24 Jan 11 South Carolina Gamecocks' Defense: Schemes and Alignments

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesA number of opposition fans, and even USC fans, often seem pretty confused about what kind of base defense Ellis Johnson runs at South Carolina. I was talking to one 'Cocks fan at the UGA game who kept referring to our three linebackers, Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
when we normally only play two linebackers at a time. Another UGA fan kept referring to Eric Norwood as a defensive end. However, this confusion is understandable, because Ellis Johnson's defense is built around versatile players who can align themselves in a number of different ways to create confusion. The goal here is to give a basic overview of how the defense is supposed to work and the roles various players play in it. Finally, I will evaluate what has gone right and wrong for the defense thus far and what will be needed for it to function as an elite unit this year. The Base The base formation can mostly simply be called a 4-2-5 defense. That is, four down linemen, 2 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs. Normally this would be called a nickel formation, but for reasons we will see, this isn't really a nickel defense. The primary difference is that the fifth defensive back is more of a linebacker/strong safety hybrid than a typical nickel back. In a typical nickel scheme, the extra defensive back either plays a deep zone or covers the slot receiver one-on-one. In Ellis Johnson's scheme, the "spur" plays much more of a run-support/blitzing/underneath-coverage role than a nickel back. So, in many ways you could call this defense a 4-2-1-4 defense: four down linemen, two linebackers, one spur, and four true defensive backs. The most common defensive play-call in this formation has the four down linemen attacking the line of scrimmage and the two linebackers playing primarily run-support roles and covering backs out of the backfield. The "spur" covers the short/intermediate middle of the field in a zone defense, the two corners play zone schemes on the outside, and the two safeties play a two-deep zone. The Subtle Tweaks As mentioned earlier, the true hallmark of this defense is having several players that can play multiple roles. As mentioned earlier, the spur should have the ability to play everything from essentially a weakside linebacker's role to a free safety role. In addition, the weakside linebacker oftentimes will play more of a pass-rush/defensive end type role. Last year this was Eric Norwood's specialty, which often led to some actually considering him a defensive end. Depending on the down and distance, the weakside linebacker will often sub for one of the defensive ends with a quicker linebacker taking the weakside linebacker's position. However, this has happened much less this year, with the true defensive ends, Devin Taylor and Cliff Matthews, playing almost every down. What is the key to this being a dominant unit?What is the key to this being a dominant unit?Antonio Allen and/or Damario Jeffrey stepping their play up23.7%Shaq Wilson getting back18.6%The secondary playing to their potential39.0%Better defensive playcalling18.6%Total votes: 59In another tweak on the alignment, one of the defensive ends is often called to drop into short zone coverage after initially lining up at the line of scrimmage. This can give the defense the look of a 3-3-5 or 3-4 defense. Adding all of this up, with the same personnel the defense can play: A base 4-2-1-4 defense, as outlined above A more traditional 4-3 defense, with the spur essentially becoming a third linebacker A 5-2-4 defense, with the weakside linebacker essentially lining up as a fifth defensive lineman and the spur essentially playing a linebacker position A traditional 4-2-5 nickel defense, with the spur essentially playing the role of a traditional nickel back A 5-1-5 defense, with the weakside linebacker playing a pass-rush role and the spur playing a traditional nickel back role. A 3-3-5 defense, with one of the defensive ends dropping into short zone coverage (or being subbed outright) and the spur playing the role of a traditional nickel back A traditional 3-4 defense, with one of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
the defensive ends playing a short zone (or being subbed outright) and the spur coming up to play a linebacker role This is why, when running properly, this defense can create headaches for opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks. South Carolina's defense can run a variety of schemes without tipping their hand by subbing personnel. The key positions of the defense Two positions in the defense stand out as the biggest keys: weakside linebacker and spur. Scott Halleran/Getty ImagesThe spur is important because his reads and calls either put South Carolina at a numbers advantage or disadvantage. If he reads a handoff and the QB keeps it, then South Carolina will have a hard time stopping a mobile quarterback (see Cam Newton's performance). If he reads run and it's play action, the pass defense is a little undermanned in their zones. A smart, athletic spur can make this a dominant unit. With a subpar spur, the defense will find itself out of position and unable to defend against even average attacks. Weakside linebacker is important for many of the same reasons, though the weakside linebacker doesn't typically have to make many reads. The weakside linebacker is sort of the "moving piece" of this defense that, with the right player, can wreak havoc on an offensive coordinator's plans and cause the QB to have nightmares. With a subpar weakside linebacker, this defense can get very vanilla and easy to predict. How this year's defense works What I've described above is Ellis Johnson's overall defensive philosophy. However, one thing he has shown over the years is that he varies and/or limits what he calls based on the current personnel he has. South Carolina really misses this guyFor instance, last year Eric Norwood was clearly the most talented player he had, so he tended to call defenses designed to move Norwood around, so that the opposition couldn't "scheme him out of the play" very often. Norwood was not only a physically gifted player, but he was also a very mentally sound player and could play a lot of positions on defense, allowing Ellis Johnson to do this. This year, there doesn't seem to be an Eric Norwood-type player amongst the linebackers or ends, which has led to what may appear to be more conservative play-calling. Very rarely this year have you seen anything other than the four down linemen rushing the passer and the two linebackers trying to stop the run. This may be for two reasons: First, Johnson seems to have two great pure defensive ends in Cliff Matthews and Devin Taylor. As Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
great as Norwood was, the reason he rushed the passer so often and had so many sacks was that sometimes South Carolina had a hard time getting to the quarterback with their pure defensive ends last year. Secondly, thus far they've mostly been missing Shaq Wilson, who is the only linebacker that's really versatile enough to play the Norwood role. Johnson seems reluctant to play his backups in anything other than base schemes when Shaq Wilson is not in there. And even when Shaq Wilson is in there, he's not Eric Norwood. If South Carolina wants a shot to play here this year, the defense has to step upKevin C. Cox/Getty Images The good things thus far The four down linemen have played exceptionally well. South Carolina has gotten decent pressure, despite blitzing less than I can ever remember this team blitzing. They've mostly stuffed traditional up-the-gut running attacks. The linebackers have played decently in run support. The bad things thus far Devonte Holloman at strong safety and Antonio Allen and Damario Jeffery at spur have made a lot of bad reads, especially against Cam Newton. The spur is essentially the quarterback of this defense on the field, and against a deception-based attack, such as Auburn's, his reads are critical. I could count on one hand the number of times that the spur made the right read on a quarterback spread-option run against Auburn. If Cam Newton kept the ball, the spur was following the running back; if the spur stayed on Cam Newton, he had actually handed it off. Despite NFL talent at both corners, they haven't really made plays. Culliver's transition to CB hasn't been as smooth as hoped. While he's played solidly, Stephon Gillmore's play hasn't really been at the All-SEC level South Carolina had expected. Akeem Auguste hasn't played poorly, but he hasn't been a factor either. Will the defense put it together and become a top shelf SEC defense?Will the defense put it together and become a top shelf SEC defense?Yes83.3%No16.7%Total votes: 6The linebackers make the plays they should, but that's about it. Again, this is somewhat understandable and will hopefully improve now that Shaq Wilson is back. What to look for going forward Shaq Wilson being reintegrated into the schemes. Shaq has been away, and his position is critical in making this defense hard for an offense to read. With him out, it's mostly been a talented but predictable unit that can be exploited by talented players. If Shaq Wilson can come in and allow Ellis Johnson to again use the kind of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
diversity of calls that this defense is capable of, then this could be one of the top, if not the top, defenses in the SEC. If it's more of the same, this is a slightly above-average defense in the SEC, which isn't bad, but won't get you to Atlanta. The bye week could not come at a better time for this defense. Hopefully they are angry about their performance, or lack thereof, against Auburn, and the bye week allows Ellis Johnson to really get Shaq back into the game plan. Shaq Wilson needs to become that player that the opposition has to worry about and game-plan against. This allows all the other pieces to more easily click into place. The ends will become even more dominant, taking some pressure off the spur to make the big plays and forcing the offense to react to the defense, and not the reverse. The safeties can just sit back and pick off pressured deep balls. In Sum This may very well be the most talented defense Spurrier has had; however, it has thus far lacked major playmakers at the two play-making positions, weakside linebacker and spur. If South Carolina can adequately address these two issues during the bye week, they could have a shot against Alabama and could definitely find themselves as the favorites to win the East. If these issues linger for the rest of the season, South Carolina may find themselves repeating the same sort of disappointing finish they've had the last few years.

22 Jan 11 Power Ranking The SEC Teams Week 3: Conference Still Seems Shaky

Though the top players stayed the same, the SEC power is still unclearLarry Burton (Syndicated Writer) Week three was not kind to many SEC teams struggling to stay near the top of the league and demonstrated why many feel this is a down year overall for the SEC.Every league has it proverbial cellar dweller, but when that team starts beating up on other teams in the league, does it make the league as whole look stronger or weaker? That is what happened this week when Houston Nutt's Ole Miss Rebels were shocked by Vanderbilt.As a whole, the Detroit Lions
SEC is very strong at the top with Alabama, very solid in the middle but the upper tier is very cloudy and no one is really coming into view there so far and with 25 per cent of the season over, now is the time to start showing what you can do.SEC Eastern DivisionSouth Carolina -Yes, their numbers are better than Florida's, but have they convinced that they have what it takes to finish the season strong? With Florida showing improvement and with the talent on board, the conventional wisdom is that Florida will soon retake top billing in this division.South Carolina has shown they can pound the rock between the tackles and Garcia is really showing his form in passing this year. Combine that with the always tough Ellis Johnson defense and you have a pretty solid team.Next weeks game on the road at Auburn should tell whether or not the season so far this season has been all smoke and mirrors so far.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 194.08 4th Overall RUSHING YARDS 198.3 33rd OverallPOINTS FOR 32.0 42nd Overall POINTS AGAINST 12.7 9th OverallFlorida -They seem to be winning the division more by default than by actions on the field. You have a team here struggling to find an identity and a moment that can turn the season from ho hum to humming like they usually do.Until Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks show that they can string more than a few wins together, you have to put Florida ahead of South Carolina.Florida has so much potential, one has to believe that at some point this season, they can finally tune the engine and stop sputtering past opponents in the second half on just depth and talent.Florida's put up or shut up time is quickly approaching with the next games against Kentucky, Alabama and LSU.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 150.7 103rd Overall RUSHING YARDS 166.7 52nd OverallPOINTS FOR 34.3 32nd Overall POINTS AGAINST 14.3 16th OverallKentucky -Don't let the football strength rankings fool you. Kentucky has some good numbers, but against very average to bad opponents. This week's contest with Florida at the the swamp will tell us once and for all just how good the Cats are this year.If the offense can keep up the pace they have so far this year, they could actually give the Gators a fight, especially if Florida keeps stumbling around looking for an identity.Derrick Locke ran for a whopping 165 yards and Mike Hartline passed for another 250 which will certainly give Florida something to think about in planning for this week's game.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 255.3 32nd Overall RUSHING YARDS 242.0 15th OverallPOINTS FOR 44.3 11th Overall POINTS AGAINST 18.03 4th OverallTennessee - Tennessee fights well for a half, but depth problems become apparent in the second as Tennessee fades pretty quickly. They once again looked good in the fist half of the game with Florida before the second half melt down did them in.Still, there's reason to be optimistic. Sims is quicklyGreen Bay Packers jersey
gaining confidence and piling up yardage and if the defense can just get things together, they may win a few SEC games this year.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 205.0 73rd Overall RUSHING YARDS 181.0 42nd OverallPOINTS FOR 26.7 70th Overall POINTS AGAINST 26.3 80th OverallVanderbilt -Yes folks there's a new cellar dweller in the SEC Eastern Division. Georgia has rocketed to the bottom while Vanderbilt rises now rises above two SEC teams, Georgia and Ole Miss.With the season Houston Nutt is having, I hate to call the Vanderbilt win an upset, but that's just what it was. Not so much much that they won, but that they won by so much.Vandy fans can take comfort in knowing they won't be shut out now in the SEC this season.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 127.7 110th Overall RUSHING YARDS 161.3 54th OverallPOINTS FOR 17.3 107th Overall POINTS AGAINST 21.3 58th OverallRicht encouraging Murray Saturday got the dogs close, but no cigarMike Zarrilli/Getty ImagesGeorgia -Following up an 8-5 season by rocketing your team to last place in your division with a 0-2 conference record is not a great way to stop the hot seat talk surrounding Mark Richt.Though Georgia played a valiant game against a team considered one of the better ones in the SEC, Arkansas, a loss is still a loss. And a loss at home is even worse.And with other big games from better SEC teams still down the road, that 8-5 season last year that got so many so hot might seem like a good thing before the season is over.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 212.7 63rd Overall RUSHING YARDS 128.0 85th OverallPOINTS FOR 28.3 64th Overall POINTS AGAINST 18.3 39th OverallSEC WestAlabama -For anyone looking for chinks in the armor of the defending national champions, it was hard to find any Saturday as they just completely pummeled Duke 62-13 before calling off the dogs. They could have scored 90 points based on the first half performance, but that's not Nick Saban's style.Ingram answered the questions, is he OK and who's number one now?Brian A. Westerholt/Getty ImagesNext week will answer a lot of questions about the Tide defense. Facing Ryan Mallet, the world will find out in the Tide is rebuilding or simply re-loading on defense.Any questions about Ingram were settled with a big exclamation mark. His 151 yards on just nine carries may finally shut everyone up on who's number one on this team. By contract, Richardson struggled with just 61 yards on seven carries and Eddie Lacy's seven carries netted 52.Newcomer Jalston Fowler got 48 yards on just six carries. Look at the yards per carry average on these four runners and you'll see what some teams may just throw their hands up in Houston Texans jersey
he air when trying to find a way to stop them.Ingram - 16.8 yds per carry, Richardson 8.7, Lacy 7.4 and Fowler 8.0.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 291.3 17th Overall RUSHING YARDS 250.7 13th OverallPOINTS FOR 44.7 9th Overall POINTS AGAINST 6.3 2nd OverallArkansas -A game winning drive in the closing minutes of a big SEC game will give the Hogs a lot of confidence in the upcoming game with Alabama this weekend. Ryan Mallet proved that coming back for his senior year was the right move, and that final drive against Georgia has planted itself on the minds of many NFL scouts.Ryan Mallet had a quarterback's dream leading the team to a last minute winAl Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesWith the running game still sputtering, the Hogs seemed unable to run the clock and seal the deal after building up a big lead. That could cost them later in the year, but for now, the Razorbacks seem to be the second best team in the West.After playing Alabama and Texas AM, the Hogs play Auburn to decide second place once and for all.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 367.7 3rd Overall RUSHING YARDS 116.0 98th OverallPOINTS FOR 35.3 26th Overall POINTS AGAINST 11.3 5th OverallAuburn -Call it lucky, but call it a win. A call from an official took three points off the board and a second attempt to tie the game by a spirited Clemson team went wide left and Auburn escaped a tough out of conference game.Next week we will see if Auburn is for real as they face a really good SEC team, South Carolina.Cam Newton hasn't been passing like many had hoped but his running is more than making up for it so far. South Carolina may force him to beat them throwing as they look able to shut down the running lanes.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 200.7 78th Overall RUSHING YARDS 259.3 12th OverallPOINTS FOR 32.0 42nd Overall POINTS AGAINST 21.3 58th OverallLSU, causing even the most faithful to be a little nervous so farKevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesLSU -They may not be winning pretty but they are winning. Even if the wins have been against struggling teams and depleted teams, they are wins.As the Tigers head to the meat of their schedule, they are still a mystery. Jordan Jefferson doesn't look any more settled than last year. LSU is one of the worst teams in the country in passing.But the defense looks to be tougher than previous years. John Chavis is a first class coordinator and it's obvious his influence is becoming ingrained on this unit.With two more easy games before meeting Florida, look for the Tigers to stay in hunt, but only on paper for a few more weeks.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 120.0 115th Overall RUSHING YARDS 203.0 32nd OverallPOINTS FOR 28.7 61st Overall POINTS AGAINST 11.35th OverallMississippi State -The Dogs looked flat against LSU as John Chavis, LSU's defensive coordinator seemed to have all the answers to Dan Mullen's offense in Indianapolis Colts jersey
that 29-7 loss.Dan Mullen is still looking for the right players to plug into his schemesRick Dole/Getty ImagesYou get the feeling that if Mullen can get the recruiting going down in Starkville that he can put a team out there than fight with any of the big boys in the SEC.Next week's game with Georgia will be an interesting one. It will show if Georgia really belongs in the bottom of the SEC or whether they can hope to be just another mid tier SEC team. For State, it will show if they can rebound from a rough loss.2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 205.7 72nd Overall RUSHING YARDS 155.3 63rd OverallPOINTS FOR 23.3 86th Overall POINTS AGAINST 17.7 33rd OverallOle Miss -Stick a fork in Ole Miss for this season, they're done. Yes, many expected it it to be a down year, but not a dig a hole and jump in kind of year.The sad thing for for a team that should be now known as "Ole Mess" is that they look this pitiful after playing the easy games on their schedule. Can you imagine how they'll stink up the hard ones?If they stink so bad with Masoli, can you image how bad they'd smell without him?2010 OVERALL FBS RANKINGSPASSING YARDS 238.0 40th Overall RUSHING YARDS 174.7 47th OverallPOINTS FOR 29.7 56th Overall POINTS AGAINST 30.0 91st Overall

18 Jan 11 College Football Predictions Week 4: Picks For Every Big Game

Brian A. Westerholt/Getty ImagesCollege football's week 4 gets underway Thursday night, and from start to finish, this weekend promises to be full of excellent games. From the SEC to the Pac-10 to the midwestern schools of the Big 10 and 12, we've got all the predictions for the big games that you could possibly want. Some teams are riding high from big wins last week (like Arizona); others are trying to recoup from a crushing defeat (That would be you, Notre Dame). Whose early season form will hold true? Who will break through that sluggish start with a big win? Washington Redskins jersey
Let's get to the games. 01:08 PM ETCollege Football Week 4 Picks: UCLA v. Texas PreviewA feisty matchup here, as the Longhorns hope to pay back the Bruins for the 66-7 beatdown laid on them in Austin in 1997. UCLA has been a disappointment thus far, opening 1-2. The running game behind John Franklin has been strong, as the spo...Read more 01:07 PM ETCollege Football Week 4 Picks: North Carolina v. RutgersTwo teams heading in decidedly different directions square off in this one. North Carolina’s season has come off the rails with suspensions and poor play. The Tar Heels have struggled to find rhythm across the board, and have paid for ...Read more 01:04 PM ETCollege Football Week 4 Picks: TCU v. SMU PrevewThis one could be more interesting than people think. SMU has hope for the first time since the Death Sentence was levied by the NCAA, while TCU is a top 5 team. The Mustangs are led by head coach June Jones’ ultra-spread offense, which give...Read more 12:16 PM ETCollege Football Week 4 Picks: Fresno State v. Ole Miss PredictionAn intriguing matchup, to say the least. Fresno's looking for respect, while Ole Miss is looking to keep their season on the rails.The Bulldogs of Fresno State looked pretty solid waxing Cincinnati and Utah State, but Ole Miss is a decidedly...Read more 11:57 AM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Georgia v. Mississippi State PredictionA clash between a pair of 1-2 teams who have looked better than their records would suggest.Georgia's offense has looked excellent with freshman quarterback Aaron Murray at the helm, and sophomore running back Washaun Ealey making plays. So ...Read more 03:24 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Virginia Tech vs. Boston College PredictionThe Hokies managed to get their season back on track against East Carolina last week, while BC sits undefeated after their bye week.Virginia Tech can run the ball down your throat all game long. Junior quarterback Tyrod Taylor and runn...Read more 03:19 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: North Carolina State vs. Georgia Tech PredictionBoth the Wolf Pack and the Yellow Jackets are looking to break into the top 25, although they're doing it in two very different ways.Paul Johnson's Georgia Tech team is all about the triple option. Who needs to throw the ball, when you...Read more 03:12 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Wake Forest vs. Florida State PredictionAn intriguing matchup between a pair of unranked teams.The Seminoles saw their preseason hype de-railed by a dismantling at the hands of Oklahoma. Senior quarterback Christian Ponder is always an excellent dual-threat, with fast legs and a s...Read more 03:03 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati PredictionOne team looking for respect, the other trying to getReebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
their season on track.The Oklahoma Sooners are a tough team to figure out. Against Florida State, they looked like world beaters, knocking the Seminoles around like ragdolls. But ag...Read more 02:53 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Temple vs. Penn State PredictionA sneaky good game. Temple is 3-0, which is shocking because this is football we're talking about, not basketball. Penn State has looked solid with freshman quarterback Robert Bolden, but not unbeatable.The Nittany Lions' uniforms may ...Read more 02:48 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Miami vs. Pittsburgh PredictionThis matchup pits a pair of teams whose seasons haven't gotten off on the right foot.The Hurricanes looked unstoppable in Week 1, but against Ohio State the following week, Miami crapped the proverbial bed. Four interceptions from junior qua...Read more 02:39 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Kentucky vs. Florida PredictionThis one is a perplexing game to pick. Florida hasn't looked bad, but they haven't looked like top-10 material this season. Kentucky has been efficient, but haven't beaten Florida since 1986.The Gators' new quarterback, junior John Brantley,...Read more 02:31 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Oregon vs. Arizona State PredictionAnother test game for the Ducks. The Sun Devils failed their first test, losing on the road at Wisconsin.Oregon has looked unstoppable thus far this season. Running backs LaMichael James and Remene Alston Jr. have been tearing up opposing de...Read more 02:22 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Cal vs. Arizona PredictionA sneaky good game, because Cal is better than people think, while Arizona is still riding high after last week's huge win over Iowa.Jeff Tedford's Golden Bears are currently off the radar completely after their blowout loss to Nevada ...Read more 02:14 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Stanford vs. Notre Dame PredictionThis one has the makings of a classic. The Cardinal are 3-0, and ranked 16th in the nation, but are looking for some respect. Notre Dame are 1-2 after a pair of heartbreaking losses, and are looking to prove they can beat a good opponent.Jim...Read more 02:00 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Oregon State vs. Boise State PredictionSo Boise State's early season win over the Virginia Tech Hokies has been cheapened by Tech's swoon. The Broncos get another chance to show what they can do against a BCS foe when the Beavers come to the Smurf Turf.Junior quarterback Kellen M...Read more 01:51 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: West Virginia vs. LSU PredictionBoth of these teams could use a win to help in the respect department, although the Mountaineers need it a bit more than the Bayou Bengals.West Virginia appears to have found a quarterback in sophomore GenoReebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
Smith, who chucks the ball w...Read more 01:43 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: South Carolina vs. Auburn PredictionGames between teams ranked in the teens are almost always guaranteed to be exciting, and this one is no exception.The Tigers of Auburn feature one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country in junior quarterback Cameron Newton. Newt...Read more 01:33 PM ETCollege Football Picks Week 4: Alabama vs. Arkansas PredictionThis is the big one this week. The Crimson Tide passed their first test of the season, beating Penn State handily in Tuscaloosa, but the Razorbacks are a much stronger team.Senior quarterback Ryan Mallett has one of the biggest arms in...Read more

15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams Clock Management Scott Linehan Marc Bulger

Well, it didn't take long for Scott Linehan to get his first important coaching lesson.In last Sunday's game against the 49ers, the Rams trailed 20-13 with a little over five minutes left, and got the ball back after a Joe Nedney field goal. Time to go into the hurry-up, right?After dropping the ball, literally, on the last possession, Marc Bulger and the Rams offense did it again on what proved to be their final possession. No, it wasn't the fact that they didn't move the ball in that final possession. It was the fact that, in doing so, they took far, far too much time off of tReebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
he clock, as shown directly below.5:14 - Bulger completes a pass to Steven Jackson for two yards.4:36 - Bulger goes down at the line of scrimmage. 3:53 - Bulger throws incomplete. 3:45 - Matt Turk punts. True enough, there were still over three minutes left, and the Rams had two timeouts left. The defense had played a decent game, minus a four-minute period at the beginning of the third quarter that was about as telling as that final drive. But it was a little risky to put the game in the hands of a defense that is still very much a work in progress. And, as it turned out, with the 'bullish' running of Frank Gore, the 49ers were able to run the clock out. That approach had worked in the first half, when the Rams controlled the ball for over 12 minutes in the second quarter and built a 10-3 halftime lead. And they stuck with that approach in the second half, even after falling behind 17-10. After the 49ers had scored two touchdowns within a span of four minutes, the Rams went on a six-minute drive down the field. That was a good example of when to work the clock. When you've been ambushed like that, slowing the game down can give your defense a breather and allow it to regain their composure, and it'll give the offense a chance to take over the game and at least stifle some of the momentum gained by the opposition. It'd have worked perfectly had Jeff Wilkins not missed a 46-yard field goal after the drive had stalled. Sticking to that gameplan with five minutes left, down seven? Not a good idea. There are just some points where you should try to maximize your possessions, not just maximize what you do with them. If you're tied, at that point, then it's OK to use that approach, if you want to leave the game in the hands of your defense, in case the offense doesn't move the ball. But, if you're behind, you should want to ensure that your offense gets at least two cracks at getting the ball down the field. If you're a believer in the 'quality, not quantity' philosophy, then you might be on the Rams' side. But if you're not moving the ball with consistency and regularity, then that philosophy gets blown out of the water. The Rams had two drives that totaled nearly 14 minutes, where they came out with only three points. In comparison, San Francisco's four scoring Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
drives took only a little over eight minutes. Time of possession can be a particularly deceiving statistic when you average only four yards per play, while the other team averaged 6.5 (in 13 less plays). Looks like the 'quality, not quantity' philosophy worked for the wrong coach, eh?However, it's only a couple of weeks into the season, and Linehan's new offensive system is still just as much a work in progress as the defense. Getting it done in camp, the preseason or in practice is one thing, and getting it done when it counts is an entirely different matter. Seeing only one touchdown in the first two weeks, considering the pedigree of both Linehan and the talent he's working with, is, to say the least, a strange sight to behold, but with the offensive struggles of the Chiefs, there must just be a statewide drought in Missouri. But, with what we've come to expect from the Rams in recent years, you'd think that it's only a matter of time before they show what they're capable of. The Rams have a chance to do just that, but also face a stiff test when they visit Kurt Warner and high-powered Arizona. The veteran QB will be making his third appearance in a Cardinals uniform against the team with which he rose from unknown to superstar and won a Super Bowl and two MVP awards.With the Cardinals' ability to put a lot of points on the board in short order, the offense will need to at least produce more than it has in the first couple of weeks, in case the game is a shootout. Also, it would take some pressure off the defense, which showed it still has some weaknesses that could definitely be exposed by Warner's strong arm. St. Louis may not need to score often, but, for the sake of not getting into a hole, the team will need to produce early. Why? Because if the Cardinals get their offense going, then Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
Bulger will be forced to go to the hurry-up far earlier than he might like. But as it happens, that ball-control philosophy could actually work to St. Louis' favor, because it'd limit the amount of opportunities the Cardinals have to do some damage. Either way, however, the Rams offense is going to have to pick up the pace.Get more St. Louis Rams coverage (1)

14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks "Seahawks need to avoid that rundown feeling"

The Seattle Seahawks got run over last year. Gored. Gashed. Gutted.Everyone from Frank Gore to Chester Taylor to Larry Johnson to Tatum Bell to LaDainian Tomlinson to Julius Jones left the Seahawks with that rundown feeling.After ranking fifth in the league in run defense (94 yards per game) when they made their run to the Super Bowl in 2005, the Seahawks fell to 22nd at 127 yards per game in 2006. The big difference? The absence of 320-pound run stuffer Marcus Tubbs. A knee injury ended Tubbs' season in October, and the Seahawks suddenly Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
couldn't stop any running backs. In the five games Tubbs played, Seattle surrendered just 82 rushing yards per game. But in the 13 games he missed, including playoffs, opponents averaged almost 138 yards. Tubbs' absence was basically worth 56 rushing yards per game to enemy teams.The Seahawks will need Tubbs to rebound well from microfracture surgery on his knee if they are going to do a better job against the run in 2007. If Tubbs can't get back to his 2005 form, the Hawks will need a standout performance from third-round pick Brandon Mebane, a smaller (6-foot-1, 305) but very effective run stopper.The Seahawks face only three rushing teams in 2007 that ranked in the top 10 in 2006: Atlanta (first), San Francisco (sixth) and Pittsburgh (10th). But they also will see a lot of other accomplished running backs.Last year, Gore was the guy who gashed and gutted the Seahawks more than anyone. In two games, he rushed for 356 yards -- 212 on 24 carries in November and 144 on 29 attempts in December -- as the 49ers swept the NFC West champs. The Seahawks certainly will focus on stopping the league's best breakout player from 2006.They'll also have to be concerned about guys like Pittsburgh's Willie Parker, Cincinnati's Rudi Johnson, Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook, New Orleans' duo of Deuce McAllister and ReggieReebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
Bush as well as division runners Edgerrin James (Arizona) and Steven Jackson (St. Louis).The Seahawks saw Parker in Super Bowl XL, where he busted off a record 75-yard touchdown run in the Steelers' 21-10 victory. On that huge play, Parker and the Steelers took advantage of the Seahawks' inexperienced No. 4 safety. Seattle has much better safeties heading into this season than it had then, but "Fast Willie" is still dangerous.Johnson surpassed 1,300 yards for the third straight year last season, but he averaged only 3.8 yards per carry. The Bengals lost star guard Eric Steinbach to Cleveland and center Rich Braham to retirement in the offseason, so the running game might fall off a bit more this season.Westbrook finally surpassed 1,000 yards last season, gaining 1,217 on 240 carries while also catching 77 passes for 699 yards. The soon-to-be 28-year-old is one of the best all-around backs in the NFL, and the Seahawks will have their hands full against him.The Saints ranked just 19th in rushing last season (110 yards per game), but McAllister and Bush are one of the best two-headed attacks in league, and Bush became a better runner as the '06 campaign progressed. The Cardinals were one of the worst rushing teams in the league last season, ranking 30th at about 84 yards per game. But they improved late in the season, while new coach Ken Whisenhunt and line guru Russ Grimm are committed to running the ball. James tallied just 64 yards on 18 carries in the first game against Seattle in 2006, but he gained 115 yards on 26 attempts in December. After a horrible start, James finished with three 100-yard games in the final five. And that's reason to believe the Cardinals will be a challenge to stop this year.Jackson didn't burn the Seahawks like others did last year, but he rushed for 1,528 yards and will Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
be a threat, especially with franchise left tackle Orlando Pace coming back from a triceps injury suffered in the second Seattle game last season.The Seahawks will face other big-name runners in 2007 as well -- Cadillac Williams, Jamal Lewis, Cedric Benson, Willis McGahee, Warrick Dunn and the Carolina DeBacks (DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster). If Tubbs, Mebane and the rest of the defense aren't up to the task, the Seahawks will get run over again. Gored. Gashed. Gutted.Get more on the Seattle Seahawks

13 Jan 11 Houston: Kobe Has a Problem

Harry How/Getty ImagesI thought all this time Kobe was being Kobe... But this time, he's done it with a broken right index finger. Since his reported injury on December 12, 2009, he's been nothing but stellar.With that injury, all I could conclude about his statistics was that it was doing nothing but helping him. San Diego Chargers jersey
He's been averaging 29 points per game. "So, what's so different about Kobe's game?" He's hurt, that's what.An avulsion fracture - a fragment of bone torn away by a tendon or ligament - in his index finger, the most important digit for controlling his shot. He wears protective padding around his finger that has almost enhanced his amazing shooting abilities, but now mortality is getting to him."Injuries don't affect me," Kobe said. "I'm not going to sit here and say I've got a (bad) knee, I've got a (bad) finger. I'm fine. I'm more than fine. I always keep playing."Well, now that we're in the middle of January 2010, he's showing pain not physically necessarily, but statistically. And on top of that, his little splint that's been curing his injured masterpieces has gone cold... BRRR!It has been announced throughout sports websites, blogs, etc. that the shooting legend will go back to wearing a metal splint, something that may control his shooting, instead of him controlling his shot.I remember back a few years ago when I broke my right ring finger. I thought it was the end of the world. The ability to hold, control, and shoot the ball is changed completely. It should be understood that Kobe is mortal and can't play as well as always due to an injury that would put a wide receiver in the NFL out for the season. San Francisco 49ers jersey
The verdict of this topic: Kobe Bryant is hurt. Kobe Bryant is mortal.He can hide the pain all he wants, but we know it's there; he knows. We shall let him be, for he shall be back to the Kobe Show within a couple weeks. This is his game, so let him direct it.

12 Jan 11 Dwight Howard Should Be a Key Factor in an Important Week for Orlando Magic

Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesThe Orlando Magic enter a two game home stand this weekend that could provide a huge momentum shift for the team and the Eastern Conference.A national TV battle with Boston on Thursday and a Saturday night, Southeast Division showdown with Atlanta will offer a Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
chance for the Magic to move closer to the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference.Right now, the Magic find themselves in unfamiliar territory when it comes to the past couple years. They sit in second place in the Southeast Division, looking up at the first-place Atlanta Hawks.A horrid road trip dropped the Magic down the standings, but the last week or so has offered a slight bit of promise.A key ingredient to the team's moderately improved play in the past week has been the eruption of Dwight Howard as a scoring force, while continuing to dominate on the boards and on defense. Dwight has been averaging nearly 24 points and 16 rebounds a game for the past five games.As the team approaches two of its most important games in recent memory, certainly Howard will need to assert himself and stay out of foul trouble.Of course, Howard's ability to assert himself is always dependent on the other starters to feed him the ball, which they've had problems with in the past.In Dwight's two games against Boston this season, he has put up just nine and five points, respectively. His rebounding against the Celtics has been impressive, however, averaging nearly 18 off the glass in his two games against Boston.The key against the Celts' could be getting the ball inside to Howard early and trying to get Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
Kendrick Perkins into early foul trouble.Perkins showed himself to be an admirable defender against Howard throughout the two teams' playoff series last year. While Perkins is a good defender of Howard, Dwight is certainly due for a solid game against the Celtics.While getting the ball inside and forcing their hand against Boston's big men could be key, the Magic may just decide to live and die by the three-point shot again, which is the very mindset that put the terrible stretch a few weeks back into motion.Against the Hawks, bench play coupled with a strong game from Howard could be an easy route to success. Al Horford is an undersized center who could be taken advantage of inside by Dwight.Whether Dwight erupts this week will remain to be seen. However, it's certain that the Magic are in search of some standout wins this year. They have already dropped one game each against LA, Cleveland, and Boston.One good sign for the Magic is that their nationally televised game against Boston is on TNT and not on ESPN. The team has struggled Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
for the most part on ESPN/ABC every game this season, getting blown out by Denver and Portland, plus dropping a Christmas Day game with the Celtics.Perhaps with the help of a solid playing Dwight Howard and an improved offensive mindset, Orlando can grab two key victories this weekend.