NFC South: C.J. Spiller
» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 8 (remember, the Buccaneers and Falcons are on bye):
The Chris Weinke Bowl. Carolina’s Cam Newton and Minnesota’s Christian Ponder will meet in a matchup of rookie quarterbacks, but they have more in common than that. During the lockout, Newton and Ponder worked under the tutelage of Weinke at IMG Academy in Florida. Weinke, who played for Carolina and grew up in Minnesota, obviously was doing something right. Newton’s off to a great start, and Ponder has shown some positives since taking over the starting job. By the way, Newton will become the first rookie quarterback since 1967 to face two other first-round quarterbacks from the same draft class. He already faced Jacksonville’s Blaine Gabbert.
History in the making. Speaking of Weinke, Newton already has passed him and Tim Tebow on the list for most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger. Weinke and Tebow each ran for six touchdowns as rookies. Newton already has seven and is tied for No. 1 with Vince Young. I’m thinking Young’s moving to No. 2 very soon.
Going wide. As we noted Thursday, the New Orleans Saints are making great use of running back Darren Sproles. They’re lining Sproles up as a wide receiver quite frequently. When lined up as a receiver, Sproles has been targeted on 33 pass attempts. Matt Forte and C.J. Spiller are tied for second on the list of running backs lining up at receiver. Forte and Spiller each have been targeted nine times in those situations. When lined up at receiver, Sproles has 24 catches for 182 yards.
Chasing Brett Favre. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees is closing in on another significant milestone. Brees has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 34 consecutive games. That puts him at No. 3 in history. But Brees is getting close to Favre, who is No. 2 at 36 games. The record is 47, set by Johnny Unitas over the course of five seasons.
Running at the Rams. The Saints are thought of as a pass-first offense. But don’t be surprised if they change things up a bit this week. The Rams have one of the worst run defenses in recent history. St. Louis allowed 293 rushing yards to Dallas in Week 7. The Rams already have allowed 1,103 rushing yards this season. Since 2000, only two defenses have allowed more rushing yards in their first six games.
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 8 (remember, the Buccaneers and Falcons are on bye):
The Chris Weinke Bowl. Carolina’s Cam Newton and Minnesota’s Christian Ponder will meet in a matchup of rookie quarterbacks, but they have more in common than that. During the lockout, Newton and Ponder worked under the tutelage of Weinke at IMG Academy in Florida. Weinke, who played for Carolina and grew up in Minnesota, obviously was doing something right. Newton’s off to a great start, and Ponder has shown some positives since taking over the starting job. By the way, Newton will become the first rookie quarterback since 1967 to face two other first-round quarterbacks from the same draft class. He already faced Jacksonville’s Blaine Gabbert.
[+] Enlarge
Jeremy Brevard/US PresswireCarolina's Cam Newton already has seven rushing touchdowns this season.
Going wide. As we noted Thursday, the New Orleans Saints are making great use of running back Darren Sproles. They’re lining Sproles up as a wide receiver quite frequently. When lined up as a receiver, Sproles has been targeted on 33 pass attempts. Matt Forte and C.J. Spiller are tied for second on the list of running backs lining up at receiver. Forte and Spiller each have been targeted nine times in those situations. When lined up at receiver, Sproles has 24 catches for 182 yards.
Chasing Brett Favre. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees is closing in on another significant milestone. Brees has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 34 consecutive games. That puts him at No. 3 in history. But Brees is getting close to Favre, who is No. 2 at 36 games. The record is 47, set by Johnny Unitas over the course of five seasons.
Running at the Rams. The Saints are thought of as a pass-first offense. But don’t be surprised if they change things up a bit this week. The Rams have one of the worst run defenses in recent history. St. Louis allowed 293 rushing yards to Dallas in Week 7. The Rams already have allowed 1,103 rushing yards this season. Since 2000, only two defenses have allowed more rushing yards in their first six games.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- It has been very quiet as the NFL world arrives for the owners meeting. The official start comes Monday morning and we’ll bring you all the news and notes on the NFC South.
But, for the moment, let’s dip into the mailbag and see what’s on your mind.
Rudy in Arkansas writes: Assuming that Carolina has another disappointing season. Do you have any insights or thoughts about who they might chase as the next heir. I would like Bill Cowher, but everyone says he wants to go to NYG, other than Cowher is there anyone else who jumps out there?
Pat Yasinskas: How about John Fox? Yes, he doesn’t have a contract beyond next season, but he could go out and earn one. Say what you want about last year’s disappointing season and about the offseason moves. But Fox also has had plenty of success in the past. He could turn it around and assure himself of a very big contract. And let’s not even start thinking about the Cowher road again. I’ve never bought into the speculation that he wants the Carolina job or that the Panthers want him.
Kareem in San Antonio, Texas, writes: Why don't the Tampa Bay Buccanneers make a strong play for Brandon Marshall? Marshall is at a nice peak of his career and I believe he will get better. He played college football at Central Florida and would be a huge asset to a team committed to staying young. Brandon Marshall would help Josh Freeman, not only develop his game but also maximize his potential. It makes sense, and a couple of draft picks is a small price to pay for such a huge reward.
Pat Yasinskas: Your points make sense and there could be huge rewards with Marshall. But there also are risks that come with him. He’s had some issues and isn’t exactly known as a team player. Yes, Marshall has big-time talent. But the Bucs are trying to build with a young team and I think they also consider things like team chemistry and how a guy might fit into their locker room when they think about moves like this.
Will in Roswell, Ga., writes: I am a huge Falcons fans and lately one thing has REALLY been bothering me. Some fans have been talking about Brandon Marshall coming to the Falcons. Mike Smith, Arthur Blank, and Thomas Dimitroff all PREACH about how only high character guys get a shot on the Falcons and how we only build through the draft. So why would they trade a first rounder, give up even more cash, to sign someone who has had issues.
Pat Yasinskas: Sounds like you know the Falcons and how they operate. That’s precisely why I don’t think there’s any way the Falcons would pursue Marshall.
Kevin in Glen Lyon, Pa., writes: I noticed Mel Kiper has the Falcons drafting C.J. Spiller at #19. WHY??? He's a great athlete, but it's no secret we need defense. Especially, pass rushers and LB's who can drop back and cover the pass. Who do you think we should draft at 19??
Pat Yasinskas: I agree that Atlanta’s needs are on defense. I’m going to throw a name at you that hasn’t really been linked to the Falcons: Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick. Coach Mike Smith was in State College the other day to watch Odrick work out. Yes, I’m the first to say don’t put too much stock into who goes to workouts and what teams visit with players. But, for the moment, I think Odrick’s at least on Atlanta’s radar. Could also see Atlanta going with a defensive end or outside linebacker.
Matt in Streator, Ill., writes: Ok, I know you think the Bucs have a good plan, but I just don't see it. A 3 win team has way too many holes to just sit on your hands during free agency. I understand they have 10 draft picks but how often do more then 1 or 2 picks make significant impacts? To me it seems they are telling us we have to sit through another losing season before they can get better.
Pat Yasinskas: I don’t think I’ve said it’s a good plan. But it is the plan the Bucs are following. Ownership made that decision last year when it fired Jon Gruden and purged the roster of a bunch of older players. When you do that, you make a commitment and you don’t just give up on it in one year. Yeah, you could have another losing season ahead, but I think you’ll see improvement.
But, for the moment, let’s dip into the mailbag and see what’s on your mind.
Rudy in Arkansas writes: Assuming that Carolina has another disappointing season. Do you have any insights or thoughts about who they might chase as the next heir. I would like Bill Cowher, but everyone says he wants to go to NYG, other than Cowher is there anyone else who jumps out there?
Pat Yasinskas: How about John Fox? Yes, he doesn’t have a contract beyond next season, but he could go out and earn one. Say what you want about last year’s disappointing season and about the offseason moves. But Fox also has had plenty of success in the past. He could turn it around and assure himself of a very big contract. And let’s not even start thinking about the Cowher road again. I’ve never bought into the speculation that he wants the Carolina job or that the Panthers want him.
Kareem in San Antonio, Texas, writes: Why don't the Tampa Bay Buccanneers make a strong play for Brandon Marshall? Marshall is at a nice peak of his career and I believe he will get better. He played college football at Central Florida and would be a huge asset to a team committed to staying young. Brandon Marshall would help Josh Freeman, not only develop his game but also maximize his potential. It makes sense, and a couple of draft picks is a small price to pay for such a huge reward.
Pat Yasinskas: Your points make sense and there could be huge rewards with Marshall. But there also are risks that come with him. He’s had some issues and isn’t exactly known as a team player. Yes, Marshall has big-time talent. But the Bucs are trying to build with a young team and I think they also consider things like team chemistry and how a guy might fit into their locker room when they think about moves like this.
Will in Roswell, Ga., writes: I am a huge Falcons fans and lately one thing has REALLY been bothering me. Some fans have been talking about Brandon Marshall coming to the Falcons. Mike Smith, Arthur Blank, and Thomas Dimitroff all PREACH about how only high character guys get a shot on the Falcons and how we only build through the draft. So why would they trade a first rounder, give up even more cash, to sign someone who has had issues.
Pat Yasinskas: Sounds like you know the Falcons and how they operate. That’s precisely why I don’t think there’s any way the Falcons would pursue Marshall.
Kevin in Glen Lyon, Pa., writes: I noticed Mel Kiper has the Falcons drafting C.J. Spiller at #19. WHY??? He's a great athlete, but it's no secret we need defense. Especially, pass rushers and LB's who can drop back and cover the pass. Who do you think we should draft at 19??
Pat Yasinskas: I agree that Atlanta’s needs are on defense. I’m going to throw a name at you that hasn’t really been linked to the Falcons: Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick. Coach Mike Smith was in State College the other day to watch Odrick work out. Yes, I’m the first to say don’t put too much stock into who goes to workouts and what teams visit with players. But, for the moment, I think Odrick’s at least on Atlanta’s radar. Could also see Atlanta going with a defensive end or outside linebacker.
Matt in Streator, Ill., writes: Ok, I know you think the Bucs have a good plan, but I just don't see it. A 3 win team has way too many holes to just sit on your hands during free agency. I understand they have 10 draft picks but how often do more then 1 or 2 picks make significant impacts? To me it seems they are telling us we have to sit through another losing season before they can get better.
Pat Yasinskas: I don’t think I’ve said it’s a good plan. But it is the plan the Bucs are following. Ownership made that decision last year when it fired Jon Gruden and purged the roster of a bunch of older players. When you do that, you make a commitment and you don’t just give up on it in one year. Yeah, you could have another losing season ahead, but I think you’ll see improvement.
Jeff in Charleston, SC writes: Great article on Warrick Dunn and his limited partnership with the Atlanta Falcons organization. You put this whole confusing situation into perspective and gave us fans a great story about one of our all-time favorite Falcons. In your mind, what does this say about the organization that a classy, philanthropist and former player like Dunn would embark on this journey with the Falcons.
Pat Yasinskas: It was a fun story to do. I covered Dunn when he came into the league with the Bucs as a very shy and private kid. The guy I interviewed on the phone the other day was an extremely polished businessman and that was very cool for me to see. Dunn had a great career and we all know about the great things he does off the field. This move says a lot about the Falcons. Arthur Blank thinks the world of Dunn. Blank also has grown as an owner. He’s been burned in the past by some players with off-field issues, but he’s learned from that and tightened up the ship. Bringing on a guy like Dunn only makes the ship more elegant. By the way, I want to emphasize this isn’t some token role. Dunn is very serious about learning the business side of football and said he dreams of being a majority owner of a franchise someday.
Jason in Jacksonville, FL writes: Need a little help figuring out some of my fellow Carolina fans. If I recall last year about 90% of us were screaming “WE WANT (Matt) MOORE! WE WANT MOORE!’’ .Then we got Moore and he went 4-1 as a starter and only threw 1 INT. Now all I see anywhere is bring in Michael Vick, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn etc.
Pat Yasinskas: Very true. I guess the best way to put it is that’s the nature of the beast and it’s not unique among Carolina fans. Quarterback is the glamour position and the easiest thing in the world to point at. The backup always seems to be the most popular guy in town when things aren’t going well. I can remember fans screaming for Casey Weldon and Scott Milanovich when I covered the Bucs and fans yelling for Brett Basanez when I covered the Panthers. Let me assure you, John Fox and Marty Hurney aren’t basing their decisions on public opinion. They plan to at least give Moore a shot to win the job. They may bring in someone to compete with him, but it won’t be Vick.
Peter in New York writes: Now that the Falcons have addressed the CB position in Dunta Robinson and have a wealth of young talent on the defensive side of the ball, what do you rate the possibility of them drafting another offensive weapon in the first round? If a C.J. Spiller or a Dez Bryant happened to be available, will they pull the trigger?
Pat Yasinskas: It’s possible. But I think there still are needs on the defensive side, mainly at defensive end and maybe at outside linebacker. Mike Smith is a defensive coach and I think the Falcons already have pretty good weapons at the offensive skill positions. My guess is they go with defense.
Da Truth in Woodbridge, VA writes: Pat, I've been blogging in your "How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch" article. One Panther fan seems to think they and the Saints are the team to beat this year and that the Falcons did nothing to improve their defense. Even to go as far and say Dunta Robinson is not really an upgrade--just an overpaid, tackle-after-the-fact CB. Of course I'm a Falcon fan and him being a Panther fan we're both biased toward our teams. From an unbiased point of view, who do you think will be in the better position to challenge NO for the division title and the playoffs?
Pat Yasinskas: At the moment, I think the Falcons are the team most likely to challenge the Saints. I think Atlanta has improved so far this offseason. Don’t see any way you can say the same about Carolina right now. But there still is time in free agency and the draft and I’m anxious to see what Fox and Hurney have up their sleeves.
Wes in New Orleans writes: As always, you do a great job, but your note about Jake Delhomme contained a fairly noticeable factual error. Aaron Brooks' draft status was not the reason Jim Haslett was obligated to keep him at starter. He was drafted by Green Bay and was traded to New Orleans for a draft pick. His contract had much more to do with it.
Pat Yasinskas: You are absolutely correct. Thanks to you and a few other New Orleans fans for pointing out my error. I’ll go back and fix it. Brooks was Haslett’s guy and the Saints put a lot of money into him. That’s why Delhomme never really got a fair shake in his first stint with New Orleans. By the way, he was supposed to visit the Saints on Saturday, but that got delayed because of problems with his flight schedule. Delhomme now is scheduled to visit the Saints on Sunday.
Pat Yasinskas: It was a fun story to do. I covered Dunn when he came into the league with the Bucs as a very shy and private kid. The guy I interviewed on the phone the other day was an extremely polished businessman and that was very cool for me to see. Dunn had a great career and we all know about the great things he does off the field. This move says a lot about the Falcons. Arthur Blank thinks the world of Dunn. Blank also has grown as an owner. He’s been burned in the past by some players with off-field issues, but he’s learned from that and tightened up the ship. Bringing on a guy like Dunn only makes the ship more elegant. By the way, I want to emphasize this isn’t some token role. Dunn is very serious about learning the business side of football and said he dreams of being a majority owner of a franchise someday.
Jason in Jacksonville, FL writes: Need a little help figuring out some of my fellow Carolina fans. If I recall last year about 90% of us were screaming “WE WANT (Matt) MOORE! WE WANT MOORE!’’ .Then we got Moore and he went 4-1 as a starter and only threw 1 INT. Now all I see anywhere is bring in Michael Vick, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn etc.
Pat Yasinskas: Very true. I guess the best way to put it is that’s the nature of the beast and it’s not unique among Carolina fans. Quarterback is the glamour position and the easiest thing in the world to point at. The backup always seems to be the most popular guy in town when things aren’t going well. I can remember fans screaming for Casey Weldon and Scott Milanovich when I covered the Bucs and fans yelling for Brett Basanez when I covered the Panthers. Let me assure you, John Fox and Marty Hurney aren’t basing their decisions on public opinion. They plan to at least give Moore a shot to win the job. They may bring in someone to compete with him, but it won’t be Vick.
Peter in New York writes: Now that the Falcons have addressed the CB position in Dunta Robinson and have a wealth of young talent on the defensive side of the ball, what do you rate the possibility of them drafting another offensive weapon in the first round? If a C.J. Spiller or a Dez Bryant happened to be available, will they pull the trigger?
Pat Yasinskas: It’s possible. But I think there still are needs on the defensive side, mainly at defensive end and maybe at outside linebacker. Mike Smith is a defensive coach and I think the Falcons already have pretty good weapons at the offensive skill positions. My guess is they go with defense.
Da Truth in Woodbridge, VA writes: Pat, I've been blogging in your "How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch" article. One Panther fan seems to think they and the Saints are the team to beat this year and that the Falcons did nothing to improve their defense. Even to go as far and say Dunta Robinson is not really an upgrade--just an overpaid, tackle-after-the-fact CB. Of course I'm a Falcon fan and him being a Panther fan we're both biased toward our teams. From an unbiased point of view, who do you think will be in the better position to challenge NO for the division title and the playoffs?
Pat Yasinskas: At the moment, I think the Falcons are the team most likely to challenge the Saints. I think Atlanta has improved so far this offseason. Don’t see any way you can say the same about Carolina right now. But there still is time in free agency and the draft and I’m anxious to see what Fox and Hurney have up their sleeves.
Wes in New Orleans writes: As always, you do a great job, but your note about Jake Delhomme contained a fairly noticeable factual error. Aaron Brooks' draft status was not the reason Jim Haslett was obligated to keep him at starter. He was drafted by Green Bay and was traded to New Orleans for a draft pick. His contract had much more to do with it.
Pat Yasinskas: You are absolutely correct. Thanks to you and a few other New Orleans fans for pointing out my error. I’ll go back and fix it. Brooks was Haslett’s guy and the Saints put a lot of money into him. That’s why Delhomme never really got a fair shake in his first stint with New Orleans. By the way, he was supposed to visit the Saints on Saturday, but that got delayed because of problems with his flight schedule. Delhomme now is scheduled to visit the Saints on Sunday.
There has been some controversy over what a member of the Tampa Bay staff may or may not have asked Florida State defensive back Myron Rolle during an interview at the Senior Bowl. General manager Mark Dominik now has provided the Bucs’ side of the story.
- New Orleans coach Sean Payton spoke at the combine and said the Saints will be keeping Reggie Bush. That’s what we’ve been saying here for months, even though there’s been speculation elsewhere that Bush could be a casualty because of his high salary. Payton also didn’t make it sound like the team was ready to pounce on free-agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
- Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards is throwing at the combine, but he’s not running because of a hamstring injury. That could hurt him some because a lot of teams think Edwards’ future may be as a receiver or return man.
- USC tight end Anthony McCoy told the media at the combine he wants to be better than Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez. Good luck with that.
- Although the common assumption is the Falcons will take a defensive lineman or defensive back at No. 19, Mark Bradley wonders if they’d be able to pass over Clemson running back C.J. Spiller if he’s available. Good question. Spiller’s something of a local guy. The Falcons have Michael Turner, but backup Jerious Norwood never has played to his potential. This is a move the Falcons could consider.
BACK TO TOP
Page: 1
NFC SOUTH SCOREBOARD
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
