Notes from Round One of the 2012 NFL Draft posted by Joe Anello

The 2012 NFL Draft may not have been mysterious when it came to the first two picks, but the madness began before the event even started with a mega-trade! The excitement continued throughout the night and I’m here to recap as much as my fingers can manage!

-As advertised, Minnesota didn’t want to stay at number three. Oddly enough, they only moved down one spot to four, trading with Cleveland. The Browns moved up to take Alabama running back Trent Richardson ahead of whoever else might have been calling the Vikings (which was probably Tampa Bay). At first glance I was alright with the idea of ensuring you’d get your man. After seeing the trade details? The ransom was sorta insane. The Browns gave back their first, fourth, fifth, and seventh round picks for what ended up being an insurance trade. Cleveland has a lot of picks in the first few rounds (they had 13 overall), so it’s clear now they’re going for starters and not depth. I’m not crazy about the trade for a running back, but they had a glut of picks to use. For Minnesota, it was brilliant. They got three extra picks by selling a team on moving up one spot and still got their left tackle.

-Jacksonville dept the trade train rolling, swapping up for Justin Blackmon at number five with Tampa Bay. In Blackmon they’re getting a legitimate receiver to go with the overpaid Laurent Robinson to give Blaine Gabbert receivers who can actually catch a pass. But after the bounty Cleveland hand to shell out, Tampa only got a fourth round pick? Odd. Still, the Bucs used that seventh pick to get safety Mark Barron and bolster their own secondary. (Later on the Bucs would also add running back Doug Martin, making it a decent first day for Tampa.)

Pick Six: Super Bowl XLVI posted by Randolph Charlotin

1. WR Wes Welker feels it worst, but he wasn’t the only one. He will be kept awake at night by a fourth quarter drop that would had been a first down inside the 20. On the next play, WR Deion Branch let a pass hit the ground as he crossed deep over the middle. On the Patriots final drive, Branch dropped another pass over the deep middle. It appeared the ball was deflected, but the ball did pass through his hands. Lastly was TE Aaron Hernandez on a probable 10-yard gain on the final drive, but he heard the footsteps of the approaching linebacker.

2. Of my three keys to the game, it was the second one that proved costly. New England forced three fumbles on the night and failed to recover all of them. The first fumble, which was recovered by LB Brandon Spikes, was negated by a too many players on the field penalty against the defense. The drive continued and the Giants scored on a touchdown pass to WR Victor Cruz two plays later.

3. A couple of streaks to mention. Giants QB Eli Manning completed his first nine passes. That is a new Super Bowl record. QB Tom Brady didn’t start hot, but eventually found his rhythm and beat the consecutive passes completed record with 14 straight. He added two more, setting the record at 16.

4. Included in that streak was Brady going 10-for-10 during a 14 play, 96-yard touchdown drive just before the first half ended. The 96-yard drive tied a Super Bowl record, which was done by two other teams.

5. It could be a sign of RB Kevin Faulk crossing the finish line. He was deactivated for the game. Faulk returned from an ACL tear this season, but quickly fell to the bottom of the depth chart. If Faulk does hang up his cleats, he might not be alone. G Brian Waters and DLs Gerard Warren and Shawn Ellis may weigh the decision in the off-season.

Previewing (Or Reviewing?) the Super Bowl posted by Charles Bisbee

I’ve been avoiding the internet like a plague all day, albeit a plague that I would desperately like to get a piece of. Writing about a super bowl that has already occurred but of which I don’t know the outcome is a bit like apologizing a couple minutes before unfurling a massive fart.

Anyway, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic about this game that has already happened (is there a term for this? Post-causal optimism?). I haven’t breathlessly followed every minute’s Gronkowski update, nor do I know the name of Tom Brady’s childhood goldfish, but I’d like to consider myself an informed supporter. And I think the Pats, with or without Gronk, match up favorably with the fighting Coughlins.

The biggest reason (and I don’t think enough writers have covered this) is the revenge factor. The 2007 Super Bowl was the most painful moment in my life as a Boston sports fan. (So painful, in fact, that I slugged a hole in my wall after Plaxico Burress burned Ellis Cobbs on the final play.) The loss left a putrid taste in my mouth and I can only imagine how it tasted to Belichick and Brady, neither of whom has been known to take a loss lightly. This year's rematch features quite a few holdovers from the 2007 game, from both teams. While the Pats have never been a team to publically engage in smack talk, I would wager a goodly sum that there was a surplus of motivational profanities being hurled in the locker-room, pre-game speech. You can never discount the effect and power of the more-motivated squad, especially on the grandest stage.

The Final Drive: Super Bowl XLVI posted by Joe Anello

The 2012 Super Bowl is in the books and I’m finally finished writing. Took me long enough. (I was distracted by Puppy Bowl VIII.) So without further ado, here’s the season’s last edition of The Final Drive!

This game started with almost as much drama as it finished with. The New England Patriots came out with strong defensive pressure, sacking Eli Manning twice on New York’s first drive and forcing a punt to give Brady the ball. Tom took that opening possession, dropped back to throw from his own endzone, and let a deep ball fly to absolutely no one while the Giants closed in for the hit. That correctly drew an intentional grounding flag, which from the endzone is grounds for a safety. So the Giants jumped to an early 2-0 lead and we were all flabbergasted.

In the first quarter the New England defense caused a fumble from Ahmad Bradshaw that was negated thanks to an ill-timed 12 men on the field penalty. The Patriots were bumbling on their defensive substitutions early on, unable to adapt to the Giant personnel. That mistake led to the Giants first touchdown, a pass to Victor Cruz over the middle behind linebacker Brandon Spikes. At 9-0, it looked like the Patriots were doomed to lose to these Giants again. But it wasn’t going that direction without a fight.

The Gronk finally made the stat sheet with a catch on the Patriots drive to end the half, as they absorbed clock before the break. The offensive line gave Brady plenty of time on the drive, especially at the goal line, where he zinged a pass to Danny Woodhead to make it a 10-9 game at the half. Brady went 10 for 10 on the drive and put the Patriots on top after being dominated by the Giants for nearly two quarters.

The Opening Drive: Super Bowl XLVI posted by Joe Anello

It’s finally here. After a drawn-out lockout, a last minute deal, rushed training camps, an eventful regular season and a thrilling postseason, Super Bowl XLVI is upon us. On Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis the NFL’s elite will be decided. After breaking down the Patriots and Giants individually (as well as the Prop Bets), it’s time to actually analyze how this game is going to play out.

Starting with Brady and that offense, it’s clear they’re going to try and avoid testing their protection against that defensive line early when the adrenaline is high. Quick passes to Hernandez, Welker and possibly a still-injured Gronkowski will be the best options, followed by handing it off to Green-Ellis and Woodhead out of the backfield. Belichick’s plan should be to wear down the front four with a barrage of running plays and perhaps a mix of no-huddle possession passing. This way he can wear down the Giant defense for the second half and take control. The key will be how healthy Gronk really is and how many drives Brady and company can end with seven. If they’re settling for field goals the Giants will be happy. Perry Fewell’s defense just wants to keep it close going into the fourth so JPP, Tuck and Umenyiora can begin to furiously throw themselves at Brady. If it stays an even game going into the fourth I feel like it favors the Giants. Eli just has that maddening magic about him.

Hours Before Kickoff: Super Bowl XLVI posted by Randolph Charlotin

Just four years ago the New York Giants pulled off arguably the greatest upset in Super Bowl history by beating the 18-0 Patriots, ruining New England’s bid for perfection and keeping the Pats from their place in history.

The emotions from that loss are still raw. Many players from that team refuse to watch the game. They haven’t forgotten what it felt like to lose that game.

Would it feel good for the Patriots to make the Giants feel what they did in Super Bowl XLII by beating New York in XLVI? You can say that, but it’s not New England’s motivation.

It’s been suggested that revenge is part of New England’s motivation. Certainly it’s understandable. The Patriots have a history of delivering payback. They had revenge in mind when they obliterated Buffalo 49-21 in the season finale to avenge a 34-31 loss earlier this season.

Revenge is a juicy storyline and this rematch is ripe with revenge as a motivator. But that’s not why New England wants to beat the Giants.

Start with the fact that there are just eight players currently on the Patriots that were on the XLII team. For revenge to resonate for a team, it has to be personal. With so few players with the experience from that loss, the team doesn’t feel the burning desire for revenge.

Maybe the remaining eight (Tom Brady, Logan Mankins, Matt Light, Kevin Faulk, Wes Welker, Vince Wilfork, Stephen Gostkowski, and Ross Ventrone) are fueled by revenge. They can pass the experience on to their teammates, but the teammates can’t feel it because they didn’t live through it. It has to belong to the individuals. The experience isn’t transferable.

Breaking Down the Bowl: New England Patriots posted by Joe Anello

Shockingly enough, the supposedly ring-bearing Patriots haven’t won a Super Bowl since the 2004 season. As great as they have seemed in recent years, they’ve flopped when it comes to the postseason. This year has been different. They’re currently on a ten game win streak where they’ve avenged their horrible 2009 loss to the Ravens on their way to a rematch with the Giant team that stole their chance at immortality. In the first of my articles previewing Super Bowl XLVI, I’m breaking down the New England Patriots.

As well all know, the New England offense starts and ends with Tom Brady. The man is a machine. And this year the machine looks pissed off. We saw it in their first playoff game against Denver, when Brady exploited a crappy defense for six passing touchdowns. We certainly saw it during the regular season, where Brady racked up over 5200 yards and 39 TD’s as he led the Pats to the AFC’s number one seed. Against the Ravens he wasn’t as stellar, but still ran two QB sneaks at the goal line, resulting in two scores. After promising his owner he’d play better at the Super Bowl, you can bet he’ll be at his best.

Giving credit where it’s due, Brady is protected by one of the best offensive lines in football. Rookie Nate Solder has stepped in wherever necessary this season due to injuries, but has settled in nicely at right tackle. Brian Waters was signed off the street before the season started and has been one of their better performers at right guard. Dan Connolly is a decent center, but he’s probably the weak link in the chain. Logan Mankins is still a Pro Bowl caliber left guard, partnered with the steady Matt Light at left tackle. As individuals, these players have flaws. But as a unit? They’re as well-oiled as any in the league. They barely let anyone sniff Tom Brady’s shampoo. And that my friends, is protection worth having.

A Lot Has Changed Since the Regular Season Game posted by Randolph Charlotin

November 6, 2011. With just 1:36 left to play, QB Eli Manning drove the New York Giants offense 80 yards in just 1:21 for a 24-20 come from behind win over the Patriots in New England.

Fast forward 13 weeks and these two teams will meet again, this time with the stakes much higher. This is the second time these two teams will play for the Lombardi Trophy, just four years after the Giants pulled off arguably the greatest upset in Super Bowl history by defeating the 18-0 Patriots, 17-14.

These teams have changed since November’s nail-biter. The Patriots rolled off 10 straight wins while the Giants barely made the playoffs by going 3-5 the rest of the regular season, finding their stride in the final two regular season games and riding the momentum through the playoffs.

Very different paths were taken by these franchises to reach the same destination, but the state of these teams when their paths crossed is in focus. That week nine match-up was a critical game for both teams. They considered each other playoff-caliber teams and a quality win over a tough opponent would be a confidence booster with eight games left to play.

New England was in search of an identity. The Patriots were 5-2 but they weren’t playing well on either side of the ball. The defense was playing poorly as they allowed six of seven quarterbacks to pass for more than 300 yards. Even more troubling, the Tom Brady-led offense wasn’t clicking. After scoring 30 or more points in the first five games, the offense struggled in a 20-16 win over Dallas and was practically unrecognizable against Pittsburgh’s defense in a 25-17 loss.

Pick Six: AFC Championship posted by Randolph Charlotin

1. DT Vince Wilfork was in beast mode all afternoon. Six tackles and a sack doesn’t begin to explain his influence on the game. Wilfork had at three tackles for a loss and his share of pressure on QB Joe Flacco. It was a dominant performance by a team leader showing what it takes to get to a Super Bowl. It was arguably Wilfork’s best game in the biggest game of the year.

2. The other hero on the afternoon was CB Sterling Moore. He practically saved the game with the two passes defended at the end of the game. Moore first knocked a sure touchdown reception by WR Lee Evans out of the receiver’s hands just before Evans’ second foot hit the ground. The other was swatting away a pass to TE Dennis Pitta. That would had put the Ravens inside the five yard line with a fresh set of downs. As badly as K Billy Cundiff hooked the 32-yard field goal, if the ball was spotted about 10 yards closer, Cundiff doesn’t miss.

3. Even though his play sucked by his admission, QB Tom Brady still was credited with the win. It was Brady’s 16th career playoff win, tying the NFL record owned by Brady’s boyhood idol, Joe Montana. Brady didn’t throw a touchdown, but he did cross the goal line on a QB dive in the fourth quarter for the deciding points. Brady was hit in the lower back by Ravens LB Ray Lewis as Brady went heels over head. High price to pay, but Brady would give up the body again in a heartbeat.

4. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis scored New England’s first touchdown on a seven yard run. After the score Green-Ellis pointed to the MHK patch on the jersey, a tribute to Myra H. Kraft, the wife of owner Bob Kraft who died last year after a battle with cancer. The season was dedicated to her soon after she passed away. Kraft did a similar salute to his late wife after he received the Lamar Hunt Trophy, blowing a kiss to heaven after touching his MHK pin.

The Final Drive: 2012 Conference Championship Sunday posted by Joe Anello

How many of you had to get an oxygen tank at some point today? These playoffs are been thrilling down to the wire in almost every game, and Conference Championship Sunday lived up to expectations. Both games went down to the wire and left us with two worthy Super Bowl contestants. Let’s break them down in The Final Drive!

They may have had their issues, but the New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl after the dramatic finish at the end of regulation. In the first half the Patriots traded scores with their opponents, as Baltimore matched them point for point thanks to early mistakes. Brady led his unit down for a 29 yard Gostkowski field goal so Flacco came back to set up a 20 yarder for Billy Cundiff. BenJarvus Green-Ellis punched it in from seven yards out, so Flacco tosses it six yards to Dennis Pitta. At 10-10, the Patriots broke the pattern by kicking a field goal late in the second and keeping the Ravens off the board before they got the ball to start the second half.

On their opening drive in the third quarter, one of Brady’s trademark QB sneaks (off the tackle no less) ended in a first down and some trash-talking from Brady to Ray Lewis. This was easily my favorite moment of the day, I don’t care if it was a 2-yard run. Lewis looked awful in coverage today against Hernandez and I'm glad someone gave him a taste of his own BS.

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