The San Francisco 49ers are a great team that just fell short by a few yards of achieving their goal of winning a Super Bowl. As good as they were in 2012, they will not even get back to the Super Bowl in 2013. Here's why:
1. No losing team in the big game has gotten back to the Super Bowl since the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990's (last appearance 1994). Forget the fact that the Pats are the last Super Bowl winners to return the next season. History is not on San Francisco's side.
2. Frank Gore will be 30 years old next season. While the team will likely be moving towards an offensive system that will be more beneficial for Colin Kaepernick, they will still be reliant on a running game and their star back isn't getting any younger. More carries might be given to Kendall Hunter and/or LaMichael James which means instability in the backfield.
3. Front line was very fortunate this season. There might've had minor hits and bruises but nothing serious affected the offensive front line which was very fortunate for the 49ers in 2012. Their luck up front, however, might run out next year.
4. Can Colin Kaepernick manage to stay healthy an entire season? He doesn't seem to run it as much as Robert Griffin III or Michael Vick but the verdict so far on running quarterbacks is that they cannot last an entire season without being out for some time. Making sure that Colin is healthy for the 2nd half of the year and possibly the postseason is another reason why a solid running game (reason #2) is important along with trying to create a more friendly quarterback playbook for Colin.
5. A tough NFC West to fight through now. Seattle proved to be a very tough team in 2012, so much so that they were labeled as a Super Bowl contender. Mix this in with the fact that the Rams looked solid with Jeff Fisher as their coach and the Cardinals are looking to reboot somehow with their new coach Bruce Arians makes it no guarantee that the 49ers even make the postseason in 2013.
As pessimistic as I do seem to be about the 49ers chances next season, they can still be considered contenders. The team overall is still solid, they are now strong at the quarterback position, and they have Alex Smith as a marketable commodity.
If there is one thing that San Francisco needs to improve the most during the off season it's their secondary. Pass defense is something that needs attention which seems weird to say considering they were fourth in the league in pass defense. However, their defensive line was a big reason for that coupled with the fact they made team's one dimensional with their run defense. Getting some better (and less homophobic) defensive backs will make that team a true nightmare to move the ball on.
Despite how good the team looks now and the moves they will make during the off season, there is no way I am picking them to win the Super Bowl next year. I don't have a guess for 2013 yet, it's way too soon to do that. But I can say it won't be my beloved 49ers.
Showing posts with label Arizona Cardinals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arizona Cardinals. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Reid Goes to the Chiefs
The money was on Arizona and yet it turned up Kansas City.
After being let go by the Eagles on Monday, Andy Reid has reached on agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs to become their next head coach. It took a bit to sort out the details of the contract and to fire Scott Pioli as GM so that Andy Reid could have his own guy in there but the deal got done. Reid's unemployment didn't last long as he now has the task of turning around the worst team in the league. He has the entire off season and the #1 pick in the draft to work with.
Looks like Andy Reid knows where to go. The AFC West is easier to navigate than the NFC West making Kansas City truly the more luring option. Sure, Reid has to turnaround the Chiefs coming off one of their worst seasons ever but he managed to turn around the Eagles when he first took over that team. More likely than not, next year will be seen as an improved year anyway.
As for the Cardinals, have you tried petitioning to move into another division?
P.S. Thanks for reading, Andy.
After being let go by the Eagles on Monday, Andy Reid has reached on agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs to become their next head coach. It took a bit to sort out the details of the contract and to fire Scott Pioli as GM so that Andy Reid could have his own guy in there but the deal got done. Reid's unemployment didn't last long as he now has the task of turning around the worst team in the league. He has the entire off season and the #1 pick in the draft to work with.
Looks like Andy Reid knows where to go. The AFC West is easier to navigate than the NFC West making Kansas City truly the more luring option. Sure, Reid has to turnaround the Chiefs coming off one of their worst seasons ever but he managed to turn around the Eagles when he first took over that team. More likely than not, next year will be seen as an improved year anyway.
As for the Cardinals, have you tried petitioning to move into another division?
P.S. Thanks for reading, Andy.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Andy's Choice... So Easy (Yet Please Reconsider)
Andy Reid gone from the Eagles means that a team will scoop him up and hire him as their next head coach. The two most likely destinations at this point for Reid is either Arizona or Kansas City. Reid will likely choose a spot very soon... hopefully not too soon as for no one to be interested in this post. Both KC and Arizona have just fired head coaches themselves with the Chiefs letting Romeo Crennel go while the Cardinals dumped Ken Whisenhunt.
Where would Andy Reid be most comfortable? It would be very tempting to say Arizona but I could make a good argument for Kansas City instead. It really has to do with strength of the division (and possibly the conference). Arizona might be alluring with Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald but you have to think about how strong the NFC West is right now and how strong it will stay for the foreseeable future. With young guns of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson being the competing QB's along with great defenses behind them, how well do you think the Cardinals are suited for all of that? Andy knows the ins and outs of a strong division and how uncertain it can be.
So why not Kansas City and the AFC West instead? While Peyton Manning and the Broncos might be kings there now, age catches up to everyone and who's to say how long Manning can delay father time's arrival? You also have to look at the fact that the AFC West has no strong #2 team. The Chargers have the next best record in that division at 7-9 and while there is uncertainty to how well Philip Rivers can play under a new coach, you have to think without viable targets to throw to his career might be in decline.
Despite my attempts to try and sway Andy Reid, he will probably end up in Arizona. The Cardinals are more suited to passing the ball as opposed to the Chiefs who are currently built more for the run at the moment. Kansas City might have the #1 pick in the draft but it's a year too late for maximum value. Seeing the QB class lacking in the draft, Reid will likely choose the Cardinals over the Chiefs.
P.S. Hey, who says you have to keep that draft pick? Why doesn't Andy join the Chiefs and then trade the #1 pick to Seattle for Matt Flynn and some extra picks? It would be a development project for a bit but it could work.
P.P.S. Yes, I am really trying to think of ways to convince Andy to go elsewhere.
Where would Andy Reid be most comfortable? It would be very tempting to say Arizona but I could make a good argument for Kansas City instead. It really has to do with strength of the division (and possibly the conference). Arizona might be alluring with Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald but you have to think about how strong the NFC West is right now and how strong it will stay for the foreseeable future. With young guns of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson being the competing QB's along with great defenses behind them, how well do you think the Cardinals are suited for all of that? Andy knows the ins and outs of a strong division and how uncertain it can be.
So why not Kansas City and the AFC West instead? While Peyton Manning and the Broncos might be kings there now, age catches up to everyone and who's to say how long Manning can delay father time's arrival? You also have to look at the fact that the AFC West has no strong #2 team. The Chargers have the next best record in that division at 7-9 and while there is uncertainty to how well Philip Rivers can play under a new coach, you have to think without viable targets to throw to his career might be in decline.
Despite my attempts to try and sway Andy Reid, he will probably end up in Arizona. The Cardinals are more suited to passing the ball as opposed to the Chiefs who are currently built more for the run at the moment. Kansas City might have the #1 pick in the draft but it's a year too late for maximum value. Seeing the QB class lacking in the draft, Reid will likely choose the Cardinals over the Chiefs.
P.S. Hey, who says you have to keep that draft pick? Why doesn't Andy join the Chiefs and then trade the #1 pick to Seattle for Matt Flynn and some extra picks? It would be a development project for a bit but it could work.
P.P.S. Yes, I am really trying to think of ways to convince Andy to go elsewhere.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Pats and Cowboys Get Upset, Eagles Outfly Ravens and More
A wild Sunday of football across the NFL as there were two notable upsets.
The first one was the Cardinals going into Foxboro and getting a win over the Patriots. The Cardinals went in there and looked like the Giants... in the sense that they stifle the Pats and limit their points total. The Patriots didn't get a TD until the 4th quarter. They needed to convert the two-point conversion but failed. Luckily they got the ball back from the Cardinals by way of the fumble with about a minute to go. But then luck turns against them once more as Stephen Gostkowski misses a 42 yd FG as it sails wide left. Cardinals hold on and win it 20-18.
The other major upset was in Seattle as the Seahawks played host to them Cowboys. It was an interesting game as the Seahawks got in front early with a FG and then a TD return off a blocked punt. The Cowboys then scored their only TD of the game but then failed to do anything else. A couple more TDs from Seattle in the second half put this one away for the Seahawks 27-7. Two NFC West teams are the cause of the biggest upsets of the week.
One of the great match ups to watch on the day had the Ravens going into Philly to take on the Eagles in the battle of the birds. The Eagles ran it considerably more to help Michael Vick but he still had problems. Vick threw for 371 yards and a TD but still had 2 INTs on the day. Despite that and two more fumbles by the Eagles, they somehow win it again late 24-23. After the Eagles TD, Joe Flacco and the Ravens had one more shot within two minutes but could not convert a 4th down to keep the drive alive.
As for the other games, the Giants avoid joining the Pats and the Cowboys in the getting upset department as they hold on for a win over the Bucs 41-34. Eli Manning comes through in the clutch again leading his team to 25 4th quarter points to get them the win. Andrew Luck records his first win as an QB in the NFL as the Colts beat the Vikings 23-20. Luck went 20/31 for 224 passing yards and 2 TD passes. Adam Vinatieri made the game winning 53 yd FG with 8 seconds left. The Panthers beat the dysfunctional Saints 35-27. Maybe dysfunctional is the wrong word but what else do you call a team where half of management is suspended. Last I'll mention is that the Rams beat the Redskins 31-28. Robert Griffin III scores his first two rushing TDs of his career but picks up his first career loss along with it.
What did we learn from this Sunday? The rough lesson that we have to reminded of from time to time: that there is no such thing as a sure thing. Perhaps the one powerhouse team that looked the most consistent yesterday was the 49ers.
P.S. To see my full scoop on the 49ers beating the Lions, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for my take on the 49ers each week before and after the games.
The first one was the Cardinals going into Foxboro and getting a win over the Patriots. The Cardinals went in there and looked like the Giants... in the sense that they stifle the Pats and limit their points total. The Patriots didn't get a TD until the 4th quarter. They needed to convert the two-point conversion but failed. Luckily they got the ball back from the Cardinals by way of the fumble with about a minute to go. But then luck turns against them once more as Stephen Gostkowski misses a 42 yd FG as it sails wide left. Cardinals hold on and win it 20-18.
The other major upset was in Seattle as the Seahawks played host to them Cowboys. It was an interesting game as the Seahawks got in front early with a FG and then a TD return off a blocked punt. The Cowboys then scored their only TD of the game but then failed to do anything else. A couple more TDs from Seattle in the second half put this one away for the Seahawks 27-7. Two NFC West teams are the cause of the biggest upsets of the week.
One of the great match ups to watch on the day had the Ravens going into Philly to take on the Eagles in the battle of the birds. The Eagles ran it considerably more to help Michael Vick but he still had problems. Vick threw for 371 yards and a TD but still had 2 INTs on the day. Despite that and two more fumbles by the Eagles, they somehow win it again late 24-23. After the Eagles TD, Joe Flacco and the Ravens had one more shot within two minutes but could not convert a 4th down to keep the drive alive.
As for the other games, the Giants avoid joining the Pats and the Cowboys in the getting upset department as they hold on for a win over the Bucs 41-34. Eli Manning comes through in the clutch again leading his team to 25 4th quarter points to get them the win. Andrew Luck records his first win as an QB in the NFL as the Colts beat the Vikings 23-20. Luck went 20/31 for 224 passing yards and 2 TD passes. Adam Vinatieri made the game winning 53 yd FG with 8 seconds left. The Panthers beat the dysfunctional Saints 35-27. Maybe dysfunctional is the wrong word but what else do you call a team where half of management is suspended. Last I'll mention is that the Rams beat the Redskins 31-28. Robert Griffin III scores his first two rushing TDs of his career but picks up his first career loss along with it.
What did we learn from this Sunday? The rough lesson that we have to reminded of from time to time: that there is no such thing as a sure thing. Perhaps the one powerhouse team that looked the most consistent yesterday was the 49ers.
P.S. To see my full scoop on the 49ers beating the Lions, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for my take on the 49ers each week before and after the games.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Manning's Fine Broncos Debut, RG3 King of the Rookies, Jets Score a Lot and More
The first NFL Sunday of the year passed by with a lot of stories to talk about. One of which was Peyton Manning.
Manning made his Broncos debut and at Mile High where they faced the visiting Steelers. Manning got off to a slow start not using the offense that he is use to. When they did switch to the no huddle style of Manning's, it was fantastic. Manning threw two TDs on the day which got him over the 400 mark for a career, the first of which was a 71 yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. The Broncos did win the game thanks to a late pick six by Tracy Porter to seal the deal. Final was 31-19.
There were a lot of rookie QB's on showcase yesterday and they stunk for the most part with the notable exception being Robert Griffin III. The Redskins and RG3 went into the Superdome to take on the angered Saints and they surprisingly came out on top. RG3 threw for 2 TDs on the day including the one in the first quarter to Pierre Garcon for 88 yards. RG3 went 19/26 with 320 passing yards and also ran the ball 10 times for 42 yards. Meanwhile, Drew Brees looked sub par going 24/52 with 339 passing yards, 3 TD passes, and 2 INTs. The debuting RG3 and the Redskins upset the Saints 40-32.
While that was a surprising outcome, the Jets shocked me more. Despite a lack of preseason TDs, there was no shortage going against Buffalo. They managed 4 offensive TDs with the first three of them being 3 TD passes from Mark Sanchez (not Tebow). One of his finest performaces ever as Sanchez goes 19/27 with 266 passing yards, 3 TD passes, and 1 INT. Jets pick apart the Bills 48-28.
As for some other games, the Patriots beat the Titans 31-13 as Brady threw for 236 yards and 2 TDs. They actually had a running game here with 162 yards on the ground with 125 of that coming from Steven Ridley. Both the Lions and the Eagles escape upsets. Detroit beat St. Louis 27-23 and Philly beats Cleveland 17-16. Matthew Stafford threw 1 TD and 3 INTs while Vick threw 2 TDs and 4 INTs. Then Russell Wilson and the Seahawks almost beat the Cardinals with less than a half minute remaining in part because of the officiating crew forgot how many TO's Seattle had. Luckily for Arizona, Braylon Edwards drops what so should've been the winning score and the Cardinals win 20-16.
An eventful first Sunday across the NFL as there were plenty of surprises. I'm sure if you're a Jets fan you do like that. Week 1 wraps up tonight with two Monday Night games with the first being Bengals vs. Ravens and the second being Chargers vs. Raiders.
P.S. To see my full scoop on the 49ers beating the Packers, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for my take on the 49ers each week before and after the games.
Manning made his Broncos debut and at Mile High where they faced the visiting Steelers. Manning got off to a slow start not using the offense that he is use to. When they did switch to the no huddle style of Manning's, it was fantastic. Manning threw two TDs on the day which got him over the 400 mark for a career, the first of which was a 71 yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. The Broncos did win the game thanks to a late pick six by Tracy Porter to seal the deal. Final was 31-19.
There were a lot of rookie QB's on showcase yesterday and they stunk for the most part with the notable exception being Robert Griffin III. The Redskins and RG3 went into the Superdome to take on the angered Saints and they surprisingly came out on top. RG3 threw for 2 TDs on the day including the one in the first quarter to Pierre Garcon for 88 yards. RG3 went 19/26 with 320 passing yards and also ran the ball 10 times for 42 yards. Meanwhile, Drew Brees looked sub par going 24/52 with 339 passing yards, 3 TD passes, and 2 INTs. The debuting RG3 and the Redskins upset the Saints 40-32.
While that was a surprising outcome, the Jets shocked me more. Despite a lack of preseason TDs, there was no shortage going against Buffalo. They managed 4 offensive TDs with the first three of them being 3 TD passes from Mark Sanchez (not Tebow). One of his finest performaces ever as Sanchez goes 19/27 with 266 passing yards, 3 TD passes, and 1 INT. Jets pick apart the Bills 48-28.
As for some other games, the Patriots beat the Titans 31-13 as Brady threw for 236 yards and 2 TDs. They actually had a running game here with 162 yards on the ground with 125 of that coming from Steven Ridley. Both the Lions and the Eagles escape upsets. Detroit beat St. Louis 27-23 and Philly beats Cleveland 17-16. Matthew Stafford threw 1 TD and 3 INTs while Vick threw 2 TDs and 4 INTs. Then Russell Wilson and the Seahawks almost beat the Cardinals with less than a half minute remaining in part because of the officiating crew forgot how many TO's Seattle had. Luckily for Arizona, Braylon Edwards drops what so should've been the winning score and the Cardinals win 20-16.
An eventful first Sunday across the NFL as there were plenty of surprises. I'm sure if you're a Jets fan you do like that. Week 1 wraps up tonight with two Monday Night games with the first being Bengals vs. Ravens and the second being Chargers vs. Raiders.
P.S. To see my full scoop on the 49ers beating the Packers, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for my take on the 49ers each week before and after the games.
Monday, September 3, 2012
2012 NFC West: Go for Gold
The NFC West was my favorite division to watch last year mainly because my 49ers were there kicking a** and taking names. They were one of the surprise teams of the NFL what with the season they had in 2010 and how good their defense was performing last year. It's obvious who my favorite here is.
But before I claim the title of "Captain Obvious," let's see how the rest of the division fares. Two of the other teams have interesting QB conversation. The first being the Seahawks naming Russell Wilson as their starter instead of Matt Flynn who they traded for. There is no doubt that Russell Wilson was the better starter in the preseason and he deserves the starting role but that team is likely going to be middle of the road at the best, even with Matt Flynn as their starter.
The other team with the QB controversy is the Cardinals. They name John Skelton as their starter instead of Kevin Kolb who was injury prone a season ago. It might not matter at all who they put out there considering they still have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to.
As for the Rams, I'm not sure which direction this team will be headed, especially at the QB slot. Will we see an improved Sam Bradford or the one we saw last year? They might still have Steven Jackson but I don't see them doing much in Jeff Fisher's first year as head coach.
So the favorite is no doubt the 49ers. Now anything can happen in the NFL but I have to believe after last year's performance that the 49ers are the best team in the NFC West. I have watched them all preseason long and while they don't look great I still like what I see. They still don't have a great pass defense to go along with that amazing run defense they showed last year but as long as you can make the other team one dimensional you have a great defense.
The offense could still use improvement. Alex Smith hasn't been impressive but he hasn't been horrible either. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is not tipping his hand so to speak. Quite frankly I'm hoping that this is the case. What I did see, however, was a very good Colin Kaepernick. I was very impressed with his performance in that last preseason. He seemed like he could step in no problem if something happened to Smith. Now I am routing for Smith to do well (which is something I haven't done in a while) but it's nice to know where the back up is.
49ers are the favorite this year and have to be considered Super Bowl contenders seeing how far they got in the postseason. Here's hoping they get a bit further.
P.S. Despite my enthusiasm for the team, I can't help but feel worried. I am a pessimist at heart so this whole post is out of character. I can't help but feel like something will go horribly wro wro wro.... I shouldn't think this.
But before I claim the title of "Captain Obvious," let's see how the rest of the division fares. Two of the other teams have interesting QB conversation. The first being the Seahawks naming Russell Wilson as their starter instead of Matt Flynn who they traded for. There is no doubt that Russell Wilson was the better starter in the preseason and he deserves the starting role but that team is likely going to be middle of the road at the best, even with Matt Flynn as their starter.
The other team with the QB controversy is the Cardinals. They name John Skelton as their starter instead of Kevin Kolb who was injury prone a season ago. It might not matter at all who they put out there considering they still have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to.
As for the Rams, I'm not sure which direction this team will be headed, especially at the QB slot. Will we see an improved Sam Bradford or the one we saw last year? They might still have Steven Jackson but I don't see them doing much in Jeff Fisher's first year as head coach.
So the favorite is no doubt the 49ers. Now anything can happen in the NFL but I have to believe after last year's performance that the 49ers are the best team in the NFC West. I have watched them all preseason long and while they don't look great I still like what I see. They still don't have a great pass defense to go along with that amazing run defense they showed last year but as long as you can make the other team one dimensional you have a great defense.
The offense could still use improvement. Alex Smith hasn't been impressive but he hasn't been horrible either. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is not tipping his hand so to speak. Quite frankly I'm hoping that this is the case. What I did see, however, was a very good Colin Kaepernick. I was very impressed with his performance in that last preseason. He seemed like he could step in no problem if something happened to Smith. Now I am routing for Smith to do well (which is something I haven't done in a while) but it's nice to know where the back up is.
49ers are the favorite this year and have to be considered Super Bowl contenders seeing how far they got in the postseason. Here's hoping they get a bit further.
P.S. Despite my enthusiasm for the team, I can't help but feel worried. I am a pessimist at heart so this whole post is out of character. I can't help but feel like something will go horribly wro wro wro.... I shouldn't think this.
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