New Orleans Saints - Black and Gold - Blogs - hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/ en Tue, 21 May 2013 07:28:22 GMT vBulletin 1 http://blackandgold.com/bngforum/misc/rss.jpg New Orleans Saints - Black and Gold - Blogs - hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/ Upon further review: OLB Eric Martin, Nebraska http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/362-upon-further-review-olb-eric-martin-nebraska.html Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:43:44 GMT Upon further review: OLB Eric Martin, Nebraska I can see him becoming an instant fan favorite ... Upon further review: OLB Eric Martin, Nebraska

I can see him becoming an instant fan favorite


Eric Martin, Nebraska
Height: 6006
Weight: 237
Arm Length: 32 3/4
Hand Size: 9 7/8
40 time: 4.53
20: 2.59
10: 1.61
SS 20: 3.97
3 Cone: 6.69
Vert: 30 1/2
Broad: 10; 00"
Bench: 20

Eric is undersized for a defensive end at a mere 6'1, 245, that made a staggering racking up 8.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss in 2012. Martin spent most of his first three years at Nebraska making a name for himself on special teams, where he was an enforcer. Delivering the big hit on kick coverage and kicking return teams. Martin was a fan favorite for his relentless and haphazard style of play. Nicknamed 'Caveman' for being well, primal, instinctual and having a violent demeanor on the field.


I just had to see it one more time. Love them Snot Bubble hits. Sorry i watched this hit over and over and see nothing wrong with it. What's wrong is how the media is helping kill this game. CLEAN HIT

Martin is a physical specimen that will be hard to place on the field. He should be the best special teams player on the field but might struggle at linebacker. His ability to grasp defensive concepts is the big question surrounding him. So coaches might need to keep his duties simple for now.


So Martin is a special teams beast that could see time in nickel packages to rush the passer or throwing him in at linebacker for some blitz work. He has work to do against the run. Emergency fullback has been mentioned in more than one write up.

CBS scouting

Strengths: Very good first step quickness and strong plant foot to dig in and explode. Good initial power into the blocker and uses his length well to get around blockers. Uses his hands to bully blockers backwards and brings energy off the edge. Uses his wingspan to corral ballcarriers or knock the ball out.

Active, quick feet to drop and cover in space. Very physical and arrives to the ballcarrier with a nasty attitude. Tough guy to contain and can dominate in one-on-one situations. Experience at both left and right defensive end and loves to get in the opposition's head.

Weaknesses: Lacks an ideal body type with average height. Tight-jointed and can play mechanical at times. Lacks elite tools and wins more with his intensity than natural skills. Needs to stay disciplined against the run.

Lacks ideal experience with only two seasons as a hand-in-the-ground pass rusher and limited starting experience. Still rough around the edges and needs to refine his pass rush moves and eliminate the penalties. Although minor, had a lingering back injury this past season.

Eric Martin, OLB, Nebraska, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Registering some insane numbers at his pro day: a swift 4.53 40 is impressive in its own right, but his agility drills were off the charts - registering a 3.97 short shuttle and a 6.63 in the 3-cone drill. For perspective, that 40 would have been 2nd at the Combine among all DL and LB, his short shuttle first by a LONG shot, and his 3-cone number would have been 3rd among all players - including defensive backs and receivers. ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/362-upon-further-review-olb-eric-martin-nebraska.html Pre Combine Draft Wish List http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/274-pre-combine-draft-wish-list.html Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:04:00 GMT *2012 NFL Offseason* Ok start off with our players: *Big Buck Keepers* Drew Bress -... 2012 NFL Offseason

Ok start off with our players:

Big Buck Keepers
Drew Bress - everything hindges on this deal
Carl Nicks - lets hope Drew takes front end deal or we may loose him. maybe another 1 year deal? then long term?

Will the dollars be around?
Marques Colston - injuries kill him
Robert Meachem - flash in the pan
This is the biggest effect on the draft i think. What will happen?

Reasonable
Aubrayo Franklin - Has not gotten the reps to ask for much
Fabian Washington - solid 5th/6th CB

Now to look at the open market.

Still looking for that WLB but FA and the draft have little to offer as of now. But two have jumped out at me.

SLB - Manny Lawson - In a 4-3 defense? As a strong-side backer in Cinncy he has proven to be better than 3-4 backer in the 49ers system. 2011 one-year, $3 million contract? we could not fit him in? God knows what market will charge for his services.

Nick Hardwick (SD) - OC - he's still a solid center with good size, strength, and football IQ.

Question will be how will Drew and Nicks structure their contracts?


Step 2 - Next years draft.

Round 1 traded - so far i am still scratching my head on the move. I can scratch a few more years till i pass judgement. So far not bad.

Round 2 - OLB

Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-2. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50

Can play either SLB or WLB

Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU maybe? I am torn on this pick

Round 3 - DT/DE

Derek Wolfe, DE/DT, Cincinnati
Height: 6-5. Weight: 302.
Projected 40 Time: 4.92

Flexibility to play either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.


Round 4 - DE to groom

Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
Height: 6-4. Weight: 271.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62

Potiental for improvement is there. Converted TE is a plus

Round 5 - Massive RT/OG

Alex Hurst, OT, LSU
Height: 6-6. Weight: 340.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19

Want to get the running game to improve. this would be a steal in round 5

Round 6a. Washington → New Orleans (PD) - OLB

Dexter Heyman OLB, Louisville
Height: 6-3. Weight:238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57

Athletic linebacker that flashes skill making plays sideline to sideline. Talk about a talented project. wish i could find more tape on him. Well worth the 6th round pick to develop. Instant hit on special teams.


6b - Blocking TE

Michael Williams, TE, Alabama
Height: 6-6. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77

I really would be shocked if he is here in the sixth, He has better hands than most would think. A bulldozer of TE. I really want this player! Saints get one of the best traditional TE in recent drafts. I see his stock sky rocketing with combines and pro day work outs.


Round 7 - Developmental Center

Scott Wedige, C, Northern Illinois
Height: 6-4. Weight: 314.
Projected 40 Time: 5.18

I have watched the kid play a couple of times. I would love to see him there in the seventh but i believe he will go earlier but for now i have to go with pre draft rankings. Most do not mention him.

Undetermined Pick:

Miami → New Orleans (PD). Miami traded an undisclosed selection to New Orleans for running back Reggie Bush.

The players I would love the saints to make a move on?

Cam Johnson DE, Virgina


Ok who falls like a ton of bricks in the draft?
My vote goes to Mr. Druken TMZ Video King:

Marc Tyler, RB, USC
Height: 5-11. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58

Tyler quote of the year was "USC aka University of Sexual Ballers"

Ok for those that know me your shaking your heads in disbelief that i have not selected an OT. The reason is simple. The best of the OT are JRs. So with the new CBA in place i do not see many Jr making the jump to pro ball. So the price seems to be high for OT in a thin year, Only one sr OT has my eye, Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU and it will be interesting to see where he lands in the draft. ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/274-pre-combine-draft-wish-list.html 2011 NFL FA Options http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/249-2011-nfl-fa-options.html Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:30:53 GMT As we all know it is a FA long list in 2011 for the saints and a lot has to happen in order to make... As we all know it is a FA long list in 2011 for the saints and a lot has to happen in order to make things work out. Players need to sign, others need to take pay cut and still other need to sign extinctions and restructure the final years of their deal.

We all know Mickey has dulled more than one pencil already and has an empty box of erasers. So with no clue what he has in mind i took at look at the FA listings for 2011 and picked what i think are decent options for the saint.

Offense If Reggie Bush goes you have a few options

1) Spend the Money
Le'Ron McClain (BAL) - Le'Ron wants more touches. Ok that’s a problem. But if another ring is his desire then he would have to think about what the saints offer. He already does the dual role of FB/TB in Pitt. Big drop of in speed in this move. But what an amazing combo he would offer at FB and TB.

2) Somewhat cap friendly move with question marks
Cadillac Williams (TB) RB - Solid when healthy. Probably could grab him on a short contract so he can show the NFL what he can do. Then you know he will jump ship probably and go for the cash

3)What price will he get?
Darren Sproles (SD) RB/KR – What he got left in the tank? The might mouse of the NFL. Sproiles would be buried in the backfield here but his speed would get him on the field in Sean’s offense. Plus the KR ability of Sproiles would give the saints something they have not had since the beerman left town.

4)Mr Enigma
Brad Smith (NYJ) - WR/KR/QB/RB Ok most people probably do not the Jets much in New Orleans. Living in Boston I watch the Jets and the Giants way more than I wish I had too. This guy is is nothing more than on of the best athletes I have seen play football. To bad he has never worked on anyone position. I have to throw him in the mix because … well I like everything I have seen from him on the field. Once again KR abilities that saints dearly miss.

If Bushrod departs
The market is just not there in FA, the saints must keep the OL as is. If not you have to gamble

Jared Gaither (BAL) Is he healed from his back injury. If so he could be the steal of FA for 2011.

Matt Light (NE) – Double digit sacks in 2010? Who would have thought it. If he bounces back then he would be a solid stop gap for the saints at the age of 31 for a year or two

DEFENSE
Now this is the tricky area, defense. The saints kinda of have their hands tied with all the money tied up on offense. But if Bush depart/restructures along with others, ie Drew, then the saints can still make a splash in FA.

NT at Big buc pricing? Nah

Haloti Ngata (Bal) - he is not going anywhere, I just do not see it

Paul Soliai (MIA) - can they afford to keep him? Part of a Bush trade? We all have heard the rumors of the Dolphins love of Bush. Once again this would be one cap headache for another

A DT that will earn his big bucs

Aubrayo Franklin (SF) - ok he is not a house hold name but he is as solid of a NT in the NFL as u can find. Plus he has always impressed me as a player that would really blossom in a 43 defense vs the 34 he in now. Not to say he is not doing well in the 34.

Reasonable priced DT starter with a ton of ????????

Alan Branch (ARZ) - 6'6” 318lbs I have to look at him then again how can u miss him. Yet another NT stuck in a 34 defense that I think can benefit to a switch to 43. Branch's poor attitude early in his career and the fact he started to "get it" in his contract year is a big red flag. I am thinking he might just benefit from Gregg Williams foot up his a$$. Ceiling is very high but the floor has already been proving by him to be really low. Can you say performance based contract.

If we loss out on Harper


Put the Money out there

Dawan Landry (Bal) - Landry is very much like Harper in his tackling skill and maybe a step up. What separates the two is Landry has improved his coverage skills each and every year. I will give Harper a break for playing out position last year when Jenkins went down.

Quintin Mikell (Phil) Ok he is 30 and will deamand big bucs, But you are getting a proven SS who excels both in both run support and pass coverage

LB at a Premium?


Oh they are out there but i do not see it. Saints drafted in this area.


LB at a fair market price?

Manny Lawson (SF) – while not a sack artist in SF in a 34 defense he is maybe yet another player that can benefit from a switch to 43 defense. Play him at SLB? WLB? He is 6-5, a high motor guy and did run a 4.43 in draft days. Once again I have to believe in the 34 to 43 defensive switch will also benefit him greatly.

Steal in FA at LB?

Thomas Howard (OK) - Oakland sat him all year. He a solid WLB in the NFL. Oakland is just in a youth movement with some very talented LB. He will want to prove himself again and will sign a short term contract for a bargin price. Whatever a bargain is in the NFL nowadays.


Ok there are more out there and still more to come. The cuts and signings are going to to fast a furious with the shortened off season and new CBA. How does all of this work under the cap? Got me i have yet to read it.

Repeat of the Superbowl will be a key selling point no matter what. The saints must do everything to keep the offense intact as best as they can.

They also have to make some very quick moves on defense to make other defensive FA want to come here. Shaun Rogers is not what I am talking about. The saints need to add a solid explanation point to defense not another ?. Oh i am interested in seeing if it works out but it does not say championship defensive move to me. The Saints go out and a Dawan Landry or an Aubrayo Franklinor a Manny Lawson to the roster will make the rest of the FA take notice.

****Footnote -
A few changes have happend in the Ravens camp. Willis McGahee and the rest of cuts Baltimore just did has changed a few things. Luandry is almost out of the picture unless the Ravens go after Nnamdi Asomugha as rumor has it. This also weakens Le'Ron McClain possibly. leaving also.

Willis McGahee - Would settle in as a roll player without a problem with saints in opinion. I wonder what the market will bring for his contract.

Ok thats just the start gang. Hold onto your seats this should be one of the wilder off season we have seen a longggggg while


nice to be back. ;) ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/249-2011-nfl-fa-options.html 2010 Pre Combine Offensive Draft http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/167-2010-pre-combine-offensive-draft.html Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:36:40 GMT *Round 1 **OC/OG Maurkice Pouncey, Florida, 6045, 304, 5.15, * Pouncey is a massive interior... Round 1

OC/OG Maurkice Pouncey, Florida, 6045, 304, 5.15,

Pouncey is a massive interior lineman who has the flexibility and power to consistently overwhelm defenders in the run game and he's quick enough to get to the second level. He projects as a good pass blocker. Having the fluidity and athleticism to slide his feet and mirror in pass protection. He grades out as one of the draft’s top overall talents in my opinion. Maurkice comes highly decorated, having won the 2009 Rimington Trophy which is given to the nation's outstanding center in NCAA Division I-A football.

Pouncey has very little experience of snapping to a QB under center since UF ran an exclusively shotgun offense. That should only be a minor issue though.

He has the makings of someone capable of winning a starting job in training camp and eventually developing into one of the league’s top centers.


Round 2

Toby Gerhart, Stanford, RB, 6-1, 232, 4.60

Ok I know what you're thinking. But if you watched Pac-10 football knows Stanford's Toby Gerhart is a force to be reckoned with. Gerhart may not be the fastest back. He runs in the mid 4.5's and 4.6's. He may not be the most athletic, either. But his durability, his power, and his lack of fear; those are components to his game that cannot be replaced. Neither can his break-away speed, his vision, and his relentless ability to and knack for attacking defenders, usually many at a time. Widely regarded as the 2010 draft's top "power back".

Now for the obvious, the lacks of "the elite burst" at the point of attack. He does not make himself small when plowing through traffic and lacks wiggle. The biggest concern I have is his ball protection skills. He is too comfortable with the ball in his right hand and does a poor job of keeping the ball beneath his outside shoulder. This makes it easy to strip.

Why he will be there at 34? He was a medical redshirt he used in 2007 as a result of a torn ACL in his left knee. Considering his upright running style on a repared left knee and his lack of athleticism, teams will downgrade his stock. He will best be used in a system that allows him to carry the ball in certain situations rather then being depended upon to carry the ball every down.

Gerhart is a running back with great hands and a ton of power when breaking tackles. He would be a great power back. He will get a shot as a tailback, but has the body and physicality to make the move to fullback in a pinch or possibly even a tight end at the next level, think a faster Jason Witten.

If he falls to the third round, he would be very hard to pass up.So the Saints take the gamble at 34. They get their power back.



Round 3

TE, Dennis Pitta, BYU, 6-5, 250, 4.66

Bottom of the third? I see him climbing into the third but I am going with it. There is no doubting his soft hands, size and speed. He is not a freak athlete per say, but he does possess an exciting combination of size and speed to make him a nightmare for a defence. The under rated value in this guy is his natural strength, route running and his uncannie ability to make the clutch play. He likely runs around a late 4.6/40 but is a tremendous route runner with an excellent understanding of how to get open and be in the right place at the right time. His maturity and intelligence, combined with his amazing hands, makes Pitta one of the toughest matchups in college today. Few LB can run with him and fewer DB can match his strength. He has an outstanding ability to settle in the zone and catch everything thrown his way. Good stick move and change of direction.

Pitta is not asked to be a blocker so it is an underutilized and underrated aspect of his game. Pitta is naturally strong. His technique will need work but the core strength is there for Pitta to develop. He has a thick upper body with room to grow minimally. Not an in line blocker or much of a blocker at all. More of a bigger WR. Potential

Ok he has SP written all over him.

Round 4

OT, Selvish Capers, West Virginia, 6-6, 289, 4.91

How far does he drop. I see the combine bring him back into the third. Once thought of as a probable first round is falling so fast you would think he had a leg cut off. Reason? Capers was beaten inside and out. at the senior bowl. A former tight end has the athleticism to eventually star in a zone-blocking scheme, but he may be a year or two away from contributing.. Another Bushrod? Add him to the list of fourth round project SP always takes on.

How far does he drop. Once thought of as a probable first round is falling so fast you would think he had a leg cut off. Reason? Capers was beaten inside and out. at the senior bowl. A former tight end has the athleticism to eventually star in a zone-blocking scheme, but he may be a year or two away from contributing.. Another Bushrod? Add him to the list of fourth round project SP always takes on.

Round 6

QB, Ryan Perrilloux, Jacksonville State, 6-3, 222, 4.57

The Saints need to address the back up QB someday soon and this troubled head case will need to have strong interviews to get picked.The talent is there and now Sean has a clubhouse in place to keep him in his place. ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/167-2010-pre-combine-offensive-draft.html 2010 Pre Combine Defensive Draft http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/165-2010-pre-combine-defensive-draft.html Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:18:46 GMT *Round 1 * *Sergio Kindle, Texas, SLB/DE, 6-4, 254, 4.54* This is the player to target in the... Round 1

Sergio Kindle, Texas, SLB/DE, 6-4, 254, 4.54

This is the player to target in the 2010 draft for the Saints. Now I believe the Saints must find away to move up in the first to get him. I do not see him getting past the Patriots at 22 if the Falcons pass on him at 20. So I am going to play with him being there at 32. The Saints have a ton of WLB on the roster and it is time to get Scott a back up. Forget about the 2009 season as a DE. I look at the 2008 hen he played OLB at Texas. Stand him up and he is a nightmare. Talk about a nasty demeanor to go with a great explosion, speed, strength, athleticism and size are off the charts, how can I not love this player.

As a DE

Kindle will beat most tackles off the ball and use his power to rag doll blockers. He has great strength and speed and combines them to be one of the most violent tackler in the 2010 draft. He is a relentless attacker that holds the point versus the run. His great arm length allows him to wrap up and stop plays at the line of scrimmage. As a pass rusher, he uses that awesome first-step quickness to put the tackle out off position. He turns the corner well and has a nice shoulder dip. This allows him to take angles that most pass rushers cannot. He closes quickly and aggressively on the quarterback. He can also bull rush and will overrun backs in blitz pick-up. Does a good job knocking down passes and getting his hands up.

Troubles as a DE

He has trouble disengaging from blocks and must learn to use his strong hands to prevent getting locked up with blockers. He does loses sight of the ball too often and falls back in pursuit or in other words he is late to react at times. He must learn to do a better job of using his hands to keep tackles and guards off of him. He tends to try to outrun blockers and can be described as wreck less as a pass rush. He must develop more moves and be coached up on his fundamentals.

As an OLB.

He has elite-level speed and closing quickness. He is athletic and fast enough for coverage responsibilities. He can run with most receivers, tight ends, backs and has no trouble running them down. He is quick adjusting to pass plays- gets to the flats in a hurry when given pass responsibility.
Troubles as an OLB

The major knock is he is very raw and doesn't always diagnose plays cleanly. In other words he is a little slow reading and reacting to the quarterback as a OLB. Or can be tricked by misdirection and relies on his speed and strength to much instead of reading the offense. He does have limited experience in coverage.

OVERVIEW

Kindle has the skills to become a playmaker and has improved from game to game. With tremendous upside and him testing off the charts at the Combine I see his stock climbing. Has proven that he can play as a defensive end in the 4-3, or an outside linebacker in either the 3-4 or 4-3. He is more instinctive at OLB in my opinion because he is at his best when able to freelance and make plays in the open field. So I think 43 OLB would work well for him under Williams and with Scott as a mentor the sky is the limit for Kindle.

Why he maybe there:

Nagging injuries during Kindle’s first two seasons and well some off-field issues. Kindle actually drove his truck into an apartment in Austin. No charges were filed. Sorry that one made me LMAO.

How does he fit in with the saints?

Instant impact for special teams coverage jumps out to me in year one. His flexibility makes for a lot playing time for him and gives the saints some roster flexibility at SLB and DE.

Round 2

SS, Myron Rolle, Florida State, 6014, 214, 4.59

I can hear everyone right now, "What the heck" but hear me out here. I will be surprised to see him here in the second in the first place. Granted his contract will have a ton of clauses in it and he has been out of football for a year I think the Saints would not pass on him here. The NFL already knows what Rolle can do and now the question is whether or not he can do it after being away from the game for a year. Myron Rolle is best known for winning the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship after graduating in 2 1/2 years at Florida State, for those less knowledgeable; the Rhodes is often referred to as the Academic Heisman. He chose to skip his senior season of football and went to study at Oxford instead. He still aspires to an NFL career and participated in intense workouts during his stay in England. Rolle was invited to participate in the Senior Bowl and made a big impression on NFL coaches with his conditioning, body type and work ethic.

Senior Bowl invitee. Measurements - arm: 33.0" hand: 9.25" Notes: Athletic build, muscular, clearly he was lifting more than books while away.
Rolle has first round talent, but he will need to have a decent NFL combine and show everybody that there is no rust.

Rolle is as smart on the field as he is in the classroom, which is pretty smart. He understands the game and its nuances. He has great instincts and always seems to be around the ball, but his best assets are a little easier to notice. Rolle has prototypical size, at 6-2 and 218 pounds and strength. He is versatile and can play any backfield position, perhaps even corner. He can fill the enforcer role and he hammers people when he has the clear shot, but knows when to wrap. Myron can cover pretty well too. He defends the pass extremely well and has the quickness to cover the field sideline to sideline.

There has never been any question about the talent or the physical tools with . He does rests on his laurels sometimes. Not the most instinctual player around, and that may be because he tends to over-analyze situations, tendencies, etc. prior to reacting. Not an elite hitter for his size. Book smart, but that may be an actual impediment. Sometimes looks a bit soft. Could be considered an athletic underachiever as a result of his play on the field. Never made as many impact plays as one with his ability should. His time away from the field could put a damper on his ability to contribute to a team immediately, as he will likely have to shake off some rust and get re-acclimated to the speed of the game.

Many may question his commitment to football, I don't. He is a talented player who is taking full advantage of his academic situation, as a result of him giving up his senior season to study at Oxford. He's going to be a huge PR asset for any team that drafts him, and front office folks may push him up draft boards some as a result. He's a guy who could be drafted anywhere from the late second to the late fourth rounds in the 2010 NFL Draft. I say he does solid at the combine. ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/165-2010-pre-combine-defensive-draft.html Football 101: Football Officials and Their Duties http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/118-football-101-football-officials-their-duties.html Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:46:35 GMT *Football Officials and Their Duties* Football officials... the men on the field we all love to... Football Officials and Their Duties

Football officials... the men on the field we all love to hate and complain about. But without these keepers of the rules, a football game could not progress with any sort of structure or sanity.

Officials play a very important role in the game, from keeping the game rolling along and calling penalties when a rule is broken, to making sure the athletes don't unnecessarily hurt each other. Officials are responsible for monitoring the game clock and play clock, enforcing the rules of the game, and recording all rule infractions.

You often hear them referred to by the general term of referee, but there is actually only one referee on the field during a game. Each official (usually seven in college and NFL games) has his own title and assigned responsibilities. Following are the responsibilities of each along with their positioning on the field:

Referee
The referee is the official that has control of the game and is generally the final authority in all decisions. Among his duties are:

• Announce all penalties
• Explain penalties to the offending team's captain
• Explain penalties to the head coach of the offending team and inform him of who it was called against
• Position himself in the backfield, approximately 10 yards behind the quarterback, before each snap
• Monitor illegal hits on the quarterback
• Watch for illegal blocks near the quarterback
• Determine whether the yardage chains should be brought on the field for a measurement

You can tell the referee from the other officials because he is the only one that wears a white hat. All other officials wear black hats.

Umpire:
The umpire is the official that lines up approximately five yards off the line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball. His duties include:

• Checking the legality of the players' equipment
• Making sure the offense has no more than 11 men on the field
• Monitor the legality of play on the line of scrimmage with a special emphasis on offensive holding and illegal linemen down field
• Assist the referee on decisions involving possession of the ball
• Record all timeouts
• Record all scores
• Record the winner of the coin toss
• Wipes the ball dry between plays on rainy days

Head Linesman:
The head linesman is the official that sets up straddling the line of scrimmage on the sideline designated by the referee. His duties include:

• Watch for line of scrimmage violations like offsides and encroachment
• Rule on all out-of-bounds plays on his side of the field
• Keep tabs on the chain crew
• Mark the chain to a yard marker on the field as a reference point for a measurement on the field
• Mark a players forward progress after a play is whistled dead
• Keep track of all eligible receivers
• Watch for illegal motion, illegal shifts, illegal use of hands, illegal men downfield

Line Judge:
The official who lines up on the opposite side of the field from the head linesman. His duties include:

• Assist the head linesman on in making illegal motion, illegal shifts, offside and encroachment calls
• Assist the umpire with illegal use of the hands and holding calls
• Assist the referee on false start calls
• Make sure the quarterback does not cross the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball
• Watch for offensive lineman going downfield too early on punts
• Supervise the timing of the game
• Supervise substitutions by the team on his side of the field

Back Judge:
The official who sets up 20 yards deep in the defensive backfield on the wide receiver side of the field. His duties include:

• Make sure the defensive team has no more than 11 players on the field
• Watch all eligible receivers on his side of the field
• Watch the area between the umpire and field judge
• Rule on the legality of catches and pass interference penalties
• Watch for clipping on kick returns
• On field goals, stand under the goalpost and rule on whether the kick is good

Field Judge:
The official that lines up 25 yards deep in the defensive backfield on the tight end side of the field. His duties include:

• Keep track of the play clock and call delay of game if it expires
• Make sure the defensive team has no more than 11 players on the field
• Rule on plays that cross the defense's goal line
• Watch all eligible receivers on his side of the field
• Rule on the legality of catches and pass interference penalties on the strong side of the field
• Mark the spot where a play goes out of bounds on his side of the field
• Watch for illegal use of hands by the receivers and defensive backs

Side Judge:
The official that lines up 20 yards deep in the defensive backfield. His duties are essentially the same as the back judge:

• Make sure the defensive team has no more than 11 players on the field
• Watch all eligible receivers on his side of the field
• Watch the area between the umpire and field judge
• Rule on the legality of catches and pass interference penalties
• Watch for clipping on kick returns


Ok this is such a common outline on the web I have to appolize to the site I used as a guideline. Do not worry Halo I know one site I did not use. :rolleyes: The main purpose is to understand which Ref you want to throw your beer at with a blown call.

Well it has been a while since i have posted to my blog and well personal life seems to take you away from what you love once in a while. Round one went to me :cool: so I promise to get busy and try to tick some people off around with my next blog. Till then I am off to party! opps forgot I am a single parent now I have to be good :censored: ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/118-football-101-football-officials-their-duties.html 2009 LB Preview and Some Football 101 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/104-2009-lb-preview-some-football-101.html Thu, 21 May 2009 12:25:08 GMT Now what have the Saints done to improve the LB corp in 2009? Lets take a look. I have included a... Now what have the Saints done to improve the LB corp in 2009? Lets take a look. I have included a basic outline of each players role also. Remember Basic is the key word.

4-3 Outside Linebackers

Outside linebackers (4-3):

Will (weak side, or non-tight end side)
Sam (strong side, or tight end side).

The OLBs roles vary from defense to defense, but the basic idea behind it is covering an outside zone, the area between the hash and the cornerback . They are responsible for both the run and pass coverage.

Both the Will and Sam are asked to much of the same things today. But the assignments on the same play call will vary. There is a basic principle for OLBs in the NFL that is still around since the 43 defense started.

Strengths/weaknesses/roles of each.

Player diversity is key today. But this principle still applies.

Against the run their assignments pretty much the same. They have to keep the RB contained between the conerback (CB) and defensive end (DE). They are responsible for not letting the RB run wide and turn the run up field if the corner back can not do it. Ideally they run the RB out of bounds for no gain. Thats a tie and victory goes to the Defense.

Sam linebackers

Sam's are generally the bigger, stronger backers and better able to take on a block and beat that blocker. In general the Sam line up over the tight end. He is often is required jam (get a quick hit on) and cover the tight end in passing situations. Keeping the TE from getting a quick (clean) release. Their help usually comes from the strong safety or help over the top comes from the SS.

Will linebackers

Wills are basically faster, more athletic linebackers. Wills usually play more zone coverage assignments and cover or jam slot receivers in passing situations. Will is more of an attack LB than Sam not only because of speed but they do not have the TE to worry about. They pick up the RB first in man coverage. If the back stays in to block then he is covering the weak flat (short routes to the sidelines) or hook/curl (come back routes) areas in zone coverage assignments. Play call determines what he will do of course.

4-3 Middle Linebackers

Mike

Mike is usually your quarterback of the defense. He usually is the player responsible for receiving the defensive play calls. Mikes are usually the most well-rounded and versatile linebacker on the field. They must be a solid open field tackler that consistently brings down a ball carrier 1 on 1.

Keeping interior offensive linemen from getting to the second level of the defenseis key to keeping the middle linebacker free to make plays (first level is the defensive line (DT,DE)). Even the great Mike’s requires a good defensive front to ensure his freedom of movement.

Once again roles will vary from team to team but basically the Mike backer is assigned to protect in between the hash marks and shut down the running back.

Depending on the scheme, the Mike may be assigned to a particular gap (an area boundary defined by particular players on the OL). That gap is determined by the play call for the Defensive line. The Mike plugs the weak spot left by the defensive line play assignment.

The most common use of a Mike is in run support from sideline to sideline, filling the gap between the defensive end and the outside linebackers. The Mike's first responsibility is taking away the cut back lane between the outside linebacker and the defense end of a ball carrier running to the outside of the tackles.

The Mike in passing coverage is usually assigned a middle zone in passing situations. A passing situation is a second or third of 6 or more yards for a first. The Mikes help usually comes from a slot corner back (CB), free safety (FS), strong safety (SS). Sometimes even from a Defensive Lineman dropped into coverage. All this depends on the play called.

Blitzing and stunts are for another blog.

Now for the 2009 Saints starters we are familiar with.

Sam:

55 - Scott Fujita, LB, 6-5, 250, 4.64, 30, 8, California

Flash of greatness loom here at times. Solid as they come. At 30 it is time to think of grooming a replacement plus he will be one of our key FA next year. Along with Brown at OT

Mike:

51 - Jonathan Vilma, LB, 6-1, 230, 4.55, 27, 6, Miami (Fla.)

Vilma is the jewel addition of the defense last year. It is hard to imagine how good he will be once he gets the help from the secondary he needs. Last year his zone coverage was too deep and to wide. As was his basic line depth on running sets.

Will:

58 - Scott Shanle, LB, 6-2, 245, 4.69, 29, 7, Nebraska

How can I knock this guy? While he may not be the fastest player on the field and it often cost us, he is smart and a hard worker. He is easily one of the best backup LBs in NFL who finds himself starting.

Let’s look at the backups returning:

Sam

54 - Troy Evans, LB, 6-3, 238, 4.54, 31, 8, Cincinnati

He is yet another solid veteran addition to the LB corp and a great addition to Special Teams. But he to in getting up there at the rip old age of 31.

Mike

53 - Mark Simoneau, LB, 6-0, 245, 4.63, 32, 10, Kansas State

He was a solid addition for an area of need way back when we picked up Shanle. Actual was a nice package deal. He is a versatile back up. But his age at 32 is a big question mark here. He could end up odd man out.

50 - Marvin Mitchell, LB, 6-3, 249, 4.95, 24, 3, Tennessee

Among the biggest yet slowest LB we have. He will be fighting to make the roster.

Will

52 - Dan Morgan, LB, 6-2, 245, 4.54, 30, 8, Miami (Fla.)

We all have been waiting for him to hit the field. Can he make it through the season without hearing bells is the question here. His impact could be huge if comes close to playing up to his previous pro bowl level.

56 - Jo-Lonn Dunbar, LB, 6-0, 226, 4.57, 24, 2, Boston College

I have to hold back when talking about this guy. Even as a backup he made impact plays on defense and special teams. How good can he be? Are we talking Pro bowl? Doubt it. He can be a top #1 reserve in the NFL though. I want to see how much his play has improved going into year 2.

Now for the new players added this year:

59 - Anthony Waters, MLB, 6-3, 238, 4.62, 24, 3, Clemson

Waters should be a step above all the others. He has the ability to be listed as the steal of the 2009 free agent class. He should thrive in the 43, just like Vilma. Now Waters is a Mike trapped in a Sam body and has enough speed to play Will. Nice problem to have. If not for the injury he would have been a first round pick during the draft. He bears resemblance in his style of player to Brian Urlacher. Yes I went there and forgive bad puns.

He makes Marvin Mitchell time with saints to be very short and could put Simmons at risk. I have Waters in the mix with Simoneau and Morgan at the start of camp. If things go well he might be pushing Shanle as a starter. The only reason I do not go with push at Mike is because Vilma is too good at Mike to move to the Will linebacker position. Who knows maybe as soon as opening day. But by next year is he should definitely be in the mix. Neither of the scenarios is out of the realm of possibilities. Thinking about it he may be groomed to take over at the Sam when Scott is ready to step down.

I am looking for things to come together for him in 2009. He is has to want it and if he does, we need to get use to hearing his name.

57 - Stanley Arnoux, WLB, 6-0, 232, 4.61, 22, R, Wake Forest

Arnoux and Dunbar are a bit of same type of players. Both are solid Fireplugs. While I understand the pick I am still scratching my head with selecting a player like Dunbar. He is quicker I have to admit. But in Williams I must trust. As it turns out we have to wait till next year to see why the pick was made because he just became our first player on IR

62 - Jonathan Casillas, WLB, 6-0, 228, 4.50, 23, R, Wisconsin

Here is the biggest UDFA signing in my book for 2009. While he may not have been a day one pick in the draft, he certainly has third round talent. Injury moved him into the fourth or fifth round in my book because of the early recover timing of the injury. But to go undrafted? I was shocked.

The Question will be if he is ready to play. He could end up with Arnoux, on the IR' by the time the season starts.

If Casilles ends up on IR with Arnoux then we have little movement to talk about in the LB corp for the Saints going into camp. If Morgan does not work out then I see the saints working the wire like they did last year at DE. So depth at LB may become an issue in 2009 for the Saints.

A lot of riskier moves with injured players have been made again this year by the Saints at LB and if they pay off we should be be sitting sweet for 2010.:cool: ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/104-2009-lb-preview-some-football-101.html 2009 Mock draft I Pre combine http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/91-2009-mock-draft-i-pre-combine.html Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:48:20 GMT I just found this among my stuff. I thought I lost it. * 1. Detroit Lions - Eugene Monroe, OT,... I just found this among my stuff. I thought I lost it.

1. Detroit Lions - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

Lions say they are going another direction. Nobody believes them.. Look for the Lions to shop this pick big time. This pick will not be over priced either. Think players invoved in a trade. There is no clear cut (1. 2. or 3) BPA here. Perhaps the most NFL ready tackle in the draft,

Team Needs:

A franchise middle linebacker and franchise strong side linebacker to go along with weak side linebacker Ernie Sims are needed. A franchise left offensive tackle is needed to move Jeff Backus from offensive tackle to left guard. An all-around defensive end to pair with right defensive end Cliff Avril, a franchise corner, a dominant strong safety, and a great road-grader offensive guard are all needed.

Round 2: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati

Lions Picks by Round: 1st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 6th,

 2. St. Louis Rams - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
>
The days of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce are over. Crabtree could be the selection. Even after drafting wide receiver Donnie Avery in the second round of the 2008. Now you have Holt's future replacement in Crabtree. Rams will upgrade the OL in FA and later in the draft. BPA wins with the Rams. They need to put fans back in the seats.

Team Needs:

The St. Louis Rams must draft the successor to future Hall of Fame left offensive tackle Orlando Pace. A franchise strong side linebacker is needed as those who share time at the position are decent backups at best. If the Rams feel that Marc Bulger has less than two years left, then a franchise quarterback suddenly becomes an urgent need.

Round 2: William Beatty, OT, Conneicut

 Rams Picks by Round: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

 But the OL needs to be rebuilt and this is a heck of a start. People say Oher's draft stock has dropped. Did something happen between the end of the season and now? I am sticking with Oher

 Chiefs spent a first-round pick on left tackle Branden Albert last year, and there is a school of thought that Albert would be better suited to play the right side of the line so the team can draft a natural left tackle. Sound familiar? Yet RT McIntosh is serviceable and is locked up through the 2012 season. Can you say trade bait? BPA wins out yet again.

 Team Needs:

A strong run-blocking right offensive tackle to pair opposite Branden Albert is urgently needed. A franchise pass-rushing right defensive end to replace the departed Jared Allen is desperately needed. If the Chiefs do not think Tyler Thigpen is their quarterback of the future, then they need to draft a franchise signal caller.

Round 2: Max Unger C /G Oregon

 Chiefs Picks by Round: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th,

4. Seattle Seahawks - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest Could Seattle be the team most likely to move up for Crabtree? Throw in a second and you might have a deal.

Team Needs:
A franchise wide receiver to give any quarterback a chance is desperately needed. A franchise center to anchor the offensive line and invigorate the rushing attack is urgently needed. If Leroy Hill OLB is not resigned, there will be an urgent need for an outside linebacker.

Round 2: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Seahawks Picks by Round: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

5. Cleveland Browns -. Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

Easy position of need to fill with the BPA still on the board? Brain is a pass rushing terror is too hard to pass up.

Team Needs:

The Cleveland Browns desperately need a dominant 3-4 rush outside linebacker as Willie McGinest is 37 and Kamerion Wimbley so far could be called a bust. The Browns also need a franchise corner to pair with Eric Wright.

Round 2: Sean Smith CB/FS Utah

Browns Picks by Round: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Everette Brown, DE /OLB Florida State

Anyone who watched a whole game of the bungles knows defense is a big issue.

Team Needs:

A young franchise defensive tackle is needed to supplant 32-year old John Thornton. A solid starting center to anchor the offensive line is sorely needed. Offensive tackle also needs to be addressed as well as potentially wide receiver depending on what they do with the guys they currently have.

Round 2: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati

Bengals Picks by Round: 1st(6), 2nd(38), 3rd(70), 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

7. Oakland Raiders - Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State

 After senior bowl practice he is being pegged as a cover 2 CB and a great prospect to make the switch to FS. This answers Al davis's desire for a solid #2 CB that may also be the answer to his problems at FS will for once beat out his desire for speed. Huff has not been exactly the apple of Davis eye lately. Trade bait

Team Needs:

A new dominating starting right offensive guard to supplant the very mediocre Cooper Carlisle, a powerful franchise wide receiver to go along with Chaz Schilens and Johnnie Lee Higgins, and a dominating strong side linebacker to add to a linebacking crew that includes Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are urgently needed.

Round 2: Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St.

Raiders Picks by Round: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - .Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Hey this is the Jags and after last years move this would not surprise me at all. Besides he is the best ILB in the draft and Jack lives and dies with his defense. Team Needs:

A new run-stuffing middle linebacker is needed as Mike Peterson and head coach Jack Del Rio can't seem to coexist. The Jaguars interior offensive line is in shambles; two new offensive guards and a new center are urgently needed.

Round 2: Darius Butler CB, Connecticut

 Jaguars Picks by Round: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

9. Green Bay Packers - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College Dom Capers passing a LB/DE that fits his defensive plans? All the 34 defense talk for 2009 starts here. But any great 34 defense starts at NT.

Team Needs:

A hard-working young franchise pass-rushing defensive end and a zone-blocking pass-protecting offensive tackle are the Packers' two most urgent needs. A dominant defensive tackle, a dominant offensive guard, and an upgrade at tight end are also sorely needed. Round 2: William Moore, FS/SS, Missouri

10. San Francisco 49ers - Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia They need a QB big time and well IMO they reach here a bit. Mike Singletary’s love for defense will not cloud his need for an offense.

 Team Needs:

A franchise quarterback to take over from the four-headed flop of Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan, Jamie Martin, and Alex Smith is needed. A franchise corner to play nickel as a rookie and be groomed behind Walt Harris is an urgent need. A rush outside linebacker to pair opposite Manny Lawson is needed as Parys Haralson, Tulley Banta-Cain, and Roderick Green are just garden variety linebackers. A tough old-school strong inside linebacker to be groomed behind Takeo Spikes to eventually pair with Patrick Willis is strongly needed.

Round 2: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

 49ers Picks by Round: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th


 ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/91-2009-mock-draft-i-pre-combine.html OT Behind the measurements: Height vs. Arm Length http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/89-ot-behind-measurements-height-vs-arm-length.html Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:09:07 GMT *Behind the measurements: Height vs. arm length* By National Football Post... Behind the measurements: Height vs. arm length

By National Football Post 3 hours, 49 minutes ago

NFL scouting combine, draft prospects strip down to their underwear and parade in front of scouts and executives in an event known as the weigh-in. This is the first time official heights and weights are taken on each player. However, two other vital pieces of information are also recorded that have just as much importance in determining how “big” a potential NFL prospect will play. Those numbers are reach (the length of a prospect’s arm) and hand size (the length from the pinkie finger to the thumb).


Football is a contact sport in which collisions occur on virtually every play. Most NFL players are asked to win battles at the point of attack, and the players with the biggest frames and longest reaches have a clear advantage when engaging opposing players.



McNeill has been a two-time Pro Bowler for the Chargers.
(Luc Leclerc/US Presswire)





The reach or arm length of an NFL prospect is a key attribute to any position, especially those on the line of scrimmage. However, no position is more crucial when it comes to reach than offensive tackle. To put into perspective how offensive linemen are either helped or hindered by reach, I want to look at two former prospects with similar height/weight numbers whose paths in the NFL have been markedly different.

Offensive tackles Adam Terry of the Baltimore Ravens and Marcus McNeill from the San Diego Chargers are former second-round picks (Terry in 2005, McNeill in 2006) who weighed in during their combine appearances at around 330 pounds. However, the key difference during each player’s weigh-in was the discrepancy in reach. Even at an inch shorter than Terry (6-foot-:cool:, McNeill had the longer reach: 35½ inches; compared to 32¼. So we have two men who are roughly the same size, but McNeill has the length to match and maximize his 6-7 frame. Terry’s length forces him to play like a tackle closer to 6-3.

There are other variables that go into an equation like this, but the fact is, McNeill has been the Chargers’ starting left tackle each of the past three years, while Terry has bounced back and fourth between starter and back up the past four years and looks to be limited to the right tackle position. Again, there are other variables to be considered, but you have to figure the 3-plus-inch reach advantage McNeill has over Terry must be a significant factor why one player has been successful and the other has not.

To put this into perspective, I broke down this year’s top left tackle prospects in order to give you a better idea what linemen have NFL-worthy arm length and what prospects will struggle playing to their listed size. But first, I constructed a range of arm lengths for the OT position in order to put each measurement into context.

“Great” arm length (35-plus inches)
D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets: 35½ inches (2006)
Ryan Clady, Broncos: 36 inches (200:cool:

“Good” arm length (34-34 7/8 inches)
Jammal Brown, Saints: 34¼ inches (2005)
Jeff Otah, Panthers: 34 5/8 inches (200:cool:

“Average” arm length (33-33 7/8 inches)
Michael Roos, Titans: 33 5/8 inches (2005)
Levi Brown, Cardinals: 33 1/8 inches (2007)

“Below average” arm length (32-32 7/8 inches)
Robert Gallery, Raiders: 32¼ inches (2004)
Chris Williams, Bears: 32¾ inches (200:cool:

With an eye toward the 2009 NFL draft class, we can now rank the nation’s top offensive tackles according to their arm length/reach and break down what each measurement means.



Smith’s reach makes up for his relative lack of height.
(John Reed/US Presswire)





Andre Smith, Alabama (6-4, 332), arm length: 35 5/8 inches
Although Smith is a bit short for the position by NFL standards, his length more than makes up for his height. Smith actually plays more like a tackle who is 6-8. He possesses great feet for his size, but he lacks the kind of explosion needed on his kick step to consistently reach the corner vs. speed rushers. However, it’s his length that will allow him to hold his own in pass protection and engage long-armed defensive ends on the outside and drive them off the ball.

William Beatty, Connecticut (6-6, 307), arm length: 34¾ inches
Beatty does a great job getting out of his stance quickly and extending his long arms in pass protection. He showcases impressive hand placement on the outside and is consistently able to engage quickly and keep defensive ends off his body. Beatty possesses the coordination, foot speed and length to man the left tackle spot in the NFL.

Eugene Monroe, Virginia (6-5, 309), arm length: 34 inches
Monroe displays good patience in pass protection and has the length to consistently keep linemen off his body. He does a great job extending his arms and plays even longer than his wingspan indicates. There’s no question in my mind that Monroe has the length and overall athleticism to become one of the top tackles in the NFL the next couple of years.

Jason Smith, Baylor (6-5, 309), arm length: 33¾ inches
Smith relies on his pure athletic ability and body coordination in pass protection, but he also has enough length to keep defenders off his frame. He will play a bit short-armed at times, but that’s more a result of his lacking technique and continued development as a left tackle. He’ll learn to use every bit of his 33¾-inch reach at the next level once he gets some NFL coaching.

Michael Oher, Mississippi (6-5, 309), arm length: 33½ inches
Oher is a big, athletically-gifted tackle who has all physical tools to make it in the NFL. He’s raw from a technique standpoint, and longer arms could help him make up for his consistent false steps and missed assignments. However, 33½ is right around the average length for an NFL starter and is more than enough for Oher to get by.

Eben Britton, Arizona (6-6, 309), arm length: 32½ inches
Britton’s lack of length is a concern for me, especially if teams are looking at him as a left tackle prospect. Britton is a polished pass protector who showcases good technique and does a great job extending his arms and getting every bit out of his 32½- inch reach. However, that length is a concern for a left tackle and could force Britton into a right tackle role on some NFL teams.

Overall, the measurement of a prospect’s arm length is just another tool to help scouts determine the caliber of player they’re evaluating. Arm length helps determine the “true” size of an NFL player and allows scouts to establish how big an offensive lineman can play.

As we said before, there are always exceptions to the rule, and simply measuring the arm length of an offensive tackle will not guarantee success. But when scouting offensive tackles, it’s paramount to consider length/reach in direct correlation to a player’s height and weight.

The National Football Post (www.nationalfootballpost.com) is
__________________
click on adds and help pay the bills! ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/89-ot-behind-measurements-height-vs-arm-length.html <![CDATA[3rd annual get "Drunk and Trade" draft 2009]]> http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/88-3rd-annual-get-drunk-trade-draft-2009.html Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:15:38 GMT *A group of various fans representing various teams annually get together to get some drinking done... A group of various fans representing various teams annually get together to get some drinking done and do a mock draft. Everyone debates each teams pick as clearly as the beer allows. Well this year is now. This year it took 2 days. The mock stops with the first sign of stupidity

Draft day

round 1- 14 (1100 )

Despite all the pre draft crap the saints lose out on the top defensive talent on the board
trade with
14 Miami - Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC:
He will not get past Houston.

Saints get 25, 44

Pick # 25 - CB/FS, Sean Smith, 6040, 210, 4.53, Utah

Round 2

44 and Harper to Dallas
44 Dallas ( Miami / NO ) - 460 - William Moore, SS/FS, 6-0, 223, 4.45, Missouri
to NO 51, 97

51 (390) & 6th in 2010 to Detriot for picks 65, 82

Round 3:

Pick # 65 (Detriot ) – OC - Antoine Caldwell, 6-3, 307, 5.13, Alabama:

Pick # 82 (Detriot ) - SS, Chip Vaughn, 6-1, 221, 4.50, Wake Forest

Round 4:

Pick # 97 (Dallas) – TE - Shawn Nelson, 6-5, 240, 456, Southern Miss

Pick #112 – RB Andre Brown, 6-0, 224, 4.49, N.C. State


Pick #114 – 66 - (NYJ) and Pick #208 – Traded to Denver for 132, 141
Sherrod Martin, CB/FS, Troy

(comp pick for faine)

FS, David Bruton, 6-2, 219, 4.46, Notre Dame

Round 5:

Pick #129 (Detriot ) – OT, Alex Boone, 6-7, 328, 5.17, Ohio State

Pick # 132 (Denver) - WR/KR, Mike Wallace, 6-0, 189, 4.35, Ole Miss:

Pick # 141 (Denver) – OG, Travis Bright, 6-5, 316, 5.29, BYU

Cut/ trade
Deuce McAllister $7.3M
David Patten $3.8M
Mike McKenzie $6.0M
Jason David $2.8M
Kevin Kaesviharn $2.4M
Roman Harper $870K

Sorry we got screwed out of OLB this time around.

Defense:

CB/FS, Sean Smith, 6040, 210, 4.53, Utah
SS, Chip Vaughn, 6-1, 221, 4.50, Wake Forest
FS, David Bruton, 6-2, 219, 4.46, Notre Dame

Secondary get young, taller and faster.

Offense:

OC, Antoine Caldwell, 6-3, 307, 5.13, Alabama
TE, Shawn Nelson, 6-5, 240, 456, Southern Miss
RB Andre Brown, 6-0, 224, 4.49, N.C. State
OT, Alex Boone, 6-7, 328, 5.17, Ohio State
WR/KR, Mike Wallace, 6-0, 189, 4.35, Ole Miss
OG, Travis Bright, 6-5, 316, 5.29, BYU

In order to manage cape we must reduce the $ on the offensive side of the ball.


]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/88-3rd-annual-get-drunk-trade-draft-2009.html Barack Hussein Obama better watch his back http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/86-barack-hussein-obama-better-watch-his-back.html Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:46:03 GMT I am one of the few who asked were the "None of the Above" selection was. Forgetting for a moment why the politicians removed it. "None of the Above" probably would be winning most of elections now-a-days.

I did not vote for him. I voted to keep the system split. Dem's had congress so I could not do it. Never let one group control a thing. They always screw it up, resulting in the tax payers getting screwed. I call it "Bullies in the sand box".

Now that the Dem's are in total control watch them screw this up. Health care will be the first victim. They will attack the dollars spent and not attack the poor quality of health care in the system itself. The insurance companies will get richer and we, the American people, will get a lower quality health care. The republicans would have not done any better. If neither would have had complete control then we might have stood a chance. That is why I voted the the way I did and an example of my view point for that vote. Any how.....

I am proud of the fact this country has elected an African American to office. The fact he is also very knowledgeable about the Moslium faith, Being raised with a Moslium parent maybe good for this country and our foreign affairs as long as the country comes first and religion remains second. We all end up praying to the same God in the end.

Times have changed. Now if the media could change with the times and drop the race card like most of the the voters have, then maybe it will be a true change in the right direction. God, I got tired of the race issue and the funny thing was most of the African American that got interviewed mentioned the historic moment for what it was and seemed to tier of the media person with the mic asking stupid questions over and over again with racial over tones.

The one thing that did bother me was the statement:

Whites finally embracing and doing the right thing.

During the swearing in? Yes in the ceremony itself. That was not a step in the right direction. If the word black was used alone it would have been hell to pay. Much less singling out a particular race has having been wrong all along. One small step for America forward and a giant leap backwards for its people as a whole. There are a few more but why go on and on with each one. This one was ill timed and poorly placed in history. Barack should have his office omit that part from the service no matter who said it.

Is it now time for all the bigots of a minority color to raise their ugly faces and attack those that are white? A bigot is a bigot no matter the color of their skin. Hate is not going to solve a thing no matter how you justify it or how eloquently you put. Hate got us here in the first pace and it is just that, hate.

Calling me by my color and not calling yourself by your color because it offend you, makes a person just as wrong as those the person point out as being a bigots for using that phrase or any other. Hypocrites one and all. Me?, I can live with being called White so I have no problems in saying I am proud a Black Man final made it. Call me a Catholic Euro American if you have too. Sounds totally stupid to me. But give me the same respect you want given to yourself.

Barack is going to get stabbed in the back time and time again by people that are going to use this moment in history, as great as this one is, to vent their own hate.

Barack term as president might end up tainted by the mouths of people who missed the boat all together in the meaning of this moment in our countries history. Then he will have to deal with the flames of ignorance fueled by the main stream media. Remember their only goal is to fatten their own pockets and a divided country will do just that.

We are one nation comprised of one type of people, Americans. Till the time this nation truly accepts this simple ideology we as a nation will not move forward. This may turn into a good thing and those bigots of color finally get a chance to be viewed for what they truly are, bigots and no better than the bigots they are complaining about in the first place. We all know and quickly the identify the white bigots and attack them for what they are already.

It will be up to the American people to attack them in the media as they have attacked others. That is if the main stream media will allow it. Then, just maybe then, will we as a people truly begin to learn to live as one in this country. Never to late to change. Never to late to accept that some people will never change either. Remove them from the spot light so they can not spread their hate and their ideologies of hates any further.

Barack has his work cut out for himself to make this nation accept his dream:

We are one nation comprised of one type of people, Americans. ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/86-barack-hussein-obama-better-watch-his-back.html 2009 NFL Draft: Traded picks http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/85-2009-nfl-draft-traded-picks.html Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:32:26 GMT *1st Round Traded Picks* * The *Philadelphia Eagles* receive the... 1st Round Traded Picks

  • The Philadelphia Eagles receive the Carolina Panthers 2009 1st Round pick, 2008 2nd Round pick (#43 - traded away), and 2008 4th Round pick (#109 - Mike McGlynn) for their 2008 1st Round pick (#19 - Jeff Otah).
  • The Detroit Lions receive the Dallas Cowboys 2009 1st Round, 3rd Round, and 6th Round picks for Roy Williams and a 2010 7th Round pick.

2nd Round Traded Picks

  • 34) New England receive the Kansas City 2009 2nd Round pick (Matt Cassel)
  • The New England Patriots receive the San Diego Chargers 2009 2nd Round pick for their 2008 3rd Round pick (#69 - Jacob Hester).
  • The Miami Dolphins receive the Washington Redskins 2009 2nd Round pick and their 2010 6th Round pick for Jason Taylor.
  • The New York Giants receive the New Orleans Saints 2009 2nd and 5th Round pick for Jeremy Shockey.

3rd Round Traded Picks

  • The Green Bay Packers receive the New York Jets 2009 3rd Round pick for Brett Favre.
  • The Dallas Cowboys receive the Cleveland Browns 2009 3rd Round pick for the Cowboys 2008 4th Round pick (#111 - Martin Rucker).
  • The Detroit Lions receive the Dallas Cowboys 2009 1st Round, 3rd Round, and 6th Round picks for Roy Williams and a 2010 7th Round pick.

4th Round Traded Picks

  • The Dallas Cowboys receive the Detroit Lions 2009 4th Round pick for Dallas's 2008 3rd Round pick (#92 - Cliff Arvil).
  • The New York Jets receive the Washington Redskins 2009 4th Round pick as part of the 2007 trade for Pete Kendall.

5th Round Traded Picks

  • The Atlanta Falcons receive the Oakland Raiders 2009 5th Round pick from the DeAngelo Hall trade.
  • The Philadelphia Eagles receive the Cleveland Browns 2009 5th Round pick for their 2008 6th Round pick (#191 - Paul Hubbard).
  • The New York Giants receive the New Orleans Saints 2009 2nd and 5th Round pick from the Jeremy Shockey trade.
  • The Dallas Cowboys receive the Tennessee Titans 2009 5th Round pick due to Pacman Jones getting suspended. There was a clause in the trade the if Pacman was suspended it would be a 5th Round pick, a 6th Round pick if he wasn't suspended during the year.
  • The Denver Broncos receive the Seattle Seahawks 2009 5th Round pick for Keary Colbert.

6th Round Traded Picks

  • The Dallas Cowboys receive the Miami Dolphins 2009 6th Round pick from the Jason Ferguson trade.
  • The Philadelphia Eagles receive the Minnesota Vikings 2009 6th Round pick from the Kelly Holcomb trade.
  • The Green Bay Packers receive the New Orleans Saints 2009 6th Round pick for their 2008 7th Round pick (#237 - Adrian Arrington).
  • The Chicago Bears receive the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 6th Round pick from the Brian Griese trade.
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive the Chicago Bears 2009 6th Round pick from the Dan Buenning trade.
  • The Detroit Lions receive the Dallas Cowboys 2009 1st Round, 3rd Round, and 6th Round picks for Roy Williams and a 2010 7th Round pick.

7th Round Traded Picks

  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive the Jacksonville Jaguars 2009 7th Round pick and 2008 2nd and 5th Round pick for Tampa's 2008 2nd Round Pick (#52 - Quentin Groves).
  • The Minnesota Vikings receive the Washington Redskins 2009 7th Round pick for DE Erasmus James.
  • The Miami Dolphins receive the Cleveland Browns 2009 7th Round pick for CB Travis Daniels.
  • The Miami Dolphins receive the Carolina Panthers 2009 7th Round pick for QB Josh McCown.
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers receive the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 7th Round pick for OL Sean Mahan.

Conditional Draft Picks

  • The New York Jets are owed a pick from the Denver Broncos from the DT Dewayne Robertson trade.
  • (voided he missed the playing time condition)
  • The Indianapolis Colts are owed a pick from the Philadelphia Eagles from the FB Luke Lawton trade.
  • The Denver Broncos are owed a conditional 7th Round pick from the Atlanta Falcons for CB Dominique Foxworth but the pick higher depending on playing time.
  • The New York Jets receive a conditional 4th Round pick from the New Orleans Saints from the Jonathan Vilma trade. If Vilma resigns with the Saints and if he plays in an 'x' amount of snaps, the Jets would get a 2nd Round pick instead of the 4th.
  • ( they don't have the facts either)
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are owed a 2009 late round pick and a 2010 conditional pick from the Baltimore Ravens for DE Marques Douglas.
]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/85-2009-nfl-draft-traded-picks.html Football 101:Salary Cap, Free Agency and Franchise Tags http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/81-football-101-salary-cap-free-agency-franchise-tags.html Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:46:36 GMT *The NFL salary cap* is calculated by the current CBA to be 59.5% of the total projected league... The NFL salary cap is calculated by the current CBA to be 59.5% of the total projected league revenue for the upcoming year. This number, divided by the number of teams, determines an individual team's maximum salary cap. For 2008, this was approximately $116 million per team. For 2009, a minimum 6% increase raised this number to at least $123 million. For all of you nerds out there, here is the actual mathematical calculation:

Projected revenue x CBA Percentage = Players Share Total Revenue

Players Share minus Projected League wide Benefits =
Amount Available for Player Salaries

Amount Available for Player Salaries / Number of Teams =
Unadjusted Salary Cap per Team

Playing around with the Cap

Remember the not all of the salaries listed count against the cap. Teams and players often find creative ways to fit salaries under the salary cap. Early in the salary cap era, "signing bonuses" were used to give players a large chunk of money up front, and thus not count in the salary for the bulk of the contract. This led to a rule whereby all signing bonus are pro-rated equally for each year of the contract. Thus if a player receives a $10 million signing bonus for a 5 year contract, $2 million per year would count against the salary cap for the life of the contract, even though the full $10 million was paid up front during the first year of the contract.

Player contracts tend to be "back-loaded". This means that the contract is not divided equally among the time period it covers. Instead, the player earns progressively more and more each year. For instance, a player signing a 4-year deal worth $10 million may get paid $1 million the first year, $2 million the second year, $3 million the third year, and $4 million the fourth year. If a team cuts this player after the first year, the final three years do not count against the cap. Any signing bonus, however, ceases to be pro-rated, and the entire balance of the bonus counts against the cap in the upcoming season.

"30% Rule". The "30% Rule" governs veteran contracts that are entered into in a capped year and extend into the final year of the CBA. The rule states that these contracts cannot have an annual increase of more than 30% of the salary, excluding amounts treated as a signing bonus, provided for in the FINAL CAPPED YEAR.

Roster Adjustment

Only the top 51 player salaries for a team count against the salary cap in the offseason. During the season, all player salaries count toward the cap.

Free Agent

A Free Agent is "a player who is not under contract and is free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any NFL Club, without Draft Choice Compensation or any Right of First Refusal." So UFA is free to sign with the highest bidder (or the team of their choice) without that team having to give the original team any kind of compensation. When a player with five or more accrued seasons (or with four or more accrued seasons in any Capped Year) reaches the end of his player contract, he becomes an UFA.

"Exclusive" or "Non-Exclusive" Franchise player

Something that even some of the most knowledgeable sports fans do not realize is that a team has the option of designating a Franchise player with one of two tags: "Exclusive" or "Non-Exclusive".

Any Club that designates a Franchise Player as "Exclusive" shall be the only Club with which that Franchise Player may negotiate or sign a contract. In order to designate an UFA or RFA as an Exclusive Franchise Player, the team must tender the player a one year contract that is the minimum of the average of the five largest salaries (as calculated at the end of the free agency signing period) for players at the position at which he played the most games during the prior year, or 120% of his prior year salary, whichever is greater.

If the team elects to name the player "non-exclusive" then the player shall be permitted to negotiate a contract with any Club as if he were an UFA; however, Draft Choice Compensation of TWO first round draft selections shall be awarded to the prior club in the event that he signs with the new club. For Non-Exlusive Franchise Players, the team must tender the player a one year contract that is the minimum of the average of the five largest PRIOR-YEAR salaries for players at the position at which he played the most games in the prior year, or 120% of his prior year salary, whichever is greater.

If the player elects to play with the prior club (the team that designated him with the Franchise tag) and does not negotiate another contract with that team, then the one year salary is guaranteed. Also, if the prior club elects to withdraw the qualifying offer, the player becomes an UFA.

Each Club can also designate one UFA or RFA as a Transition Player. Additionally, (in the final year of the CBA) each club may, in lieu of designating a Franchise Player, designate an additional Transition Player during the same designation period as the Franchise Player designation period. Whew! What that means is that a team may elect to tag two players with the Transition tag or one Transition Player and one Franchise Player in the final capped year. Any Club that designates a Transition Player shall receive the Rights of First Refusal. In order to designate an UFA or RFA as a Transition Player, the team must tender the player a one year contract for the average of the ten largest prior year salaries for players at the position at which he played the most games during the prior year, or 120% of his prior year salary, whichever is greater.

RFA

A RFA is "any Veteran player with three or more accrued seasons, but less than five accrued seasons (or less than four accrued seasons in any capped year)... At the expiration of his last Player Contract during such period... [the player] shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any club, and any club shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any such player, subject to... certain restrictions." The restrictions are the fun part.

The player's original team maintains the First Refusal Right if the team tenders a contracts of one year at :

$850,000 for players with three seasons
$925,000 with four seasons

A team maintains the Right of First Refusal and Draft Selection at the Player’s Original Draft Round if the team tenders an offer of one year at the same amount(s) listed above OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

The team maintains the Right of First Refusal and Second Round Draft Selection if the team tenders an offer of one year at $1.3 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater -- for players with three accrued seasons, and $1.492 million for players with four accrued seasons in uncapped years.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and First Round Draft Selection if the team tenders an offer of one year at $1.85 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater. For players with four accrued seasons in uncapped years, that figure is $1.975 million.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and First Round Draft Selection and Third Round Draft Selection if the team tenders an offer of one year at $2,350,000 OR at least 110% of the player's prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater. For players with four accrued seasons in uncapped years, the tender is $2,475,000.

In the event a Prior Club withdraws its Qualifying Offer, the RFA immediately becomes an UFA.

There is one other kind of free agent, which isn't really very "free" at all. That is the Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA). Such a player has no more than two accrued seasons in the NFL and may only sign with his prior team, provided, of course, that the team extends a minimum qualifying offer to the player.

Minimum Salary
In 2006 each team had to pay a guaranteed Minimum Team Salary of 84% of the Salary Cap. Each year that percentage goes up by 1.2%, which means that it is 85.2% this season. However, the Minimum Team Salary cannot extend beyond 90% of the Salary Cap. Any shortfall in the Minimum Team Salary at the end of a league year has to be paid, on or before April 15 of the next league year, by the team(s) having such shortfall, directly to the players who were on that team's roster at any time during the season.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League
Ask The Commish.com - Salary Cap FAQ ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/81-football-101-salary-cap-free-agency-franchise-tags.html Where do we stand in Week 8 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/73-where-do-we-stand-week-8.html Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:16:42 GMT Ok its week 8 and we are at the bye week of our schedule. Were do we stand? NFC Team Div... Ok its week 8 and we are at the bye week of our schedule. Were do we stand?

NFC Team Div W L

1. New York Giants NCE 6 1

2. Carolina Panthers NCS 6 2

3. Washington Redskins NCE 6 2

4. Dallas Cowboys NCE 5 3

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers NCS 5 3

6. Arizona Cardinals NCW 4 3

7. Chicago Bears NCN 4 3

8. Philadelphia Eagles NCE 4 3

9. Atlanta Falcons NCS 4 3

10. Green Bay Packers NCN 4 3

11. New Orleans Saints NCS 4 4

12. Minnesota Vikings NCN 3 4

13. Seattle Seahawks NCW 2 5

14. St. Louis Rams NCW 2 5

15. San Francisco 49ers NCW 2 6

16. Detroit Lions NCN 0 7

With all the negative posts you would think the season is over. But one quick look at the standings and you can see we are really out of the thick of things by only one game. The season is not lost!

Who to cheer for? The division of hate is the NFC East. Cheering against them each and every week and you should be safe. Later in the season we can start being picky. Till then we want them to lose. Right now it looks like the road to the Super Bowl will go through NY. So I guess Eli and the giants are really the only NFC East team to cheer for.


Washington has a tough 5 weeks up coming with a Bye sandwiched in there. Pit, Dal, NYG and @ Bal are all upcoming. But most are at home.

Dallas has an easier road of it till the final 4 games of the season. @Pit, NYG, Bal and @ Phi. To close out the season.

Philli has a tough schedule but the scheduling gods were nice about it. They seem to have no really tough games back to back until the end of the season when they finish the year @ Wash and Dallas.

There is no need to cheer for the Panthers, Bucs and Falcons unless they are beating up on each other. We will deal with those as the season unfolds.

A six game winning streak would be perfect. Only the game in KC is with a team not in the playoff mix at or above .500. Atlanta (twice), Green Bay, Tampa and the Bears all must handled by us. In the playoff picture those are the key tie breakers in the standings and must wins!
This all fun and stuff but in reality there is one thing besides getting healthy that we need to do. In week 10:

BEAT THE FALCONS


So let’s see what we need to happen this week since we are byed out of the schedule:

DET @ CHI upset
TB @ KC upset
HOU @ MIN Possible Houston win here
ARI @ STL Rams are hot and a loss would give us some breathing room
GB @ TEN Tenn
DAL @ NYG I am giving the NYG the NFC east so NYG
ATL @ OAK upset
PHI @ SEA upset
PIT @ WAS Steelers

So really baring any upsets we can make up ground with GB, Dal and Wash. Put some space between us and Minn, STL. Any upsets will be more than welcomed.

Week 10 is could be a fun week standings wise. So till then the battle cry is:

BEAT THE FALCONS
]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/73-where-do-we-stand-week-8.html Man O Man I love the Summer Olympics http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/65-man-o-man-i-love-summer-olympics.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:34:13 GMT Watching the Olympics

Today's coverage of the Olympics by the major sporting channels can leave you yearning for the old Wide World of Sports. Coverage is pretty lame to say the least. I understand the stress on American athletes but it leaves you wanting the old days when every country and every sport was covered fairly. Well thank God HD cable has more channels covering the Olympics so I can catch these lesser athletes in those lesser sports perform. Sorry compete.

Brazilian Synchronized Swimming Bia And Branca Feres




Paraguayan Track & Field (Javelin) Leryn Franco




Brazilian Beach volleyball Camillinha Saldanha






What do we have to look forward to 4 years

American Track & Field ( Pole Vaulter) Allison Stokke



Watching college track and field just keeps getting better and better. She just missed the qualifying height but she is just a freshman.

Politics and Olympics

The Irish take on our elections


An email from Ireland to all of their brethren in the States...a point to ponder despite your political affiliation:
'We, in Ireland , can't figure out why you people are even bothering to hold an election in the United States
On one side, you had a pants wearing female lawyer, married to another lawyer who can't seem to keep his pants on, who just lost a long and heated primary against a lawyer, who goes to the wrong church, who is married to yet another lawyer, who doesn't even like the country her husband wants to run !
Now...On the other side, you have a nice old war hero whose name starts with the appropriate 'Mc' terminology, married to a good looking younger woman who owns a beer distributorship !!
What in God's name are ya lads thinkin over in the colonies !

I like their take on this one. ]]> hagan714 http://blackandgold.com/blogs/hagan714/65-man-o-man-i-love-summer-olympics.html