Panthers

Carolina Panthers: Super Bowl Contenders

After losing three of their first four games, Carolina has been red hot as they have won six games in a row. The Panthers have caught the attention of many football experts, but not one has mentioned them as a Super Bowl contender.

Cam Newton has experienced plenty of ups and downs in his short tenure as the Carolina quarterback. He has always been a joy to watch, but when his team would face adversity he seemed to deflect any responsibility. His stats would be mind-boggling, but the Panthers would lose games. This season Newton seems to have gotten a better grasp of the offense and becoming more of a leader. During his team's winning streak, he has thrown for ten touchdowns, rushed for three more, and only thrown three picks. I believe he has developed confidence in his team's defense led by Luke Kuechly.

The defense has been lights out as they are ranked first in points per game, fifth in passing yards, eighth in rushing yards, and third in turnovers. This unit plays smash mouth defense as they look to shut you down. They have Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy who have 14 sacks combined. Star Lotulelei opens gaps and allows Kuechly and Thomas Davis to stuff the run. Mike Mitchell, following the loss of Charles Godfrey, anchors their secondary.
 

This Panthers team has it clicking on all cylinders, but gets left out of Super Bowl contender discussions. San Francisco, Seattle, and Kansas City have all been mentioned in various Super Bowl scenarios. Carolina is the same as each of those three teams. They each possess a quarterback who is efficient, they love to run the ball, and they have game-changing defenses. A couple years ago, the New York Jets nearly went to the Super Bowl twice as they possessed those same qualities. If Carolina is not a Super Bowl contender, they should at least be taken very seriously. In the playoffs, no team wants to have to play this hard-nosed team led by a 6'5 250 lb behemoth.

Crimson Tide

Who Will Stop the Tide?

Alabama has beaten Texas A&M, LSU, Ole Miss, and other teams that have stood in their way. The Crimson Tide looks like they are going to win their third national championship in as many years. If they are going to win it all, they will have to finish the season against a hellacious schedule consisting of definite and indefinite opponents. They should win a laugher against Chattanooga, but things get real interesting after that game. Today, we take a look at teams that have the best chances of knocking off the back-to-back defending champs.

 

Auburn gets their shot against Alabama in the Iron Bowl on their home turf in a couple weeks. Auburn has regained their swagger under head coach Gus Malzahn. They are led by, the SEC’s leading rusher, Tre Mason as well as dual-threat quarterback Nick Marshall. In addition, Auburn has one of the best defenses in the SEC. This game will put the winner in the driver seat to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game. Also, the team will have a chance to play for a national championship. Did I mention that this was a rivalry game? 

 

 

Missouri will play in the conference’s championship game against Alabama if they win their last two games. Under Gary Pinkel, Missouri has been nothing short of a revelation this year. The big concern for this team is: Will quarterback James Franklin be healthy enough to play? Maty Mauk has shown he can play despite being a true freshman in the absence of Franklin. He has big play receivers in L’Damian Washington and Dorial Green-Beckham. The Tigers defense is nothing to snub your nose at either. South Carolina will be the team to take Missouri’s spot to play Alabama because they beat them head to head. The Gamecocks have more than Jadeveon Clowney as they have one of the top running backs in the SEC in Mike Davis. Connor Shaw’s ability to run at quarterback can provide headaches as well.

 

 

Florida State has looked like the best team in the NCAA at times. They have a Heisman hopeful quarterback in Jameis Winston and two good running backs in James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freenman. They also have four or five guys that are game-breakers at wide receiver. Florida State’s defense will be key because they can cause turnovers led by Telvin Smith. This is the match up many college spectators want to see. Baylor can be the “Cinderella” of college football if they win out of the Big 12. Bryce Petty, like Winston, is a Heisman hopeful and he has Lache Seastrunk to run the ball. The Bears also have one of the most explosive receivers in college in Antwan Goodley. Baylor is a long shot to make it to Pasadena, but they are ranked third in the nation. If one of these two teams can run the table, they may have something to do with “stopping” the Crimson Tide of Alabama.

Cornerbacks

Golden Age for Cornerbacks

 One of the toughest positions to play in the National Football League: cornerback. You can have two interceptions in a game, but if you get scored on in the game’s pivotal moment you are viewed as a goat. It is hard to consistently be great at this position because at some point a corner will lose his step. Today, we take a look at the NFL’s top cornerbacks. It is hard to rank these guys because they play in different defensive schemes.

 Richard Sherman

Sherman is a feisty corner that will smother an opponent’s top receiver and let them know how great he is. He is the biggest corner on this list as he is 6’3. His long arms allow him to poke the ball out of receiver’s hands as they attempt to catch it. Although he does not possess the speed needed at corner, he is fundamentally sound and physical enough to irritate wide receivers. Sherman is the heart of that Seattle defense and the voice of that locker room.

Brandon Carr 

Carr is very fluid in his approach at corner and is good enough to play man or zone. He is easily forgotten because he is on the same unit with Sean Lee and Demarcus Ware. He does not get the recognition as some of these guys on this list because of the Cowboys suspect defense. With a good pass rush, Carr is an All-Pro caliber corner.

 Aqib Talib

 

Talib never quite lived up to the expectations set for him in Tampa Bay especially with the off the field incidents he faced. However, he has revived his career in New England as he has shown the ability to shut down top receivers and tight ends. He has always flown under the radar back to his days as a Jayhawk at Kansas as well as the injuries he constantly experiences. He is not the flashiest guy on this list, but he will make sure opposing receivers have career low numbers.

 Joe Haden

Joe who? Haden. Haden is probably the least physical corner on this list, but his speed allows him to be the shadow of pass catchers. He is quietly one of the top corners because he plays for the Cleveland Browns. When teams play against the “Dawg Pound”, Haden tends to make quarterbacks throw the other way. Otherwise, Haden is high stepping into your favorite team’s end zone.

Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings

Tillman and Jennings is quite the combo at cornerback. Tillman is physical and the enforcer of the Bears secondary, while Jennings seems to have an interception every game. Tillman is like the Tim Duncan of cornerbacks because he is so fundamentally sound. He might have extended his career with the skills he has such as: making tackles, forcing fumbles, and intercepting passes. Did I mention Tillman was 32? Jennings is barely 5’8, but he is as quick as a cat. When offenses play Chicago, they have to pick their poison with these guys waiting in the wings.  

Deangelo Hall 

 

Hall still possesses the flat line speed he had when he first came into the league out of Virginia Tech. He still strikes fear into quarterbacks because of his ability to intercept a pass and change a game.  Hall bounced from Atlanta, to Oakland, and is now in Washington with that same IMO. He is not a lockdown corner, but he can occasionally blanket top receivers.      

 

Darrelle Revis 

 Revis is not 100% healthy coming off an ACL injury in 2012. He is still one of the top corners in the game. He has never been an interception artist because offensive coordinators would rather not design plays to throw at Revis. He is everything a coach could want in a cornerback, as he possesses size, speed, the ability to come up and defend the run, instincts, etc. Revis makes teammates on defense and the defensive coordinator’s job a lot easier. On the contrary, he disrupts the flow of opposing teams. When healthy, he is the closest cornerback to Deion Sanders. Basically, Revis has a spot in Canton, Ohio waiting for his face to be enshrined.

Patrick Peterson 

Peterson is often compared to Revis and Sanders because of how smooth he is at corner. He looks forward to playing man on man coverage every Sunday. It does not matter if he is facing Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Dez Bryant, or some rookie because he loves to compete. He has all the qualities Revis possesses and should be a future hall of famer as well.

Santa Monica Football

Three Peat 

As the 2013 high school football season approaches I had a chance to interview one of Santa Monica’s captains William Taylor. Taylor is an electric player for the Vikings. He does not have one position that he plays so he is recognized as an ATH, athlete. He can return kicks, take handoffs in the backfield, catch passes out of the slot, and play defense. Taylor is entering his third year on varsity, which is valuable experience. I had a chance to interview him about this upcoming season, which is his senior year.

     The Samohi Vikings finished their season as the Ocean League champions for the second consecutive year, but suffered a heartbreaking loss in the second round of the playoffs to the Serra Cavaliers. Taylor talked about the loss saying, “It left a bitter taste in my mouth. It was the second straight year in a row where we went to the playoffs and ended up losing by a large margin. Being my senior year, now, I feel like there is something to prove.” His expectations for his team is to win every game, win league, and win a CIF championship. Taylor said, “The Next Step”, is the slogan for this season. I asked him which is the biggest game of the season and he said, “I’m looking forward to every game, but I’m looking forward to playing Valencia because its time to get a win against them for Coach Clark.” 

     Travis Clark, who is entering his fifth year, is the head coach for the Vikings. He helped bring pride and glory back to Samohi and I asked Taylor about playing for him. He said, “Coach Clark is amazing at what he does. I feel like I’m extremely blessed to be able to play and learn from him. I've learned how to play for him, what he expects, and I know how much he truly cares for everyone that's on his team. He can be a little hard on you at times, but it’s only out of love. He wants you to be the best and nothing less because that's what he expects. He's the best at what he does. I feel lucky being one of his guys and our relationship has grown over the years. He is way more than just a coach to me.”

     Finishing our interview, I asked what Taylor has learned playing football since his freshman year. He said, “Since freshman year I've learned how the game of football is actually supposed to be played. I’ve learned what it takes to win. I've learned how to be a teammate, and how to be more of a leader.” Also, he believes every player on his team is a player you have to watch out for.

      Taylor and the Vikings kick their season off on the road at Redondo Union High school September 6^th. Their first home game is September 20^th against Mater Dei High School. 

NCAA

NCAA Impact Players 

          A new season of college football is practically here and I must quote Lebron after his first championship, “Its about damn time”. Schools are wrapping up their training camps, grass is being cut, and classrooms are almost back in session. Each football team is filled with anxiousness and ready to play their first game. With that being said, let’s take a look at a couple of players who I believe will be pivotal to their team’s success. These players have the ability to have big years and take over games. Some of these players may not be nationally recognized, but opponents make sure they are accounted for when they are on the field.

 

1. Ed Reynolds, S

 

A key player to watch for in Stanford’s vaunted defense is senior safety Ed Reynolds. Reynolds benefits from playing with pass rushers Shayne Skov, Ben Gardner, and Trent Murphy. As a result, the safety was one of the top DBs in the country a year ago. He was tied for third in the nation with six interceptions and led the nation in interception yardage. Reynolds is always a threat to score anytime he picks it off; in fact, he made a huge interception in the Red Cardinal’s Pac-12 Championship win over the Bruins of UCLA. In addition, he is a solid tackler in the run game and in the open field. Reynolds does not get a lot of national attention because Stanford is not an ostentatious football team. However, opposing quarterbacks and receivers are aware of where number 29 is at all times. Reynolds is one of the top prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft and should be a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award.

 

2. Todd Gurley, RB

 









Todd Gurley had a freshman season that made you think of another Georgia running back, Herschel Walker. Gurley finished the year off with 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns. He managed to remain out of the national spotlight because of Georgia’s hard-hitting defense. He finished the year off as a freshman All-American. Gurley is a big back with nifty footwork and a knack for finding the hole. He has enough speed to get in the open field and can take it the distance. Along with his body type, those running back qualities Gurley possesses’ remind scouts of Adrian Peterson. Gurley is poised to have another big year for the Bulldogs and it certainly helps that senior quarterback Aaron Murray stayed another year. This makes it hard to hard to load up the box on Gurley because of Murray’s throwing ability. As a defense it’s like picking your own poison.

 

3. Ka'Deem Carey, RB 

 








From freshman to sophomore year Ka’Deem Carey had the biggest leap a year ago.  As a freshman Carey ran for less than 500 yards, but as a sophomore he ran for 1,929 yards. Most running backs cannot even run for that yardage in two seasons never mind one. He led the nation in rushing and had 23 touchdowns as well. If Arizona won more games he might have been a Heisman and Doak Walker finalist. Carey was still a consensus All-American. He can do it all as a back: run, block, and catch. It will be interesting to see what kind of year he has following this spectacular season. Hard to imagine him repeating the success he had, but that is why they play the game. Barring injury, Carey will be considered a top prospect and a darkhorse in the Heisman race. 

 

4. Marcus Mariota, QB

 








It will be interesting to see how Oregon moves forward without “the wizard” Chip Kelly. Offensive coordinatior Mark Helfrich takes over as head coach as Oregon continues to make another run at BCS Bowl success. Marcus Mariota can propel the Ducks to newer heights with a year’s worth of experience under his belt. As a redshirt freshman, Mariota was very efficient under center completing 68% of his passes, throwing 32 touchdowns, and just six picks. He was lethal on the perimeter as he ran for 792 yards. In the Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State he was the Ducks MVP. Mariota is a pass first quarterback and he likes to get rid of the ball quickly. He will be expected to make big plays this year as the Ducks look to play in the championship game. Mariota has some NFL buzz around him because of the success dual-threat quarterbacks are having in the league. Scouts would love to see another productive season before they can predict his draft status.

 

5. Sammy Watkins, WR

 After a phenomenal freshman season, Sammy Watkins struggled to continue his success as a sophomore. Watkins was a pre-season All-American, but never lived up to those expectations. He never found his groove because he had a suspension early in the year; in addition, he had a nagging leg injury throughout the season. Watkins finished with just 708 yards and four total touchdowns. He will be Clemson’s most featured player on offense now that fellow receiver DeAndre Hopkins is in the NFL. Watkins is a player you find different ways to get the ball to because of his big play ability. The Tigers like to line him up at receiver and sporadically hand him the ball at running back. He is a smooth route runner and has the ability to go over the top of defenders. Clemson should be ready for another big year as senior quarterback Tajh Boyd returns. Boyd and Watkins’ camaraderie will be vital to the Tigers success this season.

NFL Article

Breakout Players Predictions

1. Nick Perry 

 

 

 

 Nick Perry was the Green Bay Packers top pick in the 2012 draft. The Packers felt that they desperately needed another pass rusher to relieve the pressure off Pro-Bowler Clay Matthews. Perry is 6’3 265lbs that is the prototypical body type for a 3-4 outside linebacker. He was set to have a good rookie campaign until a wrist injury cost him the season. Perry played in five games in a pass rusher’s role generating two sacks until he sustained the injury against the Houston Texans. With the 2013 season approaching Perry remains optimistic about the season and believes he is ready to make a big impact for the Packers. Matthews has said that he wants one of the younger defenders to rise to the occasion and become a “playmaker”. Perry certainly has the physical tools and the talent to become just that. If he can live up to those expectations, the Packers defense will reach newer heights.

 

2. Ryan Tannehill

 

 

In my opinion, Ryan Tannehill justified the Miami Dolphins decision to draft him so early in the draft. He has to work on his ball security and decision-making; he had 18 turnovers. On the contrary Tannehill did his best with the limited weapons he was given as the Dolphins QB. His best receiver was Brian Hartline. I know your thinking who? But, heading into this season Tannehill has a bevy of new pass catchers like: downfield threat Mike Wallace, Dustin Keller, Brandon Gibson, and a rookie with potential Chad Bumphis. These receivers should help increase him have more than 12 touchdowns. In addition, Tannehill is in a system he is already been in for three years now. Also, people forget this is only his FOURTH year playing quarterback; he was a former wide receiver. There are high expectations within the Dolphins organization, but the Dolphins season will only be successful if Tannehill improves.

 

3. Chandler Jones

 

 

 

 Chandler Jones started his rookie campaign at a high level causing fumbles, generating sacks, and forcing safeties. Then, Jones was a non-factor late in the season. The rookie out of Syracuse suffered an ankle injury and was not able to wreak havoc in the backfield for the rest of the season.  Nevertheless, Jones had a good season generating six sacks, three forced fumbles, and four safeties. He has the potential to be one of the best pass rushers in the game when he is on the field. Jones has been determined to be a better leader and be the lead defensive end for the New England Patriots. He has been focused on his upper body strength heading into training camp; looking to maintain his quickness as well. If Jones can stay healthy, New England will have a fearsome front eight.

 

4. Rod Streater

 

 

 

 

Rod Streater had a good rookie year for an undrafted rookie. Streater might have benefited from playing under a rookie head coach, Dennis Allen. Anytime there is a new coach that coach will take the time to evaluate everyone on his roster. Streater must of impressed Allen enough to make him a starter. He did not have many big games during his first year, but he was constantly thrown to. Streater ended up with 39 catches, 584 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 15.0 yards per catch average. The YPC average indicates he was a big play threat and he was because Carson Palmer loved throwing the ball downfield. With a year’s worth of experience Streater is expected to have a big year. He is the Oakland Raiders top wideout and should display some confidence given that he is no longer a rookie. Streater has the ability to get downfield and make big catches over defenders. When in the red zone, he will likely be thrown the ball given that he is 6’3.

 

5. Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick might surprise a few people with his name being on this list, but he only played 10 games as a starter. As a 49ers fan, you have got to be excited to watch him play. Kaepernick can throw the ball with tremendous accuracy and can run the ball for a huge gain. People in the organization say he has a tremendous work ethic working before and after practice. Kaepernick played a little reckless behind the center at times, but he never took any big hits like RG3. With a full season ahead of him, we will see if he can maintain his high level of play throughout a 16-game schedule. The Niners are the perennial Super Bowl favorites once again. I am sure they are still bitter about the way last season ended against the Ravens in the big game. Kaepernick must stay healthy and stay consistent in order for San Francisco to bring home a sixth Lombardi trophy in this upcoming season.

Rookies Under the Radar

Rookies Under the Radar

Each year rookies are selected or signed during the off-season. These rookies had solid careers at their respected universities and may take some time to develop. Some are household names that hold promising futures, while others are considered enigmas or under performers. Rookies have a small margin for error because coaches and veterans are always looking to provide them with knowledge and ways to make them tougher. These methods can help a rookie survive in a league that can be cruel. Some of these first year players can withstand the pressure while others wither. Despite these things there is always optimism for a rookie heading into the season.

1.Johnthan Banks

 

  Johnthan Banks did not play for a powerhouse team while in college. Instead, Banks stayed home and played for Mississippi State where he played for four years. He is a big physical corner with a high motor and good awareness on the field. In addition, he is 6’2 and has a nose for making a play. Banks finished his senior year with four interceptions and seven pass deflections, which led to him receiving the Jim Thorpe Award, Best DB in college. Banks went on to the draft where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him with the 43rd overall pick. Although Banks lacks the speed needed at corner, the Bucs believe he can be a formidable corner opposite of newly acquired corner Darrelle Revis. As of now, Banks is in a position battle with the incumbent Leonard Johnson. Johnson showed flashes of his potential as a rookie, but he did things that made Coach Greg Schiano lose his composure. If Banks can beat Johnson for the starting job he will likely be the DB that is consistently thrown at. This can spell success or failure for the first year player.

2. Darius Slay

 Darius Slay was the “other” cornerback at Mississippi State. Slay was no pushover himself playing opposite of Banks as he racked up five interceptions during his senior year. He was considered the faster and more fluid corner between the two. Although Slay had a knee problem heading into the combine, he still ran a blazing 4.3 in his 40-yard dash. Teams were still scared off because of the knee; as a result, he fell to the Detroit Lions where they drafted him with the 36^th pick. Detroit has high hopes for Slay because they have a secondary that is completely dilapidated. This means the rookie has no time to ease his way into the league. Things do not get any easier for Slay because he is in a division that is pass happy. He will face the Packers and Bears twice; in addition, the Vikings are looking to pass the ball more as well. It is safe to say that Slay will be tested, but it does not hurt to go up against Calvin Johnson every day in practice.

                       

3.Stedman Bailey

Stedman Bailey is not the all-around receiver like Tavon Austin, but he poses as much of a threat. In fact, Bailey set school records at West Virginia with 1,622 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. He chose to enter the draft early and attended the combine where he did not have a great day. The wideout ran a 4.52, which made teams scratch their head because he played fast during games. Bailey was not highly touted during the draft anyway; as a result, he went to the Rams in the third round. Bailey is in a prime position to be successful with the St. Louis Rams. Bailey is on the same team as Tavon Austin again as the duo looks to wreak havoc in the NFL. The duo is expected to energize a franchise that has not made it to the playoffs since the 2004 season. In addition, they are expected to revive Sam Bradford’s career who is excited about his new receivers. Once home to the “greatest show on turf”, the Rams might be worthy of that phrase soon enough.

4.Johnathan Cyprien

 

 Johnathan Cyprien was one of the unknown players in the draft. He had a great week at the annual Senior Bowl down in Mobile, Alabama, which allowed him to skyrocket up the draft board. On the contrary, NFL teams had concerns about Cyprien because he did not play against top-notch competition at Florida International. Nevertheless, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him early in the second round. Jags head coach Gus Bradley likes the rookie’s leadership approach, which they desperately need. Cyprien is a physical, aggressive, ball-hawking safety who can, potentially, be one of the most feared DBs in the NFL. The rookie will not be asked to turn the franchise around immediately because the Jags are still rebuilding. The franchise will expect him to be a leader and provide a winning attitude.

5. Xavier Rhodes

 

 Xavier Rhodes was considered as one of the best cornerbacks heading into the draft. The adjectives used to describe the rookie out of Florida State are: long, athletic, and physical. Rhodes was forced to start at FSU once the university dismissed star corner Greg Reid. Rhodes did not post the stats that made scouts drool, but he is considered a consistent player with a tremendous amount of upside. The Minnesota Vikings selected Rhodes in the first round. The Vikings cut veteran Antoine Winfield and were looking for someone to replace him. Rhodes is expected to start immediately in a thin secondary. The rookie is going to be a part of one of the best defenses in the NFL, which includes Jared Allen and Everson Griffen. This is a good thing for Rhodes because Allen and Griffen create a lot of pressure on quarterbacks and pressure is the greatest asset for any DB.

6. Robert Woods and Da’Rick Rogers

 








 Robert Woods finished his junior year with disappointing stats, just 74 catches and 849 yards. Woods chose to enter the draft despite the under whelming season. Woods is not a receiver that is considered a speedster, but he is fluid in his ability to run routes. The Buffalo Bills with the 41st pick selected the wideout from the University of Southern California. Woods is expected to come in and start for the Bills as a complementary receiver to star receiver Steve Johnson. The Bills brought in another rookie via free agency. Da’Rick Rogers is a receiver who got in trouble in college and was dismissed by Tennessee. As a result, Rogers enrolled into a local college Tennessee Tech where he played for a year. Although Rogers is a physical specimen with unique athletic ability, he still went undrafted. He immediately received a call from Buffalo and chose to sign with them. Together Rogers and Woods are expected to contribute to the Bills offense and help rookie quarterback EJ Manuel establish himself in the league. The rookie WRs have the potential to form a fearsome combo along with Steve Johnson in the years to come.