Power Rankings
1) San Francisco 49ers
2) New England Patriots
3) Green Bay Packers
4) Pittsburgh Steelers
5) Baltimore Ravens
6) Detroit Lions
7) New York Giants
8) Atlanta Falcons
9) Chicago Bears
10) Philadelphia Eagles
11) San Diego Chargers
12) Dallas Cowboys
13) New Orleans Saints
14) Buffalo Bills
15) Houston Texans
16) Denver Broncos
17) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
18) New York Jets
19) Indianapolis Colts
20) Kansas City Chiefs
21) Cincinnati Bengals
22) Tennessee Titans
23) St Louis Rams
24) Seattle Seahawks
25) Oakland Raiders
26) Arizona Cardinals
27) Washington Redskins
28) Carolina Panthers
29) Jacksonville Jaguars
30) Miami Dolphins
31) Minnesota Vikings
32) Cleveland Browns
Week 1 Predictions
Colts @ Bears - Bears by 10-14
Eagles @ Browns - Eagles by 10-14
Rams @ Lions - Lions by 10-14
Dolphins @ Texans - Texans by 7-10
Falcons @ Chiefs - Falcons by 4-7
Jaguars @ Vikings - Vikings by 1-3
Redskins @ Saints - Saints by 7-10
Bills @ Jets - Jets by 1-3
Patriots @ Titans - Patriots by 7-10
Seahawks @ Cardinals - Cardinals by 4-7
49ers @ Packers - Packers by 1-3
Panthers @ Buccaneers - Buccaneers by 7-10
Steelers @ Broncos - Steelers by 1-3
Bengals @ Ravens - Ravens by 7-10
Chargers @ Raiders - Chargers by 4-7
Sunday, 9 September 2012
NFL 2012 Season Preview
Football is finally back. It's been over seven months since Tom Brady threw that Hail Mary pass into the end zone at Lucas Oil Stadium to officially end Super Bowl XLVI. It has been a long, seven months. A lot has changed in that time but the hunger and desire for football remains. At least, this off season we haven't had to spend our days logging in to ESPN, to see if we are even going to be having football this season. Last year, the lockout dominated a lot of the headlines but this year it was all about football. Anyway, it's time to move onto the preview...
NFC
NFC North
Green Pay Packers - Green Bay went 15-1 last season for the league's best record in the regular season. They were defending Super Bowl Champions and seemed invincible for large parts of the season. Their pass happy offense was led by MVP, Aaron Rodgers and surely it was only a case of turning up in the Playoffs and they would be champions again. Eli Manning and the New York Giants had other ideas. They marched into Lambeau Field in the Divisional Round and beat the Packers, 37-20. Defeats like that will stay with the Packers and the experience should make them stronger. They have made a few additions to their roster, most notably, Jeff Saturday, of the Indianapolis Colts. Saturday has spent the majority of his career snapping the ball to Peyton Manning. He has a lot of experience and is thought of as one of the top center's in the league. Green Bay struggled on defense last season, giving up over 400 yards per game. They have made an attempt to address this by using their first six draft picks on defense. The Packers are a great side and if players like Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson and Clay Matthews stay healthy then they should have another good year.
Prediction : 13-3
Detroit Lions - The Lions are coming off their best season in fifteen years. There 10-6 finish was a huge step forward after ten losing seasons in a row. The Lions have had a solid draft and most importantly sorted out the long term future of wide-receiver, Calvin Johnson. Johnson signed a massive $132m, 7 year deal. Johnson, however, has more pressing issues such as the small matter of the "Madden curse". Johnson was voted by the fans to appear on the cover of Madden 2013. Such is the form of Johnson, it would take more than a curse to stop him. The Lions will be looking to build on their recent success. They have a lot of young stars and if they can stay healthy and continue to develop then the Lions will be in the playoff mix.
Prediction : 12-4
Chicago Bears - The Bears will hope to bounce back from a disappointing 8-8 season and have certainly gone the right way about it. They have made some solid moves, trading for receiver, Brandon Marshall. They also snapped up running-back, Michael Bush and quarterback, Jason Campbell, both formerly of the Oakland Raiders. Those three will add to their offense. Marshall will be the number one receiver, Bush will be a quality alternative to Matt Forte and Jason Campbell can be a good replacement for when Jay Cutler, inevitably gets injured. The Bears have always been strong on defense and have made a few key upgrades to the offense so the playoffs are definitely within their reach.
Prediction : 11-5
Minnesota Vikings - The whipping boys in the NFC North look to be the Minnesota Vikings. They have been poor for the last few seasons and they don't look like a team who will make a huge improvement. They did have a decent draft and took Southern California's offensive-tackle, Matt Kalil, with the fourth overall pick. Probably the best thing to happen for Minnesota fans this off season was the news that it looks like the Vikings will be staying in Minnesota. There had been talk of them moving if they didn't get a new stadium. In May, a bill was passed to build a new stadium for the team and it is expected that they will be playing there from 2016 onwards.
Prediction : 3-13
NFC East
New York Giants - The Giants lost a few decent players with Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs being the biggest names to move on. They replaced them in the draft by bringing in David Wilson, a running back from Virginia Tech and Rueben Randle, a receiver from Louisiana State. The Giants also made a few signings in free agency to upgrade their defense. New York didn't have the best of starts last season and although they were always in contention for the post season, they never really looked like a serious contender. They had struggled with their running game and defense for large periods due to injuries but they managed to get everyone back and ready for when it really mattered. Credit to the Giants, they certainly didn't get it easy in their run to the title. They had a comfortable win at home to Atlanta but after that, things got tough. They went to Green Bay to face the 15-1, Packers. The Giants didn't let it phase them and they ran out comfortable 37-20 winners. As if that wasn't tough enough, it was a trip to San Francisco for the NFC Championship game. They squeezed home in overtime, winning 20-17. In the Superbowl it was a repeat from four years earlier, against the New England Patriots. Don't anyone think for one second that Tom Brady, Bill Belichik and the entire New England Patriots organization don't hold a grudge after Superbowl XLII. The Patriots were one victory away from joining the immortal 1972, Miami Dolphins, as the only undefeated Superbowl champions. However, the Giants hadn't read the script though and won 17-14 to leave the Pats heartbroken. Belichick will have no doubt tried to use that defeat as motivation but the game was almost a carbon copy of four years earlier. Eli Manning led the Giants down the field for a late go ahead touchdown, that the Patriots could not reply to. That takes guts and Eli Manning has proven himself to be much more than just Peyton Manning's little brother.
Prediction : 11-5
Philadelphia Eagles - My team, the Philadelphia Eagles, face a bit of a make or break season. The Eagles made a big splash last year when they made a lot of high profile signings in free agency. It was a bad time to do it however, as they found themselves with a lot of new players, a new defensive coordinator and because of the lockout, no time for it all to gel. The Eagles started last season 4-8 and only they won their last four games or coach, Andy Reid, would have most likely been fired. Reid has to get it right this time as there is simply, no time left for excuses. Starting quarterback, Mike Vick, isn't getting any younger and his game is all about speed so he won't have many opportunities left at getting to a Superbowl. The Eagles have had a good off season. They had a solid draft, including four guys on defense who will all see time on the field this season. One of the biggest issues last year was stopping the run. The Eagles had a good defensive line and a strong secondary but they were weak at linebacker. Demeco Ryans has been brought in from the Houston Texans to plug that gap. Asante Samuel has left but it shouldn't be a major issue as the Eagles have two Pro-Bowlers at corner back in Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Many pundits are predicting the Eagles will have a good year but the biggest problem will be keeping Mike Vick on the field. Vick has proven to be injury prone throughout his career and his playing style does him no favors at all. Should Vick get injured it looks as though the man to come in will be rookie quarterback from Arizona, Nick Foles. The Eagles picked up Foles in the 3rd round of the draft and he has made a huge impact in the preseason games. Vick will get injured at some point, so it will be very interesting to see how Foles does, if/when he gets the nod.
Prediction : 10-6
Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys have made a few moves in the draft to upgrade their defense with corner back, Morris Claiborne from LSU, being the pick of the bunch. Kyle Orton has come in as back up to Tony Romo. Dallas will be looking to improve on last years 8-8 record. "America's Team" have only won one playoff game in the last fifteen years and Jerry Jones will be getting impatient. This particular Dallas team could be anywhere between a 10-6 team or a 4-12 team. I don't think there's a lot of consistency and for that reason, I can't see them making the playoffs.
Prediction : 10-6
Washington Redskins - Washington made a big splash by making a trade with the St Louis Rams to enable them to get quarterback, Robert Griffin III, in the draft. The Redskins gave up, three first round picks in total and a second rounder to move up to number two. It was a risky move from the Redskins. Lots of quarterback's have looked great in college but not made it in the NFL. Three first rounders is a huge price to pay on what is essentially a gamble. However, the Redskins have picked up a few weapons for RG3, bringing in Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. They also made a few moves to bolster their defense with the most notable signing being, Brandon Meriweather. The Redskins look to have taken the first steps to becoming a playoff contender but I think the combination of a difficult division and a rookie quarterback will mean this year is a bit too early for them.
Prediction : 4-12
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - Atlanta's main move in the off season was bringing in Philadelphia's corner back, Asante Samuel. Samuel is a ball hawking corner and would be an asset to any team. The Falcons have drafted well in recent years and have a potentially explosive offense, featuring Julio Jones, Roddy White and Michael Turner. They have been gradually improving for a few years now and I think they could win back the NFC South title from the New Orleans Saints.
Prediction : 11-5
New Orleans Saints - The Saints hopes for the season ahead have received a boost after it was revealed that Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith's bans have been overturned, making them eligible for this weekends games. It is good news for the Saints who's season has been thrust into turmoil by the Bountygate scandal. The ruling does not effect the coaching staff however and Head Coach, Sean Payton, is still suspended for the season. It will still be a huge loss for the Saints but at least they have their full roster to pick from. The Saints were unable to strengthen through the draft as they had no pick until the 90th overall. While they were unable to spend big money, they were able to sort out contracts for key players such as, Marques Colston, Jonathan Vilma, Lance Moore and Drew Brees. The Saints should still be a strong side but I do think Payton's absence will hurt them and they will lose the divisional title.
Prediction : 9-7
Tampa Bay Buccanneers - Tampa Bay have had a great off season. They have brought in some proven talent on offense. Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark have arrived and they have also strengthened their O-Line. They also had a good draft and managed to get two picks in the first round. Alabama safety, Mark Barron and Boise State running back, Doug Martin were both selected. Doug Martin has looked impressive in preseason and has been named as starting running-back. The Bucs will be better this year but they still aren't a playoff team, just yet.
Prediction : 7-9
Carolina Panthers - The Panthers were a great watch last year for the neutral but perhaps their own fans had mixed emotions on their season. Rookie quarterback, Cam Newton, had a good year but unfortunately, for Carolina, the defense didn't. Newton put up some great numbers and the offense scored a lot of points but the defense done them absolutely no favors. On paper, Carolina have improved their D this year but it's a well known fact that football games aren't won on paper. The Panthers made an interesting addition to their back field by signing Mike Tolbert from San Diego. They now have three quality players in the backfield with Tolbert joining Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. When you consider how well those three can run the ball and Cam Newton at quarterback can also run the ball, it looks like Carolina will be putting together some sort of triple option offense. The triple option is quite uncommon in the NFL and is used more in college so it will be interesting to see how the league's defenses deal with it.
Prediction : 4-12
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers had a great season last year and it took an overtime field goal in the NFC Championship game to beat them. I expect to see more of the same this season as they have kept all the key pieces in last years success and improved were they were at their weakest. The 49ers passing game wasn't particularly impressive. It seemed as though they didn't really trust quarterback, Alex Smith. In fairness to Smith, when called upon last year he done a good job so perhaps he'll get more opportunities this season. The 49ers have given him a few new targets. Randy Moss and Mario Manningham have arrived and they also drafted Illinois receiver, AJ Jenkins. The 49ers have a weak division and should have enough about them to win it with a few weeks to spare.
Prediction : 14-2
St Louis Rams - St Louis have had two bad years in a row and while I don't think they are going to be troubling the playoff teams, I do think they'll avoid those first few draft picks next season. They have a new Head Coach in Jeff Fisher and that alone should provide them with a boost. The Rams had a good draft after initially trading down twice. They gave the number 2 overall pick to Washington who wanted to pick RG3 and then moved down further in a deal with the Cowboys. By doing this the Rams ended up getting five of the first sixty-five picks. They will also have a few extra first rounders in the years to come as part of the RG3 trade. The future looks bright in St Louis but this season will be a bridge too far for them.
Prediction : 5-11
Seattle Seahawks - Seattle splashed out on former Green Bay quarterback, Matt Flynn and promptly entered him into a quarterback competition with Tarvaris Jackson and rookie, Russell Wilson. Jackson has since moved to Buffalo but it looks as though the rookie, Russell Wilson from Wisconsin, has managed to win the starting job. It promises to be a baptism of fire for WIlson and there will be a lot of extra pressure on him because of Matt Flynn's presence on the bench. Most rookie quarterbacks who are starting in week one have been drafted to start. They are usually in the position were they know the team is theirs to grow into but unfortunately Wilson won't have that luxury. Instead with every bad pass, he'll be reminded of Matt Flynn and with the money Flynn is getting paid, I wouldn't be surprised if the coach is a little more willing to change it than usual.
Prediction : 5-11
Arizona Cardinals - Arizona haven't quite been the same team since Kurt Warner retired. Warner was a very accurate quarterback and he connected perfectly with Larry Fitzgerald. Since then the starting job has been in a number of different hands but it looks as though the Cardinals are starting this season with John Skelton under center. Skelton is a decent quarterback and if he can learn how to take care of the football a little better when passing then he should have a good career in the NFL. With Skelton at quarterback, last season, the Cardinals went 5-2. In the draft the Cardinals picked up Michael Floyd, a receiver from Notre Dame. Floyd should be another decent target for Skelton to look for and he may even take some of the defense away from Larry Fitzgerald.
Prediction : 4-12
NFC Playoff Teams
San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers
New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons
Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears
AFC
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - Baltimore have been dealt a blow with the injury to Defensive Player of the Year, Terrell Suggs. Suggs himself says he will be back in November but it is widely expected he will miss the full season. Baltimore lost a few players in free agency but had a solid draft and should have enough talent on the roster to have another good season and challenge the Steelers for AFC North supremacy.
Prediction : 12-4
Pittsburgh Steelers - Pittsburgh are another side who lost quite a few of their players in the off season but it was mostly veterans who were on a downward slide anyway so they shouldn't be too badly effected by this. Their O-line and D-line were old and needed to be replaced. They have done that through the draft so as long as the new guys settle in quickly, they should have another good year. Contract talks have broken down with star receiver, Mike Wallace, but he has reported back to training camp and will play this season. With an improved, O-line, and targets like Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown to throw to, I'd expect Ben Roethlisberger to have a big year at quarterback. Running back, Rashard Mendenhall, is coming back from a serious injury and should be back within a week or two. He is another who could be helped by a new and improved offensive line.
Prediction : 12-4
Cincinnati Bengals - Cincinnati have made a few good moves in the off season, bringing in BenJarvus Green-Ellis at running-back from New England. Ellis should help keep defenses honest and help create space for quarterback, Andy Dalton, to find his favorite receiver, AJ Green. Dalton and Green should both have good careers ahead of them. The Bengals had two first rounders and used them to bring in corner back, Dre Kirkpatrick from Alabama and Wisconsin guard, Kevin Zeitler. The Bengals are a young side and I expect them to be a huge force in the AFC North within the next few years but don't think they are quite ready to topple Baltimore and Pittsburgh just yet.
Prediction : 6-10
Cleveland Browns - Cleveland had a good draft and brought in Trent Richardson, a running-back from Alabama. Richardson was excellent in college and I can remember watching him alongside Mark Ingram in the 2009 season when the Crimson Tide won the national championship. Richardson won another national championship last year and finally joins the NFL. I am looking forward to seeing him in action. I think Cleveland's biggest issue is going to be at quarterback. They have named rookie, Brandon Weeden, as their starting quarterback. I would have given McCoy another year at starter as I think he was showing signs of improving but the Browns have decided to go back to square one again with another rookie.
Prediction : 3-13
AFC East
New England Patriots - Bill Belichick has had another great off season in New England and has the Pats in position for another Superbowl run. The Pats were poor on defense last year and Belichick used the draft to address that. The Pats first six picks in the draft were all on improving their defense so they should be better on that side of the ball, this year. Tom Brady is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and Belichick has went and got him even more weapons on the offense. Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski are still there and Belichick has added receiver, Brandon Lloyd and tight-end, Daniel Fells. The Pats look set for another big season and a deep playoff run.
Prediction : 15-1
Buffalo Bills - Buffalo have improved on defense, bringing in high profile free agents, Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, from Houston and New England, respectively. The Bills had a good draft too and improved the overall depth throughout their roster. They had a strong start last year but a disappointing second half to the season saw them slip out of playoff contention but I think this could be the year were Buffalo take that extra step and reach the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season.
Prediction : 9-7
New York Jets - All the news about the New York Jets in the off season revolved around them bringing in Tim Tebow. I'm not convinced it was a good move by the Jets as it increases the pressure on quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has already been struggling with confidence issues and I can't see things improving with Tebow on the bench. For a player with limited talent, Tebow, has huge support from fans and the media and you just know that once Sanchez has a few bad series on the field the Tebow chants will start. The Jets have improved on a defense, which was already one of the best in the league. They have brought in Safeties, Laron Landry and Yeremiah Bell and I cannot wait to see how a secondary including Landry, Bell, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie gets on. I can't see too many teams putting up big passing yards against them. The Jets should go close to being the best defense in the league but all the questions were on the offensive side of the game and I don't think they've answered any of them.
Prediction : 7-9
Miami Dolphins - Miami are another side starting the season with a rookie quarterback. Ryan Tannehill of Texas A & M was drafted, 8th overall. The NFL can be a difficult place for rookie quarterbacks and Tannehill's job isn't helped by the fact he hasn't got a great deal of targets to throw too. Brandon Marshall has left and Chad Johnson had a short spell at the team before getting released after he was arrested after an altercation with his wife. I can't see the Dolphins having a good year and think they'll be a lot closer to a number one draft pick than a playoff spot.
Prediction : 4-12.
AFC South
Houston Texans - Houston have had a mixed off season. They have lost key players in Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans on the defense so that unit will most likely be weaker this year. Quarterback, Matt Schaub, is fit again which will be a boost and they will rely heavily on running-back, Arian Foster and receiver, Andre Johnson. A lot of people are tipping the Texans for the Superbowl but I can't see it. The reason they done well last year was their defense and it isn't as strong his year. A relatively weak division should help them reach the playoffs but I don't expect as big an impact this time.
Prediction : 8-8
Indianapolis Colts - Indianapolis had the number one draft pick and used it wisely taking Stanford quarterback, Andrew Luck. This kid has been talked about for years now and very little of the talk has been negative. John Elway is known to be a huge fan and Elway knows a thing or two about being an NFL quarterback. Luck comes into the middle of a rebuilding process in Indianapolis and I believe in the years to come he will be the right man to lead them in the same path as previous quarterback, Peyton Manning. The Colts have kept receiver, Reggie Wayne and also drafted tight-end, Coby Fleener who Andrew Luck had a great relationship with in college. Luck certainly has the targets so it's up to him to find them.
Prediction : 7-9
Tennessee Titans - The Titans season will depend on the form of running-back, Chris Johnson. Johnson's form has been going the wrong way in the last two years since a great season in 2009. Johnson has had a full preseason this year and has been declaring himself, in the best shape in years. It's all well saying that but it's performances on the field that will prove it. Jake Locker, has got the starting job at quarterback. He came in midway through last season and done quite well so it will be interesting to see how he does this season.
Prediction : 6-10
Jacksonville Jaguars - Jacksonville's off season has been dominated by the Maurice Jones-Drew holdout. He has returned but seems set to have a limited role in Week 1 at least. The Jags have upgraded at receiver, drafting Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State, with the 5th overall pick. I am far from convinced by Blaine Gabbert at quarterback and fully expect to see Chad Henne taking the snaps before too long.
Prediction : 4-12
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - San Diego lost star receiver, Vincent Jackson but they have added a few other options with Robert Meacham and Eddie Royal coming in. Quarterback, Philip Rivers, on form, is a match for anyone in the NFL. He has been hot and cold in recent years with a few mistakes creeping into his play but the new arrivals at receiver should help him. I would expect a big season from running-back, Ryan Matthews and that too should help Rivers and the Chargers. Their offense should be good and they have added a few good pieces on defense through the draft, so I think the Chargers could make a return to the postseason.
Prediction : 10-6
Denver Broncos - Denver made the highest profile acquisition of the off season by signing former Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning. Manning missed last season through injury but he is believed to be back to his best and it will certainly be a very interesting season in Denver. They have tried to give Manning options on the offense and he has some good targets in, Andre Caldwell, Brandon Stokeley, Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreesen. I am really looking forward to seeing Manning back in action and hope he can get back to his best as it always difficult watching a legend struggle.
Prediction : 8-8
Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs have made a few decent signings in the off season, bringing in Kevin Boss and Peyton Hillis to improve the offense. They had a decent draft too and also managed to get receiver, Dwayne Bowe to sign his franchise tender and end his holdout. Running-back, Jamaal Charles should also be back to his best after missing most of last season due to injury.
Prediction : 7-9
Oakland Raiders - Oakland start their first season without Al Davis as owner in 40 years. The eccentric, Davis, passed away during last season but I can't see the team doing anything spectacular on the field this season in tribute to him. The Raiders didn't have a pick in the draft until number 95. I expect a difficult season for the Raiders and believe it will be a year of rebuilding.
Prediction : 5-11
AFC Playoff Teams
New England Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers
San Diego Chargers
Houston Texans
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Superbowl
In the AFC, I cannot see anyone beating the New England Patriots. The NFC should be harder to predict but I think the San Francisco 49ers look the best placed team to make it to the big game. On paper, it looks like a classic battle between an explosive offense and an explosive defense. As the old saying goes, "Defense wins Championships" and I think that will be the case here. The 2012 NFL Champions will be the SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS.
NFC
NFC North
Green Pay Packers - Green Bay went 15-1 last season for the league's best record in the regular season. They were defending Super Bowl Champions and seemed invincible for large parts of the season. Their pass happy offense was led by MVP, Aaron Rodgers and surely it was only a case of turning up in the Playoffs and they would be champions again. Eli Manning and the New York Giants had other ideas. They marched into Lambeau Field in the Divisional Round and beat the Packers, 37-20. Defeats like that will stay with the Packers and the experience should make them stronger. They have made a few additions to their roster, most notably, Jeff Saturday, of the Indianapolis Colts. Saturday has spent the majority of his career snapping the ball to Peyton Manning. He has a lot of experience and is thought of as one of the top center's in the league. Green Bay struggled on defense last season, giving up over 400 yards per game. They have made an attempt to address this by using their first six draft picks on defense. The Packers are a great side and if players like Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson and Clay Matthews stay healthy then they should have another good year.
Prediction : 13-3
Detroit Lions - The Lions are coming off their best season in fifteen years. There 10-6 finish was a huge step forward after ten losing seasons in a row. The Lions have had a solid draft and most importantly sorted out the long term future of wide-receiver, Calvin Johnson. Johnson signed a massive $132m, 7 year deal. Johnson, however, has more pressing issues such as the small matter of the "Madden curse". Johnson was voted by the fans to appear on the cover of Madden 2013. Such is the form of Johnson, it would take more than a curse to stop him. The Lions will be looking to build on their recent success. They have a lot of young stars and if they can stay healthy and continue to develop then the Lions will be in the playoff mix.
Prediction : 12-4
Chicago Bears - The Bears will hope to bounce back from a disappointing 8-8 season and have certainly gone the right way about it. They have made some solid moves, trading for receiver, Brandon Marshall. They also snapped up running-back, Michael Bush and quarterback, Jason Campbell, both formerly of the Oakland Raiders. Those three will add to their offense. Marshall will be the number one receiver, Bush will be a quality alternative to Matt Forte and Jason Campbell can be a good replacement for when Jay Cutler, inevitably gets injured. The Bears have always been strong on defense and have made a few key upgrades to the offense so the playoffs are definitely within their reach.
Prediction : 11-5
Minnesota Vikings - The whipping boys in the NFC North look to be the Minnesota Vikings. They have been poor for the last few seasons and they don't look like a team who will make a huge improvement. They did have a decent draft and took Southern California's offensive-tackle, Matt Kalil, with the fourth overall pick. Probably the best thing to happen for Minnesota fans this off season was the news that it looks like the Vikings will be staying in Minnesota. There had been talk of them moving if they didn't get a new stadium. In May, a bill was passed to build a new stadium for the team and it is expected that they will be playing there from 2016 onwards.
Prediction : 3-13
NFC East
New York Giants - The Giants lost a few decent players with Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs being the biggest names to move on. They replaced them in the draft by bringing in David Wilson, a running back from Virginia Tech and Rueben Randle, a receiver from Louisiana State. The Giants also made a few signings in free agency to upgrade their defense. New York didn't have the best of starts last season and although they were always in contention for the post season, they never really looked like a serious contender. They had struggled with their running game and defense for large periods due to injuries but they managed to get everyone back and ready for when it really mattered. Credit to the Giants, they certainly didn't get it easy in their run to the title. They had a comfortable win at home to Atlanta but after that, things got tough. They went to Green Bay to face the 15-1, Packers. The Giants didn't let it phase them and they ran out comfortable 37-20 winners. As if that wasn't tough enough, it was a trip to San Francisco for the NFC Championship game. They squeezed home in overtime, winning 20-17. In the Superbowl it was a repeat from four years earlier, against the New England Patriots. Don't anyone think for one second that Tom Brady, Bill Belichik and the entire New England Patriots organization don't hold a grudge after Superbowl XLII. The Patriots were one victory away from joining the immortal 1972, Miami Dolphins, as the only undefeated Superbowl champions. However, the Giants hadn't read the script though and won 17-14 to leave the Pats heartbroken. Belichick will have no doubt tried to use that defeat as motivation but the game was almost a carbon copy of four years earlier. Eli Manning led the Giants down the field for a late go ahead touchdown, that the Patriots could not reply to. That takes guts and Eli Manning has proven himself to be much more than just Peyton Manning's little brother.
Prediction : 11-5
Philadelphia Eagles - My team, the Philadelphia Eagles, face a bit of a make or break season. The Eagles made a big splash last year when they made a lot of high profile signings in free agency. It was a bad time to do it however, as they found themselves with a lot of new players, a new defensive coordinator and because of the lockout, no time for it all to gel. The Eagles started last season 4-8 and only they won their last four games or coach, Andy Reid, would have most likely been fired. Reid has to get it right this time as there is simply, no time left for excuses. Starting quarterback, Mike Vick, isn't getting any younger and his game is all about speed so he won't have many opportunities left at getting to a Superbowl. The Eagles have had a good off season. They had a solid draft, including four guys on defense who will all see time on the field this season. One of the biggest issues last year was stopping the run. The Eagles had a good defensive line and a strong secondary but they were weak at linebacker. Demeco Ryans has been brought in from the Houston Texans to plug that gap. Asante Samuel has left but it shouldn't be a major issue as the Eagles have two Pro-Bowlers at corner back in Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Many pundits are predicting the Eagles will have a good year but the biggest problem will be keeping Mike Vick on the field. Vick has proven to be injury prone throughout his career and his playing style does him no favors at all. Should Vick get injured it looks as though the man to come in will be rookie quarterback from Arizona, Nick Foles. The Eagles picked up Foles in the 3rd round of the draft and he has made a huge impact in the preseason games. Vick will get injured at some point, so it will be very interesting to see how Foles does, if/when he gets the nod.
Prediction : 10-6
Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys have made a few moves in the draft to upgrade their defense with corner back, Morris Claiborne from LSU, being the pick of the bunch. Kyle Orton has come in as back up to Tony Romo. Dallas will be looking to improve on last years 8-8 record. "America's Team" have only won one playoff game in the last fifteen years and Jerry Jones will be getting impatient. This particular Dallas team could be anywhere between a 10-6 team or a 4-12 team. I don't think there's a lot of consistency and for that reason, I can't see them making the playoffs.
Prediction : 10-6
Washington Redskins - Washington made a big splash by making a trade with the St Louis Rams to enable them to get quarterback, Robert Griffin III, in the draft. The Redskins gave up, three first round picks in total and a second rounder to move up to number two. It was a risky move from the Redskins. Lots of quarterback's have looked great in college but not made it in the NFL. Three first rounders is a huge price to pay on what is essentially a gamble. However, the Redskins have picked up a few weapons for RG3, bringing in Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. They also made a few moves to bolster their defense with the most notable signing being, Brandon Meriweather. The Redskins look to have taken the first steps to becoming a playoff contender but I think the combination of a difficult division and a rookie quarterback will mean this year is a bit too early for them.
Prediction : 4-12
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - Atlanta's main move in the off season was bringing in Philadelphia's corner back, Asante Samuel. Samuel is a ball hawking corner and would be an asset to any team. The Falcons have drafted well in recent years and have a potentially explosive offense, featuring Julio Jones, Roddy White and Michael Turner. They have been gradually improving for a few years now and I think they could win back the NFC South title from the New Orleans Saints.
Prediction : 11-5
New Orleans Saints - The Saints hopes for the season ahead have received a boost after it was revealed that Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith's bans have been overturned, making them eligible for this weekends games. It is good news for the Saints who's season has been thrust into turmoil by the Bountygate scandal. The ruling does not effect the coaching staff however and Head Coach, Sean Payton, is still suspended for the season. It will still be a huge loss for the Saints but at least they have their full roster to pick from. The Saints were unable to strengthen through the draft as they had no pick until the 90th overall. While they were unable to spend big money, they were able to sort out contracts for key players such as, Marques Colston, Jonathan Vilma, Lance Moore and Drew Brees. The Saints should still be a strong side but I do think Payton's absence will hurt them and they will lose the divisional title.
Prediction : 9-7
Tampa Bay Buccanneers - Tampa Bay have had a great off season. They have brought in some proven talent on offense. Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark have arrived and they have also strengthened their O-Line. They also had a good draft and managed to get two picks in the first round. Alabama safety, Mark Barron and Boise State running back, Doug Martin were both selected. Doug Martin has looked impressive in preseason and has been named as starting running-back. The Bucs will be better this year but they still aren't a playoff team, just yet.
Prediction : 7-9
Carolina Panthers - The Panthers were a great watch last year for the neutral but perhaps their own fans had mixed emotions on their season. Rookie quarterback, Cam Newton, had a good year but unfortunately, for Carolina, the defense didn't. Newton put up some great numbers and the offense scored a lot of points but the defense done them absolutely no favors. On paper, Carolina have improved their D this year but it's a well known fact that football games aren't won on paper. The Panthers made an interesting addition to their back field by signing Mike Tolbert from San Diego. They now have three quality players in the backfield with Tolbert joining Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. When you consider how well those three can run the ball and Cam Newton at quarterback can also run the ball, it looks like Carolina will be putting together some sort of triple option offense. The triple option is quite uncommon in the NFL and is used more in college so it will be interesting to see how the league's defenses deal with it.
Prediction : 4-12
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers had a great season last year and it took an overtime field goal in the NFC Championship game to beat them. I expect to see more of the same this season as they have kept all the key pieces in last years success and improved were they were at their weakest. The 49ers passing game wasn't particularly impressive. It seemed as though they didn't really trust quarterback, Alex Smith. In fairness to Smith, when called upon last year he done a good job so perhaps he'll get more opportunities this season. The 49ers have given him a few new targets. Randy Moss and Mario Manningham have arrived and they also drafted Illinois receiver, AJ Jenkins. The 49ers have a weak division and should have enough about them to win it with a few weeks to spare.
Prediction : 14-2
St Louis Rams - St Louis have had two bad years in a row and while I don't think they are going to be troubling the playoff teams, I do think they'll avoid those first few draft picks next season. They have a new Head Coach in Jeff Fisher and that alone should provide them with a boost. The Rams had a good draft after initially trading down twice. They gave the number 2 overall pick to Washington who wanted to pick RG3 and then moved down further in a deal with the Cowboys. By doing this the Rams ended up getting five of the first sixty-five picks. They will also have a few extra first rounders in the years to come as part of the RG3 trade. The future looks bright in St Louis but this season will be a bridge too far for them.
Prediction : 5-11
Seattle Seahawks - Seattle splashed out on former Green Bay quarterback, Matt Flynn and promptly entered him into a quarterback competition with Tarvaris Jackson and rookie, Russell Wilson. Jackson has since moved to Buffalo but it looks as though the rookie, Russell Wilson from Wisconsin, has managed to win the starting job. It promises to be a baptism of fire for WIlson and there will be a lot of extra pressure on him because of Matt Flynn's presence on the bench. Most rookie quarterbacks who are starting in week one have been drafted to start. They are usually in the position were they know the team is theirs to grow into but unfortunately Wilson won't have that luxury. Instead with every bad pass, he'll be reminded of Matt Flynn and with the money Flynn is getting paid, I wouldn't be surprised if the coach is a little more willing to change it than usual.
Prediction : 5-11
Arizona Cardinals - Arizona haven't quite been the same team since Kurt Warner retired. Warner was a very accurate quarterback and he connected perfectly with Larry Fitzgerald. Since then the starting job has been in a number of different hands but it looks as though the Cardinals are starting this season with John Skelton under center. Skelton is a decent quarterback and if he can learn how to take care of the football a little better when passing then he should have a good career in the NFL. With Skelton at quarterback, last season, the Cardinals went 5-2. In the draft the Cardinals picked up Michael Floyd, a receiver from Notre Dame. Floyd should be another decent target for Skelton to look for and he may even take some of the defense away from Larry Fitzgerald.
Prediction : 4-12
NFC Playoff Teams
San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers
New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons
Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears
AFC
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - Baltimore have been dealt a blow with the injury to Defensive Player of the Year, Terrell Suggs. Suggs himself says he will be back in November but it is widely expected he will miss the full season. Baltimore lost a few players in free agency but had a solid draft and should have enough talent on the roster to have another good season and challenge the Steelers for AFC North supremacy.
Prediction : 12-4
Pittsburgh Steelers - Pittsburgh are another side who lost quite a few of their players in the off season but it was mostly veterans who were on a downward slide anyway so they shouldn't be too badly effected by this. Their O-line and D-line were old and needed to be replaced. They have done that through the draft so as long as the new guys settle in quickly, they should have another good year. Contract talks have broken down with star receiver, Mike Wallace, but he has reported back to training camp and will play this season. With an improved, O-line, and targets like Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown to throw to, I'd expect Ben Roethlisberger to have a big year at quarterback. Running back, Rashard Mendenhall, is coming back from a serious injury and should be back within a week or two. He is another who could be helped by a new and improved offensive line.
Prediction : 12-4
Cincinnati Bengals - Cincinnati have made a few good moves in the off season, bringing in BenJarvus Green-Ellis at running-back from New England. Ellis should help keep defenses honest and help create space for quarterback, Andy Dalton, to find his favorite receiver, AJ Green. Dalton and Green should both have good careers ahead of them. The Bengals had two first rounders and used them to bring in corner back, Dre Kirkpatrick from Alabama and Wisconsin guard, Kevin Zeitler. The Bengals are a young side and I expect them to be a huge force in the AFC North within the next few years but don't think they are quite ready to topple Baltimore and Pittsburgh just yet.
Prediction : 6-10
Cleveland Browns - Cleveland had a good draft and brought in Trent Richardson, a running-back from Alabama. Richardson was excellent in college and I can remember watching him alongside Mark Ingram in the 2009 season when the Crimson Tide won the national championship. Richardson won another national championship last year and finally joins the NFL. I am looking forward to seeing him in action. I think Cleveland's biggest issue is going to be at quarterback. They have named rookie, Brandon Weeden, as their starting quarterback. I would have given McCoy another year at starter as I think he was showing signs of improving but the Browns have decided to go back to square one again with another rookie.
Prediction : 3-13
AFC East
New England Patriots - Bill Belichick has had another great off season in New England and has the Pats in position for another Superbowl run. The Pats were poor on defense last year and Belichick used the draft to address that. The Pats first six picks in the draft were all on improving their defense so they should be better on that side of the ball, this year. Tom Brady is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and Belichick has went and got him even more weapons on the offense. Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski are still there and Belichick has added receiver, Brandon Lloyd and tight-end, Daniel Fells. The Pats look set for another big season and a deep playoff run.
Prediction : 15-1
Buffalo Bills - Buffalo have improved on defense, bringing in high profile free agents, Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, from Houston and New England, respectively. The Bills had a good draft too and improved the overall depth throughout their roster. They had a strong start last year but a disappointing second half to the season saw them slip out of playoff contention but I think this could be the year were Buffalo take that extra step and reach the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season.
Prediction : 9-7
New York Jets - All the news about the New York Jets in the off season revolved around them bringing in Tim Tebow. I'm not convinced it was a good move by the Jets as it increases the pressure on quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has already been struggling with confidence issues and I can't see things improving with Tebow on the bench. For a player with limited talent, Tebow, has huge support from fans and the media and you just know that once Sanchez has a few bad series on the field the Tebow chants will start. The Jets have improved on a defense, which was already one of the best in the league. They have brought in Safeties, Laron Landry and Yeremiah Bell and I cannot wait to see how a secondary including Landry, Bell, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie gets on. I can't see too many teams putting up big passing yards against them. The Jets should go close to being the best defense in the league but all the questions were on the offensive side of the game and I don't think they've answered any of them.
Prediction : 7-9
Miami Dolphins - Miami are another side starting the season with a rookie quarterback. Ryan Tannehill of Texas A & M was drafted, 8th overall. The NFL can be a difficult place for rookie quarterbacks and Tannehill's job isn't helped by the fact he hasn't got a great deal of targets to throw too. Brandon Marshall has left and Chad Johnson had a short spell at the team before getting released after he was arrested after an altercation with his wife. I can't see the Dolphins having a good year and think they'll be a lot closer to a number one draft pick than a playoff spot.
Prediction : 4-12.
AFC South
Houston Texans - Houston have had a mixed off season. They have lost key players in Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans on the defense so that unit will most likely be weaker this year. Quarterback, Matt Schaub, is fit again which will be a boost and they will rely heavily on running-back, Arian Foster and receiver, Andre Johnson. A lot of people are tipping the Texans for the Superbowl but I can't see it. The reason they done well last year was their defense and it isn't as strong his year. A relatively weak division should help them reach the playoffs but I don't expect as big an impact this time.
Prediction : 8-8
Indianapolis Colts - Indianapolis had the number one draft pick and used it wisely taking Stanford quarterback, Andrew Luck. This kid has been talked about for years now and very little of the talk has been negative. John Elway is known to be a huge fan and Elway knows a thing or two about being an NFL quarterback. Luck comes into the middle of a rebuilding process in Indianapolis and I believe in the years to come he will be the right man to lead them in the same path as previous quarterback, Peyton Manning. The Colts have kept receiver, Reggie Wayne and also drafted tight-end, Coby Fleener who Andrew Luck had a great relationship with in college. Luck certainly has the targets so it's up to him to find them.
Prediction : 7-9
Tennessee Titans - The Titans season will depend on the form of running-back, Chris Johnson. Johnson's form has been going the wrong way in the last two years since a great season in 2009. Johnson has had a full preseason this year and has been declaring himself, in the best shape in years. It's all well saying that but it's performances on the field that will prove it. Jake Locker, has got the starting job at quarterback. He came in midway through last season and done quite well so it will be interesting to see how he does this season.
Prediction : 6-10
Jacksonville Jaguars - Jacksonville's off season has been dominated by the Maurice Jones-Drew holdout. He has returned but seems set to have a limited role in Week 1 at least. The Jags have upgraded at receiver, drafting Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State, with the 5th overall pick. I am far from convinced by Blaine Gabbert at quarterback and fully expect to see Chad Henne taking the snaps before too long.
Prediction : 4-12
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - San Diego lost star receiver, Vincent Jackson but they have added a few other options with Robert Meacham and Eddie Royal coming in. Quarterback, Philip Rivers, on form, is a match for anyone in the NFL. He has been hot and cold in recent years with a few mistakes creeping into his play but the new arrivals at receiver should help him. I would expect a big season from running-back, Ryan Matthews and that too should help Rivers and the Chargers. Their offense should be good and they have added a few good pieces on defense through the draft, so I think the Chargers could make a return to the postseason.
Prediction : 10-6
Denver Broncos - Denver made the highest profile acquisition of the off season by signing former Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning. Manning missed last season through injury but he is believed to be back to his best and it will certainly be a very interesting season in Denver. They have tried to give Manning options on the offense and he has some good targets in, Andre Caldwell, Brandon Stokeley, Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreesen. I am really looking forward to seeing Manning back in action and hope he can get back to his best as it always difficult watching a legend struggle.
Prediction : 8-8
Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs have made a few decent signings in the off season, bringing in Kevin Boss and Peyton Hillis to improve the offense. They had a decent draft too and also managed to get receiver, Dwayne Bowe to sign his franchise tender and end his holdout. Running-back, Jamaal Charles should also be back to his best after missing most of last season due to injury.
Prediction : 7-9
Oakland Raiders - Oakland start their first season without Al Davis as owner in 40 years. The eccentric, Davis, passed away during last season but I can't see the team doing anything spectacular on the field this season in tribute to him. The Raiders didn't have a pick in the draft until number 95. I expect a difficult season for the Raiders and believe it will be a year of rebuilding.
Prediction : 5-11
AFC Playoff Teams
New England Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers
San Diego Chargers
Houston Texans
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Superbowl
In the AFC, I cannot see anyone beating the New England Patriots. The NFC should be harder to predict but I think the San Francisco 49ers look the best placed team to make it to the big game. On paper, it looks like a classic battle between an explosive offense and an explosive defense. As the old saying goes, "Defense wins Championships" and I think that will be the case here. The 2012 NFL Champions will be the SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS.
Friday, 7 September 2012
International Weekend Predictions
As there are no Premier League games this week, I have added
predictions for all of the European World Cup Qualifiers. My predictions have been poor so far so
hopefully the international games are easier to predict.
Group A
Croatia
2-0 Rep. of Macedonia
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Scotland
1-0 Serbia
Group B
Malta
0-1 Armenia
Bulgaria
1-1 Italy
Denmark
2-0 Czech Republic
Group C
Kazakhstan
0-1 Rep. of Ireland
Germany
7-0 Faroe Islands
Group D
Estonia
1-1 Romania
Andorra
0-2 Hungary
Holland 2-0 Turkey
Group E
Albania
1-2 Cyprus
Slovenia
1-1 Switzerland
Iceland
1-2 Norway
Group F
Russia
3-0 Northern Ireland
Azerbaijan
1-1 Israel
Luxembourg
0-4 Portugal
Group G
Liechtenstein
0-2 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Lithuania
1-1 Slovakia
Latvia
0-1 Greece
Group H
Montenegro
2-1 Poland
Moldova
0-2 England
Group I
Georgia
1-2 Belarus
Finland
0-2 France
Thursday, 6 September 2012
International Football - A Radical Change
This week sees domestic leagues take a break to make way for international football. I'm not a huge fan of international football. At least not in it's current format. I love watching the World Cup, the European Championships, the Copa America and the African Cup of Nations but I can't stand the breaks in the domestic season to make way for the qualifiers.
The way I see it, the overall standard of domestic and international football are hurt by the current format. I'm not sure how meeting up for a week, eight or nine times a season to play international games helps anyone. The international sides can't cover a lot in one week and they have no continuity. After a week or so, the players will be starting to develop partnerships and understandings. Just as things are coming together, they go back to their club sides and a month or so later, they come back to start off from square one again. Meanwhile, domestic teams, lose half their team for a week, right in the middle of the season. They get their players back on Wednesday or Thursdays and then only have a day or two to prepare them for a game. It's not fair, especially on the clubs who are paying these footballers hundreds of thousands of pounds a week in wages.
My proposal would be to synchronise the international calendar in such a way that the domestic seasons were shortened by about six to eight weeks and the qualifying campaigns took place at the end of the season. I think it would generate a lot more interest. In international football, when teams are playing the final few group games, you can barely remember what happened in the early qualification games as they were played over a year ago. With my idea there would be the equivalent of a major championship every summer. It just comes down to managing the length of time you have at your disposal in a better way. If the international season was completed in one window over a six week period, teams could be playing a game every five days or so. You could also set up the fixtures in such a way that there is games every day. I've no idea who would be losing if this happened. It really does work out better for everyone. The clubs don't lose their players at key points in the season, international teams get a six to eight week period to prepare and play the biggest games of their season, fans get to watch an exciting tournament and television companies would absolutely love the idea. Wives and girlfriends couldn't even complain as there's not actually more football, it's just organised differently.
2013's summer would be World Cup Qualifying, 2014 would be the World Cup, 2015 European Championship Qualifying, 2016 European Championships and so on. Continents like Africa and South America who hold their Continental tournaments every two years could fit it around the World Cup year or combine qualifying with their continental tournaments.
One thing I am sick of hearing about is footballers complaining about tiredness. Personally, I think it's ridiculous that these players, who are paid obscene amounts of money, complain they are tired after playing football a few times a week. I know guys who work in factories or on building sites and then go and play football. I've never once heard them complain of tiredness. Too many footballers are overpaid prima donnas but just for arguments sake, let's say that tiredness really is an issue. I'm fairly sure, jetting off on international duty every month doesn't help. If continental travel could be restricted to the Champions League and Europa League during the season, then surely players would be coming into these tournaments in better condition. It could even be arranged, were possible, to arrange double headers. Two home games in a row, followed by two away games. I know these wee players are tired so you could even go as far as to arrange the fixtures to minimise the travelling. If there are two trips to Eastern Europe in the group, then try to arrange them for back to back games etc.
Traditionalists won't like it. They won't know why they won't like it, but they just won't. There are a lot of positives in it and as far as I can see, very few negatives. I don't think it's something that will happen any time soon, but it is definitely something that could happen in the future. Football is dictated by money and television. There's a hell of a lot of money in football as it is and if the television companies could guarantee a tournament every summer then you can be sure it wouldn't be long before it happened.
NFL Preview Blog - Coming Soon
My preview blog is taking longer than I thought so in the interest of fairness here are my predictions for tonight's teams.
NFC East Predictions
1 - Giants, 2- Eagles, 3 - Cowboys, 4 - Redskins
Tonights Prediction
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants - Giants to win a tight game by less than a Touchdown.
NFC East Predictions
1 - Giants, 2- Eagles, 3 - Cowboys, 4 - Redskins
Tonights Prediction
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants - Giants to win a tight game by less than a Touchdown.
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Premier League Review - Week 3
We have just had, yet another great weekend of Premier League action with twenty-eight goals in nine games. West Ham and Arsenal won to kick start their seasons and Manchester United scored two late goals to win at Southampton. Those three points could prove to be huge come the end of the season. The pressure is building on Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, after another defeat and Fulham and Tottenham fans will be beginning to get a little worried at how things are going.
Just as teams are beginning to get into their season we are heading for an international break. Different sides will have different emotions about the break. Some will see it as a chance to start again and others will be annoyed as it could cost them momentum. I’m not a big fan of international breaks but that’s a story for another day so I’ll go straight into the weekend’s reviews.
West Ham 3-0 Fulham
West Ham got back to winning ways with a first half demolition of London rivals, Fulham. The Hammers made the perfect start, catching Fulham asleep in the opening moments. Nobody tracked Kevin Nolan’s run and he was able to open the scoring. The Fulham defence didn’t get much better. West Ham got a corner and Kevin Nolan stood on the line in front of Mark Schwarzer and John Arne Riise. Once the corner was taken, Schwarzer ran into no mans land and Winston Reid headed the ball right into the space he had vacated. Schwarzer had allowed himself to get preoccupied with Nolan and it cost his team a goal. West Ham’s third goal was another defensive error. A ball into the box was headed down by a Fulham defender, right into the path of Matt Taylor who found the corner. West Ham were much better than last week and Andy Carroll had a great debut. He had to go off injured but Hammers fans will be hoping the injury isn’t too serious. West Ham will need him to lead the line in their attack as, Kevin Nolan aside, they haven’t got a lot of aerial threats. For Fulham, it’s a case of, back to the drawing board. Their midfield has been weakened in the transfer window and they will need to up their game or their season will become a struggle.
Swansea 2-2 Sunderland
Swansea’s winning run came to an end with a 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland. Swansea gifted Steven Fletcher a debut goal when Ashley Williams attempted a pass back and gave the ball to Fletcher who finished well to put Sunderland ahead. In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Wayne Routledge levelled the score, finishing off a great pass from Nathan Dyer, after a smart Swansea move. The scores weren’t tied for long and Steven Fletcher, put Sunderland ahead again. The Swansea defence switched off from a free-kick and let Fletcher tap in at the back post. Swansea levelled in the second half through a Michu header. Michu is looking like becoming the buy of the summer. Swansea finished the game with ten men, when Chico was sent off for a bizarre challenge. He made what can only be described as a flying kick at the ball, which was at head height and made contact with Louis Saha. It was a rash challenge but I’m not convinced it was a red card. Chico had already been involved in controversy earlier in the game. He had made a challenge on James McClean that enraged the Sunderland players and management. My own thoughts on that challenge were, Chico did get the ball but also got the man. If he hadn’t already made that tackle, I am not convinced the referee would have sent him off. Both teams can take positives into the international break. They are both undefeated and Swansea in particular will be delighted with seven points from their opening three games. On the down side for the Swans it has been announced that Neil Taylor will be out for the season after fracturing his ankle in a challenge on Craig Gardner.
Tottenham 1-1 Norwich City
Spurs manager, Andre Villas-Boas is still waiting for his first win in charge after his side conceded yet another late equaliser. Norwich started the game well and missed a few good chances in the first half. Robert Snodgrass had a header which Brad Friedel done well to save but the American should never have got the opportunity to make the save as Snodgrass put the header too close to him. Spurs brought on new signing, Mousa Dembele, at half-time and he marked his debut by scoring the opening goal. He received the ball on the edge of the box and flicked it to the side before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the bottom corner. However, Spurs couldn’t hang on and Robert Snodgrass marked a fine display with the equalising goal. Snodgrass netted with a fine, left footed, half volley. There was still enough time for some controversy. Tom Huddlestone received an absolutely ridiculous red card. The ball fell between him and Jonny Howson and both players slid in. Huddlestone made contact with the ball and then the two players collided. Naturally, Howson came off worse but there was absolutely no reason for the referee to send Huddlestone off for what was a 50-50 challenge.
West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Everton
West Brom kept up their good start to the season with a 2-0 win over Everton. West Brom are now sitting on seven points from their three games against Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton. Steve Clarke couldn’t have dreamt of such a good start. Shane Long and Gareth McAuley were the goal scorers on Saturday. Long finished well after a good cross from Peter Odemwingie. McAuley sealed the three points when he got away from Marouane Fellaini at a corner and reached the ball just before Tim Howard to head into the empty net. Everton won’t be happy, especially as they missed a few chances and Fellaini in particular should have done better. They have had a good start though and manager, David Moyes, won’t be too downhearted.
Wigan Athletic 2-2 Stoke City
A decent game between two teams who will, primarily, want to avoid a relegation battle. Shaun Maloney and Jonathan Walters both scored first half penalties, which could have been considered harshly awarded. Wigan took the lead in the second half through Franco Di Santo but Stoke goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, should have done better in the build up. He was standing at the edge of his penalty area and the ball broke into the path of Wigan's, Arouna Kone. Begovic back tracked into his net but the ball was getting away from Kone and he only made his first touch when he got to about five yards away from were Begovic was standing when the ball was played. The goalkeeper would have easily got to the ball if he had come out. Instead he backed off and Kone ran into the box before skilfully setting up Di Santo. Wigan were unable to hold onto their lead and Stoke equalised when Peter Crouch scored a close range header with 13 minutes left. There were no further goals and both teams had to make down with the point.
Manchester City 3-1 Queens Park Rangers
Manchester City came out on top in the battle of the big spenders with a 3-1 victory. It wasn’t all plain sailing though and QPR did give the defending champions a bit of a fright. City took the lead when Yaya Toure finished well after a scramble in the QPR box. QPR levelled after half-time, when Joe hart could only parry a shot from Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora headed into the empty goal. It didn’t last long however and Carlos Tevez sent in a great cross for Edin Dzeko to head home from close range. Tevez sealed the win late on, deflecting a Dzeko shot into the net. At 2-1 QPR had a few chances and Ryan Nelsen had two great opportunities. City don’t look convincing at the back and Joleon Lescott looks out of his depth. For the equalising goal he stopped once Hart made the save and started waving an arm at the linesman. He probably wouldn’t have got there before Zamora but he didn’t even attempt to put pressure on him. He was also at fault for the second of Nelsen’s chances. He took a wild swing at the ball but his timing was so poor, he missed completely and can consider himself lucky not to have scored an own goal. I don’t think he’s good enough and City will need to replace him if they want to retain their title.
Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal picked up their first win of the season, with a comfortable and well earned win at Anfield. Arsenal have still not conceded a goal in the Premier League, which is a far cry from their usual, we'll score one more than they will approach. Mikel Arteta was superb in a deep lying midfield role and was as good defensively, as he was on the ball. Podolski and Cazorla are combining well and linked up for both the goals. Cazorla played in Podolski for the opener and the German returned the favour for the second. Cazorla did benefit from yet another error from Pepe Reina but the move deserved a goal. If Cazorla and Podolski continue to develop their partnership then Arsenal could do well. They could do with a little more help from French striker, Olivier Giroud, who had yet another day to forget. It's still early days but the more I see of Giroud, the less I think of him. It's not only his finishing that is letting him down, his first touch is also nowhere near the level required of a Premier League striker. Time will tell but the early signs haven't been impressive. For Liverpool, the pressure is increasing on manager, Brendan Rodgers. He still hasn't picked up a league win and Liverpool have only one point to show for their opening three games. The fixtures were always going to be tough but the performance will hurt Rodgers more than anything else. Rodgers has introduced a new style of play and most of his players are sticking to it but his captain, Steven Gerrard is really letting him down at the moment. Every other player is playing the game the right way, looking for an open man but when the ball comes to Gerrard he is looking for that “Hollywood” pass and continuously hoofs the ball up the pitch. It is absolutely killing Liverpool and Rodgers has a big decision to make. If he keeps Gerrard in the team, the system is pointless but if he drops him then the fans and most likely, the dressing room will turn against him. Another thing that isn't working is Luis Suarez in the middle of the attack. Suarez is at his most dangerous with the play ahead of him. He is currently playing as a number 9 and has his back to goal. He is simply not that kind of player. Rodgers needs results to pick up quickly and the fixtures aren't getting any easier with a trip to Sunderland and then Manchester United at home.
Newcastle United 1-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa finally put in a decent display under new manager, Paul Lambert and got a well deserved draw at Newcastle. Ciaran Clark gave them a first half lead when he found himself in acres of space to head home a fine cross from Barry Bannon. Both sides had plenty of chances in an end to end but it was Newcastle's, Hatem Ben Arfa who got the equaliser and what a goal it was. Ben Arfa received the ball on the corner of the box and the defender showed him onto his right foot. Ben Arfa responded by hitting an unstoppable drive into the top corner. The teams got a point each from a lively and entertaining game but both will feel they could have won. In the end, a draw was probably a fair result.
Southampton 2-3 Manchester United
How unlucky are Southampton? They have been 2-1 up against Manchester City and Manchester United but on both occasions lost 3-2. There have been a lot of positives in those two games but the league table shows zero points from three games. Obviously the fixtures have been tough on the Saints but the pressure is now building and the longer it takes them to get that first win, the more difficult their situation becomes. Rickie Lambert gave them the lead early on, when he found himself up against Rafael at the back post. Lambert out muscled the United man and headed home. It didn’t take United long to level and Robin Van Persie was the man with the goal. He controlled and half volleyed a cross from Antonio Valencia, into the back of the net. Southampton took the lead again, early in the second half. Morgan Schneiderlin took advantage of a Patrice Evra slip in the box to head the Saints into a 2-1 lead. United were handed a lifeline when Jos Hooiveld fouled Van Persie inside the box. Van Persie stepped up to take the penalty but tried to be clever and Saints keeper, Kelvin Davis was able to turn his weak effort around the post. It looked as though Southampton were going to hold on but with just three minutes left, United were level. Rio Ferdinand’s header rebounded off the post straight into the path of Van Persie who finished from close range. United weren’t done there however. United won a corner in stoppage time and Van Persie got away from his marker at the near post and headed in for his hat-trick. It was a huge victory for United. They didn’t play at all well but they still managed to get the three points. Defensively they are struggling and it is unlike them to have conceded five goals in three games. Luckily for them they are scoring goals but Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for more from his defenders.
Goal of the Week
3) Wayne Routledge – A superb move from Swansea and well finished by Routledge.
2) Mousa Dembele – That’s how to mark your debut. The flick to set up the shot was sublime and the shot was every bit as good.
1) Hatem Ben Arfa – There’s just not enough words to describe how good that goal was. It’ll take some beating in Goal of the Season, never mind Goal of the Week. Fantastic strike.
Man of the Week
Robin Van Persie – Who else could it have been? United were terrible but their star striker pulled them out of a deep hole with a hat-trick. I’m not a United fan and was feeling a bit smug that they were losing and he had missed a penalty. RVP’s two goals took the smile right off my face. I have to give credit when it’s due and those goals could end up being a huge factor at the end of the season. £24m wouldn’t be a huge price to pay if Van Persie’s goals, lead United to the Premier League title.
Moan of the Week
I’m turning into Alan Hansen. When I’m watching football these days, I find myself not appreciating the goals and skills but instead, I’m trying to find someone to blame for what teams are doing wrong. It’s a dark and unhappy place but hopefully someone will come up with a good enough performance to snap me out of it.
Predictions
The predictions were not good this week. No correct scores and I only got three results right. I had Manchester City and Manchester United to win and Swansea to draw. The other six games, I was completely wrong. At least there’s room for improvement.
Monday, 3 September 2012
Deadline Day Review
The transfer window has closed and in the last day or two of the window, almost every Premier League club was involved in the madness, whether it was buying or selling. It's hardly surprising that big spending Manchester City stole the headlines, making five signings.
Javi Garcia, Maicon, Matija Nastasic, Scott Sinclair and Richard Wright all completed moves to the champions. Javi Garcia was the most expensive, with City paying £16m for the Benfica man. Garcia should be a good addition and can play in a defensive midfield role or centre-back. Both are positions were City needed to strengthen so as long as he settles into the league, he should prove to be a good buy. Maicon has come in as "cover for Pablo Zabaleta". Maicon has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Real Madrid for huge money as recently as a year ago. Zabaleta is a decent player but I think Maicon will quickly take over him in Mancini's plans. Nastasic is a young Serbian, centre-back. Other than Vincent Kompany, City are a bit short in quality centre-backs. Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott are both prone to errors so if Nastasic is as good as he is being built up to be, he could be in the first team quick enough. Scott Sinclair has completed his move from Swansea. While I do think Sinclair is a decent player, I just don't see were he fits in with Manchester City. I can only imagine he is a direct replacement for Adam Johnson on the bench. Another bench warmer, if he even makes it that far, is Richard Wright. I'd be amazed if he ever makes it into the City team for a league match. City did lose a few too. Stefan Savic moved to Fiorentina, as part of the Nastasic deal and Nigel de Jong moved to AC Milan. Savic was poor and I can't see him being missed but I do think de Jong's absence will be more noticeable. De Jong wasn't everyone's cup of tea but I always liked him. He is a tough tackler and exactly the sort of player big teams need to help break up counter attacks. I think de Jong will do well in Italy but Mancini has at least brought in a like for like replacement in Garcia.
Another big spending club, QPR, made a few big deals in the last few days of the window. Julio Cesar, Esteban Granero and Stephane Mbia all completed moves to Loftus Road. Cesar comes in from Inter Milan and surely it will only be a matter of time before he displaces Robert Green in goals. Esteban Granero is an excellent signing. He is a technically gifted, creative presence in midfield and I am looking forward to seeing him in the Premier League. He has played a part for Real Madrid in recent seasons as a squad player and he will improve with regular football. Stephane M'bia is a Cameroon international who can play in defence or midfield. Manager, Mark Hughes has suggested he sees him primarily, as a centre-back. At 6 foot 2, he should be a big presence in the QPR defence. QPR did resolve another issue on deadline day when they loaned Joey Barton to Marseille. Barton isn't a bad player but his character and attitude are a disgrace to the game. When it's a young player it can sometimes be excused but Barton is 30 and still behaves like a petulant child. I don't watch a lot of French football and Joey Barton's presence will certainly not encourage me to start watching more of it.
Tottenham, had a busy day bringing in Hugo Lloris from Lyon and Clint Dempsey from Fulham. Lloris is a very good goalkeeper and at 25 should have a good career ahead of him. He has been goalkeeper of the year three times in France and is already the captain of the national team. Brad Friedel is a good keeper but Lloris is the future and could well be the number one for the next 10 years. Dempsey will be a direct replacement for Rafael van der Vaart who moved on to Hamburg. Dempsey can play in the midfield or up front and should be a good signing. He scored 17 league goals last season and Spurs have struggled at times to score, so it should be a good move.
West Ham made a pair of loan moves bringing back former Hammer, Yossi Benayoun and Liverpool's, Andy Carroll. Benayoun was never going to get a chance at Chelsea with all the attacking talent they have brought in and Carroll had been left in no uncertain terms by Brendan Rodgers that he's not required at Anfield. Carroll will do well at West Ham. Sam Allardyce has always favoured a physical, direct approach and Carroll is the perfect front man to lead the line. He is superb in the air and if they play long to Carroll, he will win his fair share of flick ons. If West Ham can get Nolan, Jarvis etc getting onto the end of them, then they could see some joy. Carroll's style didn't suit at Liverpool and it is everything that Brendan Rodgers is against. Carroll will flourish in a team who will play to his strengths and Big Sam is the perfect manager for him.
Tony Pulis brought three midfielders to Stoke City with Steven N'Zonzi, Maurice Edu and Charlie Adam all joining. N'Zonzi signs from Blackburn Rovers and is a former France U-21 international. At 6 foot 4 he should be another good addition to Stoke's aerial threat. Maurice Edu comes in from Rangers but I can't see him making a big impact in the Premier League. He was quite inconsistent in the SPL and I can't see him improving in a more difficult league. Charlie Adam, whilst I don't particularly rate him as a player, will be a good signing for Stoke. Stoke have a team full of 6 footers and they try to make the most of set pieces. Charlie Adam is one of the best set piece takers in the league and if he provides high quality crosses, there are plenty of players who are capable of applying the finish.
Swansea replaced Scott SInclair by spending a club record fee of £5.5m on Pablo Hernandez. Hernandez arrives from Valencia and should be a good addition. He had 10 assists last year. If he takes to the Premier League like the rest of Swansea's imports from La Liga, he should be an asset to Swansea and the Premier League.
Fulham's business will receive a mixed reaction. They brought in Dimitar Berbatov, Kieran Richardson and Ashkan Dejagah but lost Clint Dempsey and had already lost Mousa Dembele. Berbatov will be a good signing. He had quite a good record at United when you compare it to the amount of time he spent on the pitch. Kieran Richardson, I'm not so impressed with. He has never really lived up to the hype from when he was a youngster at Manchester United. He has played left midfield, left back and centre midfield but I expect Fulham to use him in the centre of midfield and he is a downgrade from Dembele. Dejagah comes in from Wolfsburg and can play on the wing or in an attacking midfield role. I expect he will be regarded as Dempsey's replacement in an attacking midfield role but it will take a huge effort to replace the void left by the American.
Kieran Richardson's replacement at Sunderland is former Leeds youngster, Danny Rose, who has joined on loan from Tottenham. Rose is a similar player to Richardson and can play anywhere down the left. I can't see him displacing Ireland's James McClean on the left wing but he would be adequate cover in case of injury.
Aston Villa manager, Paul Lambert, brought in two more signings. Christian Benteke from Genk and Ashley Westwood from Crewe have arrived. Benteke is a 21 year old, Belgian international. He had a good record at Genk scoring 33 in 37 games. The Premier League will be a significant step up in class but Benteke has age on his side and could well be a good signing for Villa. Westwood is another player who will be making a significant step up. 118 of Westwood's 123 league appearances have been in League 2. He is another youngster at 22 and I believe he has likened himself to Manchester United's, Michael Carrick. I don't think he should have put that pressure on his shoulders, as moving up to the Premier League will be a tough enough task.
Southampton finally completed the transfer of Uruguayan winger, Gaston Ramirez. Ramirez is very highly rated and has had two good years at Bologna, scoring 15 goals. The Saints also completed the signing of Maya Yoshida, a Japanese centre-back from VVV-Venlo. Southampton certainly needed a new centre-back so we will see how Yoshida fits into the Premier League .
Bryan Oviedo completed his move to Everton for £5m. Oviedo is a Costa Rica international who can play anywhere down the left side. He is 22 years old and was playing for Copenhagen in Denmark.
The final Premier League moves were Harry Kane moving to Norwich on loan and Goran Popov, the Macedonian left-back, moved to West Brom on another loan deal. One of the biggest fees paid on deadline day didn't actually involve a Premier League club. Huddersfield's, Scottish international striker, Jordan Rhodes, moved to Blackburn Rovers in a deal that could be worth up to £8m. Rhodes is a great talent and only improves a team I would have already regarded as the best in the Championship.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal were all heavily linked with players but none of them made any signings. However, they did get rid of a few high profile players. Chelsea let Michael Essien go to Real Madrid on loan. Liverpool sent Andy Carroll to West Ham and Jay Spearing to Bolton, on loan and sold Charlie Adam to Stoke. Arsenal sent Nicklas Bendtner and Park Chu-Young on loan deals to Juventus and Celta Vigo.
Essien is a fantastic footballer and if he can keep himself fit then he won't be out of place in Madrid. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been receiving criticism for letting so many go but I think overall his business has been good. He has dramatically improved the midfield, getting rid of Adam and Spearing and bringing in Nuri Sahin and Joe Allen. He has let Andy Carroll go but he doesn't fit into what he wants to do at the club, so why have him there? I wouldn't be surprised to see Rodgers play Steven Gerrard in the front three, if required. Gerrard doesn't really fit into what Rodgers wants to do. He is very direct which would be fine if asked to play on the right hand side of the front three. Arsenal are another side short of attacking options but they have let their back up options go. Bendtner, in particular, could have been asked to stay. I am also quite surprised that Wenger didn't sign another midfielder. He has a decent starting midfield but if someone gets injured before WIlshere returns then they could be short of options.
The window is now closed and teams are stuck with what they have until January. Some teams will be happy, some won't and some just won't be good enough. Either way we've a good four months of football ahead of us before the window opens again. The picture will be a lot clearer by that stage but no doubt there will be plenty of teams trying to add players for a title race, Champions League qualification or to avoid a relegation battle. The January transfer window is the footballing equivalent of Christmas Eve when people go mad panic buying and I for one can't wait for it.
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