This article will focus on the defensive side of the ball. Those large men charged with stopping the other large men from getting into the endzone, whilst at the same time, trying to get into the opposition endzone themselves. Defenders have the unique ability to turn defense into attack by forcing turnovers through fumbles or interceptions, at which point there is on opportunity to take the ball back the other way, either to score a touchdown, or to improve the field position of the offense which is to come. The following are the positions that make up the defense, and their responsibilities within the team:
The man is practically bionic.
Defensive End/DE: Defensive ends are quick, powerful, flexible, and versatile. Their primary job is to get to the QB and bring him down for a "sack", or just strip the ball from his hands, however, they must also stop the RB on running plays by breaking through the O-Line. Generally all-around scary men, who you probably wouldn't want to run into in a darkened alley.
Big man can dance!
Defensive Tackle/DT: These men are HUGE. I'm talking 6'3"+ and at least 300lbs. Haloti Ngata of the Ravens, for example is 6'4" and 340lbs. I'm sure we can all agree that these men are behemoths. Their main job is to stop the run, plugging gaps between offensive linemen to get their hands on the RB. However, they are also very useful in pushing the O-Line back towards the quarterback on passing plays. Some of them also have moves, see left.
Outside Linebacker/OLB: Speed, size, strength. They're the three major words one would use to describe outside linebackers. There are two types of player at this position: run-stopping OLBs and pass-rushing OLBs. The pass rushers rush the passer (QB), and the run stoppers stop the run (RB). Fairly self-explanatory, really. They've also been known to drop into coverage when necessary so that they can prevent a first down with more players in coverage.
Ray Lewis: The Greatest.
Inside Linebacker/ILB: The captain of the defense, inside linebackers are normally shorter and lighter than their outside linebacker counteparts. Generally charged with telling people where to be, they're incredibly mentally agile, and physically very robust, making over 100 tackles a season. Indeed, to prove how versatile they are, here are Luke Kuechly's stats for last year: 156 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions and 7 pass deflections. Versatility of the highest order.
Cornerback/CB: Cornerbacks have the unenviable task of covering opposing receivers. They're supposed to be physical, but not too physical, otherwise they'll be penalised. At the same time, they're expected to be able to come in and stop the run. Primarily, though, they're on the field to get interceptions and stop the offense advancing the ball downfield.
Safety/FS/SS: Safeties are the last line of defense, and generally speaking, there are 2 on the field at any one time. Free Safeties are often better in coverage, racking up multiple interceptions each year. Meanwhile, Strong Safeties are the harder hitters, who come down and stop running backs should they get through the first two banks of defenders. Together, though, they are what teams rely on to stop opposing offenses from scoring.
It's time to step up to the big leagues for the college athletes
The NFL Draft, a once-a-year spectacular where all teams converge on Radio City Music Hall, New York City. Each team is allocated at least 7 picks in the Draft. They may do with those picks what they wish, which includes: picking players, trading them to other teams for some of their players, or trading them for a better draft pick. Other picks can be acquired by letting important players leave during Free Agency (which I will explain in a later blog). The first round of the draft is obviously the most important, as teams look to address their most pressing needs with the most impressive players. The players coming "off the board" in the first round are usually those who were the best at college level, generally from the most well known universities. I'll be recording who is picked where, and what they're likely to bring to their new teams.
Pick 1 - Houston Texans: JaDeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
An explosive edge rusher, who is capable of getting to the QB and stopping the run. Easily the most electrifying player in the draft, except possibly Johnny Manziel. Definitely deserves to be the first overall pick in the draft.
Pick 2- St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
A large man, capable of filling a hole on the Rams O-Line either at Tackle or at Guard. He will be able to blow holes open at the line of scrimmage, which is important, especially in the NFC West, where the battle is won and lost in the trenches.
Pick 3 - Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
At 6'5", Bortles is a QB who shows prototypical size, along with good arm strength. Expect Bortles to become a solid starter in his first two years before developing beyond that depending on what the Jaguars manage to do in the next few years in terms of recruitment in the draft and free agency. Pick 4 - Buffalo Bills (from Cleveland Browns): Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
An electric WR capable of coming across the middle and not afraid of taking a hit. Shows incredible speed and mobility, as well as brilliant hands. Rarely drops a catch, and is able to take any sort of throw for a touchdown. Pick 5 - Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
Some people argue that Mack is a better defender than Clowney. A very fast player, good in coverage and exceptional at rushing the passer and setting the edge against the run. Also produced what NFL Expert Mike Mayock described as "the best game tape against Ohio State by any defensive player I've ever seen." Pick 6 - Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Just the latest in a long line of Matthews to come into the NFL, including cousin Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers. His pass protection is arguably better than Robinson's, and he will be a pivotal player in keeping Matt Ryan upright. Fills one of the only holes on a very strong Falcons offensive roster. According to a Falcons fan friend of mine "A safe pick that shores up the O-Line for years to come!" Pick 7 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
At the start of the pre-draft process, this man was scheduled to drop as far as the Ravens at no.17, however a ridiculous Pro Day, and size and speed to boot, this man is capable of going up and getting any ball thrown in his direction, regardless of who is throwing it. Personally, I think he will be better than Sammy Watkins as a pro. Pick 8 - Cleveland Browns (from Minnesota Vikings): Justin Gilbert, DB, Oklahoma State
The first of the picks from the AFC North, having traded back to no.9 and then back up to 8, the Browns got Justin Gilbert, a 6'0" cornerback. The sort of man who you would draw up on paper if you were asked to draw your prototypical CB. His return game is also a big plus as the Browns have struggled to do much on special teams since Josh Cribbs left. My only question would be if he is physical enough to play in the AFC North. Teaming him with Joe Haden, however, could prove interesting, potentially throwing a blanket over the top 2 receivers of each team they face. Pick 9 - Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills & Cleveland Browns): Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Although maybe a touch below Clowney and Mack, Barr is still an electric pass rusher, who is as raw as they come, having only played OLB/DE for 2 years. He's still good enough to warrant this selection, and will be an interesting pick for the staff of the Minnesota Vikings to develop into what could well become a very good edge rusher. However, don't be surprised if his skills don't translate to the NFL. Pick 10 - Detroit Lions: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Another of the players I was hoping would fall to the Ravens, Ebron provides Matthew Stafford with another massive target as well as Calvin Johnson. These two together could in the future be capable of putting up 3,000 yards between them. Realistically, teams can only choose to double cover one of the two, it's just up to the teams against the Lions who they target. Expectation is that Ebron becomes a very talented Tight End in the NFL, although his blocking needs to be worked on, for sure. Pick 11 - Tennessee Titans: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Lewan comes in to a franchise that is built on having a strong O-Line. Michael Roos is 32 now, and probably coming in to his last few years in the league. Lewan will probably either play inside at guard, or at RT for the first year or two, before kicking across to his more natural LT position. Pick 12 - New York Giants: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
A typical size wide receiver who knows how to run routes, and how to run them fast. Compares farvourably to Reggie Wayne, an all-time great who plays for the Indianapolis Colts. His route running is accomplished, as is his catching. Teams up with Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle and Mario Manningham to form a formidable receiving corps in the Big Apple, capable of scaring every secondary in the NFC East. Pick 13 - St. Louis Rams: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
A slightly undersized DT who is capable of shooting gaps on the O-Line to either get to the QB or stop the run. Mike Mayock compared him to Gino Atkins of the Bengals in terms of speed. Certainly, the Rams will be hoping that Donald becomes even half the player that Atkins is. By picking Donald, they've managed to strengthen both sides of the line of scrimmage, which, as I said earlier, is pivotal in the NFC West. Pick 14 - Chicago Bears: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The Browns, uncharacteristically, were straight up AWFUL on defense last season, and by putting Fuller in the secondary with Jennings and Tillman, especially against the receiving corps of the Lions and Packers, the Bears immediately get better on the defensive side of the ball. One thing you can be sure of is that Fuller is going to learn a lot, very quickly in that division. Pick 15 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Shazier, ILB, Ohio State
An aging Pittsburgh defense gets quicker with a versatile linebacker who is capable of doing everything necessary to succeed at the next level. A man capable of playing inside and outside, playing in coverage and rushing the passer, Shazier has been flying up draft boards in the last few weeks, and with good reason. Maybe slightly undersized, but still more than good enough to make it in the NFL. Pick 16 - Dallas Cowboys: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame
A very safe pick as a tackle, capable of starting at all 5 positions on the O-Line. Not only that, but this man is incredibly durable, having played over 50 games in his college career. Keeping Tony Romo upright in the NFC East is going to be key for the Cowboys who are looking to make the playoffs, and make a push as one of the biggest franchises in the NFL. Pick 17 - Baltimore Ravens: CJ Mosley, ILB, Alabama
Unsurprisingly, Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens General Manager, goes for a man from his alma mater. Mosley can play inside and outside, which points to the fact that Daryl Smith doesn't have many years left, or that Courtney Upshaw isn't developing as well as they would have hoped. Either way, Mosley makes the linebacker position a lot safer for the Ravens, which is important in the smash-mouth AFC North. That said, I'm very surprised that the Ravens chose not to address a glaring need at Free Safety in Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix. Pick 18 - New York Jets: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
A big hitting safety, the Louisville Slugger is not afraid to lay the timber on anyone coming towards him. Somewhat of a combo safety, in that he can play in the box as a strong safety, or further back in the secondary as a rangy free safety, Pryor will be given the unenviable task of stopping Tom Brady from wreaking havoc against the usually defensively stout Jets. Pick 19 - Miami Dolphins: JaWuan James, OT, Tennessee
A tackle capable of playing guard, James is a stout run blocker, and a good pass blocker, although generally considered to be a bit of a reach at no.19, as most teams had him down as a 2nd round selection. Miami have, however, ensured that their O-Line is good enough to open up holes for Knowshon Moreno, as well as giving Ryan Tannehill time to find the right pass. Pick 20 - New Orleans Saints (from Arizona Cardinals): Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Cooks is a small guy, but he has wheels and moves. He's able to come across the middle of the field, and with Sean Payton and Drew Brees working with him, he'll no doubt come good early in his career in that gunslinging offense in New Orleans. Cooks could be that slot receiver that the Saints have been missing for a while, and with advanced route running and great hands, he could well develop into a 1,000 yard receiver. Pick 21 - Green Bay Packers: Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix
A rangy free safety, capable of getting across the field make a hit or get the interception. The man I really wanted the Ravens to take fills a massive hole for the Packers, who need someone playing back there in the secondary to ensure that Jeffrey and Marshall of the Bears don't burn them for too many points or yards, as well as making sure to stop Calvin Johnson and fellow 1st round draft pick Eric Ebron in Detroit. Pick 22 - Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles): Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
One of the most polarizing players in this years draft, Johnny Football is the most electrifying player on the offensive side of the ball. If a play breaks down, he has the ability to do absolutely anything necessary to get the ball across the first down line. Playing with Josh Gordon could be very interesting, as Gordon is developing into an elite WR in the NFL. Manziel could struggle in the AFC North, and durability could be an issue if he keeps getting hit. Will undoubtedly improve the morale of the city of Cleveland, as well as the quality of their football team. Pick 23 - Kansas City Chiefs: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn
A standard sized defensive end with questions over which scheme he fits into, as well as worries about his run-stopping abilities. Claims to be better than Jadeveon Clowney, but I think that was just talk. Certainly a disruptive pass rusher, but definitely a man to try and develop behind both Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, both very very good edge rushers. Pick 24 - Cincinnati Bengals: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
The best press cornerback in the draft at 5'11", Dennard will be pushed straight into battle in the AFC North in an improving Bengals secondary. Will definitely have enough time to develop under some aging defensive backs, and will see good playing time in his first season. Pick 25 - San Diego Chargers: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Only 5'9", but this man is competitive and willing to fight against anybody he's put up against, even if it means he has to get hands-on with the receiver opposite him. Almost certainly willing to play in the slot, lining up against Wes Welker when the Chargers face the Broncos twice a year. Verrett could well develop into one of the best nickel-package cornerbacks. Pick 26 - Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns): Marcus Smith, OLB, Louisville
I'll be honest, I don't know masses about Smith. He seems to be a developmental pick behind Conor Barwin and Trent Cole, and Smith could be the man to bolster that pass rush, which would force QBs like Manning and Romo to force throws into receivers that aren't open, leading to more opportunities for the Eagles' secondary to force turnovers.
Pick 27 - Arizona Cardinals (from New Orleans Saints): Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State
Bucannon is bigger and faster than the two safeties selected before him. Teaming him up with last year's 3rd round selection Tyrann Mathieu in the secondary could mean that the Cardinals really mean business in the NFC West, where defense is the order of the day Pick 28 - Carolina Panthers: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Benjamin brings to a barren Panthers receiving corps an insane catching radius and an unbelievable raw talent capable of developing into Cam Newton's new no.1 receiver. Although he won't have anyone to learn from in Carolina, he'll catch a lot of balls, and probably score a lot of touchdowns as well, as the Panthers aim to get to the top of the very competitive NFC South. For a glimpse of how good Benjamin could be, have a look at his game winning catch in the BCS title game against Auburn.
Pick 29 - New England Patriots: Dominique Easley, DT, Florida
This quick defensive tackle has dropped down draft boards due to a recent ACL injury, raising questions as to his durability, but that won't matter to the Patriots, who run a "next man up" policy. If Wilfork goes down again, expect Easley to step in, and having learnt from Wilfork, he will be very likely to know what's going on when he gets there. Pick 30 - San Francisco 49ers: Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
A smaller safety/slot corner who is likely to come up big for the 49ers, who really know how to make the defensive side of the ball work to their advantage. San Francisco will teach Ward to hit, to cover, and will probably ask him to put on some weight and get to 205/210lbs so that he isn't so injury prone. Definitely a developmental pick, who could become a starter towards the end of the first year or maybe even the beginning of the second. Pick 31 - Denver Broncos: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
With cornerbacks leaving Denver and getting injured all over the place, Roby brings strength, attitude, and skills, although his football tracking skills do come into question. Physically, he's one of the most talented corners in the draft, but his ball skills leave something to be desired. Pick 32 - Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle Seahawks): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
A month and a half ago, Teddy Bridgewater was being considered a possible no.1 overall pick, however after a number of poor workouts, he fell to the back end of the first round. Bridgewater doesn't have to start in Week 1 because Matt Cassell is a serviceable starter who is capable of managing the game while Bridgewater learns the playbook. Could well develop into at least a decent level NFL quarterback.
As a West Ham fan, I'm used to seeing good football. Maybe not successful football, but certainly good football. Many of you will of course be saying that there is no "West Ham way" to play football, but have a look at the video below, and tell me that those goals aren't 100x better than what has been on display at Upton Park this season. I'm now willing to go on record publicly saying that I hope that Sam Allardyce either leaves, or is sacked, at the end of the season, or at the very least by the start of next season.
It's all well and good Big Sam saying that he's not worried about what the fans think, but at some point he'll have to open his eyes to the fact that the football he is sending the players out to play is both ugly, and unsuccessful.
Let's now compare West Ham in the Premier League this season, with the West Ham team managed by Avram Grant in 2010/11. Sam's 28% win rate is higher than Grant's, but his loss rate of 53% (19 out of 36 games) is higher than Grant's number, standing at 50% (19 out of 38). With West Ham still to play Tottenham and Man City, I can't see that percentage decreasing. Equally, Grant's West Ham scored more goals (43 in 38) than Sam's Hammers currently have (38 in 36), and I can't see that number increasing by a great deal, if, at this rate, any.
Allardyce has repeatedly said that he doesn't care for the fans' protests towards both the results being produced, and the style of football being played. However, here was his view on the sacking of Gary Megson's reign at Bolton Wanderers, one of Sam's former clubs: "Unfortunately for Gary, the fans wouldn't quite take to him and they always felt there was something they disagreed with, no matter what he seemed to do...if your fans decide they don't like you, then you've got very little chance of keeping your job, no matter how good you are." After fans at the West Bromwich Albion game on Saturday unveiled the banner shown (right), and having been asking Chairman David Gold on Twitter about the future of the 13th highest paid manager in the world, you have to wonder how long Allardyce has left at the Boleyn Ground.
To see someone more expansive at the club, such as Malky Mackay or Slaven Bilic (themselves both former Hammers), or even fan favourite Paolo DiCanio, would be a welcome replacement. Although I think that DiCanio would be a disaster, it would be a real boost to the fans. From my perspective, he seems better suited to an Assistant Manager's role, used as a motivator for the players. That is unlikely, but any man who is willing to come in to a team that is fairly strong to be set up in many ways is likely to shake things up, make the squad younger and introduce a new philosophy, more akin to that of the West Ham of old.
Personally, I wouldn't be averse to saying goodbye to Sam, whatever the cost. His style of play doesn't fit West Ham as a club, and his attitude towards the fans is wearing thin. He still refers back to the fact that he kept the team in the Premier League last season, as well as the run that he had in February which saw him win the Manager of the Month award. For me, though, it's got to be "Goodbye Sam", as his philosophy simply doesn't stand up to the style of play that West Ham fans are used to, as well as the fact that opposition teams are finding it easier to stop a squad with seemingly only one way of finding the back of the net.
One of my real passions in life is American Football, and as I'm sure you've all noticed, I'm trying to force it on a somewhat reluctant British audience. As such, I'm going to try and make things easier for everyone by explaining all the positions and phrases that I've used and will be using. This article will focus on everything on the offensive side of the ball, as well as the general setup of the NFL, and the teams in it.
General Setup:
The National Football League is made up of 32 teams. Those 32 teams are split into two conferences of 16, and each conference contains 4 divisions of 4 teams. So to summarise; Division<Conference<League.
Each team plays 16 games. These games consist of home and away games against the other 3 teams in the same division, games against all 4 teams from one division in each conference, as well as playing the two teams in the same conference who finished in the same place in their division the previous season.
As an example, let's look at the Ravens: They will play the AFC North (their own division), the AFC South and NFC South, as well as the Chargers and Dolphins (3rd place in the AFC West and East respectively).
Points go to anyone who knows whose hand this is...
At the end of those 16 games, played over 17 weeks (every team gets a "bye week", which is essentially a week off), the playoffs are decided. Each conference is represented by 6 teams in the playoffs. These teams play in a knockout-style competition to decide the two participants of the Superbowl. In essence, the Superbowl is the winner of the NFC against the winner of the AFC.
Everyone still with me? Still awake?
Right, let's get into the real stuff. You may need to read this in a couple of sittings, I realise, but I'm on a roll right now.
Offensive Terminology
This is the bit where I tell you what everything means, not the bit where I write down swear words and explain them. That's not big, and it's not clever, as my mum would say.
He's worth $120m. Yes, really.
Quarterback/QB: The main man. The guy who throws the ball, and generally decides what goes on. It's his job to work out what the defense is doing and counter it in a way that will most benefit his team, before making sure everyone executes properly. Generally speaking, they're the best paid players on the team, earning on average about $4m per year. Although if you're really good, your team could hook you up with $20m+ per year over 5 or 6 years...
It may not look it, but he's off to the races!
Running Back/RB: These guys are pure muscle, more or less. Their job is to take the ball from the QB and run. That's their job in Layman's terms. A more in-depth analysis of their career reveals that these guys take an absolute pounding every Sunday. Star RB's will generally carry the ball 20-25 times a game, and get absolutely drilled by a 300lb defensive player more often than not. They're aided by their Offensive Line, which we will come to in a minute. If they can find a hole to run through, though, you'd better get your skates on. These boys have got wheels.
As I said, crazy athletes.
Wide Receiver/WR: A QB's best friend, wide receivers are the glory boys of the NFL. They're the ones you see running 50 yards without the ball, having it drop over their shoulder into their waiting hands, and then celebrate like they're the ones doing all the hard graft. But seriously, these guys are insanely talented athletes. Wide receivers are normally on the field in groups of between 2 and 4, offering the QB different options to throw to.
The majority have hands larger than your average dinner plate, and can run the 100m in about 11 seconds. Not only that, but some of them run across the middle of the field to receive passes and get poleaxed by men about twice their size, before getting up and brushing it off like it was nothing. Suarez has a lot to learn, go grab him some pads!
Look at the size of him!
Tight End/TE: These guys are part wide receiver, part offensive lineman, but they're 100% massive, and usually the missing link between us and apes. Tight ends come in different packages. Some catch more than others. Some block quite a lot. Some do both quite well. Others don't really do much at all. Increasingly in the NFL, they're used to catch passes because they are absolute physical freaks. They're not much slower than WRs, but they carry about 40-70 extra pounds. Capable of making insane catches and taking monster hits, these guys are a force to be reckoned with, and it takes quite a lot to stop them. Blocking tight ends are used to open up more holes for the RB to run through, and they can typically make their way downfield to make another block if nobody gets to the running back. In short, don't mess with them.
I'm sure they're lovely, but LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THEM!
Offensive Linemen/OL: These guys are behemoths. Like, genuine monsters. Their entire job is to stop people touching the QB, and push people in various directions so that the RB can run by them and score multiple touchdowns. There are 5 positions on the offensive line, Left Tackle (LT), Left Guard (LG), Center (C), Right Guard (RG), and Right Tackle (RT). Inventive, I know. Tackles need to be nimble on their feet for men who weigh over 300lbs, because they need to stop all the fast guys on the defense hitting the QB or RB. Left tackle is often considered the most important position on a team because he protects the side that right-handed QBs can't see, thus protecting his "Blind Side" (like the film, but Michael Oher was actually a RT, and not a very good one at that). Centers and guards stop the defenses big boys coming up the middle, and as a result are normally slightly stouter, but stronger than their tackle counterparts. The center is also responsible for giving the ball to the QB to start the play. It all looks very confusing on the O-Line once the ball has been "snapped", but theres a method to the madness, I promise. I'll explain all that another time, though, cos most of my essays aren't even this long...
Anyway, hope this has cleared up a few things about the NFL and how it works, as well as who is on offense. Next time (Hopefully tomorrow) I'll do the defense, and maybe Special Teams as well. And no, Special Teams isn't what you're thinking. Get your mind out of the gutter.
Joe Flacco. If the $120m man can click with new receiving options Owen Daniels and Steve Smith, Sr., the Ravens have the potential to be a potent threat throughout the NFL this year. This also relies on Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce getting back to their form of 2012, but word coming out of Maryland is that the two of them have lost weight and regained the speed and mobility that made them a fearsome 1-2 punch in the Superbowl winning season.
Best Free Agent Signing:
Whilst the signings of Smith, Daniels, and C Jeremy Zuttah were impressive, Ozzie Newsome worked his front office magic again this offseason by retaining studs like TE Dennis Pitta and LT Eugene Monroe. Monroe has established himself as a top 10 left tackle in the NFL, while Pitta, coming off the back of a dislocated hip injury in July 2013, has the chance to develop from Joe Flacco's favourite target, into one of the best tight ends in football.
Season Prediction:
Obviously it's very hard to predict anything in the NFL, especially before the Draft on May 3rd, but considering the rebuilding job the Ravens have done, I can see them winning a minimum of 9 games, serious injuries permitting, and probably returning to the playoffs.
Final Prediciton: 10-6
Cincinnati Bengals
Key Player:
AJ Green. Having established himself as one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL in his first 3 seasons, Green has a huge role to play in a Bengals offense searching for their second consecutive AFC North title. Andy Dalton is a decent quarterback, but certainly isn't one of the best, and he often relies on Green to go and get catches, rather than just delivering them to him, so it will be interesting to see how defenses line up to combat Green. I envisage Green coming up with well over 1,200 receiving yards and at least 8 TDs to help the Bengals push for another division title.
Best Free Agent Signing:
Having been relatively quiet in free agency, with few holes that need filling, the Benglas re-signing of Taylor Mays is probably the one that fits the title of this bit best. Mays, a second round pick for the 49ers in 2010, has become a starter on a Bengals defense that regularly makes life hard for the opposition. His range and speed across the field make him a good weapon to have at the free safety position, and one who will be a key part of this Bengals team for this season and those to come.
Season Prediction:
If they can tighten up in areas of need through the draft, then despite a tough schedule, the Bengals should be capable of at least 10 wins, and maybe even an elusive playoff victory.
Final Prediction: 10-6
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Player:
Ben Roethlisberger. As ever, everything good that goes through the Steel City, goes through Big Ben. With his ability to extend plays with his feet, receivers have time to get open. Couple this with his ability to come
up big in the important games and play through injury and you've got yourself a borderline elite quarterback.
Best Free Agent Signing:
LeGarrette Blount. Bringing Blount in from New England not only takes away a dangerous runner from the Patriots, but adds a bruising between-the-tackles man to a Steelers run attack that already boasts Le'Veon Bell. These two will wear teams down throughout the season, and will most likely be splitting carries 70/30 in Bell's favour. Blount is a good back who is capable of barrelling through tackles and breaking off big runs, a very good signing.
Season Prediction:
The major problem for the Steelers in recent years has been their ageing defense. If they look to get younger through the draft, as well as filling some gaps along the offensive line, they could well end up challenging for the AFC North title once again. Early trips to Baltimore and Carolina will shape their season, and it will be make or break in weeks 14-17 as they play Cincinnati twice, as well as Kansas City. Final Prediction: 9-7 Cleveland Browns Key Player: Josh Gordon. Poor Josh Gordon. He has the potential to be a really, really good receiver for the Browns, but last season he had Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell throwing to him a lot of the time. If the Browns draft wisely and take a QB with either of their first rounders, we could see Gordon really explode, especially
if they also go and get someone to support him on the other side of the field. This kid could go far, if given the opportunity.
Best Free Agent Signing:
Whilst it was imperative that Alex Mack stayed to anchor the Cleveland O-Line, the addition of Ben Tate to the backfield gives the Browns a fighting chance in a number of close games this season. By having a man like Tate, Cleveland will be able to grind teams down in the trenches and open up the game for their new QB and their receivers to make big plays on the outside.
Season Prediction;
The Browns are still in a rebuilding stage as they overhauled their coaching and backroom staff at the end of last season, as well as having traded away Trent Richardson, who never amounted to what he should have done. If the Browns can become stabilised and find a coaching setup that fits, they could become competitive within a few years. This year, though, they're going to struggle. Final Prediction: 5-11
When Bayern Munich and Real Madrid face each other on Wednesay at the Allianz Arena, a great European rivalry will be re-ignited. Having last met at the same stage of the competition last year, this will be the 6th time that the two have faced each other in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The incident shown below occurred in 1987 at the Olympiastadion in Munich, as Bayern ran out 4-1 winners in the first leg. They went on to qualify for the final, where they lost to Porto. Clearly this tie is likely to be spicy, with much at stake for both sides. Hopefully nothing like this happens, but with Pepe and Ramos going up against Ribery, anything goes.
The game will most likely be a tight affair in the first leg, with maybe only a couple of goals. However, the game at the Santiago Bernabeau will probably be more expansive and attacking.
I expect Real Madrid to be able to break Bayern down, however it will be a case of keeping it tight at the back, as Marcelo and Coentrao, as well as Dani Carvajal, all like to push forward. It will be key, then, for Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric to patrol the space in front of Pepe and Ramos to ensure that any attacks are thwarted before they can reach Robben or Ribery.
From a Munich perspective, the key will be to get the ball to the two dangermen, Robben and Ribery, early, in the hope that they can exploit the gaps left by the Real full-backs. Mandzukic will likely be cutting a lonely figure up front, as he is shadowed across the pitch by the defence, however, driving runs from central midfielders will give him some free space to attack in behind.
Crystal Palace today extended their winning run in the Premier League to 5 games with a 1-0 victory at Upton Park. Before kick-off, there was a sombre atmosphere around the ground after the news broke on Friday of the tragic death of 20-year old Hammer and Australia U-21 international Dylan Tombides. Many around The Boleyn Ground would have been hoping for an attacking performance that Tombides would have been proud of, but Palace had other plans. West Ham started the livelier in the first 10 minutes, but the Eagles started to grow into the game with a number of chances from corners, in particular a good downward header from Dikgacoi which had to be cleared off the line by Carroll, who was influential at both ends, forcing a great point blank save from Julian Speroni just before half time. Both sides had good claims for a penalty turned down, as Palace felt Nolan had handled, and Eagles captain Jedinak bundled Carroll over at the other end. Both teams seemed to make a good point, and potentially at least one penalty should have been given. With the teams going in deadlocked at half-time, the game was well poised, and the crowd knew that one goal would likely change the game. Coming out for the second half, Palace looked galvanised by Pulis' team talk, and started brightly, as McCartney was cautioned for bringing down Bolasie as he bared down on goal. Andy Carroll had a couple of clear chances inside the box, one of which was dragged wide, and the other which was blocked well by Damien Delaney, a member of a hard-to-break-down defensive unit which has been the basis for Palace's good form of late.
Jason Puncheon, a man in form if ever there was one, had a penalty shout turned down by Martin Atkinson after knocking the ball past Pablo Armero, and barely two minutes later, the West Ham full-back was guilty of an unnecessary foul inside the area on Cameron Jerome. The penalty was duly dispatched by Mile Jedinak, sending the travelling fans into raptures. Thereafter, West Ham were chasing the game, and it showed, as Allardyce brought off Jarvis and Downing for the two Coles, therefore forcing the team to play long balls, as opposed to trying the break the defence down out wide and swinging in crosses. Palace's defence found this approach very easy to combat and their attack prospered, with a number of chances falling to Jerome, Puncheon and Bolasie, before the three attackers were brought of in favour of more defensive-minded players. Joe Cole had a couple of good chances late on, but failed to capitalise on them, with Eagles defenders throwing themselves in front of everything coming into the box. Towards the end of the game, Hammers fans were flooding out of the gates in their droves. When the final whistle came, Allardyce was met with boos from the crowd and quickly disappeared down the tunnel, unsurprising, considering his team are now without a clean sheet in 9 games. In all, a disappointing performance from an uninspired West Ham team who clearly can't wait for the end of the season, but an impressive defensive display from a Palace team going from strength to strength. That said, however disappointing or impressive the performance of each of the teams, we must not forget that some things in life are more important than football. In memory of Dylan Tombides, please consider donating, to try and combat all kinds of cancer at http://www.onefortheboys.com/
Safety/FS/SS: Safeties are the last line of defense, and generally speaking, there are 2 on the field at any one time. Free Safeties are often better in coverage, racking up multiple interceptions each year. Meanwhile, Strong Safeties are the harder hitters, who come down and stop running backs should they get through the first two banks of defenders. Together, though, they are what teams rely on to stop opposing offenses from scoring.
Safety/FS/SS: Safeties are the last line of defense, and generally speaking, there are 2 on the field at any one time. Free Safeties are often better in coverage, racking up multiple interceptions each year. Meanwhile, Strong Safeties are the harder hitters, who come down and stop running backs should they get through the first two banks of defenders. Together, though, they are what teams rely on to stop opposing offenses from scoring.
