Holy crap, it's the weekend.
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | NFC Divisional Round Preview
Three of DVOA's top five teams square off this weekend for the tickets to the NFC Championship game. Oh, and Atlanta! They're here too. For those who may be unfamiliar with the Football Outsiders stats, they are explained at the bottom of the page. Scroll down or click this link.
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Under Pressure: Scouting Aldon Smith
It’s playoff time, so this week’s Under Pressure is a little different. Rather than looking at sacks around the league, this week we’re looking at one matchup: Aldon Smith against the left side of the Packers’ offensive line. The first time the Packers and 49ers played, Smith had one sack, but he wasn’t an overriding factor in the game. His sack came on a naked bootleg where the Packers left him unblocked; don’t expect them to try to do that very often this weekend.
NFL responds to union’s position on HGH testing | ProFootballTalk
Earlier today, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith made it known that, if the NFL were handling the HGH testing issue like Major League Baseball, the NFL would have implemented HGH testing before MLB. The NFL disagrees.
Carroll says Lynch will play on Sunday | ProFootballTalk
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a foot injury, putting his availability for Sunday’s playoff game against the Falcons in doubt. There is now no doubt.
The Tape Never Lies: Can Joe Staley get revenge on Clay Matthews? | 100 Yards and Running | Blogs | theScore.com
In a league that’s lacking significantly in quality offensive linemen, San Francisco 49ers left tackle Joe Staley stands out. He has a combination of flexibility, length, and quickness that most don’t have at the position. This triumvirate is a big reason why he’s been so successful since being selected No. 28 overall by the 49ers in the 2007 draft. But in Week 1 of 2012, Staley played one of the worst games of his career. He gave up multiple sacks, pressures, and played with sloppy technique against the Packers’ outside linebacker Clay Matthews.
4 reasons why Matt Ryan is ready to win - Stats & Info Blog - ESPN
Matt Ryan is 0-3 in his playoff career and is looking to avoid becoming the first quarterback since the merger to lose his first four postseason starts. Ryan has never thrown for 200 yards in a playoff game, and his 28.3 Total QBR in the postseason is second-worst among quarterbacks with at least two playoff starts since 2008 (Andy Dalton, 16.6 Total QBR).
2012 NFL.com All-Pro Team: Aaron Rodgers, Von Miller tabbed - NFL.com
Bucky Brooks unveils his 2012 Midseason All-Pro Team, honoring players like Aaron Rodgers and Von Miller. But there were some difficult decisions, particularly at tight end and cornerback.
The Shutdown Corner Divisional Round Preview Podcast with Greg Cosell | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports
On Atlanta's issues against mobile quarterbacks: "The Falcons played the Panthers twice this season, and obviously, the Panthers ran a lot of read-option. The results were not pretty . In those two games, the Falcons gave up 216 yards on 28 read-option plays. In those games, Cam Newton had 202 yards rushing, and 502 yards passing. [Falcons defensive coordinator] Mike Nolan is going to do something different. They had all kinds of problems with the backfield action. Very often, the Panthers would not block the defensive end, which was often Kroy Biermann, and he would crash hard inside, and they had it beautifully set up to block either the safety or the linebacker to that side, and it was really effective."
Seahawks introduce Carroll
Pete Carroll is named Executive Vice President and Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks.
The childhood, family, and faith behind Seahawk Russell Wilson - Blog - MyNorthwest.com
He spent every moment he could playing sports - especially basketball - with his big brother. "Russell couldn't beat Harry, and he'd come inside and say, 'Mom, mom, Harry's doing such and such,' and I'd say 'Russell if you can't handle it, then maybe you need to stay inside,'" she recalls. "He'd pout, 'No, no, no, I'm going back out there.' I think his brother really helped him to be tough because Harry wouldn't just let him win."
Seahawks v. Rams highlight video | LEVYFILMS | {Seattle Video Production}
Just the latest one-camera video helping of Hawks hors d’oevres.
Seahawks.com Blog | Friday in Hawkville: Marcus Trufant looking to add to his playoff memories
"The (NFC) Championship game we played during our Super Bowl run (in 2005) was pretty big," he said of the 34-14 victory over the Panthers. "To be able to do it at home, be able to do it in front of the fans, it was a pretty good feeling."
Friday draft thoughts: Seattle’s ideal draft pick? " Seahawks Draft Blog
Before I start, I wanted to apologise for the hosting issues we’ve had in the last 48 hours. My provider migrated to a new server and there was chaos for a little while. You maybe missed this week’s mock draft or a piece I wrote yesterday on Margus Hunt. Hopefully the problems are now in the past.
Lineman say ‘no’ to NFL, the impact & thoughts on Margus Hunt " Seahawks Draft Blog
In the last 24 hours Michigan’s Taylor Lewan and Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews both confirmed they won’t be turning pro this year. Lewan’s decision is surprising given Michigan’s status as an unlikely candidate for a BCS Bowl next season, but clearly he feels this is a realistic goal citing "unfinished business". Matthews wants to put some left tackle tape on record having played on the right during Luke Joeckel’s time with the Aggies. Both players could’ve been top-15 picks this year, but will instead turn pro in 2014. Next year’s draft is shaping up to be a good one, with the following eligible:
What Kaepernick and Wilson are up against - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Quarterbacks usually are key to game outcomes. Teams with higher NFL passer ratings have won 79.8 percent of regular-season games since 2008. Teams with higher Total QBR scores have won 86.3 percent.
Final Word: Seahawks at Falcons - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Five nuggets of knowledge about the Seattle Seahawks' divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Georgia Dome:
Final Word: 49ers vs. Packers - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Five nuggets of knowledge about the San Francisco 49ers' divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday at Candlestick Park:
Washington OL Trent Williams fined for post-game smack | Seahawks Blog | Seattle Times
The NFL fined Washington offensive lineman Trent Williams $7,875 for striking an opponent in the face, a league spokesman confirmed.
Off on the right foot: Marshawn Lynch good to go | Seahawks Blog | Seattle Times
Anything that could keep Marshawn Lynch from playing in Sunday’s game in Atlanta? "I don’t know, miss the flight?" coach Pete Carroll asked.
The 5 spot: Falcons in focus | Seahawks Insider - The News Tribune
D. Orlando Ledbetter, a veteran NFL scribe who expertly covers the Atlanta Falcons, has been good enough to answer five questions on that team heading into Sunday’s much-anticipated match-up with the Seahawks. You can follow Mr. Ledbetter’s coverage of the Falcons on the web and via Twitter. Check out the Q&A below.
Divisional round: Ten thoughts entering my favorite weekend - NFL.com
The Seattle Seahawks make a living off opponents who come to their stadium and try to run the ball, with crowd noise routinely disrupting opposing ground attacks. The tables are turned this week, as Atlanta Falcons faithful will be ready to disrupt the Seahawks' run game with some noise of their own. And Atlanta needs the Georgia Dome to be as loud as possible, because the Seahawks can run the ball and the Falcons don't defend the run well, home or away. During the regular season, Atlanta gave up 4.8 yards per carry, ranking 29th in the NFL.
Falcons' John Abraham questionable with ankle issue - NFL.com
Atlanta Falcons linebacker John Abraham is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks due to a sprained ankle. Abraham was limited in practice this week.
Tony Gonzalez still plans to retire from Atlanta Falcons - NFL.com
Could Sunday be the end of Tony Gonzalez's Hall of Fame career? It certainly seems that way if the Atlanta Falcons suffer another crushing defeat in the playoffs.
Colin Kaepernick raises eyebrows after wearing Brewers cap during Packers week | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is widely credited with sparking the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of the NFL season. He's already achieved pre-folk hero status on Candlestick Point. He's also definitely considered a reason the Niners might beat the Green Bay Packers this weekend in the NFC playoffs.
Sunday divisional-round preview: Falcons’ receivers vs. Seahawks’ DBs not your ordinary match-up | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports
There are many interesting match-ups to track when the Seattle Seahawks take the Georgia Dome turf against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but the key battles will take place when Atlanta's receivers go up against Seattle's defensive backs. In Roddy White and Julio Jones, the Falcons have the best receiver duo in the NFL when it comes to beating coverage on isolation routes -- plays in which they defeat defenders with their own athleticism as opposed to specific schematic conceits. Add in ageless tight end Tony Gonzalez, speed slot receiver Harry Douglas, and running back Jacquizz Rogers making plays in the passing game, and you have an offense that is nearly impossible to stop when quarterback Matt Ryan is on his game.
Friday Buzz: A spin on the coaching carousel | National Football Post
Intel, Obeservations and Whispers from The NFP Insider Network
Can Packers limit Gore, 49ers' run game? | National Football Post
All-22 look at the
Locker says shoulder surgery 'went well' | National Football Post
Titans quarterback underwent surgery Wednesday on non-throwing shoulder.
Peek at the Week: Home QBs under pressure to get it done - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy
Will Colin Kaepernick come up big in his first playoff game? Can Matt Ryan finally win one? Will Tom Brady and Peyton Manning take care of business? Clark Judge says the pressure's on home QBs to deliver this weekend.
After Further Review: Will sequels follow the same script or surprise? - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy
Ready for some sequels? The Packers, Ravens and Texans hope a rematch-filled divisional round won't be repeat-heavy. Will the original matchups have any bearing this weekend? Pete Prisco digs through the tape.
Watch Out For TE Kelce - Evaluations - Rotoworld.com
In the past week, the 2013 tight end class got a massive flood of declarations: Tyler Eifert (Notre Dame), Zach Ertz and Levine Toilolo (Stanford), Jordan Reed (Florida), and Gavin Escobar (SDSU). It’s a diverse and highly talented group, all of whom have their unique strengths and weaknesses. Cincinnati senior Travis Kelce (younger brother of Eagles center, Jason Kelce) might have the most complete skillset of them all, though. A 6’6" 260 pound sledgehammer with speed and strength, Kelce will undoubtedly draw comparisons to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski as he goes through the pre-draft process.
The Making Of Markus - Evaluations - Rotoworld.com
Homer Smith used to call it "pushing the top," and I like to refer to it as "blowing the lid off". Both are suitable references to speedy receivers beating defenses vertically, which is something not all receivers can do. One thing we’ve learned about football is that you can coach technique and discipline, but you can’t coach speed. That’s the outstanding trait that Oregon State wide receiver Markus Wheaton has.
2013 NFL Draft: Mike Glennon only QB on Mel Kiper big board - SBNation.com
Mel Kiper thinks NC State's Mike Glennon is the best quarterback available and sees him as a player with lots of room for improvement. Find out why the draft expert thinks Glennon deserves a look over Geno Smith or Matt Barkley.
The Quarterback Prospect Shuffle | Draft Breakdown
The fact the 2013 NFL Draft doesn’t have a clear-cut No. 1 quarterback prospect makes this draft very interesting. Look for the last half of the first round to include a mad scramble of trades. This is what happens when a quarterback class features prospects so closely graded.
Seahawks vs Falcons: An Advanced Look - 12th Man Rising - A Seattle Seahawks Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.
The big divisional round plaoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons is almost here. One of the things I like to do before playoff games is to look back at my advanced analysis rankings and compare the teams. This time, I thought I’d show you what I’m looking at.
Pete Carroll joins The Dan Patrick Show
"How can you compete to work to be your very best," Carroll urged. "And that’s all we’re doing here with the Seahawks. And we’re working every day to have a great day."
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Post-BCS Championship Projection | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2013 NFL Draft
Alex Okafor's impressive bowl performance dramatically improved his draft stock. (Photo: US Presswire) NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones Alabama has emerged