http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/3740 Recent articles about Jonathan Vilma en-us One of my life long friends is a chef, he went to culinary school, and now is very successful, having appeared on the Food Network, he spends all his time perfecting his craft. I asked him once what does it take to be one of the best? His answer was quite simple, "The right ingredients and balance makes all the difference." He then proved it by making a ham sandwich. 1st using only bread, mayo, and some ham. It took only a minute to make. He then asked me to have a bite. Not surprising it tasted just like any other ham sandwich. Now he said, I will make you a real ham sandwich. It took over 15 minutes to make, and just the appearance and the set up, alone I was not sure if I wanted to eat it or take a picture. I then tried it, and it was the greatest ham sandwich I ever had. You see he said, "The right ingredients and balance make all the difference." Now that I have made all of you hungry, I will get to the point of this article. It got me thinking why some teams, year after year are successful, and why some are not. The Saints wooed Jason David away from the Colt's in 2007. It was felt that he could fix the left side CB issue. The mistake was Jason David is better suited in a cover 2 scheme, not man to man. Jason is a very talented player if used in the right scheme, so don't hate him for getting burned so much. If there is a finger to be pointed, it should be at Gary Gibb's. 1 Stick Butter: It takes the right skill set to play man to man, and the Saints 2nd round pick this year Tracy Porter has those skills needed. As long as he picks up on the schemes, I do not see why he will not be the CB2 starter when the Saints visit conference rivals the Buccaneers on September 7th. 1 Tea Spoon Sugar: To play middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense, you have to be athletic, Jonathan Vilma is that guy. He will be the missing link that the LB core has needed since Coach Peyton took over in 2006. Vilma suffered when the Jets changed defensive schemes, his skills were not used to their full potential, and I believe also lead to his injury. He will be completely healed, and ready to go in September. 4 Table Spoon Salt: Smith, Grant, McCray, Ellis these guys will be a force to reckon with. Last year teams were double teaming Smith, and Grant, what was missing was a fleet footed rusher. In comes McCray, and Ellis. Sliding over Grant next to Ellis will make offensive lines adjust, creating 1 on 1's with McCray and Smith. I expect to see allot more pressure put on the QB's this year creating more turnover opportunities. As far as the offense is concerned, the right ingredients have been there since 2006, it was the balance in which they are used that is in question. I am sure Coach Peyton has already addressed this issue after watching the game film from 2007, and I think we may even see the formation of a new offensive scheme that will be used by more teams, just as Bill Walsh's West Coast offense did in the 80's. If there is anyone poised to do that it's Coach Peyton. So we can only wait now, as the 2008 season nears to see if we have the right ingredients and balance to return to Super Bowl contender form. As for me right now, I think I'll make me a ham sandwich. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:27:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287615 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287615 After coming off an impressive 10-6 campaign in 2006, everyone thought the New York Jets would compete with the New England Patriots for the AFC East title, but inconsistency on both sides of the football led to a disappointing 2007 season. The Jets finished with a 4--12 record, lost eight of their first 9 games and failed to win consecutive games. A big issues that led to the Jets downfall was the play at quarterback. Chad Pennington started the season under center, but battled injury as well as rocky play which eventually led to the Kellen Clemens era in New York. However, Clemens failed to find his groove and could manage just five touchdown passes in 10 games. Newly acquired running back Thomas Jones surpassed the 1,000 rushing yard mark, but it took him twelve games until he scored his first touchdown in a Jets uniform. To read the rest more about what Bruno Boys Co-Owner Marc Caviglia has to say about the New York Jets and their fantasy football projections for the 2008 season, click below... Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:27:24 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285407 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285407 After an incredible 2006 season, the New Orleans Saints came back to earth last year as they finished 7-9 overall with sub-par performances all around. The Saints lost their first four games, with quarterback Drew Brees throwing nine interceptions and just one touchdown in those games, and were simply unable to recover. Brees actually finished strong, setting career highs in passing yards (4,423), attempts (652), completions (440), completion percentage (67.5) and passing touchdowns (28). Unfortunately he added nine fumbles, four of them lost, and a career-high 18 interceptions. The running back tandem of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush took a major hit when McAllister was lost for the season with another knee injury in the week 3 loss to the Tennessee Titans... Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:57:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282807 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282807 This article examines the production of linebackers in a 3-4 scheme as opposed to 4-3 schemes in fantasy football and IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:21:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282364 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282364 Jackson is rediculously fast and was a big time playmaker at University of Cal. I would be surprised if he did not play on special teams as the kick returner and punt returner. But there is still a question that lingers in my head. Will he be placed in the slot at wide receiver from day one? I would love to see him get on the field and make plays from the slot. This is given we do not aquire another receiver, which I still think we pull some type of deal a lot like the Donte Stallworth deal back in 2006. If we were to aquire another receiver the lineup would most likley be that receiver, Reggie Brown, and Kevin Curtis in the slot. But even if we do pick up another receiver does DeSean Jackson see offensive playing time? Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:37:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278054 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278054 Article from: Fantasy Football Indepth Calvin Johnson To See More Looks! Surprisingly, the departure of Mike Martz is great news for the young Calvin Johnson. Sadly, Johnson never truly benefited from Martz pass happy style. Thu, 29 May 2008 21:52:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/272300 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/272300 With the NFL Draft a month in the past and most offseason moves over and done with, it is time to start looking ahead to the 2008 season. And with that, we focus in on fantasy football, but that doesn't necessarily mean talking about top running backs and receivers. Taking into account the rising popularity of IDP fantasy leagues, FIO co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter discusses some of the top impact moves on the defensive side of the ball that will affect fantasy football in 2008. Wed, 28 May 2008 08:20:40 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/271665 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/271665 The New Orleans Saints are interested in dealing for a draft pick higher than their current No. 10 slot in the first round and have had informal talks with other teams. "We've talked to a number of teams in front of us about the possibility of moving forward. It's all preliminary discussion," general manager Mickey Loomis said on Tuesday. "We've just expressed a desire to talk about it with a number of teams." Loomis was evasive while meeting with reporters at the Saints' training headquarters, apologetically saying that he did not want to tip off other teams to the Saints' draft plans. Loomis also declined to discuss players under contract with any other team, which meant he would not address reports that the Saints had explored the possibility of a trade with the New York Giants to acquire disgruntled tight end Jeremy Shockey. Loomis declined to say which teams he had spoken with about trading up in the draft or what their initial demands were for compensation. After the Saints went 7-9 last season, head coach Sean Payton said the Saints would need to improve their defense in the offseason. Through free agency, they have acquired linebackers Jonathan Vilma in a trade with the Jets for their fourth-round draft pick and signed free agent Dan Morgan. The Saints also brought in free agent defensive end Bobby McCray. CLICK!!!!!!! TUNA made a splash LOL! it's going to have a ripple effect!!! i think the saints are going to get shockey!!! Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:26:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/255101 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/255101 Imagine for a moment if Devin Hester was entering the NFL Draft this year. His main competition as a return specialist would be DeSean Jackson. The two players are comparable and have been a part of two of the best punt returns in NCAA history. DESEAN JACKSON Entering the NFL: Height: 5-10 Weight: 169 Scouting Combine 40-time: 4.35 Pro Day 40-time: Did not run When you look back on Jackson's career at California, you think of a dynamic offensive and special teams threat who had the ability to take it to the house any time he touched the ball. Jackson was a human highlight film and brought fans to their feet when he was back to receive a punt. In a 14 - 14 game at the beginning of the second quarter, California forced Tennessee to punt from their own 35-yard line. Jackson received the punt on Cal's 23-yard line and completed one of the most athletic returns I've ever seen He eluded the first defender, received a nice block on the second defender, juked the third defender while his teammate blocked him, a fourth defender missed him, and the fifth defender didn't touch him as he performed a video game like backwards juke. Jackson successfully ran horizontally across the field without being touched and was home free as he got around the far end with no Tennessee players in sight. Jackson had a blocker in front of him, and as he made it into the end zone, he slapped him five and scored. During his three-year college career, Jackson reached the endzone on six occasions - all coming on punt returns - and solidified himself as one of the most feared players in college football. Not only was Jackson feared on special teams, he also starred on offense and was a premier deep threat who could stretch the field and provide instant offense. He amassed 162 receptions for 2,423 yards (15 yards per catch) and 22 touchdowns. Jackson's best season as a WR was during his breakout sophomore campaign where he had 59 receptions for 1,060 yards (18 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns. I'm not going to question Jackson's ability as a playmaker, because he's tremendous and electric. But the biggest concern I have in regards to Jackson is his slight stature. I'm curious to see how he translates to the NFL and adjusts to a much more physical game. It's great to have blazing speed and animal-like vision, but if you're unable to withstand the beating you're about to endure in a man's game, then you're worthless to NFL teams. I don't think Jackson will have a major problem dealing with the physical aspect of the NFL, because he's been durable throughout his collegiate career. But he has to add bulk to his frame and get stronger to improve his ability to break tackles in the open field. Devin Hester Entering the NFL: Height: 5-11 Weight: 190 Scouting Combine 40-time: 4.41 Pro Day 40-time: 4.35 The most incredible return I've ever seen took place when Miami played Duke in 2005. Hester fielded a punt at the Hurricanes 29-yard line and immediately split between two defenders. He juked out one, and the other was taken out by one of his teammates as he headed up field. As he headed up field, a crowd of teammates and defenders formed around Hester as he improvised, spinning around in a circle as two defenders fell to the ground and another missed a tackle. Hester attempted a 360 spin with a defender on his back, shook the defender loose, broke another tackle with his momentum going backwards and was free to roam around the far end finally progressing past the 30-yard line. Running horizontally across the field, Hester cut on a dime as two defenders were waiting. He split between them, but one of the defenders tried to wrap him up but failed. Hester paused, felt another defender coming, turned on the jets, escaped another defender's weak attempt to tackle him and was home free down the far sideline for a 71-yard touchdown. Hester wasn't the accomplished, every down player that Jackson was in college, but he was just as explosive, if not more, in the return game. Hester's speed, vision and physical approach to the game altered the opposition's view of how to defend him, and a sense of fear was evident as they tried to punt the ball away from him. During his illustrious career at Miami, Hester scored six touchdowns on special teams (four on punts, two on kicks) and was a situational offensive and defensive weapon for the Hurricanes. Even though Hester wasn't an every down starter at Miami, he contributed on offense and defense. As a sophomore, Hester had an impact at the cornerback position in a limited role. He led the Hurricanes with four interceptions and displayed great instincts and ball skills. It all starts with his vision. When he has the ball in his hands, whether it's on special teams, offense or defense, he immediately locates the seam and breaks through it. Another aspect of his game that's under-appreciated is his strength. At the Scouting Combine, Hester completed 16 reps of 225 pounds. Hester's dynamic skill set separates him from many gamebreakers in the NFL. He has the complete package as a return man and could contribute on offense as a situational deep threat You decide whose better Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:14:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/237202 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/237202 Jeff Garcia doesnt have a new contract and he's sounds off..... TAMPA — For the first time in five years, Jeff Garcia was thrilled he did not have a change of uniform or address in the offseason. The grass has never grown under the cleats of the vagabond quarterback. And it's starting to look as if the Bucs do not want Garcia to put down too many roots in Tampa Bay. Garcia said Tuesday that he's disappointed the team hasn't been willing to tear up his contract and reward him with a new deal that would enable him to finish his career with the Bucs. Garcia, 38, has one year remaining on his contract that will pay him a base salary of $2-million in 2008. He went 8-6 as a starter for the Bucs last season, leading them to an NFC South title and being named to the Pro Bowl. Nonrookie starting quarterbacks average between $7-million and $15-million a year in the NFL, making Garcia among the league's lowest-paid quarterbacks. After Tuesday's workout — the first of the offseason — Garcia was asked if he was disappointed by the lack of progress toward a new deal. "You could say that," Garcia said. "Talks haven't necessarily gone all that good. "So in a way, it's disappointing. At this point in my career, I'm no longer 24 or 25 saying, 'I'm going to prove to you I deserve this.' I feel like I've proved throughout my career. And I feel like at this time, it's time to just work with me, and you know what I bring to the team. You know what I've done for the team, and you know how much more I can do. And now I have a year under my system." The Bucs declined to comment. There's another reason why Garcia might be unhappy with his contract. Because of the Bucs' decision to rest him for the final two weeks of the regular season, he fell just short of participating in 70 percent of their offensive snaps, preventing him from earning a seven-figure bonus. Coach Jon Gruden did not allow Garcia to play the second half of the Bucs' 21-19 loss at San Francisco on Dec. 23. Garcia also was benched for the regular-season finale at home against the Panthers on Dec. 30. As a result, Garcia did not get at least $1-million in bonus money. Garcia is not required to attend the offseason workout program, which is voluntary. But he participated in Tuesday's as an act of good faith. Whether he attends the rest of this week's workouts or future offseason workout programs remains to be seen, but he indicated his options are limited. "I'm committed to a second year the way my contract is drawn up," Garcia said. "Yes, I would like to rip it up and create a new one that allows me to finish off my career here. But we're not necessarily on the same page as far as that's concerned." Garcia, Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski were the only quarterbacks that attended practice Tuesday. Chris Simms is not participating in offseason workouts presumably because he wants to be traded. Brian Griese, acquired in a trade with the Bears in March, had a commitment to a charity event. Tuesday's practice with the Bucs marked the first time since 2003 with the 49ers that Garcia has begun an offseason with the team he played for in the previous season. After bouncing to the Browns, Lions and Eagles in consecutive seasons, he finally found a home under Gruden in Tampa Bay. In 2007, Garcia completed 209 of 307 passes for 2,440 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions for a passer rating of 94.6. Garcia said he has a chance to build upon the success he enjoyed in the team's offense a year ago. "My head was swimming," Garcia said. "When I heard the terminology (last year), I was still trying to figure it all out. And I'm not at that point. "So now I can take off from where I am now and build upon that. And going into the season, I just feel I'll be so much more confident and secure as to how to run this system as opposed to where I was last year. And last year, things didn't go all that bad." Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:50:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233336 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233336 Give him whatever he wants so this doesn't turn out to be a problem. If his production declines in the next few years simply trade him or restructure his deal. You don't want to insult a huge locker room influence in the beginning of the year. This will just piss off all the players that look up to Coles. The same thing happened last year when Pete Kendall was crying about his money and look how great last season turned out, 4 wins. Mangini has to realize that sometimes the players have the upper hand and that the Jets are not the Patriots. Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:51:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/214078 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/214078 Trades LB – Jonathan Vilma to Saints – This is the worst move by the Jets since drafting Kyle Brady over Warren Sapp. They are trading away one of the best Linebackers in the game for a 4th round pick and a possible 3rd and 4th next year. Why trade this young, fast and extremely talented LB? He didn't fit the system? When you have a player as talented as Vilma you make the system fit him. Imagine having David Harris and Vilma playing together for the next ten years. Mark my words, unless NY picks up a top rate superstar LB this trade will haunt the Jets in the years to come DT – Kris Jenkins from Panthers – Great job by Tannenbaum picking up one of the best defensive tackles in the game. Finally the Jets are picking up players that "fit the system." Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:40:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/201653 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/201653 Dolphins sign 8 players; Jets trade for Jenkins, ship Vilma; Browns get Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams; and much more local hometown AFC free agent news for Saturday March 1, 2008. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:26:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/175380 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/175380 In an offseason where the Cincinnati Bengals keep trying to add defensive players one must wonder what will become of the Bengals All-Pro WR Chad Johnson. Though Coach Marvin Lewis has repeatdily said that Chad will not be traded, that looks more and more untrue. Chad is creating trouble in the locker room and becoming a distraction to the team. The Bengals are looking for defense and now that the Eagles have signed CB Asante Samuel a deal could be in the works. Cincinnati has been entertaining offers. The teams who have been asking most about Chad are Tampa Bay, Washington and the Eagles. I personally think the Eagles can land either Fitz or Chad before the draft. Sorry no sources the link went bad. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:47:40 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/175260 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/175260 Friday was Day 1 of the NFL free agency period and the Jets were busy making headlines. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:52:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/175061 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/175061