Sunday Morning Coming Down: April 6th
By: Matt Harmon
April 6th 2014
April 6th 2014
Random Football Musings
1) Count me among the “Chris Johnson is done” crowd
When a big named player gets released everyone jumps to figure out his next destination. We must remember these players are on the market for a reason. Chris Johnson was making too much money in Tennessee, but is also rapidly declining player.
The former 2,000-yard rusher’s performance has fallen off since he signed a monster deal with the Titans. Through it all, Johnson pointed the finger of blame in just about every direction except his own.
Johnson said he had to carry the entire offense; the Titans acquired receivers like Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright. He complained his offensive line didn’t open up holes; the front office remade the interior with new additions Andy Levitre, Chance Warmack and Brian Schwenke. Nothing did the trick.
Chris Johnson got worse in each year following his dominant 2009 season. Everything came to a head in 2013 when the artist formerly known as CJ2K averaged a paltry 3.9 yards a carry.
There might not be a “star caliber” player in the NFL with worse tape than Johnson the last two years. He doesn’t do much well but run in a straight line anymore. Despite his speed, he cannot make defenders miss in the open field. Johnson will often pass up an easy five yards, by bouncing a run outside toward the sideline. He won’t hit an obvious hole, and seems disinterested in absorbing any sort of physical contact. You would assume a player with his skill set would be an asset in the passing game, but he doesn’t excel in that phase of the position either.
We’ve seen that for running backs, when it goes it goes fast. This is especially true for a player like Chris Johnson.
At age 28, he probably doesn’t posses the same 4.2 speed he did coming into the league. Johnson hasn’t shown he is capable of adjusting to that fact. Could he transform in a new home? It’s certainly possible, but count me amongst those who would be surprised.
1) Count me among the “Chris Johnson is done” crowd
When a big named player gets released everyone jumps to figure out his next destination. We must remember these players are on the market for a reason. Chris Johnson was making too much money in Tennessee, but is also rapidly declining player.
The former 2,000-yard rusher’s performance has fallen off since he signed a monster deal with the Titans. Through it all, Johnson pointed the finger of blame in just about every direction except his own.
Johnson said he had to carry the entire offense; the Titans acquired receivers like Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright. He complained his offensive line didn’t open up holes; the front office remade the interior with new additions Andy Levitre, Chance Warmack and Brian Schwenke. Nothing did the trick.
Chris Johnson got worse in each year following his dominant 2009 season. Everything came to a head in 2013 when the artist formerly known as CJ2K averaged a paltry 3.9 yards a carry.
There might not be a “star caliber” player in the NFL with worse tape than Johnson the last two years. He doesn’t do much well but run in a straight line anymore. Despite his speed, he cannot make defenders miss in the open field. Johnson will often pass up an easy five yards, by bouncing a run outside toward the sideline. He won’t hit an obvious hole, and seems disinterested in absorbing any sort of physical contact. You would assume a player with his skill set would be an asset in the passing game, but he doesn’t excel in that phase of the position either.
We’ve seen that for running backs, when it goes it goes fast. This is especially true for a player like Chris Johnson.
At age 28, he probably doesn’t posses the same 4.2 speed he did coming into the league. Johnson hasn’t shown he is capable of adjusting to that fact. Could he transform in a new home? It’s certainly possible, but count me amongst those who would be surprised.
You might not know Rafael Bush (#25) but if the Falcons get him, you will (Image: Drew McKenzie, Sportspress Northwest)
2) The Atlanta Falcons are on the verge of pulling off a heist
The Falcons have signed New Orleans Saints safety, Rafael Bush, to a restricted free agent offer sheet—worth $4.5 million over two years. If the Saints do not match it before Tuesday Bush will defect to Atlanta, with no compensation for his current team.
Bush is not a household name, or even a full-time starter, but he impressed me last year. I thought he excelled as the Saints’ third safety, especially late in the season when Kenny Vaccarro was hurt. You couldn’t miss him beating up the Seahawks’ receivers in the postseason.
Bush’s youth and upside caused me to draft him onto my #PSRWP team—a team building draft among a few NFL writers on Twitter—and list him in my free agent breakdown. I wasn’t the only one who appreciated his work last season. Pro Football Focus gave Bush high marks in pass coverage, and Bleacher Report ranked him as the 12th best safety from 2013.
The Falcons are making a shrewd move to take advantage of their division rivals and their cap issues. The Saints are not likely to match the offer sheet for Rafael Bush. This time next week, Atlanta might have a player with the range in coverage to fill their free safety need.
Recommendations
1) The How I Met Your Mother ending that should have been (video has been removed)
Spoilers coming…
This week the CBS hit show, How I Met Your Mother, ended its nine-season run in the most ungraceful way imaginable. Actually, that is being too kind. The series finale was a steaming pile of garbage.
Never mind the fact that the final season took place over the course of two days, and the finale covered decades in less than an hour. Or that the writers chose to dismantle the marriage between Barney and Robin they spent two whole seasons building up to. The show betrayed loyal viewers with a cheap, disingenuous ending.
I was okay with the mother’s passing. Even if it was rushed, and clumsily done, it only added emotion to the story. Hearing Ted’s final heartfelt speech was almost tear jerking. In typical Mosby fashion, he seemed to perfectly encapsulate what it means to love someone with all your heart. It’s a feeling so few of us get to feel, and just as in this instance it doesn’t always last forever. It was the perfect ending to a modern day love story. As the alternate ending showed, the screen should have faded to black after those words; leaving us with the image of Ted and his soul mate, with his words echoing in our heads.
The Falcons have signed New Orleans Saints safety, Rafael Bush, to a restricted free agent offer sheet—worth $4.5 million over two years. If the Saints do not match it before Tuesday Bush will defect to Atlanta, with no compensation for his current team.
Bush is not a household name, or even a full-time starter, but he impressed me last year. I thought he excelled as the Saints’ third safety, especially late in the season when Kenny Vaccarro was hurt. You couldn’t miss him beating up the Seahawks’ receivers in the postseason.
Bush’s youth and upside caused me to draft him onto my #PSRWP team—a team building draft among a few NFL writers on Twitter—and list him in my free agent breakdown. I wasn’t the only one who appreciated his work last season. Pro Football Focus gave Bush high marks in pass coverage, and Bleacher Report ranked him as the 12th best safety from 2013.
The Falcons are making a shrewd move to take advantage of their division rivals and their cap issues. The Saints are not likely to match the offer sheet for Rafael Bush. This time next week, Atlanta might have a player with the range in coverage to fill their free safety need.
Recommendations
1) The How I Met Your Mother ending that should have been (video has been removed)
Spoilers coming…
This week the CBS hit show, How I Met Your Mother, ended its nine-season run in the most ungraceful way imaginable. Actually, that is being too kind. The series finale was a steaming pile of garbage.
Never mind the fact that the final season took place over the course of two days, and the finale covered decades in less than an hour. Or that the writers chose to dismantle the marriage between Barney and Robin they spent two whole seasons building up to. The show betrayed loyal viewers with a cheap, disingenuous ending.
I was okay with the mother’s passing. Even if it was rushed, and clumsily done, it only added emotion to the story. Hearing Ted’s final heartfelt speech was almost tear jerking. In typical Mosby fashion, he seemed to perfectly encapsulate what it means to love someone with all your heart. It’s a feeling so few of us get to feel, and just as in this instance it doesn’t always last forever. It was the perfect ending to a modern day love story. As the alternate ending showed, the screen should have faded to black after those words; leaving us with the image of Ted and his soul mate, with his words echoing in our heads.
How I Met Your Mother was one of my favorite shows, but it should have ended at this scene (Image: hidden remote.com)
Unfortunately, the writers destroyed a nine year long story in the final three minutes. Watching Ted’s children encourage their father to chase after Robin again was nothing short of gross.
I’m not so naïve to believe you only love once. One of my grandmothers got married again after my grandfather died, and it was a beautiful blessing. There is nothing wrong with Ted searching for love in the wake of his wife’s passing, but not with Robin, again.
Over the course of the series we have been led to believe Ted was slowly getting over this woman so that he could ultimately find his soul mate. In the final season, we were given glimpses into the life of the future Mrs. Mosby, and if you didn’t fall in love with her yourself, you’re crazy. The way the story unfolded, fans were led to be sick of Ted and Robin, and excited for the unveiling of Tracy (the mother). To kill her off, and then have her children say things like “dad, you told us that story to show you have the hots for Aunt Robin” and “come on, mom’s been gone for six years” ruined the effect of the story.
How I Met Your Mother is unique because it speaks to my generation, or at least it did. The theme of going through year’s of struggles, being patient, and over coming the odds in the name of love is a key concept for my age group.
Most of my fellow American 20 to 30 year old peers are an ambitious bunch. We travel across the country to get degrees, find jobs, and start new lives. Couples that are already together constantly sacrifice to try and stay together. Those who haven’t found a partner seem to lose hope quickly in the jungle of single life—those desperate for a relationship anyways. For those people, I’m sure it was great to see Ted finally reach the pinnacle of his search for love.
As Ted said in the second to last episode “love is what we do best”. His search for it could have been a powerful reminder to my generation to never give up. No matter what your dreams and goals are, don’t forget about love. Even if its hard, or you’re scared, take the risk because the reward is worth it.
Maybe the real ending is realistic. Ted’s soul mate died, I guess why not go back to the familiar woman from your past. But if he really wanted Robin all along, it cheapens the story of his journey to the mother. If he loved Tracy in the manner his speech indicated, Robin will only ever be a second rate deal. Like I said, maybe that’s the way real life is, but I don’t care. I didn’t watch this show and become invested in these characters to be reminded of the bitterness love can bring.
The story deserved a perfect ending, but How I Met Your Mother failed to provide that. At least some saint took the time to create one and release it on the Internet.
That video corrects what, in my opinion, was the worst series finale of all time. It’s honestly so bad I’m not sure when I’ll be able to watch the show again. The ending has managed to ruin every episode prior to it.
2) The Mowgli’s, a southern California alternative band
The up and coming band released their first major label album “Waiting for Dawn” almost a year ago. They are just now coming on my radar.
The echoing, grand chorus-like vocals are extremely entertaining. The music is upbeat, and an easy listen. If you really focus, you’ll be treated to very poetic and meaningful lyrics. You can rock out and shamelessly sing along.
My favorite songs off the album are “The Great Divide” and “Say it, Just Say it”. The former is probably their most popular track. “The Great Divide” brings a steady tempo and solid music to drive to. “Say it, Just Say it” was the group’s first song I was exposed to. The music is great, but the lyrics are killer. It tells a story of the reckless nature of young love, and resonates with the free spirit emoted soul in you.
The best musicians are able to match the words the sing seamlessly with the music they play. I am happy to say this band does that marvelously.
What I’m Watching This Week
I’m not so naïve to believe you only love once. One of my grandmothers got married again after my grandfather died, and it was a beautiful blessing. There is nothing wrong with Ted searching for love in the wake of his wife’s passing, but not with Robin, again.
Over the course of the series we have been led to believe Ted was slowly getting over this woman so that he could ultimately find his soul mate. In the final season, we were given glimpses into the life of the future Mrs. Mosby, and if you didn’t fall in love with her yourself, you’re crazy. The way the story unfolded, fans were led to be sick of Ted and Robin, and excited for the unveiling of Tracy (the mother). To kill her off, and then have her children say things like “dad, you told us that story to show you have the hots for Aunt Robin” and “come on, mom’s been gone for six years” ruined the effect of the story.
How I Met Your Mother is unique because it speaks to my generation, or at least it did. The theme of going through year’s of struggles, being patient, and over coming the odds in the name of love is a key concept for my age group.
Most of my fellow American 20 to 30 year old peers are an ambitious bunch. We travel across the country to get degrees, find jobs, and start new lives. Couples that are already together constantly sacrifice to try and stay together. Those who haven’t found a partner seem to lose hope quickly in the jungle of single life—those desperate for a relationship anyways. For those people, I’m sure it was great to see Ted finally reach the pinnacle of his search for love.
As Ted said in the second to last episode “love is what we do best”. His search for it could have been a powerful reminder to my generation to never give up. No matter what your dreams and goals are, don’t forget about love. Even if its hard, or you’re scared, take the risk because the reward is worth it.
Maybe the real ending is realistic. Ted’s soul mate died, I guess why not go back to the familiar woman from your past. But if he really wanted Robin all along, it cheapens the story of his journey to the mother. If he loved Tracy in the manner his speech indicated, Robin will only ever be a second rate deal. Like I said, maybe that’s the way real life is, but I don’t care. I didn’t watch this show and become invested in these characters to be reminded of the bitterness love can bring.
The story deserved a perfect ending, but How I Met Your Mother failed to provide that. At least some saint took the time to create one and release it on the Internet.
That video corrects what, in my opinion, was the worst series finale of all time. It’s honestly so bad I’m not sure when I’ll be able to watch the show again. The ending has managed to ruin every episode prior to it.
2) The Mowgli’s, a southern California alternative band
The up and coming band released their first major label album “Waiting for Dawn” almost a year ago. They are just now coming on my radar.
The echoing, grand chorus-like vocals are extremely entertaining. The music is upbeat, and an easy listen. If you really focus, you’ll be treated to very poetic and meaningful lyrics. You can rock out and shamelessly sing along.
My favorite songs off the album are “The Great Divide” and “Say it, Just Say it”. The former is probably their most popular track. “The Great Divide” brings a steady tempo and solid music to drive to. “Say it, Just Say it” was the group’s first song I was exposed to. The music is great, but the lyrics are killer. It tells a story of the reckless nature of young love, and resonates with the free spirit emoted soul in you.
The best musicians are able to match the words the sing seamlessly with the music they play. I am happy to say this band does that marvelously.
What I’m Watching This Week
Justin Gilbert has all the athletic ability, but he needs a ton of refinement (Image: mattwaldman.rsp.com)
Justin Gilbert, a cornerback prospect from Oklahoma State.
The takes on Gilbert vary greatly. Some analysts love him; say he’s easily the best corner in the draft and slot him high on the first day of the draft. Still there are others who view him as a major project, and wouldn’t touch him until the mid-rounds. ESPN’s Todd McShay dropped Gilbert way down his big board this week, so the winds are changing.
This is my second pass at Gilbert’s tapes, and I still have mixed feelings. His technique and footwork are a total train wreck. I see a major disconnect between Gilbert’s mind and body on the football field. He doesn’t always know where he needs to be, or how to properly defend a play, and his positioning suffers.
However, Gilbert is a supreme athlete and it shows on tape. He is very smooth, and a fluid mover on the field. When he doesn’t have to think too much, he shows flashes of ability that makes you want more. He has all the potential in the world to shut down the boundaries, and mirror receivers. Physically, Gilbert can break on the ball at the NFL level, but will his issues keep him from doing so?
Think of Justin Gilbert as a poor man’s Patrick Peterson—a common comparison. Peterson is an upper tier corner, but his lacking technique keeps him from being a true shutdown player. He gets away with a lot of gaffes because he has the insane athletic ability to compensate and recover. Gilbert could become the same sort of player in the NFL.
You can be as technically sound a corner as you want, but if you don’t have the natural ability of Justin Gilbert, there is a glass ceiling. Of course, if Gilbert never develops in the mechanical part of the position, quarterbacks will torture him endlessly.
I find myself somewhere in the middle when it comes to this player. Given all that he needs to be taught, there are other guys I’d prefer in the top-15. However, I’d bet on his upside late in the first round.
Panthers Parting Shot
Carolina will bring in Thomas DeCoud for a visit this week. He had a poor 2013 season, and if they sign him it wouldn’t come with much fanfare. However, he would be a nice addition for the Panthers.
Mike Mitchell, Quintin Mikel, and Robert Lester were the primary safeties for Carolina last year. All three are of the in the box banger variety. None of them have much range in coverage, and their poor angles can get them exposed. Lester is the only one still on the roster, but has been joined by a similar and lesser player in Roman Harper.
DeCoud isn’t a permanent solution, but he at least offers variety. He is a true centerfielder that can make plays on the ball in coverage.
DeCoud is a former Pro Bowler, but struggled last season. However, its important to remember that Atlanta got little to no pass rush all year; a real detriment to this type of player. DeCoud would be free to make plays, and cover deep behind Carolina’s dominant front seven. He might not fit on every team, but most safeties get a boost in this defense.
Signing Thomas DeCoud would mean the Panthers don’t have to count on Charles Godfrey. He is an average player, but the cap-strapped Panthers need to get out from under his oversized contract. DeCoud might even provide an upgrade anyways.
It won’t turn off the fiery anger of Panthers’ fans, but DeCoud would be a nice get. This could be another in a growing list of free agent bargains for Dave Gettleman.
The takes on Gilbert vary greatly. Some analysts love him; say he’s easily the best corner in the draft and slot him high on the first day of the draft. Still there are others who view him as a major project, and wouldn’t touch him until the mid-rounds. ESPN’s Todd McShay dropped Gilbert way down his big board this week, so the winds are changing.
This is my second pass at Gilbert’s tapes, and I still have mixed feelings. His technique and footwork are a total train wreck. I see a major disconnect between Gilbert’s mind and body on the football field. He doesn’t always know where he needs to be, or how to properly defend a play, and his positioning suffers.
However, Gilbert is a supreme athlete and it shows on tape. He is very smooth, and a fluid mover on the field. When he doesn’t have to think too much, he shows flashes of ability that makes you want more. He has all the potential in the world to shut down the boundaries, and mirror receivers. Physically, Gilbert can break on the ball at the NFL level, but will his issues keep him from doing so?
Think of Justin Gilbert as a poor man’s Patrick Peterson—a common comparison. Peterson is an upper tier corner, but his lacking technique keeps him from being a true shutdown player. He gets away with a lot of gaffes because he has the insane athletic ability to compensate and recover. Gilbert could become the same sort of player in the NFL.
You can be as technically sound a corner as you want, but if you don’t have the natural ability of Justin Gilbert, there is a glass ceiling. Of course, if Gilbert never develops in the mechanical part of the position, quarterbacks will torture him endlessly.
I find myself somewhere in the middle when it comes to this player. Given all that he needs to be taught, there are other guys I’d prefer in the top-15. However, I’d bet on his upside late in the first round.
Panthers Parting Shot
Carolina will bring in Thomas DeCoud for a visit this week. He had a poor 2013 season, and if they sign him it wouldn’t come with much fanfare. However, he would be a nice addition for the Panthers.
Mike Mitchell, Quintin Mikel, and Robert Lester were the primary safeties for Carolina last year. All three are of the in the box banger variety. None of them have much range in coverage, and their poor angles can get them exposed. Lester is the only one still on the roster, but has been joined by a similar and lesser player in Roman Harper.
DeCoud isn’t a permanent solution, but he at least offers variety. He is a true centerfielder that can make plays on the ball in coverage.
DeCoud is a former Pro Bowler, but struggled last season. However, its important to remember that Atlanta got little to no pass rush all year; a real detriment to this type of player. DeCoud would be free to make plays, and cover deep behind Carolina’s dominant front seven. He might not fit on every team, but most safeties get a boost in this defense.
Signing Thomas DeCoud would mean the Panthers don’t have to count on Charles Godfrey. He is an average player, but the cap-strapped Panthers need to get out from under his oversized contract. DeCoud might even provide an upgrade anyways.
It won’t turn off the fiery anger of Panthers’ fans, but DeCoud would be a nice get. This could be another in a growing list of free agent bargains for Dave Gettleman.
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