Posts tagged Ndamukong Suh

Reads, Listens, Views 11/25

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Did you know 40 percent of Vince Young’s career wins are fourth quarter comebacks?

I Know How Kevin Smith Feels

I was going to play football today for the first time in 22 years – an annual post-Turkey day contest in the neighborhood where I grew up. Then I started running last week. Before you get the wrong idea, I’ve been biking 10 miles a day for nearly six months so I’m in decent cardiovascular shape.

I learned that your knees also need to work up to the pounding.  Continue reading

Jokers

It might not be obvious, but Reggie White's role on the defensive line was the football equivalent of slang. Photo by Keith Fujimoto.

One of the pervading themes in this blog has been discussion of  the hybridization of football players:

  • The zone blitz and the evolution of the 3-4 linebacker/defensive end ‘tweener capable of dropping into coverage and sticking his hand in the ground and rushing off the edge.
  • The safety/cornerback capable of covering slot receivers and supporting the run.
  • The tight end/wide receiver capable of playing at the line of scrimmage and  split from the formation.

When I asked my colleagues about a significant trend in the sport, hybridization was the first thing on their mental checklist.

Although hybridization might be a trend, history shows it’s not new. Continue reading

Jene Bramel Part III

Jene Bramel (pictured to the right) grew up a Bengals fan. Cartoon by Bearman2007

If you’re an offensive-centric fan of the NFL or you play fantasy football the same way your older brother taught you then you need to read this interview with Jene Bramel.

The Footballguys.com staff writer is one of the best fantasy writers you don’t know about because he is recognized as one of the go-to guys for leagues featuring individual defensive players (IDP). Even if your leagues are strictly offensive players, his knowledge of defenses will make you a better decision maker with offensive talent.

In part III of our conversation, Jene and I use the phrase “crap shoot,” enough to think it’s a PG-13 summer movie, but I promise its only in the context of discussing fantasy football.

Waldman: Why are you such a fan of the defensive side of the football?

Bramel: I think that’s sort of what drew me to football in the first place. Continue reading