All eyes were on Rio as the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final took place between Germany and Argentina.
For 90 minutes, Argentina learned from Brazil's mistakes against Germany in the semis and managed to shut down the attack. Unfortunately for them, this took away from their own attack as well. Each side had their chances but to no avail as the 90 minutes ended still 0-0.
It would be in extra time in the 113' where the tie would be broken. Just minutes away from penalties, Mario Gotze managed to control a cross from German teammate Andre Schurrle and hit the ball into the back of the net putting Germany up 1-0 and becoming a national hero.
The Germans then held on defensively and managed to clinch the victory and their 4th World Cup Title.
An amazing game and tournament for Germany who just dominated almost every match they were in. From beginning to end, they were certainly the top club in this tournament.
Germany also becomes the first European team to win the World Cup in South America.
Argentina falls short but certainly had their moments in this tournament. Messi dominated many of them and managed to be named best player in the tournament. A consolation prize that I'm sure he would like to exchange for another trip to the Final in four years time.
As for the entirety of the tournament, it was certainly worth the wait. There were shockers like Spain being eliminated in the group stage and Brazil getting dismantled by Germany. There were stars being born like James Rodriguez of Colombia. There was even history made as Germany's Miroslav Klose scored 16th career goal at the World Cup passing Ronaldo of Brazil's 15 for most all time.
And then there's the US who actually managed to get out of the group stage for a second time in a row, something that has never been done before. Sure we were eliminated in the Round of 16 like last time but it seems like the team itself is getting a bit better.
Congrats to Germany on winning the World Cup. The best team certainly won.
P.S. Okay, reset the countdown clock. Only 1426 days until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. DOSVEDANYA, COMRADES!!!
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Why 2013 Will Also be a Lost Cause for the 49ers
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Chargers Hire McCoy and Chicago Looks to Canada
A couple more coaching vacancies have been filled in the NFL.
First, the San Diego Chargers hired the offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncs Mike McCoy. This is McCoy's first head coaching job and should thank Peyton Manning for getting him the job. McCoy certainly has his work cut out for him having to try and figure out what's wrong with Phillip Rivers and that offense, and also having to deal with the Broncos and Manning for the foreseeable future. He will definitely get some leeway considering he is taking over for an unpopular coach in Norv Turner.
The 2nd coaching vacancy filled was in Chicago where the Bears hired Marc Trestman, head coach of the Montreal Alouettes since 2008 in the CFL. This is Trestman first NFL head coaching job but has previous coaching experience in the league mainly as an offensive coordinator and/or quarterback's coach. The leash will not likely be as long for Trestman, however, as he takes over for a fairly successful head coach in Lovie Smith who got the Bears to a Super Bowl and finished the 2012 season with a 10-6 record. The Bears, however, did not make the playoffs and Lovie was dismissed after the season.
These couple of hires should be interesting to watch heading into next year, especially considering both coaches enter their new teams with proven quarterbacks. The trick for both of them, however, is trying to figure out how to get their QB's from "good" to "elite."
First, the San Diego Chargers hired the offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncs Mike McCoy. This is McCoy's first head coaching job and should thank Peyton Manning for getting him the job. McCoy certainly has his work cut out for him having to try and figure out what's wrong with Phillip Rivers and that offense, and also having to deal with the Broncos and Manning for the foreseeable future. He will definitely get some leeway considering he is taking over for an unpopular coach in Norv Turner.
The 2nd coaching vacancy filled was in Chicago where the Bears hired Marc Trestman, head coach of the Montreal Alouettes since 2008 in the CFL. This is Trestman first NFL head coaching job but has previous coaching experience in the league mainly as an offensive coordinator and/or quarterback's coach. The leash will not likely be as long for Trestman, however, as he takes over for a fairly successful head coach in Lovie Smith who got the Bears to a Super Bowl and finished the 2012 season with a 10-6 record. The Bears, however, did not make the playoffs and Lovie was dismissed after the season.
These couple of hires should be interesting to watch heading into next year, especially considering both coaches enter their new teams with proven quarterbacks. The trick for both of them, however, is trying to figure out how to get their QB's from "good" to "elite."
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Falcons Win a Playoff Game and Pats Destroy Texans... Again
Today were two more playoff games with conference championship appearances at stake.
First one had the Seattle Seahawks seeing if they could remain hot against the #1 seed Atlanta Falcons. It was the Falcons, however, that played well starting off the game leading 20-0 heading into halftime. The Seahawks then managed to make a great comeback in the 2nd half. Still being down by 20 heading into the 4th quarter, Seattle managed to score 3 touchdowns to take a one point lead with just 31 seconds left.
Seemingly down for the count, the Falcons didn't give up. Thanks to a good kickoff return from Jacquizz Rodgers and a couple of nice passes from Matt Ryan, they had a chance to grab the lead back with a field goal. After Pete Carroll attempted to ice the kicker with a timeout, Matt Bryant made a 49 yard field goal to take the lead back. Seattle got it back with just 8 seconds left and failed to make a Hail Pass that picked off by Julio Jones in the end zone. Falcons win it 30-28 and advance to the NFC Championship game. It was the first playoff win for Matt Ryan and tight end Tony Gonzalez.
The 2nd game featured the Houston Texans traveling to New England once more to take on the Patriots. The Texans got blown out in Gillette Stadium in week 14. The outcome wasn't too different. The Patriots managed to humiliate the Texans once more leading by as much as 25 early in the 4th quarter after Shane Vereen scored his third touchdown of the game. Houston came back a bit but still fell way short. Patriots win it 41-28 and head back to the AFC Championship game. This win for Tom Brady gives him more playoff wins (17) than any other quarterback in history.
Th conference title games are set. In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Atlanta Falcons. It will be the first time that Atlanta is hosting the NFC title game. The AFC has a rematch from last year with the Ravens facing the Patriots again in Foxboro. New England won last year's AFC title game vs. Baltimore but the Ravens did beat the Pats back in September with a last second field goal by Justin Tucker. Looks like a couple of great match ups.
First one had the Seattle Seahawks seeing if they could remain hot against the #1 seed Atlanta Falcons. It was the Falcons, however, that played well starting off the game leading 20-0 heading into halftime. The Seahawks then managed to make a great comeback in the 2nd half. Still being down by 20 heading into the 4th quarter, Seattle managed to score 3 touchdowns to take a one point lead with just 31 seconds left.
Seemingly down for the count, the Falcons didn't give up. Thanks to a good kickoff return from Jacquizz Rodgers and a couple of nice passes from Matt Ryan, they had a chance to grab the lead back with a field goal. After Pete Carroll attempted to ice the kicker with a timeout, Matt Bryant made a 49 yard field goal to take the lead back. Seattle got it back with just 8 seconds left and failed to make a Hail Pass that picked off by Julio Jones in the end zone. Falcons win it 30-28 and advance to the NFC Championship game. It was the first playoff win for Matt Ryan and tight end Tony Gonzalez.
The 2nd game featured the Houston Texans traveling to New England once more to take on the Patriots. The Texans got blown out in Gillette Stadium in week 14. The outcome wasn't too different. The Patriots managed to humiliate the Texans once more leading by as much as 25 early in the 4th quarter after Shane Vereen scored his third touchdown of the game. Houston came back a bit but still fell way short. Patriots win it 41-28 and head back to the AFC Championship game. This win for Tom Brady gives him more playoff wins (17) than any other quarterback in history.
Th conference title games are set. In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Atlanta Falcons. It will be the first time that Atlanta is hosting the NFC title game. The AFC has a rematch from last year with the Ravens facing the Patriots again in Foxboro. New England won last year's AFC title game vs. Baltimore but the Ravens did beat the Pats back in September with a last second field goal by Justin Tucker. Looks like a couple of great match ups.
Ravens Win a Dramatic One in Denver
At least Tebow won a playoff game. OH SNAP!!!
The Baltimore Ravens went into Mile High Stadium as underdogs to the Denver Broncos. It was a back and forth game the whole way with a couple of fascinating Trindon Holliday returns for touchdowns. The Ravens were sticking around throughout and got the ball back with 1:09 to go being down by just 7. On a 3rd and 3, Joe Flacco managed to evade a sack and throw a bomb to Jacoby Jones who somehow got behind every DB of the Broncos and scored on a 70 yard play to tie it at 35-35. That forced the game into overtime.
Neither side could do anything on their first drives and it kept going with sudden death rules in place. The Broncos had it and it was near the end of the first OT when Peyton Manning scrambled a bit, threw across his body, and had his pass intended for Brandon Stokley picked off by Corey Graham getting his 2nd pick of the game. His first pick came in the 1st quarter when he returned an interception 39 yards for a pick-six.
The 2nd overtime came with the Ravens setting up for a field goal. Rookie Kicker Justin Tucker made the 47 yard field goal for the win as Baltimore stuns the Denver Crowd 38-35 in double overtime.
What a way for a game to end. It seemed unlikely that the Ravens would win in Denver but they somehow did and manage to keep Ray Lewis' career alive for another week. Lewis actually the most tackles in the game with 17.
With the the win, the Ravens move on to the AFC title game and wait to see where they are headed next: Houston or New England.
P.S. To read about Colin Kaepernick's historic game and the 49ers win over the Packers, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after every game.
The Baltimore Ravens went into Mile High Stadium as underdogs to the Denver Broncos. It was a back and forth game the whole way with a couple of fascinating Trindon Holliday returns for touchdowns. The Ravens were sticking around throughout and got the ball back with 1:09 to go being down by just 7. On a 3rd and 3, Joe Flacco managed to evade a sack and throw a bomb to Jacoby Jones who somehow got behind every DB of the Broncos and scored on a 70 yard play to tie it at 35-35. That forced the game into overtime.
Neither side could do anything on their first drives and it kept going with sudden death rules in place. The Broncos had it and it was near the end of the first OT when Peyton Manning scrambled a bit, threw across his body, and had his pass intended for Brandon Stokley picked off by Corey Graham getting his 2nd pick of the game. His first pick came in the 1st quarter when he returned an interception 39 yards for a pick-six.
The 2nd overtime came with the Ravens setting up for a field goal. Rookie Kicker Justin Tucker made the 47 yard field goal for the win as Baltimore stuns the Denver Crowd 38-35 in double overtime.
What a way for a game to end. It seemed unlikely that the Ravens would win in Denver but they somehow did and manage to keep Ray Lewis' career alive for another week. Lewis actually the most tackles in the game with 17.
With the the win, the Ravens move on to the AFC title game and wait to see where they are headed next: Houston or New England.
P.S. To read about Colin Kaepernick's historic game and the 49ers win over the Packers, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after every game.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Texans and Packers Winners Saturday
The NFL playoffs started today with two games in the Wild Card round.
The first one featured a rematch from last year's Wild Card round with the Bengals once again making a trip to Houston to take on the Texans. Houston managed to win last year's game and pulled off the same result today. It was a low scoring game throughout and the Bengals offense didn't do much failing to convert all 9 of their 3rd down attempts, only getting 12 first downs compared to Houston's 24, and only having 198 total yards compared to Houston's 420. The Bengals' only TD came off a Leon Hall interception in the 2nd quarter. Cincy's defense might've kept them in the game until the end but their offense didn't have the spark. Houston wins 19-13.
The 2nd game was less exciting despite the match up. After beating the Packers in Minnesota just to get into the postseason, the Vikings now traveled to Green Bay to face the cheeseheads for a 2nd week in a row. This time, however, they had to do it without Christian Ponder at QB. Joe Webb came in off the bench to play having not thrown the ball once this season. On top of that, the Green Bay defense played Adrian Peterson much better allowing him to get just 99 rushing yards on 22 carries. That combined with Joe Webb equaled a Packers win 24-10.
Both home teams win and know who they will face in the next round. The Texans will travel to New England to face the Patriots while the Packers go to the Bay Area to play the 49ers. Both the Texans and the Packers played their upcoming opponents during the regular season. The Pats beat the Texans in week 14 while the 49ers beat the Packers in week 1.
The first one featured a rematch from last year's Wild Card round with the Bengals once again making a trip to Houston to take on the Texans. Houston managed to win last year's game and pulled off the same result today. It was a low scoring game throughout and the Bengals offense didn't do much failing to convert all 9 of their 3rd down attempts, only getting 12 first downs compared to Houston's 24, and only having 198 total yards compared to Houston's 420. The Bengals' only TD came off a Leon Hall interception in the 2nd quarter. Cincy's defense might've kept them in the game until the end but their offense didn't have the spark. Houston wins 19-13.
The 2nd game was less exciting despite the match up. After beating the Packers in Minnesota just to get into the postseason, the Vikings now traveled to Green Bay to face the cheeseheads for a 2nd week in a row. This time, however, they had to do it without Christian Ponder at QB. Joe Webb came in off the bench to play having not thrown the ball once this season. On top of that, the Green Bay defense played Adrian Peterson much better allowing him to get just 99 rushing yards on 22 carries. That combined with Joe Webb equaled a Packers win 24-10.
Both home teams win and know who they will face in the next round. The Texans will travel to New England to face the Patriots while the Packers go to the Bay Area to play the 49ers. Both the Texans and the Packers played their upcoming opponents during the regular season. The Pats beat the Texans in week 14 while the 49ers beat the Packers in week 1.
Friday, November 30, 2012
No Big Ben vs. Ravens
The Steelers woes at QB remain stagnant to put it at best. It seems that Ben Roethlisberger will not be playing Sunday's game in Baltimore due to his injured shoulder. Apparently his arm is throwing balls soft enough so that I can catch them. So Ben sits as the team will likely go with Charlie Batch, their third string starter, to see if he can win the day against the Ravens who beat the Steelers in the first meeting of these two teams 13-10 in Pittsburgh.
This is a dangerous for the Steelers. While their schedule does get easier and the likelihood of Big Ben coming back increases, they still would have zero room for error if they lose this Sunday. They would fall to 6-6 on the year and possibly fall behind the Bengals if Cincy wins their game in San Diego. Pittsburgh's schedule might favor them the rest of the way but who knows what can happen over the last few weeks of the season.
This is a dangerous for the Steelers. While their schedule does get easier and the likelihood of Big Ben coming back increases, they still would have zero room for error if they lose this Sunday. They would fall to 6-6 on the year and possibly fall behind the Bengals if Cincy wins their game in San Diego. Pittsburgh's schedule might favor them the rest of the way but who knows what can happen over the last few weeks of the season.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
QB Controversy in SF? Team Smith or Team Kaep?
The 49ers this year have been a good team with Alex Smith guiding them to a 6-2-1 record as the starting QB. Week 11, however, had the 49ers looking to Colin Kaepernick to lead them due to the fact that Alex Smith was out due to concussion symptoms still lingering from last week's game vs. the Rams. Not everybody was sure how well Kaep would do in his first start as an NFL QB. After last night, 49er fans are left wondering if they want it to be his last start for them this season.
Colin Kaepernick played amazing last night leading the 49ers to victory 32-7 over the Chicago Bears who have one of the toughest defenses in the country. He made solid throws, good decisions, and extended plays to help get them a victory. Kaepernick went 16/23 for 243 passing yards and 2 TD passes; no interceptions thrown to the turnover creating Bears. He was simply amazing on how he lead the team.
Like any 49er football game, not all credit can go to the QB. There was solid rushing, a great defense that wouldn't leave Jason Campbell of the Bears alone, and a seemingly more solid pass protection that benefited Kaep. Still, after all of this, Kaepernick seemed to be able to lead this group of playoff ready players superbly and makes us Niners fans start to think on whether or not we want this guy in as QB now.
Not only does the pressure and the questions start from the fan base and the local media, it starts coming from the national media. Kaepernick and the 49ers had this huge win on Monday Night Football with a national audience watching and being amazed at what this 25 year old from the University of Nevada can do.
So now the question must be asked that could affect San Francisco's season by simply asking it. Who should be the starting quarterback for the 49ers: Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick?
There are pluses and minuses to both sides. For Alex Smith, he has been the guy all year long and has managed to turn his career around with the insertion of Jim Harbaugh as head coach. He is no great QB like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning but he has become dependable and consistent enough to be entrusted the starting job. If used effectively, he's a game manager making underneath routes letting the receivers do the work as opposed to trying to create something with risky passes and turning the ball over in the process. At his best, he's not likely going to win a lot of games pulling a team along but he won't lose a lot either.
As for Colin Kaepernick, he seems different. His first start has shown that he can make some of the throws that Alex cannot and possibly throws that QB's like Tom Brady does make according to Vernon Davis. His ability to extend a play better than Smith and his ability to take off and run occasionally also makes him a better player and threat if used properly. However, coupled with his ability is his lack of experience. It was his first start and while he might have a future in the NFL whether it be with the 49ers or not, he might not be able to lead this team as effectively down the stretch as Smith who has been with them all year. He also still has a slower delivery than Smith's and while not on a Tebow or Byron Leftwich level, it can affect how opposing defenses do against him.
I know Alex Smith and his limits and I saw what Kaepernick did last night but I still cannot make up my mind on which QB the 49ers should go with. Due to that, I say play it safe and put Smith back in when you can and try to finish out this year with him at the helm and settle this in the off season.
Now there is a controversy either way just because of the way Kaepernick played. However, it becomes a wildfire with the fuel dumped on by head coach Jim Harbaugh when asked who is the starting QB in San Francisco postgame.
“We’ll see,” Harbaugh replied. “We usually tend to go with the guy who’s got the hot hand and we got two quarterbacks that have got a hot hand…”
P.S. For my full recap of last night's game, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at Prosportsblogging.com for my scoop on the team before and after each game.
Colin Kaepernick played amazing last night leading the 49ers to victory 32-7 over the Chicago Bears who have one of the toughest defenses in the country. He made solid throws, good decisions, and extended plays to help get them a victory. Kaepernick went 16/23 for 243 passing yards and 2 TD passes; no interceptions thrown to the turnover creating Bears. He was simply amazing on how he lead the team.
Like any 49er football game, not all credit can go to the QB. There was solid rushing, a great defense that wouldn't leave Jason Campbell of the Bears alone, and a seemingly more solid pass protection that benefited Kaep. Still, after all of this, Kaepernick seemed to be able to lead this group of playoff ready players superbly and makes us Niners fans start to think on whether or not we want this guy in as QB now.
Not only does the pressure and the questions start from the fan base and the local media, it starts coming from the national media. Kaepernick and the 49ers had this huge win on Monday Night Football with a national audience watching and being amazed at what this 25 year old from the University of Nevada can do.
So now the question must be asked that could affect San Francisco's season by simply asking it. Who should be the starting quarterback for the 49ers: Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick?
There are pluses and minuses to both sides. For Alex Smith, he has been the guy all year long and has managed to turn his career around with the insertion of Jim Harbaugh as head coach. He is no great QB like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning but he has become dependable and consistent enough to be entrusted the starting job. If used effectively, he's a game manager making underneath routes letting the receivers do the work as opposed to trying to create something with risky passes and turning the ball over in the process. At his best, he's not likely going to win a lot of games pulling a team along but he won't lose a lot either.
As for Colin Kaepernick, he seems different. His first start has shown that he can make some of the throws that Alex cannot and possibly throws that QB's like Tom Brady does make according to Vernon Davis. His ability to extend a play better than Smith and his ability to take off and run occasionally also makes him a better player and threat if used properly. However, coupled with his ability is his lack of experience. It was his first start and while he might have a future in the NFL whether it be with the 49ers or not, he might not be able to lead this team as effectively down the stretch as Smith who has been with them all year. He also still has a slower delivery than Smith's and while not on a Tebow or Byron Leftwich level, it can affect how opposing defenses do against him.
I know Alex Smith and his limits and I saw what Kaepernick did last night but I still cannot make up my mind on which QB the 49ers should go with. Due to that, I say play it safe and put Smith back in when you can and try to finish out this year with him at the helm and settle this in the off season.
Now there is a controversy either way just because of the way Kaepernick played. However, it becomes a wildfire with the fuel dumped on by head coach Jim Harbaugh when asked who is the starting QB in San Francisco postgame.
“We’ll see,” Harbaugh replied. “We usually tend to go with the guy who’s got the hot hand and we got two quarterbacks that have got a hot hand…”
P.S. For my full recap of last night's game, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at Prosportsblogging.com for my scoop on the team before and after each game.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Eagles Keep Diving with Loss to Saints
The Philadelphia Eagles went into New Orleans this week with a lot of questions around them from whether or not Micahel Vick will be the starting QB to whether or not the outcome of this game will affect Andy Reid's job as head coach of the team. To make the questions go away for the time being, they needed a win.
The Eagles played the Saints in the Superdome who were themselves looking to rebound from a disastrous start to a strange season that had players and coaches of theirs suspended. They needed a win as well to get a chance of making something out of a lost season. Vick helped them get started right away throwing a 99 yard interception returned for a TD by Patrick Robinson. The Saints would get two more TDs before the half.
The Eagles managed to get the 2nd half started right with a 77 yard TD pass to DeSean Jackson after a turnover committed by Drew Brees via a fumble. The Eagles would then score a FG after a Saints fumble on the kickoff return. Brees would get the Saints to strike back late in the 3rd quarter with a 6 yard TD pass to Jimmy Graham. That gave them a 15 point lead that would not change for the rest of the game. The Eagles could not do anything else but fumble the ball in the 4th quarter. Saints win it 28-13 leaving both team 3-5 but heading in different directions.
The Eagles have 477 total yards of offense and get only 13 points. They had 5 red zone trips that resulted in no TDs. Meanwhile, the Saints and their struggling defense manage to get a big win at home as they get ready for the Falcons on Sunday. As for the Eagles, looks like more questions.
The Eagles played the Saints in the Superdome who were themselves looking to rebound from a disastrous start to a strange season that had players and coaches of theirs suspended. They needed a win as well to get a chance of making something out of a lost season. Vick helped them get started right away throwing a 99 yard interception returned for a TD by Patrick Robinson. The Saints would get two more TDs before the half.
The Eagles managed to get the 2nd half started right with a 77 yard TD pass to DeSean Jackson after a turnover committed by Drew Brees via a fumble. The Eagles would then score a FG after a Saints fumble on the kickoff return. Brees would get the Saints to strike back late in the 3rd quarter with a 6 yard TD pass to Jimmy Graham. That gave them a 15 point lead that would not change for the rest of the game. The Eagles could not do anything else but fumble the ball in the 4th quarter. Saints win it 28-13 leaving both team 3-5 but heading in different directions.
The Eagles have 477 total yards of offense and get only 13 points. They had 5 red zone trips that resulted in no TDs. Meanwhile, the Saints and their struggling defense manage to get a big win at home as they get ready for the Falcons on Sunday. As for the Eagles, looks like more questions.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Bears Get "Bumped" by Packers 23-10
Jay Cutler and the Bears had a great first week while the Packers struggled in their opener. Yesterday their roles were reversed.
The Bears and the Packers played each other last night in the first of many Thursday Night Football games to be played throughout the year. Heaven forbid if we have to wait until Sunday each and every week to see some football. The Packers defense came out wanting to prove they were better than week 1 vs. the 49ers and showed that tonight. They got in Jay Cutler's face and got familiar with it by sacking him 7 times. Jay Cutler's woes didn't stop there as he threw 11/27 for 126 yards, 1 TD, and 4 INTs. The Packers offense didn't look to great either but they did better than the Bears (along with a trick play by the FG team which led to a TD). Packers win 23-10.
Now we can finally stop talking about how the Packers are "falling apart" and talk about how the Bears are "falling apart." This is going to be fun. While this team does need to improve some, there is no need to push the red button. It can definitely start with some better pass blocking but QB play could improve as well. No one throws 4 INTs solely because of the pressure. Cutler needs to make better decisions.
The O-line knows they stunk and will get ripped by the coaches plenty. So stop bothering the line and worry about your own game. Yes, the risky throws are what can make a QB great but it's also deciding when not to throw them that can make them better.
P.S. Remember when we just had Thursday Night football on Thanksgiving? Why did we change that?
The Bears and the Packers played each other last night in the first of many Thursday Night Football games to be played throughout the year. Heaven forbid if we have to wait until Sunday each and every week to see some football. The Packers defense came out wanting to prove they were better than week 1 vs. the 49ers and showed that tonight. They got in Jay Cutler's face and got familiar with it by sacking him 7 times. Jay Cutler's woes didn't stop there as he threw 11/27 for 126 yards, 1 TD, and 4 INTs. The Packers offense didn't look to great either but they did better than the Bears (along with a trick play by the FG team which led to a TD). Packers win 23-10.
Now we can finally stop talking about how the Packers are "falling apart" and talk about how the Bears are "falling apart." This is going to be fun. While this team does need to improve some, there is no need to push the red button. It can definitely start with some better pass blocking but QB play could improve as well. No one throws 4 INTs solely because of the pressure. Cutler needs to make better decisions.
The O-line knows they stunk and will get ripped by the coaches plenty. So stop bothering the line and worry about your own game. Yes, the risky throws are what can make a QB great but it's also deciding when not to throw them that can make them better.
P.S. Remember when we just had Thursday Night football on Thanksgiving? Why did we change that?
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