The biggest surprise to me came from the rookie quarterback Ryan Mallett; third string quarterback for the New England Patriots. Playing the entire second half, Mallett completed 12 of his 19 passes while racking up 164 yards and a touchdown in his debut. Let's talk about bang for your buck. Mallett dropped into Belichick's lap this past NFL draft and came as a steal in the third round at the 74th overall pick. There's no denying that this kid was a stud in college playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks racking up stats like 16.3 and 14.5 yards per completion while maintaining a 55.8 and 64.7 completion percentage in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Much like Brady, Mallett is strong in the pocket and shows good tempo and command of the offense. He's a huge athlete (6' 7") and not so mobile (even though he did show some moves agains Jacksonville), which means he requires a strong offensive line. If Mallett can continue to perform this strong during the preseason, look for some trades to be offered to the Patriots of players that were drafted higher in recent drafts.
The biggest effect that the 2011 NFL lockout will have on the preseason and first few weeks of the regular season will be injuries to players. It's only entering week 2 of the preseason and there are teams that don't even have a healthy running back (Houston Texans). Granted injuries during the preseason can be a good thing for a coach because it truly tests your reserves to find out just how deep your depth chart is. However, the starters are the ones that should be taking the reps in practice because they are the ones that will eventually be playing come the regular season. If coaches have to become so focused on finding players that can play for a preseason game, then they lose sight of preparing for the actual week 1. Just doing minimal research I have compiled a list of 20 starters from the 2010 season that are currently unable to play or practice due to injury. Tack on another 5 to the 20 if you include rookies from the 2011 draft class.
After watching some of the first weeks features, I saw the effects of the new rules implemented by the NFL after the lockout, mainly just two; the new kickoff from the 35-yard line and the review of every scoring play. Let me summarize them for you in one word... SHIT. I felt like I was going to blow my brains out after every called touchdown. Specifically last night during the Houston Texans and New York Jets game. There was one perfect example string of plays that exposed just how stupid this rule is.
Texans receiver caught a nice pass, tripped, and fell with possession of the ball into the end zone. Referee had a perfect view of the play and ruled it a touchdown. But with this new rule the play had to be reviewed upstairs by off-field officials. They found evidence that the player was down by contact before the ball crossed the plane into the endzone. So they then had to page the on-field official to review the play in the booth. After reviewing it there for a few minutes it was announced that the play was in fact not a touchdown and the ball was placed on the half yard line. Offense and defense set up their plays, Texans running back runs the ball into the endzone. Touchdown. Extra point followed. Commercial break after that. So there is rule one that I have a major issue with.
Just a side note, another point to consider in regards to this review rule is that coaches no longer have to run the risk of throwing challenge flags on the goal line. The play gets reviewed for them and that challenge can be used on ball spots and complete catches come crunch time.
Rule two comes into effect directly after the return from commercial break. The new ruling for kickoffs states that teams are now required to kick of from the 35-yard line opposed to the 30-yard line. This rule was put into effect to reduce injuries that occur during kick returns. Granted, it does make sense. Special teams players are often young, unexperienced, and always play to prove something. So stupid things are bound to happen. Now when kickers were place-kicking from the 30-yard line, it was easy for them to reach 4 to 5 yards deep in the endzone. Now move the ball up 5 yards. That easy kick is now reaching 9 to 10 yards deep. For those of you that don't know, an endzone is only 10 yards deep. In 2010, 16.4 percent of kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. With this new rule look for that percentage to double. If you really want to get into the value of a touchback, read this article here and have your mind blown because I honestly did. A thought to consider for the mentality of a coach in this situation is bringing on a cheaper, not as strong kicker to take kickoffs. Think about a non-kicker taking the kickoff. There are plenty of utility players out there (ex. Ndamuking Suh and Ochocinco) who can get the ball down field and in play off the kick.
Anywho continuing with my example. So Houston scored went to commercial and now for the kickoff. Boom you guessed it, TOUCHBACK. Play is dead offense and defense prepare to come out and my TV is back on a commercial. Return from commercial. So play that entire example out in your head and watch how much time it takes to process the entire scenerio. Then multiply it by 2. That's how long it takes in real life. I felt like at least 10 minutes had gone by. Is this what we are to expect for every close play by then endzone? I hope not.
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