Who needs Jay Cutler? Well I'm sure the press and fans in Chicago will answer yes to that question. But more importantly when did Kyle Orton become and top NFL class quarterback?
Orton led the Broncos to an overtime victory over the New England Patriots. This was the first time that the Patriots have lost in overtime when King Brady has been under centre. Orton threw for 2 touchdowns and an interception but on both touchdowns he was helped by the brilliance on wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
One highlight from the game was Randy Moss intercepting Orton on a Hail Mary. The funny thing was this was Randy's first catch of the day.
In Kansas City the Chiefs pushed the Cowboys all the way into overtime. The Cowboys won on the back of receiver Miles Austin. Austin not only had a career day but a franchise day with 250 receiving yards on 10 receptions and 2 touchdowns. The second of which was for 60 yards and the game winner.
The Chiefs haven't won this season but you would have never known that by watching the game. Matt Cassel looks to have settled, however Larry Johnson can not get his running going. On defence the Chiefs looked good, they just need to wrap up on tackles as Austin broke tackles on both his touchdown scores.
The Rams shut down Adrian Peterson, but can anyone stop Brett Favre?
The old boy with the week shoulder threw for 232 yards in week 5 and helped his Vikings team make it 5-0 for the season. This is the first time in Favre's career that his have started the first 5 games undefeated.
As for the St. Louis Rams, can they get any worst? Maybe we should speak about the Rams and all the other winless teams later in the week. Week 5 was just another bad day at the office.
The Ravens fail for the second time of the season and the Bengals won close again.
I'm not sure if Carson Palmer can keep this up this late game winning form but this season the Bengals have won 4 games by 7, 3, 3 and 4 points.
The Ravens have not been great on defence and have given up a lot through the air. The Ravens will need to improve this part of the game if they want to go all the way this season.
The defending Superbowl champs the Pittsburgh Steelers have made hard work of this season so far. This Sunday against the Lions was no different, only 3 sacks on the Lions last offensive series stopped Detroit taking the game into overtime.
The Lions who were without starting quarterback Matthew Stafford because of his knee injury stayed in this game until the end. However star receiver Calvin Johnson had to come out of the game with what looked like a left knee injury. This is not helping a franchise who is just looking to win their second game of the season.
Rib injury, what rib injury. Quarterback Donavon McNabb is back and boy what a performance. The Eagles looked in great shape for this season and the return of McNabb and Westbrook only increases the Eagles play off chances.
The Buccaneers on the other hand need something to happen for them. On offence they could get anything going and on defence they gave up to many big plays. Allowing McNabb to throw the deep ball for touchdowns is the fastest way to get crashed.
Looks like the Carolina Panthers have found a way for quarterback Jake Delhomme to contribute to the offence. Late in the game when they Panthers needed a first down Delhomme ran for 10 yards. This and a touchdown pass are what seem like the only two things Delhomme has done right this season.
The Washington Redskins go for bad to worst, very quickly. Head coach Kim Zorn has to be favourite to be the first head coach to leave his post. The Skins have two more games before their bye week and Zorn's team will have to improve for him to keep his job.
Okay now on to the Oakland Raiders trip to the New York Giants. The Giants started with quarterback Eli Manning but soon didn't need him anymore as they quickly got into they grove.
Giants have a tough few weeks coming up but running back Ahmad Bradshaw looks like a man playing for a contract. Bradshaw ran in two touchdowns on the ground and had one reception of 55 yards. This is a great return for a player who is number two on the depth chart.
The Raiders however go from worst to unbelievable. Quarterback Russell was sacked 6 times fumbled 3 times and only threw for 100 yards on 8 completions. Can things get any worst for the Raiders Nation? I just feel sorry for everyone in Oakland that is not Al Davis or Tom "knockout" Cable.
I've looked at the draft for 2010 and there are 4 potential offensive tackles in the draft, please can someone get a message to Big Al, take one of them and protect somebody.
This next result had me in shock. After a strong performance last week the Jacksonville Jaguars decided to have a game off, losing this one 41-0. The returning Matt Hasselbeck threw for 241 yards and his offensive line protected him better than they didn't Wallace.
In the end this will go down as a great return for Hasselbeck and just one of though games for the Jaguars.
In another game which would have raised a few eyebrows the Atlanta Falcons beat the San Francisco 49ers 45-10. The reason this results would have been such a shock is the way which the 49ers let this one go. Head Coach Mike Singletary believes in smash mouth football and this was more shaky lip football.
Coming off their bye week the Falcons looked in good shape with quarterback Matt Ryan and tight end Tony Gonzalez showing why the Falcons love this connection.
This game also had the funniest play of week 5 in it. Remembering the type of coach Mike Singletary is what was Dre' Bly thinking about when he was celebrating his interception before he made it to the end zone. What made manners worst he fumbled the ball and the Falcons recovered, I expect someone to be in trouble this week in training.
Here is that play.
The worst game of the season and possible ever was the Buffalo Bills v Cleveland Browns. The Browns won the game 6-3 with no touchdowns in the game. Get ready for this next stat, Browns quarterback Derek Anderson only completed 2 passes for 23 yards. One bright spark was Jamal Lewis pounding the ball for 117 yards.
In Arizona the Cardinals hosted the Houston Texans and this was a game they nearly threw around. Leading 21-0 in the third quarter and should have had the game won but the Texans didn't see it that way.
First Chris Brown scored to make it 21-7, then Andre Johnson scored to make it 21-14. Andre Johnson then smashed, and I do mean smashed his way into the end zone to tie the game up.
The Texans Matt Schaub then made the game losing mistake when he threw an interception to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Rodgers-Cromartie took the ball all the way into the end zone giving the Cardinals a 7 point lead. However Houston had a couple of goes at levelling the game but man child Andre Johnson was not on the field. That had to be a coaching error and cost the Texans a chance at forcing overtime.
Last night on Monday Night football the New York Jets visited the Miami Dolphins.
This was a game of trick plays, as the Dolphins continued to show off the Wildcat and the Jets run a couple of fake punts, both for first downs.
In the end the difference was the running of Ronnie Brown who scored two touchdowns and quarterback Chad Henne coming of age in the passing game.
This was a great advert for football and a great game for Monday night football. Both teams lead the game, yet no big mistakes were made. This lead to great NFL football and I have to mention Braylon Edwards. Traded to the Jets only this week, Edwards had a monster debut with 5 receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. This was from a player who has been in New York a full week and was known for his drops, Edwards didn't drop anything when he needed to make the catch.
The Dolphins won the game with only 6 seconds left on the clock with a Brown touchdown off of the Wildcat. We all love the Wildcat, but I do wonder just how much longer it will be so effective.
Another great week, roll on week 6.
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Tuesday 13 October 2009
Saturday 10 October 2009
BAFL: Premier Final
By Adam Etheridge
The Coventry Jets came up short in their attempt to repeat as National Champions falling 26-7 to old foe, the London Blitz. Mark Cohen had a monumental day in what was likely the final game of an illustrious career while on the other side of the ball Coventry’s defence managed to keep the Blitz’s offence under wraps for the most part even though they were consistently defending a short field.
London scored easily on their first possession and it looked like it was going to be a long day for the Jets' defence. Michael Casper making a good grab over Danny Wardell for an 18 yard touchdown and an early advantage. Nathan Holt missed the extra point wide left to leave the lead at 6-0. Stuart Franklin responded by picking the Blitz defence apart with strikes to Courtney Pope, Jeremy Simms and Mark Cohen with the later snaring a 9 yard touchdown. Dale Hawes showed how it should be done slotting his kick between the uprights to hand the Jets a 7-6 lead.
A bad punt handed London possession in scoring range but the Jets defence held firm and Holt made up for his earlier miss by sticking a 32 yard field goal. The Blitz ended the opening quarter with 9-7 lead but Coventry were driving deep into London's half. As the second period began the Jets were pushed back by a mammoth sack that took them nearer to the halfway line than the endzone.
Fred Boyle was starting to find his range and a 50 yard completion to Casper took the Blitz deep into Jet territory. Persistent penalties kept London from adding to the score as they took themselves out of scoring range. The Jets couldn't get anything going on the ground and it was clear that Franklin's arm was the only way that Coventry could move the football consistently. Clock management issues put paid to the chances of any further scoring in the first half.
Defences ruled the third quarter and Cedric Perrochaud’s 38 yard interception return stretched the Blitz lead to nine after Holt stuck on the extra point. London threatened again towards the end of the third but Boyle threw his second interception of the game, Wayne Gumbs was the recipient this time. Franklin couldn't take advantage of the gift from his former team and having bottled up Gareth Dauley for the first three quarters the Jets defence finally broke as the prolific running back bust a 68 yard touchdown run early in the fourth. Holt's kick put the Jets in a 16 point hole.
Injuries to Franklin and Kofi Campbell put paid to any lingering hopes of an unlikely comeback and Holt's 40 yard field goal iced the game with a scoreline of 26-7 in favour of the Blitz. A second title in three years underlines London’s credentials as one of the top clubs in Europe and gives the rebuilding Jets plenty to strive for over the next twelve months if they’re to regain their title.
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The Coventry Jets came up short in their attempt to repeat as National Champions falling 26-7 to old foe, the London Blitz. Mark Cohen had a monumental day in what was likely the final game of an illustrious career while on the other side of the ball Coventry’s defence managed to keep the Blitz’s offence under wraps for the most part even though they were consistently defending a short field.
London scored easily on their first possession and it looked like it was going to be a long day for the Jets' defence. Michael Casper making a good grab over Danny Wardell for an 18 yard touchdown and an early advantage. Nathan Holt missed the extra point wide left to leave the lead at 6-0. Stuart Franklin responded by picking the Blitz defence apart with strikes to Courtney Pope, Jeremy Simms and Mark Cohen with the later snaring a 9 yard touchdown. Dale Hawes showed how it should be done slotting his kick between the uprights to hand the Jets a 7-6 lead.
A bad punt handed London possession in scoring range but the Jets defence held firm and Holt made up for his earlier miss by sticking a 32 yard field goal. The Blitz ended the opening quarter with 9-7 lead but Coventry were driving deep into London's half. As the second period began the Jets were pushed back by a mammoth sack that took them nearer to the halfway line than the endzone.
Fred Boyle was starting to find his range and a 50 yard completion to Casper took the Blitz deep into Jet territory. Persistent penalties kept London from adding to the score as they took themselves out of scoring range. The Jets couldn't get anything going on the ground and it was clear that Franklin's arm was the only way that Coventry could move the football consistently. Clock management issues put paid to the chances of any further scoring in the first half.
Defences ruled the third quarter and Cedric Perrochaud’s 38 yard interception return stretched the Blitz lead to nine after Holt stuck on the extra point. London threatened again towards the end of the third but Boyle threw his second interception of the game, Wayne Gumbs was the recipient this time. Franklin couldn't take advantage of the gift from his former team and having bottled up Gareth Dauley for the first three quarters the Jets defence finally broke as the prolific running back bust a 68 yard touchdown run early in the fourth. Holt's kick put the Jets in a 16 point hole.
Injuries to Franklin and Kofi Campbell put paid to any lingering hopes of an unlikely comeback and Holt's 40 yard field goal iced the game with a scoreline of 26-7 in favour of the Blitz. A second title in three years underlines London’s credentials as one of the top clubs in Europe and gives the rebuilding Jets plenty to strive for over the next twelve months if they’re to regain their title.
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Colchester Gladiators v Leicester Falcons
By Flag on the Play
26th September 2009
Colchester Gladiators……….32
Leicester Falcons……….……33
Both teams entered the Keepmoat Stadium to a rapturous welcome from the crowd who were clearly hoping for a good match and they were not disappointed, as it turned out.
Falcons received the kick off and #45 Davis returned the ball thirty five yards to set up good field position on the forty nine yard line, followed by Falcons’ Timi Dada with the first three carries bringing up first down on the forty two yard line. Sanchez now opened the passing game to #16 Glenn Herring and Dada carried the ball for Leicester. Sanchez from the eighteen yard line kept the ball to score the first touchdown but the point after touchdown failed, opening the score at 0-6 to the Falcons. From the kick off Gladiators ran the ball back to the 42 yard line and on third and eight #8 Rich Thomas swept left avoiding the Falcons’ defense to stroll in and tie the scores. Point after touchdown good – score 7-6 to the Gladiators.
From the kick off Leicester utilized the diverse offense with #19 Williams taking good short passes and #24 Dada running the ball. Falcons continued to move the chains and looked good on offense when Dada coughed up the ball for Gladiators to recover around the midfield area and set up another drive.
Gladiators, controlling the ball, stopped in the Falcons’ half and punted to the Falcons’ 20 yard area. Falcons ran the ball with Dada carrying who broke coverage to run the seventy nine yards into the endzone to push Falcons into the lead 13-7. Point after touchdown missed so the score remained 13-7.
The ensuing kick off saw Gladiators #38 Leo Beckford bring the ball back to the twenty seven yard line. Thomas, carrying the ball and always a threat was tackled by Falcons’ #88 Bernie Hackshaw and the quarter finished 13-7 to the Falcons.
At the start of the second quarter Gladiators were in good field position the Falcons were holding firm on fourth and goal when #8 Richard Thomas burst into the endzone to tie the score 13-13. The point after touchdown was good and the scoreline now swung in the Gladiators favour, 13-14.
Falcons’ Rich Davis, returned the kick to the forty one yard line but they were unable to move the ball, however the ensuring punt by Williams was shanked and only gained fifteen yards. Gladiators #38 Beckford, with only 11-12 seconds on the clock ran the ball for a fist down inside the ten yard line. Thomas kept things moving on the eight yard line and the scoreboard now read 20-13 but the point after touchdown was missed.
Gladiators now moved the ball into the Falcons red zone and took the two minute warning. Unable to get on the scoreboard, end of the half score 20-13.
Second half and Dada Puts Falcons back on the scoreboard with Ben Longlands adding the extra point bringing the score very quickly to 20-20 with everything still to play for and an exciting second half ahead.
Gladiators quickly got the ball back and went back into the lead 20-26. From the kick off #45 Rich Davis returned the ball to midfield and Timi Dada skipped wide and left through the covering defense for a first down; Ben Williams took a short pass to keep the chains moving. Dada, with the ball in his hands passed the coverage into the endzone to put the Falcons on the scoreboard 26-26. Point after touchdown was good; 27-26 Falcons.
With 12 minutes and 1 second left in the fourth quarter, Gladiators did what they do best; sweep, sweep and then sweep some more and move the chains. A fumbled centre to Quarterback exchange saw Falcons recover the ball in great field position. Sanchez on third and long carried the ball to bring up first down. #45 Rich Davis, a third down specialist, on third and long took a pitch and gained nine yards for a first down. Davis, now seeing more of the ball, moved the chains before breaking into the endzone give Falcons a 30-26 lead. Two flags on the play for unsportsmanlike conduct are assessed on the kick meaning the Falcons took a restart from their own seven and a half yard line to give Gladiators good field position.
Gladiators took the field on the thirty nine yard line and looked to tie the score but unable to move the ball on the first three downs. On fourth and eight Beckford made a first down with one minute on the clock and on third and eight, Falcons desperately defending, the Gladiators looked to score. Second and ten on the fifteen yard line and Gladiators got into the endzone to make the score an amazing 33-32. Point after touchdown………one for the tie, two for the win……………..AND IT FAILED. Falcons win 33-32.
What a fantastic game, played by two great teams, superbly refereed and watched by an awesome crowd who lifted the whole event with their cheering, banter and good humour.
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26th September 2009
Colchester Gladiators……….32
Leicester Falcons……….……33
Both teams entered the Keepmoat Stadium to a rapturous welcome from the crowd who were clearly hoping for a good match and they were not disappointed, as it turned out.
Falcons received the kick off and #45 Davis returned the ball thirty five yards to set up good field position on the forty nine yard line, followed by Falcons’ Timi Dada with the first three carries bringing up first down on the forty two yard line. Sanchez now opened the passing game to #16 Glenn Herring and Dada carried the ball for Leicester. Sanchez from the eighteen yard line kept the ball to score the first touchdown but the point after touchdown failed, opening the score at 0-6 to the Falcons. From the kick off Gladiators ran the ball back to the 42 yard line and on third and eight #8 Rich Thomas swept left avoiding the Falcons’ defense to stroll in and tie the scores. Point after touchdown good – score 7-6 to the Gladiators.
From the kick off Leicester utilized the diverse offense with #19 Williams taking good short passes and #24 Dada running the ball. Falcons continued to move the chains and looked good on offense when Dada coughed up the ball for Gladiators to recover around the midfield area and set up another drive.
Gladiators, controlling the ball, stopped in the Falcons’ half and punted to the Falcons’ 20 yard area. Falcons ran the ball with Dada carrying who broke coverage to run the seventy nine yards into the endzone to push Falcons into the lead 13-7. Point after touchdown missed so the score remained 13-7.
The ensuing kick off saw Gladiators #38 Leo Beckford bring the ball back to the twenty seven yard line. Thomas, carrying the ball and always a threat was tackled by Falcons’ #88 Bernie Hackshaw and the quarter finished 13-7 to the Falcons.
At the start of the second quarter Gladiators were in good field position the Falcons were holding firm on fourth and goal when #8 Richard Thomas burst into the endzone to tie the score 13-13. The point after touchdown was good and the scoreline now swung in the Gladiators favour, 13-14.
Falcons’ Rich Davis, returned the kick to the forty one yard line but they were unable to move the ball, however the ensuring punt by Williams was shanked and only gained fifteen yards. Gladiators #38 Beckford, with only 11-12 seconds on the clock ran the ball for a fist down inside the ten yard line. Thomas kept things moving on the eight yard line and the scoreboard now read 20-13 but the point after touchdown was missed.
Gladiators now moved the ball into the Falcons red zone and took the two minute warning. Unable to get on the scoreboard, end of the half score 20-13.
Second half and Dada Puts Falcons back on the scoreboard with Ben Longlands adding the extra point bringing the score very quickly to 20-20 with everything still to play for and an exciting second half ahead.
Gladiators quickly got the ball back and went back into the lead 20-26. From the kick off #45 Rich Davis returned the ball to midfield and Timi Dada skipped wide and left through the covering defense for a first down; Ben Williams took a short pass to keep the chains moving. Dada, with the ball in his hands passed the coverage into the endzone to put the Falcons on the scoreboard 26-26. Point after touchdown was good; 27-26 Falcons.
With 12 minutes and 1 second left in the fourth quarter, Gladiators did what they do best; sweep, sweep and then sweep some more and move the chains. A fumbled centre to Quarterback exchange saw Falcons recover the ball in great field position. Sanchez on third and long carried the ball to bring up first down. #45 Rich Davis, a third down specialist, on third and long took a pitch and gained nine yards for a first down. Davis, now seeing more of the ball, moved the chains before breaking into the endzone give Falcons a 30-26 lead. Two flags on the play for unsportsmanlike conduct are assessed on the kick meaning the Falcons took a restart from their own seven and a half yard line to give Gladiators good field position.
Gladiators took the field on the thirty nine yard line and looked to tie the score but unable to move the ball on the first three downs. On fourth and eight Beckford made a first down with one minute on the clock and on third and eight, Falcons desperately defending, the Gladiators looked to score. Second and ten on the fifteen yard line and Gladiators got into the endzone to make the score an amazing 33-32. Point after touchdown………one for the tie, two for the win……………..AND IT FAILED. Falcons win 33-32.
What a fantastic game, played by two great teams, superbly refereed and watched by an awesome crowd who lifted the whole event with their cheering, banter and good humour.
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Wednesday 7 October 2009
NFL: Jets Trade for Braylon Edwards
The New York Jets announced this morning that they have reached an agreement in principle to acquire Cleveland Brown's wide receiver Braylon Edwards in exchange for wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and undisclosed draft choices.
The Browns picked Edwards 3rd overall in the 2005 draft.
This season he has caught 10 passes for 139 yards and no touchdown for the winless Browns.
His careers record stands at 238 catches for 3,697 and 28 touchdowns. Edwards will add to the Jets fire power and give Mark Sanchez a number 1 receiver.
The Jets are sending two players in the other direction, they are Chanso Stuckey wide receiver who has started 3 games this season and has 11 receptions for 120 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Browns also get linebacker Jason Trusnik who has never started a game for the Jets in his 3 season. He does have 24 total career tackles and 1 force fumble.
Here are some of Brylon's highlights.
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The Browns picked Edwards 3rd overall in the 2005 draft.
This season he has caught 10 passes for 139 yards and no touchdown for the winless Browns.
His careers record stands at 238 catches for 3,697 and 28 touchdowns. Edwards will add to the Jets fire power and give Mark Sanchez a number 1 receiver.
The Jets are sending two players in the other direction, they are Chanso Stuckey wide receiver who has started 3 games this season and has 11 receptions for 120 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Browns also get linebacker Jason Trusnik who has never started a game for the Jets in his 3 season. He does have 24 total career tackles and 1 force fumble.
Here are some of Brylon's highlights.
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NFL: Michael Crabtree signs six year deal
Sources out of San Francisco are reporting that wide receiver Michael Crabtree has finally signed with the 49ers.
The 49ers selected Crabtree with the 10th pick in this year’s draft but he has been holding out ever since. Crabtree is reported to have signed a six year deal, which will be a relief to all Niners fans. However no news on the money Crabtree will be taking home, I would image it's more than the $20 million they offered after draft day.
Crabtree and agent Eugene Parker met into Tuesday night with 49ers owner Jed York, general manager Scot McCloughan and Paraag Marathe, vice president of football operations. The two sides had gone almost three weeks without talking.
Crabtree is expected to be at the team’s training facility today, however he has missed all of training camp, pre season and 4 weeks of the regular season.
49ers coach Mike Singletary, said on Monday that he would welcome Crabtree whenever he shows up to join the team. However don’t expect to see Crabtree in uniform this Sunday against the Falcons.
I would expect to see Crabtree in week 7 after San Francisco’s bye week.
This has to be great news to the 49ers fans, as Crabtree will be joining a team which is already 3-1 without his services.
Crabtree caught 97 passes for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns last year during his sophomore season at Texas Tech. He finished his college career with 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Here are Crabtree's highlights...
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The 49ers selected Crabtree with the 10th pick in this year’s draft but he has been holding out ever since. Crabtree is reported to have signed a six year deal, which will be a relief to all Niners fans. However no news on the money Crabtree will be taking home, I would image it's more than the $20 million they offered after draft day.
Crabtree and agent Eugene Parker met into Tuesday night with 49ers owner Jed York, general manager Scot McCloughan and Paraag Marathe, vice president of football operations. The two sides had gone almost three weeks without talking.
Crabtree is expected to be at the team’s training facility today, however he has missed all of training camp, pre season and 4 weeks of the regular season.
49ers coach Mike Singletary, said on Monday that he would welcome Crabtree whenever he shows up to join the team. However don’t expect to see Crabtree in uniform this Sunday against the Falcons.
I would expect to see Crabtree in week 7 after San Francisco’s bye week.
This has to be great news to the 49ers fans, as Crabtree will be joining a team which is already 3-1 without his services.
Crabtree caught 97 passes for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns last year during his sophomore season at Texas Tech. He finished his college career with 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Here are Crabtree's highlights...
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Tuesday 6 October 2009
NFL: Review
So Mark Sanchez is a rookie after all. The New York Jets quarterback has been getting rave reviews so far this season. But in week 4 he finally showed his in experience. Sanchez did have the worst performance of his short NFL career however he didn’t play that badly. The Saints however were in the mood to show that they have improved on defence this season and acquiring free safety Darren Sharper was the right move in the off season. The 13 year veteran adds experience and big play ability to the Saints back field.
Sharper picked Sanchez off twice and took the first interception all the way to the end zone. 99 yards is a very long way to run for a 33 year old, however Sharper looked like a rookie as he high stepped to 6 points.
Drew Brees continued his stellar start to the season. This week he showed the rest of the league how to pick apart the Jets much heralded defence. Brees didn’t pass for a touchdown however he controlled the Jets and allowed running back Pierre Thomas to run for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Over in Miami I’m wondering if T.O. is about to blow. He didn’t look very happy with Trent Edwards in the Buffalo Bills game against the Miami Dolphins.
Last week Edwards failed to complete a pass to T.O. and this week the Bills quarterback was unable to keep off the turf. Edwards was sacked 6 times and intercepted 3 times in a game he will want to forget.
Most of the blame for this lost will have to go to the Bills coaches, as they only called 17 running plays in the game. On his return from suspension Marshawn Lynch only ran the ball 8 times for 4 yards.
The Bills are now 1-3 for the season and I believe they will need to use their running game to set up big plays to T.O. and Lee Evans.
Over in Washington can someone please tell Jason Campbell that he doesn’t have to arm to throw the deep ball passed Aqib Talib. I understand that he did it once to Santana Moss and I understand that the Skins won the game. But getting intercepted by the same corner back 3 times is not a mistake a 5 year pro should be making. If Campbell makes it till the end of the season as the Redskins starting quarterback I will be surprised.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this will go down as a game they should have won. Quarterback Josh Johnson playing in his first start showed both the reasons why head coach Raheem Morris benched Byron Leftwich and started with Johnson. Johnson looked good at times and ran the ball well but his arm strength must be a concern to coach Morris.
Dwight Freeney who? In Indianapolis the Colts put on a show against the Settle Seahawks. The Seahawks have arguably the best linebacker core in the NFL but were made to look like a pub team as Peyton Manning and the Colts moved to a 4-0 record for the season.
Although Manning threw for over 300 yards again this week, he was helped by the Colts defence who was leaded by defensive end Robert Mathis who sacked the Seahawks quarterback Seneca Wallace 3 times in the game.
Wallace individually had a good game, posting numbers of 33 completions on 45 attempts for 257 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions. For a long time now the Colts are weaker against the run but the Seahawks couldn’t get this side of their game going. Running back Julius Jones only ran for 25 yards on 11 touches and former Colts legend Edgerrin James only ran the ball 4 times for 16 yards.
The Seahawks are now 1-3 and will need to pick up their performance if they want to keep up with the 49ers and Cardinals in their division. The Colts are undefeated this season and Manning looks like he wants to break every single season passing record this year, watch this space.
In the battle of Ohio the Browns showed that they are not the worst team in the league. The Cleveland Browns hosted their state rivals the Cincinnati Bengals and took the 2-1 Bengals all the way into overtime. Well it was the Bengals who took the Browns into overtime with a 4th quarter touchdown pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Ochocinco. Och only had 3 catches in the game but 2 of them were for touchdowns. The first will be high on Chad’s personal highlight reel.
Talking of the worst team in the NFL, the St Louis Rams were shut out again. To be honest I would prefer to talk about the 49ers.
Coach Singletary only asks his team to play hard and give 100% and boy are they doing that right now. The 49ers are clearly the best team in the NFC West and they are still without the services of first round draft pick Michael Crabtree.
One player who is now playing like the first round pick he was is Tight End Vernon Davis. Davis is even now a team captain and has come into his own this year with 3 touchdown receptions. Big V is the perfect blend of size, strength and speed and he is now showing the NFL that he could be a rival to Antonio Gates for the best Tight End in the NFL.
In Houston the Raiders showed yet again they will run the Rams close for the worst offence in the NFL. I love to say that the Texans played well but when you play the Raiders you only have to turn up it seems.
I know the Raiders have won a game this season but they really don’t look like they’ll be able to win another. Russell has no one to throw to in the passing game and they only used Michael Bush 3 times in the run game. Right that is enough Raiders bashing, time to be positive.
In Chicago the Lions were trying to win their second straight game of the season. The game turned out to be a game of 2 halves as the Lions held their own against the in form Bears. Not only did the Lions lose the game but they lost quarterback Matt Stafford in the 4th quarter to a dislocated right knee.
Yesterday the reports coming out of Detroit were that Stafford could be ready to start next week against the Steelers. Only time will tell on this story so I’d watch this space.
The Bears however move to a 3-1 record and after trading for Cutler in the off season they look like a much more balanced team. Now able to throw the ball on 4 and 1 near the goal line, the Bears have the ability to keep defences off balance in every situation.
In Denver, the Broncos moved to 4-0 with a win against the Dallas Cowboys. In the off season the Cowboys let go of T.O. in order to help the Tony Romo be the sole leader of the offence. This game shows me why that move was a mistake. Romo needed T.O. on the final drive of the game.
At the other end of the field the Broncos showed why premier number 1 receivers are at a premium and you should do all you can to hold onto them. Brandon Marshall has had his fair share of problems and run ins with Coach McDaniels but on Sunday night he showed why McDaniels didn’t just cut him loose. After the Broncos scored a field goal to tie the game at 10 each, the Broncos looked for Marshall. Marshall made a difficult catch then stayed on his feet and around and past the Cowboys defence for what turned out to be the game winning touchdown. If you haven’t seen this play yet, then find it and check it out.
Moving on to the Tennessee Titans, who went to Jacksonville looking for there first win of the season. Unfortunately David Garrad was up for the game. Quarterback Garrad threw for 323 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Jags never looked in danger of losing this game.
In the game that I said would be game if the week, we weren’t disappointed. In a game that went back and fourth, Tom Brady and the Patriots showed that they are still the team to look up to and the Ravens showed that they still have a little way to go before they can be considered Super Bowl champs.
Much will be made of the three errors wide out Mark Clayton made in the game but I’m surprised Joe Flacco wasn’t looking for Derrick Mason and Todd Heap as the game was on the line.
Having said that, losing 21-27 to the Pats could help the Ravens in the rest of the season. If the media and public pressure for success is now reduced even a little that could let Flacco and co get on with business.
On Sunday Night the San Diego Chargers welcomed back running back LT and the Pittsburgh Steelers were missing back Willie Parker. In the end it was another running back Rashard Mendenhall who proved the difference in this game. Mendenhall is in his second year from the University of Illinois and what a game he had on Sunday Night. He ran for 165 yards, 2 touchdowns on 29 attempts, he helped the Steelers eat up the clock at the end of the game with his downhill and full blooded running style. In the passing game he caught 2 pass for 26 yards, in what was a monster game for the young man.
The Chargers will know that they lost this game because they didn’t start playing until the second half by which time the Steelers had a commanding lead. But Steelers fans should still be worried that their team couldn’t close this game out in an easier fashion.
The Kansas City Chiefs hosted the New York Giants on Sunday and this was a game between the unbeaten Giants and the unable to win Chiefs.
The Giants were in command of this game from start to finish, leading 17-3 at half time. The Chiefs had a small rally at the end of the game.
This game against highlighted the emergent of Steve Smith and not the wide receiver from the Carolina Panthers. This is Steve Smith, born in Alaska and drafted in the second round by the Giants in 2007. Smith went to college at USC and now he has become Eli Manning’s favourite target. In this game Smith caught 11 passes for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns.
On Monday Night Football the Green Bay Packers visited Brett Favre, my apologies I meant the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings were undefeated going into this game but the Packers made a game of it. Favre however was the star of the show with 3 touchdown passes and 271 yard through the air. The game wasn’t all about Favre however, as defensive end Jared Allen picked up 4 and a half sacks in the game. One of which was for a safety late in the game.
Week 4 like the 3 weeks before, I think are proving that the NFL is the number one sport in American and the most entertain sport on TV anywhere in the world. I understand that the Premier League is heating up nicely but the NFL has total excitement and unpredictability each and every week.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Sharper picked Sanchez off twice and took the first interception all the way to the end zone. 99 yards is a very long way to run for a 33 year old, however Sharper looked like a rookie as he high stepped to 6 points.
Drew Brees continued his stellar start to the season. This week he showed the rest of the league how to pick apart the Jets much heralded defence. Brees didn’t pass for a touchdown however he controlled the Jets and allowed running back Pierre Thomas to run for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Over in Miami I’m wondering if T.O. is about to blow. He didn’t look very happy with Trent Edwards in the Buffalo Bills game against the Miami Dolphins.Last week Edwards failed to complete a pass to T.O. and this week the Bills quarterback was unable to keep off the turf. Edwards was sacked 6 times and intercepted 3 times in a game he will want to forget.
Most of the blame for this lost will have to go to the Bills coaches, as they only called 17 running plays in the game. On his return from suspension Marshawn Lynch only ran the ball 8 times for 4 yards.
The Bills are now 1-3 for the season and I believe they will need to use their running game to set up big plays to T.O. and Lee Evans.
Over in Washington can someone please tell Jason Campbell that he doesn’t have to arm to throw the deep ball passed Aqib Talib. I understand that he did it once to Santana Moss and I understand that the Skins won the game. But getting intercepted by the same corner back 3 times is not a mistake a 5 year pro should be making. If Campbell makes it till the end of the season as the Redskins starting quarterback I will be surprised.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this will go down as a game they should have won. Quarterback Josh Johnson playing in his first start showed both the reasons why head coach Raheem Morris benched Byron Leftwich and started with Johnson. Johnson looked good at times and ran the ball well but his arm strength must be a concern to coach Morris.
Dwight Freeney who? In Indianapolis the Colts put on a show against the Settle Seahawks. The Seahawks have arguably the best linebacker core in the NFL but were made to look like a pub team as Peyton Manning and the Colts moved to a 4-0 record for the season.Although Manning threw for over 300 yards again this week, he was helped by the Colts defence who was leaded by defensive end Robert Mathis who sacked the Seahawks quarterback Seneca Wallace 3 times in the game.
Wallace individually had a good game, posting numbers of 33 completions on 45 attempts for 257 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions. For a long time now the Colts are weaker against the run but the Seahawks couldn’t get this side of their game going. Running back Julius Jones only ran for 25 yards on 11 touches and former Colts legend Edgerrin James only ran the ball 4 times for 16 yards.
The Seahawks are now 1-3 and will need to pick up their performance if they want to keep up with the 49ers and Cardinals in their division. The Colts are undefeated this season and Manning looks like he wants to break every single season passing record this year, watch this space.
In the battle of Ohio the Browns showed that they are not the worst team in the league. The Cleveland Browns hosted their state rivals the Cincinnati Bengals and took the 2-1 Bengals all the way into overtime. Well it was the Bengals who took the Browns into overtime with a 4th quarter touchdown pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Ochocinco. Och only had 3 catches in the game but 2 of them were for touchdowns. The first will be high on Chad’s personal highlight reel.
Talking of the worst team in the NFL, the St Louis Rams were shut out again. To be honest I would prefer to talk about the 49ers.
Coach Singletary only asks his team to play hard and give 100% and boy are they doing that right now. The 49ers are clearly the best team in the NFC West and they are still without the services of first round draft pick Michael Crabtree.
One player who is now playing like the first round pick he was is Tight End Vernon Davis. Davis is even now a team captain and has come into his own this year with 3 touchdown receptions. Big V is the perfect blend of size, strength and speed and he is now showing the NFL that he could be a rival to Antonio Gates for the best Tight End in the NFL.
In Houston the Raiders showed yet again they will run the Rams close for the worst offence in the NFL. I love to say that the Texans played well but when you play the Raiders you only have to turn up it seems.
I know the Raiders have won a game this season but they really don’t look like they’ll be able to win another. Russell has no one to throw to in the passing game and they only used Michael Bush 3 times in the run game. Right that is enough Raiders bashing, time to be positive.
In Chicago the Lions were trying to win their second straight game of the season. The game turned out to be a game of 2 halves as the Lions held their own against the in form Bears. Not only did the Lions lose the game but they lost quarterback Matt Stafford in the 4th quarter to a dislocated right knee.
Yesterday the reports coming out of Detroit were that Stafford could be ready to start next week against the Steelers. Only time will tell on this story so I’d watch this space.
The Bears however move to a 3-1 record and after trading for Cutler in the off season they look like a much more balanced team. Now able to throw the ball on 4 and 1 near the goal line, the Bears have the ability to keep defences off balance in every situation.
In Denver, the Broncos moved to 4-0 with a win against the Dallas Cowboys. In the off season the Cowboys let go of T.O. in order to help the Tony Romo be the sole leader of the offence. This game shows me why that move was a mistake. Romo needed T.O. on the final drive of the game.
At the other end of the field the Broncos showed why premier number 1 receivers are at a premium and you should do all you can to hold onto them. Brandon Marshall has had his fair share of problems and run ins with Coach McDaniels but on Sunday night he showed why McDaniels didn’t just cut him loose. After the Broncos scored a field goal to tie the game at 10 each, the Broncos looked for Marshall. Marshall made a difficult catch then stayed on his feet and around and past the Cowboys defence for what turned out to be the game winning touchdown. If you haven’t seen this play yet, then find it and check it out.
Moving on to the Tennessee Titans, who went to Jacksonville looking for there first win of the season. Unfortunately David Garrad was up for the game. Quarterback Garrad threw for 323 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Jags never looked in danger of losing this game.
In the game that I said would be game if the week, we weren’t disappointed. In a game that went back and fourth, Tom Brady and the Patriots showed that they are still the team to look up to and the Ravens showed that they still have a little way to go before they can be considered Super Bowl champs.
Much will be made of the three errors wide out Mark Clayton made in the game but I’m surprised Joe Flacco wasn’t looking for Derrick Mason and Todd Heap as the game was on the line.
Having said that, losing 21-27 to the Pats could help the Ravens in the rest of the season. If the media and public pressure for success is now reduced even a little that could let Flacco and co get on with business.
On Sunday Night the San Diego Chargers welcomed back running back LT and the Pittsburgh Steelers were missing back Willie Parker. In the end it was another running back Rashard Mendenhall who proved the difference in this game. Mendenhall is in his second year from the University of Illinois and what a game he had on Sunday Night. He ran for 165 yards, 2 touchdowns on 29 attempts, he helped the Steelers eat up the clock at the end of the game with his downhill and full blooded running style. In the passing game he caught 2 pass for 26 yards, in what was a monster game for the young man.
The Chargers will know that they lost this game because they didn’t start playing until the second half by which time the Steelers had a commanding lead. But Steelers fans should still be worried that their team couldn’t close this game out in an easier fashion.
The Kansas City Chiefs hosted the New York Giants on Sunday and this was a game between the unbeaten Giants and the unable to win Chiefs.
The Giants were in command of this game from start to finish, leading 17-3 at half time. The Chiefs had a small rally at the end of the game.
This game against highlighted the emergent of Steve Smith and not the wide receiver from the Carolina Panthers. This is Steve Smith, born in Alaska and drafted in the second round by the Giants in 2007. Smith went to college at USC and now he has become Eli Manning’s favourite target. In this game Smith caught 11 passes for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns.
On Monday Night Football the Green Bay Packers visited Brett Favre, my apologies I meant the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings were undefeated going into this game but the Packers made a game of it. Favre however was the star of the show with 3 touchdown passes and 271 yard through the air. The game wasn’t all about Favre however, as defensive end Jared Allen picked up 4 and a half sacks in the game. One of which was for a safety late in the game.
Week 4 like the 3 weeks before, I think are proving that the NFL is the number one sport in American and the most entertain sport on TV anywhere in the world. I understand that the Premier League is heating up nicely but the NFL has total excitement and unpredictability each and every week.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Sunday 27 September 2009
BAFL: Premier
Hello and welcome to the Keepmaot stadium. We are in Doncaster for the BAFL Premier Final.
The London Blitz play the Coventry Jets and the game should be great. The Jets won the Championship last season against the Blitz and both teams are ready to take home the Boston Trophy.
I have interviews with both Coaches and a couple of players and both are 100% confident of winning today. Of course only one team can win, who that will be I couldn’t tell you.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
The London Blitz play the Coventry Jets and the game should be great. The Jets won the Championship last season against the Blitz and both teams are ready to take home the Boston Trophy.
I have interviews with both Coaches and a couple of players and both are 100% confident of winning today. Of course only one team can win, who that will be I couldn’t tell you.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Saturday 26 September 2009
BAFL: Div 2 Final
By Daniel Ferdinand
Right now it's time for the Div 2 Final.
The Colchester Gladiators face the Leicester Falcons in the BAFL Div 2 final. The Keepmoat Stadium has seen five games so far today but this will be the high light of the day.
Who will win the win the battle of the head coaches, as Matt Roberts (Gladiators) battles Johnny Hopewell (Falcons)?
Follow the game here.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Right now it's time for the Div 2 Final.
The Colchester Gladiators face the Leicester Falcons in the BAFL Div 2 final. The Keepmoat Stadium has seen five games so far today but this will be the high light of the day.
Who will win the win the battle of the head coaches, as Matt Roberts (Gladiators) battles Johnny Hopewell (Falcons)?
Follow the game here.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
BAFL: Youth Final
The next final on the list is the BAFL Youth final. This will be between the Farnham Fast Lane Knights and the Lancashire Wolverine Colts.
Farnham Fast Lane Knights v Lancashire Wolverine Colts
I will be keeping you all updated with the goings on in the game.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Farnham Fast Lane Knights v Lancashire Wolverine Colts
I will be keeping you all updated with the goings on in the game.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
BAFL: Junior Contact Football
Welcome to the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster. It’s a sunny Saturday morning and the place is a buzz of excitement.
You’ll be able to follow all the games today and tomorrow from the comfort of your own home.
Below you see my updates without you having refreshed your page.
First game up is the semi final between the Glasgow Tigers and the London Warriors. The second semi final sees the Clyde Valley Falcons face the Chorley Buccaneers. The winners of the two games will play after to find the 2009 National Champions.
Good luck to all the teams on show today.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
You’ll be able to follow all the games today and tomorrow from the comfort of your own home.
Below you see my updates without you having refreshed your page.
First game up is the semi final between the Glasgow Tigers and the London Warriors. The second semi final sees the Clyde Valley Falcons face the Chorley Buccaneers. The winners of the two games will play after to find the 2009 National Champions.
Good luck to all the teams on show today.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Thursday 24 September 2009
BAFL: The Cassidy Jets No More...
By Adam EtheridgeWhatever happens in Doncaster on September the 27th, one thing is for sure, the name Coventry Cassidy Jets won’t appear on the Boston Trophy this year. In a surprise announcement Jets’ General Manager Will White revealed that the lucrative naming rights deal with the Cassidy Group had come to an end. The announcement ends a partnership that had lasted four years and seen the Jets rise through the ranks to become one of Europe’s premier teams.
“We’ve made some incredible strides and achieved our goal of becoming National Champions with the Cassidy Group onboard” explained White, “It’s a sad day that we announce the end of their association with the club but it’s also an exciting time as we move forward and look to retain our title on Sunday”. The change means that the Jets revert back to their old name, Coventry Jets, and have another new logo, their fifth in the club’s six year history.
White also announced that the Club are still actively seeking new backing but are currently in advanced negotiations with two potential sponsors. “It’s looking pretty promising” stated White “we’ve been talking to a couple of firms for a little while and have made some excellent progress. I’m optimistic that one will be our headline sponsor for some time to come and that the other will also become a strong partner for the club. We’re always looking for fresh sponsorship, be it a gameday sponsor or even a company looking to individually sponsor a player”.
The new logo sees the removal of the swoosh under the name as well as a move to a darker shade of blue, meaning that the colours of the Cassidy Group will no longer feature. “The majority of fans never really went for the yellow in the logo or on the jersey’s sleeves so I’m sure it will prove more popular amongst them. The focus groups that we’ve already consulted helped us make a few tweaks and I’m sure the merchandise will be flying off the sleeves thanks to it”.
Preparations for Britbowl XXIII continue apace for the Jets and Head Coach Gerry McManus. The Championship game sees the Jets face up to the London Blitz for the third straight year as the pair continue to dominate British American Football. In two match ups so far this season the Blitz have won easily 28-0 and 32-0, however, they’re yet to face a full strength Jets team and with Mark Connolly returning to the defensive line Coventry should match up well against the overwhelming favourites.
“We went into Britbowl XXII with a 100% record and were expected to win comfortably after a convincing victory over the Blitz in the regular season” stated departing Jets’ Secretary Adam Etheridge, “but we all know that it didn’t turn out to be that easy and we had to fight for every yard against a well prepared Blitz team. This year the roles are reversed and I’m confident that if we execute our gameplan to perfection we can cause the upset. Coach Moss will have his boys ready to play and it will be a fierce contest that should go right to the wire”.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Sunday 20 September 2009
BAFL: BFO meets Robin Pierce
By Daniel Ferdinand
Last week I conducted an interview with London Blitz Chairman Robin Pierce (left). Coach Pierce was kind enough to answer a few questions for BFO, so here's what he had to say.
Daniel Ferdinand: Since Mark Moss became Head Coach of the London Blitz the team has enjoyed great success, can you take all the credit for the appointment?
Robin Pierce: Ahhh, a straightforward question, but the answer is more complicated. Back at the beginning of the decade, Nick Rockell, Mark, and myself were all new to the Blitz, and it was very different from the club today. Neil Bowles became the club chairman, I became the vice chairman, and Nick Rockell became the head coach after the previous one left the club. At that point, Nick asked Mark to be his defensive coordinator, and the four of us started to sort things out. The next change was Neil leaving the club because of work commitments moving him away from London. I was then elected as chairman, the post I've held ever since. Nick left five years ago, again because work took him from the London area, and I asked Mark to take over as head coach. Having worked so closely with both Nick and Mark, I knew he was the right man for the position, and I never even considered anyone else. Mark is London Blitz through and through, and if he snapped in half, London Blitz would show in the broken ends like a stick of rock!!!! As for taking the credit, yes, I do, but this club does everything by consensus, and everyone wanted Mossy to be the one, so it wasn't exactly a difficult appointment to make.
DF: I would like to talk about last season, losing the final against the Jets by 1 point must have hurt the team?
RP: It's hard to put into words how much that hurt, and to have thrown away a big lead at half time; and finally to cap it all, to hear the dismay of the whole team (I couldn't watch!!!) as that ball went through the uprights with 4 seconds left on the clock. Well, you could have ripped my heart out and not hurt me more. The trip back to London was certainly different from the previous year. Everyone on the team last year was upset, and that's been transmitted to the players that have joined the team this year, so we're united in our desire to make sure it doesn't happen this year.
DF: Can your team focus on the game and not revenge?
RP: Revenge isn't what we're about. We had to accept that last year the Jets never let their heads drop, and they executed their game plan better than we did, resulting in lifting the trophy. This year, we've been incredibly focused on doing everything to get to the final, and we've achieved that emphatically. Now we have one more game to continue to do what we do best.
DF: About this season, being undefeated, does that make you the favourites?
RP: I've seen all the comments on the websites, and the majority of the pundits have us lifting the Boston Trophy again, but those who know the game also know that that old "Any given Sunday" phrase, while it sounds like a cliché, is the ultimate truth in any sport. So we don't kid ourselves.
DF: What do you believe has been the key to the teams success in 2009?
RP: Several things have improved this year. Our defense has been remorseless, and has dominated every team it's been up against. Special Teams have continually given our offense good field position, from kick return and punt return, and often our defense has been able to start well into our opponents half of the field as a result of good kicking and punting. We've always had a good offensive capability, with great players at all the skill positions. Actually, that's a term that annoys me, as it suggests that the line players are not skilled players. To me, nothing is further from the truth; without skilled linemen, the offense would have a miserable afternoon. Great coaching has made our O Line one of the best in UK football.
DF: And finally what will it take to win at the keeptmoat?
RP: The same ruthlessness that we've shown all season, and paying attention to the coaches.
I would firstly like to thank Robin Pierce for taking the time out and answer a few questions. I honestly can't wait to see this game, I know both teams will be confident about winning. Like I say, this one will be a hum-dinger.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Last week I conducted an interview with London Blitz Chairman Robin Pierce (left). Coach Pierce was kind enough to answer a few questions for BFO, so here's what he had to say.Daniel Ferdinand: Since Mark Moss became Head Coach of the London Blitz the team has enjoyed great success, can you take all the credit for the appointment?
Robin Pierce: Ahhh, a straightforward question, but the answer is more complicated. Back at the beginning of the decade, Nick Rockell, Mark, and myself were all new to the Blitz, and it was very different from the club today. Neil Bowles became the club chairman, I became the vice chairman, and Nick Rockell became the head coach after the previous one left the club. At that point, Nick asked Mark to be his defensive coordinator, and the four of us started to sort things out. The next change was Neil leaving the club because of work commitments moving him away from London. I was then elected as chairman, the post I've held ever since. Nick left five years ago, again because work took him from the London area, and I asked Mark to take over as head coach. Having worked so closely with both Nick and Mark, I knew he was the right man for the position, and I never even considered anyone else. Mark is London Blitz through and through, and if he snapped in half, London Blitz would show in the broken ends like a stick of rock!!!! As for taking the credit, yes, I do, but this club does everything by consensus, and everyone wanted Mossy to be the one, so it wasn't exactly a difficult appointment to make.
DF: I would like to talk about last season, losing the final against the Jets by 1 point must have hurt the team?
RP: It's hard to put into words how much that hurt, and to have thrown away a big lead at half time; and finally to cap it all, to hear the dismay of the whole team (I couldn't watch!!!) as that ball went through the uprights with 4 seconds left on the clock. Well, you could have ripped my heart out and not hurt me more. The trip back to London was certainly different from the previous year. Everyone on the team last year was upset, and that's been transmitted to the players that have joined the team this year, so we're united in our desire to make sure it doesn't happen this year.
DF: Can your team focus on the game and not revenge?
RP: Revenge isn't what we're about. We had to accept that last year the Jets never let their heads drop, and they executed their game plan better than we did, resulting in lifting the trophy. This year, we've been incredibly focused on doing everything to get to the final, and we've achieved that emphatically. Now we have one more game to continue to do what we do best.
DF: About this season, being undefeated, does that make you the favourites?
RP: I've seen all the comments on the websites, and the majority of the pundits have us lifting the Boston Trophy again, but those who know the game also know that that old "Any given Sunday" phrase, while it sounds like a cliché, is the ultimate truth in any sport. So we don't kid ourselves.
DF: What do you believe has been the key to the teams success in 2009?
RP: Several things have improved this year. Our defense has been remorseless, and has dominated every team it's been up against. Special Teams have continually given our offense good field position, from kick return and punt return, and often our defense has been able to start well into our opponents half of the field as a result of good kicking and punting. We've always had a good offensive capability, with great players at all the skill positions. Actually, that's a term that annoys me, as it suggests that the line players are not skilled players. To me, nothing is further from the truth; without skilled linemen, the offense would have a miserable afternoon. Great coaching has made our O Line one of the best in UK football.
DF: And finally what will it take to win at the keeptmoat?
RP: The same ruthlessness that we've shown all season, and paying attention to the coaches.
I would firstly like to thank Robin Pierce for taking the time out and answer a few questions. I honestly can't wait to see this game, I know both teams will be confident about winning. Like I say, this one will be a hum-dinger.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
BAFL: BFO meets Adam Etheridge
By Daniel Ferdinand
I've been a busy bee this week. Here I was luckly to get some time with Adam Etheridge the Secretary of the Coventry Cassidy Jets.
The Jets are the defending Britbowl Champions and booked their place in the final with another win over the Bristol Aztecs.
Here is what Adam had to say.
Daniel Ferdinand: As the defending Britbowl Champions are you feeling the pressure?
Adam Etheridge: Not at all, in fact quite the opposite. We go into this game as heavy underdogs after losing to the Blitz twice this season. They've been great all year & everyone expects them to walk away with it much like we were expected to after our perfect season last year.
DF: In the final you will again be facing the London Blitz, are you sick of them yet?
AE: It's fair to say that over the past 3 seasons ourselves and the Blitz have been the dominant teams in Britball and as such we look forward to testing ourselves against them, Britbowl XXIII will be no different.
DF: You have had a rough time against the Blitz this year, how do you score against them?
AE: Yeah, we haven't managed it yet in two games this year. If it goes anything like last year we'll use the pass to open it up for the run. Their defensive front is fearsome and unless we can show them that we've got a few dimensions to our game it'll be a long day.
DF: Your quarterback Stuart Franklin played for the Blitz last year, who does that help the most, Franklin or the blitz defence?
AE: Stuart has worked tirelessly building towards this moment, he's put a lot of work into creating an offense that can take advantage of the Blitz's weaknesses. Their roster hasn't changed a great deal from last year so we know them quite well. We've been through a rebuilding process this season so Stuart will be able to take advantage of personnel that the Blitz won't know much about.
DF: Can you tell us, what you believe will be the key to your team winning?
AE: Like any game, it'll be won & lost in the trenches. We need to shut down London's running game and make sure we get pressure on Fred Boyle. We know what he can do when he has time but I'm pretty sure he can be rattled. I think it's going to be a very low scoring game and more akin to 2007 than 2008, a defensive score could be what decides the game. Above all we need to protect the ball and win the turnover battle.
DF: You have added a few new players since the start of the season, how have they settled in?
AE: After winning it all last year our roster had a bit of an enforced overhaul and we entered a rebuilding phase. Our success in getting to the final this year is credit to the guys that have come in and been able to settle and contribute straight away.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
I've been a busy bee this week. Here I was luckly to get some time with Adam Etheridge the Secretary of the Coventry Cassidy Jets.The Jets are the defending Britbowl Champions and booked their place in the final with another win over the Bristol Aztecs.
Here is what Adam had to say.
Daniel Ferdinand: As the defending Britbowl Champions are you feeling the pressure?
Adam Etheridge: Not at all, in fact quite the opposite. We go into this game as heavy underdogs after losing to the Blitz twice this season. They've been great all year & everyone expects them to walk away with it much like we were expected to after our perfect season last year.
DF: In the final you will again be facing the London Blitz, are you sick of them yet?
AE: It's fair to say that over the past 3 seasons ourselves and the Blitz have been the dominant teams in Britball and as such we look forward to testing ourselves against them, Britbowl XXIII will be no different.
DF: You have had a rough time against the Blitz this year, how do you score against them?
AE: Yeah, we haven't managed it yet in two games this year. If it goes anything like last year we'll use the pass to open it up for the run. Their defensive front is fearsome and unless we can show them that we've got a few dimensions to our game it'll be a long day.
DF: Your quarterback Stuart Franklin played for the Blitz last year, who does that help the most, Franklin or the blitz defence?
AE: Stuart has worked tirelessly building towards this moment, he's put a lot of work into creating an offense that can take advantage of the Blitz's weaknesses. Their roster hasn't changed a great deal from last year so we know them quite well. We've been through a rebuilding process this season so Stuart will be able to take advantage of personnel that the Blitz won't know much about.
DF: Can you tell us, what you believe will be the key to your team winning?
AE: Like any game, it'll be won & lost in the trenches. We need to shut down London's running game and make sure we get pressure on Fred Boyle. We know what he can do when he has time but I'm pretty sure he can be rattled. I think it's going to be a very low scoring game and more akin to 2007 than 2008, a defensive score could be what decides the game. Above all we need to protect the ball and win the turnover battle.
DF: You have added a few new players since the start of the season, how have they settled in?
AE: After winning it all last year our roster had a bit of an enforced overhaul and we entered a rebuilding phase. Our success in getting to the final this year is credit to the guys that have come in and been able to settle and contribute straight away.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
The Rise of the Jets
By Adam Etheridge
The Jets are a relatively new club, founded as the Coventry Jaguars in 2004, however the sport has a long history in our city. Back in 1994 the first American Football team based in Coventry was called the Warwickshire Bears. Soon afterwards they became the Coventry Bears and won the Anglo Conference Central Division with an 8-2 record. The season included a narrow loss to the Oslo Trolls, the city’s first international game.
Two mergers followed. An unsuccessful one with the MK Bucks and then, in 1990, with the Walsall Titans, to form a dynamic new team called the Coventry Jaguars. The ‘Jags’ went onto record a perfect 10-0 season, the Division II Coca-Cola Bowl Championship and a notable win over the Upper Heyford Sky Kings. By 1993 Coventry found themselves in the Division 1 Super League, but it was a step too far. The signing of Cleveland Brown draftee Clemente Gordon bankrupted the club, which folded at the end of the season.
A decade later the Jaguars were reformed and started their first season in 2004, in the BAFL Division 2 South West. Despite a number of close games, the Jaguars went winless, 0-9-1. However, the club attendances and facilities were the best in the UK and the 2004/5 off-season saw some frantic activity as the Jaguars not only changed their name to the Jets but signed numerous GB Internationals such as Steve Coles and Tony Perkins as well as the mercurial Canadian QB Adam Lane.
The Jets were transformed. They ripped the BAFL Division 2 apart with a point-a-minute offense and one of the stingiest defenses in the history of the game (conceding just 7 points in the regular season and amassing over 600). The division was wrapped up by week 6 and the Jets romped into the Britbowl Division 2 final as firm favourites to beat the undefeated Kent Exiles. By half-time the perfect season for the Jets was apparently in tatters, as the southern team led 20-6. However, the Jets dominated the second half but still needed a last minute kick-off touchdown return from Perkins to take the title with a 30-26 come back victory.
The 13-0 Jets again recruited hard, now with the backing of the Cassidy Group as head line sponsors. Attendances grew to a record of 1,800 by the time the Jets were to meet the Kent Exiles in the 2006 1A semi-final in Coventry. Behind the arm of Chicago native Joe Wright and the catches of Cohen and Simms the Jets had again ripped the league apart, taking the scalp of the Birmingham Bulls on route with a 27-0 shutout. The new #1 team in the Midlands was also ranked #3 in the nation and any doubts about how much progress they had made was emphatically put to bed with the Jets thrashing of the Exiles 62-18. A comfortable 52-20 romp in the Britbowl 1A final over the Bristol Aztecs ensued and the season was rounded off with a win over the Irish National team to conclude a back-to-back perfect season. The winning streak was extended to 27-0 with a 49-0 romp over the Rhinos, Milan in early this year.
The Jets entered 2007 with a big squad, that included a lot of new faces. However, the import pair of Chris Foster and Woody Weathers failed to improve the team. Despite a narrow win over defending Britbowl Champion London O’s in front of 2,000 people at the Ricoh Arena the Jets were edged out of Europe by the Cinneplex Blue Devils in Austria. The domestic winning-streak also came to an end at the hands of the Blitz 28-24 in London, who repeated the trick 14-6 at Britbowl XXI. Nevertheless, they were great games and a terrific learning experience for a team still only 4 years old.
Entering 2008 ranked #2 in the UK and #15 in Europe the Jets enjoyed a Euro Campaign that took them into the Eurobowl quarter-finals on the back of a home victory over Valencia and a first road success over the Oslo Vikings. After falling to eventual Champions the Tirol Raiders, thoughts turned to the domestic campaign. A thrilling come from behind victory saw the Jets win Britbowl XXII, defeating defending Champions the London Blitz 33-32 on a 40 yard field goal with just 5 seconds left to play.
Follow me Daniel Ferdinand on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
The Jets are a relatively new club, founded as the Coventry Jaguars in 2004, however the sport has a long history in our city. Back in 1994 the first American Football team based in Coventry was called the Warwickshire Bears. Soon afterwards they became the Coventry Bears and won the Anglo Conference Central Division with an 8-2 record. The season included a narrow loss to the Oslo Trolls, the city’s first international game.
Two mergers followed. An unsuccessful one with the MK Bucks and then, in 1990, with the Walsall Titans, to form a dynamic new team called the Coventry Jaguars. The ‘Jags’ went onto record a perfect 10-0 season, the Division II Coca-Cola Bowl Championship and a notable win over the Upper Heyford Sky Kings. By 1993 Coventry found themselves in the Division 1 Super League, but it was a step too far. The signing of Cleveland Brown draftee Clemente Gordon bankrupted the club, which folded at the end of the season.
A decade later the Jaguars were reformed and started their first season in 2004, in the BAFL Division 2 South West. Despite a number of close games, the Jaguars went winless, 0-9-1. However, the club attendances and facilities were the best in the UK and the 2004/5 off-season saw some frantic activity as the Jaguars not only changed their name to the Jets but signed numerous GB Internationals such as Steve Coles and Tony Perkins as well as the mercurial Canadian QB Adam Lane.
The Jets were transformed. They ripped the BAFL Division 2 apart with a point-a-minute offense and one of the stingiest defenses in the history of the game (conceding just 7 points in the regular season and amassing over 600). The division was wrapped up by week 6 and the Jets romped into the Britbowl Division 2 final as firm favourites to beat the undefeated Kent Exiles. By half-time the perfect season for the Jets was apparently in tatters, as the southern team led 20-6. However, the Jets dominated the second half but still needed a last minute kick-off touchdown return from Perkins to take the title with a 30-26 come back victory.
The 13-0 Jets again recruited hard, now with the backing of the Cassidy Group as head line sponsors. Attendances grew to a record of 1,800 by the time the Jets were to meet the Kent Exiles in the 2006 1A semi-final in Coventry. Behind the arm of Chicago native Joe Wright and the catches of Cohen and Simms the Jets had again ripped the league apart, taking the scalp of the Birmingham Bulls on route with a 27-0 shutout. The new #1 team in the Midlands was also ranked #3 in the nation and any doubts about how much progress they had made was emphatically put to bed with the Jets thrashing of the Exiles 62-18. A comfortable 52-20 romp in the Britbowl 1A final over the Bristol Aztecs ensued and the season was rounded off with a win over the Irish National team to conclude a back-to-back perfect season. The winning streak was extended to 27-0 with a 49-0 romp over the Rhinos, Milan in early this year.
The Jets entered 2007 with a big squad, that included a lot of new faces. However, the import pair of Chris Foster and Woody Weathers failed to improve the team. Despite a narrow win over defending Britbowl Champion London O’s in front of 2,000 people at the Ricoh Arena the Jets were edged out of Europe by the Cinneplex Blue Devils in Austria. The domestic winning-streak also came to an end at the hands of the Blitz 28-24 in London, who repeated the trick 14-6 at Britbowl XXI. Nevertheless, they were great games and a terrific learning experience for a team still only 4 years old.
Entering 2008 ranked #2 in the UK and #15 in Europe the Jets enjoyed a Euro Campaign that took them into the Eurobowl quarter-finals on the back of a home victory over Valencia and a first road success over the Oslo Vikings. After falling to eventual Champions the Tirol Raiders, thoughts turned to the domestic campaign. A thrilling come from behind victory saw the Jets win Britbowl XXII, defeating defending Champions the London Blitz 33-32 on a 40 yard field goal with just 5 seconds left to play.
Follow me Daniel Ferdinand on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Saturday 19 September 2009
BAFL: The BAFL Talk Back
By Daniel Ferdinand
There is only one simple way to say this, the Britbowl is coming.
Next weekend the UK Football world descends on Doncaster. The Keepmoat Stadium, home of the Doncaster Rovers soccer team and in the BAFL’s own Doncaster Mustangs welcomes six teams all looking to be National Champions.
Being National Champions show that your team is the best prepared and has executed your game plan the best.
Will your team be the Champions?
This week British Football Online (BFO) will help you through each of the six games coming from Doncaster.
Today I thought it was best to get to know the organisation who run our beautiful game.
So I asked Mark Blyth who is the Football Operations Director and Ken Walters the BAFL Chairman a couple of questions, here is what they said.
Daniel Ferdinand: How is organising the finals weekend going?
Mark Blyth: It's the normal frantic couple of weeks, it always is. But as of today (17th) we're pretty much on top of everything. Next week is a long week for me as I tend to spend a lot of time down at the Keepmoat Stadium helping out with the preparations, ie; overseeing the pitch markings and stuff like that. I'm like that, I like to be 'at the coal face' so to speak. It's not that I don't trust the guys down there, but I can be on hand if a question needs answering regarding anything to do with the event.
DF: Are you happy with how the season has gone?
MB: Not entirely. We've had major issues regarding Youth football this year in the sense that a lot of teams either pulled out before or during the season. It's not been easy for some of the teams as it's effectively reduced their season to 3 or 4 games which isn't ideal in anyone's eyes. So we need to address that. We've also had issues with there being not enough Officials to cover all our games. However I need to thank everyone that made a real effort ot help out by resheduling their games to make things work. We ended up losing only a fraction of the games we could have which, for me, was a result.
DF: Can you explain to us the BAFL's history with Doncaster Rovers and the Keepmoat Stadium?
MB: From 2000 we held our Finals at Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield and they did us proud for 8 years. But in 2008 we got word that we may have a problem. Basically Rotherham United were in deep trouble and were set to be booted out of Millmoor and their training ground by the Family that had owned them for so long. In the end the word became true as we were presented with the scenario that DVS had signed a primacy agreement with RUFC which meant that we couldn't hold our Finals there in 2008. To cut a longer story short, we decided to up sticks. The Keepmoat Stadium (well the Athletics Arena bit) had been home to my team (Doncaster Mustangs) since it opened in 2007 and we decided to ask them if they could step in at short notice. To be honest they were brilliant and and bent over backwards to help us. The dates we wanted fitted into Rovers schedule so we were able to rescue the situation. They must have been impressed as we are back again and looking to secure a longer term deal.
DF: Where do you see the BAFL over the next few years?
MB: We need to come good on the things we had intended to do for Youth and Junior football when we took over their operations in 2007/8. We have a Strategy meeting planned for November when we'll be inviting all Youth & Junior teams (both Kitted & Flag) to attend so we can thrash out a clear pathway for their spehere of the sport. It's not going to be a finger pointing session, we don't need to do that. What we need to do is find solutions to the problems we face. That's the immediate future. A bit further down the line for me is to establish a significant top division that is attractive to the public.
DF: What contact does the BAFL board have with the NFL?
Ken Walters: BAFL is a member association of BAFA – the National Governing Body. The protocol for a relationship with the NFL is, therefore, via them.
DF: Talking about next year, are there any new teams for next year?
MB: We have 2 new teams that are entering our Associate process this coming Autumn. How they perform during that time will determine whether or not they make it to full member status for 2010.
DF: Do the BAFL board have any sponsorship deals in the pipe line?
KW: The BAFA does not have any ‘irons in the fire at this time’. The economic climate is very tough at this time and we are focusing our efforts on the delivery of quality competitions for our member clubs.
DF: Back, in the 80's teams used to get crowds of around 7,000, how do we get there again?
MB: That's a tough question to answer and I'm not sure there is a simple answer. As I said before, one of my personal long term goals is to establish a top division that is attractive to spectators and sponsors alike. But it's going to take a lot of hard work from a lot of people to get there.
DF: What does the BAFL board do over the winter?
MB: Well we don't go into hibernation, that's for sure. As soon as this season is over, we start preparing for the next. We will be deciding the format for the competitions for 2010, getting in the applications for 2010, doing all our 'housework' from 2009...the list goes on. It's a 12 months of the year job.
DF: Finally, what are the British Lions up to this winter?
MB: Coach Ayub has a game planned against France for November which I'm hoping to be involved in organising. Actually I've done a little ground work for that already so hopefully it will get the nod. After that my guess is that they will be planning and preparing for the Euros next June or July. You'd have to speak to the Lions Coaches & Staff for a clearer picture of their plans.
I would like to thank Mark and Ken for their time in answering my questions. I hope this interview has given you an in sight into the weekend and the board.
Keep coming back this week for more Britbowl content each day.
Here is a map to show you how to get to the keepmoat. Why don't you join in on the fun.
Prices:
£10 Adults
£5 Under 16's & Seniors
Under 10's free
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Next weekend the UK Football world descends on Doncaster. The Keepmoat Stadium, home of the Doncaster Rovers soccer team and in the BAFL’s own Doncaster Mustangs welcomes six teams all looking to be National Champions.
Being National Champions show that your team is the best prepared and has executed your game plan the best.
Will your team be the Champions?
This week British Football Online (BFO) will help you through each of the six games coming from Doncaster.
Today I thought it was best to get to know the organisation who run our beautiful game.
So I asked Mark Blyth who is the Football Operations Director and Ken Walters the BAFL Chairman a couple of questions, here is what they said.
Daniel Ferdinand: How is organising the finals weekend going?
Mark Blyth: It's the normal frantic couple of weeks, it always is. But as of today (17th) we're pretty much on top of everything. Next week is a long week for me as I tend to spend a lot of time down at the Keepmoat Stadium helping out with the preparations, ie; overseeing the pitch markings and stuff like that. I'm like that, I like to be 'at the coal face' so to speak. It's not that I don't trust the guys down there, but I can be on hand if a question needs answering regarding anything to do with the event.
DF: Are you happy with how the season has gone?
MB: Not entirely. We've had major issues regarding Youth football this year in the sense that a lot of teams either pulled out before or during the season. It's not been easy for some of the teams as it's effectively reduced their season to 3 or 4 games which isn't ideal in anyone's eyes. So we need to address that. We've also had issues with there being not enough Officials to cover all our games. However I need to thank everyone that made a real effort ot help out by resheduling their games to make things work. We ended up losing only a fraction of the games we could have which, for me, was a result.
DF: Can you explain to us the BAFL's history with Doncaster Rovers and the Keepmoat Stadium?
MB: From 2000 we held our Finals at Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield and they did us proud for 8 years. But in 2008 we got word that we may have a problem. Basically Rotherham United were in deep trouble and were set to be booted out of Millmoor and their training ground by the Family that had owned them for so long. In the end the word became true as we were presented with the scenario that DVS had signed a primacy agreement with RUFC which meant that we couldn't hold our Finals there in 2008. To cut a longer story short, we decided to up sticks. The Keepmoat Stadium (well the Athletics Arena bit) had been home to my team (Doncaster Mustangs) since it opened in 2007 and we decided to ask them if they could step in at short notice. To be honest they were brilliant and and bent over backwards to help us. The dates we wanted fitted into Rovers schedule so we were able to rescue the situation. They must have been impressed as we are back again and looking to secure a longer term deal.
DF: Where do you see the BAFL over the next few years?
MB: We need to come good on the things we had intended to do for Youth and Junior football when we took over their operations in 2007/8. We have a Strategy meeting planned for November when we'll be inviting all Youth & Junior teams (both Kitted & Flag) to attend so we can thrash out a clear pathway for their spehere of the sport. It's not going to be a finger pointing session, we don't need to do that. What we need to do is find solutions to the problems we face. That's the immediate future. A bit further down the line for me is to establish a significant top division that is attractive to the public.
DF: What contact does the BAFL board have with the NFL?
Ken Walters: BAFL is a member association of BAFA – the National Governing Body. The protocol for a relationship with the NFL is, therefore, via them.
DF: Talking about next year, are there any new teams for next year?
MB: We have 2 new teams that are entering our Associate process this coming Autumn. How they perform during that time will determine whether or not they make it to full member status for 2010.
DF: Do the BAFL board have any sponsorship deals in the pipe line?
KW: The BAFA does not have any ‘irons in the fire at this time’. The economic climate is very tough at this time and we are focusing our efforts on the delivery of quality competitions for our member clubs.
DF: Back, in the 80's teams used to get crowds of around 7,000, how do we get there again?
MB: That's a tough question to answer and I'm not sure there is a simple answer. As I said before, one of my personal long term goals is to establish a top division that is attractive to spectators and sponsors alike. But it's going to take a lot of hard work from a lot of people to get there.
DF: What does the BAFL board do over the winter?
MB: Well we don't go into hibernation, that's for sure. As soon as this season is over, we start preparing for the next. We will be deciding the format for the competitions for 2010, getting in the applications for 2010, doing all our 'housework' from 2009...the list goes on. It's a 12 months of the year job.
DF: Finally, what are the British Lions up to this winter?
MB: Coach Ayub has a game planned against France for November which I'm hoping to be involved in organising. Actually I've done a little ground work for that already so hopefully it will get the nod. After that my guess is that they will be planning and preparing for the Euros next June or July. You'd have to speak to the Lions Coaches & Staff for a clearer picture of their plans.
I would like to thank Mark and Ken for their time in answering my questions. I hope this interview has given you an in sight into the weekend and the board.
Keep coming back this week for more Britbowl content each day.
Here is a map to show you how to get to the keepmoat. Why don't you join in on the fun.Prices:
£10 Adults
£5 Under 16's & Seniors
Under 10's free
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Tuesday 15 September 2009
NFL: Tom Brady Returns
By Daniel Ferdinand
Well now Tom Brady could very well be superman. If last nights game would have been part of a movie we all would have turned off because it's way to unbelievable.
In his first game since week 1 last season Brady threw for 378 yards and two touchdowns, as the Patriots won late in the game.
The question I have is why oh why did Leodis McKelvin try and run the kick off back. Why did he not just settle for the touchback, which would have given the Bills the ball on their own 20 yard line. I'm sure as the Bills will wake up this morning and this defeat will be hard for them to swallow.
Brady is back and the NFL is better for his return. This season could see a shoot out between Brady and Brees (New Orleans Saints) in the race of league MVP. If week 1 is anything to go by we are in for a cracker.
In Monday nights other game, the Raiders found a way to throw the win away against the Chargers. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell looked like the 1st overall draft talent he is being paid for. Russell even blocked two players on a reverse play and threw the ball with power and skill.
The off season reports coming out of Oakland were about Russell taking a number of recievers away for private training away from the media. The hard work looks like it's starting to paid off.
Oakland still have a number of holes but this defeat shows that they my not be the worst team in the league. Plus former Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour looks ready to play. Seymour spent much of the game in the backfield hunting Phillip Rivers. He is a great signing if the Raiders can keep him happy and focused.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Well now Tom Brady could very well be superman. If last nights game would have been part of a movie we all would have turned off because it's way to unbelievable.
In his first game since week 1 last season Brady threw for 378 yards and two touchdowns, as the Patriots won late in the game.
The question I have is why oh why did Leodis McKelvin try and run the kick off back. Why did he not just settle for the touchback, which would have given the Bills the ball on their own 20 yard line. I'm sure as the Bills will wake up this morning and this defeat will be hard for them to swallow.
Brady is back and the NFL is better for his return. This season could see a shoot out between Brady and Brees (New Orleans Saints) in the race of league MVP. If week 1 is anything to go by we are in for a cracker.
In Monday nights other game, the Raiders found a way to throw the win away against the Chargers. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell looked like the 1st overall draft talent he is being paid for. Russell even blocked two players on a reverse play and threw the ball with power and skill.
The off season reports coming out of Oakland were about Russell taking a number of recievers away for private training away from the media. The hard work looks like it's starting to paid off.
Oakland still have a number of holes but this defeat shows that they my not be the worst team in the league. Plus former Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour looks ready to play. Seymour spent much of the game in the backfield hunting Phillip Rivers. He is a great signing if the Raiders can keep him happy and focused.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
NFL: Are the Saints the really deal?
By Daniel Ferdinand
Okay yes the Saints won convincingly, but lets be honest they were playing the Detroit Lions. Last season quarterback Brees threw for nearly 5,000 yards and he start this season where he left off last year.
I watch the highlights of the game on NFL.com and I saw to faults in the Saints team. I'm not going to talk about injuries, because that goes for every team in the league. But the defence does not look like it has improved enough. The Lions touchdown was a simple pitch left and the running back walked into the endzone.
The other problem as I see it, is Reggie Bush. I'm still not sold on Bush, he is an explosive player, however he doesn't seem like he can carry the load in the NFL. He completed his first NFL season but has yet to finish 16 games since and the Lions were able to hold him to 14 yards on 7 carries. May be that had something to do with Bush missing the last 3 pre season games, but that is my point, he gets banged up all the time.
I believe their are a number of teams ahead of the Saints, but New Orleans could see a wild card game this season. Brees will have to stay fit and on form. He is the key for this team.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Okay yes the Saints won convincingly, but lets be honest they were playing the Detroit Lions. Last season quarterback Brees threw for nearly 5,000 yards and he start this season where he left off last year.
I watch the highlights of the game on NFL.com and I saw to faults in the Saints team. I'm not going to talk about injuries, because that goes for every team in the league. But the defence does not look like it has improved enough. The Lions touchdown was a simple pitch left and the running back walked into the endzone.
The other problem as I see it, is Reggie Bush. I'm still not sold on Bush, he is an explosive player, however he doesn't seem like he can carry the load in the NFL. He completed his first NFL season but has yet to finish 16 games since and the Lions were able to hold him to 14 yards on 7 carries. May be that had something to do with Bush missing the last 3 pre season games, but that is my point, he gets banged up all the time.
I believe their are a number of teams ahead of the Saints, but New Orleans could see a wild card game this season. Brees will have to stay fit and on form. He is the key for this team.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Sunday 13 September 2009
NFL: Opening Sunday
By Daniel Ferdinand
Okay it’s the first Sunday of the NFL season and I’m going to put my neck on the line. So here goes, The Minnesota Vikings will be Super Bowl (44TH) XLIV champions.
There you go, I’ve said it now. I fully expect the signing of Brett Favre to be the difference maker. In this post I will explain my thought process and why I believe the shoulder of Favre will stand the test of time.
The Vikings have only ever won one NFL Championship, all the way back in 1969. Last year they made the play offs losing to the Philadelphia Eagles at home in the Wild Card game.
Finally adding number 4 to the team takes pressure off the shoulders (no punt intended) of star running back Adrian Peterson. Favre gives the Vikings a better threat under centre than either Travis Jackson (who I believe will be a better player once Favre goes) and Sage Rosenfels. In turn Peterson relieves the pressure on Favre. Teams playing the Vikings this year will have to respect Favre and will not be able to put eight men (a defensive strategy, designed to stop running plays) in the box on every play. Favre also provides Head Coach Brad Childress with an option on 3rd and long.
Let’s not forget the rest of the Vikings team, their offensive line is very strong with Steve Hutchinson at left guard, being around the best in the business. At wide receiver six year veteran Bernard Berrian will be Favre’s go to guy. Favre also has first round draft pick Percy Harvin to throw too. Harvin from the University of Florida (Florida Gators) can play in multiple-positions because of his speed and open field running. Expect him to play at receiver, running back and returner this season.
On defence the Williams’ Pat and Kevin (not related) on the defensive line will be able to play the opening game (against the Cleveland Browns) after the federal appeals court blocked the NFL’s attempt to suspend the pair (for violating the league’s anti-doping policy).
So with both Williams’ playing (for now) and Jared Allen at defensive end, the Vikings should again be among the top ranked defences against the run. I’m sure teams will look to beat this defence through the air but Coach Childress should have his team prepare for this type of attack.
I have picked the Vikings because on offence they can hold on to the ball and win the battle of the clock (the time each team has possession on the ball on offence) most weeks. This will keep their very strong defence fresh and ready for battle.
We will see if I’m right come February, I really hope I am.
The Vikings are first up tonight on Sky Sports 3 the show starts at 5:30pm. I will be watch at my friends bar in South Woodford.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Okay it’s the first Sunday of the NFL season and I’m going to put my neck on the line. So here goes, The Minnesota Vikings will be Super Bowl (44TH) XLIV champions.
There you go, I’ve said it now. I fully expect the signing of Brett Favre to be the difference maker. In this post I will explain my thought process and why I believe the shoulder of Favre will stand the test of time.
The Vikings have only ever won one NFL Championship, all the way back in 1969. Last year they made the play offs losing to the Philadelphia Eagles at home in the Wild Card game.
Finally adding number 4 to the team takes pressure off the shoulders (no punt intended) of star running back Adrian Peterson. Favre gives the Vikings a better threat under centre than either Travis Jackson (who I believe will be a better player once Favre goes) and Sage Rosenfels. In turn Peterson relieves the pressure on Favre. Teams playing the Vikings this year will have to respect Favre and will not be able to put eight men (a defensive strategy, designed to stop running plays) in the box on every play. Favre also provides Head Coach Brad Childress with an option on 3rd and long.
Let’s not forget the rest of the Vikings team, their offensive line is very strong with Steve Hutchinson at left guard, being around the best in the business. At wide receiver six year veteran Bernard Berrian will be Favre’s go to guy. Favre also has first round draft pick Percy Harvin to throw too. Harvin from the University of Florida (Florida Gators) can play in multiple-positions because of his speed and open field running. Expect him to play at receiver, running back and returner this season.
On defence the Williams’ Pat and Kevin (not related) on the defensive line will be able to play the opening game (against the Cleveland Browns) after the federal appeals court blocked the NFL’s attempt to suspend the pair (for violating the league’s anti-doping policy).
So with both Williams’ playing (for now) and Jared Allen at defensive end, the Vikings should again be among the top ranked defences against the run. I’m sure teams will look to beat this defence through the air but Coach Childress should have his team prepare for this type of attack.
I have picked the Vikings because on offence they can hold on to the ball and win the battle of the clock (the time each team has possession on the ball on offence) most weeks. This will keep their very strong defence fresh and ready for battle.
We will see if I’m right come February, I really hope I am.
The Vikings are first up tonight on Sky Sports 3 the show starts at 5:30pm. I will be watch at my friends bar in South Woodford.
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
BAFL 1: Review
By Daniel FerdinandBAFL 1
Cambridgeshire Cats 6 - 22 London Cobras
The London Cobras made it 3 wins out of 3 over the Cambridgeshire Cats in 2009 with a convincing 22 - 6 victory.
The Cobras' have a strong strong squad, full of talent and they over came complacency to record the semi final victory.
The Cats finish a successful season on a low but they can rest and look to add to their squad for next season.
The undefeated Cobras will be looking forward to returning to Doncaster and the Britbowl, but this time they are playing a division higher.
East Kilbride Pirates 25 - 0 Tamworth Phoenix
The Tamworth Phoenix had a nightmare at home as the Pirates swooped in a ran back to Scotland with the victory.
The Pirates are the only team this weekend to win away from home and they would have enjoyed their trip back north.
I'm sure the Tamworth team would have been disappointed by the result but they have played well all season and once the game is out of their system they can look back and be happy with their work.
Peterborough Saxons 25 - 0 Norwich Devils
The Norwich Devils finished a disappointing season without a victory.
The Saxons were in no mood to give out any charity and closed the season with a shut out over the Devils.
The Devils head coach Nick Rockell also stepped down after the game after three seasons in the position.
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BAFL 2: Review
By Daniel FerdinandBAFL: 2 Review
Glasgow Tigers 6 - 7 Leicester Falcons
You can read the Falcons match report here
In the lowest scoring game this weekend the Leicester Falcons squeaked pass the Glasgow Tigers.
Nick Surface's interception and run back took the Falcons into the redzone. The games first score was recorded when quarterback Arturo Sanchez throw a pass receiver Chris Rodrigo. Rodrigo did not make the touchdown catch however because the ball was deflected into the arms of team mate Ben Longland, the extra point made the score 7-0.
The Tigers drove up the field and scored when quarterback Scott Couper found Ruairdh McDonald in the endzone. The Tigers went for two points and the win. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Couper was sacked by heroic Alex Ottaway.
With the game over the Tigers travelled home, licking their wounds. The Falcons however get one more game and chance to be crowned the BAFL division 2 champions.
Hampshire Thrashers 20 - 49 Colchester Gladiators
The Colchester Gladiators player their second game in a week when they returned to the Wivenhoe Stadium. The visitors this week was the Hampshire Thrashers.
Last week the Thrashers beat the Mavericks at home.
Just missing out on scoring 50 points seems like the only negitive for Colchester. But playing at the Keepmoat for the final is reward enough for the boys in blue and yellow.
The Hampshire Thrashers can now reflex on a successful season which sure the team undefeated in the regular season. The Thrashers can now look forward to the 2010 season with expectation.
But the 2009 season continues for the Gladiators.
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BAFL: Defending Champs Back in The Final
By Adam EtheridgeThe Coventry Cassidy Jets fired into the Britbowl final for a third straight year with a 28-14 semi-final victory over the Bristol Aztecs. Tony Perkins had the games biggest play, returning the opening kick off of the second half for 81 yards a touchdown that broke Bristol’s resistance. Once again the Jets will face the London Blitz for the National Title as they ran over the Farnham Fast Lane Knights 33-13.
Coventry opened the scoring on their second possession, Jeremy Simms making a tremendous catch over the middle for a 19 yard touchdown reception from Stuart Franklin. The play was set up by a hook and ladder play, Franklin’s pass was caught by Dale Hawes at the Bristol 24 before the diminutive receiver pitched the ball back to Dominic Olney who barrelled ahead for an extra five yards. Hawes attempted to add the extra point but his kick was blocked.
Bristol, who had managed only nine yards in the air, struck back late in the first half with a touchdown from Dominic Westwood to Nick Smith. The 38 yard pass was an embarrassment for the Jets’ defence as both Ahmed Hashim and Wayne Gumbs missed what looked to be simple tackles on the way to the endzone. Jon Wyse added the extra point to hand Bristol a 7-6 lead with half time looming.
Franklin completed a 38 yard pass of his own as Mark Cohen dragged tacklers down inside the Bristol redzone. The Aztecs brought a lot of pressure and held the Jets short of the endzone. When running out the clock would have been the logical choice, Bristol decided to go for the throat, Ted Baynham was brought in at quarterback to throw the deep ball. His first pass was wild and his second was picked off by Ahmed Hashim.A 38 yard touchdown pass to Dominic Olney on the next play punished the Aztecs for their mistake. Kofi Campbell, making a welcome return, coasted in to the endzone to add a two point conversion ensuring that the Jets would enter the break with the lead at 14-7. As the second half began it was time for Tony Perkins to take centre stage, his 81 yard kick off return was a hammer blow for the Aztecs as they fell two scores behind Coventry’s stingy defence. Hawes booted the extra point for a 14 point advantage.
The remainder of the third quarter saw both teams cancel each other as Coventry’s offence began to sputter. The only drive of note ended with Wyse making a good play to take away a second touchdown from Simms. The Aztecs went back to what worked best in the final quarter, keeping the ball on the ground and letting Mike Adams churn up yardage. His tough running eventually set up another Westwood to Smith touchdown, this time from eight yards. Wyse kicked the extra point to pull Bristol within seven with six minutes remaining in the game.
In response Coventry mounted a 12 play drive, churning up the clock as Franklin directed his team 68 yards downfield completing two key passes to Courtney Pope before Campbell bulled in from three yards out. Hawes again kicked the extra point to restore the Jets 14 point advantage. Bristol’s last chance to respond was snuffed out as an Adam’s fumble was recovered by Liam Smith. The Jets now have three weeks to prepare for the final, which will be held in Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium.
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BAFL: The Blitz Make The Big Game Again
By Gerald WilliamsonThe London Blitz American Football Club booked their place in their fourth consecutive BritBowl, BritBowl XXIII, by defeating the Farnham Fast Lane Knights 33-13.
London Blitz kicker Nathan Holt kicked the game off into the picturesque early September sunshine. Excellent work from #35 Richard “Chicken” Cunningham shut down the Knights kick-off return, tackling the kick returner on the Blitz sideline and setting up the first offensive possession for the Knights on their own 29 yard line. Their possession didn’t last long however as a fired up Blitz defense quickly forcing them to punt with defensive back #3 Aaron Sanders-Percival missing an interception by the length of a fingernail on third down.
The Blitz offense’s possession was even shorter. On the first play of the drive, quarterback #8 Fred Boyle handed the ball off to running back #23 Gareth Dauley who only managed to pick up a yard on the ground before being brought down. On the second play, the Blitz went with the ground game again with #23 Dauley taking the hand off and raced some 67 yards to the end zone for the game’s first score. Kicker #25 Nathan Holt put his kick between the uprights and the boys in Blue were off to a flying seven point lead.
After the ensuing kick-off the stellar Blitz defense went back to work, when defensive back #3 Aaron Sanders-Percival recorded his first interception of the afternoon but his return was negated by a block-in-the- back penalty and forced the offense to start their drive from the Knight’s 29 yard line. The offensive drive stalled however, with the Blitz being forced to punt.
The Blitz defense then got the ball back for its offense, forcing another punt from the Knights’ offense. The Blitz offense then put together a sustained drive, which was capped off by running back #23 Gareth Dauley who strode into the end zone untouched from seven yards out for his second touchdown of the afternoon. #25 Nathan Holt added the point after and the Blitz led 14-0.
Both teams then traded possession as their defenses stood firm and forced the offenses to punt until running back #23 Gareth Dauley broke out into a scintillating 51 yard touchdown run, spinning out of what looked to be a sure tackle before accelerating down the near sideline and into the corner of the end zone to complete his hat-trick of touchdowns for the game. #25 Nathan Holt kicked the point after through the uprights and increased the Blitz lead to 21-0.
The Blitz defense were then burned by a deep ball after blown coverage on a half back pass on the ensuing Knights’ possession for a touchdown and their kicker added the extra point to put the Knights’ back in contention with the score at 21-7. On the following Blitz offensive possession quarterback #8 Fred Boyle was picked off trying to put the game beyond reach. However, the resulting possession didn’t last long with defensive back #3 Aaron Sanders-Percival stepping up and make yet another big play by snaring his second interception of the afternoon.However the ensuing offensive possession didn’t last very long running back #23 Gareth Dauley fumbled the ball for the Knights to recover. The Blitz defense took to the field only to be backed up by a controversial late hitting penalty on Blitz safety #20 Ed Morgan that bemused sections of the crowd. On the very next play veteran defensive back #29 Lennox Johnson was penalized for pass interference in the corner of the end zone. From there, the Knights were able to punch it in from a yard. The point after kick was blocked, leaving the score 21-13 at the half.
The Blitz came out running in the third quarter with key carries from running back #23 Gareth Dauley and fullback #48 Jon Chilton. The offense’s long and grinding drive was capped by an 11 yard catch and run by team captain and wide receiver, #11 Rod “Spartan” Bradley who strode into the far corner of the end zone. #25 Nathan Holt added the extra point and the Blitz lead 28-13.
Stubborn defending from the Blitz defense saw big plays from defensive back #29 Lennox Johnson and defensive lineman #69 Aaron Chambers which kept the Knights offense at bay. The Blitz offense came close to extending its lead but a holding call ruled out a touchdown run from running back #32 Deji Alli. A 27 yard field goal from kicker #25 Nathan Holt and a Safety rounded off the scoring with the final score London Blitz 33, Farnham Knights 13.After the game, wide receiver and team captain Rod “Spartan” Bradley said: “For this game to be somewhat tougher than we expected was probably the best thing for us. We’ve got work to do, we’ve got a lot to prepare in the next three weeks but it’s great for the new guys and everyone who’s put in the effort this year to be in the Bowl game.”
London Blitz Head Coach Mark Moss said: “We’re there now. It was all a bit tense today, we didn’t play that well in the first half but that [key] drive in the second half from the offense set the tone of the second half. We’ve got eight practices [until the Bowl game] and we’ll be working our socks off to be ready, to be prepared.”
The Blitz now prepare for their final game against the Coventry Jets at BritBowl XXIII in Doncaster’s Keep Moat Stadium on September 27th.
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Saturday 5 September 2009
BAFL: 1 Preview
The division 1 play offs are at the semi final stage and after last weeks quarter finals the teams will be battle harden.I was at the Cobras game last week and they are an impressive unit and only the Cats were able to win away from home.
Tamworth won but not in the shoot out fashion I believed and East Kilbride showed that the Gateshead result the week before was just a blip.
Cambridgeshire Cats @ London Cobras
The Cats and the Cobras have faced each other twice already this season, with the Cobras coming out on top both times.
Last week the Cobras' ran with the ball well and benefited from weaken Mustangs side.
The Cats were the only team to win away from home last weekend and will need to do the same again. The problem for the Cats is the fact that the Cobras will be full of running and have yet to taste defeat.
Having seen the Cobras' at first hand I know how powerful a squad they have and this means their coaches can keep the men on the field fresher. The Cobras are able to make big plays and their runners can break tackles. The Cats will need to stay focused for the full 60 minutes.
The Cats will need to play the game of their life's in order over come the Cobras. The pressure will on the Cats quarterback Josh Barimus to manage the game and allow running back Josh Gireath to pound the ball.
You always have to remember on any given Sunday you can win or you can lose, but you always have to fight.
East Kilbride Pirates @ Tamworth Phoenix
The Pirates face the very long trip south to face the Tamworth Phoenix. This is a game which both teams will be confident of winning, a game where losing is not an option.
The Pirates will be looking to running back duo of Iain Dick and Gary Carr to make the hard yards and on defence they will look for a big game from Steven Kane.
Tamworth have only lost one game this season and that was against Welsh opposition early in the season. I am sure that Tamworth will use every advantage they have and not having to travel to Scotland is the biggest one.
Can the Phoenix take advantage of a over travelled Pirates team or will East Kilbride enjoy their journey home.
Peterborough Saxons @ Norwich Devils
One final game to complete the regular season sees the Devils host the Saxons.
The Devils will have one final chance to end a difficult season on a high as they seek their first win of the season.
You have to wish the Devils will (unless your from Ipswich) but I'm sure the Saxons will be in no mood to give out charity. Every yard will be earned as both teams finish up season 2009.
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NFL: Top Stories Around The League
Here are some stories doing the rounds in the NFL.
Some interesting, some funny, some just stories I think you may enjoy.
Cincinnati Bengals
So the reports coming out of Ohio is that Andre Smith is a touch over weight. Not the first round pick I hear you shout, well yes and he has only been at 'team' training for 2 days. Who ate all the, well you know the rest... NFLUK.com
Philadelphia Eagles
Check out Vick's highlights against the Jets. The Eagles lost the game 27-38. Check out the 22 yard loss, throw it away Michael throw it away... NFL.com
Minnesota Vikings
Favre fined $10k for a 'crack-back block'... nytimes.com
Buffalo Bills
Offensive coordinator sacked already. Hello, the season has not started... NFL.com
New England Patriots
The Pats look like going into the season with only 2 quarterbacks. Find out who on... NFL.com
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
Some interesting, some funny, some just stories I think you may enjoy.
Cincinnati Bengals
So the reports coming out of Ohio is that Andre Smith is a touch over weight. Not the first round pick I hear you shout, well yes and he has only been at 'team' training for 2 days. Who ate all the, well you know the rest... NFLUK.com
Philadelphia Eagles
Check out Vick's highlights against the Jets. The Eagles lost the game 27-38. Check out the 22 yard loss, throw it away Michael throw it away... NFL.com
Minnesota Vikings
Favre fined $10k for a 'crack-back block'... nytimes.com
Buffalo Bills
Offensive coordinator sacked already. Hello, the season has not started... NFL.com
New England Patriots
The Pats look like going into the season with only 2 quarterbacks. Find out who on... NFL.com
Follow me on Twitter for all my latest updates on all things Football from both sides on the pond and my ramblings about Fantasy Games and other stuff.
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