Carolina Crux

Cam Newton has had plenty of ups and downs this season.

The Carolina Panthers are missing something.

They have a star quarterback.  They have a solid running attack.  They have an elite wide receiver, and another who continues to improve.  They have a reliable tight end.  They have a less than average offensive line, a dominant up-and-coming front seven, and one of the top secondaries in the NFL.

They are also 3-9.

So what is missing?
While their season-ending injuries have piled up (most notably C Ryan Kalil, LB Jon Beason, and CB Chris Gamble), teams have in the past overcome this adversity with a solid roster and even won championships, such as the 2010 Green Bay Packers.  So does that mean the primary factor the Carolina Panthers are missing is depth?  Doubtful.  The defense, which has taken most of the hits from injuries, continues to be stout with the physical, aggressive play of rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly, whom many consider the heir to Beason, and fellow rookie back-up cornerback Josh Norman, who has the second most solo tackles on the team and has shown many signs of success.

So what is missing?
Could an x factor be the answer?  Excluding week three against the Giants and week ten against the Broncos, all of Carolina's losses have been by six points or less.  Could it simply be that the Panthers cannot pull off a clutch game-winning drive?  Possibly.  Points-based however, it is inconsistent.  In four of the Panthers losses, they scored more or the same amount of points in the fourth quarter as their opponents.  Perhaps they aren't starting games off on the right foot.  This could be.  In all nine losses, they have been outscored a whopping 110 to 72 in the first half.  Of those three wins they have, the Panthers have outscored their opponents in the first half 31 to 49.  These statistics prove that beginning games poorly is a definite issue for the Carolina Panthers.

Ron Rivera's job is in jeopardy.

The final piece that could be a cause for the Panthers' woes is the front office and coaching staff.  The mid-season firing of long-time GM Marty Hurney and the recent firing of Special Teams Coordinator Brian Murphy show that the rebuilding process of this team is still in motion.  Many fans have said Ron Rivera is the problem.  Looking at what he did as a Defensive Coordinator in San Diego however makes you remember why he was hired in the first place, and as a young Head Coach, he too is in the learning process.


When a team uses that dreaded 'r' word(rebuilding), the timeline varies immensely.  The Indianapolis Colts have done it in less than a year.  The Detroit Lions have taken nearly a lustrum, and some say they are still in the process.  With one of the most enigmatic seasons in recent memory, the Carolina Panthers have gone from what was supposed to be a playoff contender to a team struggling to answer this question:

So what is missing?

Rookie In-Season Profile: Bobby Wagner

At Utah State, he called every single defensive play.  He currently leads all NFL rookies in tackles.  Fellow Seattle Seahawk Michael Robinson call him a "baby Patrick Willis".

Rookie linebacker Bobby Wagner is one of the many young leaders in a fierce, fresh Seahawks defense that currently ranks 5th in rushing yards against and total yards against, and 3rd in points against.  Although he is a bit small for a linebacker at 6'0", Wagner's 241lb. muscular frame is built perfectly for the middle linebacker position, as he has a low center of gravity and therefore very strong balance that allows him to hit the line hard and fast.  He impressed many scouts at the NFL Rookie Combine, running a 4.46 40-yard dash and nailing a 39 1/2" vertical.  He is strong both physically and mentally, and has a rare awareness of everything that goes on all over the field.
Wagner has 62 tackles, tied with A.J. Hawk for 15th in the league and one ahead of fellow rookie tackling-machine Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers, who was drafted 38 spots ahead of him.  Many of these tackles are consistently in the backfield, as he has a knack for stuffing backs at the line and running down backs who get to the outside.  Bobby Wagner, with his strong leadership and physical skills, is seen by many as the future captain of this tough new defense.

Bobby Wagner stretches before his NFL preseason debut at CenturyLink Field.

The Seattle Seahawks defense is now considered a major threat each and every snap.  It is one of the youngest starting corps. in all the NFL, with a knock-out secondary that includes CB Richard Sherman(6'3"), CB Brandon Browner(6'4"), SS Kam Chancellor(6'3"), and FS veteran Earl Thomas.  The front seven are made up of strong pass-rushers and intimidating linebackers, led by Chris Clemons, Bruce Irvin, K.J. Wright, and Bobby Wagner.  All these names excluding Clemons and Thomas are either rookies or second-year players.  This extraordinary group of defenders will continue to grow and develop into one of the most dominant defenses of the new decade.

Under the Offensive Radar

While offense continues to be on the rise in the NFL, there are many defenses with elite players that go unnoticed.  Here are the three most underrated defensive players in the NFL; the most underrated defensive lineman, linebacker, and secondary player.
(side note: it is purely a coincidence that they all are in their 4th season in the NFL.)


Michael Johnson, Defensive End, Cincinnati Bengals

Johnson(#93) sacks Redskins QB Robert Griffin III.  With the emergence of
Johnson, DTs Domata Peko and Geno Atkins, and DE Carlos Dunlap, the Bengals
defensive line has become one for opposing quarterbacks to fear.

After being considered an average defensive end for the first three years of his career, Michael Johnson has burst into top defensive lineman talks-- and burst through offensive lines.  He already has as many sacks(6) in the first seven games of this season than he did in all 16 games last season, tied for 5th in the league.  Only three of the players ahead of him in that stat also have more tackles than him, and those three are J.J. Watt, Clay Matthews, and DeMarcus Ware.  At 6'7", 270 lbs., Johnson is extremely athletic, and uses his strong, long arms to swim around or push through offensive tackles, similar to a Jason Pierre-Paul.  If he continues to impress throughout this season, opponents' offensive coordinators are in trouble.


Dannell Ellerbe, Middle Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
When Ravens legendary All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis fell to a triceps tear and was considered out for the remainder of the 2012 season and probably more, many would say it marked the end of a defensive era in Baltimore.  The torch may be passed on to a once mediocre backup, who I believe has what it takes to keep it burning.  Dannell Ellerbe went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft, and was picked up in free agency by the Ravens.  He made an impression as a solid tackler, and played in 33 games his first three years.  This season, he as played in all seven games and has 43 tackles, 3rd on the team, to show for it.  Add 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble to that and you have the beginnings of a star linebacker.  While a tad on the short side(6'1"), Ellerbe makes up for it with his fierce, aggressive play.  A vicious but clean hitter, perhaps best displayed when he knocked out Browns KR Josh Cribbs in week 6, Ellerbe also has the traits of a fearless yet intelligent leader.  So far this season, the once stiff Ravens defense has been a misery to watch.  Dannell Ellerbe can bring them back to a force that is feared every Sunday.

Jairus Byrd, Free Safety, Buffalo Bills
Coming out of Oregon, Jairus Byrd possessed and still possesses all the traits of a safety that defensive coordinators dream about; hard hitting, fast, plays to the ball.  Yet somehow, even after his monster 9-interception rookie season, Byrd seems to dodge any conversation involving the best safeties in the NFL.  I have always considered him the best player on the Bills defense, and I still do with newly-acquired sack-machine Mario Williams in the trenches.  He continues to add to his picks total, already snagging three this season, tied for second in the league.  The only safety that has taken more passes away this year than Byrd is Falcons FS Thomas DeCoud (who made a strong case himself to be placed here instead of Byrd).  However, Byrd's other stats resemble more of a linebacker, with 37 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.  Although only 5'10", this can-do-anything Safety is more like an anchor for the Bills defense than an afterthought.

Jairus Byrd was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in week 6 for his 2-interceptions performance versus the
Arizona Cardinals.

Rookie In-season Profiles:Trent Richardson and Daryl Richardson

I have decided to make this season's first installment of Rookie In-season Profiles about two players rather than one.  Both rookies are running backs with bright futures in the NFL.  Both came from Florida.  Both have a head full of dreadlocks.  Both are named Richardson.  But that's about where the similarities end between Browns star running back Trent Richardson and Rams back-up running back Daryl Richardson.

Trent Richardson is the anchor of a new-look Cleveland

Browns offense.

Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson seems destined to succeed in the NFL.  He played high school football at Escambia HS in Pensacola, Florida, the same town and school at which NFL great Emmitt Smith attended.  He tore through SEC defenses as a star running back of the Alabama Crimson Tide, arguably the best football factory in NCAA history, and helped the already storied school win two BCS National Championships in 2010 and 2012.  Drafted third overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, he has already been stamped as the first step in leading the Cleveland Browns out of their decades long misery--  and as becoming the franchise's best running back since Jim Brown.

Trent didn't make it to the NFL purely on his connections and his past.  He excels at the bump-and-run style of play, which requires a combination of strength and quickness, dodging one defender and running over the next.  Over the weekend in Cincinnati,  he had 19 carries for 109 yards and a rushing touchdown, and caught four passes for 36 yards, including a 23 yard catch and run for a touchdown that could be used as a video definition for his rare technique.  At 5'9" and 230 lbs.(a vast majority of it muscle), Trent is in perfect condition to be a true feature power back in the NFL.

Daryl Richardson could be the St. Louis Rams next
feature running back.

Daryl Richardson

As the 7th round, 252nd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Daryl Richardson wasn't necessarily expected to make the St. Louis Rams 53-man roster.  Fortunately, he made plenty of plays in the preseason and survived the cuts.  The Rams are glad he did.  This previous weekend versus the Washington Redskins, filling in for a temporarily injured Steven Jackson, a man 4 inches taller than him and nearly 50 lbs. heavier, Daryl ran 15 times for 83 yards and had two receptions for 19 yards.  He used speed rather than power to make cuts and long bursts like this 53 yard scamper.  Steven Jackson seems to be fine and is back as the primary runner for now, but in his 9th season in the NFL, it must be a big plus for the Rams to know they already have found his predecessor.

Daryl also grew up in Florida, but instead of going to a big name college for football, he enrolled at a small Division II Lone Star Conference school called Abilene Christian University.  Brother of Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott who also attended ACU, Daryl was honorable mention All-LSC his junior and final year as a Wildcat before entering the NFL Draft.  If he keeps up his production, he will most definitely be the future of the St. Louis Rams running attack.

While the passing game is becoming an ever more central part of NFL offenses, the running game slowly dwindles.  However, as long as players get faster and stronger, the running back position will remain a solid, time-honored centerpiece to many teams.  These two stars of the backfield are only going to help it shine brighter in the ever-changing National Football League.

2012 NFL Season Predictions

Here are my predictions for the 2012 NFL Season:

-NFC NORTH                        -NFC SOUTH

 Packers    (13-3)                    Saints        (9-7)

 Vikings    (2-14)                    Falcons       (12-4)

 Bears       (13-3)                    Panthers     (8-8)

 Lions       (9-7)                    Buccaneers  (5-11)

-NFC EAST                            -NFC WEST

 Cowboys  (8-8)                       49ers        (10-6)

 Giants      (12-4)                     Cardinals   (1-15)

 Eagles      (10-6)                     Seahawks  (11-5)

 Redskins   (6-10)                     Rams        (5-11)

-AFC NORTH                         -AFC SOUTH

 Ravens       (10-6)                  Colts           (6-10)

 Bengals      (10-6)                  Texans         (14-2)

 Steelers      (11-5)                  Titans          (5-11)

 Browns       (2-14)                  Jaguars       (6-10)

-AFC EAST                            -AFC WEST

 Patriots      (13-3)                  Chargers      (8-8)

 Jets           (4-12)                   Raiders        (3-13)

 Dolphins    (3-13)                   Broncos       (10-6)

 Bills           (9-7)                    Chiefs         (8-8)

PACKERS SCHED.

-wk 1: vs. SF---W

-wk 2: vs. CHI-W

-wk 3: @SEA---W

-wk 4: vs. NO-W

-wk 5: @IND---W

-wk 6: @HOU--L

-wk 7: @STL--W

-wk 8: vs. JAC----W

-wk 9: vs. ARI--W

-wk 10: BYE

-wk 11: @DET---L

-wk 12: @NYG---W

-wk 13: vs. MIN---W

-wk 14: vs. DET---W

-wk 15: @CHI---L

-wk 16: vs. TEN-W

-wk 17: @MIN--W

-NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers

-NFL Offensive POY: Arian Foster

-NFL Defensive POY: Patrick Willis

-NFL Offensive ROY: Russell Wilson

-NFL Defensive ROY: Luke Kuechly
-NFL Comeback POY: Peyton Manning
-NFL Coach Of the Year: Pete Carroll

DIVISION LEADERS:

AFC                                  NFC

-Texansxyz*                        -Bearsxyz*

-Patriotsxyz                        -Falconsxyz

-Steelersxy                         -Giantsxy

-Broncosxy                         -Seahawksxy

WILD CARD TEAMS:

AFC                                  NFC

-Ravensx                           -Packersx

-Bengalsx                          -Eaglesx

(x:wild card, xy:divison, xyz:1st-rnd bye, xyz*:home-field advantage)

(team thats under the other team is the home team for wild card and division games only)

Wild Card                Division             Conference            SUPER BOWL

   Packers               _Packers_                              

  Seahawks               Bears                _Giants 

                        NFC                                          vs.                  _Packers  

_Eagles                _Giants                  Packers

_Giants                _Falcons

                                                                 2012 NFL Champion: Houston Texans

_Ravens                _Ravens_

 Broncos                _Texans_              Texans  

                      AFC                                          vs.                  _Texans  

 Bengals                 Steelers                Patriots  

 Steelers                 Patriots  

Training Camp Report: Remaining Free Agents

With the recent signings of Terrell Owens to the Seahawks and Keith Brooking and Jim Leonhard to the Broncos, the free agency pool is thinning.  Here's where I believe some remaining big-name FAs will be headed (or won't be) in order, starting with the best.

Cedric Benson had 227 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns in 2 games against the Browns last year.

Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson is the best free agent left.  He's the definition of a workhorse back, who grinds it out to the end of every play.  He's had three straight seasons of 1,000 rushing yards, and had the Steelers and the Ravens in his division. While he may have some off the field issues, I would pick him up in a second if I was a GM.  In a radio interview, Benson got very emotional about his situation, saying he misses football and just wants to play.  Even with the NFL becoming more and more of a passing league, there are still a few teams who are in need of exactly what Benson would bring to the table.  The Raiders seem to be the lead suitor so far, and with their newly acquired Mike Goodson injured, CedBen might be headed to Oakland after all.  However, for some reason I can't figure out, this strong veteran still remains without a home.
potential suitors:  Raiders, Packers, Jets, Redskins

Ryan Grant
Ryan Grant only had 559 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns last season, although to be fair he was lining up behind Aaron Rodgers.  He shows spurts of athleticism here and there, but it seems he has lost his explosiveness he used to have a few years ago.  Like Cedric Benson though, there seem to be many teams still looking for a running back to at least split carries with someone, something Ryan Grant seems willing to do.
potential suitors: Lions, Raiders, Jets, Colts

Plaxico Burress
As one of the more risky free agents available this offseason, Plaxico Burress is still without a team.  His eight  touchdown receptions last season seem to be a fluke.  He isn't as strong as he used to be, isn't as dynamic, and definitely isn't as fast.  He is also reportedly asking for too much money to be played only as a 3rd or 4th receiving option, which is all he'll probably be.  The only way he will get back in the NFL is if he lowers that price floor.
potential suitors: Steelers, Bills, Jets, Cowboys

In 2011, Jeremy Shockey had his best ypc average(12.3) 

since 2005.

Jeremy Shockey
Jeremy Shockey has made many great free agent decisions in the past, winning two championships with two different teams.  Now he has another choice to make.  The Panthers still seem to want him, and his price is the same as it was for them a year ago, but Shockey's stats have dropped since a year ago.  Granted he was sharing snaps with tight end Greg Olsen, but 455 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns with 2 fumbles in 2011 isn't enough for the new Cam-led Panthers.  He had a meeting with the Eagles scheduled, but that has been delayed.  If Philadelphia decides they want him however, and he decides they want him, it would be another great move by the tough, eagle-tattoo bearing tight end, and could, possibly, win him another ring.
potential suitors: Eagles, Vikings


Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai's situation in the NFL has to have been at least somewhat frustrating.  After being thought of as a last resort player in Indianapolis, he goes to a new team, New England, which happens to not really have much of a rushing game either.  He is getting more and more injury prone, and after being signed and then quitting on the Patriots this offseason (a team somewhat in need of a running back with the departure of Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis, although Stevan Ridley seems to be proving my earlier article correct), Addai could be watching football games this season on the TV, rather than from the sidelines.
potential suitors: Lions

Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb had 1,026 passing yards in six games last year with the Vikings.  That's an average of 171 passing yards per game.  The once great Eagles quarterback now seems almost unrecognizable on the field, but is making sure he gets recognized off the field with his many rants and negative quotes.  With more and more young and promising quarterbacks coming out of the draft, McNabb may have difficulty finding a team that wants his advice and skills.
potential suitors: Cardinals

Mike Sims-Walker
The Tennessee Titans worked out the 6'2" wideout about two weeks ago, and based on the absence of offers, it seems like it didn't go too well.  With his motivation on the field waning, his skills lacking, and an increasing abundance of receivers in the NFL, his days at least as a starter seem to be over.
potential suitors: Titans, Texans

Charlie Peprah had 2 interceptions, this one returned for a
touchdown, in week 9 of 2011 against the Chargers.

Charlie Peprah
Peprah has yet to get any looks from teams after being released by the Green Bay Packers in late July.  He is very hit or miss in coverage, is a less than average tackler, but insists that he'll be back on the field, and I would love to see him there.  Even with the lack of fame, you would expect there to be some kind of market for someone who has had seven interceptions over the past two seasons.
potential suitors: Buccaneers, Eagles, Lions


Aaron Kampman
After some great seasons in Green Bay, Aaron Kampman signed a 4-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  He tore his ACL after appearing in eight games for them in 2010, and other injuries kept him sidelined for most of 2011.  Unfortunately, 10-year veteran Kampman has probably set his last foot on the gridiron.
potential suitors: none

Training Camp Report: Wide Receiver Battles

While most media-covered position battles are at the QB position, many NFL teams this offseason have receivers that are fighting for the number one spot on the WR depth chart.  Here are 8 of the tighter matchups, with predictions as to who will come out on top.
(Player name: Ht, Wt, 2011 season stats)

Baltimore Ravens

Anquan Boldin vs. Torrey Smith

Boldin: 6' 1", 220lbs, 57 receptions, 887 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs

Torrey Smith catches his first of three TDs 

in week 3 of the 2011 season.

Anquan Boldin is the more physical and more experienced of the two.  He has strong hands and excellent body control.  However, he seems to be declining in terms of speed and raw power.

Smith: 6'0", 205lbs, 50 receptions, 841 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
Torrey Smith had many bursts throughout last season, most notably that three-touchdown performance against the Rams in week three.  He plays taller than he is, but doesn't have the surest of hands.  His speed is exceptional and he has a yearn for the endzone.

Conclusion
Both of these play-makers could be a number one wide receiver on a lesser team, but Smiths flash and youthfulness should propel him ahead of Boldin and could make him the Ravens go-to guy through the air for the next five seasons.
Edge: Torrey Smith

Green Bay Packers

Greg Jennings vs. Jordy Nelson

Jennings: 5'11", 198lbs, 67 receptions, 949 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Greg Jennings has unpredictable route running skills and very soft hands.  While his height may be an issue at times, he finds many ways to get to the ball in time.  He can be a leader and a strategist and take apart a secondary.

Jordy Nelson hauls in a catch over Saints DB

 Patrick Robinson in the 2011 season opener.

Nelson: 6'3", 217lbs, 68 receptions, 1,263 receiving yards, 15 receiving TDs

Jordy Nelson is incredibly strong for a wide receiver.  He is surprisingly fast and unsurprisingly durable.  For a few plays a game, he can be rather stiff, but his reach makes up for it most of the time.

Conclusion

This is a much more lopsided comparison statistically last season, but many scouts believe Greg Jennings will be back to full power at the start of this season after a few scary dings last year.  However, I am a big fan of tall receivers(who isn't), and as great as Jennings will be, I feel Jordy Nelson could be a top five WR when the 2012 season comes to a close.

Edge: Jordy Nelson

Atlanta Falcons

Roddy White vs. Julio Jones

White: 6'0", 211lbs, 100 receptions, 1,296 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Roddy White is a terror for one on one situations downfield, as he is both physical and quick.  He uses his hands extremely well, both in catching the ball and in losing coverage.  He, like Torrey Smith, plays taller than he is.  Using his wrestling experience, he is can be an expert after the catch.

Jones: 6'3", 220lbs, 54 receptions, 959 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Also a strong YAC player, Julio Jones has a knack for splitting defenders using his speed and decisiveness.  He doesn't slow down on long plays, and is a terrific route-runner.  He is very similar to his mentor who lines up across the field from him.

Julio Jones(left) and Roddy White could be considered the 

top wide receiver duo in the NFL.

Conclusion
While Jones is considerably taller than White, I believe they are the most similar duo on this list of elite receivers, making this matchup the toughest to decide.  They both posses the deadly combo of strength and speed, and are very good at working together to destroy a defensive gameplan.  Matt Ryan is very fortunate to have not one but two #1 receivers, and could use them to make a strong championship run in 2012.
Edge: Tie

 

New England Patriots

Wes Welker vs. Brandon Lloyd

Welker: 5'9", 185lbs, 122 receptions, 1,569 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs

Wes Welker holds many Patriots receiving records, 

and is just 4 receptions away from getting the most 

receptions in franchise history.

Wes Welker  is one of the smallest receivers in the NFL.  While this makes his cover area less than desirable, it also makes him incredibly quick and tough to take down.  He can contort his body to make plays, and has ball-magnets for hands.  His title as the King of YAC was crowned on him for a reason.

Lloyd: 6'0", 200lbs, 51 receptions, 683 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs
While last year was far below expectations for Brandon Lloyd, he should bounce back strong with his new pass-happy team.  He excels at deep plays, something the Patriots wide receiving corps has been lacking since the departure of Randy Moss.  While not the strongest player on the field, he has the potential to make spectacular catches.

Conclusion
As the previous battle was the closest, this is probably the farthest apart.  Wes Welker has been and still is Tom Brady's go-to guy in New England.  However, Brandon Lloyd adds the new threat of a true downfield receiver, which will just make life tougher for all defensive backs playing the Patriots this upcoming season.
Edge: Wes Welker

New York Giants

Victor Cruz vs. Hakeem Nicks

Victor Cruz leaps past Jets DB Eric Smith on his way 

to a 99 yard receiving TD, the 2nd in the 2011 NFL 

season (the 1st going to Welker) and 13th ever in 

NFL history.

Cruz: 6'0", 204lbs, 82 receptions, 1,536 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Victor Cruz had nine catches of 40+ yards last season, 2nd only to Calvin Johnson.  He is small and quick to the ball, with great hands and a very flexible torso, which makes for some very entertaining displays of body control and focus.  His toughness is there, although his strength may be lacking.

Nicks: 6'1", 208lbs, 76 receptions, 1,192 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
At only one inch taller than Cruz, Hakeem Nicks plays like he is five inches taller.  While his hands are above average, he uses his arms as the secret weapons.  He utilizes them in a way that confuses the cover man and forces that cover man to lose focus on the ball.  His vertical rivals that of Brandon Marshall.  His energy and stamina are a bit slow.

Conclusion
Victor Cruz danced his way to the top of the depth chart at the end of last season and into the postseason, and it looks like it will continue that way.  He is 2nd on my list of top WRs in the NFL, and shows no signs of slowing down.  While these two maybe the most dangerous one-two punch on this list, Cruz is the new dominant receiver for Eli Manning and the New York Football Giants.
Edge: Victor Cruz

Dallas Cowboys

Dez Bryant vs. Miles Austin

Bryant: 6'2", 220lbs, 63 receptions, 928 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Dez Bryant has had many issues off and on the field.  His lack of enthusiasm on certain plays is similar to Terrell Owens' a few years ago, although less dramatic.  On plays he does attempt to make, his strength puts the outcome in his hands.  He can be very fundamental when it comes to catching, something many receivers seem to lack.

Miles Austin dives into the endzone in the 4th quarter for his 3rd receiving 

TD of the day in week 2 of the 2011 season.  This brought the Cowboys 

within a field goal of tying the 49ers, and they ultimately won it in overtime.

Austin: 6'2", 217lbs, 43 receptions, 579 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
Miles Austin is the Cowboys' cowboy.  He has a rowdy yet almost charismatic personality on the field and the sideline.  He is a smooth and agile route runner, and has a natural feel for the catch.  His durability can be an issue.

Conclusion
Dez Bryant seems to be the favorite to win the X receiver position for the Cowboys, even with his off the field troubles.  However, Miles Austin will not go down easily, and I feel he has the better skill set and mental thoughts that will have him coming out on top.
Edge: Miles Austin

San Francisco 49ers
Michael Crabtree vs. Randy Moss

Crabtree: 6'1", 214lbs, 72 receptions, 874 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
Michael Crabtree has a solid mix of determination and raw talent that assisted him at Texas Tech and now in the NFL for the past three years.  He is skilled at moving around defenders, and can show hints of a showmanship that could match up against any receiver.  Considered a strong playmaker, he has the potential to lead this new receiving corps.

Michael had 7 receptions for 120 yards 

in the Niners week 11 win against the 

Cardinals.

Moss: 6'4", 210lbs, N/A
Randy Moss didn't play football at all last season.  Before his 'retirement', he had a fierce aggressiveness about him, and a strong downhill speed.  His awareness was matched with a solid football IQ.  Whether or not this is all still with him after a year off the field is a mystery.

Conclusion
Neither Michael Crabtree nor Randy Moss had an orthodox first half of their career in the NFL.  Now however Crabtree is starting to be loved by his city, and this can only increase his will to push himself to the next level.  How Moss will do is still tough to decipher, but one thing is for sure; he will take away coverage from the other side.  As the question marks get taken off Crabtree's back, he should become the premier wide receiver for the 49ers of the future.
Edge: Michael Crabtree

Best wide receiver duo: Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks
Note:  I wasn't planning on including wide receiver groups where there's an obvious number one, i.e. the Lions (Calvin Johnson), the Bears (Brandon Marshall), etc.  These two in my opinion together create the best receiving duo based on how talented both of them are.


Here are many others to watch for:

Jets-Santonio Holmes vs. Stephen Hill

Jaguars-Justin Blackmon vs. Laurent Tobinson

Broncos-Eric Decker vs. Demaryius Thomas

Redskins-Pierre Garcon vs. Santana Moss

Buccaneers-Vincent Jackson vs. Mike Williams

Raiders-T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Denarius Moore
update 8/08/12: Seahawks-Terrell Owens vs. Sidney Rice

As training camp begins and the regular season gets one step closer, these matchups will surely mold many different ways.  Three other teams have primary receivers in contract disputes(Steelers Mike Wallace, Chiefs Dwayne Bowe, Vikings Percy Harvin), and many are still holding tryouts for free agents.

NFL Scouting Report: Matt Barkley Will Shine in the NFL

Matt Barkley says "I'm your man" to the Arizona Cardinals.

With the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select, Matt Barkley, Quarterback, USC.

All Matt Leinart jokes aside, the Trojan Matt Barkley will be the fourth consecutive QB to be picked first in the NFL Draft and the 12th in 15 years.  Although there are only three Super Bowl Rings between those 11 QBs before him (all three owned by the Mannings), the recent success of the previous few first pick gunslingers (Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, and Cam Newton) definitely shows that it's well worth the risk for Arizona.
The Cardinals, who finished last season with an average record of 8-8, are in need of a true franchise quarterback.  Kevin Kolb and John Skelton were swapped three times throughout 2011.  Both finished below 2,000 passing yards, 82.0 in QB rating, and only Kolb had more touchdowns than picks(Kolbs 9/8 to Skeltons 11/14).  This is doomed to continue into next year, only adding a third QB in rookie Ryan Lindley to the mix.  With the combination of this gloomy three-headed mess, an aging defense, and a consistently inconsistent running game, Arizona will hit the ground hard next season, only to look up and see their luminary.
At 6'2" and 220lbs., Barkley is a little on the short side for an NFL quarterback, but that hasn't stopped him from having two out of three stellar years at the football factory USC.  From his freshman season to his junior, Barkley has:

Larry Fitzgerald hasn't reached double digit touchdown 

receptions since Kurt Warner retired at the end of the 2009

season. 

• added almost 1,000 passing yards
• increased his completion percentage by 10%
• nearly tripled his passing touchdowns
• halved his interceptions thrown

Matt Barkley Career Stats
Season  CMP  ATT   YDS   CMP%  TDs INTs
2011    308  446  3,528  69.1  39  07
2010    236  377  2,791  62.6  26  12
2009    211  352  2,735  59.9  15  14



Barkley's 2011 season stats look Aaron Rodgers-esque.  His unusually rapid progression should continue, even without the talented Matt Kalil protecting him.  While good college numbers don't always translate into success at the professional level, Barkley will have the necessary tools in him and around him to not just survive, but thrive in the NFL.  The legendary Larry Fitzgerald and newly-acquired Michael Floyd will be yearning for a ball to finally hit them right in the chest.  Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt, although he has used veteran QBs for all of his five years with the team, could use a witty young gunslinger with an accurate and strong arm to turn things around.

I know it's nearly a year away.  Arizona may not even have the first pick in the draft.  Barkley could get injured his senior year.  Many possible events could throw this off.  This is simply what I believe to be a very educated guess as to what could happen.  The Cardinals find their hero, and Fitzy could be fitting himself for a long-awaited, well-deserved ring in 2014.

NFL Scouting Report: RGIII is Real

Robert Griffin dominated defenders by knowing how to best utilize his talents.  

Robert Griffin III is the best QB in the draft.  His rare combination of pocket passing skill and mobility is a prize that comes along only a few times every decade.  This year, the Redskins will take the prize.  I'm not saying that Luck will be a total bust, but like I said in an earlier post, he will not flourish in the NFL as much as people are planning on.  The great Steve Young recently dropped this bit of wisdom on Andrew Luck at his pro day; "In college, everyone's open.  In the NFL, no one's open."  The element preventing Luck from becoming a star in the NFL will be the fact that you cannot fully truly predict how a passer will do at the professional game until they are in fact in it.  Griffin's ability to move around the pocket, throw an accurate deep pass, and run for the first down will all help him adjust in whatever way he needs to make plays in the National Football League.

Beware Da Bears

I am a Green Bay Packers fan, and for the first time in at least 4 years, I am genuinely worried about the Chicago Bears.

Marshall will have to play the Packers
twice a year now with his new team.

So far, the free agency period has been rather average with the exception of one certain big name. There's no new "dream team", and a few teams have definitely "lost" this 32-team matching game.  The Chicago Bears seem to be one of the organizations that truly used this FA period to better their team.

Of the 5 major new players the team picked up, the biggest name is clearly WR Brandon Marshall.  With a 6'4" 230lb. frame, The Beast as some call him is a terror downfield for cornerbacks.  He possesses incredible body control, and has the sixth sense of knowing exactly where to be when the ball is thrown his way.  At 28 years of age, he still has at least another 5-7 years left, and with the speedster Johnny Knox on the other side, this is now one of the best if not THE best WR tandem in the league.

Next on the list is a beast in a different sense.  Michael Bush seems like he will do anything to get that extra yard, whether its plowing someone over or, well, plowing someone over.  Bush had his best stats ever in the 2011 season, with 977 rushing yards, 418 receiving yards and 8 total TDs.  He is the perfect compliment to Matt Forte, a slowly-turning-superhuman scatback with speed.

At 6'1", 245 lbs., Michael Bush is one of the biggest power backs in the NFL.

The additions of OLB Blake Costanzo, QB Jason Campbell, and WR Eric Weems are also extremely helpful in creating a well-rounded football team, where now their only weakness has been their biggest weakness for a long time- the O-line.  But if these newly acquired weapons outdo the seemingly diminishing negatives for this team, maybe they can finally fight with the other elites, and possibly do something they haven't done since 1985.

And the scary part is they still have the NFL Draft.