Project Football http://www.projectfootball.net projecting great players and performances across the gridiron Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 Tom Brady: Is He Man Or Machine? http://www.projectfootball.net/2013/05/21/tom-brady-is-he-man-or-machine/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2013/05/21/tom-brady-is-he-man-or-machine/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=35 Given the long list of accomplishments and robust statistics that he has compiled over the years, it’s understandable that many consider Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to be a football machine. After springing on the scene around the turn-of-the-century following an injury to then New England starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe, Brady’s career took off like a rocket, and he has not been back to Earth since.

After over a dozen years in the professional ranks, some are now beginning to question as to whether Brady’s skills are tapering off, and what happens in the upcoming 2013 season will go a long way toward determining whether or not this is a legitimate fear. Competitive drive is clearly not an issue as Brady has continually proven himself to be one of the most ferocious competitors the NFL.

Brady has built an illustrious and sure Hall of Fame career by being a very accurate passer who is able to avoid pressure although he lacks foot speed. He has been a dominant force in the AFC throughout his career, and he essentially shifted the Patriot franchise from a mediocre squad into a one of the most successful in NFL history. When his career does end, he will certainly be celebrated and honored by fans in Massachusetts and beyond.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2013/05/21/tom-brady-is-he-man-or-machine/feed/ 0 The Rookie NFL Class Of 2011 http://www.projectfootball.net/2013/03/24/the-rookie-nfl-class-of-2011/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2013/03/24/the-rookie-nfl-class-of-2011/#comments Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=32 While the 2011 National Football League rookie class won’t go down as the best in history, it still had its fair share of great stars. Who was the first overall pick, what wide receivers are already considered some of the best in the league and what defensive stars came from the 2011 NFL draft?
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers, #1 overall pick
The Panthers used the first overall pick in the 2011 draft to select the standout quarterback from Auburn. He had an incredible rookie season, but regressed in 2012. For the Panthers to compete in the stout NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, they need to have a solid consistent performance from Newton.
Star Wide Outs
The one thing to remember about this draft class is the depth at the wide receiver. A.J. Green, Julio Jones, and Torrey Smith were three of the top receivers in the league in 2012 and will only improve with more game time.
Top Defensive Threats
Aldon Smith, Von Miller and Patrick Peterson were all selected early in the draft and have provided their teams with major impact through the first two seasons of their career. All are considered one of the top players at their respective positions.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2013/03/24/the-rookie-nfl-class-of-2011/feed/ 0 The NFL’s Hall Of Fame: Canton’s Finest http://www.projectfootball.net/2012/06/10/the-nfls-hall-of-fame-cantons-finest/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2012/06/10/the-nfls-hall-of-fame-cantons-finest/#comments Sun, 10 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=31 It’s only fitting that the National Football League’s Hall of Fame be located in Canton, Ohio since the league was founded in the city in 1920, and the Canton Bulldogs were the league’s first “dynasty,” winning championships in 1922 and 1923.

Since the Hall of Fame”s opening in 1963, a total of 273 former players, coaches and contributors have been enshrined. The Chicago Bears, with 30, have the most honorees, while offensive linemen lead enshrinement by position, with 37. The youngest-ever honoree was former Bears RB Gale Sayers, whose career was shortened ny injury, entered the Hall at age 34, while Ed Sabol, the founder of NFL Films, was the oldest enshrinee at 94. Kickers and punters are the least represented in the Hall, with only a total of three honorees, George Blanda, Lou Groza and Jan Stenerud. Stenerud is the only “full-time” kicker inducted as Blanda (QB) and Groza (OT) also played other positions. Stenerud is also the only “soccer-style” kicker honored as of 2012.

The Class of 2012 is scheduled to be inducted in August. The latest NFL Hall of Famers are: DB Jack Butler, C Dermontti Dawson, LB-DE Chris Doleman, DT Cortez Kennedy, RB Curtis Martin and OT Willie Roaf.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2012/06/10/the-nfls-hall-of-fame-cantons-finest/feed/ 0 Drew Brees: The Big Man In The Big Easy http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/07/08/drew-brees-the-big-man-in-the-big-easy/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/07/08/drew-brees-the-big-man-in-the-big-easy/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=30 Drew Brees the big man, in the big easy is considered by many experts to being one of the best current National Football League quarterbacks. Brees is a five time Pro Bowl selection, a three time National Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year, the 2008 Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XLIV.

Brees in College

Brees played his college ball at Purdue University in which he led the Boilermakers to the 2001Rose Bowl and a Co Big Ten Championship. At Purdue Brees finished fourth in the 1999 Heisman Trophy ballot and was also a finalist for the Davey O’ Brian Award. He was also named an Academic All American and earned a degree in industrial management.

Chargers

Following Purdue, Brees was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the spring of 2001. While in San Diego Brees led the Chargers to the 2004 AFC West Title and a 12-4 overall record. Brees was selected to the 2004 Pro Bowl and was named 2004 Comeback Player of the Year.

Saints

Brees signed with Sean Payton’s New Orleans Saints in 2006. Brees led the Saints to the Playoffs in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Saints won the Super Bowl in 2009 and Brees was awarded the NFC Offensive Player of the Year in 2006, 2008, 2009. Brees also was an All Pro selection in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/07/08/drew-brees-the-big-man-in-the-big-easy/feed/ 0 On The Road With The Dallas Cowboys http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/23/on-the-road-with-the-dallas-cowboys/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/23/on-the-road-with-the-dallas-cowboys/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=28 On the road with the Dallas Cowboys could refer to many things in their history, but nothing is as unusual as the curse that has followed them over the years. It is about the color of thier jerseys and is something that has been debated for some time. The tradition was begun by Tex Schramm in 1964, but he still claims that he does not believe in the curse and that it was only to let fans see the opponents colors at home games.

When on the road they their offical blue jerseys that go with their uniforms, but at home games the Cowboys wear their white jerseys. They were the first to start doing this in the NFL, as it was an unofficial rule that home teams had to wear their colored jerseys. Over the years the blue jerseys had become known as jinxed, due to their many loses when they wore them.

Since 1970 the league rules have been modified and home teams can choose their jersey colors. Other teams like the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins have followed in suit with Dallas on this issue. Perhaps there really is a curse on the Dallas Cowboys blue jerseys.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/23/on-the-road-with-the-dallas-cowboys/feed/ 0 The Who’s Who List Of The NFL http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/20/the-whos-who-list-of-the-nfl/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/20/the-whos-who-list-of-the-nfl/#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=27 The NFL is an interesting league. Unlike many other sports, superstars do not necessarily run football but rather well balanced team with above average players can win Super Bowls and be successful. With that said, there are still players in the NFL that who are considered super stars and are the most well known players in the league due to their abilities and success in the NFL. Along with the pioneers who brought the NFL to a mainstream league, modern day superstars in the NFL are some of the most recognizable public figures in sports.

There are a few past NFL players whose names are still as popular as the first day they stepped on a field. Almost every football fan remembers or has heard of Jerry Rice. After his lengthy career he holds countless NFL records and three super bowl rings. Rice is considered arguably the greatest player in history. On the defensive side of the ball, Dick Butkus now has an NFL trophy named after him that is awarded to best linebacker after every season. He finished is career with 1,020 tackles in just nine seasons. For younger generations, there are a few current NFL players that can compliment the name of “who’s who”.

In current NFL play, there are numerous players that have great reputations and are well known. Currently playing quarterback for the New England Patriots is Tom Brady. He has been in the league since 2000 and has tons of NFL records and has already won three Super Bowls. He was drafted 199th overall in the 6th round which makes him one of the greatest draft picks of all time. On the defensive side of things, Ray Lewis is one of the most popular defensive players. Known for his role as intimidator on the field, Lewis has spent all of his 15 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He lead the Raven’s to the 2001 Super Bowl title and won MVP of the Super Bowl.

There are many more players, both past and present that can make the list of who’s who in the NFL. More players are making strides in becoming all time greats and in no time, there will be a new list of the NFL’s greatest players.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/20/the-whos-who-list-of-the-nfl/feed/ 0 A Few Facts: Hines Ward http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/07/a-few-facts-hines-ward/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/07/a-few-facts-hines-ward/#comments Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000 mrice http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=26 Whether you watch his old footage on satellite channels from http://www.direct.tv or catch reruns of his games on network TV, you’ve got to admire the man, the myth, and the legend that is Hines Ward. Besides his recent stint on Dancing With the Stars, here are a few of the notable facts you need to know about the pride of Georgia…
Though Hines Ward won the Heisman Trophy for the University of Georgia he was drafted 98 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hines had absolutely no touchdowns his rookie season.
Hines played the position of Quarterback for his high-school team and had over 1500 yards through his high school years.
Hines’ descent is a mixture of African American and Korean.
When he was a rookie with the Steelers, Ward was tasked with returning kicks.
Hines stayed in state for school and attended college at the University of Georgia becoming one of the school’s most famous football players.
Bet you didn’t know all those fun facts about Hines Ward! Keep an eye out for Ward’s dancing prowess on ABC this season.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/06/07/a-few-facts-hines-ward/feed/ 0 The Top Ten NFL Players Of Tomorrow http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/04/26/the-top-ten-nfl-players-of-tomorrow/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/04/26/the-top-ten-nfl-players-of-tomorrow/#comments Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=25 Every season, football has a handful of players who enjoy “breakout” years. These players eventually fall into three categories: “One-hit-wonders,” “Veteran pros,” and “Hall-of-Famers.” Here are ten young players who have the potential to join the latter group.

Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco, has already been named to the Pro Bowl each season. Green Bay TE Jermichael Finley’s knee injury prevented him from playing in the Packers Super Bowl triumph, but no one doubts his future success. QB Tim Tebow, Denver. Some still complain about his mechanics, but Tebow is smart, athletic and most importantly, a winner. Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis. Bradford had a splendid rookie season, leading the Rams to the playoffs. Jon Beason, LB, Carolina. Beason quickly became the defensive leader of the Panthers, and is a perennial Pro Bowler. Matt Ryan, Atlanta QB. “Matty Ice” just continues to get better. Jarrod Mayo, LB, New England. Already a standout for the demanding Bill Belichick, Mayo has a promising future. WR Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh. Already one of Roethlisberger’s favorite targets, expect his numbers to increase. LB Clay Matthews, Green Bay. Consistency and excellence are his trademarks. WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco. His skills and talent are unquestioned. Now if only the 49ers had a steady QB.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/04/26/the-top-ten-nfl-players-of-tomorrow/feed/ 0 The Top Ten NFL Players Of Today http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/04/13/the-top-ten-nfl-players-of-today/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/04/13/the-top-ten-nfl-players-of-today/#comments Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=24 When you are putting together a list of the ten best players in the NFL, there are a couple of names that automatically come to mind: Tony Brady, Peyton Manning and Troy Polamalu. After that, though, things get a little bit tough.

When it comes to offense, you may need to put Aaron Rogers up there. He has his Super Bowl, and week after week he has the stats to back it up. And how about Phillip Rivers? While the Chargers didn’t make the playoffs last season, he did lead the league in passing yards. And while we are at it: can you leave Drew Brees out of the equations either?

Outside of quarterbacks, Chris Johnson and Stephen Jackson make good candidates, as do Reggie Wayne, Dwayne Bowe and even Larry Fitzgerald. And not to leave defense out of of it: you can choose from Hines Ward, DeMarcus Ware, and of course Clay Matthews. What about kickers with ice water in their veins? Can you really leave out Devon Hester who is the most dangerous kickoff threat in the league, or Adam Vinatieri, who is the best high pressure kicker of all time? It’s a debate that is not easy to solve.

]]> http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/04/13/the-top-ten-nfl-players-of-today/feed/ 0 The Top Ten NFL Players Of The Past http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/03/29/the-top-ten-nfl-players-of-the-past/ http://www.projectfootball.net/2011/03/29/the-top-ten-nfl-players-of-the-past/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.projectfootball.net/?p=23 NFL history is full of heroes, but there are only a handful who dominated the competition to such an extent that they can be called the greatest of all time. These are the top ten NFL players of the past:

1. Jerry Rice – No player was greater at his position. He holds every major receiving record, most by a mile.

2. Lawrence Taylor – The most feared defensive player of his generation re-defined the linebacker position.

3. Joe Montana – Pro football’s greatest quarterback, he won four Super Bowls without a loss.

4. Dick Butkus – This terrifying brick wall of a linebacker was the face of a bygone era.

5. Barry Sanders – Gave fans the most thrilling runs the game has ever seen.

6. Johnny Unitas – 47 straight games with a TD pass remains an unbroken record.

7. Regge White – A 13-time Pro Bowler, second on the career sacks list.

8. Jim Brown – Led the NFL in rushing in 8 of his 9 seasons.

9. Deacon Jones- The original sack machine, before stats were kept for sacks.

10. Bronko Nagursky – Three-time champion and a member of the first football Hall of Fame class.

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