Unexpected Undefeateds

Naptime Huddle regulars will recall that the 1972 Miami Dolphins is the only NFL team in history to have an undefeated season.  They will also remember that a core group of players from that team pop the cork on a bottle of champagne when the last undefeated team of the season suffers its first lost.  With the 2011 season only two weeks old, it isn’t surprising that certain teams still have a “0” in the loss column (i.e., New England, Green Bay, New York Jets).  However, there are a few teams whose so-far undefeated season is raising eyebrows.  Will any of these teams be the one that keeps the bubbly on ice the longest?

Buffalo Bills: The Bills haven’t faced the League’s toughest teams yet, but their opponents certainly aren’t doormats, either.  The Kansas City Chiefs won their division last year with a 10-6 record and the Oakland Raiders batted .500 last year.  More surprising than being undefeated, though, is how they have accomplished it.  Buffalo kept its spotless record against the Raiders yesterday with an amazing second half.  Down 21-3 at halftime, the Bills came out swinging in the second half, scoring touchdowns on all five of their possessions, coming back to win 38-35.  Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a touchdown pass to David Nelson with just 14 seconds left in the game.  The Bills host New England next week, so this fairy tale may not last.  But what if it does???

Detroit Lions:  There may be people that say that the start of the Lions’ season isn’t unexpected because of the talent the team possesses (i.e., QB Matthew Stafford, who was out most of last season due to injury and WR Calvin Johnson).  So, let’s just say that seeing the Detroit Lions at 2-0 is…unfamiliar.  The Lions haven’t had a winning season since 2000, and they started last season with four losses.  So far they’ve beaten Tampa Bay Buccaneers and struggling Kansas City; they face the winless Minnesota Vikings in Week 3.

Washington Redskins:  The surprise here is that the Redskins have managed to win games despite their best efforts to lose.  Yesterday, the Redskins dominated the Arizona Cardinals in yards gained and time of possession.  However, because of turnovers, penalties, a blocked field goal attempt and injuries, they found themselves losing 14-10 at the start of the fourth quarter. They had a solid win against the New York Giants in Week 1, including a touchdown by the defense, but they need to correct their mental mistakes before they face division rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.

Stars and Legends: Tight Ends

Today we continue our series discussing the best to play each position (which I now call the “Stars and Legends” series) with a look at the game’s best tight ends.  As I noted in my post on the tight end position, this player has many jobs:  protecting the quarterback, blocking for the ball runner and catching passes.  By necessity, players at this position must possess strength, athleticism and intelligence.  They also provide peace of mind for their quarterback.  The players on the list below exemplify these qualities, and two of Yesterday’s Legends, Dave Casper and Kellen Winslow, are credited for pushing the tight end position beyond the traditional role of blocker to that of play maker.  As always, though, I don’t claim that this is the list of all lists; just a list of names you should know.

TODAY’S STARS

Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys, 2003-present):  Witten attended the University of Tennessee and was drafted by the Cowboys in 2003.  He is the definition of “safety valve” for his quarterback, Tony Romo, who relies on Witten as a clutch receiver in critical situations.  He has the most receptions for Cowboys tight ends and has a chance this season to move to second on the list of all-time receiving yards for the team.  Starting in his second year, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl each season.

Antonio Gates  (San Diego Charger, 2003-present):  Gates was signed by the Chargers in 2003 as an undrafted free agent, after having a nomadic  two-sport (football and basketball) college career, the last two years of which were spent at Kent State University.  He and then-Chargers quarterback were a match made in Heaven; in 2004, his second year, he broke the record for touchdown catches by a tight end.  He has continued to flourish under current QB Philip Rivers and has been selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowls.  Since 2004, only three players (Reggie Wayne, Randy Moss and Terrell Owens) have caught more touchdown passes than Gates.

Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City Chiefs, 1997-2008; Atlanta Falcons, 2009-present):  Gonzalez attended the University of California Berkeley, where he played both football and basketball.  He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs 15^th overall in 1997.  Starting in 1999, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl every year except one; in 2009, his first year with the Atlanta Falcons.  Gonzalez currently holds the following NFL records:   receptions in a single season for a tight end (102 in 2004); receiving yards for a tight end; receptions for a tight end; receiving touchdowns for a tight end; most seasons with 1,000+ yards for a tight end; and consecutive starts by a tight end (120).  As we know from yesterday’s post, Gonzalez has a chance in Week 2 to pass Terrell Owens as fifth on the NFL all-time receiving yards list.

YESTERDAY’S LEGENDS

Dave Casper (Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1974-1980 and 1984; Houston Oilers, 1980-1983; Minnesota Vikings, 1983):  Casper, nicknamed “The Ghost,” attended the University of Notre Dame and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1974.  He was a clutch receiver who helped the Raiders win key games, including Super Bowl XI and the 1977 playoff game against the Baltimore Colts in a famous play since called “Ghost to the Post,”  a 42-yard reception that set up a tying field goal.  He was also a critical participant in another famous play, “The Holy Roller.”  In the last ten seconds of the game, down by six to the San Diego Chargers, the Raiders QB, Ken Stabler, fumbled the ball, which rolled to the Chargers 11-yard line.  Running back Pete Banaszak batted it with his hand toward the goal line, and at the 5-yard line, Casper kicked it forward before finally falling on it in the end zone for the win.  It was after that season that the NFL passed a new rule making it illegal to advance the ball after a fumble on fourth down or in the last two minutes of the game.  Casper won two Super Bowls and was selected to five Pro Bowls.  He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Ozzie Newsome (Cleveland Browns, 1978-1990):  Newsome attended the University of Alabama and played under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, and was drafted in the first round by the Browns in 1978.  He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and was named an All Pro* seven times.  Nicknamed the “Wizard of Oz,” Newsome played 198 consecutive games and finished his career with 662 reception for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns.  These records held until broken by Shannon Sharpe.  Newsome was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 and is currently the General Manager of the Baltimore Ravens. 

Kellen Winslow** (San Diego Chargers, 1979-1987):  Winslow attended the University of Missouri and was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 13^th overall in 1979.  His size and speed made him the prototype tight end, and he is credited with further advancing the tight end position from being just a traditional blocker.  He led the NFL in receptions in 1980 and 1981, the first tight end ever to do so.  He still holds the single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end, catching 1,290 yards in 1980.  Winslow’s defining game was a 1982 playoff game against the Miami Dolphins, which became known as “The Epic in Miami.”  Not only did he have stellar statistics, catching 13 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, he also blocked a field goal to send the game into overtime.  Winslow literally “left everything on the field”; he had to be helped off the field by teammates at the end of the game, having suffered a pinched nerve, severe cramps from dehydration and a split lip.  Winslow was selected to five Pro Bowls, was named an All-Pro three times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Shannon Sharpe (Denver Broncos, 1990-1999 and 2002-2003; Baltimore Ravens, 2000-2001):  Sharpe attended Savannah State College and was drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round in 1990.  While he was with the Broncos, he won two Super Bowls; he won another Super Bowl with the Ravens.  When Sharpe retired, he held the NFL records for most receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a tight end, records that have since been broken by Tony Gonzalez.  Sharpe was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.  Always known for his smack talk and memorable one-liners, he is currently a NFL commentator for CBS.

*All-Pro is a designation of the best player in the NFL at each position each year by the Associated Press.

**Not to be confused with his son, Kellen Winslow II, who currently plays tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NFL Week 2 Games to Watch

It’s Week 2 of the NFL season, and we’ve selected three must-see games out of the 16 that take place this week. Although there are several good games this week, a few stood out because of their storylines: missing players possibly turning strengths to weaknesses; a stifling run defense versus a running back who needs to prove his worth; a likely AFC Championship preview; and a highly anticipated homecoming. We think we did pretty well in our selections last week, by the way…

Chicago Bears (1-0) @ New Orleans Saints (0-1) (Sunday, 1:00 PM on FOX):

Both teams are coming off great games, although New Orleans fought a losing effort against the Green Bay Packers last week. Both teams are also coming into this week with issues facing some of its key players. Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, the heart and soul of their defense, and possibly the entire team, will be playing after losing his mother early this week. Her funeral is Saturday; will he be less of weapon or will he be playing with an extra spark? Meanwhile, the Packers will be missing Marques Colston, their most productive wide receiver last season, with a broken collar bone; his position-mate, receiver Lance Moore, might also miss the game because of a sore groin. Will the Packers be able to adapt without its key receivers?

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) @ Tennessee Titans (0-1) (Sunday, 1:00 PM on CBS):

The Ravens defense put on a clinic last week, crushing the Steelers 35 to 7. They need to avoid a letdown this week against running back Chris Johnson and the Titans. Johnson, who has played for the Titans for three years, didn’t return to the team until a couple of weeks ago because he was holding out for a better contract. After scoring a new 4-year, $53 million deal, he failed to prove his worth last week, only rushing for 24 yards in the Titans loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s got something to prove this week, though he may not get many chances against a stout Ravens defense and with receiver Kenny Britt stealing his spotlight; in Week 1 Britt had five receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns. After Sunday, will Britt be saying “Show Me The Money”?

San Diego Chargers (1-0) @ New England Patriots (1-0) (Sunday, 4:15 PM ET on CBS):

With both teams living up to expectations in Week 1, this matchup could be a preview of the AFC Championship game. Quarterback Philip Rivers and the Chargers have not done well against the Patriot in recent years, only winning once in the last five games against them. However, Rivers is considered one of the best QBs in the league right now and had over 300 yards passing and two touchdowns in the Chargers’ win over the Minnesota Vikings last week. As nice as those numbers are, however, they are overshadowed by Tom Brady’s stunning 517 passing yards and four touchdowns in the Patriots’ win over the Miami Dolphins. Which QB will come out on top? Will this be an offensive shoot-out, or will either team’s defense make its presence known?

Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) @ Atlanta Falcons (0-1) (Sunday, 8:20 PM on NBC):

All eyes will be on the quarterbacks in this nationally-televised game. Michael Vick returns to Atlanta, where he was the star before being sent to federal prison for his role in a dogfighting operation. This is his second homecoming; he returned last year as the Eagles’ backup. He still had a significant role in the Eagles victory last year, running and throwing for two touchdowns; his effort drew cheers from the Atlanta crowd, still feeling sentimental about Vick’s time in their city. Though they may still have affection for Vick, they have also moved on, through their acceptance and adoration of Vick’s replacement, Matt Ryan (nicknamed “Matty Ice”). After just three years as the starting quarterback Ryan has already led the Falcons to the playoffs twice and is a big reason why the team should make the playoffs again this year. Not only is he looking for a win, but Ryan will also be happy to help out a certain teammate this week. Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez needs only four yards to pass Terrell Owens as fifth on the NFL all-time receiving yards list.

By the way, in addition to "Naptime Huddle," you can find more family-favorite recipes at the "Chef Mommy" blog. Here is a link to a recipe for a fun game-day treat: http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2011/02/football-rice-krispie-treats.html

Enjoy Week 2!

Tight Ends

Here at "Naptime Huddle” we have been gradually introducing each position on a football team. We started with the quarterback andoffensive linemen. We then discussed the linebackers and defensive linemen, before moving on to the secondary. Today we start to learn about the so-called “skill players”; those players who, along with the quarterback, have specialized skills that they use to advance the offense. Today's skill player is the tight end.

Position on the Field:

Before the snap, the tight end lines up at the end of the offensive line, next to the tackle. Because this adds an extra man to that side of the offensive line, the side where the tight end is located is usually referred to as the “strong side” of the offense’s formation (the other side of the line being the “weak side”). Before the start of the next play, the defense has to determine which is the strong side and adjust its formation accordingly. This typically means that the strong safety will position himself to that side of the field.

Responsibilities:

The tight end has multiple responsibilities during a play. Most of the time, he joins the offensive line in protecting the quarterback and blocking the defensive linemen or any other defenders trying to put pressure on the QB. By the same token, he assists in blocking for whoever has the ball, either a running back or wide receiver.

However, the tight end can also break off the line and make himself available to catch a pass. The tight end is often referred to as the QB’s “safety valve.” The tight end doesn’t usually run a long route down the field, and is typically strong enough to distance himself from the defenders. Therefore, the QB can often rely on the tight end to be open when the receivers that are further down the field are covered well by the secondary. This tactic is especially effective when a team needs less than ten yards to get a first down.

Because the tight end has so many roles, he needs to be strong, athletic and quick. Though not as, um, hefty as the offensive linemen, he should be bigger and stronger than the wide receivers.

Now that we have talked about most of the positions on the field, below is an illustration of a basic offensive (red) formation and the defensive (blue) 4-3 formation:

Kickoff Nitty Gritty, Conclusion: Rules and Penalties

Yesterday, we learned a little bit more about kickoffs, their strategies and the critical role they can play in any given game. Today we wrap up our discussion with an explanation of rules and penalties related to kickoffs. After today’s post, you can reasonably claim to be a kickoff expert.

1. No Score: There may be times, especially with the new rule that sets kickoffs at the 35-yard line, when the kicker sends the ball through the uprights at the far end of the field. Please don’t jump up and down in excitement because your team got a field goal. You’ll embarrass yourself. Kickoffs can’t score points.

2. Invalid Fair Catch Signal: If the returner doesn’t properly signal for the fair catch, the receiving team loses five yards.

3. Fair Catch Interference: Once a returner signals a fair catch, no member of the kicking team can interfere with his ability to catch the ball. Doing so will add give the receiving team an additional 15 yards from the spot of the foul.

4. When the returner catches the ball after signaling a fair catch, he may not advance the ball by running with it. If he does, it is a delay of game penalty and will cost the receiving team five yards from the spot of the catch.

5. If the returner signals a fair catch but does not catch the ball, he may not block or contact an opposing player until the ball is touched by anyone. The penalty is 15 yards.

6. If the ball goes out of bounds before entering the end zone and was not touched by a player on the receiving team, it is a penalty. The receiving team will get the ball either where it went out of bounds, or 30 yards from where it was kicked…whichever is more advantageous to the receiving team.

7. If the ball goes out of bounds on an onside kick attempt, the kicking team gets a five-yard penalty and must kick again. If it goes out of bounds on the next attempt, the receiving team gets the ball where it went out of bounds.

8. Illegal Touch: As you know from yesterday’s post, a kickoff must go ten yards to be legal. If a member of the kicking team touches the ball before it goes ten yards, it is an illegal touch and the receiving team gets the ball where it ended up (or went out of bounds), called the “dead ball spot,” or where it was illegally touched.

Kickoff Nitty Gritty: Onside Kicks and Fair Catch Kicks

Recently, I explained procedures associated with kickoffs, including the meaning of “runback,” “touchback” and special teams.  Now that you have, hopefully, seen several kickoffs, there are a few more kickoff details that are worth explaining.  Kickoffs are more than a mere formality to switch possession to the other team.  If you haven’t already, you will soon see that a kickoff can turn the tide for the losing team, or can help the winning team shoots itself in the foot.  The game situation can also impact the strategy a team uses on its kickoff.  How can this one aspect of the game mean so much?  Keep reading…

ONSIDE KICK

Under the rules of football, the ball must go ten yards from the spot of the kick to be legal.  Moreover, once the ball has gone ten yards, it’s up for grabs—either team can get possession by grabbing the ball.  This brings us to the first critical kickoff situation:  the onside kick.

Imagine this scenario:  the Chicago Bears are trailing the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter by nine points, 21 to 30.  There’s 1:25 left in the game when the Bears get the ball on their own 20-yard line.  They manage to work their way down the field and score a touchdown with 42 seconds left in the game.  The score is now Bears 28, Packers 30, but the Bears have to kick the ball to the Packers.  Time for an onside kick attempt!

The Bears’ place kicker will attempt to connect with the ball in such a way that it will hit the ground and bounce very high.  Hopefully, the bounce will allow at least one of his teammates to get in position to catch, or land on, the football once it goes ten yards.  If this happens, the Bears will have the ball again and a final chance to score.  So, why don’t teams do this every time?  The risk is that, if you don’t get the ball, the receiving team gets great field position, making it easier for them to score.

The receiving team will usually know that an onside kick is coming.  If the game situation (like the one I just described) doesn’t make it obvious, there are two other possible clues.  First, the kicking team will usually (but not always) line up in a formation where most of its players are bunched up on one side of the field.  This indicates that the ball will be kicked in that direction.  Second, the kicking team will send on their “hands team”; that is, their players who are most skilled at catching and holding onto the ball.  These will be their receivers, with the most reliable in the bunch in the most ideal position.

Onside kicks happen quite often, but not just in critical last-second situations.  A famous example is Super Bowl XLIV, when the New Orleans Saints, only down by four points, opened the second half with an onside kick:

FAIR CATCH

The returner on the receiving team might believe he can catch the ball, but that he won’t be able to make a runback for much yardage.  This is usually because he can sense the cover players on the kicking team closing in on him, or closing up the route he intended to run.  In such a case, the returner can protect himself and improve his chance of catching the ball safely (i.e., without dropping it or fumbling) by signaling for a fair catch. 

He does this by raising one arm over his head and waving it across his body (like at the movies when you wave to your husband when he’s come into the darkened theater with your Skittles).  Once the returner correctly signals a fair catch, no player on the kicking team can touch him; he must have enough space around him to catch the ball unmolested.  Of course, if he muffs the catch and drops it, the ball is still fair game and can be recovered by the kicking team.

I want to tell you about a neat little quirk associated with fair catches in the NFL and high school (but not college).  After a fair catch is made, the receiving team can choose to attempt a field goal from the spot of the fair catch instead of just going on offense like usual.  This is called a fair catch kick.  When the receiving team elects this option and tells the officials, the defense must line up ten yards away from where the kick will take place.  Therefore, the place kicker has those few extra moments to kick the ball before the defense reaches him.  This allows him to take a bit of a running start instead of just taking a couple of steps like a regular field goal attempt.  You’re not allowed to use a tee, so a teammate has to hold the ball.

Fair catch kicks are VERY rare.  The last successful attempt was accomplished by Ray Wersching for the San Diego Chargers in 1976 against the Buffalo Bills.*  The last attempt was a miss by Mason Crosby for the Green Bay Packers against the Detroit Lions in 2008.  Here’s Neil Rackers trying it a month before Crosby:

*Source: http://quirkyresearch.blogspot.com/2006/07/nfl-fair-catch-kick-attempts.html

Recipe Timeout: Mom's Luscious Lasagna

Today is my mother, Janelle's, 73rd birthday.  In her honor, I present her mouth-watering, one-helping-isn't-enough lasagna recipe.  This lasagna is a little different from others you might have tried because it has pepperoni instead of sausage.  Some of you might gasp in horror at the deviance, but I didn't realize lasagna was even made with sausage at all until I was well into my teenage years, and I still preferred Mom's over more "traditional" fare.  I hope you feel the same way.

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves (to taste), minced
1 small sweet onion, chopped
1 lb. ground sirloin
8 oz. pepperoni, roughly chopped
8 oz. canned tomato sauce
6 oz. canned tomato paste
28 oz can diced tomatoes (reserve juice from can)
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. ricotta cheese
8 oz. mozzarella thinly sliced
4 oz. freshly grated parmesan cheese
Half package of lasagna noodles (about 6 noodles, with two or three extra in case of breakage)

Instructions:


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onions are tender.  Add all meat and brown.  Drain excess grease and add tomato sauce, paste and diced tomatoes.  Add oregano, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. 

Cook lasagna noodles as directed on package (including draining and/or rinsing instructions).  Lightly grease a 9"x13" casserole dish and layer bottom with lasagna noodles.  Spread half of sauce over noodles. Spoon half the ricotta over sauce, sprinkle half of the parmesan over that and cover with a layer of mozzarella.  Repeat with second layer of noodles, then rest of the ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella.

Bake for 45 minutes and serve hot.  Serves 6-8.

Try serving it with the Great Greek Salad.