Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Chiefs 10, Bears 3 posted by Joe Anello

Well it was a team effort today. It took all the Bears collectively failing in order to lose this in the fashion they did to Tyler Palko. The blame starts with the offensive play-calling, then shifts to the crappy play Caleb Hanie, veers towards horrible injuries and finishes with a pathetic showing from the offensive line. As much as you don’t need to be reminded, here’s the analysis of today’s clusterf*ck.

After seeing Matt Forte fail to get up following a hit to the knee and was declared out of the game, I knew the Bears were going to fall. Sure, Marion Barber came in and played pretty well, but he’s not enough to keep this offense going for four quarters. Hanie’s three interceptions (I do include the final toss-up) were too costly for a team missing their top two offensive talents.

The game’s only touchdown came on a Hail Mary throw at the end of the first half, which hit the hands of Urlacher (who looked to be trying to knock it down) and was also knocked down by Chris Conte… right towards the tiny Dexter McCluster, who was certainly playing the deflection. It was one miscue for a Bear defense that held tough for four quarters. If they had gotten any help from the offense whatsoever, it wouldn’t have been such a deathknell.

Chicago missed plenty of grand opportunities to get in the end zone, which completely cost them this game.  Following a recovery on a punt, Chicago’s offense started with tremendous field position but sputtered when Hanie missed a throw on fourth and one, a questionable call at best. An illegal formation penalty in the second quarter negated a wide-open Marion Barber touchdown grab, forcing Chicago to settle for a field goal. A streaking Earl Bennett was overthrown by Hanie in the second as the receiver was headed right for a score with no defenders in front of him. A crisp fourth quarter pass from Hanie tipped off the waiting hands of Roy Williams in the end zone and into the arms of Chief Jon McGraw. (More evidence as to why Williams won’t be back next year.) It was simply too much to overcome.

Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Chiefs at Bears posted by Joe Anello

With their fourth loss in the rearview mirror, the Caleb Hanie-led Chicago Bears welcome the deceptively decent Kansas City Chiefs to Soldier Field. Oh yeah, and Kyle Orton might show up sometime today as well. Casual NFL fans may look at this game as an easy win, but it could be very, very ugly. My breakdown illustrates why.

We all saw how stinky Tyler Palko was on Sunday Night Football last week, putting forth a three-interception effort in an offensively challenged display. The Bears get a first-hand look today and are frothing at the maw at the prospect of all those turnovers. Julius Peppers will see plenty of left tackle young Branden Albert, who has been holding his own this season. However, the most significant match-up in this game is clear: Dwayne Bowe versus Charles Tillman. Tillman shut down Megatron in their latest meeting but was torched by Vincent Jackson with regularity. If Peanut can control Bowe (with some over-the-top help), then the Chief offense has little hope to put several scores on the board aside from rarely-used tailback Dexter McCluster. Palko just isn’t that good. Don’t be surprised if he struggles and we see Kyle Orton get in the game at some point. (Orton may even hand off to ex-Bear Thomas Jones at some point.)

Caleb Hanie gets his second start against a vastly underrated defense that made the Pittsburgh Steelers look pedestrian last week. Tamba Hali is an absolute beast on the defensive line as a 3-4 outside ‘backer or 4-3 end and isn’t getting nearly the publicity he should. Kansas City’s defense isn’t overly impressive, but it can shut down Hanie and this offense. Caleb will be much better this week, but he's still not Jay. Martz has to avoid the trap of throwing too often against KC, instead relying on Matt Forte to get points on the board. Forte’s production has trailed off in recent weeks so a return to glory is in order for today. Get on it Martz!

Pick Six: Week 11 posted by Randolph Charlotin

1. He’s gone from cancer diagnosis, to enduring chemotherapy, to full remission, and activation from the physically unable to perform list. On Monday night, Marcus Cannon took another step in his recovery when he played his first snaps against Kansas City. Cannon entered the game in the fourth quarter and played right tackle. Opposite Cannon was Nate Solder, playing left tackle in place of Matt Light, who was injured earlier in the game. Might this be a glimpse of the future Patriots O-line?

2. Also seeing his first career action was RB Shane Vereen. He had eight carries for 39 yards and his first career touchdown. It was a good debut for the rookie after being sidetracked by a hamstring injury. Included in his evening was a nifty 19-yard scamper. Hopefully we see more of Vereen and fellow rookie RB Stevan Ridley as the season winds down, even if it is in garbage time.

3. The final first goes to CB Phillip Adams, who came down with his first career interception when he picked off Chiefs QB Tyler Palko in the endzone.

4. This might not be a record for a wide receiver, but how many can claim making a tackle on defense and returning a punt for a touchdown in the same game? Julian Edelman brought the home crowd to their feet with a 72-yard punt return for a score. For someone that was recently arrested and charged with indecent assault and battery, Edelman needed something to be happy about.

5. CB Kyle Arrington had two interceptions in a game for the second time this season (first time in the loss to Buffalo). He is now the sole NFL leader in interceptions with seven.

Hours Before Kickoff: Week 11 posted by Randolph Charlotin

The vision is almost a reality. It didn’t work the first time, but the personnel is better now.

For the sixth time this season the Patriots scored at least 30 points. They rolled up 389 yards of total offense. In 9 of 10 games the Pats gained more than 370 yards of offense. New England is second-rated offense in the NFL and third in points scored.

New England is one of the best offenses in the NFL, and they’re doing it primarily with a two tight end offense. It’s not the first time they tried this way. It’s just working this time.

Back in 2006, WR David Givens left as a free agent and leading receiver Deion Branch held out for a lucrative contract and Patriots wouldn’t pay.Without the top two passing options unavailable, New England added Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney. The biggest adaptation was shifting the focus to tight ends Daniel Graham and Benjamin Watson.

Like the defense is designed to be flexible, the change to a two tight end offense was to make the offense flexible, able to run or pass based on the matchups.

Having Graham and Watson on the field more frequently was playing to New England’s strength. Graham and Watson were first round selections in the 2002 and 2004 drafts respectively. They were a pair of burly, athletic pass catchers that could create mis-matches in the passing game and a strength advantage when running the ball.

The offense was good, but inconsistent, starting with the tight ends. Graham and Watson weren’t as good the coaching staff thought. They combined for 70 receptions for 878 yards and five touchdowns. Good numbers, but not enough carry the offense.

The Opening Drive, Week 7, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

Week seven in the NFL features the annual London affair, an early battle for the AFC South, and Kyle Boller starting at quarterback. (And it’s not 2003. I know. So odd.) The Opening Drive gets you ready for the day’s action!

Atlanta’s in danger of falling WAY behind in the South if they drop another game this early in the season. No Jahvid Best for the Lions means Maurice Morris starts for the Lions. Which in turn means NO running game whatsoever. So that Falcons D has to think about covering Calvin Johnson. It’s a good idea.

These two teams are lining up to take the AFC South crown with little to no resistance from the rest of their division. This game could go a long way in establishing who emerges as the front-runner in a mediocre division.

“Tim Tebow Time.” I’m more excited about never saying that phrase again more than I am about this game. Can you imagine if he loses to the winless Dolphins? Hilarious.

I REALLY want to see Philip Rivers and the Chargers demolish this Jet defense. If the Jets slip to below .500 in their division, they begin to slip off the playoff precipice. This feels like a “Mark Sanchez bounces back so he can disguise how awful he really is” kind of game, but I can’t take the Jets at all.

Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The AFC West posted by Joe Anello

Perhaps the second-to-worst division in football (they should thank their NFC counterparts), the AFC West was turned upside down when the Chiefs stole the division away from the Chargers. Can they repeat or will San Diego return to form? With rebuilding years in Denver and Oakland, how much can we really expect? Let the near-meaningless analysis begin!

Kansas City Chiefs

Surprising the league by taking the AFC West title, the Chiefs likely played over their heads. Matt Cassel took charge of Charlie Weis’ offense by tossing 27 TD’s and only seven interceptions. However, Weis has left for collegiate pastures, leaving Cassel in a perilous predicament in his fourth year as a starter, behind a still-retooling offensive line. Jared Gaither should eventually move in as the starter at right tackle, but only when the team feels he’s completely healthy and ready to go. In the meantime running back Jamaal Charles must repeat his 1400 yard season when teams will probably stack the box against him. The only wide-out of real significance is obviously Dwayne Bowe, whose circus catches in double coverage would excite any fan. Losing tight end Tony Moeaki will set Cassel back though. With 47 receptions on 2010, Moeaki was due for another step forward. While the Kansas City defense was greatly improved by giving up just over 20 points a game, but they still gave up a metric ton of yardage. Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers are two dynamic playmakers in the secondary, but the right defensive front of Glenn Dorsey and Tamba Hali will be depended on for quarterback pressure. Head coach Todd Haley got the most out of his players in 2010, but that trend won’t continue into 2011. They’re going to fall back to Earth slightly.

Don't Be a Stranger, Mike Vrabel posted by Randolph Charlotin

“Hello? Miiiiike…What’s goin’ on? I know, I know! Long time no speak, man. How you doin’?

“Yeah, I heard. Retired. I didn’t see that coming. But good for you.

“You got any free time Mike? Why don’t you come around the way? You know you’re always welcomed here.”

Mike Vrabel is like a long time friend. New England was his home for eight of his 14 years in the NFL. Though his job took him elsewhere, it is his time as a Patriot that Vrabel will be remembered for. Mike’s place in Patriots history is here to stay.

A player’s value is usually measured by his statistics. Ask Vrabel which stat was most important to him, and he’ll say three. Not the 57 sacks, not the 19 forced fumbles, not the touchdown receptions, interceptions, or any game stat. Being a part of three Super Bowl-winning teams is what’s important to Vrabel, and he did everything he could to help the Patriots’ cause.

Vrabel was buried in Pittsburgh’s depth chart before Patriots head coach Bill Belichick recovered Mike. Over the next eight years, Belichick found more ways to use Vrabel than anyone could imagine. Pass rusher was obvious. Run defender was a priority and Vrabel was stout. Pass coverage? Mike did that too. Shift from outside linebacker to inside?  Check. Goal line tight end? Vrabel did that too.

Whatever Belichick asked Vrabel to do, Mike did it, simply because it helped the team.

Vrabel is one in a long line of team-first players that bought into the Patriot Way. He will be remembered along with Tedy Bruschi, Troy Brown, and Willie McGinest. Though Vrabel isn’t a career Patriot like the three mentioned, but his do whatever it takes contribution with the Patriots is what Mike will be remembered for.

Joe's 2011 NFL Final Drive: Wild Card Weekend posted by Joe Anello

Hm. That’s my general reaction to Wildcard Weekend in the NFL. The playoffs got started with what is unquestionably one of the biggest upsets in recent memory, which was followed up by a drama-filled finish in Indianapolis. Sunday saw a drilling in Kansas City and a comeback story ended early in Philly. Here’s the story behind the first round of the NFL playoffs.

Okay… WHAT? Now, I will take full credit for thinking this would be a close game, but nowhere did I think the lowly Seahawks would be able to oust the defending champs, home field advantage or not. Matt Hasselbeck had a phenomenal afternoon, lighting up the Saints secondary, which was without starting safety Malcolm Jenkins. I put this loss squarely on New Orleans’ defense, which just never decided to show up. When Drew Brees and that offense drop 36 points, there’s no excuse for losing, especially to a 7-9 squad. Still, the Seahawks went out and played a great game in front of their home crowd and proved it doesn’t matter what your record is when the postseason begins. A 7-9 team beat the defending Super Bowl champs. The Seahawks belonged there. Credit Pete Carroll with getting his boys ready and believing in the aging Hasselbeck.

Oh, and play of the playoffs goes to Marshawn Lynch, who activated Beast Mode on an astoundingly physical 67-yard run to seal it late. The stiff-arm he laid on Tracy Porter was epically vicious. I don’t care that the playoffs just started. That’s the play of the year. Lock it in.

Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Wildcard Sunday posted by Joe Anello

After a completely outrageous and exciting Saturday to start the playoffs, two excellent games are coming our way today. Let's break it down!

After losing out on the division crown to Pittsburgh, John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens are in a familiar situation: on the road in the playoffs. Traveling to Arrowhead, Joe Flacco and the Ravens are in for a defensive slug-fest with the Kansas City Chiefs. Even after the numerous wide-outs Baltimore brought in through trades and free agency, their offensive production starts with Ray Rice. They got away from Rice early in the season, but they re-discovered him down the stretch just in time for the playoffs.

Struggled as they might have down the stretch, the Chiefs are going to keep this one close. Romeo Crennel’s defense is too battle-tested to completely fall apart. Though you do have to wonder how aggressive Charlie Weis is going to be against a ball-hawking Raven defense. I suspect a healthy dose of Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles is in the works. This game is going to be a run, run, run kind of day, so whatever quarterback makes the fewest mistakes gives his team the best chance to win. Matt Cassel has had a great year, thanks in large part to the ascendancy of receiver Dwayne Bowe. Bowe should be healthy and ready to have a big day against a Raven secondary that wasn’t exploited enough during the year. Quick passes can help Cassel avoid the Terrell Suggs freight train that will be heading straight for him.

Chief Concern out of the Wild Cards posted by Randolph Charlotin

It’s kinda hard saying Baltimore, Indianapolis, or the New York Jets concern me considering the results from the regular season games. The Pats throttled the Jets in the second go-round. I don’t take any team led by QB Peyton Manning lightly, but the Colts have a lot of injuries and needed a furious comeback to make that game close. And the Ravens, with their suspect secondary, hasn’t seen this version of the Patriots.

The only playoff team the Patriots hadn’t faced this season is Kansas City, arguably the weakest team in the AFC bracket. The Chiefs have a 10-6 record built on losing teams. They beat one playoff team all season – the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks. The combined winning percentage of KC’s victims is .381.

That doesn’t mean that the Patriots shouldn’t be concerned if the Chiefs come to Gillette Stadium. Hell, out of the four Wild Card teams, Kansas City worries me most. It’s not about the unknown or the matchups, but the two men behind the game plans.

We all remember Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, right? The former offensive and defensive coordinators for the Patriots when they won three Super Bowls? Yeah, those guys. They hold the same jobs for KC. We know what they’re capable of when designing game plans. The could turn the tables on the Pats.

If anyone knows how to diagnose the Patriots, it would be Weis and Crennel. They spent so much time working with Bill Belichick they know how he thinks. They ran the offense and defense Belichick wanted. They have the kind of insider information stock traders get arrested for on Wall Street.

Ex-NFL WR Bobby Engram joins Pitt staff (AP)

Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst has hired longtime NFL wide receiver Bobby Engram as the Panthers new wide receivers coach. Engram, who played in the NFL from 1996-2009, spent last season as an offensive assistant with the San Francisco 49ers. He finished with 650 receptions for 7,751 yards and 35 touchdowns while playing for the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Report: Chiefs employees live in environment of ‘secrecy, intimidation, and fearâ€

It got lost in the excitement of the divisional round, but there was an amazing story in the Kansas City Star, published on Saturday, about the allegedly negative environment from top to bottom in the Kansas City Chiefs' front office. The Kent … Continue reading → [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Are Chiefs creating a Kremlin-type environment? (The National Football Post)

What sort of operation are the Kansas City Chiefs running? From this in-depth story from Kent Babb of the Kansas... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Report: Chiefs employees live in environment of ‘secrecy, intimidation, and fearâ€

It got lost in the excitement of the divisional round, but there was an amazing story in the Kansas City Star, published on Saturday, about the allegedly negative environment from top to bottom in the Kansas City Chiefs' front office. The Kent … Continue reading → [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Fan Question: Are the Kansas City Chiefs Paranoid? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

A recent article in the Kansas City Star claims former head coach Todd Haley was paranoid during his final days with the organization. Supposedly, Haley felt like some conference rooms were bugged and were able to record people's conversations. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports