-
Bryce Brown and the NFL Parable of the Backup RB
This parable begins with Ricky Watters. The former 49er, Eagles, and Seahawk sports a mediocre career yards per carry average of 4.1 and bad rap for saying to the media “For who, for what?”. Granted, Watters earned his reputation as running back with a diva wide receiver mentality for celebrating runs under 20 yards with animated…
-
Futures at Football Outsiders: OK St. CB Justin Gilbert
He could be good, but he could be bad. It could be said about every player transitioning from college football to the NFL. When reading scouting reports and draft day analysis, it can seem like this is the basic assessment of every prospect. Most Internet scouting reports aren’t written with the purpose of the analyst…
-
QB Case Keenum: Color Me Impressed
Case Keenum is the most surprising bench player in the NFL this year. I’ve studied his three starts and I believe the Cardinals defense provided the best evidence that the Texans’ new starter has the potential to succeed long-term. I’ve kept a close eye on Case Keenum for the past three weeks. The first-time starter…
-
NFL Closeup: WR Jordy Nelson vs. Bump and Run
I would love to take 20 receivers, place them in four groups of five players based on height and weight range, dress them in uniforms that cover their skin head to toe, and have them scrimmage with cornerbacks on tape. While they’re playing, I’d give the audience the names of the players in each group,…
-
A Prayer for Sammy Watkins
When I watch the Clemson receiver, I find myself in a mode of prayerful thought. I know it’s probably wrong to ask for something this selfish, but I want a player like Watkins on my team and if I have to resort to the good entity upstairs, well . . . that’s what crazy fans…
-
Futures at Football Outsiders: Baylor RB Lache Seastrunk
Futures: Baylor RB Lache Seastrunk by Matt Waldman There’s no position I enjoy watching more than running back. One of the reasons I love studying the position is that relative to other roles on the field, there’s a tremendous amount of diversity among players that can excel at the job. No other position in football…
-
NFL Closeup: Safety T.J. Ward’s Line of Scrimmage High Wire Act
I love great running back play and this season, Jamaal Charles’ game qualifies. Charles and LeSean McCoy are two of the most elusive backs in the NFL who can also get the tough yards. Their skill at the sharp cut or layering moves upon moves in succession from these backs at the edge of the…
-
“The Degradation of a Young Stud – Part I” Starring Robert Griffin
Sounds like an adult film, right? It is and it isn’t. What I witnessed from Washington’s passing offense against Denver this weekend was so nasty it will compel viewers take a long shower afterwards. Equally disturbing is that this film possesses a lot of elements of an exploitation flick. I had a difficult time watching an…
-
NFL Closeup: LB Derrick Johnson Taking on a Lead Block
I’ve been a fan of Derrick Johnson since he was a destructive force for the Texas Longhorns. Watching the Chiefs beat the Browns this weekend, Johnson reminded me why I love watching good linebacker play. Among them is the act of taking on a lead block and dropping the ball carrier. Here’s a variation of…
-
Futures: UNC TE Eric Ebron
Futures: UNC TE Eric Ebron by Matt Waldman Eric Ebron is the hot name among the NFL Draft media, but the University of North Carolina tight end isn’t some flash fire that ignited at Chapel Hill in mid-October. The Tar Heel has been ablaze for two seasons –- make it three if you count a…