now this guy is known for his amazing speed, extreme power, and a jaw-breaking stiff arm. He is on track for the best year of his 4 years in the NFL. Here are his stats:

(http://fantasyowneradvice.com)

• 519 Rushing Yards
• 3 Touchdowns, 2 for 100 yards or more
• Average 5.7 yards per carry
• Average 103 yards per game
• 1 TD Reception

Future Hall of Famer. I think so. Considering that last year 6 of his 7 touchdowns were for 100 yards or more. I think he could do more for the team if they used him a bit more. If they do that I except him to be in Canton, Ohio in the future.

Running Back Number 3-Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

The Running Back Number 3 is Fred Jackson out of Buffalo. This guy has exploded into the NFL. He has been average from his Rookie year in 2007 till last year. But he has been an absolute beast this year. Except for a few carries that have gone to CJ Spiller, the carries have been all for him. I wouldn't say future Hall of Famer yet, but we shall see. Here are his stats:

(fantasyknuckleheads.com)

• 480 Rushing yards
• 5 Touchdowns, 3 for 100 yards or more
• 5.3 yards per carry
• An Average 96 Yards Per Game

Like I said earlier, not quite Hall of Fame material yet. A few weeks or a year doesn't mean anything. Now if he can have several consecutive years of solid yardage and touchdowns then I will say Hall of Famer. But not not now.

Running Back Number 2-LeSean McCoy,Philadelphia Eagles

The Number 2 Running Back is LeSean McCoy out of Philly. This guy is a danger every single time he touches the ball. He has been a nightmare this year for every team except San Fran. Even though he is playing for one of the worst teams in the NFL right now, he is one of the few bright spots on the team. His Rookie year out of Pittsburgh Univ., was not a bright and happy one. He had very few yards and the same with touchdowns. But last year and for the most of this year he has really shown his colors. Green all the way. If he had a better team, then he might be better. Here are his stats this year:

(lehighvalleylive.com)

• 443 Rushing Yards
• 5 Touchdowns, 2 for a hundred yards or more
• An Average 83 yards per game
• An Average 5.8 yards per carry

This is a Running Back with unimaginable potential. This is only his 3rd year in the NFL, he has probably got at least another 8 years in this league, if he can remain injury free and scandal free. What can happen in those 8 years. Lord only knows.

Running Back Number 1-Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

We have at last made it to the Number 1 Running Back. Adrian Peterson out of Minnesota. The word, "Wow", is too small to describe this guy. Too small to describe such a great runner. Minnesota knew they had something special when they drafted this guy out of Oklahoma. He proved he was going to be the starter from day one. Especially in 2009 when he scored 18 touchdowns. Here are the stats for this player:

(sportressofblogitude.com)

• 498 Yards Rushing
• 6 Touchdowns, 2 for 100 yards or more
• An Average 100 yards rushing per game
• An Average 4.5 yards per carry

I think everyone would agree on my choice for Number 1 Running Back. This guy is going to be in the Hall of Fame, for sure. At such a young age, records will be broken by the end of his career.

That does it for The Right Field, now go out and watch some football.

The Top 5 Tight Ends In the NFL: 2011

The Top 5 Tight Ends In the NFL

TE Number 5- Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

My number 5 pick is Greg Olsen. Yes, I just said Greg Olsen. Even though he went to the Panthers, he has been a popular target for "Young Newton". So far this year he has had a TD in the past 3 games and

is on a track to do better than he ever did with Chicago. At his current status he is better than the average Tight End but not the best. So far he has:

• 20 Receptions
• 240 yards Receiving
  
• 3 Touchdowns
• An average 48 yards per game

Expect many more years of this young Tight End and he can only get better. Newton should aim for him alot more because the talent is there all he has to do is tap into it.

(www.rotoinfo.com)

TE Number 4- Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49'ers

Vernon Davis from San Francisco is my Number 4 Tight End. Some people may think he needs to be ranked higher. I put him this low because he doesn't have the right QB. Alex Smith has improved but still he should aim for him more often. Fantasy owners like myself, have been somewhat pleased but not satisfied. He is barely better than Olsen. For example, his stats:

(bleedingeaglegreen.com)

• 22 Receptions
• 263 Receiving yards
• 3 Touchdowns
• An average 52 yards per game

Vernon Davis has been great throughout the years. As soon as the 49ers can get a decent QB, things will start to look up.

TE Number 3- Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

Aaron Hernandez from New England is my Number 3 Tight End. This guy is super young but he has so much potential. He was drafted in 2010 out of Florida. He was a favorite of Tim Tebow, and now he is becoming a favorite of Tom Brady. He hasn't done much this year. A knee injury has limited him to 3 out of 5 games. He missed key games against Buffalo and Oakland. But he is better and his stats will improve greatly. So far this year his stats have been:

(zimbio.com)

• 19 Receptions
• 2 Touchdowns
• 221 Receiving yards
• Average 73 yards per game

Like I said earlier his stats will improve, IF, he can stay healthy. He will have to compete with Gronkowski but I believe Brady will go to Hernandez more. Expect great things from this guy.

TE Number 2-Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers

Jermichael Finley out of Green Bay is my Number 2 pick. Why him? Mainly because of Aaron Rodgers. He is a spectacular target for Rodgers and apparently Rodgers knows it. He is on track for a record setting year. But some teams are wising up and not letting him into the endzone. But with the schedule easing up a little we should see some Touchdowns out of this man. Now here are his stats:

(nflsoup.com)

• 22 Receptions
• 301 yards
• 3 Touchdowns
• An Average 60 yards per game

Like I said earlier, with a few easy games coming up he should get more receptions and more touchdowns.

TE Number 1- Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

Here we go the #1 TE in the nation is Jimmy Graham out of New Orleans. This beast has had over 100 yards in 3 games. He is spectacular and Pro Bowl bound. He absolutely wracked havoc against Carolina and Jacksonville. Brees has a dangerous weapon besides his great Wide Receivers. This is only his second year and he is this successful. Here are his stats:

(zimbio.com)

• 32 Receptions
• 496 yards
• 3 TDs
• 3 catches for 100 yards or more
• Average 99 yards per game

So that concludes this Top 5, stay prepared for another. This is Austin with the Right Field. Good bye.

History of An NFL Player: DeAngelo Williams

The Carolina Panthers, in 2006, made their choice for their 1st draft pick. DeAngelo Williams, Running Back, out of Memphis University. I remember that day, and my very first reaction was, "Huh, who is this dude who favors Steve Smith?" But I think it was a great choice to draft this guy, and I will explain later.

In 2002, DeAngelo was recruited by Memphis. In his Freshman year he wasn't too good, even though he rushed for 600 yards, he only scored 5 touchdowns. But in his last 3 years of college he made sure that he was going to be the starter for the rest of the way. 2004 was his most noticeable year. With more than 20 touchdowns and almost 2,000 yards. He broke NCAA records. He had 34 straight games with more than 100 yards rushing. He ranks 4th with the most rushing yards in the NCAA. And the most all-purpose yards in the NCAA. He also led his team to victory in the Motor City Bowl by rushing for over 200 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. Surprisingly before the draft, his ranking dropped rather a lot. But the Carolina Panthers saw something in him and took him in the first round.

(memphisflyer.com)

In the 2006 and 2007 years, DeAngelo didn't get a good chance to showcase his talents. Due to being a backup to RB Deshaun Foster. Foster was released in 2008, and it officially made Williams the starter. In the 2008 Draft, Jonathon Stewart from Oregon went to the Panthers. Then Williams has a new partner. And what a combination these two have been. But in 2008, even with split carries Williams still had 18 touchdowns and was hard to bring down. In 2009 when Williams was injured in the last 3 games of the season. Then last year, Panther fans were disappointed when Williams was injured in Week Six. He was out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

(fantasyknuckleheads.com)

The new Panther staff was unsure whether they wanted to keep Williams with two years of being injured. They did sign him and so far has been doing good and has an opportunity at a young age to become a future Hall of Famer.