Couch Side Podcast Episode 53: 2013 NFL Mock Draft
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
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Listen to this week’s podcast to prepare for the 2013 NFL Draft. Photo by: Ryan Lejbak / Flickr
The Couch Side podcast looks at a heap of first-year football pros, completing a pick-by-pick analysis of the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Join moderator Wade McMillin and guests Craig Paul and Sean Schoonover as the panel predicts the selections of all 32 picks in the opening round. The gang only overlooked one player, but was able to put the rest of the pieces together in this annual episode. If you’re looking for an inside look at this year’s event by the common fan, you won’t want to miss this week’s show. Live in Northwest Wyoming? Go ahead and tune your radio dials to 89.1 FM KNWT this Wednesday at 4 p.m. or again on Thursday at 9 a.m. to also listen to the show. Click below to start listening, download, stream or subscribe to the Couch Side Podcast! You can also scroll down to read our picks.
Couch Side’s official 2013 NFL Mock Draft
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joekel, OT, Texas A&M
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan, OLB / DE, Oregon
3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fischer, OT, Central Michigan
5. Detroit Lions: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma (more…)
Flynn, Palmer trades headline 2013 NFL quarterback carousel
BY KEN KELLY, Feedcrossing.com syndication
NFL quarterback Carson Palmer was traded to the Arizona Cardinals this week for a couple of late round draft picks. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall / Flickr
The latter part of the free agency period saw several quarterbacks find new homes.
Kevin Kolb signed a two year, $13 million dollar contract with the Buffalo Bills to take over for the recently departed Ryan Fitzpatrick. Matt Flynn was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Oakland Raiders for a fifth round draft pick in 2014 and a conditional late-round pick in 2015. Carson Palmer was subsequently jettisoned from Oakland along with a seventh round pick to Arizona in exchange for a 2013 sixth-round pick and a conditional seventh-round pick in 2014. All these quarterbacks were in desperate need of a fresh start and each will now get just that with a new team. In today’s bonus article, we break down each move and discuss its dynasty implications.
In Buffalo, Kolb finds himself as the favorite to be the starter in week one. At this point, the only real competition would come from Tarvaris Jackson and that’s a battle Kolb should win rather easily based on talent alone. He was a disaster in Arizona, starting just 14 games in two years after signing a a six-year, $65 million contract. It’s fair to wonder if Kolb’s confidence has been shaken to the point of no return. After being beaten down by defenses taking advantage of an atrocious offensive line in Arizona, he displayed “happy feet” in the pocket and looked more concerned about being hit than finding open receivers. Kolb will need to quickly get his confidence back if he’s to do anything in Buffalo. (more…)
Couch Side Podcast Episode 52: Final Four Preview
Find out in this week’s episode who Couch Side has winning it all in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Photo by: Jason Helle / Flickr
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
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In the 52nd episode of Couch Side, hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul talk a lot of hoops. Special guest and senior blogger Matthew Vinsko joins the podcast this week to discuss his win in Couch Side’s All-Time NBA Fantasy Draft and he sticks around to banter about the NBA playoff picture. Then, Craig and Wade preview the Final Four and give their predictions of who will reign supreme on the college hardwood in 2013. The hosts wrap up this week’s show with headlines from around the NFL, many of which have to deal with quarterbacks finding new homes. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side podcast:
Couch Side Podcast Episode 51: 2013 MLB season preview
Couch Side hosts Wade McMillin (left) and Craig Paul finally talk some baseball in this week’s episode.
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
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The Couch Side podcast is on the right side of 50 as hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul embark on another exciting episode. In this week’s show, the gang discusses which NFL were winners and losers in this year’s NFL Free Agency class. Then, special guest Sean Schoonover joins the podcast to preview the 2013 MLB season and talk a little bracket busting. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side podcast:
• Click here to stream, download or subscribe to the Couch Side Podcast Episode 51: 2013 MLB season preview, via iTunes
Quick Read: New York Giants a potential landing spot for Brian Urlacher?
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Brian Urlacher shocked the football world when he turned down a one-year offer from the Chicago Bears, making him a Free Agent. Photo by: Mike Morbeck
Since the moment he and the Chicago Bears parted ways, linebacker Brian Urlacher has been connected to the New York Giants through rumor and speculation. That continued recently when Bill Barnwell of Grantland suggesed that Urlacher would be a perfect fit for Big Blue if he desired to remain in a 4-3 scheme.
Even Dan Graziano from ESPN recently suggested that Urlacher would “make sense” for the Giants.
“Urlacher’s only NFC East fit is the Giants. He’d provide a presence in the middle of their mediocre linebacking corps — certainly offering more than recently signed Dan Connor would. He’s a veteran for a veteran locker room. He surely would like to go to a contender, and the Giants always are that. The Giants are the one place in this division where he’d fit. The only question is whether they’re interested, and to this point they do not appear to be.”
We at Giants 101 have attempted to avoid this topic, but like the daily “any update on Victor Cruz” question, it’s become unavoidable. Even with the addition of Dan Connor, fans and pundits have been unable to avoid the question: “Does it make sense?” The answer, quite simply, is yes … if this were 2007.
Ed Valentine of Big Blue View recently took on this question himself and came to the same conclusion we reached here at Giants 101: at this stage of his career, Urlacher is not only a bad fit for the Giants, but would be a downgrade in comparison to Connor, who was highly rated prior to his poor season in the Dallas Cowboys’ 3-4 system. (more…)
Is Drew Stanton the answer at QB for the Arizona Cardinals?
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The Arizona Cardinals have been searching for their quarterback of the future ever since Kurt Warner retired following the 2009 season.
The list is long and unimpressive – John Skelton, Max Hall, Derek Anderson, Ryan Lindley, Kevin Kolb and Brian Hoyer. It’s been a tough three years. Enter Drew Stanton. The Cardinals signed him last week to a three-year, $8.2 million contact and he instantly became the favorite to win the starting QB position.
For now.
Stanton was Andrew Luck’s backup with the Colts last season. Arizona head coach Bruce Arians knows Stanton well and Stanton knows Arians’ system from being together in Indianapolis last season. Is it a perfect fit?
“They need to find an answer at this position,” Stanton told azcentral.com. “I want to be that answer. I’m going to do everything in my power to be that answer, and given that opportunity, I feel like I can.” (more…)
Christian Ponder strikes back at Percy Harvin
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder had some choice words for former teammate Percy Harvin after the wide receiver was traded this offseason. Photo by: Brit / Flickr
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin got his way and was traded away from the Minnesota Vikings partly because of his reported feelings about his former quarterback Christian Ponder.
Ponder has wasted very little time stepping to the proverbial podium and letting it be known that he could care less what Harvin says, does or thinks. The Pioneer Press ran a variety of statements from Ponder that started off assertive but eventually became pretty direct. Ponder started off by stating that he and Harvin had a nice relationship and that since he did not hear the words come out of Harvin’s mouth, it didn’t matter much.
“The thing is, there’s no quote strictly from Percy that he was the one saying it,” Ponder said. “I haven’t put too much thought into it. If that was his opinion, that’s unfortunate. But he’s a Seahawk now, so it doesn’t really matter.”
That turned into this.
“People have their opinions. There were things I could have done better (last season). But now that he’s on a different team, his opinion doesn’t really mean much.”
Ponder is right it doesn’t mean much now. This is especially in light of the fact that Harvin made it a point to thank Ponder’s predecessor Brett Favre at his intro presser with the Seahawks on Tuesday. There is obviously not a lot of love lost between these two. (more…)
2013 Free Agent quarterback class lacks options
Matt Moore has usually been a backup quarterback in the NFL. He’s a free agent now and with so many questions at the position from other teams, could this be Moore’s year to shine? Photo by: Kevin Tsui / Flickr
The Couch Side podcast is on hiatus this week, so we bring you an original blog about the NFL’s favorite position …
BY WADE MCMILLIN, Couchsideshow.com editor
With Joe Flacco off the Free Agent board, the picking seems pretty slim for teams targeting quarterbacks in the 2013 Free Agent Class.
It was pretty much a given that Flacco would resign with the Baltimore Ravens. However, I didn’t think he would become the highest paid player in NFL history. Will this revamp the quarterback market? Maybe in the future, but it certainly won’t have any weight with this offseason’s handful of quarterbacks in need of jobs. Last year, players such as Matt Flynn, Alex Smith and Matt Hasselbeck headlined the class of 2012. While that group looked like a bunch of snoozers, this year’s is even worse with Matt Moore leading the way by a long shot.
Perhaps the 2013 Free Agent quarterback class isn’t even worth the words and the time of this blog, but the quarterback position is one that always catches some ink. There are some younger options for teams and some veterans looking for a second or in some instances a third look. Regardless, any signed free agent quarterback will garnish some attention. So here at Couch Side, we will give credit to these gunslingers, with this list of the NFL’s top 10 Free Agent quarterbacks:
1. Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins
I actually believe in Matt Moore. It may sound stupid, but he legitimately deserves a shot to be an NFL starter somewhere. In deeper Fantasy Football leagues two years ago, he was a really good pickup, especially in leagues with two quarterbacks. He’s had a handful of good games and even a few great ones. My friends and I call it Matt Moore Magic and he’s done nothing but play above his “image” in every single start with the Dolphins. When he actually got the majority of playing time in 2011, Moore proved he can excel under center, throwing for almost 2,500 yards, 16 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. If I’m the Browns, Moore is high on my radar.
• Where he fits: Any team that needs a starting quarterback NOW (Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars) (more…)
Giants backup QB David Carr wants starting job
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I won’t hold it against anyone who forgot David Carr still played football, he’s hasn’t had an opportunity to start a game in his two stints with the New York Giants (2008-09, 2011-12) due to Eli Manning’s incredible durability.
Carr plans to strike while the iron is hot according to Ralph Vacchiano of the NY Daily News, and turn to free agency in an attempt to salvage his once promising career.
The 33-year-old Carr is planning to test the free-agent market to see if he can find a better opportunity to play elsewhere, according to someone familiar with his plans. Carr, who was the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL draft way back in 2002 but hasn’t started a regular season game since 2007, will be an unrestricted free agent on March 12 and expects to draw some interest from around the league.
Vacchiano also suggests that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have some interest in the former Houston Texans quarterback.
The most likely spot would seem to be with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who according to one league source had some interest in him before he re-signed with the Giants before last season. The Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator is former Giants quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan. And Carr would “at least be in the conversation” for a job down there, a source said, with Bucs starter Josh Freeman coming off two shaky seasons in a row.
There are a lot of starting opportunities available in the NFL, I just hope David was using his time wisely while backing up Eli because this is most likely his last chance.
Couch Side Podcast Episode 48: The Great Steroid Discussion
Couch Side hosts Craig Paul (left) and Wade McMillin jive about juice in this week’s podcast.
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BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Couch Side gets back to its roots as Craig Paul and Wade McMillin pump up the crowd with their usual sports banter. This week’s topics include the rather boring NBA trade deadline, the biggest surprises and disappointments of the NBA, steroids and where NFL quarterback Alex Smith might wind up. Also, Craig and Wade share a special message about a worthwhile benefit in Powell, Wyoming. If you live in the area, please attend the “Bring Brad Home Benefit” in Powell, Wyoming at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Park County Fair Grounds. For more information please click here. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side podcast!
Couch Side Podcast Episode 46: College Basketball Craziness
Tim Tebow may now have been recognized in this week’s episode, but no one can pass up “Tebowing” during wedding festivities.
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BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Couch Side co-hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul have a lot on their plate this week. The gang looks at the the quarterback situation of the NFL offseason and the movers and shakers in men’s college basketball. Special guest Sean Schoonover also stopped in to promote next week’s show, which brings in a total of five guests for an All-Time NBA draft. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side Podcast:
Couch Side Podcast Episode 45: Super Bowl Analysis
Couch Side co-hosts Sean Schoonover, left, and Wade McMillin dressed super for a Super Bowl special.
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BY Couchsideshow.com staff
In this week’s episode, Couch Side co-hosts Wade McMillin and Sean Schoonover review the Super Bowl, preview the upcoming NFL offseason, debate the NFL Hall of Fame, look at baseball’s remaining free agents and honor the No. 45 in professional sports. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side Podcast:
• Click here to stream, download or subscribe to the Couch Side Podcast Episode 45: Super Bowl Analysis, via iTunes
Couch Side Podcast Episode 44: NFL Awards
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BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Couch Side co-hosts Craig Paul, left, and Wade McMillin show off Craigs latest horn-hunting find.
In this week’s episode, co-hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul unveil Couch Side’s official Super Bowl preview, dish out NFL postseason awards, and discuss Tiger Woods’ early season dominance and the latest baseball blockbuster trade. Also, Keith Van Horn is recognized as part of our new mini segment, honoring athletes who correspond with our episode number,
• Click here to stream the Couch Side Podcast Episode 44: NFL Awards, via our host site, TalkShoe
• Click here to download the Couch Side Podcast Episode 44: NFL Awards, via our host site, TalkShoe
• Click here to stream, download or subscribe to the Couch Side Podcast Episode 44: NFL Awards, via iTunes
Couch Side Podcast Episode 43: All-Star Roundtable
Couch Side hosts Craig Paul, left, and Wade McMillin pay hommage to NBC legends Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.
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BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Couch Side’s usual trio of Wade McMillin Craig, Paul and Sean Schoonover take on sports topics including, the AFC and NFC Championship, the best All-Star festivities in sports and MLK Day in this week’s show. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side Podcast:
Couch Side Podcast Episode 42: College Hoops Hoopla
Michigan shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr., could have the Wolverines playing for the NCAA championship. Photo by: Adam Glanzman / Flickr
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BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Regular Co-Host Craig Paul is back this week as he and Wade McMillin discuss the NFL playoffs, shakeups in the Top 25 of the men’s NCAA basketball poll, Lance Armstrong’s confession, the Sacramento Kings possibly moving to Seattle and giant opening-day payrolls in baseball. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side podcast!
Five Reasons why Colin Kaepernick erupted so fast
BY HURRICANE-PV, Feedcrossing.com syndication
Colin Kaepernick watched Alex Smith lead the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship Game last season.
This year Kaepernick is the man and Smith is the understudy. During Saturday’s record-setting playoff performance against the Green Bay Packers, we all saw that a star was born.
Lets look at how it all came together.
1. His confidence grows weekly
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick broke the NFL postseason rushing record in his first playoff game ever. Photo by: Jason Ku / Flickr
When some guys get their shot as the lead-dog they die on the vine like overexposed grapes. Unlike Minnesota’s Joe Webb, Kaepernick has made the most of every opportunity that he has been given. He is a special talent that can do a lot of great things.
When Alex Smith went down with a concussion and ultimately lost his job to the second-year man out of Nevada, the offense was quietly divided. One of the most important pieces of that unit Vernon Davis, was as assertive as he could afford to be in supporting Smith. To quell what could have been a diplomatic nightmare, Kaepernick earned the trust of his teammates by stepping up and distributing just a little more swagger with each passing week.
Skill players such as running backs and especially wideouts want to get on the ship that is being flown by the guy that performs like he is the man. If Cam Newton is Superman, Kaepernick might just be Rick Flair.
He’s now out-dueled both Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. It’s these marquee wins that fuel his personal ability to understand that he is a gamer.
2. He has developed a Bond with Michael Crabtree
The world has been patiently waiting for Michael Crabtree to stand up and live up to the superstar hype that he had when he was drafted in 2009. (more…)
Couch Side Podcast Episode 41: NFL Coaching Carousel (with video)
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
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After a nice Christmas/New Year’s break, the Couch Side Podcast crew is back! Tune in to this week’s episode for the common fan’s opinion of the NFL playoffs and NFL coaching searches. In Quick Snippets, co-hosts Wade McMillin and Sean Schoonover discuss the end of the NHL lockout and Javier Vazquez’s possible return to Major League Baseball. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side Podcast:
Couch Side Podcast Episode 40: Over the Hill
The L.A. Kings’ 2012 run to a Stanley Cup title made the list of Couch Side top moments in sports for 2012. Photo by: underactive / Flickr
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Chasing the playoffs
BY SEAN SCHOONOVER, Couchsideshow.com NFL blogger
Each NFL team now has three games remaining in the 2012 season, some teams are jockeying for postseason position, while some are playing their way out of the playoffs. Also we have a new team on top of this week’s power rankings, with the Texans and Falcons both losing in week 14. With that here are your week fifteen NFL power rankings:
(Last week’s ranking), Team, (record)
- (3) New England Patriots (10-3)- The Patriots take over the top spot with a 42-14 throttling over last week’s number one team the Houston Texans. This team has solidified itself as the top team in the AFC, winning seven straight and scoring a league high 36.3 points per contest. New England also has quality wins against the Broncos and Texans and now has a viable shot at home field advantage in the playoffs. Tom Brady added to his campaign for MVP in the torching of the Texans, as he completed 21 of his 35 attempts for 296 yards and 4 touchdowns. This team is on a roll at the right time, as usual.
- (4) Denver Broncos (10-3) – The Broncos make it to the number two spot because of their eight game win streak which was extended with a 26-13 win over their rival Raiders. They now have a big matchup this week against the Baltimore Ravens, a team they will most likely see in the playoffs. So far Denver is 0-2 against AFC playoff teams with losses to the Patriots and Texans, so this game will be a true test of how good they really are.
- (1) Houston Texans (11-2) – The Texans fall to the number three spot after a dismal performance on Monday night’s game against the Patriots. Tom Brady exploited the numerous holes this team’s defense has especially in their secondary. The Texans now face a red hot Colts team, whom they must beat to hold onto a well needed home –field advantage in the playoffs.
Couch Side Podcast 39: Winter Meeting Mojo
The Couch Side gang dives into the MLB Winter Meetings in this week’s episode. Photo by: Steve Dean / Flickr
RG3 bringing the Redskins back in to relevance
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is finally the gunslinger all Washington fans have been waiting for. Photo by: Keith Allison / Flickr
BY TREVOR GOULD, Couchsideshow.com blogger
On Monday night, the chants echoed and reverberated around FedEx Field, rising louder and louder. “R-G-3, R-G-3, R-G-3!” The cacophonous din was aimed at rookie quarterback sensation Robert Griffin III (RG3), who had just capped off his first Monday Night Football appearance in a wildly entertaining victory over their heated division rival Giants. With his ever constant big play potential and athletic versatility, RG3 is managing to singlehandedly revitalize the Redskins football franchise, inspire its long-suffering fan base, and establish himself as one of the most electric young superstars in the game today.
So far in his brief career, RG3 has managed to post impressive rookie statistics, throwing for 2,660 yards and 17 touchdowns with only 4 interceptions in 12 games. Due to the fact he is a superfreak athlete, he has also garnered 714 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. Yet the statistics are only half the real story.
RG3 has additionally captivated Washington fans and the sporting world was his amiable demeanor and natural leadership qualities, and coupled with his electric playing style, seemingly re-animated longstanding Redskins teammates and infused the team with a new sense of purpose and relevance. He was recently anointed a team captain by the Redskins veterans, signifying their high opinion of his maturity and poise. He’s down-to-earth and very polite in his media interviews and interactions with fans, and is aware of the immense pressure residing on his shoulders. (more…)
Week 13 NFL Power Rankings: Four teams clinch playoff spots
BY SEAN SCHOONOVER, Couchsideshow.com NFL blogger
There are four weeks left of the 2012 NFL season; and Houston, New England, Denver and Atlanta have all claimed their spots in the postseason, with wins in week 13. With those four already in the playoffs there are now eight open playoff spots still to be redeemed. With that, here are your week fourteen NFL power rankings:
(Last week’s ranking), Team, (record)
- (1) Houston Texans (11-1)- The Texans wrapped up a playoff spot last week with a win over the Titans 24-10, but they have not secured the AFC South crown, yet. Their next matchup against the New England Patriots provides a lot of implication for the Texans securing that division crown as well as home field advantage in the playoffs.
- (2)Atlanta Falcons (11-1)- The falcons defense stepped up last Thursday night intercepting Drew Brees five times en-route to a 23-13 victory over the Saints. With the win Atlanta secured the NFC South title and can now put their sights onto home field advantage which can be awarded this weekend with a win over Carolina and losses by Chicago, Green Bay and San Francisco.
- (4) New England Patriots (9-3) – the Patriots win streak is now to 6, with a tough win over the Dolphins 23-16. The Patriots clinched the AFC East with the win. However, they now are fighting for the number 1 seed in the AFC, which will be put to the test Monday night against the (11-1) Houston Texans.
Click here to see the rest of Couch Side’s NFL Power Rankings
Jets dragging Tebow through the mud
BY WADE MCMILLIN, Couchsideshow.com editor
New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow has been abused and misused by his team this season. Photo by: sportiqe / Flickr
Just three years into his NFL career and it seems like a lot of people from around the league are already writing off quarterback Tim Tebow.
Obviously, there is the media who never thought he could be an NFL-caliber quarterback and football fans who never liked him in the first place, thinking Tebow doesn’t belong under center. But the worst offender of not giving this young man credit or a realistic chance to prove himself is his own team, the New York Jets. First the Jets traded for Tebow, giving his faithful an unrealistic hope that the 25-year-old actually might start if the team struggled this season.
It looked as if New York was serious and somewhat committed to Tebow. The hiring of offensive coordinator Tony Sparano seemed like it would be a blessing for Tebow because he has been known to be a fan of the Wildcat offense. The decline of Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez was also a lingering implication that left fans optimistic that Tebow would start at some point this season. (more…)
