Archive for October, 2007

Ulracher and the Bears defensive struggles

Friday, October 26th, 2007

It’s hard not to think that Brian Ulracher is playing hurt after reading this, from PFW:

With the Bears’ season quickly approaching the halfway point, it’s become hard to ignore the change in MLB Brian Urlacher — both on and off the field. When he’s on his game — as was definitely the case in his 12-tackle performance in the Bears’ stirring come-from-behind Week Seven win over the Eagles — Urlacher remains one of the game’s elite players at his position. But for whatever the reason, there have been other times this season (the loss to the Vikings sticks out) when Urlacher’s play has been noticeably subpar. Daily team observers don’t believe the decline in his play is due to any drop-off in his speed or quickness, but rather the problems he has had taking on blocks. Urlacher’s forte has always been his rare athleticism that essentially has allowed him to run around blocks to make plays, but that skill hasn’t been on display nearly as much this season. Urlacher has been sitting out Friday practices the entire season for undisclosed reasons, and it’s been rumored for a while now that a back injury might be responsible for the weekly shutdown. But our sources maintain that, if an injury was really bothering him, he would be missing practices earlier in the week, which hasn’t been the case. As for getting any explanations from Urlacher himself, the local media hasn’t had much luck lately, as the six-time Pro Bowler has become increasingly curt and stand-offish. The consensus among our sources is that, considering the overwhelmingly positive press he has received over the years, his recent behavior has been disappointing to say the least.

Broncos revamp defense during bye week

Monday, October 22nd, 2007

From the ‘information we could have used before we made our picks department’ the Broncos spent their off week switching their defense back to the system they used last season.

As reported by Fox Sports:

“We just don’t have the personnel to play it,” said one Denver insider.

Denver entered last nights game as the 32nd ranked defense against the run and 27th in points allowed.

They gave up 4.6 yards a carry to the Steelers and 28 points overall, but on a whole they were a much better unit.

Marion Barber and Julius Jones

Thursday, October 18th, 2007

Aaron Schatz at Football Outsiders breaks down Marion Barber and Julius Jones in this week’s mailbag.

The idea that Barber gets a benefit from playing more later in the game was somewhat true last year, but it isn’t true this year. This year, Barber is better than Jones in every situation. In addition, this year, their usage is much more similar.

FO has long supported Barber over Jones by way of their extensive statistical evidence.

And when statistical evidence ends, this memorable run picks up.

USF Football opus

Thursday, October 18th, 2007

The final installment of my USF Football roundup has been posted over at the sportsfrog.

As mentioned two days ago, part one was on the history of USF football, part two was on the 2007 USF football team, and part three was on tonight’s game vs Rutgers.

Michael Bennett in Tampa and Earnest Graham

Thursday, October 18th, 2007

With Michael Bennett moving to Tampa for what is reportedly a 6th and 7th round pick, fantasy owners might be quick to pick Bennett up thinking he’s going to get a chance to be the go to guy with the Bucs.

But if anything, I think this addition just solidifies Earnest Graham’s role with the team. Bennett fits in well as the third down and/or long yardage situation guy.

I’m actually a little high on Graham to perform well for the rest of the season. He’s been in this offense for so many years, and has good compliment back now in Bennett. Graham’s not much more than a 15-20 carry guy, but he’ll get the short yardage and goalline work and he’s a little shiftier than most realize.

And don’t forget that Bennett has a lot of offense to learn. Graham will be the guy until Michael is comfortable.

Chris McAlister’s injury impact on Ravens defense

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007

With the Ravens announcing Chris McAlister could miss the next three weeks, I immediately went to Football Outsiders’ defense rankings to see how this will affect Baltimore’s defense.

As I expected, the Ravens pass defense has not been as good this year as it was Posted in Baltimore, Football, General | No Comments »

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