Yardbarker: Donte Whitner

Buffalo Bills, The Sleeper Awakes

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:19:23 -0500

I should start out by saying that I have been a lifelong Bills fan. I live just a couple minutes from the stadium, and perhaps this makes my opinion somewhat biased. Since the early 90s, with Jim Kelly, Andre Reed, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, and other stars, it's been a rough go in Buffalo. Over the last decade plus, I've watched our team set the standard for mediocrity. Doug Flutie, Drew Bledsoe, Rob Johnson and J.P. Losman have all failed. We never could get going on all cylinders, we could never rise up to the occasion in late game situations. This year, the Bills are a different team. I'm going to make a bold prediction for the Bills overall record this season. How bold you ask? 11-5 bold. I am going to run down the list of how I came to this 11-5 prediction. Maybe by the end of this article, a few of you will have changed your mind on how you view the Buffalo Bills. 1. Schedule: WIth Tom Brady out for the Patriots, I am confident we can split and go 1-1, winning at home against the Patriots. I will say the same for the Jets. I believe Brett Favre makes the Jets better, but I'm not buying into the Jets. I think Favre will become the old Favre, slinging the ball around and trying to do too much. Although it's hard to say, since the Jets haven't let him off the leash yet. His style really doesn't match up well with the Bills defense (which I will mention later). With that said, let's say the Bills go a combined 2-2 against the Patriots and Jets. Our other conference rival, that's right, the previous 1-15 Miami Dolphins. In our conference I am predicting 4-2. Add that to our 2-0 start, and that would be 6-2. I believe we will beat the Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, 49ers, and Chiefs. That would make our record 11-2. That leaves three games on the schedule, the Broncos, Browns and Chargers. The Browns were overhyped, and although are a good team, are not as good as people thought they would be. This is a very winnable game. The Chargers and Broncos will both be tough games, but the defense on both teams is questionable. Also, who knows if LaDanian Tomlinson will even be healthy. Granted, Darren Sproles is no joke, he has the ability to hit a home run every time he touches the ball. So let's just say the Bills lose all of these three games. That would put them at 11-5 on the season. No game is a given, but the Bills schedule is very favorable. Seriously, how would you feel if your favorite team was 2-0, and your schedule had the Dolphins twice, the Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, 49ers and Chiefs? Not to mention two games against a Patriots team without Brady and two against the Jets who have yet to prove anything. Pre-season, I thought the Bills would go 9-7, possibly 10-6. Now I am confident that they will go around 11-5. 2. Defense/Special Teams: It is said that special teams makes up 1/3 of the game. The Bills bring one of the top special teams every season, and our defense is healthy (unlike last season). With the additions of Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell, along with the return of Paul Posluszny and Ko Simpson, the Bills defense is going to be a tough challenge for any team. When it comes to special teams, we have a great mind behind the operation in Bobby April. Our special teams has a great duo in Brian Moorman and Rian Lindell, along with two dangerous return men, Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish. Leodis McKelvin will see increasing time as the season goes on, which will help greatly with his amount of talent. The Bills defense and special teams will help win the battle of field position, as well as cause turnovers and add score some points. Our turnover ratio will be much better than last season. 3. Marshawn Lynch: Lynch has many qualities that make a running back successful. To begin with, he doesn't turn the ball over. As a rookie last season he fumbled only once, while carrying the ball 280 times. Along with this season, he has 317 carries in his career, and still only one fumble. Second, he is both fast and powerful. His stiff arm is more effective than playing Madden in rookie mode. He will wear down a defense in something he likes to call "Beast Mode". He may not put up huge numbers every game, but he is consistent, and still very young. He gives the Bills a balanced offense, giving more oppurtunity for passing game. Fred Jackson is also a solid back. Both Lynch and Jackson can catch passes out of the backfield, an added plus. 4. Trent Edwards: The number one thing about Edwards that makes him successful is his decision making. He makes quick, smart, sound decisions, something J.P. Losman lacked, even after years of being a starter. Edwards may not put up 300+ yard games with 4 TDs right now, but he is consistent and will continue to improve. Edwards also has a stronger arm than most realize, and with the addition of James Hardy, Edwards has a new option to go to. Hardy will be eased into playing, but will have a great impact throughout the season. Hardy's height gives the Bills something they have lacked for years. His good hands and ability to go up for the ball over shorter defensive backs makes him a Randy Moss type threat. Expect him to show his skill in red zone situations, something the Bills have struggled with lately. Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish will also help Edwards spread the ball out. They may not be flashy, but once again, they are consistent. Robert Royal will round out the majority of the receiving game. He is a solid tight end, and quite under rated in my opinion. 5. Turk Schonert: The Bills have a new offensive coordinator, and it's noticeable. Expect the Bills to stretch the field a bit more this season. Schonert seems to be mixing up and calling the right plays, unlike previous seasons. A new offensive coordinator equals a new offense. As the Bills adjust to Schonert, expect some major points up on the board. 6. Jason Peters: I have to say, holding out that early in a contract is weak sauce. Peters finally came around and joined the team, but it will take a few more weeks for him to get into shape. Having him back is a huge plus, allowing Langston Walker to move back to the right side of the line. The Bills offensive line is solid, and will give Edwards and Lynch something to smile about. 7. The Fans: You can feel it in the air already. The general feeling amongst Bills fans is different from years past. Bills fans are among the best fans in the NFL, and they were born to tailgate. We make freezing temperatures in December look like vacation in Cancun. The 12th man will help the Bills throughout the season. In Donte Whitner's yardbarker.com blog, he attributes much of the success in Week 1 to the fans. So, did I convince you yet? Perhaps the soft schedule may leave the Bills questionable, but 11-5 is a realistic goal. I'm not sold on the Jets, and I'm not sold on Matt Cassel either. Let's face it, without Brady the Patriots are like night and day. Welker will be the number one receiver this season for the Patriots, running short patterns and underneath routes. Randy Moss has got to be unhappy about the situation, as his fantasy value and taken a 180 degree turn. Last weeks Patriots/Jets game was pretty awful to watch, but not nearly as bad as the Browns/Steelers game. The theme of the game should have been, "Get your pillow ready!" So are the Buffalo Bills playoff bound? I say yes. Although until later in the season, the Bills will be untested. Even if things don't pan out this season, the Bills have a bright future ahead of them.

The Pros: USC vs. Ohio St.

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:24:03 -0500

The Pros pits two college football rivals against one another and sees which has produced a more eligible pro team.

The Offense

Quarterback

USC currently has 4 quarterbacks in the league. Two of whom won Heisman's in Leinart and Palmer and two of whom have yet to start an NFL game in Cassel and Booty. Meanwhile the Buckeyes have only one quarterback in the league now that Krenzel is gone, and that is Troy Smith. The undersized mobile QB who's yet to make a dent in the NFL.

Edge: USC

Running Backs

USC of course has the double headed monster from the Colliseum in Bush and White still roaming the NFL as starters. In addition they have Justin Fargas whose playing the role of starter for the Raiders and Chauncey Washington in Jacksonville. The Buckeyes lone running back rep is Antonio Pittman whom like Troy Smith has yet to make an impact in the NFL.

Edge: USC

Wideouts

The Trojans currently have 5 wideouts suiting up in the NFL, none of whom have made a significant impact. If you had to chose a starting 3 for the Trojans it would probably be Steve Smith (not of the Panthers but of the Giants), Keary Colbert and perhaps Dwayne Jarrett. Not that impressive. Meanwhile the Buckeyes have the emerging Santonio Holmes, Joey Galloway and Anthony Gonzalez amongst their 7 total wideouts in the NFL.

Edge: tOSU

Tight Ends

Ben Hartsock vs. Rookie Fred Davis and Billy Miller. Pretty nondescript. Edge to USC for the rookie with potential.

Edge: USC

Offensive Line

Overall the Buckeyes have a handful more lineman but let's just take a look at whom would be the starters for each team.

Center: Ryan Kalil vs. Nick Mangold
Guards: Deuce Lutui & Chilo Rachal vs. Adrien Clarke & Rob Sims
Tackles: Winston Justice & Sam Baker vs. Orlando Pace & Kirk Barton

A lot of youngsters for both sides other than Orlando Pace who will be a hall of lineman. Neither team has two guards in the NFL that are currently starting.

Edge: tOSU

The Defense

D-Line

Tackles: Mike Patterson & Sedrick Ellis vs. Ryan Pickett & Tim Anderson
Ends: Kenechi Udeze & Frostee Rucker vs. Will Smith & Jay Richardson

Will Smith is probably the best player amongst this batch but Udezi isn't far behind and the Trojans have much more depth than does tOSU.

Edge: USC

Linebackers

Lofa Tatupu, Keith Rivers, Willie McGinest vs. AJ Hawk, Mike Vrabel, Na'il Diggs

The Trojans agter their top three only have Thomas Williams (who?) to turn while the Buckeyes have Bobby Carpenter, Vernon Gholsten (overrated) and Matt Wilhelm as other options. For me its too close to call.

Edge: Push

Secondary

Corners: Brian Kelly & Terrell Thomas vs. Antoine Winfield & Nate Clements
Safeties: Sammy Knight & Troy Polamalu vs. Donte Whitner & Will Allen

The Buckeyes are very deep at corner with Youboty, Shawn Springs & Chris Gamble as other options so feel free to disagree with my top two choices. Other way, despite the dominant Polamalu the Buckeyes have a much deeper secondary.

Edge: tOSU

The Special Teams

Return Men

Reggie Bush vs. Ted Ginn. Both have been highly disappointing at their actually poosition in the NFL, but both still pack some punch on special teams. As solid as Reggie Bush was as a punt returner in college he's not as fast nor as dangerous as Ginn on returns. Ginn adds the kickoff of return dimension which Bush currently lacks as well.

Edge: tOSU

Kickers

Neither team has a punter in the NFL, which is surprising to me given it seems like every tOSU punter kicks the ball 70 yards against Michigan, and only Ohio St. has kicker Mike Nugent of the Jets who got injured and limped around last weekend.

Edge: tOSU

Who Would Win?

Overall the Buckeyes have 9 more alumni in the NFL than do the Trojans (46-37). Their roster would have much more depth. The Trojans obviously have a much more skilled passer, but he would have no receivers to throw the ball to especially with the corners that the Buckeyes would throw out there. Both teams have dominant linebackers who could stuff the run. It's difficult to say who would be victorious but I'd give the edge to the Buckeyes mostly due to depth at offensive line and wideout

All Rosters Pulled from ESPN

20 Safeties Who Will Do it Big This Year!!!

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:38:19 -0500

This is a list not on ranking because I dont want to deal with nonsense coming from people about their hometowns players. I put 20 safeties that I think will be the most productive out of all the safeties in the league....If I missed some go ahead and argue but these are safeties that I consider good enough to cause havoc when they are out in the field smacking the hell out of runningbacks and recievers.... ALSO I Posted this prior TO ED Reeds New Health Update with the Nerve Damage in Neck and Shoulder So leave me alone on that....Im still leaving him on here because this probably the last shout out for him on any safeties list for this year....Hes probably going to get surgery in the near future and this might by his last year as a pro, I dont know....Ed Reed best of luck to you..... Enjoy and keep it peaceful.......Heavy Hitters I took some quotes from stuff for some safeties, for others I just got lazy....... :"""BWEST4Prez""""---> Nice list....actually not at all. All this list is, is a list of the 16 or so best safties in the league (obviously in no particular order) and you threw in a bunch of washed-up has been safeties...And if you really think Michael Lewis is anything more than mediocre at best, you shouldnt even be making lists, he was traded, he was cut, for good reason in case you dont watch football. And Roy Wiliiams, a player on the verge of getting cut?? oooookay. 1) I like the sarcasm 2) Captain Obvious could have pointed out that these are the 16 best safeties...WELL DUh who would I put, Mike Doss and Kwame Lassiter!! 3) Micheal Lewis was cut because of his horrible coverage, Considine and Mikell is what Eagles have now....Lewis has done well since he left....Considine and Mikell are the future for your team 4) I'm sorry Im not a nerd like you in football...if you have pride for that good for you I dont care..... 5) If you want to know how teams win championships, ill send you my NY Giants Superbowl DVD..... 6) Roy Williams is not getting cut, do you know football? Your Eagles bias is beyond ludicrous, get on an article where all you eagles groupies are, Your not welcome here clown....

Projected INT Leaders - Cromartie, Jones and Rolle lead

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:02:23 -0500

Cleveland's potent offense will force foes to pass downfield, helping Sean Jones have the most picks, along with the Chargers' Antonion Cromartie and the Cardinals' Antrel Rolle, predicts Mike Harmon. See who else he predicts to have the most INT this season.

Offseason Fantasy Impacts: DEF/ST

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:42:13 -0500

Some big-time changes that will affect that often-forgotten final spot on your fantasy football starting roster - the offseason impacts for DEF/ST heading into the 2008 season, from free agency to trades to the draft.

Whitner, Brousey and Favre.

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:49:06 -0500

Wazzup, Yard? Thought it's time to post my opinion on some hot topics... First of all: I love Donte Whitner for postin' a whole lot of things on the Yard. It's kinda cool when a NFl-Player like him is postin' just like the Average Joe livin' across the street. The guy jumpin' from the roof must have had a guardian Angel! So, please show some love for Donte Whtiner! 2nd: Brousey 310. I think he is, I already said that in a comment, just some weird guy who wants to make us laugh and havin' some action in the Yard. Or do you really think there is a living person who considers Todd Pinkston as one of the best Football Players of all Time?! Best thing is to ignore him if he drives you crazy. 3rd. Brett Favre competing for a starting Job in Green Bay. If the Pack really considers makin' Brett Favre their startin' QB for the season, they must be very interested in messin' up the Franchise for years to come. After all that: "Aaaron Rodgers will start for us!"-stuff they should stick with that. Aaron Rodgers loses more and more confidence this offseason. I wouldn't be surprised if he would like to get out of Green Bay in the next years, in case Favre makes his miracle Come-Back. Of course, Brett gives the Pack the better Chance of winning Football-Games RIGHT NOW. But he won't last forever, and a mentally banged-up Rodgers won't help the Franchise in the Future. If Aaron Rodgers is the brick you wanna build the wall around...let him start this season, an sit Favre!!! That's all I gotta say...enjoy it.

JUST READ THIS ARTICLE THAT FUELED ME...WOW......WHITNER CLOSIN IN ON BUST!!!

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:54:04 -0500

DONTE'S OPINION: They consider me a bust, huh? thanks guys!!! watch us Sept 9th 2008.....BE THERE! Ok I've tried for so long to keep this in, but its painfully evident that Donte Whitner is hardly a star player at this point in his career. I just don't see it, he's late to the ball constantly, out of position, and just plain average. Those two long touchdowns were so pathetic, not all his fault but where is the Strong Safety? His level of play is no where even close to the elite of the leauge. Hes never defends any passes always late on the coverage, has no nose for the ball or ability to disect a play whatsoever. what a dissapointment for a top ten pick, guys who play like that are a dime a dozen nothing special. I hope he turns the corner or his bad play is largely the fault of those around him, but im getting tired of making excuses, this guy seems to get a free pass from fans because we want him to be the worth the pick so badly, me included. Every week I just want him to be a force and hit somebody but i just keep waiting... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

52 year old man jumps from 6th floor!!! CRAZY!!!

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:01:16 -0500

Donte's opinion: Life is a great thing, so be careful what u wish for....Im glad he's still living A 52 year old man got sick of living and decided to end it all in front of everyone.Incident happened in Cluj (Romania).He had no family and he was working at a construction company.He survived the fall but he could end up in a wheel chair for the rest of his life.

BREAKING NEWS!!!! PATS SIGN LAMONT JORDAN

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:07:23 -0500

DONTE'S OPINION: LAMONT IS A GOOD BACK, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO FACING HIM TWICE A YEAR! Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the New England Patriots have signed running back LaMont Jordan, a day after he was released by the Oakland Raiders. Per Schefter, Jordan was also considering signing with the Saints, a team that could be in greater need of another veteran running back if Deuce McAllister's swollen knee turns out to be serious. Jordan's deal with the Patriots is a one-year contract. No financial terms have been reported. Last season Jordan played in 12 games for the Raiders, starting seven and finishing the season with 144 carries for 549 yards and three touchdowns.

COULD NEW OFFENSE CHANGE THE GAME?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:04:27 -0500

DONTE'S OPINION: THIS OFFENSE HAS NO PLACE IN THE NFL!!! A reader has forwarded to us an intriguing story from Rivals.com regarding a new offense that has been developed on the high school level. It's called the A-11, and it's designed to spread the field by making the defense believe that literally any of the players can end up with the ball in their hands. The attack is the product of the brain of Kurt Bryan, the coach at Piedmont (Calif.) High School. The base formation involves a center flanked by two tight ends, with three receivers to the right and three to the left. And two quarterbacks in the backfield. (Jon Gruden likes it already.) "Going into the [2007] season, we thought that either we're going to get fired or we're going to transform the game because of the innovative aspects and the wealth of ideas," Bryan said. "Luckily, it turned out to be the latter." Though we're having trouble imagining the thing working in pro football, we can see some of the college teams giving it a try, possibly as a change-of-pace attack aimed at creating confusion and speed-based mismatches. There's a web site devoted to the offense, and a quick review of it addressed some of our basic questions and concerns. Meanwhile, we're going to try to figure out whether the formation could be used at the NFL level without violating any of the applicable rules.

Donte Whitner Is A Blogging Fool

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:53:48 -0500

If you haven't checked out Donte Whitner's blog over at YardBarker, then you need to head over there right now. He has posted eight new posts in the past 24 hours. Donte also has his own website that is very slick. Here are some snippets from his latest posts: After the guarantee I've received a lot [...]

Donte Whitner Is A Blogging Fool

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:53:48 -0500

My daily thoughts

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:59:11 -0500

Good morning my YB peeps and Buffalo fans everywhere!!!! Today we report to camp, in ol St. John's Fisher college in Rochester,Ny to start our journey.The living arrangements are pretty good at fisher college. And coach Jauron is so much of a players coach that he allows every player rookie or vet their own private space. (meaning he allows us our own dorm rooms with our own bathroom and all) Thats a big deal if you've seen a lot of these other camp living arrangements. We are not just a journey to the playoffs or to a championship but on the journey of brotherhood. Now this definition of brotherhood is different in my opinion from the Webster's definition. We as Bill-ievers define it as when times get hard out there on the field can I look into your eyes and see that on the next snap your gonna give me your all? or do I see a weak and selfish individual? Let me say Bill-ievers you guys wont see any of that this year. Saddle up and get ready to take this ride!!!!! Realizing that we all have different backgrounds and different beliefs is the best part about camp. Not only do I get to prove to my coaches and teammates that I belong in this league and deserve the oppurtunity to lead this football team, but I get to prove to myself that I do have the tools and the talents to become the best safety in the League. And we get to develope and bond and chemistry that were gonna need deep into November and December. Coach always says, "YOU WIN WITH HARD WORK AND A LIL LUCK" OK time to pack up the trunk and head up the road. I'll leave a couple articles that i feel are relevant today and I'll holla later and let YB and the Bill-ievers know how everyone looked during weigh-in and check in. PEACE AND LOVE 20!!!

ACTUAL CHINESE MADE UFO

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:09:24 -0500

A Chinese company has developed a prototype flying saucer that can hover in the air and be controlled remotely from afar. Click HERE for more pics and info... The aircraft is 1.2 metres (four feet) in diameter and is able to take off and land vertically and hover at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres (yards), Xinhua news agency said. Its top speed is 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour, it added. It took the Harbin Smart Special Aerocraft Co Ltd 12 years and 28 million yuan (4.1 million dollars) to develop the prototype craft. THIS IS SICK!!!! but u have to admit it's kinda scary also

The Bentley Laptop

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:59:34 -0500

For some of us, it is nearing back-to-school time again and for many that means laptop shopping season. Well before you decide which generic PC to buy, take a look at the Bentley Laptop. The Bentley laptop from Ego features industry level specs, but an outer appearance that is like none other. Each unit is hand built and is made from the same leather as the Bentley car seats. The interior is finished with the iconic blue … (more…) I personally think these look cool and if u look on the ego website you'll see they come in all sorts of flavors! But for 20k **** no!!!!

Yardbarker: Donte Whitner

Buffalo Bills, The Sleeper Awakes

The Pros: USC vs. Ohio St.

20 Safeties Who Will Do it Big This Year!!!

Projected INT Leaders - Cromartie, Jones and Rolle lead

Offseason Fantasy Impacts: DEF/ST

Whitner, Brousey and Favre.

JUST READ THIS ARTICLE THAT FUELED ME...*WOW*......WHITNER CLOSIN IN ON BUST!!!

52 year old man jumps from 6th floor!!! CRAZY!!!

BREAKING NEWS!!!! PATS SIGN LAMONT JORDAN

COULD NEW OFFENSE CHANGE THE GAME?

Donte Whitner Is A Blogging Fool

Donte Whitner Is A Blogging Fool

My daily thoughts

ACTUAL CHINESE MADE UFO

The Bentley Laptop

JUST READ THIS ARTICLE THAT FUELED ME...WOW......WHITNER CLOSIN IN ON BUST!!!