drew brees

Alex Smith, 49ers bounce sloppy Saints, charge into NFC title game

by on January 15, 2012

Here are today's post-game transcripts (courtesy of the 49ers) from Vernon Davis and Alex Smith, who combined for the winning touchdown pass in the 49ers' 36-32 triumph over the new Orleans Saints (who are 0-5 all-time

Alex Smith seems to have finally won over his legions of doubters among 49ers fans. but in national circles, he's still viewed with skeptical eyes, as in, is Alex Smith really a playoff-caliber quarterback? Smith has a grand opportunity to quiet the

He delivered, but left the 49ers and quarterback Alex Smith enough time to counter on both occasions. Smith was unproven entering the game. Not so much anymore. the seventh-year pro, playing in his first postseason game, responded in a way only Brees

At San Francisco, the Alex Smith-to-Vernon Davis connection has the 49ers in the NFC championship game and the stunned new Orleans Saints headed home. Smith threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Davis with 9 seconds left just after Drew Brees put the

Jim Harbaugh played for the win, and the 49ers delivered it for him on this Alex Smith-Vernon Davis touchdown pass with ten seconds remaning in the game—just a minute and a half after blowing an earlier lead. [Fox]

Beat the Saints : 49ersnews.com

by on January 14, 2012

Can you feel it? We’ve waited so long for this, and endured losing season after losing season. our San Francisco 49ers are set to play their first playoff game since 2002, and there is magic in the air. Hopefully they’re as ready as we are because they are going to have their hands full with the New Orleans Saints coming to town.

All week we’ve had the same questions jammed down our faces: “Can the 49ers score more points than the Saints.” “Can Alex Smith keep up with Drew Brees?” we all know the answer. the 49ers aren’t the type of team that goes out and tries to beat their opponents by scoring 40 points. those are the kinds of questions you ask about similar teams. the Detroit Lions for example, have already shown us twice, that you can’t get in a shoot-out with Drew Brees and expect to win. Their game plan was to match the Saints score for score, and hope they had the ball last to win the game. because of undisciplined tackling, and failure to get turnovers, the Saints easily beat Detroit. It is a different story in San Francisco. the 49ers will control the clock with a power running game, and the defense will keep the damage to a minimum.  Running back Pierre Thomas ran all over the Lions, much of it after initial contact.  Patrick Willis and Co. do not miss tackles very often.  Drew Brees was nearly picked off a couple times, but was fortunate the secondary dropped the passes.  Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson were voted into their first pro bowls because they capitalize on throws that should be intercepted.  The media has everyone in love with the sexiness of a high powered offense, but a stout defense is primed to take this game over.

The last time the Saints lost was a shocker. they lost in St. Louis to the Rams, who didn’t win another game after that. In that game, the Rams rushed the ball 31 times for 185 yards. the time of possession kept Brees on the sidelines, and didn’t allow him to get into a rhythm.  The Saints aren’t as good on the road, even if it’s in another dome apparently.  Disappointingly, the weather looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day at Candlestick.  Despite that, I still expect an advantage over the 5-3 on the road team.

Sack master Aldon Smith should be able disrupt the passing game.  Brees is good at avoiding the rush; he has a natural ability to sense when a defender is near.  Smith though, is the best pass rusher on the team, and is on the fringe of being one of the best in the league.  He just missed the rookie record for most sacks in a season, and should be able to get past the offensive line to make Brees uncomfortable.  Center Jonathan Goodwin’s knowledge will help the defense with some pointers on his former offensive line.  (Any pre-snap tendencies Drew Brees has at the line for example.)

Unlike the Green Bay Packers, the Saints aren’t one dimensional.  Why opponents bother biting on any play-action Aaron Rodgers does is beyond me.  Thomas, electric Darren Sproles, and Chris Ivory are a different story.  The can all run the ball, and are also threats to catch.  The defense will certainly be busy on every level.  Their receivers are all talented, but have a knack for dropping some passes.  Hoping for the receiver to drop a ball though, is not good defense.  Defending this offense will take hard work and skill, but that’s what the defense has been all season.

Offensively, the 49ers will have to score touchdowns.  The lack of red zone success towards the end of the year is a bit of a concern.  Field goals will not cut it against this team.  Frank Gore has to get into a groove quick, and continue to move the chains throughout the game.  Alex Smith has to keep playing how he’s been playing all year.  The defense has gotten all the credit for the turnover ratio by getting 38 takeaways, but the offense did its part by only having 10 giveaways.  The Saints had a -3 ratio with 19 giveaways.  Although we saw in the Arizona Cardinals game that even by creating multiple turnovers, if the offense doesn’t score touchdowns, the takeaways don’t mean anything.

Our team has worked so hard this season, and it’s felt so good to bask in the glory of a playoff caliber team.  Being one and done in the post season would be crushing.  I believe the 49ers can pull out a win, and prove they shouldn’t have been underdogs in their own house.  Let’s go 49ers!  Beat the Saints!

Follow me on Twitter @jarrod49ersnews

Category: Commentary, Featured

Who Will Be NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2011?

by on December 25, 2011

The usual suspects would be Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints is up there and is returning on a mission. But, the time has come for Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons to make a big jump, not only in terms of big numbers, but in terms of big results. Look for the Falcons to go 12-4 this year with Matt Ryan being elevated into the Brady/Manning dynasty.

In terms of other QB’s, Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers will put up enormous numbers, and Sam Bradford of the St. Louis Rams will avoid a sophomore jinks. Colt McCoy of the Cleveland Browns will surprise everyone with his passing rating and effectiveness, but the team would have to go 12-4 for him to get any attention. so, don’t look for these QB’s to be competing for NFL Player of the Year this year.

A running back like Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings has a chance, but only if his QB and WR’s are good enough to let defenses do something other than focus on him. Don’t look for Donavan McNabb to be scaring any defenses in the NFC North this year, so while Peterson will get lots of numbers because he will be the only offensive weapon, he won’t get enough to separate him as an offensive giant in 2011. of course, put Adrian Peterson behind Tom Brady, and Peterson would be a cinch to win it all.

Also, it’s tough for running backs to win the awards because of the running back by committee philosophy now prevalent in the league. One running back rarely handles most of the efforts, and as a result, none put dominating numbers. They are critical to team success – they’re just not out there the way Walter Peyton was out there in the past.

How about wide receivers? Like the flowers in the folk song of the 1960′s, we wonder where they all have gone. Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans is about the only one who you could say is better than everyone else in the league, but by how much? there is no longer a Chad Johnson Ochocinco 85 who was clearly superior, or a Terrell Owens. Remember T.O.? He was once famous for being famous. how short our memories..

Today, we love receivers like Wes Welker of the New England Patriots. Not the 50 yards down the sidelines guys, but the 7 yards on 3rd and 6. But while these guys have lots of catches and some decent yards, they don’t separate themselves sufficiently from the pack to justify winning the Offensive Player of the year award.

So, where do we turn? my pick – Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons.

Ellen, Drew, Cooper and Dr Phil Speak Out Against Bullies

by on December 1, 2011

Celebrity figures are speaking up about the high cost of bullying. Adding to the voices of those who have been bullied or had loved ones take their lives over bullying, many famous names are now taking a stand against bullies and those who deliberately humiliate others.

In a plea during an appearance on the Ellen Degneres show recently NFL Football great Drew Brees had this to say:

If you think that making fun of someone is harmless, you are wrong. If you think its OK to do because everyone else is doing it you’re wrong. Bullying has to stop, and it has to start with you. I want my fans to know that if you’re making fun of someone because they are different, then you are no friend of mine. If you are being bullied I want you to know that there is support. I support you. Making fun of someone because they are different from you, that’s not being tough. its being ignorant. Appreciating people for how they are different from you, that’s what it takes to be a friend.

Brees isn’t the only one concerned about bullying. The topic has been in the forefront of the media recently with the high profile suicides of four young people whose deaths were the result of constant bullying.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper has always been on the forefront of this subject, reporting on the issue regularly and trying to make a difference.

In a recent appearance on the Ellen Degeneres show Copper suggested that he doesn’t recall being bullied himself, but he does remember standing by and watching others be bullied. he said as a bystander he remembers having a sense of relief that he wasn’t the person being picked on.

Cooper said the bystanders need to intervene and stand up against a bully to help break the cycle.

Empower Bystanders and Witness to Crime to Speak Up

Working together we can build a world of mutual respect and kindness for all.

As caring adults we can model and teach the skills.

We all know that growing up, particularly during the teen years, is difficult for everyone. Parents need to understand that today’s teens have a much different experience than they had.

For more information on bullying and the effect it can have on individuals, families, schools and communities, please check out http://www.cyberbullyinghelp.com

You will be able to claim a free report for parents and teachers on what to look for if your child has been bullied or is a bully. you will also find techniques to use to build up the assertiveness skills and self esteem of children and teens.

Drew Brees: 2001 Draft Day Picks

by on October 24, 2011

Drew Brees was born on January 15, 1979 in Austin, Texas. although Brees is not the biggest or most athletic quarterback in the NFL, he is surely one of the best. Since his early days he has been forced to prove that hard work and determination can outshine things such as athleticism and size. and one thing is for sure; Brees has been doing this successfully for quite some time.

Brees played his high school ball in Austin, Texas at Westlake High School. during his senior season Brees led his team to a 5A Division II State Championship. they finished the season undefeated; the only time that the school has ever accomplished this feat.

Although he was recruited heavily out of high school, Brees decided to play his college ball at Purdue University. When everything was said and done he had set many records at both Purdue, as well as the Big ten Conference. These records include most passing yards in a career with 11,792, completions with 1,026, and touchdowns with 90. and those are just the major records. Brees also won many awards during his time at Purdue, and led the team to several bowl games including the Rose Bowl in 2001.

In the 2001 NFL Draft Brees was not chosen until the 32nd overall pick by the San Diego Chargers. Teams were worried that he may be a bit small to play quarterback in the league as he is only 6 foot tall.

Brees did not have the chance to play much his rookie season, but this changed in year two. during this season he passed for more than 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. in 2003 his numbers fell off quite a bit, but ever since then they have been back on the rise. He posted his best season ever in 2006 with the new Orleans Saints. during this year Brees ended with 4,418 yards on 554 completions. this was in addition to 26 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions.

Drew Brees: 2001 Draft Day Picks

How many more yards does Drew Brees need to surpass Dan Marino’s single season yardage record?

by on November 25, 2010

Drew Brees stands at 4332 yards as of today. with two games left in the season, I figure he needs around 700 yards, but I’m not sure what Dan Marino’s record for a single season is.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Peggy Ference is making golf history and playing in the US O

by on June 20, 2010

Peggy Ference was the first woman to play in the event since its inception three years ago. She is a 51-year-old amateur golfer from new Jersey who won her spot in the event by competing in an online essay contest. She received 37% of the 65,000+ votes cast, sending her to play with actor Mark Wahlberg, hockey great Wayne Gretzky and NFL quarterback Drew Brees.

Oh, and she was required to hit from the mens’ tees on the actual U.S. Open course.
Peggy shot a 118, which was good for fourth place, but she wasn’t actually that far behind Brees’ 102, Gretzky’s 100 and Wahlberg’s 97. The goal Tiger Woods set three years ago when this started is to break 100. The golfers play 18 holes and their scores are multiplied by 4, to represent a 4-day U.S. Open tournament.

The only celebrities to break that 100 mark are Matt Lauer and Mark Wahlberg.

The Top Ten Midseason Candidates for NFL MVP

by on May 9, 2010

Photo illustration by Eric Gillin, art from WireImage.com

Greetings, reader. And welcome to Peter Schrager’s weekly football column, which runs on Thursdays. You can read his archive here.

Twenty-six years ago, mark Moseley, a placekicker on the Washington Redskins, won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. 1982 was a weird year in the NFL, highlighted by a strike-shortened nine-week season, a bizarre sixteen-team playoff tournament, and a Detroit Lions team that almost had a winning record. Moseley, the only kicker to ever win the MVP award, hit 21 straight field goals that season, several of them game-winners.

A kicker won’t win the 2008 MVP award — but who will is anyone’s guess. I emailed Sports Illustrated‘s Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman this week — he’s got Drew Brees, quarterback for the 4-4 New Orleans Saints, as his midseason MVP. Mike Silver at Yahoo! is going with 38-year-old Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner. John Czarnecki, senior NFL writer for FoxSports.com, picks Redskins running back Clinton Portis. Meanwhile, Ian Eagle, play-by-play man for CBS Sports, likes Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

“I’ve called ten weeks’ worth of games and have seen fourteen different teams in person and the MVP seems to change every Sunday,” says Eagle. “Right now, though, I’d say Haynesworth is the pick. He has been absolutely dominant for undefeated Tennessee.” a defensive tackle MVP? really?

This year, it’s completely possible. With few dominant teams and no breakout stars stealing headlines, Haynesworth is as legitimate a choice as any. But who do we endorse for the 2008 NFL midseason MVP? you may be surprised. Let’s break it down in descending order from 10 to 1:

10. Gus Frerotte, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

The Case for: Since taking over at quarterback in Week 3, the Vikings have gone 4-2, with key wins over NFC powers Carolina and New Orleans.

The Case Against: Adrian Peterson’s the real star. And, well, he’s Gus Frerotte.

9. Trent Edwards, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

The Case for: Edwards has been the undisputed leader of a Bills team that looks headed to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. His fourth quarter play has been John Elway-esque.

The Case Against: Buffalo’s lost three of its last four, and is 0-2 against teams in the AFC East.

8. Chad Pennington, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins

The Case for: With efficiency and leadership, Pennington’s been the rock behind Miami’s surprising 4-4 start.

The Case Against: the Dolphins are currently in last place in the AFC East. Pennington hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheets, either.

7. Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans

The Case for: Tennessee’s defense has been the main reason behind the squad’s first 8-0 start in franchise history; Haynesworth is the All-Pro clog in the middle.

The Case Against: you could make the argument that linebacker Keith Bulluck, cornerback Cortland Finnegan, or running back Chris Johnson have all been the Titans’ team MVP — not Haynesworth — midway through the season.

6. Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons

The Case for: this rookie has led the Falcons to a shocking 5-3 start, and more importantly — helped hasten the rebuilding process of a franchise mired in negative publicity over the past eighteen months.

The Case Against: Rookies don’t win the MVP award in the NFL.

5. Donovan McNabb, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles

The Case for: With little to no media attention, McNabb’s putting up some of the best numbers of his career for a solid 5-3 team.

The Case Against: Philadelphia’s 0-2 in games against NFC East opponents.

4. Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

The Case for: Brees is having a magical season, statistically. He’s first in completions, attempts, and passing yards; and second in completion percentage. With stars Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey, and Marques Colston all sidelined with injuries, Brees has carried the Saints on his back.

The Case Against: the Saints are currently 4-4 and in last place in a crowded NFC South.

3. Clinton Portis, Running Back, Washington Redskins

The Case for: Portis, the league’s leading rusher, has over 170 more rushing yards than the NFL’s second-best rusher, Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson. He’s the workhorse for an efficient Redskins offense.

The Case Against: Washington’s only 5-3 and you could argue that quarterback Jason Campbell’s been the even more valuable piece to the puzzle.

2. Kurt Warner, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals

The Case for: MVP of the league in 1999 and 2001, Warner’s led the Arizona Cardinals to the top of the NFC West with a 5-3 record. He leads the league in completion percentage and is second in passing yards and touchdowns.

The Case Against: though on top of the NFC West standings, Arizona’s lost three-of-five games played on the road.

So, who’s our pick for midseason MVP? Drum roll, please…

1. Jake Delhomme, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers:

The Case for: With Delhomme injured for large chunks of the past two seasons, Carolina missed the playoffs and struggled on offense. after undergoing controversial “Tommy John” surgery to repair his throwing arm over the off-season, Delhomme’s returned to the Panthers and led them to a surprising 6-2 start. Statistically, he’s been fine, but it’s the intangibles that make Delhomme worthy of our midseason MVP vote. Whether it was his last-second touchdown toss to beat San Diego in Week One, the stirring 14-point comeback versus Chicago in Week two, or Week Eight’s fourth-quarter rally to get by Arizona — it’s been Delhomme leading the way in Carolina from Day One. He’s everything you’d ever want in a veteran quarterback.

He’s everything you’d ever expect out of an MVP.

The Case Against: We can’t find one.

Fantasy Life: Joseph Addai, Midseason’s Least Valuable Player

Every season, one first-round draft pick turns into fantasy football’s version of toxic waste — the kind of guy you can’t give away, the kind who instantly dooms your season.

Last year, it was Shaun Alexander. Taken somewhere between third and eighth in most fantasy drafts last year, Alexander limped through an awful season, finishing with fewer than 800 yards and just four touchdowns. His 3.5 yards per carry average was the very worst of his eight-year career and his season was so disappointing, the Seahawks sent the former face of their franchise packing. To this day, there are fantasy owners waking up in cold sweats and muttering things in their sleep about #37.

This years model is Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai. in only his third year in the league, Addai entered the season expected to do big things. Taken in my three fantasy football drafts third, fourth, and fifth overall — Addai offered the Stephen Jackson/Brian Westbrook combo-platter, able to gain on the ground, catch passes, and rack up touchdowns. in 2007, Addai rushed for 1,072 yards, caught 41 balls, and scored 15 touchdowns. That’s a downright filthy fantasy football season.

This year? Addai’s been garbage. Battling a nagging hamstring injury, he’s suited up for just six of Indianapolis’s eight games. He’s also been running behind a makeshift offensive line made of journeymen and youngsters. Averaging a miserable 3.1 yards per carry and having only caught seven balls on the entire year, Addai looks downright Alexander-esque.

And yet, people start Addai every single week. Maybe it’s stubbornness, maybe it’s loyalty — but there’s something intangible between a fantasy owner and his first-round pick that just can’t be described. Every Joseph Addai fantasy owner in the nation is frustrated with his play this season. And yet, every one of them will continue to start him — through thick and thin — from here on out. Perhaps it’s faith and devotion. or perhaps it’s just the fear that the one week he’s on your bench will be the one week he explodes for 180 yards and 3 touchdowns.

So, Joseph Addai owners of the world unite! find solace in each other’s misery. Start a Facebook group, an online message board, do something — because it may get worse before it gets better. Addai ran the ball 17 times for just 32 yards last weekend. That’s good for 1.9 yards per carry.

But you Addai owners knew that already. Hell, you haven’t slept in five days because of it.

Three Questions with Lawrence Taylor

In New York last week to promote his new video game Blitz the League: II, I spoke with the eight-time all Pro and NFL Hall of Famer about football, life on the road, and his version of an NFL dream team.

What were your favorite NFL cities to visit on road trips?

A lot of guys used to think about who the other teams’ quarterbacks, running backs, and offensive linemen were before a road trip. I was pretty much concerned with two things: warm weather and the hoes. Miami and Atlanta had both. in both those cities, your head would be on a swivel the entire time. Great weather and beautiful women everywhere. Then on Sunday, it was all about the football.

Over the past couple of years, one of the major storylines in the NFL has been the antics of the league’s top wide receivers. How would you have handled one of today’s receivers in your locker room?

Some of today’s players are “me first.” I don’t like that kind of football. Back in my day, it was the players who’d handle those guys, not the coach. And all that — it would be worked out behind closed doors. Now, it’s different. Back then, the team leaders just wouldn’t allow it. If you wanted to act like that, you’d get your ass kicked. Everyone knew that. I’m not saying it’s better or worse — it’s just different.

Hypothetical situation. You’ve got to go to war with six other NFL players — past or present — three on offense and three on defense. Who are you taking with you to battle?

Well, my quarterback is Phil Simms. He’s my guy. He’ll lead us into battle. No doubt about that. At running back, I’m going with Jim Brown. At receiver, it’s Jerry Rice. Ain’t no question there. He’s the best to ever play the position. on defense, I’m going with Deacon Jones, because Deacon looks like he’s been in a bunch of battles. also, give me Strahan. Strahan’s consistent. I love his intensity. And the sixth guy has to be Ronnie Lott. Ronnie was just a man’s man. Back when I played, there was no one better in the game. He’s a phenomenon. No one’s played the safety position better since.

The Top Ten Midseason Candidates for NFL MVP