An Interesting Fact

With the upcoming Champions League final just a day away I started looking at facts about the matches. This then prompted me to look further into stats within the NFL, especially the Super Bowl. One of the facts that interested me the most was that so far if a team returns an interception for a touchdown at the Super Bowl, they have been the winning side proving that a sturdy defence can also win championships.

With further researching I stumbled across a fact that stated certain footballers have won the Champions League with different clubs. Clarence Seedorf was the first player to win the trophy with 3 different clubs, AC Milan, Real Madrid and Ajax.

I wondered whether this had then ever happened in the NFL. Most interestingly enough I discovered that no Quarterback has ever won a Super Bowl ring twice, with different teams and as a starter. It has however been done as a starter and backup quarterback. Kurt Warner was the closest in 2009 with the Cardinals. He had previously won a Super Bowl with the Rams narrowly when the Titans fell short on the one yard line in the dying seconds of the Bowl in 2000.

It seems that unlike football, most Quarterbacks stay very loyal with their teams. I wonder if this record will ever be achieved and if it is, by whom?

Without Vick will the Eagles season remain flightless?

It looks highly likely that as soon as the lockout is lifted, (if it is lifted) a move might be imminent for the Eagles Kevin Kolb in the free agency market.

Kolb has already made it clear he wants to be a starter in the NFL and judging by Vick's phenomenal season in 2010 it doesn't seem likely he will feature in the Eagles plans any time soon.

Kolb has already been linked with many teams in desperate need of a QB, the latest being the Cleveland Browns. This move seems unrealistic however considering the Browns already have Colt McCoy in his second season with the offence and the last thing Kolb needs is a fight for starting position with a player he might not be able to better.

No matter where Kolb ends up I fear it could leave the Eagles looking very bare in the quarterback department.

Starting quarterback Michael Vick returned to the NFL emphatically last season, producing clutch touchdowns and key downs when required. Many question whether he can produce the same performances that he did for the upcoming 2011 season however.

In 2002, for the first time Vick started every game with the Falcons. He threw for just under 3,000 yards, 16 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. This season proved to be the most impressive and he never bettered this performance during his time at the Falcons. Interceptions and fumbles became more apparent, and his quarterback rating dropped. So will we see a similar outcome again at the Eagles?

Admittedly Vick had his most positive season to date last season with the Eagles, posting his first quarterback rating average above 100, but did he produce this because he had a point to prove?

Defences will be more weary of his abilities next season as well. The Eagles thrived on their big game changing abilities in 2010 which I doubt will be so accessible again.

Vick showed his toughness and ability to get the job done when required, but his physical and stubborn method of obtaining yards could see him get into trouble. It was clear he was a huge target for many pass rushers and with Kolb out of the picture, and Vick ailing, it begs the question of whether Eagles hopes of the playoffs will greatly diminish in this scenario.

Currently without Kolb or Vick the leadership responsibility could fall to Mike Kafka. Kafka, 23, was the fifth QB selected in the 2010 draft behind Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy. He is quick, able to run like Vick but still has a lot to learn.

Kafka is yet to feature in his first NFL game, having only played in the four preseason matches of 2010. In those four matches Kafka threw three picks and one touchdown but it was all very valuable experience for the youngster.

Kafka still obviously has weaknesses at present in his strength and accuracy so will he be able to cope with the pressure in the event of a Vick injury, or will Andy Reid be prepared to pick up a replacement in the free agency?

Discipline Matters

The theory is that if you want to win, you must maintain discipline amongst the ranks. Discipline involves not only respecting players and making mature decisions, it also involves not giving away penalties.

In the NFL recent stats show that if you consistantly give away free yards because of penalties you will lose. The stats don't lie, take the Atlanta Falcons for instance. They had the least number of penalties in the league for 2010 and their record was a comprehensive 13-3.

Guess who gave away the most penalties? The 49ers, Titans, Lions - all teams that had poor seasons finishing with six wins and ten losses, a win percentage of 33%. The team with the worst discipline happened to be the Oakland Raiders, who finished on 8-8. The Raiders might of improved their chance of winning the AFC West had they not of been penalized so frequently.

The only team that managed to seemingly get out of jail free were the Eagles. Philly were ranked the 3rd most penalized team in the NFL. However, the Eagles were resilient and still managed to come away with a 10-6 record reaching the playoffs. Could they have gone further however and saved some important losses if fouls had of been prevented and how did Eagles still manage to go so well despite all these mistakes?

Next season season be sure to note that the teams that keep the mistakes to the minimal will be featuring again in the playoffs.

Josh Freeman - Mr Underrated

When someone mentions about top quarterbacks in the NFL, players like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady come to mind.

They are certainly game changing quarterbacks with the ability to make even the most unlikely miracle happen. Many of the above have produced countless fourth quarter comebacks within the dying seconds of the match to snatch victories. This is what you would expect from a top quarterback, a leader in every circumstance. What you really need is consistency. What use is a quarterback that throws picks instead of completions when under pressure. You need a quarterback that delivers, and does so day in and day out.

The majority of the quarterbacks above have been to Super Bowls and back and proven themselves, but it doesn't mean they are immune from mistakes.

Take Eli Manning. Eli famously led the Giants to a third Super Bowl title against the previously unbeaten Patriots thanks to the help of David Tyree's helmet just three years ago. But the Giants have missed out on the playoffs for the last two seasons showing a dip in form. Last season, despite throwing for over 4,000 yards, 31 touchdowns, he also threw 25 interceptions, his most so far since being drafted in 2004. Maybe he was taking more risks, but the stats suggest they were unnecessary ones. The offensive line conceded just 16 sacks last season, just over half the season prior to that suggesting that they were buying the quarterback time, he was just making the wrong decisions.

Drew Brees, even more of a risk taker, threw 33 touchdown passes, but these came at a cost with the Saints leader being picked off by the opposition 22 times. Brees is an incredibly experienced quarterback and also has the luxury of experienced wide receivers surrounding him so 22 interceptions does come as a surprise.

Everyone raved about Peyton Manning - the 'Field General' producing results with his young team of receivers. The Colts struggled heavily with injuries but still managed to make the playoffs for a 9th consecutive season. He again threw well, for over 4,700 yards but this is always expected from a quarterback with such a high reputation. His quarterback rating overall for the season was incredibly poor in comparison with other top quarterbacks Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick.

A player in my eyes who deserves more recognition in the 2010-2011 is Tampa Bay's quarterback Josh Freeman. In what was only Freeman's second season, and his first full one he brought the Bucs from a team with a 3-13 record to a very impressive and positive 10-6 record. Unfortunately the Bucs narrowly missed out on the playoffs but Freeman threw for over 3,400 yards, and 25 touchdowns. And at what cost? Just 6 interceptions - equal with Michael Vick. Admittedly Freeman had a bumpy start to the season with 5 picks in the first 9 weeks, but he finished up throwing just 1 pick in the remaining 8 games showing that he is a quick learner and builds upon his mistakes. Freeman also led the Bucs to 4 remarkable comebacks last season which demonstrated his pose and matureness under pressure.

The Bucs are largely constructed on rookie players offensively, the same as the Manning situation. The most senior wide receiver is Maurice Stovall in his sixth year. What Freeman managed to achieve was definitely an impressive second season for such a young quarterback. For a side with very few consistent game changing wide receivers Freeman produced inspirational results and it is a wonder how this talent went so unnoticed amongst euphoria of Vick's comeback season success

Freeman has surely lifted what some fans believed to be a sinking ship in Tampa and the Bucs will be unfortunate to miss out again in the playoffs.

The Quarterback Conundrum

Many American football fans are trying to answer the biggest question of all at the moment - which quarterback will go where.

At the end of the 2010-2011 season it was obvious to see that many teams needed to iron our creases they had in the quarterback department.

The Cardinals struggled to find a quarterback they could depend on since the departure of Kurt Warner. They had previously pinned hope in Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart but he is still trying to find his feet in the big time.

It was a similar scenario with the Minnesota Vikings. Brett Favre is now retired leaving a gaping hole in a once formidable offence. The Vikings took the opportunity in the draft to select Chris Ponder from Florida State, a huge risk in many critics eyes judging by past accuracy and poor decision making. Will the gamble pay off though, only time will tell.

Despite being selected as in the second round of the 2010 draft, the Panthers feel that Jimmy Clausen is not the leader they were originally looking for. Many believe that Clausen wasn't given a fair chance but others believe a poor 2-14 record suggests an inability at the top level. They expressed great interest in quarterback Cam Newton from Auburn with there No.1 pick of the 2011 draft and got their man. I expect to see a intense 

battle for the No.1 spot at Panthers for the coming seasons.

The Titans will also be looking for a reliable leader after a bad attitude and disputes among players and coaches led to the departure of Vince Young. Vince, who led the Titans to the ever so memorable victory below in 'that drive' will feature in the free agency.

In the draft the Titans did select Jake Locker out of Washington as the new face of their franchise but even he has a history of injuries due to the way he plays the game and his consistency is arguable.

Lastly the Redskins have joined the market after last years controversial headline hitting QB Donovan McNabb was benched because of a string of poor performances. Donovan was let go by the Eagles after 10 seasons and the decision came back to bite them hard after a deflating defeat of the 2010 season in week 4 of 17-12.

It was the Eagles that had the last laugh however when Michael Vick returned to find form and emphatically thump the Redskins 59-28 recording four passing touchdowns, and running in two himself.

For those who missed out in the draft the opportunity comes in the form of the free agency which is scheduled as soon as lockout issues have been resolved.

Simply Unstoppable?

Devin Hester is one of the most feared special teams players within the NFL. In his short five season career so far he has scored countless punt returns, kick returns and even a missed field goal return.

He currently holds the combined kick returns record in a career of 14, with 10 punt returns and 4 kickoff returns taken all the way to the house. The 10 punt returns and 4 kickoff returns are also records individually themselves but we haven't seen a kickoff return since 2007. Many fans will remember Hester's most significant return of the first play in the 2007 Superbowl against the Indianapolis Colts who later fought back to take their second Lombardi Trophy in their franchise history.

But it is not just from the special teams that he poses a threat. Last season Hester also posted an impressive average of 11 yards per reception, similar stats to Peyton Mannings most favourable receiver, Reggie Wayne.

One of Hester's most impressive returns was in 2006 against the New York Giants where he returned a missed field goal attempt to end zone in what was to be a record breaking 108 yard return. This record was only to last a year as the following season ex-Charger Antonio Cromartie returned a missed field goal attempt for 6 points against the Minnesota Vikings in the dying seconds of the first half. The new record was marked at over a 109 yard return. Unfortunately it made no difference to the outcome as Adrian Peterson went on write himself in the record books clocking up 296 rushing yards, on 30 carries and 3 touchdowns.

Hester's juking, speed, agility and elusiveness have made him one of the most recognised faces in the NFL. Is he unstoppable? The simple solution would be just don't kick to him!

Cornish Shark gets chance to impress in America

A Cornish born teenager has won the opportunity of a lifetime with a scholarship at a prestigious American football college in the United States. 17 year old Ryan Girling said he was "so excited" and that it was "an opportunity he never thought he would get". Ryan will be spending the next 4 years at Graceland University, in Iowa chasing the gridiron dream.

Girling, who has only been playing the sport a year and a half, learnt to play American football under the guidance of head coach Brian Smallworth, head of the Cornish Sharks.

We wish Ryan the best of luck and hope that we get to see him in the Superbowl one day!

For more information please click the following link: Truro Teen Earns Scholarship

Woman to be the first in UK to play at highest level

Jen Hilton, 27, has recently joined the Coventry Jets American football team. The team are well established in the British American Football Association's community league.

Jen is aiming to be starting running back for the team and coach Gerry McManus said that she has already won respect from the teammates because of her tough attitude.

Jen hopes to feature her first game later this month and it she starts she will be the first female to play at this level in UK American football history.

Prior to the step up women currently are reduced to a non contact version which to avid female fans like Jen Hilton, is far from the real thing.

American football is currently a vastly expanding sport within the UK especially as Wembley now hosts matches from the NFL in the International Series.

For more information follow BBC Sport American football

Rams close to fitting missing pieces of the jigsaw – Part One: Defense

After a breakout season for last year’s number one draft pick Sam Bradford, and a young defense which stepped up to the plate under the stewardship of head coach Steve Spagnuolo, Rams fans can be forgiven for believing a return to the good ol’ days of the ‘the greatest show on turf’ aren’t too far away.

Most of the talk pre last month’s draft was dominated by speculation that the Rams needed a no.1 receiver to provide a weapon for offensive rookie of the year Bradford. However, when Julio Jones excelled at the Scouting Combine there was no chance either he, or number one receiver in the draft A.J. Green, were realistically going to fall to St Louis at 14 without a team putting together an expensive package like Atlanta did to grab him as high as six.

The Rams have too many other needs and could not afford the luxury the Falcons had to exchange multiple first and second round draft picks. Disappointing though it was that they were unable to add Jones to the roster, when general manager Billy Devaney and coach Spags saw DE Robert Quinn – rated by many as the best pass rusher in the draft – drop into their laps in the middle of the first round it was an opportunity too good to miss.

Quinn offers an immediate upgrade to the front four and will likely create a formidable pass rush with four-year veteran Chris Long – a former no.2 draft pick in 2008 – and the experienced sack machine James Hall, 34, working in rotation – a tactic coach Spags employed with great success as defensive coordinator of the Giants.

Although the loss of pro-bowl safety O.J. Atogwe to the Redskins and the lack of a ‘shutdown’ corner have created a couple of glaring holes in an inexperienced secondary, the pressure up-front from Hall, Long and Quinn should be enough to counteract this weakness.

Either way, it is clear the Rams need to lure a veteran strong safety or cornerback from the free agency market to put together what would be a young and formidable defensive machine. The best available would be former Oakland Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha, but it is unlikely St Louis will have the financial resources to tie down a guy who is seen by most as the best cornerback in the game.

The lack of talent in the free agent market at that position is why there were cries from fans to snatch Prince Amukamara instead of Quinn in the first round of the draft, before he ultimately fell to the Giants.

But although it would have significantly enhanced the secondary there would still be the need of addressing the safety position, and it’s clear that, despite an ultra-productive season in 2010, Hall is unlikely to hit the same heights with his aging body, meaning Quinn’s selection was the more sensible. Especially as C.J. Ah You struggled badly as the third DE towards the end of the season, after what had been an encouraging start.

Instead, coach Spags has placed his faith in veteran cornerback and defensive captain Ron Bartell to lead the back seven alongside battalion leader James Laurinaitis – who was the centre piece of a stellar defensive unit at the middle linebacker spot. Bartell needs to marshal second-year cornerback Jerome Murphy, rookies Jermale Hines, Mikhail Baker and Jonathan Nelson, and promising young DB Bradley Fletcher – who collected four takeaways last season.
But the team is still short of experience on this side of the ball.

If St Louis could attract the services of safety Eric Weddle from the Chargers, Ike Taylor from Pittsburgh and an OLB like Chad Greenway from the Vikings, they could be the missing pieces of the puzzle. And signing players like Greenway, Taylor and Weddle to help mentor St Louis’ young group of defenders brings with it the real potential of turning the rebuilding franchise into one of the most feared outfits in the NFL.

It’s a long-shot, but coming off the back of a season where the team won more games than the previous three put together, the mere talk of it has got Rams fans excited about the team’s future.

The Season Ahead: Chicago Bears

The Bears were another team to feature in the playoffs after Jay Cutler resolved past seasons of numerous interceptions. With an experienced side they had high expectation of another Superbowl.

After losing to the Packers in the last game of the season enabling the Packers to squeeze into the playoffs via a wildcard berth. The two bitter rivals met again in the NFC Championship game. Cutler struggled, Rodgers prevailed and the Bears again fell to the sword of the 'Cheeseheads'.

So can they do it again?

Despite the fact that the Bears had one of the stingiest defences last season I actually believe they will fall short again this season. Cutler came unstuck when it mattered most last season and fell out of favour of the fans. He has always been ridiculed about his inability to maintain consistency throughout all four quarters. This sometimes can affect a players performance in two ways. Will he come on stronger next season and play with a chip on his shoulder or will his confidence drop.

With a tough start to this years schedule I think the Bears could lost their first 3 opening games resulting in the fans loss in confidence with Cutler which in turn will inevitably lead to their downfall this season.

Projected record: 9-7

Playoffs: No

NFC Championship: No

Superbowl: No

Can Jackson lure Asomugha to the Eagles nest?

He's one of the hottest players who could be available on the market soon and its no wonder why. Nnamdi Asomugha, 29, gave up only 13 receptions throughout the whole of last season cementing his premium pass shutdown status. He most certainly has a polished reputation, he just doesn't have a team with the same characteristics yet. After 8 seasons at Oakland it looks like his time with the Raiders is about to draw to a close. Asomugha isn't getting any younger and I'm sure that he would ponce on the opportunity to get a chance of a Superbowl ring.

Like most fans of teams with defensive issues, I would without doubt welcome a fresh face in the cornerback position to accompany Asante Samuel producing a fortified and formidable pairing.

Apparently Desean Jackson shares these views as he has been reportedly trying to lure Asomugha to the Eagles ever since the Pro Bowl. Teammates in college for California, Desean is fully aware of the threat and impact Asomugha offers to the opposing offences as a first rate ball hawk.

The question is will pay disputes detour Andy Reid and the Eagles. Asomugha has always been likened to wholesome paychecks that have somewhat tarnished his otherwise pristine career so could we afford to keep him there? He will without doubt need to take a pay cut in order to come to Philly, but will greed get the better of him or will the Cowboys get to him first?

The Season Ahead: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons came so close to what would have been only their second Superbowl appearance in their 45 year franchise history. In what was an almost flawless season from Mike Smith's team they suffered a major blip against eventual champs the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. It was to be their most costly game so far from a team with fans that had such high expectations.

Matt Ryan has progressed ever since his rookie season back in 2008. Ryan memorable entered the NFL producing this magnificent touchdown pass in his first ever throw proving why they call him 'The Iceman' in the Georgia Dome.

For the upcoming season the offence looks to be as fearsome as ever. They now also have the added bonus of top receiver in this years NFL Draft, Julius Jones. Recent stats have shown that they are the most disciplined team giving away the least penalties. A few minor adjustments to the defensive line that averaged a fifth best 18 points conceded per game and  I believe they will go far again in the 2011-2012 season.

Projected record: 12-4

Playoffs: Yes

NFC Championship: Yes

Superbowl: Yes

Kolb, McNabb, Bulger?

Ranked the most sort after quarterbacks in the free agency at the moment, we wonder where all the big names are going to go. Reports from NFL.com suggest that the Redskins Donovan McNabb has trained with both the Vikings and Cardinals, like wise with the Eagles second string Kevin Kolb.

Kolb started as the No.1 quarterback for the Eagles in 2010 after McNabb departed to bitter rivals the Washington Redskin. His shot at stardom was short lived however when Clay Matthews knocked him out in the season opener to Green Bay. Concussed, Michael Vick stepped up to the plate and the rest is history.

There is constant speculation as to where Kolb will end up, other teams showing interest are the 49ers, Seahawks and he could also stay in Philly.

Personally I believe the best suiter for Kolb would be at the Cardinals. they have an already well structured offence built with esteemed wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and this could pose a huge threat to an already weak NFC West.

It doesn't mean I necessarily want this scenario because the Eagles have to play the Cardinals at the Linc in week 10 and I would seriously fear another McNabb scenario similar to last season with the Redskins winning 17-12.

Ex-Rams and current Ravens reserve quarterback Marc Bulger is also currently on the market. An experience QB with over 11 years under his belt in the NFL, Bulger's most prolific season with in 2004 when he threw for 3,964 yards, 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions - a passer rating of 93.7 for the season. Since then it does seem he has seen better days after a somewhat dismal season in 2008 where he maintained a passer rating of just 71.4.

Despite this record the Cardinals are showing interest in Bulger and introducing another veteran quarterback at the reins of their franchise.

Latest reports have suggested the Vikings have given Vince Young the opportunity to work out with their offence, questioning whether draft gamble Christian Ponder will be starter or not. The Vikings offensive line has been weak the last couple of seasons and placing a rookie quarterback in that situation could be a big mistake.  If they do intend on brining Young to their offence they could have to fight with the Raiders unless they decide to give Jason Campbell another chance.

Lets not forget about Kyle Orton as well. With Tim Tebow set to establish himself as the starter at the Denver Broncos it looks likely that they will and trade Orton and cash in with draft picks for next season. The Broncos are a side in redevelopment at the moment so despite Orton's record last season, I think this would be a wise move for them.

NFL International Series - The NFL comes to London again

Just a few weeks ago the latest schedule for the 2011-2012 NFL season was produced and like any fan I was as excited as ever.

Being English, the best news was the addition of the 5th international series match. Having been to two of the four previous matches I couldn't wait to find out the teams playing.

As the news were published I slowly scrolled down the schedule hoping to see what I wanted - the Eagles coming to London, but it wasn't to be.

Realistically I know it will never happen but you can only hope!

Instead it was the turn of the Chicago Bears, who made the playoffs last season with perrenial offensive powerhouse Devin Hester and previously erratic play caller Jay Cutler at hand.

The home team will be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hosting for a second occasion. The Bucs narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season and after strengthening their weaknesses in the draft they look set to go a lot further setting up a superb mouth-watering match up. With so many teams in Florida it is a well known fact that teams such as the Bucs and Jaguars struggle to produce sell out crowds so the opportunity to play in front of a packed house at Wembley would have been a easy decision.

I have no doubt it will make great viewing. These matches are always crowd pleaser's as the American sport rapidly grows within the UK. Past players who have had the opportunity to play at Wembley have stated that they relished the occasion and the euphoric crowd reception that follows.

This years international match will be held on the 23rd October and I for one hope I have tickets.

Friday Night Lights: One night that matters.

It's been a big hit in the US for 5 seasons now and it's no wonder why. Gripping viewers from the start, Friday Night Lights follows a group of teenagers who live for the game of American football.

In a small town of Dillon, Texas where nothing else matters, the pressure on these boys is massive - and even that is an understatement. Dillon Panthers produces winners, and thats what the town expects.

Being teens however they have other issues, and other desires...

Unfortunately no longer on TV in the UK I highly recommend this series as a purchase!

Welcome...

Welcome American football fans to our new blog!

We hope to bring you all the latest news and hot topics in American football. So let's get that pigskin spiraling!

We hope you enjoy our discussions and English views on the game. I am an Eagles fan myself but am relatively new to the sport. It is a great interest of mine and I literally can't wait for the new NFL season to start. I wish it was a more popular sport over here!

Well, I'll try not to be too biased, and please don't hesitate to give me hopefully encouraging feedback!