It is easy to talk about the Tom Brady that everyone knows now. The records have all been set and more remain within reach, but at one time, Brady was not a record holder. Brady was not arguably the greatest in the world.
In 2001, Brady stepped into the starting quarterback spot for the Patriots after Drew Bledsoe was injured during a week two matchup against the Jets. The young quarterback was just given an opportunity to make a name for himself in the league.
Most know the story of Brady’s rise to football stardom, but many do not some of the people that were first to contribute or try to get in the way of it.
First Touchdown Pass: Terry Glenn, Wide Receiver
Week 5, 2001
Tom Brady and Terry Glenn, coming from opposing Big Ten schools, came together to help lift the Patriots out of a 1-3 start to the season. The pair had an unusual beginning to their season before that play. Glenn came off the bench from a four-game substance-abuse suspension. And Brady, well, everyone knows how that story goes. In this game, Glenn caught a 21-yard pass to record Brady’s first touchdown pass.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Gleen played at home for The Ohio State Buckeyes. The walk-on received the Biletnikoff Award for being one of the top college receivers. He was the Patriots seventh pick in the first round of the 1996 draft. Once in the league, he played 11 seasons for the Patriots, Packers, and Cowboys.
The wide receiver had a troubled personal life outside of football. He often found himself in trouble with the law, issues spawning from domestic violence to public intoxication and auto theft. Glenn’s life came to a tragic end in 2017 at age 43 in a rollover car accident. He left behind children and a fiance, who was injured in the accident.
First Sack: Brad Scioli, Defensive End
Week 6, 2001
Another first, another former Big Ten player. Scioli was in his third season with the Colts. The defensive end was up against a young, seemingly unknown quarterback who just stepped into the position. And when it was time to make a big play, it was Scioli that got that first sack.
Originally from Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, Scioli stayed in-state to play at the college level, playing for a tough Penn State program headed by Joe Paterno. He finished his degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management and was then drafted in the fifth round by the Colts in 1999. His NFL career was spent in Indianapolis before injuries forced his retirement in 2004.
Following his exit from the league, Scioli went into teaching. He received a teaching certification from West Chester University and received a master’s from Wilkes University. Eventually, Scioli moved back home and is now working for the Upper Merion Area School District.
First Interception: Denard Walker, Safety
Week 6, 2001
This 2001 Patriots team was on the edge of turning their season around, and up next on their to-do list was Denver. While the Patriots maintained a lead to start the game, the Broncos won it in a strong second-half effort. Many big plays helped the mile-high team secure their comeback, including the play made by Walker, causing Brady’s first interception of his career.
Denard Walker was born in Dallas Texas and attended LSU. He was drafted in the third round of the 1997 NFL draft to the Tennessee Oilers and was with the team as they became the Tennessee Titans. Walker bounced from the Titans to the Broncos, next to the Vikings and ended his career with the Raiders in 2005.
Patriots have really made it no secret that they are searching for a top of the line receiver. AJ Brown has made it no secret he wants to be a Patriot. AJ could be this year’s most complete receiver, and he would provide an interesting and exciting twist to the slot position. A bigger slot receiver makes a lot of sense after Belichick recently eluded to bigger receivers becoming more valuable in this league. Cornerbacks are starting to get smaller. Playing AJ Brown in the slot position would create some mismatches in man coverage. A receiving group of AJ Brown, Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Philip Dorsett and Demaryius Thomas would be a very solid one.
31 (Cowboys) *Originally LAR
Johnathan Abram S Mississippi State
Trade details: Cowboys trade 58th, 165th and next year’s second round pick for Rams 31st
Rams want draft picks. They don’t have many. Cowboys do not have a first round pick and although rumors are not swirling that they want to trade up, it makes sense. Jerry Jones loves first round draft picks. In fact, tell me what sounds more Jerry Jones than making a huge splash by trading into the first round, to grab a player that could be the best at his position, in which the Cowboys have a need for. Abram would immediately start for the Cowboys, serving as a linebacker at the safety position. Abram’s coverage skills may have it’s questions but he can hit hard, make tackles real well, and use his ball skills to get Dak Prescott and the offense on the field as much as possible. Abram to Dallas makes perfect sense.
30 (Packers)
Noah Fant TE Iowa
Packers miss out on T.J Hockenson but they still land Noah Fant. This news will make Aaron Rodgers happy. Fant is probably the best receiver out of the trio of Hockenson, Smith, and himself. Fant could learn a few things from Jimmy Graham and pair up with him to make Rodger’s life a whole lot easier. If the Packers pick Fant, Rodger’s fantasy value gets a huge boost.
29 (Chiefs)
Amani Oruwariye CB Penn State
Amani Oruwariye. This guy will be hated by three groups of people. He will be hated by quarterbacks for his ability, offensive coordinators for the same reason, and commentators for being forced to pronounce that name of his. Chiefs will love him though. Chiefs need corners. Patriot fans know how bad the Chiefs secondary was last year. Amani Oruwariye will help change that. Amani has no problem helping in run support and can cover some of the bigger receivers in the NFL. Look for him to cover Josh Gordon or Demayrius Thomas in the AFC Championship.
28 (Patriots) *Originally LAC
T.J. Hockenson TE Iowa
Trade details: Patriots trade 56th, 73rd and next year’s 3rd round pick to Chargers for 28th
SPLASH! Hockenson will fall farther than most people think. Primarily due to the Packers decision to wait, he slides all the way to #28 where the Patriots leapfrog the Packers second pick to get him. Hockenson is a unique talent that does not come around to often at the tight end position. Forget Irv Smith, forget Noah Fant, forget everyone else. Do this thing right, go get the tight end of the future Bill! Go ahead and call me crazy, Hockenson will be a surprise faller in the draft, much like Derwin James and Tremaine Edmunds last year.
27 (Raiders)
Joshua Jacobs RB Alabama
This remodeled Raiders team still misses a three-down runningback. This extremely weak runningback class might have just one great back in it. Joshua Jacobs might not be available come the Raiders second round pick. It might be safer to grab the guy now and sure up that backfield.
26 (Colts)
Christian Wilkins IDL Clemson
By disregarding the tight end position, Christian Wilkins is the best remaining player on the board. Wilkins can be the leader of this defensive line and defense all together. One year removed from landing both Quentin Nelson and Darius Leonard, these drafts would be considered back to back bangs for the Colts by now picking Christian Wilkins. Wilkins, a Massachusetts native would provide not just leadership but also versatility and a very high motor.
25 (Eagles)
Nasir Adderley S Delaware
Nasir or Abram could both easily go here. Adderley might be a better fit in the City of Love. Nasir gets knocked for playing in a small-school program. Small-school programs are not a problem in Philly. Just ask their part-time quarterback Carson Wentz. Jim Schwartz likes his defensive backs with cornerback experience, which Adderley has a lot. In fact, Philly makes the most sense for this talented, small-school prospect.
24 (Raiders)
DeAndre Baker CB Georgia
Raiders fill another position of need here, taking DeAndre Baker. A very solid player with a starting grade on him. Baker will fit in well and be an anchor at one of the corner spots in Oakland.
23 (Texans)
Andre Dillard OT Washington State
Texans have no compliments about this pick here. Some scouts like Dillard better than they like Ford or Williams, primarily because he will be a pure tackle in the NFL. Texans need to protect DeShaun Watson badly. Dillard can be plugged right in to the starting lineup and alleviate some of the issues with this offensive line.
22 (Ravens)
Marquise Brown WR Oklahoma
When making this pick, the Ravens have to be conscious of Lamar Jackson’s less than mediocre throwing ability. None the less, Marquise Brown has the potential to be a Pro Bowl receiver. He frequently draws comparisons to DeSean Jackson. A better comp might be someone who just left Baltimore, John Brown. Marquise Brown, Antonio Brown’s cousin (too many Browns here), will thrive in a role much like John Brown’s was. Pencil in Marquise Brown, Antonio Brown’s cousin, to fill the absence of John Brown and make teams like the Browns have headaches.
21 (Browns) *Originally SEA
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson S Florida
Trade details: Browns trade 49th, 119th and next year’s second round pick to Seattle for 21st and next year’s sixth round pick
Browns are rumored to be actively looking to trade back into the first round. The Seahawks are looking to trade down. Browns have both needs at cornerback and safety. Gardner-Johnson can play both. While he will probably play safety at the next level, the flexibility really helps his case to go to Cleveland. Gardner-Johnson will bode well in Cleveland’s secondary that has been famished for good safeties.
20 (Steelers)
Devin Bush Jr. LB Michigan
NO BRAINER. The Steelers and Devin Bush have been linked to each other ever since this whole evaluation process started. Devin Bush at 20 would be a steal for anyone but for a team so desperate for linebackers like the Steelers, it would be an act of god. The tackle machine would bring a big boost to a team that has been crippled by the unfortunate long term injury of Ryan Shazier.
19 (Titans)
D.K. Metcalf WR Mississippi
Oh boy! How can someone pass up a talent like DK Metcalf at 19? Even more, think of how happy Marcus Mariota would be to have Metcalf and Corey Davis paired together. For those who don’t know DK Metcalf, he is 6’3, 230 pounds. He has 34 7/8” arms and 9 7/8” hands. He ran a 4.33 40 yard dash, had 27 reps of 225 pounds, and had a 40.5″ vertical leap. He is an absolute freakish human who could probably even play tight end. He may not be the most complete, true receiver, but he will make good as the Titans’ number two receiver and make Marcus Mariota very happy.
18 (Vikings)
Garrett Bradbury IOL NC State
This pick makes a lot of sense. Bradbury stands as the clear top inside lineman prospect. He can play both center and guard in the NFL. With Pat Elflein struggling at center last year, all signs would point to shifting him to guard and moving Bradbury inside. This would bode well for Dalvin Cook and the Vikings zone run scheme. The Bradbury pick would give the Vikings a lot of options and flexibility on that terrible offensive line.
17 (Giants)
Dwayne Haskins QB Ohio State
Dwayne Haskins makes a lot of sense here at 17. He may not be the most talented in the group but he will hold down the fort in New York. The best comparison around for Haskins has to be Drew Bledsoe. In the right offense, Haskins will thrive and serve as a fabulous game-manager. The Giants’ offense would run through Saqoun Barkley. Haskins would manage the passing game with success and compliment Saqoun nicely.
So, it is true that the Jets could have picked Cody Ford, but the need at corner and the talent of Byron Murphy is a lot to pass up. Instead, the Panthers have an absolute no brainer pick here and take Cody Ford. Panthers desperately need some help on that line. Cam Newton and Christian McCaffery need some help here. Newton needs time to wait for Chris Hogan to get open. Cody Ford will be the guy in Carolina. Ford like Williams might slip inside to guard in the NFL but as of late, that theory has kind of been squashed. Pencil in Ford as a starting tackle for the Carolina Panthers.
15 (Jets) *Originally WAS
Byron Murphy CB Washington
So after trading down, the Jets hoped to draft an edge rusher or offensive tackle. The prospects that they would have hoped to land at this spot are gone however there is no reason to cry about it. Byron Murphy has a lot of scouts really excited. Put Byron Murphy in the same secondary as Jamal Adams and Tramaine Johnson, a hard defense to throw against there.
14 (Falcons)
Jerry Tillery IDL Notre Dame
Another more surprising pick, Jerry Tillery to Atlanta. The frequently underrated defensive line prospect out of Notre Dame continues to be overlooked in this draft process. A combo of Jerry Tillery and Grady Garrett will make opposing offensive coordinators wish their mother never had them. It will be the “Nightmare on Peachtree Street”. Clogging inside holes, stopping the run, and getting to the quarterback. Missing out on Ed Oliver will quickly become not so big of a deal for Atlanta.
13 (Dolphins)
Jonah Williams OT Alabama
The Dolphins have needs all over the offensive line. For a team headed for a rebuilding year, the smart move would be to build up the line and draft a quarterback next year. That class will be a whole lot stronger and the Dolphins draft choice will probably be a whole lot closer to number one. Pick Jonah Williams. This guy will be an absolute stud at the next level. His future will probably be at guard with his footwork and arms indicating so. However, don’t rule out Williams playing tackle. He played tackle in college and played really well. The Dolphins and Williams are perfect for each other because of the flexibility he possesses.
12 (Packers)
Clelin Ferrell EDGE Clemson
Well, this would raise a lot of eyebrows. There are always eyebrow-raisers in the draft. First round last year, Rashaad Penny, Baker Mayfield first overall, the Saints trading for Marcus Davenport, Derwin James and Tremaine Edmunds falling. Point being, the draft is an unpredictable animal. A lot of people think the Packers will go tight end here. Well, they have two first round picks and literally no defensive ends. Defensive ends are now limited and the last remaining one with no big question marks is Clelin Ferrell. They will be able to pick from at least two of the top three tight ends in this draft at #30. They will have much less selection if they wait on pass rusher. The Packers are clamping down on defense this year, focusing on improving that side of the ball. Clelin Ferrell will be the pick here at #12.
11 (Bengals)
Jawaan Taylor OT Florida
Jawaan Taylor just met with the Bengals yesterday. This pick would make a lot of sense. Some of the players who the Bengals could have picked are off the board. This guy here might just be the best tackle in the draft. Bengals have a huge hole at the tackle spot, waiting to be filled. Taylor would at least help the running game. Not quite sure Andy Dalton can possibly be helped at this point. Andy Dalton needs a lot more than help to succeed. Expect Bengals to at least look at quarterback in round two.
10 (Broncos)
Ed Oliver IDL Houston
Half of this pick would be because of Ed Oliver and the other half would be that the Broncos do not appear sold on this quarterback class. This QB class truly is a bad one. The Broncos have Joe Flacco, who can still preform to an okay level. They wait a year, take a player at a position they have a need for, and put Ed Oliver on a line with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Very, very dangerous alignment there.
9 (Bills)
Montez Sweat EDGE Mississippi State
Bills draft an edge defender for the same reason the 49ers do. How do you attack quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Tom Brady, and … Ryan Fitzpatrick (eew gross)? You rush the passer. Montez Sweat can do that real quickly. Sweat set a record in Indianapolis for the fastest defense lineman in combine history. Running a 4.41 at 6’6, 260 pounds is insane. Sweat reminds many of Dee Ford. He would wreak havoc on the AFC East.
8 (Lions)
Greedy Williams CB LSU
A lot of people think the Lions will go tight end here. Cornerback makes the most sense. A combo of Darius Slay and Greedy Williams will be a hard one to throw against. Going tight end would not be smart for a team that for some reason appears to be shaping up for a championship instead of rebuilding. After spending big money on Jesse James, drafting a tight end would put their tight end spending near the top of the league. If they want any shot at a championship, draft a corner to help defend against a pass-happy league.
7 (Jaguars)
Brian Burns EDGE Florida State
Just like the Giants, former Giants coach and current GM of the Jaguars, Tom Coughlin values pass-rushers as well. Brian Burns will be a special talent at the next level. The speed, smarts, and effort are top notch. Burns is a dominant pass-rusher and tremendous athlete. The only drawback, his weight. A few fast food trips will help.
6 (Giants)
Rashan Gary EDGE Michigan
Gary undoubtedly presents some risk at six for the Giants, however, the talent might be too much to pass up. Gary is a talented, elite athlete and plays a position that the Giants have always valued. This move makes sense for New York.
5 (Buccaneers)
Devin White LB LSU
Undoubtedly the best linebacker in this draft provides the most value here at five for the Buccaneers. With Kwon Alexander leaving for San Fran and Kendell Beckwith’s health concerns, it makes sense to draft a linebacker. Not to mention, LaVonte David will be 30 years old soon and could use a very capable, young blood that can be his tackle machine buddy while his career does nothing but wind down. Plus, once White and Bush are gone in round one, the position sees a steep drop off. Better to address that issue now.
4 (Raiders)
Josh Allen EDGE Kentucky
This guy aspires to be Khalil Mack. The Raiders did not pay Khalil Mack top dollar. This guy would not need top dollar money until roughly his fourth year in the league. Raiders take a poor man’s Khalil Mack, or a Mack lite, and find a long-term solution to such a big problem last year. Maybe this guy can become a monster and they can trade him away too.
3 (Redskins) *Originally NYJ
Kyler Murray QB Oklahoma
Trade details: Jets trade 3rd overall, 68th overall, 196th overall, 217th overall and next year’s sixth round pick to Washington for 15th overall, 46th overall, 227th overall and next year’s first round pick.
Rumor on the block is that the Jets want desperately to trade back. Redskins desperately need a quarterback and to make a splash. Redskins give up a lot of capital to make this move, but get the guy who could be the best quarterback in the draft. A move like this would be eerily similar to the trade up to get Robert Griffin III a few years back, but would most likely be more successful. The Redskins could do some of the same things they did with RG3 with Kyler. A quarterback of Kyler’s ability would work out a lot better in this system than RG3 did.
2 (49ers)
Nick Bosa EDGE Ohio State
How do you shutdown quarterbacks like Jared Goff? Josh Rosen? And how do you disrupt Russell Wilson’s rhythm? You rush the passer. How better to attack your division rivals than add Dee Ford and Nick Bosa to your team? Those three teams also have spectacular run games. 49ers bulk up their defensive line to assemble one of the more deadly pass-rushing cores in the league.
1 (Cardinals)
Quinnen Williams IDL Alabama
So, a lot of thought went into this pick. Here is what it boils down to, Cardinals have a quarterback, his name is Josh Rosen. Cardinals pass on their absurd idea to put him up on the auction block for chump change and decide to build a stronger defense. Quinnen is a prospect teams cannot afford to pass up. Cardinals take a position they need to improve on and insert the best player in this draft class into that spot.
As the Steelers appear to be a dilapidated, down the pan team, headed for a fiery, violent crash, it is time to question wether they will be considered a rival of ours next year. Of course, the Patriots’ run should come to a close once their older veterans leave, like Brady, Gronk, Belichick. However, different from the Patriots, the Steelers main problem is keeping their younger stars happy. We all know about the Bell debacle that developed over a two year period. Now, the Steelers are considering exploring the trade market for Antonio Brown this offseason. Big Ben is not getting any younger and although he would still have Juju Smith-Schuster as a target, life without Brown for an older quarterback like Roethlisberger would be a painful and embarrassing season for him. Life without Antonio Brown, who holds a spot in every discussion of the best receiver in the league, would almost force Big Ben to hang up the cleats. The locker room in Pittsburgh is toxic and out of control, leadership is flawed, and teammates turn on each other faster than rats abandoning a sinking ship. Tomlin might have his moments as a good football mind but relying on him to control his team’s behavior or even his own is a dangerous risk.
Andrew Luck by Keith Allison on 16 September 2018
Out with the old, In with the new
Meanwhile, watching Andrew Luck pitch to a receiving corps lacking any huge star is scary. TY Hilton is pretty good, but not a guy who scares the living daylights out of defensive coordinators. The Colts put together fantastic performances versus the Titans and Texans, both divisional opponents with good defenses. The Colts are the future. Their whopping projected 118 million dollar cap space in 2019 is scary for a team that is currently making a playoff run. The Colts may not win it all this year but they will be a daunting force to any team not prepared for them in 2019 and beyond. With their main needs being a running back, defensive linemen and defensive backs, there is no better year to grab one of each through either the draft and or free agency. Discussion and rumors already link Le’Veon Bell to the Colts, which would make a huge difference to their already thriving offense. I will assure you, every running back on the free agent market is salivating at the sight of Indianapolis. A team with a boat load of money, a great offensive line, and an indoor stadium is running back paradise. If the Colts check off all the needs on their shopping list this offseason, that team would be a group no one would want to face.
So, New England, forget Pittsburgh, they are as dead as a maggot in a freezer. The Colts, who we hated during the Manning years and after the whole Deflategate saga are the guys to hate again. Which is convenient because they already hate us back. A marque matchup of Brady vs Luck is something that Pats fans should be accustomed to over at least the next one or two seasons.
New England welcomes the Colts to Foxborough to start week 5 in a prime time showdown Thursday night. Indianapolis comes into this game following a long 70 minute loss to the Texans. With a 1-3 record the Colts season hangs in the balance just 4 games into the year. New England enters October at 2-2 after a 38-7 win over the Dolphins. Indy is banged up and New England is getting Edelman back, can Luck Win his first game against Brady?
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
KEYS TO THE GAME
New England has the luxury of playing at home on this short Week, with Julian Edelman making his return. Tom Brady now has Edelman and Gronk on the field together for the first time in 31 games. The Colts are missing T.Y Hilton, and are 0-5 vs the Pats with Luck starting at QB.
(Staff Photo By Matt Stone/ Boston Herald)
No Need To Show To Much On Offense If Possible
The Patriots will need the offensive line to play well this week, not just for the running game, but to hold off the Colts pass rush. Last week the Offense showed improvement as Tom Brady got everyone involved, resulting in 24 points in the first half.
Finally Julian Edelman is back, he will help the Patriots Offense on third down which has been an issue for this team in 2018. Tonight this Patriots Offense will have all their weapons back, and New England hasn’t forgotten what the Colts started in 2014 about some footballs.
New England will once again get the running game going, they will try to jump out to an early lead and come out of this game unscathed. Expect to see more of the running backs, as I think the Patriots will look to run the ball early and often. This Colts team is coming in tired and banged up.
New England’s Defense Looks Improved
Historically New England has had to take T.Y Hilton out of the game with multiple players. Tonight that won’t be a problem as Hilton is out with a hamstring and chest injury.
The front seven needs to get after Luck, keep him in the pocket and force bad throws. Last week Patrick Chung and Trey Flowers returned and will be factors against Andrew Luck. Without his main target this week, expect the Colts to try to control the clock. Keeping Brady and the offense on the bench is always a smart play if you can do it.
Indianapolis has a speedy running back Nyheim Hines, who’s more of a receiving threat than a rusher. His name could be called a lot tonight on screen passes and wheel routes. New England’s Linebacker’s and safety’s will need to keep an eye on him. Without Hilton playing, the biggest receiving threat would be Eric Ebron who leads the colts in targets and red zone targets. I think tonight’s gameplan for New England is simple, no chunk plays, make Luck uncomfortable all while not showing to much.
Being very vanilla on defense and offense for the Patriots could be part of their plan. Knowing the Colts are coming here banged up, after a long overtime loss, without their best weapon. Keeping as much as they can off game film will benifit them moving forward. To do this, jumping out to a big lead is imperative. With a huge matchup next Sunday, staying healthy and not showing much if possible may be the gameplan. Although there is bad blood between these two teams, and Bill may want to try and make a statement. Belichick never forgets, same goes for Tom Brady.
Patriots vs Colts Prediction
My prediction for tonight’s game is not because I like one team better than the other. I’m looking at the facts, the injuries and history. Tom Brady is coming into this game, remembering what the Colts started which led to his suspension. He is at home, with Gronk, Edelman, Gordon and James White at his disposal. Sony Michel could come out and have a Jonas Gray game. I can’t see this Colts defense being able to keep up.
I believe the Patriots are still angry from “deflategate.” The Colts are coming into this game banged up, off a horrible overtime loss last week. Andrew Luck has never beat the Patriots and that will continue. Adding all of this up I have a big night from New England, winning 42-14.
On July 24, 2018, Darrelle Revis officially retired as a Jet. He even posed in front of a real Revis Island at his farewell. So far, both Revis and star corner, Stephon Gilmore, played one full season for New England. So it bodes the question, with all due respect to both players, who played better for the Patriots?
Darrelle Revis stands in front of an island on his retirement day
REVIS’ 2014 STINT WITH NEW ENGLAND
On March 12, 2014, Darrelle Revis had signed one year contract worth 12 million dollars with the New England Patriots. The Pats had paired him with ex-Seahawk, Brandon Browner, in the secondary. Revis had amassed 2 interceptions, 16 passes defended, 47 tackles, and 1 forced fumble (Pro Football Reference). He allowed 532 yards through the air against him throughout the season (NESN).
His playoff performance was outstanding. After having 2 pass interference calls defending Steve Smith, he had only allowed 1 completion in the AFC Championship and Superbowl combined. Darrelle Revis greatly contributed to New England getting their fourth ring.
Photo Credit: Patriots Gab
GILMORE’S 2017 SEASON WITH THE PATRIOTS
On March 9, 2017, the New England Patriots signed Stephon Gilmore to a 5-year contract worth 65 million dollars. The Gilmore/Butler duo was supposed to be one of the best in the NFL, only it didn’t turn out that way. Butler had a down year, allowing a 103.3 passer rating in coverage and earned himself an 81.0 PFF grade.
Gilmore himself had a rough start to the season, a large part due to the lack of communication. He picked his game up and really shined in the second half of the season, clearly proving himself as the best cornerback on the roster. Gilmore finished 2017 with 2 interceptions, 50 combined tackles, and 9 passes defended.
His biggest play of the season was in the AFC Championship. We all know what I’m talking about. It’s fourth down, Blake Bortles steps up in the pocket and throws it deep. Stephon Gilmore in coverage leaps up and tips it away. He sealed the deal for the Patriots and allowed them to go to their third Superbowl in four years. Unfortunately, he was basically the only bright spot on a horrendous Superbowl defense without Malcolm Butler.
Photo Credit: Heavy.com
CONCLUSION
Both cornerbacks ended up being great signings for the Patriots. As of right now, Revis did play better for the Patriots. Although he had fewer tackles, he was more efficient in coverage and ended up getting a ring
Gilmore had an up-and-down year with little help from his teammates. However, he will continue his strong showings from the later part of the season, and I have a feeling this conclusion won’t remain the same next year.
The NFL released their top 100 players of the year list, with Brady coming in first. Aaron Rodgers came in tenth despite missing time with an injury. It got me thinking about the parity of NFL quarterbacks, and other than the big three of the past 18 years, you can play quarterback roulette to predict a season.
The Big Three
The Big three quarterbacks of the past 18 years are Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Peyton Manning. They all had some down years or years they were injured, but you can always count on them to dominate the NFL. For MVP’s, Brady has won three, Manning has won five, and Rodgers has won two. If you are not good at math, that is ten out of 18 years, or 55% of the time since 2000, one of the big three has won an MVP. For Super Bowls, Brady has won five, Manning has two and Rodgers has one. That is eight out of 18 years, or 44% of the time since 2000, one of the big three has won a super bowl.
Via hubwav
The Others
Other than the big three, there has been a lot of parity among NFL quarterbacks. Since 2000, there have been no two-time winners of MVP outside of the big three. A player gets hyped up after one outlier season and is never the same player after. The greatest show on turf only lasted for three years, and the Rams have not been back to the Super Bowl since. Rich Gannon won the MVP in 2002 and has not been heard from since.
Steve McNair won the award in 2003, and Shaun Alexander won it in 2005. McNair’s team, the Titans, have not been very relevant afterward. Alexander’s team, the Seahawks, were not relevant until 2013. Adrian Peterson won the award in 2013, and his career fell off after that. Cam Newton won it in 2015 and has been mediocre ever since. Matt Ryan won the award in 2016, but Steve Sarkisian did not do him any favors last year.
Other than the big three, the only repeat Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks since 2000 are Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. For Manning, he has not been good outside of those years. Roethlisberger has not been good enough to reach the promised land. Brad Johnson was the winning quarterback in super bowl 37, not to be heard from again. Drew Brees won Super Bowl 44 and has not been good enough to get back. Joe Flacco turned into Jesus for a year and won Super Bowl 47. Then, he got a huge contract and has been awful since then. Russell Wilson won Super Bowl 48, and the Seahawks have gradually fallen off every year since then.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter of the game on September 11, 2017, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
It’s fun
There is a lot of parity in the NFL, and I really enjoy it. Not knowing who the elite quarterbacks are going to be for a given year is fun. You have no idea who is going to win awards, go deep into the playoffs and fall off or make a name for themselves. In the NBA, you know who is going deep in the playoffs and who will contend for awards which is quite boring.
The Super Bowl is just 8 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 8 years ago to honor this not-so-significant occasion!
South Florida hosted Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010. The game pitted the NFC champion New Orleans Saints against the Indianapolis Colts of the American Football Conference. Peyton Manning was going up against his father Archie’s old team.
New Orleans Saints 8 Years Ago
New Orleans had come up from the dregs of professional football. It took them a ridiculous thirty-four seasons to win a single playoff game. After a hurricane battered their city in 2005, they had a dreadful season. That opened the door to the acquisition of Head Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees. That combo helped the Saints win their second playoff game in 2006.
In 2009, expectations were quite high. They were jam-packed at wide receiver, but nobody was better than Marques Colston. With running backs Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush and veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey, Drew Brees had a host of weapons at his disposal. Thus, he passed for 4, 388 yards and led the Saints to a 13-0 start. They took their foot off the gas as they clinched everything at the end of the regular season.
In the playoffs, Brees was his usual dynamite self in a 45-14 win over the defending-conference champion Cardinals. The win set up a wonderful matchup between the Saints and Minnesota Vikings. The Vikes were led by ancient Brett Favre and all-world Adrian Peterson.
Battle for NFC Title
The game was as see-saw a battle as there has ever been. The Vikings were as capable of making a big play on offense as they were of coughing up the ball with a momentum-changing turnover. Minnesota outgained the Saints, 475-257, but were -4 in turnover differential. The Saints’ defense was hitting Minnesota players especially Favre with tremendous ferocity throughout the game.
Brees was calm under fire as he tossed three touchdown passes and 0 interceptions. With the score tied at 28, the Vikings found themselves in great field position with an opportunity to kick a potential game-winning in regulation. However, the veteran gunslinger made a critical mistake as he threw across his body toward the middle of the field where Saints’ cornerback Tracy Porter stole the trophy.
In overtime, the Saints drove the field on the first possession for a game-winning field goal by Garrett Hartley. The Saints were off to their first Super Bowl in franchise history!
Indianapolis Colts 8 Years Ago
Their opponents would be Jim Caldwell and the Indianapolis Colts. The ’09 Colts started the season 14-0 led by the amazing Peyton Manning. Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne both caught 100 passes and exceeded 1000 receiving yards for the season. And, on defense, Dwight Freeney was a first-team All-Pro recording 13.5 sacks in just nine starts.
Caldwell controversially sat many of his main guys over the last two games costing them the chance to go undefeated. In the playoffs, the Colts held off challenges by the Ravens and Jets to make it back to their second Super Bowl in four seasons.
Colts Early Lead
Ronald Martinez
Indy controlled the first quarter converting three third downs en route to a 10-0 lead. Young Pierre Garcon was the recipient of a gorgous Manning lob for the first touchdown of the game. The Saints responded with a good second quarter. The unsung Hartley connected on two long field goals to cut the lead to 10-6 at the half.
Payton rolled the dice with an onside kick to open the second half and it worked. The Saints made the gamble pay off with a perfect screen play to Thomas. The Colts would not go away, however. Manning led them right back on a scoring drive that included two more third down conversions. Joseph Addai scored the go-ahead touchdown. Hartley responded with another long field goal.
Saints Get the Lombardi
In the fourth quarter, the Colts drove to the Saints 34 and decided to go for a field goal. Adam Vinatieri was out with an injury. Veteran Matt Stover missed setting up New Orleans with great field possession and they took advantage. The Saints regained the lead on a short scoring strike from Brees to Shockey. They added a 2-point conversion and led 24-17 late in the fourth.
The Colts moved the ball well again. However, on this third down, Manning and Wayne seemed to be on different pages. Porter jumped the route and took the interception to the house. The Saints won Super Bowl XLIV 31-17 setting off a party on Bourbon Street like never before!
Neither the Colts nor the Saints have aspired to such lofty heights since. But, in 2009, they gave football fans a great game. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss how the Green Bay Packers brought the Lombardi Trophy home!
The Super Bowl is just 11 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 11 years ago to honor this not-so-significant occasion!
South Florida hosted Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007. The game pitted the NFC champion Chicago Bears against the Indianapolis Colts of the American Football Conference.
Chicago Bears 11 Years Ago
The 2006 Chicago Bears were coached by Lovie Smith. Smith in his third year completed his rebuild project with an outstanding 13-2 record in meaningful games. The offense was 2nd in points scored and 3rd in points allowed. Rookie Devin Hester returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns and placekicker Robbie Gould was the best in the NFL.
The Bears blew out several opponents during the regular season, but it was an incredible comeback win that stood out. It was a Monday Night game in Arizona. The mediocre Cardinals jumped in front 23-3 before Chicago led by Hester stormed back. After the game, Cardinals’ coach Dennis Green was in no mood to salute the Bears. Rather, he exclaimed about the Bears, “They are what we what thought they are, but we let them off the hook! If you want to crown them, crown [them.]”
Green’s viewpoint was shared by many. Unheralded QB Rex Grossman, RB Thomas Jones and WR Bernard Berrian were the key players on the offense. The Bears were thought of as strong on defense only. Sure enough, they had four Pro Bowlers including first-team All-Pro Brian Urlacher.
Grossman Does the Job
In their first playoff game, they were put to the test by the defending NFC champion Seahawks. Grossman and the offense were on point in a 27-24 comeback win. Gould tied in the game with four minutes left in regulation and won it four minutes into the overtime.
In the NFC championship game, the Bears faced another challenge in the Cinderella New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees hit Reggie Bush for a dramatic score to cut the lead to 16-14. However, the Bears dominated the fourth with a safety and three touchdowns. The 39-14 propelled Chicago to their first Super Bowl in 21 seasons.
Indianapolis Colts 11 Years Ago
Peyton Manning and the Colts came into 2006 with something to prove. They were clearly the best team of the decade without a championship to their credit. Three consecutive 12-win seasons resulted in three consecutive playoff losses to the eventual Super Bowl champions. In ’06, Tony Dungy’s squad finished 12-4, but that was only good enough for the third seed.
The Colts’ powerful offense featured Joseph Addai, Dominic Rhodes, Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne and Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. On defense, safety Bob Sanders was the NFL’s DPOY. They also had perhaps the best pass rusher in the league in Dwight Freeney. However, the Colts struggled against the run in the regular season.
Colts’ Defense Takes Over
That would change in the playoffs. In the Wild Card round, Indianapolis faced Kansas City after a series of miraculous events got the Chiefs in. Peyton Manning had a terrible game as he threw three first half interceptions. The Chiefs could not take advantage. Indy took a 16-0 lead en route to a lackluster 23-8 win. The one great thing for the Colts in this game: They held the Chiefs to 126 total yards. They only surrendered 32 yards rushing to Pro Bowler Larry Johnson.
In the divisional round, again Manning struggled and again, the Colts’ defense bailed him out. Adam Vinatieri also deserves a game ball for his five field goals in the Colts’ 15-6 victory over Steve McNair and the Baltimore Ravens. The next day, the Patriots shocked the 14-2 San Diego Chargers setting up the showdown all of America was hoping for.
AFC Championship Classic
The underdog Pats jumped in front thanks to some daring play calls and an Asante Samuel interception return. The Colts scored twice in the third quarter, though, to tie it at 21. New England went back ahead on a Jabar Gaffney touchdown. The Colts tied it again. The Pats kicked a field goal. Indy tied it again. The Patriots got another field goal from Stephen Gostkowski to go up 34-31 then held the Colts to a three-and-out. On the possession, Manning injured his thumb.
The Patriots were one first down away from knocking out the Colts yet again. Suddenly, they made mistakes in the clutch. A silly penalty and a bad route by Troy Brown forced a New England punt. Manning led his team downfield effortlessly. Addai scored the go-ahead touchdown and Indy clinched the ball game on a Marlin Jackson pick. Peyton Manning finally defeated Tom Brady in a meaningful ball game.
Colts Win in A Downpour
From there, the Super Bowl was easy. But, not before the Bears got a highlight for the ages. The incomparable Hester returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. In a steady downpour, Manning was not at his best in the Super Bowl, but he was good enough. The Colts transformed a 14-6 deficit into a 22-14 lead.
Late in the third, Chicago kicked a field goal to cut lead to five. They got the ball right back and moved to around midfield. Then, Kelvin Hayden made the play to give the city of Indianapolis their first Super Bowl championship. He intercepted Grossman and raced 56 yards on the soggy turf for the score and a 29-17 victory. This was not a marvelous Super Bowl by any standards. However, it was a marvelous accomplishment for Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning.
Manning would win another Super Bowl as a member of the Denver Broncos when he was way past his prime and would lose two others. However, this game was his crowning moment as a professional. As for Chicago, they came very close to getting back to the Super Bowl following the 2010 season. But, they lost at home to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Tomorrow, we will talk about the phenomenal 2007 Patriots and the team that beat them in the Super Bowl!
The Super Bowl is just 47 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 47 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion!
Super Bowl V was played in Miami at the historic Orange Bowl on January 17, 1971. The game pitted the NFC champion Dallas Cowboys against the Baltimore Colts of the American Football Conference. This was the first Super Bowl played following the merger of the NFL and AFL. Therefore, 1970 was one of the most competitive and compelling seasons in league history.
Dallas Cowboys 47 Years Ago
The Cowboys had anything but smooth sailing during the 1970 season. They started the season with a 5-4 record. They lost to Minnesota by 41 and St. Louis by 38. Thus, things had to change and quickly before the season spiraled completely out of control. One thing Coach Tom Landry decided was to stick with Craig Morton as his starting QB over Roger Staubach. Morton was a better “game manager” at that point in their respective careers. And, Morton managed to run Landry’s offense just fine over their seven game winning streak that got them ‘Boys into the Super Bowl.
The true strength of this team was their “Doomsday Defense.” To be sure, Landry was one of the greatest defensive minds in NFL history. And he put his wisdom and the profound talents of Bob Lilly, Chuck Howley and Jethro Pugh to good use during their 1970 playoff run. After blanking Detroit, 5-0, they defeated the 49ers in the NFC championship game. Running backs Duane Thomas and Walt Garrison combined for 300 yards from scrimmage in San Francisco. This match up was the first installment of the tremendous San Fran-Dallas rivalry.
Baltimore Colts 47 Years Ago
The Colts came into the Super Bowl under the direction of first-year Head Coach Don McCafferty. McCafferty replaced Don Shula after a disappointing 1969 season. The ’69 season was a nightmare for the Colts. They suffered a severe post-Super Bowl hangover. Indeed, their drudgery was made worse by the constant reminders of how Joe Namath guaranteed the win and how the AFL had no business beating an NFL team.
McCafferty was an anti-Shula. He was a players’ coach. Where Shula was borderline drill sergeant, McCafferty was almost completely hands off. The tactic seemed to work well for the veteran Colts. While they were not spectacular in 1970, they were workmanlike and consistent. Their offense was ranked 6th; their defense was 7th. On offense, they were led by the best QB of the generation, Johnny Unitas. Unitas was past his prime by 1970, but did enough to help Baltimore score 44 points in their two playoff games.
On defense, the Colts ran an aggressive scheme with the emphasis on causing turnovers. Bubba Smith and Mike Curtis anchored the unit that halted the Bengals’ seven-game winning streak in the divisional round of the playoffs, 17-0. They followed that by outlasting Oakland, 27-17. The defense knocked out Raiders’ QB, Daryle Lamonica and picked off back up George Blanda three times. The Colts now had the opportunity to erase the disaster of Super Bowl III against a team from Dallas that could not seem to win the big one.
Blunder Bowl
Super Bowl V turned into a fiasco from the outset. The Colts kept turning the ball over and the Cowboys kept killing their own drives with penalties. One could never have known these were two best teams in football watching this game. The was not a well-played contest. But, it was entertaining.
With Baltimore trailing 6-0 in the second quarter, Unitas threw a pass that got deflected twice. It found its way into the waiting hands of All-Pro tight end John Mackey. Mackey dashed all the way for the 75-yard touchdown. Rookie kicker Jim O’Brien missed the extra point, however.
Before the break, Dallas got a TD from the eccentric Thomas on a swing pass. That score and an incredible goal line stand for Dallas made the halftime score, 13-6. The Colts suffered another setback when Unitas broke some ribs on a scramble. Hence, Earl Morrall, the embattled 36-year old, was pressed for duty.
The second half was a turnover festival. The teams combined for seven in the half. The Cowboys fumbled on the goal line and the refs ruled Colts’ recovery. After that, Baltimore controlled the play, but squandered several opportunities. Finally, midway through the 4th, they tied it.
O’Brien Clinches Victory
Rick Volk intercepted Morton and darted to the three-yard line. Tom Nowatzke powered home two plays later to tie the game with only seven minutes left.
The teams exchanged punts. That set Dallas up with the ball and under two minutes to play. They went backwards. Then, Curtis picked off Morton. Hence, the Colts were about to make history.
O’Brien came on to attempt a 32-yarder to give the Colts their first Super Bowl championship. The kick was true causing Lilly to hurl his helmet high into the air. It was yet another bitter defeat for the Cowboys and jubilation for the Colts.
The Orioles had just won the World Series a few months earlier to erase their despair over a shocking 1969 defeat to a NY team. Now, it was the Colts’ turn. However, many of the players to this day remark that the win, although sweet, never measured up to the sour feelings from losing Super Bowl III. Either way, Unitas got his Super Bowl ring.
Dallas would be back the following season. They played in 5 Super Bowls in total under Tom Landry. Meanwhile, the Colts would not get back to the Super Bowl again while playing in Baltimore. The franchise relocated in 1984 to Indianapolis. Baltimore got the Ravens in 1996.
So, there you have it; the Super Bowl from 47 years ago. Tomorrow, we’ll review how the Cowboys dismantled Don Shula and the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.
We are just 49 days away from Super Bowl Sunday! Let’s look back on the iconic third Super Bowl featuring the NFL’s Baltimore Colts and the AFL’s New York Jets. Super Bowl III was played at Miami’s Orange Bowl.
Baltimore Colts 49 Years Ago
Over the course of history, we have known some great teams that did not win the Super Bowl. The 2007 Patriots, 1998 Vikings and 2001 Rams jump off the page in that regard. But, before all those teams were conceived, there was one obvious candidate – the 1968 Baltimore Colts.
That Colts’ team did not have Hall of Famers across the field like Lombardi’s Packers. They did not possess any flair like the great AFL teams of the era. But, they did have Don Shula. And, Shula brought to that organization his signature toughness on defense. Hence, the Colts pummeled everything in their path on the road to Super Bowl III.
The Colts finished the regular season at 13-1. They scored over 400 points on the season while surrendering just 144. In the playoffs, they pushed around the Vikings and punished Cleveland giving them their first NFL title since 1959.
One of the most interesting tidbits about this incredible unit is they did it without Johnny Unitas. Unitas was injured during the preseason, so Shula turned to the venerable Earl Morrall. Morrall proceeded to have the best season of his twenty-year career, winning the NFL MVP award.
If their offense was good, their defense was fantastic. Led by Bill Arnsparger and Chuck Noll, the Colts pounded all but one regular season opponent. The defense was excellent at all three levels and featured all-world defensive end Bubba Smith.
New York Jets 49 Years Ago
Their opponents in Super Bowl III were the New York Jets. The Jets had the most popular player in professional football on their team; the eccentric Joe Namath. Namath took New York city by storm and it didn’t all have to do with his performance on the field. He resembled the counter-culture of the time with his long hair and white shoes.
Namath was a good football player, not great. But, for his time, he was a gunslinger. And, that brand of football was only found in the AFL. Led by Namath and a great receiving corps with the likes of George Sauer and Don Maynard, New York went 11-3 over the regular season. They then stunned the defending-AFL champion Raiders in a classic 27-23 to earn their first title and the trip to face the Colts in the Super Bowl.
The Colts were overwhelming favorites. Consequently, in some circuits, Vegas posted the Jets as 20-point underdogs. However, the cocky Namath guaranteed that his team would win. Subsequently, that prediction became the main story of the day and should have been bulletin-board material for Baltimore.
Jets Not Intimidated
The Jets held one crucial advantage. Their head coach was former-Colts head man, Weeb Ewbank. Ewbank called a superior game on offense. The Jets known for their loose passing game went conservative. Indeed, the numbers bear that running back Matt Snell was the work horse on the day. When Namath did pass, he focused on the possession-minded Sauer. A nice mix of pass and run allowed New York to strike first. They led 7-0 at the half.
On defense, the Jets’ defense could not prevent the Colts from moving the ball, but they could prevent them from scoring. Morrall tossed three first half interceptions, all deep in Jets’ territory. One of the picks occurred late in the half on a gadget play where Morrall failed to see the intended receiver (Jimmy Orr) running wide open in the post.
After a slew of missed opportunities, Shula turned to Unitas. But, he could only briefly rekindle his magic. Trailing 16-0, Johnny U led the Colts on a late TD march. But, it was too little and too late. Hence, New York pulled off the improbable upsetting the Colts, 16-7.
AFL Victory
This was not just a victory for the Jets, it was a victory for professional football. There were serious doubts that AFL teams could actually compete with NFL 49 years ago. The Jets did not just win this game. They implemented a strategy that allowed them to CONTROL the game, especially the second half.
The loss sent shockwaves throughout the football world. Shula only coached one more season in Baltimore. He left for Miami and helped build a dynasty there. Without Shula, the Colts won Super Bowl V.
The Jets, to the day, have not returned to the Super Bowl. Namath remained the sport’s most popular player until the emergence of OJ Simpson. But, by the 70’s, Namath was never the same.
Tomorrow, we’ll talk about the Super Bowl from 48 years ago and see if the AFL evened up the series!
