Breaking a Pass

For this How to post I want to focus on the side of the defense. With this post I am going to explain how to break up a pass.

Position: Defensive Back

Your job as a Defensive back is to only stop the pass. That is what your mission is on the field. Once the ball is snapped you are all about sticking to your man and eliminating him from gaining any yardage. You priorities on the field are 3 different things. They are as follows;

1.      Intercept the ball

2.      Knock the ball down

3.      Make the tackle once the ball is caught

With these steps checked off you become an effective defensive back. As an effective player you always want to be on the look out for balls that can be intercepted. Interceptions alter the feel of the entire game. It causes a shift in momentum and a game that may not have been going in your favor might suddenly be working on your side. Knocking the ball down is something that is not only a confidence booster but it will also eliminated any yardage for the other team. Finally the most important thing on your priority check list is to make the tackle. Football is based on scoring points and making tackles, THAT’S IT! So as a defensive back that is your job. Make the tackle and eliminate the run, or pass play that is happening.

Ok now let’s talk about breaking up the pass. The most important thing is to make sure you stick with the receiver. You never want to lose the receiver because you were searching for the ball in the air and lost the player you were covering. It is essential that your eyes stay between the receiver and the quarterback because they have practiced this play before and understand where each needs to be to make this play successful.

As the ball approaches you and the receiver you need to make sure that you are not in contact with the player before the ball because you will get flagged for pass interference. Once you receive that call you are looking at 10yards against your team, and in all reality causing the other team an automatic first down.

Next is when your hand placement is critical. The hand closest to the receiver needs to be secure incase you miss the ball. If your hand is secure you can ensure a tackle if the ball is caught. With the front hand you need to position it almost block the ball. Do not swing at the ball because you will most likely miss the ball.

These are the only steps needed for breaking up a pass. First getting your hands ready to block the ball, and then making the tackle on the receiver once the ball is caught. If you are able to cause disruption to the receiver you will find it easier to get them to fumble the ball. Creating any type of catch that is different from the usual will work in your favor.

Executing this play is easy. It just takes practice to perfect the motions that will help you avoid any penalties against you.


peaceouteverybody!

Week 12

Its week 12 in the NFL and teams that we thought would be pulling out as extreme front runners have some what come up short. There are three specific teams that come to mind that have disappointed once the season began getting longer. The Lions are the first team that I could think of. They started off the season 5-0 and everyone believed they would be an extremely hard team to be this season. Time tested them and over weeks 6 and 7 they feel short of the mark. Now we are in week 12 and they just suffered a loss the defending champion Green Bay Packers. As it stands now they are 7-4, and their schedule is looking like a 50/50 chance for them to win or lose. It is all going to come down to how much they want to win.

The next team that has seriously fallen short of the mark is the Buffalo Bills. They also started their season hot with 3-0 start but have fell short in a few key games along the way. Its hard to think that a team we were shocked to see pulling out wins every week, has now suffered a bottoming out in offense along with defense.

Looking at teams that are still going strong we see the Green Bay Packers continuing to dominate the game week in and week out. They are truly showing why they are the defending super bowl champs. Every opponent faced has been defeated and they are looking at a perfect 11-0 record. With play off looks high, we can only hope for a continuing show of skill from this team.

The NFL website does a great job of putting together the statistics for leading offense and defensive players around the league. You can check out the top rushers, passers, and tacklers from all the NFL teams. It’s a easy way to check up on the stats you need for bragging rights while you talk to your friends. It also allows easy access to check up on your fantasy picks.

Its only Thursday but the games planned for Sunday are huge games. During the 1pm games you have the Buffalo verse the Jets match up. Also at 1 you have the match up of Tampa Bay verse the Titans. At 4:15 we have the huge New England verse Philadelphia, which will be a big season decider for the Eagles. Monday night football is also looking like a great match up because you have the New Orleans Saints verse the New York Giants. Week 12 will continue to test the teams and decide who will be the winners and losers of this week.

Picking up the missing pieces

I think the bye week did the Eagles a world of good, I’m sure they were able to just take a week to rest and get their plans together for the rest of the regular season. Bye weeks also allow you to get a look at you competition for the rest of the season. While they play you are able to watch and take notes. The media also constantly tires to keep bringing up the issue of the 5 lost the Eagles suffered early, but as almost all the player have said those games are in the past. The past is the past and moving forward is the only thing that can happen at this point. We can’t take back the rough fourth quarter endings to a few hard fought games, the only thing is to make sure that future fourth quarter becomes the defining factor of your teams ability. 

 

NFL.com - EASING OUT OF THE BYE (EAGLES)

Toward the end of this video they speak of the anger that Asante Samuels is facing from being up for grabs before the trade deadline was finished. Like anyone who basically just got told you may be getting traded feelings were hurt. The actions taken by Asante were justified, nothing he said was out of line he was simply just expressing his feelings. But I do think the comment brought up by one of the analyst was very true. If the Eagles were having a better season the comments made by Samuels would have never been blown up as much as they did. People always seem to look past the problems a team is having if they are winning but the second they start to lose all the microscopes come out.

So I do hope everything works out with the team and Asante, because I do think his skills are a value to this team. I’m hoping things smooth over soon because it will be the best thing for everyone on the team. Let’s also hope this week against Cowboys turns out SUPER POSITIVE!!  

Being positive pays off!

IT ONLY TOOK 4 WEEKS! What a difference a week has made. The Eagles won this Sunday 20-13 against the Redskins and this win came at the perfect time. Just as the Eagles enter into their bye week they finally have a win under their belt and a little more confidence. 

Although they won the game, it was not played any better than the last five games. The only thing that worked in the favor of the Eagles is that the Redskins made more mistakes which ultimately cost them the game. The turnovers also helped gain the advantage in the game. Rex Grossman threw four interceptions, giving the Eagles more opportunities to capitalize on the field.

In the second picture you can see what a win can do to a team moral when things couldn’t seem to get right. Wins bring confidence and confidence is for sure needed in Philadelphia. The first picture is a picture from week 5 when things were looking bad in Buffalo. People say a picture is worth a thousand words and I believe it to be true. You can see hope and excitement in the face of a champion. Where as anguish and disappointment when it looks like all is lost. I think the pictures I have chosen speak for themselves when you look at them you can feel the emotion.

peaceouteverybody!

Same thing just a different week

As you can see from the title, once again the Eagles found a way to mess up the game and take their fourth loss this season. They played the Buffalo Bills this week and this year we all know that the Bills have stepped up their game. They are no longer the team that can be easily defeated like they were in the past. This might be true but I wish it didn’t have to be while they were playing my team.

For some reason the Eagles cannot utilize the weapons they have acquired before the season started in a positive way. We are not a bad team which I think has to be the worst part. There simply is no excuse for the way that we are playing. Vick had FOUR INTERCEPTIONS! in this game and each of them more costly than the next. The Bills would not have been so successful on offense if we weren’t turning the ball over so many times putting them in perfect field position.

This game had so many things wrong with it I cannot even begin to explain it all. The defense started to get their act together way to late in the game. On specific area that was lacking was the red zone defense. I remember a time 2 or 3 years ago where our red zone defense was top 5 in the league. Now especially after this game we are probably in the top 10 worst in the league.

The only word that seriously describes this season so far is unacceptable.

If you look at the Eagles and Vikings side by side you see that both teams have the same record but have completely different paths for how they reached this point. The Vikings struggled for their first win for the last four weeks and finally got it this weekend. They couldn’t be happier and are ready to continue on a good streak. On the other hand the Eagles are on a four week losing streak. They are surely hoping for a turnaround before the bye week. These next two wins are especially important because they are both divisional games. So these games more than the others will have an effect on their placement within the division along with playoff hopes.

I still have not given up hope but I need that silver lining to appear quick before the storms clouds take over completely and all hope is lost.

peaceouteverybody!

Top 10 review, smiles and frowns

Well here it is, I’m finally sitting down to make this post. I really had to take extra time and think about what I wanted to say because after this week there really is a lot to say. So bear with me guys this is going to be a LONG one, but I promise it will be worth it.

Let start off with a few things that I need to address I need to tell you guys about the top ten list I made earlier and what teams did successfully get the win and which ones took the L. Ok well I am going to give you the list of teams that I picked just in-case you didn't see me previous post or you don't feel like scrolling down.

10. Tennessee Titans 
          9. Houston Texans 
                     8. Dallas Cowboys 
                              7. Oakland Raiders 
                                       6. Washington Redskins 
                                                 5. New York Jets 
                                                           4. New England Patriots 
                                                                      3. Green Bay Packers 
                                                                                2. Detroit Lions 
                                                                                         1. Buffalo Bills

I did it up all fancy like too, okk starting with #10 the Titans. They got a win this week against the Browns who are suffering a little but still aren't a horrible team when they are matched against and equal opponent. Matt Hasselback threw 3 touchdowns (TD) in the first half which is very impressive for any QB. Although the Browns lost Colt McCoy did throw for 350 yards in the game and came away with 40 quality completions. They didn't win but still put forth a good effort on the ground and in the air. For some reason they could not finish when they reached the end zone. The score at the end of the game was 31-13 Titans.

Ok the next team #9 Texans faced the Steelers this week and ooohh boyy did I love this game. I support and root for the Steelers but the way the Texans took control of this game from beginning to end was just solid football! I was so excited during this game because at the start you may have thought the Steelers would have run through the Texans but they came to play and were ready for this game. The Texans started off with a bang and in 19 plays drove the ball down the field finishing with the TD. Everything was going in the favor for the Texans for basically the whole game but their Achilles heel was penalties. If the Texans avoided the 2 major penalties they received they would have gotten 2 more TD in the game. Looking at the Steelers who just couldn't seem to get it together I just saw a frustrated team. QB Ben Roethlisberger threw to wide receiver Mike Wallace for a 22yd pass but then the play received a penalty (unsportsman like conduct) and was called back 15yds. They were almost able to capitalize on a fumble made by the Texans but they went for a field goal and it was wide right. During the first half the Steelers as you can see just couldn't get it to click. After half time they started to play Steelers football but it was either too late or the Texans had already made up in their mind that they were not going to lose. All in all Ben got sacked 5 times this game and just when they had a chance to tie the game the Texans punt pinned them down at the 1yd line with only 1:13 left on the clock. For next week the Steelers know what they need to fix for sure to make sure they shake off this lose.

Next up is my favorite the #8 Dallas Cowboys; I hope you all know I am completely joking when I said that. But the Cowboys played the Lions who were #2 on my list. Since everyone wants to praise Tony Romo for being the super hero that he isn't he finally showed himself again this week. They were hott in the beginning of the game where Tony threw for 3 TD's. Great good job Tony, but wait you then in the second half you manage to throw for 3 interceptions. SO in my book that makes you average. Yeah the TD's are great but the interceptions are what lost them the game. The Lions were able to capitalize twice on the interceptions thrown by Romo. And by capitalize I mean get a touchdown. The game came down to the 4th quarter where the Lions outscored the Cowboys 17-0 in one quarter. This is huge and ultimately where the Lions won the game. Mind you they did work on the field too with both offense and defense, but that 17 point deficit for the Cowboys is something they could not get back. Final score 34-30 Detroit.

The #7 Raiders played the #4 Patriots, ok let’s be honest we know the Raiders were on a high from their week 3 win against the Jets but it’s the Patriots and we all know they come to play. Come to play they did putting a serious hurt on the Raiders during their game. Jason Campbell did throw for almost a hundred more yards than Tom Brady but for some reason they couldn't find the end zone. Although his two interceptions also didn't help them get any closer to scoring. I have to say I saw this lose coming so I’m not that surprised, still wishing they could have put forth a better effort. The final score was 31-19 Patriots.

The Redskins #6 played St.Louis again almost the same this as the Raiders, we know the Rams aren't the best team and this win is just a matter of getting your defense to do the job. Plus the Redskins are on a good run of finishing the games they need to get their wins. Redskins win 17-10.

Monday Night football might have been my favorite game of the day if not second favorite. The #5 Jets played the Ravens and such sweet vindication to witness the Ravens defense just run thru the Jets. Going into my personal side, many Jets fans had the nerve to talk trash to me about the Eagles losing so watching them lose was that much sweeter. Back to the facts, the Jets have missed the mark for the second week in a row to teams that they should have semi- easily taken down no problem. From the start this game was bad for the Jets. This is simply because the Ravens came to play! Ravens were able to achieve 3 TD off of the 4 Jet turnovers! Simply that just can't happen if you expect to win. We all know the Raven's defense plays dirty! Way back when almost everyone called them the dirty birds because it gets real when they are on the field. They proved just how dangerous they are during this game. Sanchez was only able to get 119 yards this game and that is not going to get you that W. Raven get the win 34-17.

The #3 Packers clearly destroyed the Bronco's defense where Aaron Rogers achieved 408 yards. Can't even say much but most of this game was spent in the Bronco's end zone because the Packers were scoring. Well they are the defending super bowl champs for a reason. Final score 49-23.

Finally on the top ten list you have the #1 Buffalo Bills who faced their first lose. I was actually very upset when I reviewed this game. I was pulling for the Bills to continue their win streak but they feel short this week. This does not mean they cannot get things moving again this week it just means their perfect season is now out of reach. Fighting to the end with the Bengals managed to edge the Bills out with 48yd field goal with a little less than 2 min on left on the clock. Hard fought on both sides but I think the advantage of being at home was on the Bengals side they win 23-20.

I almost forgot the Vikings lost =(. I just don't know what wrong with this team. I feel like they are well rounded when looking at the offense and defense so I can't figure out what the missing piece of their puzzle is. I am more worried about the career of McNabb because when a team loses they look at the QB and the coach. Something’s got to get fixed with this team is they hope to get a win before their bye week. I hope they find their puzzle piece soon I'll keep my fingers crossed for them.

I’m done finallyy hope yall enjoyedd!!! =)

peaceouteverybody!

A closer look into the NFC East

So as all of you guys know each division has 4 conferences in it. Then each conference also has 4 teams in it. So the NFC east is where you will find the following teams; Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Washington Redskins. These four teams have some of the longest running rivalries in football history. Especially between the Eagles and the Cowboys, this rivalry is a deep rooted one that many people argue about twice a year for sure.

Since the NFC East is facing a lot of controversy right now, I wanted to take a deeper look at what these four teams have to offer.

Let’s start with the Redskins. They have come in this year with a very powerful start to the season. Looking at last week they were 2-0 and the last time they started a season 2-0 was on 2005. So that is pretty amazing to see a team that we are all use to just brushing under the rug when it came time to play them, but this year they have come to play! In the off season they made very strategic moves to beef up their offense and get more protection around their quarterback. Last year they found sacks being a huge issue for Donavon McNabb while he was trying to scramble in the pocket a sack was usually the outcome of many different plays. They are clearly trying to eliminate this issue for Grossman their new QB.

OK now let’s move onto the Giants since I can at least bare to speak about them. The Giants have a record of 2-1 right now and have played only two conference game and successfully won but lost the first match up against the Redskins in week 1. The Giants seem to be playing the same old Giants football that they have been playing for many years now. The depend on Eli to make plays when nothing is going well and most of the time he is successful at it, on the other hand is that when they are playing a team with a very healthy offense. In week 1 the Redskins let their defense do the talking by stopping the Giants from really getting down the field to score at all. The Giants defense also seemed to fall apart slightly by not being able to hold up while the Redskins were making their drives down the field. We all know that when it comes down to the last few weeks the Giants will most likely find a way to squeeze into the playoffs. If they do not make the playoffs I would be really shocked.

Next let’s talk about Dallas, and I really will try my best not to be biased and show my extreme hate for this team and everything they are about. Ok so I do have to give props to Tony Romo for pushing through these last few games even though he has been hurt, he really is showing the leadership quality for his team and giving them a no excuses attitude. Yah for Tony, although if  Tony was to flake out on his team and use the fact that his injuries are pretty serious we all know this team would be in even bigger shambles than it already is. After watching the Monday Night game this team really needs a lot of help on the offensive side and fast! I know that everyone was watching as Tony literally had to direct his wide receivers to the positions that should be in it were quite sad. I am not totally sure why there offense is struggling so much but they need to get their acts together. They are also 2-1 in the division and if they continue to play the way that they do I cannot see they making it to the playoffs. Out of the teams they have played the strongest was the Jets and they did lose to them. Their schedule is not getting any easier since they are playing the Lions this Sunday, and for some act of God the Lions (3-0) have found a way to start winning and play football well this season so we will see how they fair against them this week, it will defiantly be an interesting game.

Trying to be positive about the Cowboys is so tough, thank god that's over. Moving onto the Eagles, man I am already getting disappointed. And not to anyone's fault but the Coaching and Front Office because I swear if Romo can play two games with a broken rib and punctured rib I don't see why Vick can't manage to at least pull through for one of the last two games he has left early. I also understand that we have had a laundry list of injuries the McNabb suffered throughout his time in Philadelphia and keeping Vick healthy is the #1 goal but come on, throw us a bone please. They are also over exaggerating most of his injuries making them sound like he will be out for possibly the whole season and the in a few days the injury has magically downsized to almost a minor scratch -___-. Broken hand and out for the season, now is an unbroken hand with minor swelling and a great chance of playing this week. Last week was him spitting up blood which turned out that he just bite his tongue. Never a dull moment as an Eagles fan I swear but the up and down roller coaster needs to take a pause it is only week 3 and I've almost had 3 heart attacks.

Looking onto the game they played this past week against the Giants was just very unfortunate. A depressing lose against a rival team who has not beat us in three years and for our team to fall apart so after Vick left the game is just unacceptable. I believe that everything will be better for the next meeting with these two teams later on in the season but for now and it kills me to say the Giants fans can be happy. They should all get their celebration in now because it WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!

The next conference match up will not be until week 6 where the Eagles will travel to Maryland to face the Redskins. So we have a few weeks to watch the teams match up to other big name teams and see how they shape up. I am excited to see these next few weeks play out and if the table will start to turn and how quickly things will change.

Hope everyone found my review of the NFC east interesting and informative!

peaceouteverybody!