While I'm away from the blog for a couple of weeks, I've set up some posts that point you in the direction of some interesting or educational links about football. Today's expert analysis comes from Cian Fahey of PreSnapReads.com, FootballGuys.com, FootballOutsiders.com, and BleacherReport.com. Fahey's analysis is among the most thorough I've seen, and I appreciate his academic approach to analysis.
Leon Hall: The Numbers, The Tape, The Verdict 2014 | Pre Snap Reads
Ever since he was drafted in 2007, Leon Hall has been one of the best players in the NFL who received the least amount of credit for his play. Hall and Jonathan Joseph were the Bengals’ two stars in the secondary for a very long time, but it was always Joseph who received more of the plaudits for his on-field play.
Darrelle Revis: The Numbers, The Tape, The Verdict 2014 | Pre Snap Reads
For a long time, Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets was the unquestioned best cornerback in the NFL. Over the last three years, the emergence of Richard Sherman has given Revis a worthy rival for his crown. Up until the 2013 season, we didn’t have a year when there was an even playing field to compare the two.
NFL Draft: Thoughts on Virginia Tech Cornerback Kyle Fuller | Pre Snap Reads
The success of the Seattle Seahawks is supposed to usher in a new era where teams focus on finding taller, rangier cornerbacks who can run. Obviously everyone wants to replicate what Richard Sherman can do, but of course Sherman’s height isn’t really what makes him a special player.
Richard Sherman: The Numbers, The Tape, The Verdict 2014 | Pre Snap Reads
It’s hard not to know the name Richard Sherman right now. Even on a team with Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Earl Thomas, Percy Harvin and Michael Bennett, the 25-year-old cornerback is still the most talked about player from the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Looking at Patrick Peterson’s 2013 Display against the Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson | Pre Snap Reads
The Arizona Cardinals Patrick Peterson is a 23-year-old cornerback who will be entering his fourth NFL season in 2014. Peterson has earned a reputation as an intimidating player who plays one of the toughest roles of any cornerback in the league. That reputation was built on his big plays with the ball in his hands and his willingness to follow receivers around the field.
Breaking Down Tennessee Titans Free Agent Alterraun Verner | Bleacher Report
Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner is set to be one of the hottest names in free agency.
NFL Draft 2014: Odell Beckham Jr Could Be the Steal of the First Round | Bleacher Report
The 2014 NFL draft offers teams an impressive variety and depth of talent at the receiver position.
Breaking Down Green Bay Packers Cornerback Sam Shields | Bleacher Report
One of the earliest surprises of the NFL's free agency featured Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields.
Breaking Down Jason Worilds' Production for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 | Bleacher Report
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds was expected to be an in-demand free agent this offseason.
Breaking Down Percy Harvin's Super Bowl Plays for the Seattle Seahawks | Bleacher Report
Percy Harvin wasn't the biggest reason the Seattle Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl, but he definitely played his part.
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Film Room: Russell Wilson, Again
It's been a peculiar season for Russell Wilson. After Week 13, Wilson appeared to be the last remaining challenger to Peyton Manning's MVP campaign. The Seahawks were 11-1 and Wilson had just led Seattle to a convincing 34-7 victory over the New Orleans Saints. For the sixth time in 12 games, he had completed over 70 percent of his passes on his way to a 357-yard, three-touchdown, zero-turnover display.
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Film Room: Demaryius Thomas
The most famous play of Demaryius Thomas’ career happened a little more than two years ago in the wild card round of the playoffs: Thomas caught an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was the first ever game played under the new overtime rules, and it was the final memorable moment of the Tim Tebow era.
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Film Room: Percy Harvin
Percy Harvin is a special, but polarizing, player. Ever since the Minnesota Vikings selected him with the 22nd overall pick of the 2009 draft, he has been one of the most intimidating yet confusing players in the league.