3 things you might not know about our NFC East opponents...
by JimmyK on Jun 24, 2009 8:55 PM EDT
Email
Print
We continue to look at our NFC East opponents, and just for fun let's poke them with a stick a little with these 3 interesting facts...
1) Derrick Ward accounted for 24.7% of the Giants offense last year.
Of the Giants 5,695 total yards last season, Derrick Ward led the team with 1,409 yards from scrimmage (1,025 rushing yards and 384 receiving), which was 284 more yards than Brandon Jacobs. To put that in terms that we Eagles fans can relate to, Brian Westbrook accounted for 23.8% of the Eagles offense last year.
Some fun with numbers... If you add Amani Toomer's 580 receiving yards and Plaxico Burress' 484 receiving yards to Ward's totals, we're up to 41.9% of the Giants offense in 2008.
Some more fun with numbers - Now, I know that Ward is a running back and these guys aren't, but just for fun let's take a look at the Giants' projected receiving corps this year and their yards from scrimmage in 2008:
- Domenik Hixon - 596 receiving, 26 rushing
- Steve Smith - 574
- Sinorice Moss - 153
- Mario Manningham - 26 receiving, -12 rushing
- Hakeem Nicks - (rookie)
- Ramses Barden - (rookie)
TOTAL - 1,363 yards (46 yards LESS than Derrick Ward's yards from scrimmage last year).
Get this straight everybody - Derrick Ward absolutely, positively WILL be missed. I'll be the first one in line to praise the Giants' offensive line and they certainly had a lot to do with Ward's success, and I'll also note I like Ahmad Bradshaw as an occasional change-up back, but guess what... It's not easy replacing 24.7% of your offense, no matter what the circumstances.
2) Only 13 of the 31 other NFL starting QBs are older than Tony Romo.
There's this perception out there that Tony Romo is still learning the position... That his prime is still ahead... That we've not even come close to seeing his ceiling... That in his first 3 seasons he put up outstanding numbers and we should expect them to only get better... That he's one of the bright, young, up-and-coming QB's in the NFL.
But wait... How young is he really? Well, Tony Romo was born on April 22, 1980, which makes him 29 years, 2 months, and a couple days old (as of this post). So how does that compare with the rest of the NFL's starting QB's? Well, lets see...
Matthew Stafford - 21
Mark Sanchez - 22
JaMarcus Russell - 23
Matt Ryan - 24
Joe Flacco - 24
Aaron Rodgers - 25
Trent Edwards - 25
Jay Cutler - 26
Kyle Orton - 26
Tarvaris Jackson - 26
Derek Anderson - 26
Philip Rivers - 27
Ben Roethlisberger - 27
Matt Cassel - 27
Matt Schaub - 27
Luke McCown - 27
Jason Campbell - 27
Eli Manning - 28
***Tony Romo*** - 29
Shaun Hill - 29
Carson Palmer - 29
Drew Brees - 30
Tom Brady - 31
David Garrard - 31
Donovan McNabb - 32
Chad Pennington - 32
Marc Bulger - 32
Peyton Manning - 33
Matt Hasselbeck - 33
Jake Delhomme - 34
Kerry Collins - 36
Kurt Warner - 38
Now, I'm by no means whatsoever suggesting that the end is anywhere near for Romo. Does he have some good football ahead of him? Sure he does. Is it worth nothing that he only has 3 years of wear and tear, as opposed to another guy his age that has played significantly more snaps, like a Carson Palmer? OK, yeah, I suppose.
Buuuuuuuut...
As an Eagles fan, am I worried that all of a sudden, in season 4 or 5 at the age of 29 or 30, some kind of magic lightbulb is going to come on and Romo is going to take his game to some kind of higher level? Especially when he just finished a season in which he went 8-6 with the support of a good backfield and throwing to 2 future Hall of Famers? Nope, not even a little. I think we can safely say we've seen Romo's ceiling.
3) Jason Campbell has had 8 offensive coordinators the past 9 years.
At Taylorsville High School...
2000 - ?
At Auburn...
2001 - Noel Mazzone
2002 - Bobby Petrino
2003 - Hugh Nall
2004 - Al Borges
As a Redskin...
2005 - None (Joe Gibbs and QB coach Bill Musgrave had play-calling duties - Correct me if I'm wrong here Skins fans)
2006 - Al Saunders
2007 - Al Saunders
2008 - Sherman Smith
If you're a Redskins fan, you already know this, so this one is more for the Eagles fans, and this is just amazing to me. I almost feel bad for the guy. Seriously, 9 years... 8 different playbooks... At what point does everything just completely lose meaning? I mean... Have you ever SEEN an NFL playbook? They're like 700 pages. And then they try to replace him (unsuccessfully) because he hasn't developed to Dan Snyder's liking? Ridiculous.
43 comments
|
6 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Wow
I feel bad for Campbell
Sucks for the Giants – that’s a staggering statistic
Romo’s is not that big of a problem for the Cowboys, doesn’t matter how old you are if ur putting up numbers and taking ur team places, u’ll do just fine. see Kurt Warner
We're going to own this division
Giants lost almost 50% of their playmakers from last year, we lost LJ smith and Buck, but added Weaver, Maclin, Mccoy, Ingram, and Gibson, and also a completely monsterous Oline. I would be a little worried if I were a Giants fan. Their D will keep them in the game for a little but it won’t take long to bust a few plays wide open. The Giants just don’t have the playmakers to go anywhere this season. They’re depending too much on their rookie recievers. If Maclin doesn’t catch a ball this year we aren’t in terrible shape, if Nicks doesn’t contribute immediately the Giants are in serious trouble.
The Cowboys are a complete joke. Our speed will tear their defense to shreds. And I predict Romo will throw a minimum of 4 picks against us in two games. We will win the turnover battle, we will shut down their running game by the second half, and then watch the hail marys fall to Asante, Sheldon, and Co.
The Redskins are a tough matchup for us but there’s no way we lose two to them this year. They don’t have an overwhelming offense, and I am confident we will do much better in the redzone with a real fullback and a starting Tight End who isn’t a pussface. Plus Ingram will cause Lb matchups and get a couple solid grabs, I’m predicting 3 TDs.
Speed? Here are the 40 times for our top 3 DBs
Terrence Newman- 4.37
Orlando Scandrick- 4.32
Micheal Jenkins- 4.38
So yeah, I dont think you will tear our D to shreds with your speed.
And what do you base your “we will shut down their running game by the second half” comment on? Seems like hope rather than anything else.
by aussie_cowboy on Jun 25, 2009 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Bro
Lets not forget that Jackson caught a pass over Newman last year and even drew a pass interference on him in that beat down yall got. I guarantee TN dont run a 4.37 now…hes like 30 something. Michael Jenkins dumbass seems to forget to tackle players when they got the ball (find the Derrick Ward video). OS has got some respect from me, but he aint done nothing special back. And remember there is more to football that just straight line speed. The football field is a rectangle so remember that means chasing them down laterally and thats the hard part for the Cowboys. Watch tapes from last year duke.
we play 14 other Defenses though
& what macjack09 said, plus Westbrook/McCoy out of the backfield
by sports00fan00 on Jun 25, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
um, im pretty sure that if we picked our fastest 3 DB's
they would look fast too… Im pretty sure our Defense was ranked #3(maybe 4) and yours wasnt near us.. and in the 44-6 game we had your running game shut down by the end of the half, and if we continue like that its over.
I didnt pick our fastest three DBs
well, actuallt I did but not intentionally. Those three are our 3 best DBs, the ones that will be covering this speed attack of yours you seem to be so exited about.
And yes, you did shut our running game down, but that was our worst game of the season, thats like saying we will shut McNabb down this year because he played badly against the ravens. You stoped our running game with our o-line paying backups because of injury, our most explosive RB out, and our starting RB injured.
by aussie_cowboy on Jun 25, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
We stopped running after the 1st quarter. Garrett is like Reid, he gets too infatuated with the pass.
I read no newspaper but Ritchies, and in that chiefly the advertisements, For they contain the only truths to be relied upon in a newspaper. Thomas Jefferson.
Funny how that didn't translate all that well in the NFC title game
again.
by Lombardi.times.5 on Jul 2, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Well...
you cant play CB and run a 5.2 now, can you?
by Lombardi.times.5 on Jul 2, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
As for Romo, I already knew he was older and around for a while. Who are the two future hall of famers you’re referring to? TO and Witten? I wouldn’t call Witten HOF material just yet. It’s hard enough for TE’s to get in. He has to be very good for a very long time to have a shot. Regardless, I understand your point. I think Romo’s ceiling is a little bit higher (of course to be any better, he will have to do so surrounded by less talent)
Anyway, I don’t think the Giants will miss Derrick Ward one bit. I’ve said it before, that while his productivity will not be replaced by a single player, I don’t think there will be an overall dropoff in their run offense. I think his productivity will be replaced by a combination of players, unless Eli continues to play like he did in the last few games of last year. It’d be awesome if they really needed Plaxico that bad to function as an offense, but something tells me they’ll just adapt and still do well enough on offense to be a very tough team to beat. If they can get solid production from their wide receivers and Kevin Boss can step up, they could definitely be almost as good as they were with Plax.
With regards to Campbell, I already knew that about him, too. I think he’s got to be a smart guy, but his physical talent is what limits him. He still has what it takes to be a successful QB in the right offense though, and I think Zorn will get more out of him. I think the Redskins could totally surprise people this year and might be the second best team in the division (behind us of course).
I am the people's troll :3™
Agreed on Campbell...
That was more of a jab at the Redskins’ instability as an organization than it was at Campbell.
Good
That is very interesting. I knew the Campbell fact, but did not know of the Romo or Derrick Ward stuff.
Good statements. Really enjoyed.
I still don’t know how the NFC East blogger from Espn.com thinks Eli is going to have an MVP season. I still think about that one.
Questions? Suggestions? Comments?
Email me at: Alec82@gmail.com
I think Campell having 8 different OC's
shows how much talent and potential he has… To be able to actually learn 8 different systems is insane, but to be able to switch and win games every season(just about) is awesome… If they had a OC for more than 1 year i would honestly be worried of what the Redskins could do really…
I think that Derrick Ward should’ve been re-signed by the Giants but they obviously think they can fill the void of 1,000 yard rusher and a decent reciever with ahmad bradshaw or that brown kid they drafted… But its seems like Jacobs gets beat up about half way through the season, he needed Ward…
And Romo’s age doesnt worry me, I think that he may be on a downward slope in his ability to “move the pocket” but its not like he had a deadly arm in the first place.
+1 on Campbell thoughts. I always thought he’d turn out to be a really nice player but the inconsistency around him seems to be forever hampering. He’s an interesting story line this year as he’s in the last year of his contract.
by andyreidswaistline on Jul 7, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
bye dawk...
you forgot to post your own blog….
www.byedawk.greenbleeder.romo-is-gay.so-is-eli.xanga.blogspot.twitter.org
haha
xanga.blogspot.twitter.org
you could of kept going with “/something”
by sports00fan00 on Jun 25, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree on the Giants situation… they may still have their great lines, but have lost a lot of the punch behind them (on offense more so than defense). To think of the amount of offensive yards the Giants will have to replace with these 3rd string and below recievers, rookies, and Jacobs.. is astounding. To be competitive in the NFC East they will need to consistantly get about 350 yds per game… last season’s regular season stats were: Giants (355 y/g), Eagles (350 y/g), Cowboys (345 y/g)…. and Redskins bottom the list @ 320. I see them dropping closer to the skins next year. For an individual game 350 total yards is an achievable mark.. and the difference btwn 350 and 320 is not much. But to get those 30 extra yards every week will be difficult.
As for Romo, while I agree that he’s probably closer to his ceiling than Dallas fans think.. I’m not sure it’s completely fair to compare his age to ALL of those starting QBs. To say there are 18 starting QBs in the NFL younger than him.. while 5 of that 18 being rooks (that haven’t played a snap, and could, but prob wont, be replaced by older vets) and sophomores. Those QBs are only really starting because their team had a hole. They were not the chosen starter as much as they are the default starter. And while Flacco and Ryan did exceptionally well they are definitely outliers when compared to the norm… When you consider that a lot of those younger QBs were pushed behind the center without being properly matured, you can look at their youth as a serious flaw.
To Jason Campbell’s benefit, while the inconsistency can’t help, I’m sure the diversity of coaching styles he’s seen is allowing him to learn more than others… but only if he’s been absorbing it all.
42% of the Giants O can be replaced
As much as i enjoy reading and respect the efforts Bye, Dawk puts into his posts which i find very factual with his analysis. But, something occured to me after studying this post. He has brought the facts about Ward and his offensive % to the O and in doing so, brought up Plax and Toomer into the equation.
By looking at the numbers, Hixon and Smith out gained Plax and Toomer by 106yds in a limited role. Plax isn’t a one-man show and whether or not he commanded this or that from a D perspective, this shouldn’t be in the equation. Also to note, regardless of what fabrications the media can generate w/o Plax in the lineup vs. Giants win/loss record are that, fabrications!…
http://www.bigblueview.com/2009/6/20/919685/lets-set-the-record-straight
Hixon and Smith can only improve on their numbers with more of a prominent role. That goes for the rest of the WR/TE’s as they climb in order as a group.
For Wards 24%, and how to make that up? Assuming Danny Ware is anything close to advertised as Ward, along with Bradshaw and the rookie Andre Brown, then there shouldn’t be no reason to think that 24% cannot be accounted for!
For what it’s worth, and to be fair amongst the %’s with Ward and Westbrook, how does Philly rate with a prolonged absence w/o BW? Afterall, Ward was a backup and has moved on, whereas the Giants still have Jacobs!
It’s the unknown that represents each situation. Lets give it the time it deserves!
It’s the unknown that represents each situation. Lets give it the time it deserves!
True for sure, but there’s not much better to do, so I won’t.
By looking at the numbers, Hixon and Smith out gained Plax and Toomer by 106yds in a limited role
The ‘roles’ of the players can be misleading. Although Plax is the heralded number 1, with all his issues he was only able to start 9 games, so his stats were also in a limited role. And because of this I’m thinking Smith might have actually logged more field time than Burress. He was targeted 82 times as opposed to Plax’s 66.
I think Smith can be a real solid number 2 guy, but am not sure I trust him if he has to be the guy this season.
Plax isn’t a one-man show and whether or not he commanded this or that from a D perspective, this shouldn’t be in the equation
When trying to project toward next season that’s definitely important. If Plax is commanding a double team or a man and half, it’s going to make life easier for the other WRs. Obviously you’re never going to know if the other guys need it or how they’ll play with more attention on them, but it should be considered. If Steve Breaston gets traded I don’t you’re going to pencil him to get the same stats again this season.
Assuming Danny Ware is anything close to advertised as Ward
Not sure why I’d do this. Could it happen, sure. But it’s unlikely I’m going to speculate a guy with no track record is going to produce at that kind of level. I know Ward was a once a backup but that’s really a non factor. You don’t expect to easily replace a James Harrison or Antonio Gates, citing, eh they are just undrafted guys we brought in. Ward is not close to that level, but the logic holds. Ward’s story proves its possible, but I view Ward as a guy who over 1,400 yards from scrimmage, not a former backup, and I’m not going to assume another backup is just as likely to explode for 1400. This problem is compounded if the potential WR struggle do indeed happen.
Can those 1,400 yards be replaced? Of course they can, however that’s a big number, these guys are not anywhere close to proven backs. Sure Ward was once in their shoes, but there’s no reason to assume these guys will follow suit.
the Giants still have Jacobs!
They do, although Ward was able to keep him fresh, while being just as effective. So for him to be at full impact, they need Ware, Bradshaw, or Browm to step up as well. If they don’t, there are concerns if Jacobs has to shoulder a large load. He’s never done it, and has injury problems whilst sharing the load. Him holding up for an entire season if they have give him (considerably) more touches, is probably unlikely.
I think what you said and what i said, can be paralleled
FredEx:
But it’s unlikely I’m going to speculate a guy with no track record is going to produce at that kind of level.
Mine:
It’s the unknown that represents each situation.
I think speculation is the root of all mental illnesses. lol From where i’m coming from and whats been pointed out amongst the 25-41% makeup to overcome, it’s the who’s going to do it? 1400yds in total O is a big chunk of change to replace. 1000yds receiving by two players can be more easily replaced IMO. It’s then back to square one, who?
I view it this way. IMO, on paper and the potential available to attain the production needed to reach the vacancies opened, i have cautious optimism. This potential this year seems or is deeper than last years. So, can this be done, yes. Will it be done? Well, at the time, it’s an open-ended question. Nothing at this point is concrete, but moreless scratches in the sand—→(or Gilbride making a play lol). The only thing concrete would be Jacobs and the rest could be considered a mixture!
On the other hand, if for no other reason that no individual(s) can approach the %, i’m confident that as a whole, they can collectively do it. If that what it takes to win (a mixture?), i’ll take it!
Obviously the lost offense both recieving and running can made. Rookies can explode, players can come out of nowhere. I guess my main problem is I find your opinion to be too optomistic. Like assuming Danny Ware is going to essentially be Ward. The receiving has to do be done by largely raw talents with no one to attract a man and half or double coverage.
This potential this year seems or is deeper than last years
The potential seems deeper? Are you a big fan of the rookies? Because last year Bradshaw and Ware were on the roster, but obviously the team felt Ward was a better choice to be on the field. So its the same guys with Brown instead of the 1400 yard guy in Ward. I don’t think that would commonly be perceived as deeper potential.
Even for the WRs, Smith, Hixon, Manningham, and Moss were all there, so you basically added two rookies for Plax and Toomer. Sure those guys got some more experience and Nicks was brought in, but I’m thinking a lot of people would think the potential was better if it was last year with Plax.
I know it doesn’t have to be one guy to get the yards, and if they all do a little/enough it could work out. Once again basically, I just don’t like the extent of the optimism that losing an all around 1400 yard back and your top WR, will be no big deal.
When doing an analysis of the Giants it’s only fair and natural to think they take a step back (which is basically how all of this got started). You are right that the offense can be fine, sure, but I wouldn’t expect any unbiased party to think that they’ll be just as effective until it’s proven.
Obviously, as you said that needs to time to develop the answer, but its the off season, people aren’t going to sit around emotionless and not think about the league. They are going to speculate. And if you’re looking at the Giants, the common belief is going to be the took at least a small step down on offense.
I think speculation is the root of all mental illnesses
Perhaps. But what’s the other option? Do nothing and wait. Eh, I’ll pass.
I should've been clearer
The potential seems deeper? Are you a big fan of the rookies?
I meant deeper as a whole. The RB’s, WR’s and the TE’s this year vs. last years.
And yes, i’m a big fan of the rookies as a fan of any other team would be with theirs. But, thats why i said i use caution with optimism. Don’t allow your emotions to reach eurphoric states when really, you don’t know their roles in reality!
I think speculation is the root of all mental illnesses
…
Perhaps. But what’s the other option? Do nothing and wait. Eh, I’ll pass.
At this point, i’m content on waiting. You can only read (dozens upon dozens) so many things pertaining to Plax this or that, or no Toomer and how things will turn out until it numbs your mind. Pretty much to the point of your sick of seeing it and replying to it!
As a fan, you can literally run through so many scenarios, but it’s just that, a scenario with nothing concrete! I wish it was camping season!!! lol
jesus, im gone for a month and comments grow this long?
good debate guys, all points well taken
"You always hear about ballplayers buying numbers from other players for five figures. When this .300 lifetime hitter was in Philly, he traded his number to Mitch Williams for two cases of beer." - Stuff Magazine on John Kruk
If you've been away this long
Then you missed out on Bye Dawks’ excellent 3 part series of strength and weaknesses of the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins. You also missed out on his post of the garbage WR’s in the beast. If you have at least a half of day to burn, theres alot of debate flowing in those posts!
thanks for the info
since my unemployment ive been looking for timekillers lol
"You always hear about ballplayers buying numbers from other players for five figures. When this .300 lifetime hitter was in Philly, he traded his number to Mitch Williams for two cases of beer." - Stuff Magazine on John Kruk
You can make up the touches...
..that ward got, but that doesn’t mean the players who get these touches will be as effective as ward was. The Giants aren’t giving Ward any credit for the yards he earned. They were earned, they weren’t just given to him. And remember if you don’t have an effective backup, then you need to leave Jacobs on the field longer which could wear him out.
Hixon and Smith will have more passes thrown their way but that doesn’t mean they will be able to make the same plays that Burress did.
Eagles fans know what its like to not have a go-to reciever or a solid back-up running back, we’ve gone through it for years. If Jacobs gets hurt your in serious trouble, just as much trouble we will be in if Westbrook goes down.
3 things to know about the nfc east
1. the redskins will finish behind the eagles
2. the cowboys will finish behind the eagles
3. the giants will finish behind the eagles
by eaglesinmd on Jun 30, 2009 10:23 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
i think redskins fans would agree
giants fans may agree, some may say no & have a good case
cowboys fans, probably never, even though they might finish last in the division
by sports00fan00 on Jul 1, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree
The Eagles have to be the favorites in the division.
I’m not sure what else there is to say about that.
by Lombardi.times.5 on Jul 3, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Romo is young in football terms
He hasn’t even started 3 full seasons…
and yes, he was on the bench for the first 4 years or so… but you only learn so much on the bench, learning primarily comes from game experience…
so yes, i do feel romo will be better this year (if the o line protects him)
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Ahmad Bradshaw says Cowboys won’t win with Tony Romo at QB
- Cruz: Manningham’s Super catch wasn’t drawn up that way
- Whitney Houston performed the greatest national anthem in sports history (video)
- Justin Tuck visits New York City cop who survived gunshot wound to head
- The Giants won the ‘Brain Bowl,’ too
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
