NHL Playoff Format

Right now the NHL playoffs feature sixteen teams making the playoffs. My problem is not with the number of teams, but the current way in which their match ups are set up. Right now eight from both the Western and Eastern conferences make the playoffs, and each conference features two wild cards. with the other six teams being the top three teams in each division. Most years this will get us the top 16 teams in the NHL. However, what happens when there's a power tip in the league like we are seeing now? The first round matchups should be easy for stronger teams, but right now strong teams are playing each other in the first round. Another troubling issue, is that under the current format it isn't necessarily the top 16 teams in the NHL that make it. There is a lot of evidence for changing the playoff format again, but would the NHL ever do it?

Under the current format the West plays the West and the East plays the East until the Stanley Cup finals. However, under this format there is a chance that a very strong team gets eliminated early, earlier than they should be eliminated. These are what the match ups from last seasons playoffs were.

Ducks/Stars
Sharks/Kings
Avalanche/Wild
Blues/Blackhawks
Bruins/Red Wings
Lightning/Canadiens
Penguins/Blue Jackets
Rangers/Flyers

There are at least two if not three or four match ups here with fairly strong teams. Blues vs. Blackhawks and Sharks vs. Kings being the obvious ones. Why should two teams that strong have to play each other first round? Here is what I propose. Strip the divisions, and strip the conferences and go straight up first place versus sixteenth. Here is what last years playoffs would have looked like.

Bruins/Stars
Ducks/Red Wings
Avalanche/Blue Jackets
Blues/Flyers
Sharks/Rangers
Penguins/Wild
Blackhawks/Kings
Lightning/Canadiens

There are still some strong teams playing each other, but at least now a lot of the really strong teams would be guaranteed to advance a round. There will still be surprise teams, but there always are. Now, I believe we have a truer look though at where each team falls. Now if a good team is eliminated early we know they were not that good. They will have lost to the weakest possible team they could have played given their position, and not a strong, but low seed in their own division. Match ups aren't the only problem under the current format either.

There is one other problem that could arise from the current playoff format. What if the teams that make the playoffs aren't the true top 16 teams in the NHL?  Right now, a lot of the West is a lot better than the East, and most of the West could beat the East. It's only a matter of time before one or two teams are out of the playoffs who had more points than a team in the other conference. When it does the fans of those teams who are out will be upset, and wonder why. Maybe that is the only thing which will spark a conversation about going to a straight top 16 teams format. However, would the NHL ever do it?

Despite how much sense it makes to go to a straight 1 vs. 16 playoff format I have serious doubts as to if the NHL would ever do it. One reason is how to schedule. With conferences and divisions meaning nothing in terms of making the playoffs, the schedule might have to be changed so that the conferences play each other more. I'm not sure how much of a problem this would be for the NHL, but it could be a stumbling block. How much do you keep the schedule within the divisions and conferences for the sake of rivalries and traveling? How much do the conferences play each other for the sake of standings? I think this is an issue that could be solved, but there is one I'm not sure if it ever would be taken care of, and might be what ultimately stops this format from ever happening. Tradition.

I think the NHL has too much tradition living in the divisional or conference format to make it mean nothing. If it's up to them traditionalists might never let a sixteen team playoff format happen despite the logic there is in executing it. Some people will be willing risk a couple bad match ups and a couple better teams missing the playoffs for being in the wrong conference in order to keep the division and conference format alive.

There is a lot of evidence to make the NHL playoffs a one through sixteen format. Right now the match ups don't work as well, and there is a possiblity of a better team missing the playoffs due to a strong conference. However, it likely won't happen due to potential difficulties with scheduling, and tradition. Traditionalists would likely never let this format happen and I believe that it is a mistake.

Don't doubt me, this debate is coming, likely after a team misses the playoffs that has more points than a team in the other conference. It didn't happen last year, and it might not happen this year, but when it does it will start the debate of a straight sixteen team playoff format, and it probably won't be pretty.


-Darren


-What do you think of the NHL playoff format? Keep it or Change it? Let me know what you think. Either comment below this post or find me on twitter @thewildman111


photo taken from sbnation.com

To All Blue Jays Fans: No This Season Was Not a Success

I get it, I get it. The Blue Jays were awful last year and finished last in their division after all the expectations were placed on this team. Compared to last year this team is good. How can anyone say this season is a success though? They didn't get players they needed at the trade deadline like Bautista and Janssen said they should have, John Gibbons didn't get the most out of his players when he needed it, and really compared to the expectations of playoffs that was placed on this team when it was assembled, they failed.

I can already hear the objections to those points. People will say they did not get the players they needed because there was no one to trade and that Janssen and Bautista were wrong. Guess what? They were not wrong. Both of them among other plyaers came out and said this team needed more pieces, saying even another bat would have helped. Well now it sure looks that way doesn't it? Both of those players are leaders in the locker room and both would likely know the team best as far as players go. They both said the team needed pieces and the team did not get pieces. Low and behold the team does not make any major moves and suffers an epic collapse which has pushed them out of hte playoffs. How can anyone say those guys were wrong? As for the argument that there was no one to trade, well take a look at Billy Beane and some of the other best GMs in the league.

The best general managers in the league can always come up with a trade. All Anthropoulos would have to do is think outside the box a little bit. For as cheap as some of the players went on trade deadline day it should not have been that hard for him to come up with something. Even if it was more difficult for him than other teams, really good GMs find a trade and can sometimes pull talent from nowhere. When was the last time Antropolous pulled a rabbit out of a hat? He didn't get this team the pieces he needed. It doesn't only fall on him however, as John Gibbons should have had enough talent to work with and still fell short.

Melky Cabrera, R.A. Dickey, Mark Buerhle, Jose Reyes, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, etc, etc, etc. To be honest I'm sort of sick about hearing the stats these guys put up, and how many all star games they've been to. When can they win? However, it isn't only these guys for not coming through it falls on John Gibbons as well. Past managers like Joe Torre and Tony La Russa knew how to get the most out of their players and to win games. John Gibbons does not seem to have that quality as down the stretch the Blue Jays could not string together the victories it needed. The team imploded and it seems like Gibbons did almost nothing to help. He did not get the most out of his players and he was not able to stop a long skid. He has to take at least some of the blame for that. Some people will still say the Jays improved under Gibbons. True, but they still did not make the playoffs.

As I said earlier, yes this season was an improvement on last year. However, when this team was put together after the block buster trade, the immediate expectation was playoffs. Now the second season has almost been complete and the playoffs still have not happened. How can it be considered successful if the goals set for the team have not been achieved? Which is just another reason to blame Gibbons. The goal for this team was playoffs and he has yet to get them there. This whole team has failed to meet the goals and expectations of the fan base and therefore neither the team nor the fans should be happy with this result.

In conclusion this Blue Jays season has not been successful. They did not get pieces they needed when they needed them. The players did not play as well as they needed to and the manager could not get what they needed out of this team. Just because they were better than last year does not make this season a success because when the core of this team was assembled the expectation was playoffs. That has not happened.


-Darren


What are your thoughts on the Jays season this year? Either comment below this post or find me on twitter @thewildman111


Photo taken from thestar.com

NHL Season Prediction

With the NHL season approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to do my NHL season prediction. We won't discuss what I predicted last season, but instead look forward to a successful season this year.

Let's start in the Atlantic division in the East.

1. Boston Bruins
2. Montreal Canadiens
3. Tampa Bay Lightning
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
5. Detroit Red Wings
6. Florida Panthers
7. Ottawa Senators
8. Buffalo Sabres.

This division is once again the Bruins' division to lose. They are definitely the best team in this group of eight teams. The Canadiens are going to be their closest competition, but will likely fall short in the end. With the roster the Lightning have they should be contenders for the playoffs every year. After being swept by the Canadiens last year the question becomes not if they can make the playoffs, but how far they can go. The Maple Leafs have shown they can play solid hockey and be in contention for the playoffs, but can they avoid choking and falling short once again this year? Detroit just isn't good enough anymore. For the first time in forever (if you're like me that phrase will get a Frozen song stuck in your head) they will miss the playoffs. The Panthers have made a lot of improvements and should be better than last season. However, they still can't quite compete for the playoffs. Ottawa has too many unplugged holes to be good, and I expect them to be a little bit competitive, but for the most part the talent just isn't there. Buffalo is Buffalo. They are in the midst of a rebuild and just aren't good.

Next up, the Metropolitan division.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Philadelphia Flyers
3. New York Rangers
4. Washington Capitals
5. Columbus Blue Jackets
6. New York Islanders
7. New Jersey Devils
8. Carolina Hurricanes

The Penguins should be able to lock up this division, and be second in the conference. The Bruins should beat them out. The Penguins closest competitors will likely be the Flyers. If Philadelphia doesn't have such a bad start this year they will definitely be up there. The Rangers were in the finals last year. I don't know if I expect them to go that far this year, but definitely expect them back in the playoffs. Last year was a little bit of an off year for Washington. I think they're good enough to be back in the playoffs. After making it last year, expect the Blue Jackets to be hungry for more. The Islanders will be better than last year, but the rest of the division is too competitive and too good for them. The Devils and Hurricanes will probably be fighting for last place. Don't expect too much out of either team this year.

The two wild card teams out of the East this year will be the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets. I just don't trust the Maple Leafs to be able to win out a wild card spot, and I believe Columbus will be the better team to win the last spot.

Eastern playoffs

Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
I wouldn't be surprised to see Columbus steal one here. Otherwise the Bruins should take this fairly easily. Bruins in 5.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Pittsburgh has had problems in the playoffs in the past. Since their cup run they haven't really been close to being back. However, the Capitals have had even more playoff problems at times. Penguins in 7.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
A rematch of last years first round. It shouldn't be nearly as easy this year for Montreal. However, they are still better and more experienced than the Lightning. Canadiens in 6.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers
Last year the Rangers were in the finals. I don't expect the same this year. Flyers take this series in a rematch of last years first round. Flyers in 6.

Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
Last time this happened Bruins were the favourites and Canadiens were the underdogs. The Canadiens won. However, I don't believe it will happen again. It will be a close and rough series. I think Bruins in 7.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
They meet again, one of my favourite sports rivalries. With Pittsburgh's problems with both the Flyers and the playoffs in the past it's hard to take the Penguins. I'll take the Flyers in 7.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins
This would be a rough series. Two very gritty teams who can put the puck in the net. This would be a close series, but Boston would be the favourites. I'll take the Flyers to surprise the Bruins and win it in 7. Flyers are in the Stanley Cup Finals from the Eastern Conference.

Now on to the West. We'll start in the Central division.

1. St. Louis Blues
2. Chicago Blackhawks
3. Dallas Stars
4. Colorado Avalanche
5. Minnesota Wild
6. Winnipeg Jets
7. Nashville Predators

This will be a dog fight for the playoffs. Pretty much all of these teams could be competing. St. Louis and Chicago are the obvious favourites for the top. They're both extremely skilled and play a complete game. Dallas is a much improved team and should be right there as well. The Avalanche might be a bit back this year just because of how much improved everyone else is. I don't love the Wild and I think they're on the outside looking in. The Jets and Wild will just be out matched in this division. Both have pieces and both will be competitive, but in the end both teams need more.

The Pacific division.

1. Anaheim Ducks
2. LA Kings
3. San Jose Sharks
4. Arizona Coyotes
5. Vancouver Canucks
6. Edmonton Oilers
7. Calgary Flames

In reality the Ducks, Kings, and Sharks could finish in almost any order. I do think though that the Ducks are that much stronger and will be first. The Coyotes will be an interesting team to watch. I think they will be in the hunt for the playoffs. The Canucks should be looking for playoffs, but I believe they are in tough and will likely fall short. The Oilers are going to be an improved team but will still be well short of the playoffs. I think they will be better than the Flames and have a small chance at maybe even leaping over Vancouver. However, for now they are second last. The Flames are going to be neck and neck with the Oilers all season. Both teams will be at least somewhat competitive. The biggest reason they're bottom two is because the top three teams in this league are so good.

The two wild card teams will be the Colorado Avalanche and the Arizona Coyotes.

Western Playoffs

St. Louis Blues vs. Arizona Coyotes
Despite what happened last year in the playoffs the Blues should be a good playoff team this year. I don't think the Coyotes are a great playoff team. Blues in 4.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Colorado Avalanche
Both of these teams are good. However, Anaheim is a juggernaut. Colorado will put up a fight, but I don't expect them to win. Ducks in 6.

LA Kings vs. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have had playoff problems historically. Until they prove otherwise I can't pick them to knock off the defending champs. Kings in 6.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars
The Stars are a much improved team and will give the Blackhawks all they can handle. However, it won't be enough against the Blackhawks. Blackhawks in 7.

St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks
This is what happened last year, the Blues and the Blackhawks met and the Blues had a collapse and lost. This will once again be a very close series. St. Louis should have had the series last year, and while I'm not counting them out of this year I can't take them. Blackhawks in 7.

Anaheim Ducks vs. LA Kings
It's sure fun to see the California teams play each other and there should be lots of it this playoffs. I believe the Ducks are good enough. The Ducks knock off the defending Champs in 7.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Chicago Blackhawks
There are so many superteams in the West and here there are two more going against each other. Chicago is the favourite, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is the year of the Duck. Ducks in 7.

Stanley Cup Finals
Anaheim Ducks vs. Philadelphia Flyers
This will be a rough, hard hitting series. I think the Ducks could get outhit, but I don't think the Flyers can match the Ducks skill. For that reason I will pick the Anaheim Ducks to hoist the Stanley Cup after a hard fought 6 game series.


-Darren


What do you think of my predictions? Who do you think will hoist the Cup? Let me know, either comment below this post or find me on twitter  @thewildman111

photo taken from kings.nhl.com

Roger Goodell, the NFL and Consistency Issues

Roger Goodell clearly said that a first time domestic abuse offender will receive a six game suspension from the NFL. I do believe this is a fair punishment. After the first suspension stemming from domestic violence a player will either learn his lesson or he won't. This penalty gives the player a chance to learn from his mistake and eventually return to the NFL having learned a lesson, and to be a better citizen and role model. I am also in favour of the next suspension. If he didn't learn his lesson and offends again that player is likely gone for a season or more and possibly for good. Based on what I've said so far if I told you within the last little while there were three first time offenders on domestic violence in the last little while it would only be logical to concur that they have been suspended for six games.

Ray Rice seen above, was seen striking
 his future wife in an elevator

Whatever is going on in the commissioner's office is anything but consistent. Not all of the players mentioned earlier received a six game suspension, in fact, none of them did. After Ravens running back Ray Rice was seen in the first video dragging his then fiancé out of an elevator unconscious he received a two game suspension. Since then TMZ released a video of what happened in the elevator and Ray Rice was now seen striking her in the face twice. Shortly after Goodell suspended Rice indefinitely and the Ravens released him. Goodell also claimed that he hadn't seen the video until TMZ released and didn't know exactly what had happened in the elevator. However, a law enforcement office said they sent video to the NFL. Also Ray Rice said he told Goodell what happened in the elevator. Not only has Goodell's handling of the issue been inconsistent, so has his story. Shortly after suspending Rice indefinitely Goodell said a first time offender for domestic violence will receive a six game suspension. Now I'm sitting here wondering where Rice's six game suspension is. In no way do I condone what Ray Rice did, but if the league is going to make a rule such as this they need to enforce it fairly and properly. As I said earlier, I believe a six game suspension is fair. It gives a player a chance to think about what he's done and change. Then they can rejoin the NFL once again. If later on the player shows he hasn't changed and offends again that's when the book gets thrown at them with a season or more suspension. Ray Rice clearly isn't getting equal opportunity as a first time offender should by the rule.

Shortly after stating that a first time offence would be a six game suspension the NFL was confronted with two more domestic abuse cases. Two months ago Greg Hardy was convicted of domestic abuse against his girlfriend. For some reason he still played in the pre-season and week one. He wasn't sat down until week two, and has not been suspended by the NFL. Even after the NFL said there would be a six game suspension after the first incident he didn't get suspended. If the NFL speaks on this issue they might claim there has not been a suspension because Hardy's conviction has been appealed and there's a chance he will be not guilty. However, even after he was found guilty the first time the NFL did nothing. Hardy isn't the only one either. More recently Adrian Peterson was indited for hitting his son with a switch to the extent his son was bleeding. However, despite this he could have been elligible to play on Sunday and will likely play next week. This begs the question of the NFL. Where on earth is the consistency in these three different cases? And where is the consistency in each case in aaccordance with the domestic violence rule? It just isn't there.

If the NFL is going to take as hard of a stance against domestic abuse as they like to make it seem, they're going to need to be consistent. They can't suspend one player indefinitely and have others convicted of similar criminal charges and potentially playing just a few days after the incident. It's not only the players that need to clean up their act, but the NFL as well. If they don't, people are always going to look on the NFL and see that it cares more about making money than whatever legal trouble it's players get in. Until the NFL gets serious about domestic violence and other harmful crimes, people will always see it caring more about money than its players and society.

-Darren

-What are your thoughts on the NFL's policy on domestic violence and the way it has been handled? Either comment below this post or find me on twitter @thewildman111

Stop and Remember

Chris Gizzi runs the flag out on the
first MNF game after 9/11.

Sometimes something so big happens that reminds everyone sports are really just a game. Thirteen years ago today one of those things happened. September 11, 2001 not only put the sports world on pause, but the rest of the world as well. This was something much more important than sports.

No games were played, no whistles blown, and no points were put on the board for multiple days as America and the rest of the world stopped and watched what was unfolding. Each year on the anniversary the world keeps going but it pauses to remember what happened and those who were affected by it.

And that is what I am doing. This post isn't really about sports. It's about stopping to remember and think about what happened 13 years ago today. And each year on this day the world still does pause. At least for a little while. It takes a lot to make people pause even for a second, but remembering September 11 is one of those things that does it. People stop to remember and think about what happened. People will think about the families and friends of those who lost their lives. They will think about the brave rescue workers who went in to the buildings to save those who were trapped. They will keep all of this in their thoughts.

I would like to encourage everyone to keep the families of all those who lost their lives 13 years ago in their thoughts and prayers. As I'm sure that even after 13 years the questions and hurt are still there for these friends and families.

-Darren

Photo taken from reddit.com

Oilers Season Prediction

Below you will see a list of the Oilers opponents,  this season, how many times they play them, and their record against each team. Through this I will predict the Oilers points which will give us an idea of where in the standings they will finish.

Calgary Flames (5) (3-1-1)
Vancouver Canucks (5) (3-2)


These two teams I expect the Oilers to be able to keep up with. I think they are equal to or better than the Flames and probably about equal to the Canucks. Being able to make a leap in the standings means being able to keep up with teams like these two. Thirteen out of twenty points against these two teams would be fairly solid. Total so far: 6-3-1

LA Kings (5) (1-3-1)

Taking one or two from teams like the Kings would be nice, these teams are by far their toughest match up. I expect the Oilers to take one and possibly bring them to OT once. Even though they'll lose most of their games against these teams they should be closer games than in the past. Total so far: 7-6-2.

Arizona Coyotes (5) (2-2-1)

They Coyotes are tough competition, but also beatable. It will be interesting to see what Sam Gagner does with them this year. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a career year. Total so far: 9-8-3.

Tampa Bay Lightning (2) (1-1)
Washington Capitals (2) (0-2)

Don't expect the Oilers to do too much yet against tough Eastern Division foes like these teams, they might squeak out some points here and there, but these aren't teams the Oilers will beat up on. Instead, they need to pick on the bottom of the conference in the East which is where the NHLis very weak. Total so far: 10-11-3.

Carolina Hurricanes (2) (1-1)
Montreal Canadiens (2) (0-1-1)

The Hurricanes are one of the teams I was speaking of, if the Oilers can beat the mediocre and worse teams at least once out of two games, and take both or get at least one point from sothers, that would be a huge boost. However, a team like the Canadiens will also hurt their record against the East. Total so far: 11-13-4

Nashville Predators (3) (2-1)
Philadelphia Flyers (2) (1-0-1)
Boston Bruins (2) (0-2)

The Predators are another team the Oilers need to beat to make a vault in the standings and I think they are beatable for Edmonton. However, the next two teams are tough, I think points from the Flyers in each game is reasonable, but the Bruins could be two ugly games. Total so far: 14-16-5


Buffalo Sabres (2) (2-0)

If 2-0 doesn't happen against Buffalo something is seriously wrong with this team. Total so far: 16-16-5.

New York Rangers (2) (1-0-1)
Ottawa Senators (2) (2-0)
New Jersey Devils (2) (1-0-1)

Hey look! Eastern Conference teams to beat up on. This group of teams are teams like I was talking about earlier. Ten out of twelve points from these teams would be a huge boost. Total so far: 20-16-7.

Chicago Blackhawks (3) (1-2)

The Oilers have had some success against the Blackhawks in the past, I think they can take one game. Total so far: 21-18-7.


Dallas Stars (3) (0-2-1)
Colorado Avalanche (3) (0-3)

Two very good Western Conference teams, I don't expect much and I don't think anyone else should expect much from the Oilers in these six games. Total so far: 21-23-8

New York Islanders (2) (1-0-1)
Detroit Red Wings (2) (1-1)
Pittsburgh Penguins (2)  (0-1-1)

Another fairly tough clump of Eastern Conference teams, Islanders and Red Wings will  be tough, even games, but Pittsburgh is definitely the hardest of a group. Total so far: 23-25-10.


Toronto Maple Leafs (2) (2-0)
Winnipeg Jets (3) (1-1-1)
Minnesota Wild (3) (2-0-1)

Another group of teams the Oilers should be able to compete with. They should be able to go around .500 or better against teams like these. Total so far: 28-26-12.

Anaheim Ducks (4) (1-3)
St. Louis Blues (3) (0-3)
San Jose Sharks (5) (1-3-1)

It's a group of teams like these three that are going to hurt the Oilers record. I don't expect wins out of these teams, if they do win, it will be only one or two. They will probably pick up a couple points in OT/Shootout losses. Total so far: 30-35-13.

Florida Panthers (2) (2-0)
Columbus Blue Jackets (2) (1-1)

Two more teams that the Oilers can go around .500 against, they might be capable of 2-0 against both but  Columbus has been tough the last 2 years or so. Final total: 33-36-13.

This record would be an improvement on last years 67 points. They would have 79. This is a huge improvement from last year Unfortunately this would result in what would be still a fairly low finish ( would have been 26th in the league last year). However, what is good is there likely won't be very many ugly losses, they'll be competing each night and be able to keep up with some of the really good teams. The teams that hurt the Oilers record such as LA, San Jose, and St. Louis because they play these teams more than they play the mediocre teams in the East. They aren't yet good enough to seriously compete with these teams, especially with question marks at second line centre but at least the games should be more entertaining.

Think I was too generous in awarding points to the Oilers? Too strict? Or maybe you think I got it just right. Let me know. Comment either below this post or let me know on twitter @thewildman111.

Photo from greatsportstart.com

Could RGIII Be Done in the NFL?

Robert Griffin the Third came out of the gate with a tremendous rookie season. He really broke into the league and made a name for himself. However, then came the knee injury that ended his season, and last year me may have come back too early and pushed too hard. Even after the injury healed he never looked right again. Is it possible that all of last year can be attributed to RG3's injury or is there something else at play here?

Let's look at the stats. In his first season RG3 completed almost 66% of his passes for exactly 3,200 yards, he was only picked off five times, and his Passer Rating- which I believe to be the best stat to evaluate a QB- was a whopping 102.4. He also rushed 120 times for 815 yards, that's a massive 6.8 yards per carry. Then last year for what was likely a combination of reasons, he didn't run as much (i.e his previous injury, hiscoach telling him not to run, defenses catching on to what he does were likely all factors). He only ran the ball 86 times for 409 yards. Which is still an impressive 5.7 yards per game, but it's also more than a full yard less than the previous season. Oh yes, and when his number of rushing attempts come down his passing stats took a hit as well. 60% of his passes were completed for about the same amount of yardage as the previous season. However, he threw twelve picks and his Passer Rating plummeted to 82.2. People who still support Robert Griffin the Third would argue all of last season was a lingering effect from his injury.

Sometimes when a player starts the season injured it just puts him off for the rest of the year. It's possible this was the case with RG3. There's a chance that he was never right the rest of the year and this made him hesitant to run. It's also possible his coach wasn't letting him run. It's likely a combination of both. There is a chance that he runs more again this year and that he is just as successful as his rookie season. However, if he does run more I don't expect him to be nearly as effective as two years ago or even last year. I wouldn't be surprised at all that if he doesn't learn to throw the ball better that RG3 might be done as an NFL quarterback due to defenses having him figured out.

It has become clear that RG3 is average at best in throwing the ball. What really made him effective was his legs. However, last season he wasn't able to use those nearly as much. I believe the NFL has taken notice. Teams are always watching film and studying other teams. It seems likely they would have picked up that if you take away the run from RG3, chances are it will be a lot easier for the defense because he isn't as good on passing plays. How do defenses do this? More run blitzes and QB spies. For run blitzes you just take an extra LB (or more than one) out of pass coverage and have him chase down the QB or ball carrier if it's been handed off. Since RG3 has shown to have an average arm at best I believe a team could afford to take this risk consistently until Griffin shows that he can throw to beat this blitz. The other thing a team can do is put out a QB spy. This is where one player (usually an LB) does nothing but sits and watches the QB to make sure he doesn't run. The bonus of this is if the ball is thrown he is still sitting back in coverage even though he isn't actively involved so if the ball is thrown to a receiver in his direction he could still have a chance at being there in time to at least tackle the receiver or if he's really quick break it up. RG3 is going to have to learn to throw the ball effectively in these situations in order to be able to run. Otherwise the NFL has him figured out and he may not last much longer. And if I was a betting man I would wager this to be the case because the numbers support it.


Darren


Do you agree that RG3 might be done? Or am I totally wrong? Let me know in the comments or find me on twitter @thewildman111

Photo taken from riggosrag.com