**RANK YOUR SQUAD's Three Phases in 2011!** Offense, Defense, ST... and why.

greenwood1921
greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited July 2011 in From the Cheap Seats
...And keep in mind that the team with the highest ranked offense and defense in football didn't even make the playoffs or win their division in 2010.

But here's how I think my birds will look this year...

Atlanta-falcons-300x281.gif

OFFENSE

2011 RANK: Top 5

Why?

- Top 5 scoring offense in 2010.

- 5 2010 Pro-Bowlers (Roddy, Matty, Turner, Mughelli, Gonzo) and 7 pro-bowl caliber talents when you add Julio and our Tackle Clabo.

- The "pick your poison" factor. There's no aspect of our offense that defenses can key up on without sacrificing elsewhere. Pull your safety up to stop Turner/Quizz -- get beat deep by Roddy, Julio, and/or Harry Douglas. Push your safeties back -- Get lit up by our running game and/or short passing game to Gonzo and our backs.

- More no-huddle Smitty has already said that the Falcons will use the no-huddle even more in 2011, giving defenses even less time to figure out which "poison" to drink.

And our offensive coordinator is a former Head Coach (Mularky) who has a reputation for gadgets and gimmicks and getting the ball into playmaker's hands.


DEFENSE!

2011 Ranking: Top 10

"Whaaaat? How could this be??? but, but, but the Packers...."

Not so fast, my friend. Real football fans and especially Falcon fans know better. Judging our defense on one game makes about as much sense as judging the Patriots based on their loss to the Jets and their loss to the BROWNS.

Now here's the facts, ma'am...

- The Falcons defense was TOP FIVE in the league in POINTS ALLOWED in 2010. The other 4 teams were the Steelers, Packers, Ravens, and Bears.

- The Falcons defense was only 13.5 yards per game outside of the TOP 10 last year. Falcons gave up 332.4 yards per game, and the #10 ranked Ravens gave up 318.9 per game. We were ranked 16th overall.

- New talent. RAY EDWARDS is one of the most disruptive ends in the league. And if Jon Abraham could get 13.5 sacks last year with NOBODY on the other side then....

- Young talent getting better. We will have possibly the deepest LB corp in the league. Lofton, Weatherspoon, and Nicholas are all solid LB's and we re-signed our veteran Mike Peterson.

Safety WILLIAM MOORE is arguably the BEST YOUNG SAFETY IN THE LEAGUE. He's a young Ed Reed style wise (and stat wise) and he hits hard as ? .

Grime-Time is well... GRime-Time.

Dunta Robinson knows that he'll be on Albert Haynesworth status next year if he doesn't produce more this year. But even though he got out-shined by Grimes last year, he still had a solid year coverage-wise.


SPECIAL TEAMS

No actual "overall" ranking for special teams, but...

2011 Kick Return ranking: 1st (again)

Thanks to our PRO-BOWL KR ERIC WEEMS our KR game will not miss a beat.

2011 Field Goal percentage: Top 5 (again)

We were top 5 last year in FG % with 90%. Ask Saints fans...

Comments

  • killap
    killap Members Posts: 3,430 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    What do you write if say your team isn't very good? top 32? bottom half? bottom third ?
  • greenwood1921
    greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    killap wrote: »
    What do you write if say your team isn't very good? top 32? bottom half? bottom third ?

    EDIT: That was a low blow.


    Just be honest. bottom 5, same as last year, better than last year... etc.
  • killap
    killap Members Posts: 3,430 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Just say Raider-esque. lol

    LOL aight

    49ers

    offense...top 15...the weapons are there and if Alex cant get it together under Harbough and the WC offense then he belongs in the CFL
    defense....at this very second Raider-esque lol once Free agency settles and we fill some holes should be top 10
    Special teams...Raider-esque
  • greenwood1921
    greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    killap wrote: »
    LOL aight

    49ers

    offense...top 15...the weapons are there and if Alex cant get it together under Harbough and the WC offense then he belongs in the CFL
    defense....at this very second Raider-esque lol once Free agency settles and we fill some holes should be top 10
    Special teams...Raider-esque


    smh @ you disrespectin' the CFL like that.

    And c/s with y'alls defense being top 10. I'm hoping we can snatch up Clements to be our nickelback, but I think he'll re-sign for less money or go to Oakland.
  • Young Gunner
    Young Gunner Members Posts: 7,505 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Jacksonville:

    Offense: Passing will be average without a legit #1 even with Mercedes Lewis and Mike Thomas but we've done more with less so we'll wait and see. Not sure if David or Jack will get a pass this year either. Running game will always been top 5 regardless

    Defense: Middle of the pack. Picked up good pieces with Paul and Clint and we might get Dawan Landry too. Should be improved. Just gotta find a consistent pass rush opposite Kampman. Knighton and Alualu will dominate in front with Daryl Smith (most underrated LB in league) behind. Secondary still worries me. We dont have that thumper when Donovin Darius patrolled that area. One more corner wouldnt hurt just as insurance behind Derek ? and Mathis

    Special teams: Underrated as well. Expect great things from Mike Thomas, Deji Karim, Montell Owens and Scotty Mcgee
  • greenwood1921
    greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Jacksonville:

    Offense: Passing will be average without a legit #1 even with Mercedes Lewis and Mike Thomas but we've done more with less so we'll wait and see. Not sure if David or Jack will get a pass this year either. Running game will always been top 5 regardless

    Defense: Middle of the pack. Picked up good pieces with Paul and Clint and we might get Dawan Landry too. Should be improved. Just gotta find a consistent pass rush opposite Kampman. Knighton and Alualu will dominate in front with Daryl Smith (most underrated LB in league) behind. Secondary still worries me. We dont have that thumper when Donovin Darius patrolled that area. One more corner wouldnt hurt just as insurance behind Derek ? and Mathis

    Special teams: Underrated as well. Expect great things from Mike Thomas, Deji Karim, Montell Owens and Scotty Mcgee

    Jax is one of the few teams that I really can't put my finger on this year. Del RIo usually does well when his hot-seat is on fire, and Garrard might have a chip on his shoulder with Gabbert being drafted.
  • killap
    killap Members Posts: 3,430 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    smh @ you disrespectin' the CFL like that.

    And c/s with y'alls defense being top 10. I'm hoping we can snatch up Clements to be our nickelback, but I think he'll re-sign for less money or go to Oakland.
    Yeah I think we get Clements back we got like 4 starters from last yrs D that are FA I think Spikes went to the Chargers and Lawson, Goldson, Clements, are visiting other teams...As much as Clements has disappointed at this point we need him back..How much cap space you think the falcons workin with?
  • Young Gunner
    Young Gunner Members Posts: 7,505 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Jax is one of the few teams that I really can't put my finger on this year. Del RIo usually does well when his hot-seat is on fire, and Garrard might have a chip on his shoulder with Gabbert being drafted.

    Try being a fan. I'll agree we're the most frustrating team to figure out. Garrard shouldve had that chip on his shoulder since 2009. He has 2 years tops as QB as far as im concerned but Im hoping this turns into a Drew Brees/Phillip Rivers type thing where Dave finally gets his ? together and takes us deep into the playoffs
  • greenwood1921
    greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    killap wrote: »
    Yeah I think we get Clements back we got like 4 starters from last yrs D that are FA I think Spikes went to the Chargers and Lawson, Goldson, Clements, are visiting other teams...As much as Clements has disappointed at this point we need him back..How much cap space you think the falcons workin with?

    We're good right now. Thanks to the fact that we dropped Jenkins, Anderson, and signed Julio for two cheeseburgers and a bottle of water -- we should have enough to get our talented G Blalock back in the fold, get our RFA's to sign their tenders and sign at least one more mid-tier UFA.

    We'll have even more cap space next year than we did this year.
  • cobbland
    cobbland Members Posts: 3,768 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Da Bears: Offense; D- (once they get consistency on the o-line, second year in Martz's system, better run blocking, it'll be a B+).
    Defense; B+ (linebacker depth is concerning, as is secondary depth, but the signing of Gholston to play his college position of d-lineman can help generate more of a pass rush. Bears need to get more three and outs.)
    Special teams; A+ (Hester, Gould, Dave Toub).
  • greenwood1921
    greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    cobbland wrote: »
    Da Bears: Offense; D- (once they get consistency on the o-line, second year in Martz's system, better run blocking, it'll be a B+).
    Defense; B+ (linebacker depth is concerning, as is secondary depth, but the signing of Gholston to play his college position of d-lineman can help generate more of a pass rush. Bears need to get more three and outs.)
    Special teams; A+ (Hester, Gould, Dave Toub).

    ^^^^ Another team I'm not sure about. Cutting Tommie Harris and letting Manning dip is gonna sting in a division that's suddenly talented offensively.

    We'll find out what the Bears lookin like out chea come WEEK 1....
  • nujerz84
    nujerz84 Members Posts: 15,418 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    NY Giants Offense B A well balance offense even with the injuries to the oline last season still only gave up 15 sacks on of the fewest in the NFL and Ahmad Bradshaw ran for over 1200 yards and Jacobs for over 700 yards. Our WR core of Nicks, Manningham and Steve Smith is as good as any trio in the NFL and with possible addition of Burress makes it stronger. Why I rate it a B is turnovers too many fumbles and ints... Though Manning statistically is coming off a good season needs to lower his INTs I think it will get better this year.

    Defense B Our pass rush of Justin Tuck, Osi, emerging Jason Pierre Paul and hopefully a healthy Kwi is strong. Our LBS suck though. Our secondary once a weakness is almost strength.. One of the top saftey duos in Rolle and Phillips,. And go four deep at Corner with Thomas, Webster, First Round Pick Akumarua and Aarron Ross.

    Special Teams D... No rertun game... below avg coverage units and Matt Dodge sucks.
  • jrod44
    jrod44 Members Posts: 3,446
    edited July 2011
    Phins:


    Offense - Henne looks like he will the starting qb on Game 1, but he has alot to prove. Biggest thing is can he build chemistry with his #1 receiver, who seems to despise him(throwing two ? out of bounds, During the game). Likely changes in running backs, with Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas. Bush brings an added dimension but Thomas is an unknown. The WR's seem to be very solid with Marshall, Bess, and Brian Hartline. I expect another tight end to compete with Anthony Fasano who is serviceable.(Zach Miller is rumored to be on phins radar). Another strength could be O line, there is some serious 1st round talent on the line line, with Mike Pouncey expected to start at center, anchored by Jake Long. Overall C but if Henne improves, could be a B to B+.

    Defense: Strength of team, solid D, though some believe its over rated due to the teams lack of respect of Phins offense. Cameron Wake is a beast on the edge, and Koa Misi is a solid pass rusher. Paul Soliai played pro bowl caliber nose tack to end the year, and is expected to provide the same. The LB's are above average, with Dansby and new acquistion Kevin Burnett, two play makers. The CB's are solid, with Vontae Davis, who should make the next step into the upper echelon of CB's. Overall B+

    Special Teams: Kicker is great, and got a big boost with Reggie Bush, still kick coverage was a weakness. Overall C
  • JUXcaptainHOOK
    JUXcaptainHOOK Members Posts: 406
    edited July 2011
    My team: Indianapolis Colts

    Offense : as long as everyone is healthy like their 2010 season we'll be back in the Super Bowl for sure... (10/10)

    Defense : Idk their defense confuses me... they can hold the ravens to 3 points one week and next week they giving up 30 .and cant stop the run... hopefully they fix it (7/10)

    ST : Our ST is trash and has been trash for a very long time and which is why we lost against the Jets last year in the playoffs....


    Jim Irsay just needs to be active in making this team better and not just paying Peyton Manning mad guap
  • HustleThaDon
    HustleThaDon Members Posts: 28,566 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Texans

    Offense: Top 5. We've been in the top 5 in total offense the last 3 years. Owen Daniels is back healthy. Expect more of the same.

    Defense: Top 15-20. We were 31st in total defense last year. Demeco Ryans is back. Add Johnathan Joseph and Daniel Manning plus an experienced D-coordinator in Wade Phillips. Should improve dramatically.

    Special Teams: Manning should help in the return game. We need a new punter though so ill say middle of the pack/improved.
  • greenwood1921
    greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Texans

    Offense: Top 5. We've been in the top 5 in total offense the last 3 years. Owen Daniels is back healthy. Expect more of the same.

    Defense: Top 15-20. We were 31st in total defense last year. Demeco Ryans is back. Add Johnathan Joseph and Daniel Manning plus an experienced D-coordinator in Wade Phillips. Should improve dramatically.

    Special Teams: Manning should help in the return game. We need a new punter though so ill say middle of the pack/improved.


    Damn, too bad y'all missed out on signing our old punter.

    smh @ the Buccaneers giving our old punter a bigger contract than we gave Julio Jones. lol
  • HustleThaDon
    HustleThaDon Members Posts: 28,566 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Damn, too bad y'all missed out on signing our old punter.

    smh @ the Buccaneers giving our old punter a bigger contract than we gave Julio Jones. lol

    I seen that ? smh. Vinateri aint even getting paid like that and he's won playoff games and super bowls lol.
  • greenwood1921
    greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    I seen that ? smh. Vinateri aint even getting paid like that and he's won playoff games and super bowls lol.

    We tried to re-sign him too. I heard Dimitroff offered him 4 yrs and like 7.5M. Buccaneers came with 19.2M and Dimitroff was like "Here, let me help you pack."
  • cobbland
    cobbland Members Posts: 3,768 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Texans

    Offense: Top 5. We've been in the top 5 in total offense the last 3 years. Owen Daniels is back healthy. Expect more of the same.

    Defense: Top 15-20. We were 31st in total defense last year. Demeco Ryans is back. Add Johnathan Joseph and Daniel Manning plus an experienced D-coordinator in Wade Phillips. Should improve dramatically.

    Special Teams: Manning should help in the return game. We need a new punter though so ill say middle of the pack/improved.


    According to some Bears fans, Manning was a wasted pick who didn't pan out and the coaching staff (i.e Lovie Smith) didn't develop properly in Chicago?

    Yet he was good enough to earn a large contract with the Texans?

    Which one is it?
  • TRILLip Brooks
    TRILLip Brooks Members Posts: 18,150 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    cobbland wrote: »
    Da Bears: Offense; D- (once they get consistency on the o-line, second year in Martz's system, better run blocking, it'll be a B+).
    Defense; B+ (linebacker depth is concerning, as is secondary depth, but the signing of Gholston to play his college position of d-lineman can help generate more of a pass rush. Bears need to get more three and outs.)
    Special teams; A+ (Hester, Gould, Dave Toub).

    d-? naw they're better than that, probably like a c-
  • shieky
    shieky Members Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Guess I'll do the Eagles and try to be as thorough as possible.

    Offense

    Total Yards - Top 5

    The eagles offense has set team YPG and scoring records the past 2 or 3 seasons. I am not a betting man, but the odds that it happens again are good. The pieces from last year are all back and healthy for now. The team has also added some depth at WR, RB and gets center Jamaal Jackson back (huge huge deal for that interior rush/pass block) to go along with rookie RG Danny Watkins. Also the young weapons have another year of seasoning as does Vick.

    Pass Yards - Top 12

    So many QBs in this league are throwing for 4000+ yards and while Vick is special, he isn't that kind of QB. He only had three games with over 300 yards passing. The pass offense will be explosive, but I don't expect it to put up enough yards to break the top 10. ( they were 9th last season but Kolb put up 1000+ yards himself )

    Rush Yards - Top 5

    LeSean McCoy will run for 100+ yards a handful of games at best.. typically staying in the 70-95 ypg range. Where the extra yards come from is obviously Vick and DeSean. DeSean is good for 100 yards rushing per season and Vick is good for 30-75 per game. Any other contributions from backup RBs or wideouts is just icing on the cake.

    Scoring - Top 5

    Go figure. A team that gains all those yards while also being one of the best teams at protecting the ball is going to score a ton of points. Not much else to elaborate on...

    Defense

    Total Yards - Top 10

    Talented roster with a very friendly schedule. I believe playing against some softer offenses does more for the Top 10 ranking than the talent on the team. Rams, Redskins 2x, Seahawks, Cardinals, Niners, Jets, Bills... half of the schedule is against poor to below average offenses.

    Passing Yards - Top 15

    Seems like a really low ranking after acquiring DRC and Nnamdi and maybe it is. However, I am under the impression that teams are going to have to throw the ball a ton while playing catch up. Maybe the wideouts won't get all the glory but this team has issues with running backs catching the ball and most definitely can not cover tight ends. So I can envision this team being a middle of the road pass defense until they recognize that they have to cover tight ends. I am predicting now that Jason Witten will put up 350 yards and 2tds in two games against us.

    Rushing Yards - Top 10

    This team has had a stout run defense for a few years now and with a lot of the defensive talent upgraded thus far, I see the team being able to bang with the best of them. As I mentioned earlier I believe teams will do more passing than normal against us so that obviously also will lower the overall rushing numbers. This team may not have a single really good linebacker but they have an outstanding defensive line rotation.

    Scoring - Bottom Third

    Here lies the issue. The redzone defense was an absolute atrocity last season. I am not sure if signing all these free agents will help or not, but as of right now I am very cautious to rank this team any higher than the high twenties. As mentioned, the team has issues with covering tight ends, in the redzone thats a killer. This team also plays too lax with a two touchdown lead ( which I believe they will have plenty of those throughout games ) and gives up easy ? .

    Special Teams

    I really can't call it right now with so much roster turnover about to happen. I have no clue who the return specialist will be, I am not sure who the gunners on punt coverage will be. I do know that this team has one of the best ST coaches in the league, but that may not mean much if the players are ass. Might update when the roster is finalized.

    As for the punt game goes... rookie punter with an enormous leg. He should have a Top 15 average, but because he is a rookie and may not know ? about situational punting, he could have the worst net average in the league.

    Kicking game.. also a rookie. Also has an enormous leg and from what I have seen from his college days, very very accurate. With the offense set to run up and down the field, he should have ample opportunities to kick FGs... its just a matter of if he makes them or not.
  • NatTurner1972
    NatTurner1972 Members Posts: 239
    edited July 2011
    No direspect to you NFL nerds I'm ? waiting on some ? I'll keep it simple ? the steelers,wannabe Colts(that's Baltimore's team ? ), the jets and the patriots and overrall ? you and your team if you ain't with the Baltimore Ravens!! but this is a good thread maybe when I sober up I'll give a better answer kenichiwai ? !!!

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  • smittysmith
    smittysmith Members Posts: 8,202 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    Saints

    Offense = Top 3 Overall
    The reason being is quite simple: Drew Brees. Arguably the best quarterback in the league their very well might not be better chemistry between a QB and Coordinator with him and Sean P. Their isn't one name you can point to in the WR core but isn't really a collective group better with Colston, Meachem, Henderson, & Moore. Colston will be good for close to 100 rec and 1000 yrds if everything is clicking and expect Henderson and Meachem to be near the top in YPC as their the play-action deep threats. Moore is the prototypical drop down slot man. Jimmy Graham at TE is looking like he will be a star in the league. I love our backfield unit hopefully we stay healthy this year. As usual we will do it by commitee but the most effective guy will get the blunt of the work load. I look for us a total unit to have at least 1400 yrds on the ground. If you put an effective ground game like that together with Brees how he spreads it around and Sean P's play calling and you got fireworks.

    Defense = Top 10 Overall
    We ranked 6th last year despite the lack of turnovers and being on the field far too long at times. I expect our run D to improve drastically with Cam Jordan (a great run stopping D end) and Shaun Rodgers at the 1 technque at DT which will allow Ellis back to his naturally position of 3 tech. Hopefully Martez Wilson catches on quick with his speed and athleticism ill plug him in at Sam which is what the doctor ordered at the LB corp. Expect a few 3-4 looks and hybrid looks from us this year. When Greer/Porter start at corner we are 16-3. Malcolm Jenkins looks to be a great playmaker and one of the top young safeties in football so look for our pass D to be top 5 just like last year.

    Special Teams:

    Didn't do really well cover kicks and punts last year which was a concern way back in training camp which had Sean P hot. Expect that to change this with the FO trimming fat and keeping the top guys who are experienced on ST. Darren Sproles brings explosiveness and no how on KR/PR so I expect to be very good in that aspect. The last thing teams want to see is our offense with decent to good field position which is something we hardly ever had last season which also contributed to our inconsistency. I expect Garrett Hartley to have his head on straight out the gate hopefully last year was hangover from the clutchness he showed in '09.
  • greenwood1921
    greenwood1921 Members Posts: 47,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2011
    *Tips hat to the in-depth posts in chea.