The Overdevaluation

Time and time again analysts argue that the RB spot on the gridiron is the most replaceable position on the field. This mindset has been taken to a whole new level as of late and some argue that it doesn't matter who you put in the backfield, if the line is solid and the scheme is right, the guy will produce." While to an extent I see the point, I think this has been extremely oversimplified the past few seasons and here are a few quick reasons why:


#1. Jack of all Trades - Running back by committee is pretty much par for the course these days. Like QB's though, my mindset is "If you have 2, you have none". If you have 1 guy that can run between the tackles, hit the edge, pass protect and catch out of the backfield, that is 100x more valuable than 4 guys that have their respective specialty. If you have the rare talent that is a quadruple threat (Matt Forte), the defense is forced to be a 1/2 step slower to react and at this level, that makes all the difference not only for the running game, but for the passing game and offensive line as well.

2. Trent Richardson Rule - The whole "Don't take a RB in the first round" mindset started seemingly after the Browns snagged Richardson with a 3rd pick in the 2012 draft. The guy has been more than a disappointment. Instead of just chalking this up to a bad pick (as we do for every other position), people are just making blanket statements that running backs are unworthy of that spot. Quite the contrary, if you can get a guy that is THAT much better than the next guy in line...why would you pass on him?? Of course there is no such thing as a "sure thing" and if, this year in particular, your eyes are on Gurley or Gordon, you would be a fool to pass it up and fall victim to a 3-year-old mindset that will soon be disproved.


3. Typically, if you're drafting in the Top 10-15, lets face it, your team sucks. While it could very well be that RB is a position of need, odds are that there are bigger holes elsewhere that should be addressed first. In no way does this imply RB's are not important, they are just secondary needs to what is the bigger issue all together. There is a reason why you were 4-12 last year, and it isn't JUST the lack of a home-run threat in the backfield.


My take, WR's are next. If your saying RB's are a product of the line, then you have to say WR's are a product of the QB to a similar extent. Once WR's make the fall from immortality (7 projected in the first round..7! Really??), RB's will once again crack the Top 10 on a regular basis.

How many times is Tebow going to get "one more chance?"

Here we go again! Tebow is back in the headlines as the Philadelphia Eagles have signed him to a one year deal. The media, for whatever reason, loves this guy and is salivating at the opportunity to fit "tebowing" into their morning/nightly news. The true sports fan and knowledgeable football fan doesn't understand why he keeps getting "one more shot."

Don't get me wrong, he seems like a good dude and I wouldn't mind sharing a beer with him, if God lets him, but he has far outstayed his welcome in the NFL. Tebow seems like that weird uncle that shows up once a year at a family picnic and its just awkward because you don't really have anything to say to him, but you have to say hi because your mom just pinched you and said "Go say hello to your uncle! Yes, he has a certain moxy about him that teams might gravitate towards, but how many more chances is this guy going to get? He got drafted by the Broncos (chance 1) and it didn't work. He was traded to the Jets (chance 2) and saw less time on the field than the long snapper. He then was signed by the Pats (chance 3. If Bill Belichick can't find a way to utilize him, not sure who can) and he didn't even make the 53 man roster. This is now his 4th...I repeat FORTH chance in the NFL. It is insane that people are saying today "its good that he gets one more chance." How many chances is he going to get? He couldn't even beat out Marc Sanchez in NY.

If you really think about it, Tebow is a pretty selfish NFL hopeful. We see year after year college QB's tell teams that they will do anything to make a team and play wherever is needed. Denard Robinson, Julian Edelman and others were college QB's and are now playing well at other positions. Tebow has stood firm with the notion that "I am going to do whatever it takes to play QB in the NFL." As admirable as that is, hes just not good at QB. Tebow has never said he'll do whatever is necessary to help his TEAM be successful, he continues to say he wants to be an NFL Quarterback and he is going to do whatever it takes to prove people wrong. That is not a great mentality when it comes to a team game, especially if you are horrible at said position. He is almost dismissing the opportunity to help a team win to push his own agenda.

I don't want to speak for others, but my dislike for Tebow is primarily based on the fact that no other NFL player has ever gotten this much attention for being so irrelevant on the field. His faith and charisma is what the media and others eat up. People that know nothing about Football know Tim Tebow. He's no doubt a polarizing figure socially, and he can move forward with his life being in the social spotlight. A former NFL player who had the mental fortitude and drive to make it all the way to the NFL when everyone told him he couldn't. Disney can't wait to write a movie about! Hell, Tebow can act in it himself and start his next career to try to get an Academy Award!

As of right now, he's 0-3 with 3 strikeouts in the NFL. One more and he will not only have the golden sombrero, he might not have any more at bats in the NFL, and ya know what, he doesn't deserve any more!

The OTHER NFL Combine...Defensive Edition

So we had some conversations about who would be a solid NFL Player from the NBA. We discussed the offensive side of the ball, now lets take a look at the ball hawking and pass rushing defenders who, from the NBA, have some unique talents that could transfer well over the National Football League.

DT- Glenn Davis (NFL Equivalent- Vince Wilfork)
The only reason I chose this one is because Big Baby is one of the biggest (Fattest) players in the NBA and could probably do some damage clogging up the middle to make it difficult to run the ball.

DE- Kawhi Leonard (NFL Equivalent JJ Watt)
Leonard is becoming a BEAST and with his size and speed, he could wreak havoc on any QB. Not to mention, those mitts jumping up to bat balls down like Watt does!



MLB- Lebron James (NFL Equivalent....Again, no one!)
This guy is such a freak he could play either side of the ball and would be a Pro Bowler! He is physical enough to help stop the run and take on blockers, and athletic enough to cover a TE or a RB out of the backfield. He, isn't, human!

CB1- Chris Paul (NFL Equivalent- Joe Haden)
To be a CB in the NFL, you need to have SWAG! You have to not only be physical and quick, you have to have that certain moxy about you where you KNOW you will shut down the opposing teams best players. CP3 has that pittbull mentality that is required to play CB.

CB2- Patrick Beverley (NFL Equivalent Richard Sherman)
Only fitting that I dislike both of these loud mouths, but they are very similar in their game personalities. Up-in-your-face mentality while also letting you know all about it is exactly how both of these guys play. I personally think both are vastly overrated...but that's neither here nor there. Beverley has the confidence (and mouth) needed to shut down pretty much anyone.


SS- Tony Allen (NFL Equivalent Kam Chancellor)
Chancellor is a one-man wrecking crew! Like him, Tony Allen is physical and powerful. His tenacity, drive and heart makes him a player that could come into the box and stuff any running play!

FS- Russel Westbrook (NFL Equivalent...None)
There isn't a player in the NFL who is like Westbrook...I don't think there is a human on Earth that is like him! He is on another level. I think that all 32 NFL teams are glad that Westbrook didn't try the gridiron over the hardwood. Imagine Russel patrolling the middle of the football field looking to intercept pretty much anything and tackle anyone he could...SCARY!

What do you think???

Patriots continued success means more chaos for the rest of the AFC East

This has been an eventful first few days of free agency to say the least. Blockbuster trades, surprising signings and interesting coaching decisions have highlighted a number of moves that could change some of the landscape of the NFL. One thing, however, that most likely wont change, is the dominance of the Defending Champion New England Patriots over the AFC EAST. This is because, even though the Jets, Bills and Fins have significantly upgraded, while some could say that the Pats took a step back losing their starting CBs, the Pats still have number 12 behind center while the Bills and Jets are scrambling to find a guy, and the Fins are just keeping their fingers crossed that they did find the guy.

We are aware that the Bills resigned Hughes and got Shady and everything looks promising in Buffalo. We do also realize that they also signed Matt Cassel who, I dont think is the second coming of Mr. Kelly. Their defense was dominant last year, no question, however, their offense is still shaky a little bit and without an answer at QB, they will continue to chase the Pats and Brady.

The Jets made a few great moves to bolster their secondary (Sometimes I am not sure if the Jets realize there are other positions on the field other than cornerback.) Either way, signing Revis and the infamous father who can't name his own children, Cromartie, as well as Buster Skrine, the Jets have a great, lockdown group. In a passing league, this is always helpful. Getting B.Marsh is a big upgrade too, however, same situation with the Bills, without having a QB that can get him the ball, they will continue to be the rabbit that is chasing the carrot (The Pats)

The Fins (my team, and I am trying to not be biased here) did a great job of signing SUH, a corner from the Steelers in Brice McCain as well as Jordan Cameron to beef up their offense. As recently as 10 miuntes ago, they just traded for, in my opinion, a STUD WR from the Saints Kenny Stills. Even with all that $$$ they spend and the moves they made, their biggest bank roll is whether or not Ryan Tannehill is going to be the guy they can ride for the next 10 years. If he is, they are in a prime place to overtake the Pats, if hes not, then the fins are going to be at the bottom of the AFC East for years to come!

Bottom line, the Jets, Bills and Fins have done a lot to help their chances to dethrone the Pats this season. With the Brady/Belichick combo still pumping out division titles and Super Bowls with almost what sometimes seems to be makeshift rosters, these 3 wanna be champs will continue to be looking up at the greatest Player/Head Coach combo ever...maybe in any sport! (Topic for another day)

Class is back in session

FREE AGENCY BEGINS WITH A BANG...

We have all been patiently waiting for this day to come and boy did it not disappoint.  Too many moves to account for but man does this have me itching for some pigskin.  Is it September yet?  How important it is to win in Free agency will remain to be seen but no doubt some teams are off to a fast start.  Big thanks to everyone that has taken time to read our articles.  We, like Free Agency are off to a fast start and hope to one day land a similar contract that Suh just signed in Miami.  Until then it's back to the drawing board. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts...

DAY 1 WINNERS/LOSERS

WINNERS

NEW YORK JETS 

The Jets just locked in a familiar face and one that happens to be the best corner in the game.  Really doesn’t matter what happens from here on out this move is huge.  Also am hearing that Cromartie could be on his way back to the NYJ as well.  AFC East is gearing up to make Tom Brady’s season a living hell.  Don’t sleep on the acquisition of Brandon Marshall either.  B Marsh gets a lot of flake for his off the field antics but no one can contest his dedication on the field.  Played most of last year on one leg and played at a very high level.

BUFFALO BILLS

Could be some bias here but hard to argue that day 1 was nothing but a success.  Jerry Hughes returns to one of the NFL’s best front lines. Couple that with the acquisition of Shady McCoy, and we now see a plan in place for our Bills.  Ground and Pound with Shady and Freddy and play dominant defense.  If anyone is going to break the mold on getting to the playoffs without a QB it will be the Bills this year.  That roster is stacked.

ST LOUIS RAMS

Finally found their QB of the future in Foles and didn't have to give up all that much in doing so.  We all know the Rams were scared to death about Bradfords current deal (on his way to being cut anyway?) and it looks like Philly was more than willing to take that off their hands.  We will see where Bradford lands.  Something tells me his last stop will not be in Philly.  Cleveland anyone?  Still think Chip will find a way to land Mariotta.

UNDER THE RADAR MOVES THAT WIILL HELP

ATL FALCONS

Signing of Brooks Reed and Justin Durant give the falcons and their awful defense their starting LBs for the next few years.  My pick for surprise team of 2015 looks like they are off to a good start.  Just need to work on shoring up that O line to keep Matty Ice upright because you know Dan Quinn will bring some immediate credibility to that defense.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Torrey Smith gets to team back up with Anquan Boldin where they dominated during their stints with Baltimore.  Beginning to see a trend here?  Everyone heading back to where it all began.  Just wish the Bills were that lucky and could somehow find a way to lure Gronk back to where his football days all began.

NEW YORK GIANTS

The addition of Shane Vareen adds another dimension to the Giants and what Eli and OC Ben McAdoo will look to do.  Finally have a threat to catch balls outta the backfield.  One they envisioned David Wilson would be before injuries took him off the field.  Shane Vareen will be loved by Giants fans and I think you'll see him on the field more often than not. 

LOSERS

NOLA

Franchise under water had to make the move but losing the best target in football will certainly leave a mark.  Who knows maybe Marques Colston has a rebirth but right now Drew is looking for weapons.

SAN FRANCISCO

As much as I love the Torrey move they certainly did pay him quite a bit of money.  With that said, that is the least of their problems.  Losing the talent of Willis and Justin Smith on the defensive side of the ball will hurt.  Frank Gore was getting up there in age so letting him walk was probably the right move but the loss of Iupati will leave a big hole on that line for whoever comes in next year.

JAGUARS

If there is anything I have learned from being a Bills fan it is that no matter how hard you try some guys just don't wanna play for you or your bad team.  The Jags are going through that right now, but there is also something to be said for being patient.  Throwing out a ton of money for a guy who got to play under Peyton Manning for two years?  Granted he put up some great numbers but plug in anyone with Peyton and Tom Brady and they're surely to produce something.  Julius is good but I'd be shocked if his numbers are half of what they were last year.

TEAMS THAT WILL BE MAKING A SPLASH IN THE COMING DAYS

PHILLY

Something crazy is going to happen here soon.  Either that or the city of Philly will burn to the ground

OAK AND JAX

Does anyone want to play for these guys?  More money to spend then any other organization and they cant seem to get their hands on anyone.  I think that changes here shortly.  Demarco Murray anyone?  Del Rio will find a way to get him to Oakland is my assumption here.

MOTOWN LIONS

The move to grab Haloti Ngata will help stop the bleeding from Suh bolting but they do now have quite a bit of money to spend. 

...love to hear everyone's thoughts

I’m expecting a lot of heat from nothing on the Suh to Miami move and quite honestly I'm torn.   I would say this is TBD.  What else can Miami do this offseason?  How strapped will they be moving forward on this deal?  No doubt they got one hell of a talent.

Happy Hump day everyone

Does the Jerry Hughes Signing Mark the Beginning of an Era in Buffalo?

Greetings from the 4th blogger on 2 Eggs, Toast and Homefield Advantage. To answer your questions: 1) Yes I do in fact exist, 2) Yes I intend to focus on the NFL, MLB, and NCAA, 3) Yes I am a Bills, Yankees, and Syracuse fan, and inherently have some level of bias to those teams, and 4) Yes I do my best to remain objective despite those bias' (you be the judge of that at the end of this blog).

Now moving on...

If you overslept your 4AM alarm that you set this morning to make sure you were up for any NFL free agency news (sleep is for quitters), it's possible you missed that the Bills re-signed Jerry Hughes to a 5 year, $45M deal with $22M in guarantees. Bottom line; at $9M/year average salary, this is a serious win for the Buffalo Bills. With Hughes arguably the #1 edge rusher available in free agency this year, maybe even before JPP was franchise tagged by the Giants, a $9M/year average salary at a time where teams are paying for QB pressures/sacks feels low. As Vic Carruci of the Buffalo News reports, this may in fact have been driven by Hughes' desire to remain a Buffalo Bill.

News that a player wants to remain in Buffalo is not something that you typically hear. A combination of the upstate NY weather, the unfavorable state tax rate, and 15 years of a losing culture (maybe that last one should have been listed first?) has kept high profile free agents away from Buffalo for a long time. So why would a highly touted edge rusher give Buffalo what seems like a hometown discount? Two words: Rex Ryan.

Everyone knows Rex has a reputation for being a 'players coach' and someone that players love to grind for. While that may be true, that's not enough for a guy like Hughes to leave $2-$3M/year on the table. What may be enough though, is the thought of being a part of a record-setting defense that leads a team to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. I already know the response to that last statement: "But Blair, you're acting like the typical Bills fan, calling playoffs the second something positive happens in Buffalo." 

Fair, but riddle me this: If Ryan was able to coach his talent-lacking '13 and '14 Jets defense's to an 11th and 6th ranking respectively (on a yards/game basis), what can he do with a unit that over the same time frame lead the league in sacks (111), forced 60 total turnovers (3rd best), and finished 10th and 4th in total yards allowed per game? Simply looking at the discrepancy in edge rushing talent between the Jets and Bills over the last two years is enough to make anyone wonder just how good this defense can be. The Hughes/Williams combination averaged 126.0 Hurries/Hits/Sacks the last two years, versus the Pace/Coples combination at 74.5 over the same time frame. Upgrade anyone?

At the end of the day, Jerry Hughes is coming back to a team that took a chance by trading for him from Indy in 2013, ultimately reigniting his career. He's signed on for five years to play for one of the best defensive minded coaches in football, and with a unit that has emerged as the most threatening pass rush in the game. If the Bills keep their aggressive approach to free agency alive and sign some more beef up front to block for new RB Lesean McCoy, and maybe a pass catching TE as well, the 'Bills to the playoffs in 2015' call might end up not being so crazy after all.

P.S. This blog sets up the worlds easiest rebuttal.....

Bidder Beware!!

It's hard to believe there is chatter again about making SIGNIFICANT moves to move up to snag another unconventional QB (Mariota) come draft day.  If history is any indication, you can bet the mortgage this won't come cheap (just ask the Redskins). As part of the RG3 trade in 2012, the Rams were able to score BIG by moving back just just 4 spots to then move back 8 more spots to then...well actually, just check out the picture:

I will be the first to admit, locking down a franchise QB should be priority 1 for teams that don't have one already. Having said that, if it comes at too steep of a price - how much better off are you long term (again, just ask Washington)?? For whatever its worth, consider this a firm warning to Chip Kelly and the Eagles (Who seem to be in line to be the highest bidder) that if this goes through and is anything short of a grand slam - I'd be on the lookout for that pink slip in the locker (and frankly, in the NFL as well).

Bills sign Matt Cassel!!!

Bills make another big move here not even 24 hours after the Shady McCoy deal, has some Bills fans wondering if this is the Orton replacement we were all waiting for?  Hard for any Bills fan to be excited about such a move.  Cassel has been in the league now for quite some time.  Jumped around a bit, had some success after replacing Brady in NE and even made the Pro Bowl.  Shortly after taking the Bradyless Patriots to the playoffs the Chiefs were the first to jump at the opportunity to plug in a guy who looked like a legitimate starter.  That didn't pan out and he then moved to Minn where injuries and poor play ultimately led to Teddy Bridgewater being the guy. 

The question here isn't whether or not we are excited to see this guy play and take our Bills to the playoffs but instead, is he coming in as the projected starter or as competition to EJ?  Is EJ done?  Cassel has the 2nd worst QBR since 2009 ahead of only Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan's other QB.  Embarrassing to say the least.

My thought is this...this is a significant downgrade from Kyle Orton and my hope is that EJ figures it out this year and starts week 1.  We all know Cassel at this point...throws a lot of INTs, gets hurt easily and had 1 winning season on a great roster after Brady went down.  With EJ, I think at his best he can perform better then Cassel on the field.  The time is now for EJ to show and if he doesn't and Cassel starts week 1, adios EJ and hopefully adios to Whaley and everyone else that thought EJ was the guy where they were willing to take him early in the first round.  If he cant beat out a perennial backup then he should head straight to the XFL, oh wait does even that exist anymore?...

Let me know your thoughts...

DeMarco....Polo!!!!

 

Its official, with the franchise tag of Bryant, the cowboys have made publicly clear they are in search of reinforcements at the RB spot that are more cap friendly than Murray. Can't say I disagree with them and given the line in big D, I find it hard to believe they won't find someone to throw back there that wont produce close to the numbers Murray posted - without coughing up the ball.
The league appears to be coming down a bit from the west coast style with the Pro style offence taking its place so this move is bitter sweet - but given the success of Joseph Randle (when hes was not ripping off Walmart), and the Boys position in the draft to make a play for a strong RB (and hopefully some secondary help) - I like the move. Thoughts??

Why the Bills made a WRONG choice at head coach

To me, as a fan of a rival team in the AFC East (Dolphins) who are, by no means an organization that exemplifies how to pick a head coach, I believe that the Buffalo Bills made a poor decision by hiring Sexy Rexy Ryan for their head coach.

1st-Rex is a proven defensive mind who guided the Jets to 2 AFC Championship games. Other than that, he did nothing to help the development of Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith. This is reason 1 why the Bills made a bad choice, his inability to develop a QB, who we've concluded, is by far the most important player on a football team, and by far the position that the Bills need help with the most

2nd- The Bills had a top 5 defense last year under Jim Schwartz who did an amazing job. By hiring a defensive minded HC, who 100% will be calling the defensive plays, what does that do to not only the psyche of Schwartz, but also his desire to WANT to stay? Why would the Bills hire a coach who knows little to nothing about offense, when that is exactly what they need? The Bills were already in perfect position defensively to continue to have success, yet they decided to change things up by hiring Rex...By the way, he will be implementing his 3-4 defense as well so Mario has to change positions again.

3- To me, this hire shows me something...The Bills are interested in selling tickets and being talked about, instead of winning and being relevant. If they had waited, done their homework and gotten a HC who knows how to develop and work with a QB, that would have been the ideal situation. Their defense would be in place with Schwartz and the HC could focus a lot of his time on developing Manuel and whoever else they draft/bring in.

Finally, Rex will sell tickets and put the Bills on Sportscenter no doubt, but the 9-7, 8-8 seasons are going to continue until they bring someone in who can help their team find the next Jim Kelly.