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From Division II Grand Valley State, where he won two national titles, to Central Michigan, where he won a MAC championship, to the University of Cincinnati, where he led a team to a 12-0 record, to, now, Notre Dame, where in his third season he took the once moribund Irish to the national title game, there's an obvious constant.
Brian Kelly has always been successful. And Brian Kelly has always been a climber.
That the NFL was on the horizon should surprise no one. Until word broke Wednesday with ESPN saying Kelly has met with the Philadelphia Eagles and there is mutual interest, the horizon still seemed off in the distance. The interview, according to the NFL Network, took place Tuesday, just hours after the Irish's 42-14 BCS title game loss to Alabama, a disappointment that only slightly diminished a dream season. Kelly is now said to be out of the country for a brief vacation, an entirely separate bizarre turn. Notre Dame declined to comment on the reports.
For Philadelphia, there is risk all over this one. Kelly doesn't have a single day of NFL experience, either as a player or a coach. At the same time there's a simple and powerful angle to sell the fan base. Kelly wins. Everywhere. And he did it at programs that either hadn't ever achieved such success, or in the case of Notre Dame, not seen it for years.
A Philly fan base desperate for success after the slide under Andy Reid might buy into that. And while he's known as an offensive coach, a developer of talent and a fine motivator, this past season he won with defense in South Bend, a desperate need for the Eagles. Moreover, he's known as a terrific in-game manager, with solid adjustments. There's no need to bring up Reid's reputation on that.
Still, this would be a leap of faith. Kelly played ball at little Assumption College in Massachusetts, and after a brief stint in political organization he worked his way up slowly through the college coaching ranks. His time at even the highest level of college football is limited – three years at ND and three years at UC, if you consider the Big East that. At 51 he would arrive as a newcomer to the league, yet lacking the reputation as an offensive savant like Oregon's Chip Kelly, whom the Eagles, among others, also pursued.
This would be, for Philly, a gamble.
It would be, for Brian Kelly, a stunning departure also.
Again, only the most devout Irish fan could believe that Kelly was going to stay forever in South Bend. In truth, the national demands of the job, from recruiting to alumni responsibilities, tend to wear everyone out. Lou Holtz, the last ND coach who wasn't asked to leave, said he was so exhausted after 11 seasons he thought he was too tired to coach anymore. After a brief rest, he realized he was just too tired to coach Notre Dame, so he took the South Carolina job. Kelly is only in his third season, one in which the Irish arrived in national contention ahead of schedule. This would seem to be the time for Kelly to enjoy the fruits of his labor, to ride the momentum and see exactly what this program can do. He's always been pushing for the next job. Now here was a job he could dig in and see what was possible.
No, the blowout loss to 'Bama wasn't fun, but no one thought the Irish would get to the title game this year, and no one thinks it's their last crack. The Irish, as long as Kelly was around, were back. He returns a star-studded team, including most of the vaunted defensive line, freshman quarterback Everett Golson and plenty of skill players. Manti Te'o has graduated, but there is plenty of young talent there.
And more is coming. Kelly is sitting on the current No. 1 ranked recruiting class according to rivals-com, a group flush with the kind of athletes from across the country that Notre Dame knows it needs if it wants to come back and beat an Alabama some day.
"Winning," Kelly said earlier this year, "sure does help."
Yet just days after brushing aside, but not burying, interest in the NFL, he's reportedly looking at the opportunity to take on another enormous challenge, at the game's highest level.
For Notre Dame this is a gut-punch. The Irish have suffered through nearly two decades of poor to average coaches while a perception was built that the school could never again be nationally relevant due to strict academics, location, a lack of conference affiliation and a host of other items.
Then when Notre Dame finally gets a capable coach who quickly proves none of that is true, who restores a measure of glory and has the program primed for even more, it might lose him?
That quickly? And to the Eagles?
You could argue this is a classic power play to use NFL interest – real or rumored – into a lucrative contract extension. Notre Dame is the king of those sucker jobs, having once handed Charlie Weis a ten-year deal just because gossip spread that an NFL team might want to talk to him at the end of the season.
[Yahoo! Sports Radio: Texans' Owen Daniels on rematch in New England]
The thing is that Kelly was already going to get paid. He was already in the perfect position. He restored Notre Dame, bringing joy to one of the wealthiest alumni bases in major college football. He'd earned his raise.
No, the interest in the NFL is real. It's always been real, the ultimate spot for an upwardly mobile coach.
Brian Kelly has always won. Brian Kelly has always climbed.
In a nervous South Bend, with no obvious big-name, proven successor (defensive coordinator Bob Diaco?) standing by, everyone waits to see if the jump comes sooner, far sooner, than they ever imagined.
A Brian Kelly jump to NFL would rock Notre Dame - Yahoo! Sports
Brian Kelly has always been successful. And Brian Kelly has always been a climber.
That the NFL was on the horizon should surprise no one. Until word broke Wednesday with ESPN saying Kelly has met with the Philadelphia Eagles and there is mutual interest, the horizon still seemed off in the distance. The interview, according to the NFL Network, took place Tuesday, just hours after the Irish's 42-14 BCS title game loss to Alabama, a disappointment that only slightly diminished a dream season. Kelly is now said to be out of the country for a brief vacation, an entirely separate bizarre turn. Notre Dame declined to comment on the reports.
For Philadelphia, there is risk all over this one. Kelly doesn't have a single day of NFL experience, either as a player or a coach. At the same time there's a simple and powerful angle to sell the fan base. Kelly wins. Everywhere. And he did it at programs that either hadn't ever achieved such success, or in the case of Notre Dame, not seen it for years.
A Philly fan base desperate for success after the slide under Andy Reid might buy into that. And while he's known as an offensive coach, a developer of talent and a fine motivator, this past season he won with defense in South Bend, a desperate need for the Eagles. Moreover, he's known as a terrific in-game manager, with solid adjustments. There's no need to bring up Reid's reputation on that.
Still, this would be a leap of faith. Kelly played ball at little Assumption College in Massachusetts, and after a brief stint in political organization he worked his way up slowly through the college coaching ranks. His time at even the highest level of college football is limited – three years at ND and three years at UC, if you consider the Big East that. At 51 he would arrive as a newcomer to the league, yet lacking the reputation as an offensive savant like Oregon's Chip Kelly, whom the Eagles, among others, also pursued.
This would be, for Philly, a gamble.
It would be, for Brian Kelly, a stunning departure also.
Again, only the most devout Irish fan could believe that Kelly was going to stay forever in South Bend. In truth, the national demands of the job, from recruiting to alumni responsibilities, tend to wear everyone out. Lou Holtz, the last ND coach who wasn't asked to leave, said he was so exhausted after 11 seasons he thought he was too tired to coach anymore. After a brief rest, he realized he was just too tired to coach Notre Dame, so he took the South Carolina job. Kelly is only in his third season, one in which the Irish arrived in national contention ahead of schedule. This would seem to be the time for Kelly to enjoy the fruits of his labor, to ride the momentum and see exactly what this program can do. He's always been pushing for the next job. Now here was a job he could dig in and see what was possible.
No, the blowout loss to 'Bama wasn't fun, but no one thought the Irish would get to the title game this year, and no one thinks it's their last crack. The Irish, as long as Kelly was around, were back. He returns a star-studded team, including most of the vaunted defensive line, freshman quarterback Everett Golson and plenty of skill players. Manti Te'o has graduated, but there is plenty of young talent there.
And more is coming. Kelly is sitting on the current No. 1 ranked recruiting class according to rivals-com, a group flush with the kind of athletes from across the country that Notre Dame knows it needs if it wants to come back and beat an Alabama some day.
"Winning," Kelly said earlier this year, "sure does help."
Yet just days after brushing aside, but not burying, interest in the NFL, he's reportedly looking at the opportunity to take on another enormous challenge, at the game's highest level.
For Notre Dame this is a gut-punch. The Irish have suffered through nearly two decades of poor to average coaches while a perception was built that the school could never again be nationally relevant due to strict academics, location, a lack of conference affiliation and a host of other items.
Then when Notre Dame finally gets a capable coach who quickly proves none of that is true, who restores a measure of glory and has the program primed for even more, it might lose him?
That quickly? And to the Eagles?
You could argue this is a classic power play to use NFL interest – real or rumored – into a lucrative contract extension. Notre Dame is the king of those sucker jobs, having once handed Charlie Weis a ten-year deal just because gossip spread that an NFL team might want to talk to him at the end of the season.
[Yahoo! Sports Radio: Texans' Owen Daniels on rematch in New England]
The thing is that Kelly was already going to get paid. He was already in the perfect position. He restored Notre Dame, bringing joy to one of the wealthiest alumni bases in major college football. He'd earned his raise.
No, the interest in the NFL is real. It's always been real, the ultimate spot for an upwardly mobile coach.
Brian Kelly has always won. Brian Kelly has always climbed.
In a nervous South Bend, with no obvious big-name, proven successor (defensive coordinator Bob Diaco?) standing by, everyone waits to see if the jump comes sooner, far sooner, than they ever imagined.
A Brian Kelly jump to NFL would rock Notre Dame - Yahoo! Sports
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The pressure just went up a notch for the NFL.
What's the delay in implementing an HGH testing program?
We know. We've heard it before. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) isn't convinced that there is a reliable test, regardless of what anti-doping experts maintain.
Yet Major League Baseball players don't dispute that there are valid tests, so MLB beat the NFL and its players to the punch in announcing Thursday that it will implement random, in-season blood-testing for human growth hormone. So, despite that great photo op on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 17 months ago, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith announced that the NFL would become the first U.S. pro sports league to implement HGH testing as part of a new labor deal, Major League Baseball takes the honor.
Of course, this did not go unnoticed on Capitol Hill. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which has held hearings and written letters aimed at nudging the players union toward an agreement for testing, issued a statement Thursday.
It was predictable. In part, it read, "Other professional sports leagues, including the National Football League, must also implement their own robust testing regimes. Major League Baseball's announcement increases the pressure on the NFL and its players to deliver on pledges to conduct HGH testing made in their collective bargaining agreement that was signed (nearly) two years ago."
There was silence on the matter from the NFL players union on Thursday, although it did mention the House Committee in its statement about findings that the late Junior Seau, who committed suicide in May, suffered from a degenerative brain condition, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The NFLPA called on Reps. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Committee, and ranking member Elijah Cummings to look into issues related to health and safety beyond HGH testing, including its desire to have independent sideline concussion experts and revisions in the workers compensation system. "We hope the MLB players' union will inspire the NFLPA to stop its stalling tactics and fulfill its commitment to begin testing for HGH," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an e-mail to USA TODAY Sports. "If the NFLPA stands for player health and safety, it should follow the lead of the MLB players union and end the delay."
While the concerns raised by the union Thursday may carry validity in their own right, they detract from the issue of HGH testing. For months, the union has resisted HGH testing on numerous grounds, including its questions about the reliability of tests and desire for a population study. The HGH testing program was always earmarked to be included as part of an expanded NFL drug policy -- the final component that was unsettled during the labor talks -- but negotiations are still at a standstill.
It seems unlikely that MLB's program will produce enough shame to strike a resolution. After all, the drum-beating on Capitol Hill -- where there are more pressing issues stalled by ideological differences -- hasn't been the ticket. Passing a law to force HGH testing could work, but that would involved a different type of delay involving politics.
In the end, the players should be at the front of the line to rid the sport of cheaters who gain a competitive edge, risk health issues and spoil the integrity of the game.
Bell: NFL falls further behind on HGH testing
What's the delay in implementing an HGH testing program?
We know. We've heard it before. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) isn't convinced that there is a reliable test, regardless of what anti-doping experts maintain.
Yet Major League Baseball players don't dispute that there are valid tests, so MLB beat the NFL and its players to the punch in announcing Thursday that it will implement random, in-season blood-testing for human growth hormone. So, despite that great photo op on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 17 months ago, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith announced that the NFL would become the first U.S. pro sports league to implement HGH testing as part of a new labor deal, Major League Baseball takes the honor.
Of course, this did not go unnoticed on Capitol Hill. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which has held hearings and written letters aimed at nudging the players union toward an agreement for testing, issued a statement Thursday.
It was predictable. In part, it read, "Other professional sports leagues, including the National Football League, must also implement their own robust testing regimes. Major League Baseball's announcement increases the pressure on the NFL and its players to deliver on pledges to conduct HGH testing made in their collective bargaining agreement that was signed (nearly) two years ago."
There was silence on the matter from the NFL players union on Thursday, although it did mention the House Committee in its statement about findings that the late Junior Seau, who committed suicide in May, suffered from a degenerative brain condition, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The NFLPA called on Reps. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Committee, and ranking member Elijah Cummings to look into issues related to health and safety beyond HGH testing, including its desire to have independent sideline concussion experts and revisions in the workers compensation system. "We hope the MLB players' union will inspire the NFLPA to stop its stalling tactics and fulfill its commitment to begin testing for HGH," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an e-mail to USA TODAY Sports. "If the NFLPA stands for player health and safety, it should follow the lead of the MLB players union and end the delay."
While the concerns raised by the union Thursday may carry validity in their own right, they detract from the issue of HGH testing. For months, the union has resisted HGH testing on numerous grounds, including its questions about the reliability of tests and desire for a population study. The HGH testing program was always earmarked to be included as part of an expanded NFL drug policy -- the final component that was unsettled during the labor talks -- but negotiations are still at a standstill.
It seems unlikely that MLB's program will produce enough shame to strike a resolution. After all, the drum-beating on Capitol Hill -- where there are more pressing issues stalled by ideological differences -- hasn't been the ticket. Passing a law to force HGH testing could work, but that would involved a different type of delay involving politics.
In the end, the players should be at the front of the line to rid the sport of cheaters who gain a competitive edge, risk health issues and spoil the integrity of the game.
Bell: NFL falls further behind on HGH testing
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
RAVENS AT BRONCOS
When• 3:30 p.m.
TV • KMOV (Channel 4).
Line • Broncos by 9½.
Weather forecast • Partly sunny, temperature at kickoff in the upper teens.
Synopsis • Baltimore comes off its emotional victory in what was linebacker Ray Lewis’ final home game, but that spark will have worn off as the Ravens now are on the road to face a team that has won 11 in a row and has a QB, Peyton Manning, who has won his last nine outings vs. them. Baltimore QB Joe Flacco had a big day hooking up with Anquan Boldin last Sunday, but Flacco has been inconsistent all season and now faces a rested defense that was third in the NFL vs. both the pass and run this year. This is a much tougher test than Flacco had last week vs. Indy, which was just 26th in overall defense. Look for Denver to clamp down and if the Broncos gain a sizable early lead that will make key Baltimore RB Ray Rice less of a factor because Flacco will have to throw more than is desirable.
Bottom line, pick • In this round of the playoffs, in which a rested team is at home to face a foe that played the previous week, home teams are 62-26 since the current playoff format began in 1990. That’s 70 percent, but the trend has weakened a bit in recent years — in the last four seasons that mark is 9-7. In the strange stat of the day, Manning is 0-3 in playoff games when the temperature at kickoff time is 40 degrees or colder. He has thrown just one TD pass, with seven interceptions, in those outings. But those were on the road.
BRONCOS 31, RAVENS 17.
PACKERS AT 49ers
When• 7 p.m.
TV • KTVI (Channel 2).
Line • 49ers by 3.
Weather forecast • Partly cloudy, temperature at kickoff around 50.
Synopsis • Both teams are considerably different than when they met in Week 1 (a San Francisco 30-22 victory in Green Bay). The 49ers have a different quarterback, as Colin Kaepernick has replaced Alex Smith. That game was part of a slow start for the Packers, but they have won 10 of their last 12 and finally are healthy on both sides of the ball. A key concern here for San Francisco is the status of defensive tackle Justin Smith, who missed the last two games of the regular season because of a partially torn triceps tendon. He has been practicing on a limited basis this week and plans to return to the NFL’s third-ranked defense. However, how effective he can be and how long he can go are major questions.
Bottom line, pick • Kaepernick is 5-2 as a starter but makes his playoff debut here and faces a defense that has allowed just 16.8 points in its last six outings. In contrast, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is playoff-savvy, has 11 TD passes and no interceptions in his last four outings combined and has his full array of receivers back after a series of health-related setbacks. The contrasts in quarterbacking experience, 49ers health concerns plus SF’s wobbly kicking situation — David Akers has been struggling but fended off a recent challenge from Billy Cundiff for the job — make it a Green Bay day.
PACKERS 24, 49ers 20.
When• 3:30 p.m.
TV • KMOV (Channel 4).
Line • Broncos by 9½.
Weather forecast • Partly sunny, temperature at kickoff in the upper teens.
Synopsis • Baltimore comes off its emotional victory in what was linebacker Ray Lewis’ final home game, but that spark will have worn off as the Ravens now are on the road to face a team that has won 11 in a row and has a QB, Peyton Manning, who has won his last nine outings vs. them. Baltimore QB Joe Flacco had a big day hooking up with Anquan Boldin last Sunday, but Flacco has been inconsistent all season and now faces a rested defense that was third in the NFL vs. both the pass and run this year. This is a much tougher test than Flacco had last week vs. Indy, which was just 26th in overall defense. Look for Denver to clamp down and if the Broncos gain a sizable early lead that will make key Baltimore RB Ray Rice less of a factor because Flacco will have to throw more than is desirable.
Bottom line, pick • In this round of the playoffs, in which a rested team is at home to face a foe that played the previous week, home teams are 62-26 since the current playoff format began in 1990. That’s 70 percent, but the trend has weakened a bit in recent years — in the last four seasons that mark is 9-7. In the strange stat of the day, Manning is 0-3 in playoff games when the temperature at kickoff time is 40 degrees or colder. He has thrown just one TD pass, with seven interceptions, in those outings. But those were on the road.
BRONCOS 31, RAVENS 17.
PACKERS AT 49ers
When• 7 p.m.
TV • KTVI (Channel 2).
Line • 49ers by 3.
Weather forecast • Partly cloudy, temperature at kickoff around 50.
Synopsis • Both teams are considerably different than when they met in Week 1 (a San Francisco 30-22 victory in Green Bay). The 49ers have a different quarterback, as Colin Kaepernick has replaced Alex Smith. That game was part of a slow start for the Packers, but they have won 10 of their last 12 and finally are healthy on both sides of the ball. A key concern here for San Francisco is the status of defensive tackle Justin Smith, who missed the last two games of the regular season because of a partially torn triceps tendon. He has been practicing on a limited basis this week and plans to return to the NFL’s third-ranked defense. However, how effective he can be and how long he can go are major questions.
Bottom line, pick • Kaepernick is 5-2 as a starter but makes his playoff debut here and faces a defense that has allowed just 16.8 points in its last six outings. In contrast, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is playoff-savvy, has 11 TD passes and no interceptions in his last four outings combined and has his full array of receivers back after a series of health-related setbacks. The contrasts in quarterbacking experience, 49ers health concerns plus SF’s wobbly kicking situation — David Akers has been struggling but fended off a recent challenge from Billy Cundiff for the job — make it a Green Bay day.
PACKERS 24, 49ers 20.
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The unproven kid thoroughly beat the former Super Bowl champion and reigning MVP.
With a strong arm that allowed him to pick the Packers apart from the pocket and speedy legs that helped him break free for big gains, Colin Kaepernick did a little bit of everything in a record-setting, sensational playoff debut - and Aaron Rodgers just couldn't keep up.
Kaepernick passed for 263 yards and ran the San Francisco 49ers right back to the NFC championship game with a 45-31 win over Green Bay in an NFC divisional game Saturday night.
Kaepernick rushed for a quarterback playoff record 181 yards and two touchdowns and threw two scoring passes to Michael Crabtree . Next up for the Niners: a game on Jan. 20 for a spot in the Super Bowl, against the winner of Sunday's game between the Seattle Seahawks and Falcons at Atlanta.
"It feels good. We're one step closer to where we want to be," Kaepernick said. "I feel like I had a lot to prove. A lot of people doubted my ability to lead this team."
And what a playoff debut it was by the second-year pro making just his eighth NFL start. No doubting Jim Harbaugh's big midseason gamble switching quarterbacks now.
Rodgers never got in sync for the Packers (12-6), finishing 26 of 39 for 257 yards with two touchdowns.
Kaepernick ran for scores of 20 and 56 yards on the way to topping the rushing mark of 119 yards set by Michael Vick in 2005 against St. Louis. Crabtree caught TD passes of 12 and 20 yards in the second quarter and wound up with nine receptions and 119 yards for the Niners (12-4-1) in the NFC divisional matchup.
Kaepernick, sporting a burgundy beanie partially covering his head, was greeted at his locker after the game by former 49ers quarterback John Brodie.
San Francisco had 579 total yards with 323 on the ground, scoring its third-most points in the franchise's storied playoff history.
"Our offensive line did an amazing job today," Kaepernick said. "They shut everybody down inside. Our receivers, our tight ends, blocked great outside, and our running backs were running hard, so it made it easier on me."
Frank Gore and Anthony Dixon each added 2-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter for the No. 2 seed NFC West champions, slim favorites on their home field in a rematch of Week 1. They added to their memorable night by setting a franchise postseason record for yards rushing, 119 of those by Gore to complement Kaepernick.
Rodgers, the former Cal star passed up by San Francisco with the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft, never got going. Rodgers rooted for the Niners as a kid in Northern California.
This was another early exit for the Packers, who lost in the divisional playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants a year ago and were denied a chance to defend the title they won after the 2010 season.
Those Green Bay road stars of two years ago - they won three away from Lambeau Field on the way to the Super Bowl - didn't have it this time against San Francisco's stingy defense and a no-fear, second-year quarterback who would not be denied. A kid who was born in Milwaukee and grew up a big Green Bay fan until the day he was drafted in 2011 out of Nevada.
"I didn't know how fast he was," Green Bay defensive back Charles Woodson said. "Coming in I really never paid attention to it. But he is fast."
San Francisco advanced to back-to-back NFC title games for the first time since reaching three in a row following the 1992-94 seasons, with 1994 their last trip to the Super Bowl.
With the sellout crowd at Candlestick Park waving red flags reading "Quest for Six" - a sixth Super Bowl title, that is - Kaepernick did his part and then some to deliver in the first key step. Even after an early interception that gave Green Bay all the momentum in a hostile road stadium.
Kaepernick topped Vick's mark with the 56-yard keeper on an option play in the third quarter. That gave Kaepernick 163 yards on 12 carries, also setting a 49ers franchise record for the postseason.
"The execution for the 49ers on the read option was excellent, but our issues were bigger than that," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "We did not a very good job of keeping him the pocket. He was able to get out of the pocket for a number of big conversions."
Kaepernick joined Jay Cutler in 2011 and Otto Graham in both 1954 and `55 as the only players with two rushing and two passing touchdowns in a playoff game.
David Akers kicked a 36-yard field goal moments before halftime to give San Francisco a 24-21 lead at intermission after Green Bay tried to ice the struggling veteran by calling timeout before his kick.
Mason Crosby 's 31-yard field goal tied the game at 24 midway through the third quarter, then Kaepernick took over again. San Francisco's defense handled the rest.
Kaepernick had 11 carries for 107 yards rushing by halftime.
Pick six, no problem.
The strong-armed Kaepernick brushed off the interception he tossed on the fourth play of the game that Sam Shields ran back 52 yards for a touchdown, then took control with his pinpoint passing to his favorite go-to guy - Crabtree - and with his quick-burst ability out of the pocket.
"He does a great job of responding," Harbaugh said. "He has done that any time there has been an interception he has thrown, a safety or a turnover, he's responded with a scoring drive. That's rare. I think that's a rare quality. So far he's shown that he's got that ability to come back."
San Francisco, fueled all year by its near miss in overtime of the NFC title game, made it two victories against Rodgers and Co. this season after a 30-22 Week 1 win at Lambeau Field.
Kaepernick bounced back from the early interception and again after a second-quarter taunting penalty in which he threw the ball down in the face of safety M.D. Jennings after being hit by Jennings and Erik Walden . Center Jonathan Goodwin grabbed Kaepernick in an effort to settle him down after his 15-yard ru
With a strong arm that allowed him to pick the Packers apart from the pocket and speedy legs that helped him break free for big gains, Colin Kaepernick did a little bit of everything in a record-setting, sensational playoff debut - and Aaron Rodgers just couldn't keep up.
Kaepernick passed for 263 yards and ran the San Francisco 49ers right back to the NFC championship game with a 45-31 win over Green Bay in an NFC divisional game Saturday night.
Kaepernick rushed for a quarterback playoff record 181 yards and two touchdowns and threw two scoring passes to Michael Crabtree . Next up for the Niners: a game on Jan. 20 for a spot in the Super Bowl, against the winner of Sunday's game between the Seattle Seahawks and Falcons at Atlanta.
"It feels good. We're one step closer to where we want to be," Kaepernick said. "I feel like I had a lot to prove. A lot of people doubted my ability to lead this team."
And what a playoff debut it was by the second-year pro making just his eighth NFL start. No doubting Jim Harbaugh's big midseason gamble switching quarterbacks now.
Rodgers never got in sync for the Packers (12-6), finishing 26 of 39 for 257 yards with two touchdowns.
Kaepernick ran for scores of 20 and 56 yards on the way to topping the rushing mark of 119 yards set by Michael Vick in 2005 against St. Louis. Crabtree caught TD passes of 12 and 20 yards in the second quarter and wound up with nine receptions and 119 yards for the Niners (12-4-1) in the NFC divisional matchup.
Kaepernick, sporting a burgundy beanie partially covering his head, was greeted at his locker after the game by former 49ers quarterback John Brodie.
San Francisco had 579 total yards with 323 on the ground, scoring its third-most points in the franchise's storied playoff history.
"Our offensive line did an amazing job today," Kaepernick said. "They shut everybody down inside. Our receivers, our tight ends, blocked great outside, and our running backs were running hard, so it made it easier on me."
Frank Gore and Anthony Dixon each added 2-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter for the No. 2 seed NFC West champions, slim favorites on their home field in a rematch of Week 1. They added to their memorable night by setting a franchise postseason record for yards rushing, 119 of those by Gore to complement Kaepernick.
Rodgers, the former Cal star passed up by San Francisco with the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft, never got going. Rodgers rooted for the Niners as a kid in Northern California.
This was another early exit for the Packers, who lost in the divisional playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants a year ago and were denied a chance to defend the title they won after the 2010 season.
Those Green Bay road stars of two years ago - they won three away from Lambeau Field on the way to the Super Bowl - didn't have it this time against San Francisco's stingy defense and a no-fear, second-year quarterback who would not be denied. A kid who was born in Milwaukee and grew up a big Green Bay fan until the day he was drafted in 2011 out of Nevada.
"I didn't know how fast he was," Green Bay defensive back Charles Woodson said. "Coming in I really never paid attention to it. But he is fast."
San Francisco advanced to back-to-back NFC title games for the first time since reaching three in a row following the 1992-94 seasons, with 1994 their last trip to the Super Bowl.
With the sellout crowd at Candlestick Park waving red flags reading "Quest for Six" - a sixth Super Bowl title, that is - Kaepernick did his part and then some to deliver in the first key step. Even after an early interception that gave Green Bay all the momentum in a hostile road stadium.
Kaepernick topped Vick's mark with the 56-yard keeper on an option play in the third quarter. That gave Kaepernick 163 yards on 12 carries, also setting a 49ers franchise record for the postseason.
"The execution for the 49ers on the read option was excellent, but our issues were bigger than that," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "We did not a very good job of keeping him the pocket. He was able to get out of the pocket for a number of big conversions."
Kaepernick joined Jay Cutler in 2011 and Otto Graham in both 1954 and `55 as the only players with two rushing and two passing touchdowns in a playoff game.
David Akers kicked a 36-yard field goal moments before halftime to give San Francisco a 24-21 lead at intermission after Green Bay tried to ice the struggling veteran by calling timeout before his kick.
Mason Crosby 's 31-yard field goal tied the game at 24 midway through the third quarter, then Kaepernick took over again. San Francisco's defense handled the rest.
Kaepernick had 11 carries for 107 yards rushing by halftime.
Pick six, no problem.
The strong-armed Kaepernick brushed off the interception he tossed on the fourth play of the game that Sam Shields ran back 52 yards for a touchdown, then took control with his pinpoint passing to his favorite go-to guy - Crabtree - and with his quick-burst ability out of the pocket.
"He does a great job of responding," Harbaugh said. "He has done that any time there has been an interception he has thrown, a safety or a turnover, he's responded with a scoring drive. That's rare. I think that's a rare quality. So far he's shown that he's got that ability to come back."
San Francisco, fueled all year by its near miss in overtime of the NFC title game, made it two victories against Rodgers and Co. this season after a 30-22 Week 1 win at Lambeau Field.
Kaepernick bounced back from the early interception and again after a second-quarter taunting penalty in which he threw the ball down in the face of safety M.D. Jennings after being hit by Jennings and Erik Walden . Center Jonathan Goodwin grabbed Kaepernick in an effort to settle him down after his 15-yard ru
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That glove Peyton Manning has been wearing on his throwing hand will come in quite handy Saturday for what could be the coldest home postseason game in Denver Broncos' history.
Those not playing may want to sit on the heated benches -- or next to the electric heaters -- because the game-time temperature when the Broncos host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC divisional playoffs is expected to be 17 degrees, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Jim Kalina.
In other words, "bundle up," Kalina said.
The coldest postseason contest at Mile High was 18 degrees for the 1977 AFC Championship Game, when Denver beat Oakland 20-17.
The chilliest home game ever in Denver? That would be 9 degrees against San Diego on Dec 10, 1972.
Being such a meticulous planner, Manning left nothing to chance in the weeks leading up this game. To prepare for the possibility of wintry weather, the four-time NFL MVP wore an orange-and-gray glove on his throwing hand the last two games. Manning has been quite effective, too, with the glove -- his completion percentage has been almost 6 points better and his passer rating almost 20 points higher than without it.
The stickiness of the glove also helps Manning better grip the football, especially these days after the multiple neck surgeries he underwent during his season out of football.
"I certainly don't think I would have had to wear the glove had I not been injured last year," Manning said. "It's part of my injury, some things that I've had to adjust. I'm in a different body. Some things are different for me, so that's the reason for that as much as anything."
The cool weather certainly hasn't been friendly to Manning, who's 0-3 in playoff games in which the temperature at kickoff is less than 40 degrees.
And this game will certainly be well south of that number.
"It's going to be very cold," Kalina said. "There may even be a few flakes, but it shouldn't affect the game. Just really cold."
This isn't even close to the coldest game in NFL history, though. That distinction belongs to "The Ice Bowl" on Dec. 31, 1967, when the temperature at Lambeau Field reached minus-13 (with a minus-48 wind chill) in a contest between Green Bay and Dallas.
All week, Broncos players boasted about wearing short-sleeves despite the cool conditions. It was simply a matter of convincing the mind it really wasn't all the frigid.
"Once you get out there, you're on the field, you're just fine," Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas said earlier this week. "But if you're just sitting around, that's when it gets to you. As long as you're out there on the field and warm, you're good."
The field should be in solid shape, though, with more than 20 miles of water-heated tubing under the field to keep it from freezing.
2013 NFL playoffs -- Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens brace for frigid playoff - ESPN
Those not playing may want to sit on the heated benches -- or next to the electric heaters -- because the game-time temperature when the Broncos host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC divisional playoffs is expected to be 17 degrees, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Jim Kalina.
In other words, "bundle up," Kalina said.
The coldest postseason contest at Mile High was 18 degrees for the 1977 AFC Championship Game, when Denver beat Oakland 20-17.
The chilliest home game ever in Denver? That would be 9 degrees against San Diego on Dec 10, 1972.
Being such a meticulous planner, Manning left nothing to chance in the weeks leading up this game. To prepare for the possibility of wintry weather, the four-time NFL MVP wore an orange-and-gray glove on his throwing hand the last two games. Manning has been quite effective, too, with the glove -- his completion percentage has been almost 6 points better and his passer rating almost 20 points higher than without it.
The stickiness of the glove also helps Manning better grip the football, especially these days after the multiple neck surgeries he underwent during his season out of football.
"I certainly don't think I would have had to wear the glove had I not been injured last year," Manning said. "It's part of my injury, some things that I've had to adjust. I'm in a different body. Some things are different for me, so that's the reason for that as much as anything."
The cool weather certainly hasn't been friendly to Manning, who's 0-3 in playoff games in which the temperature at kickoff is less than 40 degrees.
And this game will certainly be well south of that number.
"It's going to be very cold," Kalina said. "There may even be a few flakes, but it shouldn't affect the game. Just really cold."
This isn't even close to the coldest game in NFL history, though. That distinction belongs to "The Ice Bowl" on Dec. 31, 1967, when the temperature at Lambeau Field reached minus-13 (with a minus-48 wind chill) in a contest between Green Bay and Dallas.
All week, Broncos players boasted about wearing short-sleeves despite the cool conditions. It was simply a matter of convincing the mind it really wasn't all the frigid.
"Once you get out there, you're on the field, you're just fine," Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas said earlier this week. "But if you're just sitting around, that's when it gets to you. As long as you're out there on the field and warm, you're good."
The field should be in solid shape, though, with more than 20 miles of water-heated tubing under the field to keep it from freezing.
2013 NFL playoffs -- Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens brace for frigid playoff - ESPN
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The San Francisco 49ers currently are reaping the benefits of having the foresight to draft Colin Kaepernick. It might come as a surprise to learn the 49ers weren't the only team to draft Kaepernick. The Chicago Cubs chose Kaepernick in the 43rd round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft.
Kaepernick didn't play baseball at the University of Nevada, but reports of a 90-mph fastball during his high school days made him worth a flier. Kaepernick declined the Cubs' interest and remained in school.
"I ended up watching him play a couple times in football and really liked his athleticism," Sam Hughes, a member of the Cubs' amateur scouting department, told FoxSports-com. "But he had a real long arm stroke that's not very Dan Marino-esque. When he was a sophomore in college, I didn't know how his game would translate in the NFL.
"Our NFL sources at the time thought he was going to be a later-round or CFL guy."
A monster senior season at Nevada led to the 49ers grabbing Kaepernick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The rest was history.
After Hughes saw Kaepernick wearing a Milwaukee Brewers hat during a postgame interview Sunday, he texted the quarterback.
"Let's not forget you were drafted by the Cubs," Hughes joked. "I want to see you rocking the Cubbie Blue. ... And by the way, pretty good game."
Kaepernick's reply? "LOL. Thank you."
Just another near miss by the lovable losers from Wrigleyville.
Colin Kaepernick once chose football over Chicago Cubs - NFL-com
Kaepernick didn't play baseball at the University of Nevada, but reports of a 90-mph fastball during his high school days made him worth a flier. Kaepernick declined the Cubs' interest and remained in school.
"I ended up watching him play a couple times in football and really liked his athleticism," Sam Hughes, a member of the Cubs' amateur scouting department, told FoxSports-com. "But he had a real long arm stroke that's not very Dan Marino-esque. When he was a sophomore in college, I didn't know how his game would translate in the NFL.
"Our NFL sources at the time thought he was going to be a later-round or CFL guy."
A monster senior season at Nevada led to the 49ers grabbing Kaepernick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The rest was history.
After Hughes saw Kaepernick wearing a Milwaukee Brewers hat during a postgame interview Sunday, he texted the quarterback.
"Let's not forget you were drafted by the Cubs," Hughes joked. "I want to see you rocking the Cubbie Blue. ... And by the way, pretty good game."
Kaepernick's reply? "LOL. Thank you."
Just another near miss by the lovable losers from Wrigleyville.
Colin Kaepernick once chose football over Chicago Cubs - NFL-com
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The Chicago Bears are telling candidates that they will hire Montreal Alouettes coach Marc Trestman as their next coach, according to a source briefed on their situation. They informed Bruce Arians and Darrell Bevell, the other two finalists for the job, that they were moving forward Tuesday night with Trestman. Trestman has been coach of the Canadian Football League's Alouettes since 2008, posting a 64-34 record. The Alouettes won the Grey Cup Championship in 2009 and 2010, earning Trestman CFL Coach of the Year in 2009.
He's also been an offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders. In 2002, under Trestman, Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon was the 2002 NFL Most Valuable Player and Oakland made it to the Super Bowl.
Arians and Bevell, offensive coordinators of the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks, respectively, were two of the final three candidates, along with Trestman, considered by Bears general manager Phil Emery to replace Lovie Smith. The team's list of head-coaching candidates reached 13 names at one point.
Trestman's hiring was first reported by the Chicago Tribune early Wednesday.
Smith was dismissed by the Bears after a 10-6 season in 2012.
Marc Trestman to be next Chicago Bears coach - NFL-com
He's also been an offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders. In 2002, under Trestman, Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon was the 2002 NFL Most Valuable Player and Oakland made it to the Super Bowl.
Arians and Bevell, offensive coordinators of the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks, respectively, were two of the final three candidates, along with Trestman, considered by Bears general manager Phil Emery to replace Lovie Smith. The team's list of head-coaching candidates reached 13 names at one point.
Trestman's hiring was first reported by the Chicago Tribune early Wednesday.
Smith was dismissed by the Bears after a 10-6 season in 2012.
Marc Trestman to be next Chicago Bears coach - NFL-com
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We don't pretend to be experts on the Canadian Football League. But there are key differences between the CFL and the NFL and some might affect the sort of coach Marc Trestman might be.
In the CFL, for instance, the collective bargaining agreement dictates that a full day of practices and meetings cannot last longer than 4 1/2 continuous hours per day, considerably shorter than in the NFL.
Former Bear Garrett Wolfe, who played for Trestman in Montreal, told WSCR-AM 670 Wednesday that Trestman has learned to be much more efficient. He "had to maximize every bit of time. So his time management will be amazing." In the CFL, a team has only three downs to gain a first down, so there is little room to be conservative.
"(The CFL) is more of an offensive-minded game," Wolfe said. "It's a very aggressive style because you're constantly trying to move the ball. In essence you only have two downs to get a first down."
Here are some other significant differences between the leagues:
• A CFL field is 150 yards long, as compared to 120 in the NFL. Endzones in Canada are 20 yards deep and the 55-yard line is midfield.
• CFL fields are also much wider: In the NFL, the width of the field is 160 feet or 53 1/3 yards. The width of a CFL field is 195 feet.
• There are 12 players for each side in the CFL.
• There are eight teams in the CFL, divided into two divisions. Six teams make the playoffs.
• Defensive linemen in the CFL are required to line up one yard from the line of scrimmage.
• In the NFL, after all players are set, only one offensive player is allowed to be in motion. In the CFL, all offensive backfield players, except the quarterback, and two players on the ends of the line of scrimmage may be in motion at the snap.
CFL vs. NFL: Here are some key differences - chicagotribune-com
In the CFL, for instance, the collective bargaining agreement dictates that a full day of practices and meetings cannot last longer than 4 1/2 continuous hours per day, considerably shorter than in the NFL.
Former Bear Garrett Wolfe, who played for Trestman in Montreal, told WSCR-AM 670 Wednesday that Trestman has learned to be much more efficient. He "had to maximize every bit of time. So his time management will be amazing." In the CFL, a team has only three downs to gain a first down, so there is little room to be conservative.
"(The CFL) is more of an offensive-minded game," Wolfe said. "It's a very aggressive style because you're constantly trying to move the ball. In essence you only have two downs to get a first down."
Here are some other significant differences between the leagues:
• A CFL field is 150 yards long, as compared to 120 in the NFL. Endzones in Canada are 20 yards deep and the 55-yard line is midfield.
• CFL fields are also much wider: In the NFL, the width of the field is 160 feet or 53 1/3 yards. The width of a CFL field is 195 feet.
• There are 12 players for each side in the CFL.
• There are eight teams in the CFL, divided into two divisions. Six teams make the playoffs.
• Defensive linemen in the CFL are required to line up one yard from the line of scrimmage.
• In the NFL, after all players are set, only one offensive player is allowed to be in motion. In the CFL, all offensive backfield players, except the quarterback, and two players on the ends of the line of scrimmage may be in motion at the snap.
CFL vs. NFL: Here are some key differences - chicagotribune-com
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Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has been hired as the Arizona Cardinals' new head coach, the team announced Thursday, shortly after two sources told NFL-com's Ian Rapoport about the deal.
The Cardinals said Arians received a contract for four years, with a team option for a fifth year. "I never thought it was going to come," Arians said, according to the Cardinals' official website. "I appreciate it so much. I will give it every single thing I have. The passion and energy I bring to this is something I love to do.
"The more I got to meet with everyone here, the more I got excited for the opportunity," Arians added. "I knew it was the right fit for me."
Arians became a 2012 NFL Coach of the Year candidate while he filled in for Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who missed most of the season to undergo leukemia treatment. The Colts went 9-3 with Arians holding the title of interim coach, and quarterback Andrew Luck developed into a rookie of the year candidate. Indianapolis had the NFL's 10th-ranked offense with rookies playing at quarterback, running back, tight end and wide receiver, not to mention its banged-up offensive line.
The Cardinals are the last of eight NFL teams to fill their head coach opening. They fired Ken Whisenhunt, a former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, to hire another former Steelers offensive coordinator. Arians described the difference between the two Thursday, when he met with the media after interviewing for the Cardinals job, which he wanted.
"I have a pretty good job sitting back in Indianapolis," Arians said, according to The Arizona Republic. "Do I want to be a head coach? Definitely. But just to be one? No." Arians added that he had a pretty good feeling about the Cardinals, but his success will be tied to the quarterback, where he has had success with Luck and Ben Roethlisberger. Arizona has talent on defense and at the offensive skill positions. The offensive line needs some work, but the combination of Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley combined to throw 10 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions. None of the three completed 60 percent of his passes.
Bruce Arians hired as Arizona Cardinals head coach - NFL-com
The Cardinals said Arians received a contract for four years, with a team option for a fifth year. "I never thought it was going to come," Arians said, according to the Cardinals' official website. "I appreciate it so much. I will give it every single thing I have. The passion and energy I bring to this is something I love to do.
"The more I got to meet with everyone here, the more I got excited for the opportunity," Arians added. "I knew it was the right fit for me."
Arians became a 2012 NFL Coach of the Year candidate while he filled in for Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who missed most of the season to undergo leukemia treatment. The Colts went 9-3 with Arians holding the title of interim coach, and quarterback Andrew Luck developed into a rookie of the year candidate. Indianapolis had the NFL's 10th-ranked offense with rookies playing at quarterback, running back, tight end and wide receiver, not to mention its banged-up offensive line.
The Cardinals are the last of eight NFL teams to fill their head coach opening. They fired Ken Whisenhunt, a former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, to hire another former Steelers offensive coordinator. Arians described the difference between the two Thursday, when he met with the media after interviewing for the Cardinals job, which he wanted.
"I have a pretty good job sitting back in Indianapolis," Arians said, according to The Arizona Republic. "Do I want to be a head coach? Definitely. But just to be one? No." Arians added that he had a pretty good feeling about the Cardinals, but his success will be tied to the quarterback, where he has had success with Luck and Ben Roethlisberger. Arizona has talent on defense and at the offensive skill positions. The offensive line needs some work, but the combination of Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley combined to throw 10 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions. None of the three completed 60 percent of his passes.
Bruce Arians hired as Arizona Cardinals head coach - NFL-com
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree has been questioned by police regarding a sexual assault allegation, the San Francisco Police Department confirmed to NFL-com and NFL Network. Police said the alleged assault occurred in a city hotel room early Sunday.
Officer Gordon Shyy told NFL-com that Crabtree was interviewed earlier this week. The victim did not contact police until a few days after the alleged assault, after which police interviewed Crabtree with his lawyer present.
The officer did not provide details as far as a timeline for the investigation, only noting that it is "active" and Crabtree is being cooperative.
The 49ers arrived in Atlanta on Friday night in advance of the NFC Championship Game and released a statement on the matter:
"We are aware of the allegation against Michael and understand that he has fully cooperated with authorities," GM Trent Baalke said. "The 49ers take such matters very seriously. We will have no further comment at this time as the legal process is ongoing. Additional requests for comment should be directed to Michael's attorney."
The San Francisco Chronicle and Comcast SportsNet Bay Area report that Crabtree is expected to play on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Crabtree has not been detained or arrested, and he has agreed to make himself available for possible further interviews about an assault.
No other information is available at this time, but we'll continue to update the situation as news warrants.
Michael Crabtree of 49ers in sexual assault probe - NFL-com
Officer Gordon Shyy told NFL-com that Crabtree was interviewed earlier this week. The victim did not contact police until a few days after the alleged assault, after which police interviewed Crabtree with his lawyer present.
The officer did not provide details as far as a timeline for the investigation, only noting that it is "active" and Crabtree is being cooperative.
The 49ers arrived in Atlanta on Friday night in advance of the NFC Championship Game and released a statement on the matter:
"We are aware of the allegation against Michael and understand that he has fully cooperated with authorities," GM Trent Baalke said. "The 49ers take such matters very seriously. We will have no further comment at this time as the legal process is ongoing. Additional requests for comment should be directed to Michael's attorney."
The San Francisco Chronicle and Comcast SportsNet Bay Area report that Crabtree is expected to play on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Crabtree has not been detained or arrested, and he has agreed to make himself available for possible further interviews about an assault.
No other information is available at this time, but we'll continue to update the situation as news warrants.
Michael Crabtree of 49ers in sexual assault probe - NFL-com
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The Raiders have hired Greg Olson as their offensive coordinator, the team confirmed Saturday.
Olson spent the past season as the assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He replaces Greg Knapp in Oakland and will work under coach Dennis Allen.
Olson has six years' experience as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, including three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, from 2009-11. During that time, Olson was credited with the rapid development of quarterback Josh Freeman into one of the league's more promising players.
Olson favors a power-blocking scheme, which means the zone-blocking scheme favored by Knapp and fired offensive-line coach Frank Pollack are gone after one season.
That should help jump-start running back Darren McFadden, who averaged only 3.3 yards per carry in 2012 and never looked comfortable in the scheme.
Rams running back Steven Jackson had his best season in 2006 with Olson as his offensive coordinator.
Olson also worked with Drew Brees when both were at Purdue and Olson was the quarterbacks coach.
The Raiders also hired longtime NFL coach Bobby April to fill their vacancy at special teams coordinator.
April spent the past three seasons as the Philadelphia Eagles' special teams coordinator. Overall, he has coached 21 years in the NFL, mostly special teams.
April replaces Steve Hoffman. Allen still needs to add an offensive line and linebackers coach. Colts: Indianapolis confirmed the hiring of former Stanford assistant Pep Hamilton as its offensive coordinator.
Bills: Pat Morris was hired as offensive line coach. Morris has 15 years of NFL experience, including stints with Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Detroit and the 49ers.
Jaguars: New coach Gus Bradley hired University of Miami offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch to the same position and longtime Chicago Bears assistant Bob Babich as defensive coordinator.
NFL: Oakland Raiders look to Greg Olson to boost offense - San Jose Mercury News
Olson spent the past season as the assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He replaces Greg Knapp in Oakland and will work under coach Dennis Allen.
Olson has six years' experience as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, including three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, from 2009-11. During that time, Olson was credited with the rapid development of quarterback Josh Freeman into one of the league's more promising players.
Olson favors a power-blocking scheme, which means the zone-blocking scheme favored by Knapp and fired offensive-line coach Frank Pollack are gone after one season.
That should help jump-start running back Darren McFadden, who averaged only 3.3 yards per carry in 2012 and never looked comfortable in the scheme.
Rams running back Steven Jackson had his best season in 2006 with Olson as his offensive coordinator.
Olson also worked with Drew Brees when both were at Purdue and Olson was the quarterbacks coach.
The Raiders also hired longtime NFL coach Bobby April to fill their vacancy at special teams coordinator.
April spent the past three seasons as the Philadelphia Eagles' special teams coordinator. Overall, he has coached 21 years in the NFL, mostly special teams.
April replaces Steve Hoffman. Allen still needs to add an offensive line and linebackers coach. Colts: Indianapolis confirmed the hiring of former Stanford assistant Pep Hamilton as its offensive coordinator.
Bills: Pat Morris was hired as offensive line coach. Morris has 15 years of NFL experience, including stints with Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Detroit and the 49ers.
Jaguars: New coach Gus Bradley hired University of Miami offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch to the same position and longtime Chicago Bears assistant Bob Babich as defensive coordinator.
NFL: Oakland Raiders look to Greg Olson to boost offense - San Jose Mercury News
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The Baltimore Ravens nearly knocked off the New England Patriots a year ago. This time, they finished the job. The Ravens scored 21 unanswered points in the second half Sunday at Gillette Stadium, knocking off the defending AFC champions with a 28-13 win. The Ravens will meet the San Francisco 49ers two weeks from Sunday in Super Bowl XLVII.
"Last year, we walked out of here with a bitter taste in our mouth," Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin told NFL-com's Albert Breer. "And we wanted to come back to this exact same spot and rectify that."
Joe Flacco keeps building his reputation, playing another outstanding game in difficult conditions. The Ravens' quarterback finished 21-of-36 passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He took down Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in back-to-back weeks, outplaying both future Hall of Famers in their own buildings.
Flacco got help from a Ravens defense that grew tougher as the moment grew bigger. Tom Brady had been 67-0 in games in which his Patriots were leading in Foxborough at halftime, but the Ravens dominated the last two quarters. Bernard Pollard's knockout hit of Stevan Ridley created the turnover that effectively ended New England's season. Brady was intercepted twice and had several passes deflected at the line of scrimmage.
We knew heading into this game that the Ravens weren't afraid of the Patriots. If anything, it was the Patriots who looked timid, punting in Ravens territory three times. By the fourth quarter, there was no question who was the more aggressive, physical team.
So now it's set. The Harbaugh Bowl. Ray Lewis' final game played on the sport's greatest stage. Not too bad.
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens reach Super Bowl XLVII - NFL-com
"Last year, we walked out of here with a bitter taste in our mouth," Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin told NFL-com's Albert Breer. "And we wanted to come back to this exact same spot and rectify that."
Joe Flacco keeps building his reputation, playing another outstanding game in difficult conditions. The Ravens' quarterback finished 21-of-36 passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He took down Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in back-to-back weeks, outplaying both future Hall of Famers in their own buildings.
Flacco got help from a Ravens defense that grew tougher as the moment grew bigger. Tom Brady had been 67-0 in games in which his Patriots were leading in Foxborough at halftime, but the Ravens dominated the last two quarters. Bernard Pollard's knockout hit of Stevan Ridley created the turnover that effectively ended New England's season. Brady was intercepted twice and had several passes deflected at the line of scrimmage.
We knew heading into this game that the Ravens weren't afraid of the Patriots. If anything, it was the Patriots who looked timid, punting in Ravens territory three times. By the fourth quarter, there was no question who was the more aggressive, physical team.
So now it's set. The Harbaugh Bowl. Ray Lewis' final game played on the sport's greatest stage. Not too bad.
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens reach Super Bowl XLVII - NFL-com
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Former Oakland Raiders wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist Tim Brown has blamed ex-Raiders coach Bill Callahan for the team's embarrassing 48-21 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XVII.
Speaking on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Saturday, Brown speculated that Callahan might have changed the team's game plan the Friday before the game because he was friends with Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden and "hated" the Raiders. (Gruden had coached the Raiders before taking the Bucs job the prior offseason.) "We get our game plan for victory on Monday, and the game plan says we're gonna run the ball," Brown said. "We averaged 340 [pounds] on the offensive line, they averaged 280 [on the defensive line]. We're all happy with that, everybody is excited."
But Brown said Callahan called an audible the Friday before the game, switching from a run-heavy attack to a passing one.
"We all called it sabotage ... because Callahan and Gruden were good friends," Brown said. "And Callahan had a big problem with the Raiders, you know, hated the Raiders. You know, only came because Gruden made him come. Literally walked off the field on us a couple of times during the season when he first got there, the first couple years. So really he had become someone who was part of the staff but we just didn't pay him any attention. Gruden leaves, he becomes the head coach. ... It's hard to say that the guy sabotaged the Super Bowl. You know, can you really say that? That can be my opinion, but I can't say for a fact that that's what his plan was, to sabotage the Super Bowl. ... That's hard to say, because you can't prove it." In the interview, first reported by ProFootballTalk-com, Brown also appears to blame the sudden change in game plan for the Super Bowl-eve disappearance of Raiders center Barrett Robbins in San Diego. Robbins had bipolar disorder, and went missing the day before the game. He turned up Saturday night, but was left off the team's game-day roster.
This isn't the first time Brown has been critical of his former coaching staff with the Raiders. He spoke out last week when the Chicago Bears hired Marc Trestman to be their new head coach. Trestman was Callahan's offensive coordinator in 2002.
"I just never saw Trestman as being a head coach," Brown said, according to ESPN-com.
"[T]here's a lot more to coaching than just X's and O's. You have to be able to deal with players and that's the reason [former Raiders coach] Bill Callahan hasn't succeeded as a head coach. Because he's a smart guy, knows football like the back of his hand, but when it comes to leading [men], it's a totally different intangible you have to have. It's going to be very interesting to see how [Trestman] and Jay Cutler get along, that's for sure."
Callahan is now the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Tim Brown slams Bill Callahan for Raiders' Super Bowl loss - NFL-com
Speaking on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Saturday, Brown speculated that Callahan might have changed the team's game plan the Friday before the game because he was friends with Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden and "hated" the Raiders. (Gruden had coached the Raiders before taking the Bucs job the prior offseason.) "We get our game plan for victory on Monday, and the game plan says we're gonna run the ball," Brown said. "We averaged 340 [pounds] on the offensive line, they averaged 280 [on the defensive line]. We're all happy with that, everybody is excited."
But Brown said Callahan called an audible the Friday before the game, switching from a run-heavy attack to a passing one.
"We all called it sabotage ... because Callahan and Gruden were good friends," Brown said. "And Callahan had a big problem with the Raiders, you know, hated the Raiders. You know, only came because Gruden made him come. Literally walked off the field on us a couple of times during the season when he first got there, the first couple years. So really he had become someone who was part of the staff but we just didn't pay him any attention. Gruden leaves, he becomes the head coach. ... It's hard to say that the guy sabotaged the Super Bowl. You know, can you really say that? That can be my opinion, but I can't say for a fact that that's what his plan was, to sabotage the Super Bowl. ... That's hard to say, because you can't prove it." In the interview, first reported by ProFootballTalk-com, Brown also appears to blame the sudden change in game plan for the Super Bowl-eve disappearance of Raiders center Barrett Robbins in San Diego. Robbins had bipolar disorder, and went missing the day before the game. He turned up Saturday night, but was left off the team's game-day roster.
This isn't the first time Brown has been critical of his former coaching staff with the Raiders. He spoke out last week when the Chicago Bears hired Marc Trestman to be their new head coach. Trestman was Callahan's offensive coordinator in 2002.
"I just never saw Trestman as being a head coach," Brown said, according to ESPN-com.
"[T]here's a lot more to coaching than just X's and O's. You have to be able to deal with players and that's the reason [former Raiders coach] Bill Callahan hasn't succeeded as a head coach. Because he's a smart guy, knows football like the back of his hand, but when it comes to leading [men], it's a totally different intangible you have to have. It's going to be very interesting to see how [Trestman] and Jay Cutler get along, that's for sure."
Callahan is now the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Tim Brown slams Bill Callahan for Raiders' Super Bowl loss - NFL-com
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As you can see in the photo above and the GIF below, Tom Brady went spikes-high in the AFC title game against Ravens safety Ed Reed as he slid, a move that safety Bernard Pollard called “bull crap.” Now, according to CBSSports-com's Mike Freeman, the NFL will study the play to see if Brady needs to be disciplined.
Take a look at the slide in real time to determine if you think Brady's kick at Reed was intentional. Well, it looks intentional. The question, I guess, is whether it was malicious, or if the Patriots quarterback who has since apologized to Reed simply was trying to defend himself. Pollard thinks it's the former.
"You've got to keep them legs down," Pollard said, via CSN New England. "You've got to keep the legs down. We all know and understand what's going on there. And as a quarterback, when you go to slide, we're taught ... we can't do anything … [Brady] knew what he was doing. It has to go both ways. Hopefully the NFL will do something about it. If they don't, that's fine. If they do, then that's fine."
Brady, though, also apologized to Reed.
"You know, I understand Brady's point," Reed told WJF-FX, via NFL-com. "Him protecting himself. I know he's a great player. I respect Brady and his game for all it stands for, and I know he's not a dirty player. And emotions get going in the game.
"I told him -- you know, we talked. We talked actually not too long ago, we talked on the phone. He actually reached out to me, texted me. I tried to text him back, but the message exploded after 12 seconds, so I had to call him ... and he's just apologized and what not. But I told him, 'You know, it's good, man.'"
Honestly, it would be a bit of a surprise if the NFL decided to fine Brady. But consider this: When Detroit's Ndamukong Suh did something similar earlier this year (similar in that we couldn't tell if his kick to Matt Schaub's groin was intentional), the league fined him $30,000.
And sure, Suh has had previous disciplinary problems, while Brady has been squeaky clean. But without some kind of acknowledgment that Brady did wrong, the league likely will further alienate the NFL's defensive players who already feel that the offensive stars are playing by a different set of disciplinary rules.
NFL to look at Tom Brady's kick-slide; Brady apologizes to Reed - CBSSports-com
Take a look at the slide in real time to determine if you think Brady's kick at Reed was intentional. Well, it looks intentional. The question, I guess, is whether it was malicious, or if the Patriots quarterback who has since apologized to Reed simply was trying to defend himself. Pollard thinks it's the former.
"You've got to keep them legs down," Pollard said, via CSN New England. "You've got to keep the legs down. We all know and understand what's going on there. And as a quarterback, when you go to slide, we're taught ... we can't do anything … [Brady] knew what he was doing. It has to go both ways. Hopefully the NFL will do something about it. If they don't, that's fine. If they do, then that's fine."
Brady, though, also apologized to Reed.
"You know, I understand Brady's point," Reed told WJF-FX, via NFL-com. "Him protecting himself. I know he's a great player. I respect Brady and his game for all it stands for, and I know he's not a dirty player. And emotions get going in the game.
"I told him -- you know, we talked. We talked actually not too long ago, we talked on the phone. He actually reached out to me, texted me. I tried to text him back, but the message exploded after 12 seconds, so I had to call him ... and he's just apologized and what not. But I told him, 'You know, it's good, man.'"
Honestly, it would be a bit of a surprise if the NFL decided to fine Brady. But consider this: When Detroit's Ndamukong Suh did something similar earlier this year (similar in that we couldn't tell if his kick to Matt Schaub's groin was intentional), the league fined him $30,000.
And sure, Suh has had previous disciplinary problems, while Brady has been squeaky clean. But without some kind of acknowledgment that Brady did wrong, the league likely will further alienate the NFL's defensive players who already feel that the offensive stars are playing by a different set of disciplinary rules.
NFL to look at Tom Brady's kick-slide; Brady apologizes to Reed - CBSSports-com
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A person familiar with the decision says the NFL has fined New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady $10,000 for kicking Baltimore Ravens defender Ed Reed during Sunday's AFC championship game.
The fine was first announced on NFL-com. An official with knowledge of the penalty confirmed it to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.
On a first-and-goal near the end of the second quarter, Brady was forced out of the pocket to his left. He ran for 3 yards but slid before he could be tackled. In the process, he raised his right leg and kicked Reed in the thigh.
Brady reportedly apologized to Reed in a text message.
Patriots spokesman Stacey James says he has no information on the fine. A message was left seeking comment from NFL spokesman Michael Signora.
The Ravens won 28-13 to advance to the Super Bowl.
NFL Tom Brady fined $10,000 for
The fine was first announced on NFL-com. An official with knowledge of the penalty confirmed it to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.
On a first-and-goal near the end of the second quarter, Brady was forced out of the pocket to his left. He ran for 3 yards but slid before he could be tackled. In the process, he raised his right leg and kicked Reed in the thigh.
Brady reportedly apologized to Reed in a text message.
Patriots spokesman Stacey James says he has no information on the fine. A message was left seeking comment from NFL spokesman Michael Signora.
The Ravens won 28-13 to advance to the Super Bowl.
NFL Tom Brady fined $10,000 for
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If Larry Fitzgerald was frustrated by the Arizona Cardinals' dismal 2012 season, one in which the team went through four nondescript quarterbacks, he sure hid it well.
Always upbeat, Fitzgerald never criticized the Cardinals' coaching staff, their game plans, the quarterbacks who couldn't get him the ball, the 11 losses that came in the final 12 games. Not a peep. A good soldier. Now Fitzgerald has a new offensive-minded head coach who has hired an offensive-minded assistant head coach. Bruce Arians and Tom Moore have a combined 60 years of coaching experience in the NFL. The offense will get plenty of attention, and Arians already is on record saying he will get Fitzgerald the ball.
Fitzgerald said Thursday, after the NFC team's Pro Bowl practice, that he already has met and talked with Arians a few times, and he came away impressed.
"I'm excited. It's a change, obviously," Fitzgerald said. "I have great admiration for my former coaching staff. I have great respect for those guys, and I'm sad to see them go. But I'm excited about our future."
Defensively, the Cardinals are solid, loaded with a lot of young talent. Two defensive players, cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebacker Daryl Washington, are here with Fitzgerald.
Offensively, there's not much in the cupboard beyond the star wide receiver and his up-and-coming wideout mates, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd. But we all saw the transformation of two poor offensive teams that made significant upgrades at quarterback last offseason. The Denver Broncos finished with the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed and the Seattle Seahawks came within a half game of winning the NFC West.
Besides quarterback, the Cardinals will need to address offensive line, especially left tackle. The upside? They have the seventh overall pick in the draft to address one of those two areas, one of the game's premier wide receivers and a coach who knows a thing or two about getting him the ball.
"Our future is in Coach Arians' hands," Fitzgerald said, "and we're going to follow his lead."
Larry Fitzgerald feels better about Arizona Cardinals - NFL-com
Always upbeat, Fitzgerald never criticized the Cardinals' coaching staff, their game plans, the quarterbacks who couldn't get him the ball, the 11 losses that came in the final 12 games. Not a peep. A good soldier. Now Fitzgerald has a new offensive-minded head coach who has hired an offensive-minded assistant head coach. Bruce Arians and Tom Moore have a combined 60 years of coaching experience in the NFL. The offense will get plenty of attention, and Arians already is on record saying he will get Fitzgerald the ball.
Fitzgerald said Thursday, after the NFC team's Pro Bowl practice, that he already has met and talked with Arians a few times, and he came away impressed.
"I'm excited. It's a change, obviously," Fitzgerald said. "I have great admiration for my former coaching staff. I have great respect for those guys, and I'm sad to see them go. But I'm excited about our future."
Defensively, the Cardinals are solid, loaded with a lot of young talent. Two defensive players, cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebacker Daryl Washington, are here with Fitzgerald.
Offensively, there's not much in the cupboard beyond the star wide receiver and his up-and-coming wideout mates, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd. But we all saw the transformation of two poor offensive teams that made significant upgrades at quarterback last offseason. The Denver Broncos finished with the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed and the Seattle Seahawks came within a half game of winning the NFC West.
Besides quarterback, the Cardinals will need to address offensive line, especially left tackle. The upside? They have the seventh overall pick in the draft to address one of those two areas, one of the game's premier wide receivers and a coach who knows a thing or two about getting him the ball.
"Our future is in Coach Arians' hands," Fitzgerald said, "and we're going to follow his lead."
Larry Fitzgerald feels better about Arizona Cardinals - NFL-com
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It’s that time again. The 2013 NFL Pro Bowl game will yet again fill the void between the conference championships and the Super Bowl.
But will anyone be watching?
The intrigue and anticipation for Super Bowl XLVII has captivated the football nation. It’s all over the front page of every sporting news outlet in the country.
We’re ready for the “Super Baugh,” the “Har-Bowl” or whatever trendy nickname pops up next.
But before then, there’s still a game to be played in Hawaii. It’s a game that has lost its meaning over the years, but will still feature some of the best athletes in the game competing in a fun and loose environment.
Let's take a look at some surprises in this year's NFL All-Star game. Gerald McCoy joined teammates Ronde Barber, Vincent Jackson and rookie Doug Martin in Hawaii as four representatives of a resurgent Tampa Bay Buccaneers team.
His selection didn’t come without some criticism, even in local Tampa area media. Former Bucs offensive lineman Ian Beckles, co-host of WDAE 620’s Ron and Ian Show, said McCoy didn’t perform at a Pro Bowl caliber. He cited the team’s pass defense struggles as a reason for inflated stats and noted that McCoy’s weren’t even above the norm (h/t brsoundingoff.blogspot.com).
McCoy played his first complete season in his still young three-year career. The young standout QB from Wisconsin made his mark early in the preseason and continued to reward Pete Carroll for taking him with a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
Not many initially put much stock in the 5’11” signal-caller. NFLDraftScout.com, a reputable NFL draft ranking company, rated him as the seventh-best QB in the 2012 draft class.
That’s why he’s a huge surprise here in Hawaii. He joined Andrew Luck as an alternate, filling in for injured QB Matt Ryan, who withdrew after sustaining a shoulder injury during his team’s NFC Championship Game loss to San Francisco. C.J. Spiller finally made the Buffalo Bills happy for taking a risk on the allegedly undersized running back. He was rewarded by voters too by being added as a Pro Bowl alternate for Ray Rice after the Baltimore Ravens earned a Super Bowl appearance last weekend.
Spiller nearly tripled his rushing-yard production from a season ago while not even doubling his touches. He nearly doubled his receiving yards this season while only catching five more passes than he did last year.
The most impressive feature of Spiller’s game continues to be his explosiveness. He had to share the workload with Fred Jackson and work through injuries, and he still put up career numbers and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl (albeit as an alternate). Eric Berry wasn’t expected to ever be the same, at least initially, after suffering a torn ACL last season. The third-year pro missed virtually all of 2011 after the injury, but came back stronger than ever in 2012.
He didn’t make as many big plays in the passing game early on as he did in his rookie season, but was an adept pass-defender, knocking down 10 passes. He benefited from a slow start by being moved up more frequently into the box, recording 10 stuffs and finishing with 86 tackles.
The biggest positive for Berry was his finish this season. Eight of his 10 pass deflections and both of his 11-tackle games came in the second half of the season.
But will anyone be watching?
The intrigue and anticipation for Super Bowl XLVII has captivated the football nation. It’s all over the front page of every sporting news outlet in the country.
We’re ready for the “Super Baugh,” the “Har-Bowl” or whatever trendy nickname pops up next.
But before then, there’s still a game to be played in Hawaii. It’s a game that has lost its meaning over the years, but will still feature some of the best athletes in the game competing in a fun and loose environment.
Let's take a look at some surprises in this year's NFL All-Star game. Gerald McCoy joined teammates Ronde Barber, Vincent Jackson and rookie Doug Martin in Hawaii as four representatives of a resurgent Tampa Bay Buccaneers team.
His selection didn’t come without some criticism, even in local Tampa area media. Former Bucs offensive lineman Ian Beckles, co-host of WDAE 620’s Ron and Ian Show, said McCoy didn’t perform at a Pro Bowl caliber. He cited the team’s pass defense struggles as a reason for inflated stats and noted that McCoy’s weren’t even above the norm (h/t brsoundingoff.blogspot.com).
McCoy played his first complete season in his still young three-year career. The young standout QB from Wisconsin made his mark early in the preseason and continued to reward Pete Carroll for taking him with a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
Not many initially put much stock in the 5’11” signal-caller. NFLDraftScout.com, a reputable NFL draft ranking company, rated him as the seventh-best QB in the 2012 draft class.
That’s why he’s a huge surprise here in Hawaii. He joined Andrew Luck as an alternate, filling in for injured QB Matt Ryan, who withdrew after sustaining a shoulder injury during his team’s NFC Championship Game loss to San Francisco. C.J. Spiller finally made the Buffalo Bills happy for taking a risk on the allegedly undersized running back. He was rewarded by voters too by being added as a Pro Bowl alternate for Ray Rice after the Baltimore Ravens earned a Super Bowl appearance last weekend.
Spiller nearly tripled his rushing-yard production from a season ago while not even doubling his touches. He nearly doubled his receiving yards this season while only catching five more passes than he did last year.
The most impressive feature of Spiller’s game continues to be his explosiveness. He had to share the workload with Fred Jackson and work through injuries, and he still put up career numbers and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl (albeit as an alternate). Eric Berry wasn’t expected to ever be the same, at least initially, after suffering a torn ACL last season. The third-year pro missed virtually all of 2011 after the injury, but came back stronger than ever in 2012.
He didn’t make as many big plays in the passing game early on as he did in his rookie season, but was an adept pass-defender, knocking down 10 passes. He benefited from a slow start by being moved up more frequently into the box, recording 10 stuffs and finishing with 86 tackles.
The biggest positive for Berry was his finish this season. Eight of his 10 pass deflections and both of his 11-tackle games came in the second half of the season.
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Our pal Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times has written an article that looks at the various challenges the NFL is facing. One of the biggest arises from persuading fans to choose to attend games over watching them at home.
Late in the item comes an intriguing prediction about the configuration of future NFL stadiums, courtesy of NFL executive V.P. of business operations Eric Grubman.
“What if a new stadium we built wasn’t 70,000, but it was 40,000 seats with 20,000 standing room?” Grubman said. “But the standing room was in a bar-type environment with three sides of screens, and one side where you see the field. Completely connected. And in those three sides of screens, you not only got every piece of NFL content, including replays, Red Zone [Channel], and analysis, but you got every other piece of news and sports content that you would like to have if you were at home.
“Now you have the game, the bar and social setting, and you have the content. What’s that ticket worth? What’s that environment feel like to a young person? Where do you want to be? Do you want to be in that seat, or do you want to be in that pavilion?”
Plenty of people would choose to be in the pavilion, if the price is right. (And if the beer isn’t priced quite so high.)
Grubman’s example, with a 70,000-seat stadium becoming a 60,000-person hybrid, reflects another inevitable reality for the NFL. To maintain the buzz of a full stadium, stadiums may need to get smaller.
“A restaurant isn’t as good if there’s only four people in there,” 49ers CEO Jed York said. “When a restaurant is hustling and bustling, it just feels better, the food tastes better because you see everybody else enjoying it. That’s the same thing for any live event. Great bands, if you don’t have a great crowd, then the band isn’t quite as good.”
He’s right — and it’s wise for the league to continuously be thinking about ways to adapt the business model to ensure that business continues to thrive, not only on TV but inside each and every stadium.
Future NFL stadiums could feature less sitting, more standing | ProFootballTalk
Late in the item comes an intriguing prediction about the configuration of future NFL stadiums, courtesy of NFL executive V.P. of business operations Eric Grubman.
“What if a new stadium we built wasn’t 70,000, but it was 40,000 seats with 20,000 standing room?” Grubman said. “But the standing room was in a bar-type environment with three sides of screens, and one side where you see the field. Completely connected. And in those three sides of screens, you not only got every piece of NFL content, including replays, Red Zone [Channel], and analysis, but you got every other piece of news and sports content that you would like to have if you were at home.
“Now you have the game, the bar and social setting, and you have the content. What’s that ticket worth? What’s that environment feel like to a young person? Where do you want to be? Do you want to be in that seat, or do you want to be in that pavilion?”
Plenty of people would choose to be in the pavilion, if the price is right. (And if the beer isn’t priced quite so high.)
Grubman’s example, with a 70,000-seat stadium becoming a 60,000-person hybrid, reflects another inevitable reality for the NFL. To maintain the buzz of a full stadium, stadiums may need to get smaller.
“A restaurant isn’t as good if there’s only four people in there,” 49ers CEO Jed York said. “When a restaurant is hustling and bustling, it just feels better, the food tastes better because you see everybody else enjoying it. That’s the same thing for any live event. Great bands, if you don’t have a great crowd, then the band isn’t quite as good.”
He’s right — and it’s wise for the league to continuously be thinking about ways to adapt the business model to ensure that business continues to thrive, not only on TV but inside each and every stadium.
Future NFL stadiums could feature less sitting, more standing | ProFootballTalk
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The 2013 NFL offseason will be kicking into full gear in just over a month and the St. Louis Rams, like every NFL team, will be looking to maximize their productivity this Spring.
They'll certainly be looking to add quality depth along with several developmental projects, but more importantly, they need to find guys capable of winning one of the 22 starting jobs.
Every member of the 53-man roster is important, but it's the starters—the guys who are on the field for the majority of the snaps—who are capable of making a drastic difference.
Free agency will provide an opportunity to add starters at key positions, but in a league where prized rookies are expected to produce almost immediately, the NFL Draft will also play a major role in updating the Rams' starting lineup.
Last year, the Rams were able to add two key starters with early draft picks (Michael Brockers, Janoris Jenkins), but they also used early picks on WR Brian Quick and RB Isaiah Pead, and neither player really made any impact in 2012.
While it's not too late for Quick and Pead to turn their careers around, the Rams will have to do a better job at finding immediate starters in this year's draft, especially since the fanbase has developed a "playoffs or bust" mentality following a solid 7-8-1 record in 2012.
With three picks in the first two rounds, including two first-round picks, the Rams are in an ideal position as far as upgrading their talent.
But out of all of the prospects expected to go early in the draft, which ones can start immediately for the Rams?
While every players selected early on possesses talent, not all of them are NFL ready.
Here are several players who not only fill a need for St. Louis, but they're also capable of taking the field in Week 1 of the 2013 season.
Along with being arguably the best offensive lineman in the draft, Chance Warmack may also be the most NFL ready.
Warmack started 39 games at Alabama and was the centerpiece to one of the more dominant college offensive lines in recent memory.
Warmack has All-Pro potential and would start at left guard in Week 1.
With Warmack, Scott Wells and Harvey Dahl manning the middle, the Rams would suddenly possess one of the most impressive interior lines in the NFL.
It's hard to imagine Warmack slipping to the Rams at No. 16, but they should certainly pull the trigger if that happens.
G Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
Jonathan Cooper is not on the same level as Chance Warmack, but he's very close.
In most drafts, Cooper would be considered the top guard of the class, but it's hard to compete with a rare talent like Warmack,
Cooper has plenty of experience under his belt with 35 collegiate starts and would immediately upgrade the left guard position for the Rams.
Jeff Fisher has never used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman, but with such a glaring need at left guard and two very impressive candidates in this year's draft, he may be forced to break old habits. Craig Dahl is a free agent and will likely not be back in 2013, while 32-year-old Quintin Mikell is due a $9 million pay day (according to Spotrac), which will result in him being cut.
The Rams will certainly attempt to re-sign Mikell to a more reasonable contract, but if those efforts fail then they'll be looking for two starting safeties this offseason.
This dilemma could easily result in the Rams using one of their first-round picks on a safety, especially since this draft contains a number of talented safety prospects.
Matt Elam is a hard-hitting playmaker out of the SEC and would look great in the St. Louis secondary.
He is known to give up fundamental tackling in exchange for the big hit, but it's hard to imagine that St. Louis' veteran coaching staff wouldn't be able to fix that.
Elam will likely go in the first round, but with multiple safeties receiving high draft grades, don't be surprised if the Rams wait until the second round, as one of the safeties will surely fall into their laps.
S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
Kenny Vaccaro is not a dynamite playmaker, but he's a sure tackler who lays the wood, which is exactly what St. Louis needs up top.
Vaccaro has generally been viewed as the top safety of the class, but things can drastically change following the combine and the college pro days.
If Vaccaro retains his first-round grade throughout the offseason, the Rams will likely look elsewhere. If he drops closer to the second round, they'll have to consider pulling the trigger. It's a rather humorous selection at this point in time given the off-field "scandal" that has consumed him as of late.
However, the story will inevitably die down and the distraction will be very minimal by September, so you have to look at Manti Te'o purely as a football player.
He missed a lot of tackles in the National Championship game and didn't look like a Heisman candidate, but since we now know he had big things on his mind at the time, the other games probably provide a more accurate gauge.
Te'o is a dominate middle linebacker and his presence could allow the team to slide James Laurinaitis to the outside, resulting in a very scary linebacking trio featuring Te'o, Laurinaitis and Jo-Lonn Dunbar.
Also, nobody truly knows what Fisher has planned for the defense with the hiring of Rob Ryan.
The Rams will likely stick to a 4-3 defense, but the presence of Ryan could help them adapt a 3-4 look in certain situations.
If that's the case, Te'o and Laurinaitis would be the two inside backers while Michael Brockers would play nose tackle.
The presence of Te'o certainly gives them some flexibility in that regard.
Also, say what you will about the scandal. But his intangibles have never been questioned by those who actually know him, and his attitude would be welcomed in the locker room.
If Manti drops to No. 16 or even No. 22, the Rams could be getting a huge bargain t
They'll certainly be looking to add quality depth along with several developmental projects, but more importantly, they need to find guys capable of winning one of the 22 starting jobs.
Every member of the 53-man roster is important, but it's the starters—the guys who are on the field for the majority of the snaps—who are capable of making a drastic difference.
Free agency will provide an opportunity to add starters at key positions, but in a league where prized rookies are expected to produce almost immediately, the NFL Draft will also play a major role in updating the Rams' starting lineup.
Last year, the Rams were able to add two key starters with early draft picks (Michael Brockers, Janoris Jenkins), but they also used early picks on WR Brian Quick and RB Isaiah Pead, and neither player really made any impact in 2012.
While it's not too late for Quick and Pead to turn their careers around, the Rams will have to do a better job at finding immediate starters in this year's draft, especially since the fanbase has developed a "playoffs or bust" mentality following a solid 7-8-1 record in 2012.
With three picks in the first two rounds, including two first-round picks, the Rams are in an ideal position as far as upgrading their talent.
But out of all of the prospects expected to go early in the draft, which ones can start immediately for the Rams?
While every players selected early on possesses talent, not all of them are NFL ready.
Here are several players who not only fill a need for St. Louis, but they're also capable of taking the field in Week 1 of the 2013 season.
Along with being arguably the best offensive lineman in the draft, Chance Warmack may also be the most NFL ready.
Warmack started 39 games at Alabama and was the centerpiece to one of the more dominant college offensive lines in recent memory.
Warmack has All-Pro potential and would start at left guard in Week 1.
With Warmack, Scott Wells and Harvey Dahl manning the middle, the Rams would suddenly possess one of the most impressive interior lines in the NFL.
It's hard to imagine Warmack slipping to the Rams at No. 16, but they should certainly pull the trigger if that happens.
G Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
Jonathan Cooper is not on the same level as Chance Warmack, but he's very close.
In most drafts, Cooper would be considered the top guard of the class, but it's hard to compete with a rare talent like Warmack,
Cooper has plenty of experience under his belt with 35 collegiate starts and would immediately upgrade the left guard position for the Rams.
Jeff Fisher has never used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman, but with such a glaring need at left guard and two very impressive candidates in this year's draft, he may be forced to break old habits. Craig Dahl is a free agent and will likely not be back in 2013, while 32-year-old Quintin Mikell is due a $9 million pay day (according to Spotrac), which will result in him being cut.
The Rams will certainly attempt to re-sign Mikell to a more reasonable contract, but if those efforts fail then they'll be looking for two starting safeties this offseason.
This dilemma could easily result in the Rams using one of their first-round picks on a safety, especially since this draft contains a number of talented safety prospects.
Matt Elam is a hard-hitting playmaker out of the SEC and would look great in the St. Louis secondary.
He is known to give up fundamental tackling in exchange for the big hit, but it's hard to imagine that St. Louis' veteran coaching staff wouldn't be able to fix that.
Elam will likely go in the first round, but with multiple safeties receiving high draft grades, don't be surprised if the Rams wait until the second round, as one of the safeties will surely fall into their laps.
S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
Kenny Vaccaro is not a dynamite playmaker, but he's a sure tackler who lays the wood, which is exactly what St. Louis needs up top.
Vaccaro has generally been viewed as the top safety of the class, but things can drastically change following the combine and the college pro days.
If Vaccaro retains his first-round grade throughout the offseason, the Rams will likely look elsewhere. If he drops closer to the second round, they'll have to consider pulling the trigger. It's a rather humorous selection at this point in time given the off-field "scandal" that has consumed him as of late.
However, the story will inevitably die down and the distraction will be very minimal by September, so you have to look at Manti Te'o purely as a football player.
He missed a lot of tackles in the National Championship game and didn't look like a Heisman candidate, but since we now know he had big things on his mind at the time, the other games probably provide a more accurate gauge.
Te'o is a dominate middle linebacker and his presence could allow the team to slide James Laurinaitis to the outside, resulting in a very scary linebacking trio featuring Te'o, Laurinaitis and Jo-Lonn Dunbar.
Also, nobody truly knows what Fisher has planned for the defense with the hiring of Rob Ryan.
The Rams will likely stick to a 4-3 defense, but the presence of Ryan could help them adapt a 3-4 look in certain situations.
If that's the case, Te'o and Laurinaitis would be the two inside backers while Michael Brockers would play nose tackle.
The presence of Te'o certainly gives them some flexibility in that regard.
Also, say what you will about the scandal. But his intangibles have never been questioned by those who actually know him, and his attitude would be welcomed in the locker room.
If Manti drops to No. 16 or even No. 22, the Rams could be getting a huge bargain t
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Appearing Tuesday at an event to promote CBS' coverage of Super Bowl XLVII, Cowher acknowledged he plans to eventually return to the sideline.
"It would be a challenge," Cowher told Neil Best of Newsday. "But I think that's probably why I would get back into it, because of the challenge."
Cowher, 55, dismissed the idea the game has changed too much for him to still succeed. "I did it for 27 years," he said. "You don't just forget things overnight. One thing about this job is it's been really good because it allows me to study the game and do features on the game. ... It's not like I'm out of it. I know how the game is changing."
We believe him on that. Cowher hasn't been growing an impressive beard in some remote jungle since the mid-aughts. He's been sitting in a studio, talking about the NFL, pretending to laugh at Shannon Sharpe jokes.
That said, each year away from the game pulls Cowher further off the NFL radar. Five years ago, Cowher was the dream target for any NFL franchise looking for a reboot. Now? Not so much.
Bill Cowher plans to eventually return to NFL coaching - NFL-com