Author Archives: Tom Shannon

The Charles Tillman Trap

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Tom Shannon

I have, of course, always loved Charles Tillman. I am a Bears fan after all and he is a Pro Bowler. I get to see him every game and I thought I appreciated him. But Sam Monson at Pro Football … Continue reading →

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Why Not “T-Bone”?

Posted on July 6, 2013 by Tom Shannon

I know wide receivers are a different breed. But what kind of self-involved jerk actually gives himself a nickname? From Bob Sansevere at the Pioneer Press.

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The Read-Option and the Evolving Defensive Response

Posted on June 30, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham had some interesting comments for Tim Twentyman at detriotlions.com about the read-option offense, how to play it and what affect its having on the league. “‘It’s a big thing in the league now, and that’s … Continue reading →

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Dear Phil, Good Luck on the Use of Those Stats.

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Bears general manager Phil Emery is now using statistics to guide his decisions. His interested has become so intense that he recently hired a statistician to fill a newly-created “analytics” postion in the front office. Gven that this is the … Continue reading →

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In Defense of Jon Gruden

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Michael David Smith at profootballtalk.com describes comments that Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers made via Twitter during the NBA Finals. One of those comments took Magic Johnson to task for his almost entirely positive commentary on individual players and, as he … Continue reading →

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How Do You Solve a Problem Like Sharrif Floyd

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Tom Shannon

ESPN NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert has some interesting thoughts on the Vikings plans to use newly drafted defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd: “Floyd plays the same “three-technique” position as veteran Kevin Williams, and during minicamp this week, the two rotated … Continue reading →

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Pompei Is Honored With Prestigious Award

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Dan Pompei at the Chicago Tribune has been selected as the 2013 winner of the prestigious Dick McCann Memorial Award for distinguished reporting and will be honored during enshrinement week ceremonies in August at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. … Continue reading →

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Despite Consistent Offseason, the Rams WIll be Sporting a Very Different Look This Season

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Josh Alper at profootballtalk.com discusses the fact that the Rams will have the same offensive coordinator two years in a row for the first time in quarterback Sam Bradford‘s career: “”The day Sam walked back into the building [this offseason] … Continue reading →

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Lions Lack of Discipline on the Field Is a Reflection of Off-Field Problems

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Drew Sharp at the Detroit Free Press puts his finger on the problem when commenting on the Lions lack of discipline: [Head coach Jim] Schwartz didn’t take the off-field nonsense seriously last year. It reflected his head-coaching inexperience. Commitment is … Continue reading →

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The Bears Offense Is Taking Shape and Other Points of View

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Return man Devin Hester sounds like a man who is trying to convince himself that he’s still got it. Via Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune: “‘I look at my past history and I know what I am capable of … Continue reading →

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