Notes from Round One of the 2012 NFL Draft posted by Joe Anello

The 2012 NFL Draft may not have been mysterious when it came to the first two picks, but the madness began before the event even started with a mega-trade! The excitement continued throughout the night and I’m here to recap as much as my fingers can manage!

-As advertised, Minnesota didn’t want to stay at number three. Oddly enough, they only moved down one spot to four, trading with Cleveland. The Browns moved up to take Alabama running back Trent Richardson ahead of whoever else might have been calling the Vikings (which was probably Tampa Bay). At first glance I was alright with the idea of ensuring you’d get your man. After seeing the trade details? The ransom was sorta insane. The Browns gave back their first, fourth, fifth, and seventh round picks for what ended up being an insurance trade. Cleveland has a lot of picks in the first few rounds (they had 13 overall), so it’s clear now they’re going for starters and not depth. I’m not crazy about the trade for a running back, but they had a glut of picks to use. For Minnesota, it was brilliant. They got three extra picks by selling a team on moving up one spot and still got their left tackle.

-Jacksonville dept the trade train rolling, swapping up for Justin Blackmon at number five with Tampa Bay. In Blackmon they’re getting a legitimate receiver to go with the overpaid Laurent Robinson to give Blaine Gabbert receivers who can actually catch a pass. But after the bounty Cleveland hand to shell out, Tampa only got a fourth round pick? Odd. Still, the Bucs used that seventh pick to get safety Mark Barron and bolster their own secondary. (Later on the Bucs would also add running back Doug Martin, making it a decent first day for Tampa.)

The 2012 NFL Draft: A First Round Tease posted by Joe Anello

Every year the first round of the NFL Draft delivers plenty of stories to discuss during the night as we prepare for the next day of analysis. The 2012 installment will be no exception with all sorts of plot lines to watch for as the night progresses. Here’s what could attract your attention as you tune in on Thursday night:

After the lack of intrigue at the first and second picks, Minnesota has been trying to stir up any sort of possible interest in the third overall selection. After tackle Matt Kalil had been penned, there’s been talk of them trying to trade down or even that they’d take corner Morris Claiborne instead. At the end of the day, they’ll likely just stand pat and take a left tackle to protect Christian Ponder. Doesn’t hurt to try I guess.

Aside from Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson has been regarded by some as the best player in this draft. He could find himself as a Brown at four, a Buc at five or a Ram at six. And he won’t drop any further. Tampa Bay would LOVE him, but it depends on if Cleveland’s trying to land a QB or go for a receiver to help out Colt McCoy.

Wanting to get out of the number two overall pick, the Rams moved back to number six thanks to a trade with the desperate Redskins. Now they have to ensure that these draft assets are put to good use, starting with their first round pick. Is receiver Justin Blackmon available for them to pair with Sam Bradford?

Joe's 2011-12 Gameday Recap: Bears 17, Vikings 13 posted by Joe Anello

I’m not going to spend this Gameday Recap pontificating about what could have been this Bears season. That’s for later. In today’s contest, the Bears held onto the win over the struggling Vikings to get to 8-8 on the year.

(8-8) Chicago Bears 17
(3-13) Minnesota Vikings 13

For another week Chicago’s offense sputtered and killed its own momentum with costly turnovers. Earl Bennett started the game off right with an early fumble, giving the Vikings possession and the opportunity to drive down for a field goal. A Percy Harvin run later in the first gave the Vikes a 10-0 lead and Bears fans reason to change the channel. Luckily, there was a second quarter. A rare pass to Roy Williams capped off the Bears’ only touchdown drive, but a throw off the hands of Toby Gerhart fell right into the lap of first-time Pro Bowler Charles Tillman, who ran it right back for 22 yards and six points. From there Chicago’s defense locked down, picking off Minnesota’s quarterbacks two times (a total of three) to secure the win.

It was my idea for a while to just post my notes from this game instead of a structured recap, but I decided I was caring too much about this game and taking WAY too many notes, so I checked out. Here are some of my real-time notes from today’s game. (Edited for capitalization and sometimes punctuation.)

First Quarter

Earl Bennett fumbles, Bears manage not to get to line of scrimmage in the nine minutes it takes Frazier to challenge

Joe's 2011-12 Gameday Preview: Bears at Vikings posted by Joe Anello

Let’s get this over with.

(7-8) Chicago Bears at
(3-12) Minnesota Vikings

I am not going to waste your time with an in-depth analysis over a game without a crap-ton of starters on both sides of the ball. There’s a lot of “Joe Webb isn’t that bad” talk around the NFL, but I’m not totally sold. He’s probably a better option that Christian Ponder or Josh McCown though. But he’s missing Adrian Peterson, so you can’t totally rely on him this week. Chicago’s defense is the best unit in this game, and that typically goes a long way.

Minnesota is a 2.5 point home favorite.

PFFT. Bears win? Who knows. Who cares?

None. I’ll likely be comatose for this one. If I stop tweeting, it’s because I’m shoving food in my face or I’m drooling at the sight of such craptastic football.

Uh… win one for the Gipper? Otherwise I got nothing for you. You’re professional players. You’ve got some pride. Kick this team’s ass and go home.

The Final Drive: Week 13, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

Week 13 in the NFL saw a variety of last second comebacks, including more “Jebus and Teebs” magic and a scare for the undefeated champs. Need to know more? Welcome to The Final Drive.

(7-5) Denver Broncos 35
(2-10) Minnesota Vikings 32

This is really starting to piss me off. Can’t SOMEONE knock this guy off the horse for ONE week? To be honest, this was probably Tebow’s best statistical game. He did complete 10 of his 15 passes. However, you can thank the defense for a timely turnover and Matt Prater for two clutch field goals. They are the real heroes.

I told you 20.5 points was too large a line! It was just begging to be betted on. Indianapolis played its best game in some time, out-gaining New England and controlling the ball. Unfortunately their two turnovers cost them this one, making their 21 fourth quarter points too little, too late.

Ow. That kinda hurt. After riding high with those “moral victories,” those pesky Bengals finally got put down by the cream of the AFC North. They might still get in for a wild card spot, but I don’t see them making much noise yet.

What a fantastic freaking game this was. Defenses were scarce aside from a few key plays, leaving these quarterbacks plenty of opportunities to light up the scoreboards. I don’t think I want to see what Tom Coughlin’s face looked like this morning. I swear that old man is so mad all the time his face probably takes 2-3 days to un-furiate.

The Final Drive: Week 7, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

Yeah week seven! We saw one incredible comeback (and man-on-man action), several first time-starters and more than a few clunkers in this latest weekend of NFL action. I still loved every minute of it. Let’s start The Final Drive!

Apparently you shouldn’t taunt Matt Ryan when he’s injured… because he’ll come back two plays later and smoke you. As for the Lions; dropping two in a row and Matthew Stafford is “day to day” with ankle and knee injuries? Zoinks Scoob.

Yeah… Chris Johnson is hot garbage right now. He’s still dancing around like he’s at a nightclub during the lock-out. Without him, the Titans are also hot garbage, leaving Houston at the top of the division be default.

(2-4) Denver Broncos 18
(0-6) Miami Dolphins 15

Yeah Tim Tebow led a mind-boggling series of drives to come back from down 15 in the final three minutes, but he still looked like pure shit for three and a half quarters.  But, he did kiss Demaryius Thomas on the field after the win. Let the debate rage on! (Also, fire Tony Sparano right now.)

I feel bad for Charger fans who saw their team just pfft away a sure win to freaking Mark Sanchez and an ex-con. I said it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 39, Vikings 10 posted by Joe Anello

On a night where the Bears had everything to lose, they stood together as a team and mercilessly pummeled the Vikings on their way to their third win of the season. Chicago’s front four battered the hapless Donovan McNabb while Cutler and the offense played keep-away and Devin Hester continued to lay claim to his “Greatest Return Man of All Time” status.

(3-3) Chicago Bears 39
(1-5) Minnesota Vikings 10

Before anyone else, Chicago’s defense really made its stand against Adrian Peterson. Lovie Smith stacked the box against the Vikings on first and second down, holding Peterson to only 39 yards on 12 carries. That forced the ball in Donovan McNabb’s hands, where it consistently landed short of the receiver or the first down marker, either way it didn’t matter to the Bears. They just want to get off the field. Minnesota’s offense never found its spark, though back-up Christian Ponder did relieve McNabb in the second half. That was after the Bears knocked McNabb around, sacking the veteran five times on the night. Julius Peppers notched two sacks of his own and dominated Charles Johnson throughout the game, bad knee and all.

After getting a three-and-out on the Vikings’ first drive, Chicago’s offense took the field and in three plays found themselves ahead on the scoreboard. A 17 yard toss to Roy Williams was succeeded by a play-action throw to Devin Hester that found its mark for a 48-yard touchdown. After punting on their next drive, the Bears got a lift on defense as rookie Stephen Paea and Brian Urlacher met at McNabb in the endzone for the safety. After the free kick, Matt Forte and Williams combined to set the Bears up at the three yard line, where Marion Barber found a ginormous opening to put the Bears up 16-0 in the first quarter. From there, it was nearly all downhill for Minnesota. A badly-missed Ryan Longwell field goal allowed Cutler to take the offense down 39 yards, giving Gould the chance to drill a 51-yarder.

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

After their embarrassing, penalty-plagued Monday nighter, the Chicago Bears are in primetime in a divisional match-up for the second straight week, this time taking the Sunday Night Football stage against Minnesota. At risk of falling in last place in the NFC North, the Bears can’t afford to lose.

(1-4) Minnesota Vikings at
(2-3) Chicago Bears 

Mike Martz just can’t seem to catch a freaking break. After weeks of having to deal with outside blitzes and skilled rushers, the trend continues against the Vikings. Ends Jared Allen and Brian Robison have been terrorizing quarterbacks this season and have the speed on the edges to get around J’Marcus Webb and newly minted right tackle Lance Louis. Why can my Jay never stay safe? In order to keep Cutler upright, Martz has to remain committed to the run with Matt Forte. Exploit Allen’s aggressive nature and get draw plays with Forte up the middle where the Vikings are weakest. There are going to be opportunities to take in the passing game, especially if Cutler gets the play-action going. The question remains: which wide receiver besides Dane Sanzenbacher will actually step-up and make a play? Roy Williams or Johnny Knox have to make a statement tonight, assuming they can get on the field for more than four snaps.

Typically the constant of any Bear team, the defense hasn’t put together a complete game yet this season. Coming off one of their worst performances, Lovie Smith’s squad will have new faces on the secondary. Instead of Chris Harris and Brandon Meriweather, Chicago’s starting safeties will be rookie Chris Conte and second year pro Major Wright. Hopefully they can take better angles and limit big plays by keeping the ball in front of them at all times. Where they’ll likely have issues is biting on run-fakes and double-movies. Fortunately for them, the Viking receivers aren’t exactly dangerous and Donovan McNabb couldn’t get a pass to them if his job depended on it. McNabb’s passes have a tendency to wobble and ground into the dirt, which keeps his completion percentage and interception totals low. Chicago won’t get many chances at turnovers from McNabb, especially since Julius Peppers likely won’t play due to a knee injury. With only Israel Idonije, Nick Reed and Corey Wootton as their ends with any game action behind them, the interior defensive line rotation must get penetration to disrupt the Viking offense.

The Opening Drive: Week 3, 2011 posted by Joe Anello

We’ve got some week three action on tap in the NFL! Division rivalries, rookie quarterbacks, and a crapper of a Sunday-nighter are on deck. Let’s start The Opening Drive!

(2-0) Houston Texans at
(1-1) New Orleans Saints

Arian Foster’s going to be sitting this one out, so but the Texans’ running attack won’t miss as much of a step as you would think. Though to be frank, I’d be shocked if there’s more than 15o yards rushing between these two offenses. What would be the point? If you want aerial assaults, this is the game for you. I can’t believe in Houston yet… but I might start feeling differently if they can take it to the Saints on the home turf.

Man, we just barely missed out on the utter boredom that would’ve been a week without Michael Vick in the NFL. You should feel lucky. Vick’s return from a concussion means he’s completely cleared to play, but against the Giants’ front four he could be in trouble again this week. That Eagle offensive line is way too suspect to keep Vick safe in the pocket. Philly’s only saving grace is that the Giants are too inconsistent on offense to keep up.

Rookie fight! I don’t even want to talk about the match-ups. I just want to discuss Blaine Gabbert’s hair finally getting the spotlight it deserves. …But if Cam Newton can figure out how to throw for 400 yards and win, perhaps that spotlight gets re-directed.

Money questions remain about new Vikings stadium (Yahoo! Sports)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Senate approves new Vikings stadium

The Minnesota Vikings are on the brink of getting a new stadiumafter the state Senate approved a plan that relies heavily onpublic financing. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Minn. Senate vote clears Vikings for new stadium (Yahoo! Sports)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Minnesota Senate is last stop for Vikings stadium (Yahoo! Sports)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Minn. Vikings a vote away from new stadium (Yahoo! Sports)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings' hopes of a new stadium are one affirmative vote away from becoming reality. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports