Tag:

Jay Cutler

Here’s to you 49ers and Bears fans

by Jermaine Lockett September 11, 2016

written by Jermaine Lockett

49ers and Bears-wiki

Here’s to you 49ers and Bears fans

I am tired of hearing about the Cam Newton mess, the Colin Kaepernick mess, and the Rob Gronkowski out talk. Here’s some original sports perspective. We’re not about generating the hits. Chasing the numbers is for companies who like to puke out what everyone is considering football. Tune in as Jermaine chimes in on two players that deserve to be talked about but just aren’t. So here’s to you San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears fans you may recognize these guys. Tune in below.

[smart_track_player url=”I am tired of hearing about the Cam Newton mess, the Kap mess and the Gronk out talk. Here’s some original sports perspective.” title=”Here’s to you 49ers and Bears fans w/ Jermaine Lockett” social=”true” social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_gplus=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_stumble=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

Listen! If you want to do more than just place in your league, subscribe to our email list (meaning the overlay you just opted out of. Just refresh the page and it will come back.). There I’ll be giving out exclusive tips to subscribers ONLY. No sign-up, no championship, no ice cream. “Remember Ice Cream is only for winners…”

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

September 11, 2016 0 comment

AFC East Chicago Bears Miami Dolphins New York Jets NFC East NFL Washington Redskins

Underrated Breakthroughs?

by Damian Parson June 10, 2016

written by Damian Parson

Underrated

Underrated?

In April 2015 the NFL brought in the newest class of inductees into their fraternity. We saw young players drafted and they displayed their greatness on the field this past season. We saw the likes of Amari Cooper, Todd Gurley, Jameis Winston, and Marcus Mariota just to name a few. There are a number of players that are under the radar. The question arises, which under the radar players will make a big impact in year 2?

#5 Landon Collins–New York Giants: The young stud Free Safety coming out of Alabama is a thumping, hard hitting Safety. He finished the year with 112 combined tackles, 1 forced fumble, 9 pass deflections, and 1-interception. He played well in his rookie campaign playing. Unfortunately, he was a part of a horrendous defense that was ranked 30^th in points allowed and 32^nd in yards allowed per game. The only way to go, Is Up from those statistics. The Giants did find help, by spending 200 million dollars this off-season to bring in pieces such as: Janoris Jenkins, Damon “Snacks” Harrison, Oliver Vernon, and Keenan Robinson. Those are some pretty good pieces for a struggling defense. With the great additions, Landon Collins could be given the availability to roam the middle of the field (i.e. Kam Chancellor) as a robber or enforcer. After a decent rookie campaign, Collins could be in for a bigger and better year.

#4 Jay Ajayi–Miami Dolphins: This young running back was drafted out of Boise State to bring a powerful presence to the backfield. Unfortunately on September 6^th, 2015 Jay was placed on injury reserved designated to return. He suffered a broken rib in the fourth preseason game and was sidelined until after week 6 of the regular season. This offseason Lamar Miller, signed with the Houston Texans during the free agency period. That left a hole for Jay Ajayi to fill. The team passed on drafting a running back, which proved they have trust in Jay and his health. He has a new tackle blocking for him in Laremy Tunsil and a new head coach Adam Gase. Gase has a very good offensive mind and did wonders with Chicago’s offense last season. A healthy Ajayi with Gases’ scheme can be very effective. The team ranked 23^rd rushing in the league last season. While under Gases’ offensive scheme, the Chicago Bears ranked 11^th rushing in the league. That should be viewed as positive sign for the Miami Dolphins’ offense. I am expecting a good season for the former Boise State Bronco.

#3 Matt Jones–Washington Redskins: This former Florida Gator assumed the role as the back up to starting running back (Now Dallas Cowboy) Alfred Morris. I hear some of the grumbling now, the Redskins were ranked 20^th in the league in rushing. The rookie RB stat line consisted of: 144-rushes, 490-yards, and 3-tds on the season. Allow me to play devil’s advocate here, if we double the rookie’s attempts his stat line would like more like: 288-rushes, 980-yards, and 6-tds. This shows he can produce with the right amount of touches. Jones ran for more tds than the incumbent starter Morris. Now with Morris in Dallas, the former Gator will assume the starting role. Jones also displayed strength running up the middle taking contact, but good hands in the passing game as well. He averaged 16 yards per reception on limited touches. He does need to improve on his ball security, he had 5 fumbles with 4 lost. If there is one thing that can keep you from staying on the field it is ball security. As the starter in a rising offense, Matt Jones can truly have a breakout season with his chances increasing as a versatile running back.

#2 Sammi Coates-Pittsburgh Steelers: After being selected in the 3^rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Sammi Coates came in as a developmental WR project. Coming out of Auburn, Sammi had an issues with drops and trusting his quarterback. Those characteristics contributed to him being a developmental project. The former Auburn Eagle was fourth on the depth chart behind Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant, and Darius Heyward-Bey. Coates only recorded one catch on the entire season. With Martavis serving a yearlong suspension, it opens a vacancy for an athletic playmaker. Coates will move past Heyward-Bey to assume the Martavis role in the Steelers’ offense. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley has expressed pleasure in the offseason Coates is currently having. Haley said:

“He’s had a tremendous offseason,”. “A guy that any day you were in here, he was in here.”

Coates is working hard to have a faster start than his rookie season. “I can’t come in slow,” Coates said about this season. “I have to come in fast and ready to go.” He is in a great position with the offensive weapons alongside him, he will draw plenty of single coverage against the teams 3^rd/4^th corners. I predict a potential breakout year for the speedy 2^nd year Steeler.

#1 Kevin White-Chicago Bears: This young receiver was projected and hyped to be a better offensive weapon than Oakland Raiders stud wide out Amari Cooper. After being selected after him in the first round, the world was ready to see him attempt to dominate the league. A bad shin injury sidelined the first round wr for his entire rookie campaign. This offseason the word out of Chicago is their young WR is COMPLETELY healthy and preparing for his “rookie” season. He has attended route-running seasons with QB Jay Cutler. The former number 7 overall pick in last year’s draft will be a huge part of the Bear’s offense. He has star wr Alshon Jeffery, tight end Zach Miller, and young rb Jeremy Langford as his running mates. White is not a proven commodity in this league, meaning he will facing single coverages. The 6’4 215 lbs wr is on the path to have a breakout year in his true rookie season.

Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.

ALSO IF YOU LIKE OR EVEN HATE THIS POST, SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND

June 10, 2016 0 comment

NFL Week 6 Predictions

by Josh Gantt October 9, 2014

written by Josh Gantt

Kevin Jones- Flickr

This weeks predictions are in. These are your favorites to win big this week.

Indianapolis Colts: 38

@Houston Texans: 21

The Colts have come off two big wins over mediocre defenses and a struggling win over the Ravens. That being said, Andrew Luck has done as expected against both those teams. Coming off of 9 touchdowns in the last 3 games. Luck’s struggles against the Ravens could give Colts fans a reason to worry about this weeks game against the Texans. The Texans have a stout defense and the offense seems to be able to contend against teams that don’t matchup in terms of offense. The Cowboys line last week held J.J Watt to 0 sacks and 0 swatted passes. Arguably, Dallas has one of the best lines in the game and a good offense that the Texans were able to slow down. This game could be close but every thursday night game has been a blowout. The Colts should come through with a win.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 23

@Cleveland Browns: 17

The underrated matchup of the week is the Steelers and Browns. The Steelers have struggled against the Buccaneers and the Jaguars. The big question is what Pittsburgh team will show up in Cleveland on Sunday. Leveon Bell will have to carry the ball against a good Browns defense and the passing game can not rely on screenplays. The Browns are coming off a huge comeback win which marks the biggest comeback victory to not go into overtime. Brian Hoyer made a few mistakes and in the case of a shootout we could see a very good. That being said Ben Roethlisberger boasts a 17-1 record against the Browns that should improve to 18-1 this week.

New England Patriots: 34

@Buffalo Bills: 17

Anyone counting Tom Brady out probably did not watch football last season. Brady struggled last year against the Jets and Bengals early in the season and then got it together and outperformed just about every team he faced. Once Brady gets it going, teams have something to fear. The Bills have not been able to get it done offensively and if it was not for 3 missed field goals we would have seen a different outcome against the Lions.The Patriots should roll past the Bills once again.

Carolina Panthers: 14

@Cincinnati Bengals: 24

This game could be closer than we think. The Bengals have lost momentum and the Panthers have gained it. The Bengals have not lost a regular season home game in a little over a year. The Panthers offense was lead by Cam Newton making good plays last week. Newton should have somme success and without AJ Green the Bengals will struggle a bit. If the Bengals decide to play Green, they might have a better chance but an injured Green last week still produced some decent play. Bengals should have the home win.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 31

@Tennessee Titans: 27

Does anyone remember the Browns and Lions game in 2009? The shootout between two mediocre teams that no one watched. I think this game could be one of those games. Blake Bortles has not looked bad and the Titans were not looking bad last week against the Browns besides blowing a 25 point lead but it happens to the best of us. Maybe not, the Jaguars should get a tough divisional win here.

Green Bay Packers: 27

@Miami Dolphins: 14

Should be an easy prediction. Aaron Rodgers is not slowing down and the defense is picking up their slack. Impressive performance last week should carry on this week. The Dolphins are coming off a bye week and because of that i don’t think they are prepared enough. Packers should take the win.

Detroit Lions: 20

@Minnesota Vikings: 21

Both teams are coming off demoralizing losses last week. The Lions signed Matt Prater to ensure that the team doesn’t miss 3 field goals. The Vikings will have a chance if Teddy Bridgewater plays. The Vikings could make a good statement with a win and the Lions are looking for redemption. Only problem is the best receiver in the league is probably at 30% healthy right now. Calvin Johnson not playing could hurt the Lions. The Detroit defense is good but i think the Vikings can sneak away with a win with Bridgewater at the helm.

Denver Broncos: 34

@ New York Jets: 21

Peyton Manning continues to do what Peyton Manning does. The third ranked passing offense in the league is going up against the 14^thranked passing defense. While the Jets defense is decent, Manning eats up decent. The Jets are unsure who will be under center. Even Michael Vick was not ready to play last weekend. Until one of their QBs starts to show that they can hold the ball, don’t count on them for much.

Baltimore Ravens: 31

@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 17

The Ravens had a terrible performance against the Colts last weekend, turning the ball over three times. The defense, however, forced four turnovers against Indianapolis and has been playing great the last few games. Tampa gives up the most fantasy points to defenses, and that will hold true this weekend. One thing to be worried about is the somewhat skeptical secondary the Ravens have. Their 269 average yards through the air are 27^th in the league.

San Diego Chargers: 27

@ Oakland Raiders: 13

The Chargers seem to be showing exactly what they are capable of. Brandon Oliver brought a new light to the backfield last week, and will look to do that again versus one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. Oakland also has a QB controversy that really has no affect on how the game will play out.

Chicago Bears: 24

@Atlanta Falcons: 31

Not many people expected both the Bears and Falcons to be sitting at 2-3. Both teams have not been showing much promise on the defensive side; however, Atlanta is mostly a lock at home. Jay Cutler has faltered late in games over the past few weeks, throwing four picks over the last two losses. With Julio Jones healthy and on the field, the Falcons’ passing attack is deadly.

Dallas Cowboys: 20

@Seattle Seahawks: 34

If it weren’t for the Arizona Cardinals, I would simply just say the Seahawks are at home and that should tell you everything you need to know. The matchup to watch will be Dez Bryant and Richard Sherman, if they even lineup Bryant on Sherman’s side. Demarco Murray has shown his work horse potential this season and will do the same against the defense of Seattle. However, Russell Wilson will again show us why he is a deity worth worshipping.

Washington Redskins: 17

@ Arizona Cardinals: 27

Washington is on the edge of a horrible may-day call. It only took a dislocated ankle for people to label Kirk Cousins as the future of the franchise, until three straight losses put the Redskins in scare-mode. Even while losing to the Broncos by 21, the Cardinals are a team on the rise. Somehow, even with different QBs, they keep playing good football. Their defense will look to have a bounce back performance this week, and Alfred Morris will be the victim.

New York Giants: 38

@ Philadelphia Eagles: 27

Finally, Eli Manning will be facing a horrific defense. Both teams have less-than-mediocre passing defenses, which shows why this game shapes up to be a shootout. The Giants, however, will get the edge on the ground and Rashad Jennings’s replacement Andre Williams should have a great day. Teams seem to be aiming solely on LeSean McCoy, which is why the star running back only has a 2.9 average yard-per-carry.

San Francisco 49ers: 34

@St. Louis Rams: 14

Really? People thought this should be a prime time game? Really not much to say here except that both Frank Gore and Colin Kaepernick will be having a field day. Look for big numbers on the ground and through the air and small numbers from the Rams on both sides of the ball.

Joshua Gantt and AJ Risser are writers for Couch Rider Report. Follow the site on Twitter and Facebook.

You can also follow Josh and AJ on Facebook and Twitter:

Josh: Facebook

AJ: Facebook

@AJriss757

October 9, 2014 0 comment

Chicago Bears NFC North NFL

Chicago Bears Week 4 Preview

by Chris Kazmierczak September 27, 2014

written by Chris Kazmierczak

Tyle_r – Flicker

If the Chicago Bears only won 2-games in a season then one would expect heads to roll at Halas Hall and the fans to lose their minds. Unless, of course those 2-wins were against the Green Bay Packers. It’s a rivalry that goes back to the origins of the NFL and its 189th chapter kicks off at Soldier Field this Sunday. But one of the oldest and greatest rivalries in all of professional sports doesn’t need any hype from me. Let’s get on with it. Here’s what to look for:
The Youth Movement: The Bears youth movement started when Charles Tillman was lost for the season in the comeback win over the San Francisco 49ers. Rookie Kyle Fuller entered the game and took 2 away from Colin Kaepernick. Last week, Fuller was joined by Defensive Linemen and fellow draftees Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson, as well as second year linebacker Jon Bostic, to make life hell for the New York Jets. Then, in that very game, another wave of injuries at Safety had 4th-round-pick Brock Vereen and free agent rookie Ahmad Dixon finishing the game. These young players have worked well with veterans like Lance Briggs, Jared Allen, and Tim Jennings in creating take away opportunities and standing firm when it matters. This group will still be playing without Jeremiah Ratliff, Shea McClellin, Sherrick McManis, for sure and Jared Allen will be a game time decision after dealing with illness all week. If Allen is out, then expect a lot of work for current team sack leader Willie Young, as well as Lamarr Houston, Trevor Scott, and possibly a look at David Bass or Cornelius Washington. Regardless, the defense will have to stand firm and apply pressure in this one. Aaron Rodgers is one of the most accurate passers in the NFL who can extend plays under pressure, and the Packers have an embarrassment of riches at Running Back, making this the Bears’ toughest challenge to date.
Balance to the Force: The Chicago offense should be amazing when its members are all healthy and together. Unfortunately, we have yet to see that for more than a quarter or so. The Bears will be again playing without starting Center Roberto Garza and Left Guard Matt Slauson who are recovering from the high ankle sprains they suffered in the season opening debacle against the Buffalo Bills. In addition, Brandon Marshall will be a game time decision due to an ankle injury suffered during the same game. Marshall played on it against the 49ers and came back after he tweaked it against the Jets so there is no reason to assume he won’t play. Jay Cutler‘s favorite target was slower and less explosive after the re-injury but, as we saw against the 49ers, even with a busted wheel Brandon Marshall is still dangerous. Even if he can’t play well, Marshall still provides a credible threat and draws attention from Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett.

What the Bears need more than almost anything else in this one is to get Matt Forte going again. Forte had a monster game, statistically, in the opener rushing for over 80-yards and catching over 80 more. However, for a guy who has quietly been one of the league’s best backs for the past few years, he’s been pretty silent since that early performance. Green Bay’s run defense is pretty weak and it presents a perfect opportunity to jumpstart the stalled run game. If the Bears can get some semblance of balance to their offense it will keep the Packer’s pass rush from pinning their ears back and blitzing the bejesus out of Cutler like the Jets did on Monday Night. With the likes of Clay Matthews and former Bear Julius Peppers leading that rush, it is probably best to keep the Packers defense guessing as much as possible, and that’s very difficult if the Bears essentially abandon the run as they have in the previous 2 games.
All Together Now: Chicago will have to face a tough challenge on both sides of the ball in this one. The Bears will have to really challenge the run, get to the passer and get after takeaways on defense to stop the likes of Rodgers. He is one of the best at his job, doesn’t rattle easy, and can bring his team from out of nowhere to beat you. If they can put the brakes on Green Bay’s offense then the Bears will need to provide a balanced attack that keeps the pressure off of Cutler. That would give them the edge against, arguably their toughest division opponent and give them a share of the NFC North lead. Can the Bears continue their success, or will this be Green Bay’s turnaround? We won’t know until Sunday but, when it’s all over, I’ll be right back here to go over it.

Chris Kazmierczak is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook.

September 27, 2014 0 comment

Chicago Bears NFC North NFL

Chicago Bears: Week 3 Wrap-Up

by Chris Kazmierczak September 23, 2014

written by Chris Kazmierczak

Tony – Flickr

The Chicago Bears have done it again. Last night Chicago went on the road to face the New York Jets and took home a second consecutive road victory. The Bears capitalized on New York’s mistakes to take an early lead and despite a rash of injuries, held on to secure the win, with the Jest driving in the final minutes. It wasn’t perfect and wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. Here is the good and bad we saw last night.
Respect the D: It’s early but the Bears look to have a respectable defense again. The unit was hit hard by injuries leading in to and during the game but picked up right where they left off last week. On the second play of the game, Ryan Mundy set the tone when he picked off a Geno Smith pass and ran it back for six and an early lead the Bears would not relinquish. Kyle Fuller made his first start in place of Charles Tillman and looked a lot like “Peanut” while he did it. Fuller showed why he is a rising star by being around the ball all night finishing with 7-tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and a crucial interception in the end zone. This performance was aided by excellent line play across the board. Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, and Willie Young, who got yet another sack this week, got to Smith early and often drawing attention away from Stephen Paea, who recorded his first sack this year, and the 2 rookies inside: Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson. The young duo, working to replace Jeremiah Ratliff, was impressive in their first extensive showing. By games end, Sutton had 3 solo stops and Ferguson had 2-tackles and a sack. Also in relief was Jon Bostic who filled in at Outside Linebacker, after Shea McClellin broke his hand during practice. The second-year-pro didn’t have a flawless game by any means, as he was caught out of position more than once. However, Bostic showed great mobility and alertness by deflecting 2-passes and leading the team with 13-tackles. Despite these standout performances and overall strong play the Jets still racked up 300-yards passing with another 114 on the ground. However, the Bears’ defense resilient, forcing them to settle for 4 field goals and only 1-touchdown as they went 1 for 6 in the red zone. Yards do not win games but points do, and the defense excelled in their role there by hanging tough when it mattered most, including a 4th and goal in the closing minutes.

Gritty O: The Bears’ offense wasn’t bad, but they weren’t great either. The running game stumbled in its second week without Matt Slauson or Roberto Garza and Matt Forte only gained 33-yards on 13-carries against the merciless front-7 of the Jets. The passing attack had a little more success but was not without problems of its own. Brandon Marshall tweaked his previously injured ankle and, though he returned in the second half, was obviously handicapped in his speed and maneuverability for the duration. While Marshall struggled with a single catch for only 6-yards, Alshon Jeffery flourished by making 8 grabs for 105-yards and 2-carries for 13. Martellus Bennett took advantage of Jeffery’s success, and the extra attention it gave him, to make 5-catches for 54-yards and 2 touchdowns. If the Bears won it also means Jay Cutler did well overall, especially considering he was sacked 3-times and had numerous passes tipped or disrupted by a hit. Rex Ryan threw every blitz he could probably conceive of, yet Cutler stayed composed, tough, and elusive. The Quarterback shook off hits, escaped sack attempts, and made good decisions with the football. He had accuracy problems and lost a fumble on one sack that should have gone for six the wrong way but overall a mature and gritty performance by the QB as well as the rest of the unit.

Special Forces: The specialty units have ranged from bad to terrible before this game but the group was somewhere between average and good in this one. Some new faces and a shuffling of duties led the unit to have its best game of 2014. Rookie Ahmad Dixon, aided by Senorise Perry, recovered a muffed punt early on and then proceeded to throttle the Jets’ returner immediately after he caught the next punt. Another rookie, Rashad Ross took over the kickoff return duties, previously held by Perry. Ross only averaged 21-yards per return but he showed his speed, vision, and quickness on each one and had a very promising debut overall. Finally, although no punts were blocked in this one, a few were too close for comfort. The group still has work to do but continuing this improvement is nothing but good news for the entire team.

The Bears played tough against a tough opponent for a hard fought victory. The bad part about a hard fought game like this is that neither team leaves unscathed. Aside from Marshall, the Bears had their fair share of injuries on Monday which may come back to haunt them. The Chicago Safety position was decimated as Mundy, Chris Conte, and Danny McCray all finished the game on the sideline leaving only 4th round pick Brock Vereen and Dixon to finish out the 4th quarter. The Chicago trainers will be working overtime in this short week but, if any of these require more than a few days, the Bears may have to go looking to the rookies because these kids can play. We’ll find out if this youth movement continues on Sunday when the Bears take on their arch rival the Green Bay Packers and renew the NFL’s oldest rivalry.

Chris Kazmierczak is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook.

September 23, 2014 0 comment

AFC North AFC West Baltimore Ravens Chicago Bears NFC North NFC West NFL San Diego Chargers San Francisco 49ers

Old Ballers of Week 2 (Podcast)

by Jermaine Lockett September 17, 2014

written by Jermaine Lockett

http://youtu.be/jCcXjPcrfIg
Old Ballers of Week 2

This weekend was one for the oldies. Savvy old veterans came to play. There is nothing wrong with looking to the young bucks to carry the future of this league but the key word is future. Let’s live in the present and still celebrate our favorite seasoned veterans.

It all started on Thursday with the Ice Up Son, trash talking Yac Monster, Steve Smith who racked up 71-yards on 6 catches. He almost saw pay dirt but he was abused by the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ secondary in the Endzone which wound up being a penalty. Pick this guy up in your Fantasy leagues, as he is now Joe Flacco’s new security blanket.

Antonio Gates had a weekend to remember in September, as he was 7 for 7 for 96-yards and a Touchdown against the Legion of Boom aka the Seattle Seahawks Sunday.

I suddenly am catching flashbacks of a movie Old School, because people should be yelling “Frank tha tank” for Frank Gore after watching this 31-year-old Back straight ball on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. He may have only racked up 63-yards and one TD on 13 carries, but you could see he was one slipped tackle away from breaking the big one.

Jay Cutler looks to finally be maturing into the guy that every Chicago Bears’ fan and old Denver Broncos’ fans saw flashes of in his earlier years. The guy is only 31, but he was superb in his comeback against the San Francisco 49ers. Yes, I know he had some near-picks earlier in the game. So what! As Brandy says, “Almost doesn’t count”. Besides, it’s not how your start, but how you finish.

Jermaine Lockett is the CEO and a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.

September 17, 2014 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts