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The Carolina Panthers Are Now Legit Super Bowl Contenders

November 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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The Cover 4.com presents you with The Carolina Panthers Are Now Legit Super Bowl Contenders! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @thecover4 or facebook at theCo VerFour

Before their momentous victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10, the Carolina Panthers put together a four-game winning streak in which they beat their opponents by 30 points or more. That put them in rare company, as Bill Barnwell pointed out:

Year Team Point Differential Final Record Playoff Result
2013 Panthers 82 ??? ???
2013 Broncos 88 ??? ???
2009 Saints 81 13-3 Won Super Bowl
2009 Colts 96 13-3 Lost Super Bowl
2007 Patriots 104 16-0 Lost Super Bowl
2007 Colts 83 13-3 Lost in AFC playoffs
2005 Colts 81 14-2 Lost in AFC playoffs
2004 Eagles 101 13-3 Lost Super Bowl
2004 Colts 125 12-4 Lost in AFC playoffs
2000 Rams 80 10-6 Lost in NFC playoffs
1999 Rams 106 13-3 Won Super Bowl
1998 Broncos 83 14-2 Won Super Bowl
1994 49ers 103 13-3 Won Super Bowl
1993 49ers 107 10-6 Lost in NFC playoffs
1990 Bills 104 13-3 Lost Super Bowl

 

Those are some juicy outcomes for a team that finished 7-9 last year and had calls for their quarterback’s and head coach’s heads on a stake. There were plenty of reasons for me not to like them in my preseason preview, including their patchwork secondary and lack of receiving options for Cam Newton. And with their back to the wall for cap space with an incompetent GM, the long-term outlook did not look too bright. I wasn’t too high on them in the beginning of the season either, when they started 1-3 and started their winning streak by beating up on lowly Minnesota, St. Louis and Tampa Bay. But that chart above deserves some attention, and now that they have a signature win they can hang their hat on against the San Francisco 49ers, I think it’s finally time to respect the Panthers as legit Super Bowl contenders in such a muddled NFL season where it seems like anyone can win it this year.

Although there are other factors responsible for this turnaround, the best visual representation of the Panthers’ newfound success is their franchise quarterback Newton. After all, who scored all those points for them? (Insert your Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams jokes here.) Through the four-game stretch, Newton averaged 229 yards passing, completed 72.3 percent of his passes and threw seven touchdowns against two interceptions. If you prorate those over a full season, the completion percentage, touchdowns and interceptions all put Newton in the top quarter of the league at his position.

23497707_BG1Newton surely deserves credit for the Panthers’  turnaround, but he has always been an above-average quarterback and his No. 1 overall pick aura eliminates any surprise that he is playing at a Pro Bowl-level right now. What really deserves attention is Carolina’s fearsome front seven, and how it is propping up its lackluster and injured secondary. Led by Charles Johnson’s “breakout” season (in terms of mainstream popularity) and the best young linebacker in the NFL, Luke Kuechly; the defensive linemen and linebackers as a group are arguably the best in the league. Johnson has already matched three quarters of his sack total last year and needs only 11 more total tackles to duplicate the previous year’s production. Leading the charge for the linebackers is Kuechly, last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. Even though he is only in his second year, it’s already established that he is one of a handful of the best defensive players in football. He led the league in tackles last year, and is poised to get back to that same number this year, while already getting one more interception than he had his rookie season. Before the Panthers played the 49ers, they were ranked fourth in defensive DVOA. After? Carolina jumped to first overall, an incredible turnaround that really puts a spotlight on the two young game changers for the Panthers.

The last piece of the Panthers’ success that warrants mention is Ron Rivera, or “Riverboat Ron” as he has become affectionately known. In my season preview, Rivera was one of the reasons holding the Panthers back. A good coach often knows when to be aggressive and when to be conservative. When it comes to fourth down, Rivera shouldn’t think twice about going for it if the yards in question are four yards or less. Carolina has the best goal-line back in Newton, and not to mention $35 million invested in running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Well Rivera has taken a turn for the better as a coach in general and especially on fourth down decisions, and there is no coincidence his increased game-managing ability has merged with the Panthers getting hot.

Panthers Chargers Football

So, the inevitable question is where is the correct place to gauge the Panthers’ new found success? On one hand, the chart above is pretty indicative of the success such a powerful four-game winning streak brings. You might say Carolina had a pretty easy schedule, but if you look at all the opponents those other teams faced, they weren’t necessarily world beaters either. I think the balance lands on the other side, in that the Panthers have a pretty good shot at a deep playoff run. I think their defensive DVOA will get worse a tad – their front 7 can only make the depleted secondary look so good for so long – and Rivera is always a candidate for a boneheaded decision at a critical time. Newton will return to Earth due to lack of real receiving options and that I think his high numbers are somewhat unsustainable, but with the stingy defense the pressure wasn’t on him like it was before to perform and win games for them, which the game in San Francisco proved. Their Monday Night Football game against the New England Patriots will be their best test so far, and if they manage to beat them and the 49ers in consecutive weeks, I think its time to throw the Panthers in one of the three or four teams to make it out of the NFC and into the Super Bowl.

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Mike Devarenne
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Don’t Be “That Guy” During your Fantasy Draft

August 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

thatguyIt’s officially August, and that means it’s the time of year that sports fans forget about all other fantasies that don’t involve fantasy football. Although many of us have been doing mock drafts and rating running backs since the Super Bowl ended, draft time is officially right around the corner. With crimes being so rampant in the NFL right now, I’m here to make sure you don’t commit one during your draft. Don’t be the one who ruins their league’s draft and gets his trades vetoed all season long. Everyone hates “that guy.” Nobody wants to be “that guy.” So, don’t be “that guy.” Protect yourself and don’t act as any of the following:

The Delay of Game

Don’t be the guy who shows up late to his draft. Odds are you’ve known about the date and time for weeks. If you’re doing an online draft, all it takes is one or two auto drafts and not only can your team be ruined, but the whole league drastically changes. If you are all drafting in person, you are making the whole league wait on you. We all know that fantasy drafts are a process that will take hours to get done. Also, by being late you drastically increase the risks that the beer will be gone before the kickers start going. If you make the league wait for the draft, you will wait on the league during the draft. Enjoy being the guy to grab everyone’s beers from the fridge.

The Bum

If you’re playing in a money league, don’t show up to the draft without having paid your dues. Asking someone for money is always an awkward situation, so do your best to avoid it and pay on time. Don’t be the douche that keeps trying to get out of paying because he doesn’t like the team he drafted. The earlier that all the money is collected, the better it is for the entire league. Good luck trying to get a guy that is 2-10 to fork over $100 come playoff time. Make it easy for everyone and don’t be the bum that can’t pay.

The Caveman

This is the guy who has been living under a rock, sat in the dark, or suffered a serious head injury the day before the draft. You know, the guy who is going to draft Aaron Hernandez in the fourth round and think he got a steal. You’ll know you are this guy because you will draft a person and immediately hear the entire room laugh out loud at you. Not only will you ruin your draft, but you will be the butt of every joke the entire season.

The Whiner

We’ve all heard them before: “I never get the first pick,” “this is the worst year to pick eighth,” or “if I had your pick my team would be so much better.” There’s always that guy who decides to whine about his draft position. Nobody wants to hear your excuse for why your team sucks. It’s not where you drafted, it’s just you.

The Whistleblower

This is the guy who gets most hated by his fellow fantasy players. It’s bound to happen at some point during the draft, and odds are it will ruin the pick you had lined up. This is the guy who yells “How is (insert player here) still on the board in this round?!” If you scream about a player still sitting on the board, everyone who wanted that player will hate you and rightfully so. Odds are some people saw him, but didn’t want to blow their chance getting him by yelling it out. This is a fantasy no-no and may get you punched in the throat.

The Einstein

Big whoopdy doo, you watched NFL Network and ESPN all week long and are throwing around more facts than Biogenesis throws out steroids. Few things are more annoying than this guy. Just because you watched and read Matthew Berry all week doesn’t mean you should pretend to be him. Nobody likes a know-it-all and everyone hates a person who simply is ACTING like a know-it-all. No matter what you say, I don’t need to know the name of every center, tackle or guard and their lingering ankle, middle toe or nipple injury to draft my running back. Some things are better left unsaid.

The Computer Thief

If you’ve ever had to share your computer with someone during a fantasy draft, you’ll know that this is one of the worst things that can happen. Don’t be the guy who forgets to bring his laptop to the draft. When you make someone else share their computer with you, you take away their time to research, can look at their draft queue, and just all around piss that person off. Make sure to bring your own computer and charge it before the draft. Draft picks are like girlfriends, some things you just don’t share.

The Macaulay Culkin

This is the guy who brags about his fantasy championships throughout the draft even though he hasn’t won in years. The only champ that escapes being a Macaulay Culkin is the league’s champion from last year. If you won your league last year, boast away, you’ve earned it. If you have to talk about the 8-man league you won five years ago, nobody wants to hear it. You may have been a hit in the past and had some glory moments, but you’re washed up now.

The Snail

There’s a time limit on draft picks for a reason, so don’t be that guy who uses the ENTIRE time limit each and every time you pick. Fantasy drafts are already a long process and don’t need to be made longer by you taking forever to decide between kickers. Few things are more annoying than the first or twelfth pick taking the full time for their two picks in a row. It’s like being stuck in line at a drive-thru because the guy in front of you placed a huge order. Don’t be the guy that slows everything down to a snail’s pace.

The Ed Hochuli

This is the guy who is constantly asking about the rules of the league. He’s either complaining about them, asking what they are or suggesting new ones. He’s bound to bust out, “we should really go PPR” or “the flex position shouldn’t allow running backs,” if it would help his team out. All this does is make everyone else wish they hadn’t allowed you in the league. The draft is not the time to bring up issues with league rules.

The Sleeper

This is the guy who read a bunch of fantasy articles about this year’s fantasy football sleepers and proceeds to draft every player named. Not only does he draft every sleeper, he also makes sure everyone knows that the player is indeed a sleeper. If you say “this guy is going to be good, he’s my sleeper pick,” you’re guilty. He’s everyone’s sleeper pick and ESPN has shown him about 10 times in their fantasy sleeper segment. By the end of the draft this guy is bragging about his team’s potential and the entire league is hoping that they’re all busts.

The Roster-bater

So the draft is completely over and you managed to not commit any of the acts that’ll turn you into “that guy.” You’re not out of danger yet, however, and the last thing you want to do is be caught roster-bating. Roster-bating is when you simply stare at your team saying how good your team is and how much you love it. If you’re going to do it, don’t do it out loud or in public, you’ll only embarrass yourself.

 

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2 Weeks Later: Joe Flacco Still Isn’t Elite

February 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment
flacco

Elite: A group of people considered to be the best in a particular society or category, esp. because of their power, talent, or wealth.

It finally happened.  Joe Flacco brought his team to the ultimate goal of any man who has ever dreamed of playing in the National Football League.  After five “long” seasons, Mr. Flacco and company are world champions after knocking off the favored San Francisco 49ers and their hotshot gunslinger of the future, Colin Kaepernick.

So I guess that means that Flacco joins the ranks of the “elite” NFL quarterbacks, right?  I mean, he already owns the most road playoff wins for a quarterback ALL TIME in only his fifth season.  After all, he has won a playoff game in each of his first five seasons.  And he threw for an immaculate 11 touchdowns with ZERO turnovers in the playoffs.  So, he’s elite now, right?

WRONG.

First and foremost, do not mistake me saying that Flacco is not elite as saying that he is not one of the best young quarterbacks playing the game.  Wins speak for themselves and there is no denying that he is about to get paid the big bucks, possibly the biggest contract of all quarterbacks (keep an eye out Aaron Rodgers).  However, a look into the numbers is all one needs to see to know that the word elite might be a bit out of the reach of Flacco’s skill-set.

To begin with, this year and this postseason run were both incredible for Flacco.  But the numbers can be a bit deceiving.  Despite the beauty of his numbers, he still had a total QBR of less than 50, at 46.8 in the postseason.  That lends belief that while his mistakes were few, he was helped by big plays and the commitment of offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, not to mention the running game, where Ray Rice continued to be a workhorse and Bernard Pierce appeared to break out.

In fact, let’s talk quarterback numbers.  In the 2012 season, Flacco’s QB rating was a pedestrian 87.7, a number surpassed by 11 other quarterbacks, including Philip Rivers and Tony Romo, not to mention ROOKIES Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III.  This year was his highest yardage total of his career, but he still did not break the 4,000-yard mark, as he has yet to do in his career.  Thirteen other quarterbacks had more yards this year than Flacco.  Also, his 59.7 percent completion percentage was the second-worst in his NFL career. Eighteen quarterbacks had a better completion percentage..

Furthermore, Flacco was inspired just as the rest of the Ravens and the city of Baltimore were by Ray Lewis’ postseason push, deer antler spray or not.  Things happened to go the Ravens way.  Jacoby Jones was able to take advantage of a second-year mistake by Rahim Moore to grasp victory out of the jaws of defeat.  Bernard Pollard once again became a Patriot killer, this time, with Stevan Ridley his victim.  And while I agree with the call that was made, there is a very strong case to be made by 49er fans that there was some holding on their final offensive play of the Super Bowl.

Everyone catches breaks.  It’s not possible to go the distance in this competitive era without catching a few.  The Patriots were 18-0 until they faced the New York Giants and were victims of one of the greatest, albeit luckiest, catches in the history of the NFL.  Half of the football fans in the world would not have been able to tell me who David Tyree was before that game began and now his lucky break has given him football-god status.

Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens are no different.  They are champions, they played like champions and they deserve to be champions.  But this postseason run was about the Ravens, this was not about the rise of Flacco to elite status.  He is a very good quarterback on a very good team.  But to use the word elite is to compare him to modern-day greats Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, as well as historic greats like Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Steve Young and John Elway.

Just compare Flacco’s numbers to the stats of Brady, Brees and Manning. Those three have
career passer ratings of 96.6, 94.3 and 95.7 respectively. Flacco’s career passer rating is a
more average 86.3. Over the past seven seasons Brees has averaged 4,796 passing yards per
season, and Brady and Manning aren’t too shabby either with career season yardage numbers
of 4,066 and 4,250 (based on full seasons played). Flacco’s season average for yards is 3,500
on a team that has made the playoffs in each of his five seasons.

Numbers aside, Flacco also has never made the “esteemed” NFL Pro Bowl. Brees, Manning
and Brady have combined for 27 Pro Bowls in their illustrious careers. Those three have also
combined for 11 All-Pro selections, another accolade that has so far eluded the new champion
Flacco.

Flacco is about to be a very, very, very rich man.  There is no denying that.  And he deserves to be paid; likewise, the Ravens can ill-afford to be rid of their star quarterback who just led them on one of the most impressive postseason runs in NFL history, knocking off two number 2 seeds and a number 1 seed in the process.  But that is all he will be.  A good, maybe even great, rich quarterback.  Not an elite one.  He needs more championships and a steady stat line before he can be elite.  After all, if Eli Manning, who has two Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVPs cannot be considered elite, why should Delaware’s treasure be any different?

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Screen Shot 2013-02-19 at 4.34.53 PMSammy Scherr
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Super Bowl Props: A Gambler’s Delight

February 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment

propbets

For an event like the Super Bowl, you can literally find anything on which to bet. And if there aren’t enough bets for you, then you have a gambling problem. We here at the Cover 4 decided to go through and highlight a few of the prop bets. Don’t have a nearby casino that has a sports book or an online account? Set up a pool with your buddies where everyone contributes $20 or $40 and everyone gets an imaginary $1000. Everyone goes through and decides how to distribute their $1000 on what props. Whoever would have won the most money gets the pot. Anyways, let’s take a look at a few of the things you can throw your money at this year.

The Harbaugh Bets * From Bovada.lv

If you haven’t heard WE HAVE TWO BROTHERS COACHING AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE SUPERBOWL!! Online and Vegas casinos have gone nuts with this (along with ESPN and every sports other outlet) and are offering some interesting action on the brotherly love.

How many times will Jack Harbaugh be shown on TV during the game?

Over 2 (-150)

Under 2 (+110)

If you do not think Jack Harbaugh will be surrounded by CBS cameras watching every reaction to every play, realize it is 2013. The media is intrusive and repetitive. It’s what it does. I’m not saying Jack will get Katherine Webb-like coverage, but give me the over.

 

 

How long will the post game handshake/ hug last between Jim and John Harbaugh?

Over 7 seconds (-120)

Under 7 seconds (-120)

If you’re sitting next to your best friend or brother, give him a hug for 7 seconds. It’s a bit of time. Now imagine that they just won the girl of your dreams and left you with nothing but crushed dreams. Those 7 seconds seems like a hell of a long time. These men have dreamt about winning the Super Bowl their entire lives. They’ll talk at dinner the night after, not immediately following one of them just failed to make his dream a reality.

 

How many times will the game be referred to as the Harbaugh Bowl or Har Bowl or Super Baugh during the game?

Over 2.5 (Even)

Under 2.5 (-140)

If you watched ESPN how many times did you hear this today? 10? 15? 20? It will get said and I can’t wait until next year and we can call it the Super Bowl again.

 

The Quarterbacks *Lines from Las Vegas Hotel & Casino Super Book

Colin Kaepernick’s first rushing attempt:

Over 5.5 (-110)

Under 5.5 (-110)

 

He averaged 6.6 yards during the regular season and 11.2 yards this postseason. It’s the young stud versus an aging linebacker corps. With someone as big and fast as Kaepernick, I’ll put my money that he’ll be able to take a couple strides when he decides to scramble.

Total Rushing Yards by Colin Kaepernick:

Over 48.5 (-110)

Under 48.5 (-110)

 

16 rushes for 181 yards? Or 2 rushes for 21 yards, which Kaepernick will he be? The answer will rely more on the Ravens’ attack against the read option — will they key on Kaepernick or Frank Gore? Kaepernick has busted off three runs of 50 or more yards this year. Get ready to hold your breath every time he takes off if you bet against him, because he only may need one rush.

Total Rushing Yards by Flacco:

Over 2.5 (+105)

Under 2.5 (-125)

If Flacco cannot rush over 2.5 yards, I will get to see this picture all over twitter, which is a win for everyone.

 

Possible Kaepernick caption: “This guy ran for more yards than Flacco!”

Flacco response: “To get away from ever being held like that again.”

 

Will Joe Flacco throw an interception?

Yes (-155)

No (+135)

 

Joe Flacco is on a roll right now with an 8:0 touchdown to interception ratio this postseason. Anquan Boldin is playing like a monster right now and expect him to either catch the ball or manhandle the defender trying to make a play. When Flacco throws to Torrey Smith, it’s either 10 feet ahead of everyone or Smith is the only player on the field fast enough to run underneath and get there. Flacco becomes an elite quarterback if he throws a perfect game, but if he throws a pick in Ray Lewis’ last game, he falls back into that middle tier and Lewis will be chewing on more than grass.

 

The Running backs *Lines from Las Vegas Hotel & Casino Super Book

Total rushing yards by Ray Rice:

Over 63.5 (-110)

Under 63.5 (-110)

Bernard Pierce’s role is expanding and Rice will be facing a stout San Francisco defense.

No disrespect to Ray Rice but I don’t quite think he’ll get to 63 yards on Sunday.

 

Total rushing yards by Frank Gore:

Over 81.5 (-110)

Under 81.5 (-110)

 

The Ravens rushing defense just isn’t what it used to be. Before Stevan Ridley got knocked out during the AFC Championship he had rushed for 70 yards. If Baltimore takes away Kaepernick’s ability to run, expect him to hand the ball off to Gore a frequent amount of times.

Longest Rush by Frank Gore

Over 17.5 (-110)

Under 17.5 (-110)

17.5? Really? I’m not saying Gore’s incapable of busting off a run this length, but it will take a serious defensive lapse. With a good amount of rest and time for preparation, I think the Ravens will be ready to prevent the big rushing plays.

 

The Receivers * Lines from Las Vegas Hotel & Casino Super Book

 

Longest reception by Torrey Smith:

Over 27.5 (-110)

Under 27.5 (-110)

Flacco has a huge arm and Smith is the Ravens go-to deep threat. He averaged 17.4 yards per catch this season. If there’s one-on-one coverage against Smith, expect the throw and expect it deep. Take the over.

Total Receiving Yards by Torrey Smith:

Over 65.5 (-110)

Under 65.5 (-110)

If the Ravens win this game, it’s going to be through the air. Smith could possibly get this in one play. It’d be a hell of a pass but with his speed and being a deep-ball threat, it’s not impossible. If Smith isn’t able to get going, I don’t see the Ravens being able to pull off the W.

Total receiving yards by Michael Crabtree:

Over 82.5 (-110)

Under 82.5 (-110)

The DA agreed to not file charges so long as Crabtree wins the Super Bowl (just kidding). Either Crabtree or Vernon Davis is going to be big in the passing game this week. Crabtree had 119 yards against Green Bay but just 57 against Atlanta. I’m thinking that the Ravens will try to take away Davis in the middle leaving Crabtree with some one-on-ones meaning a good amount of yardage.

 

The Kickers: *Lines from Las Vegas Hotel & Casino Super Book

Will the first kickoff of SB XLVII Result in a Touchback?

Yes (-170)

No (+150)

 

Akers kicked the ball deep into the end zone multiple times against the Saints in Week 12 and all 5 for touchbacks against Atlanta in the NFC Championship. Tucker has a huge boot on him and in the Mercedes Benz Superdome, I expect them to fly into the end zone. Hopefully special teams stud Jacoby Jones doesn’t try to make a play from the get go and bring one out from deep in the end zone.

Longest made field goal of game:

Over 44.5 (-110)

Under 44.5 (-110)

 

If the Ravens have a shot at a field goal from 45-55 yards, they’ll send Tucker out and odds are he’ll nail it. He’s made 30 of 33 field goals this year. I wouldn’t count on Akers, as the Lakers are more likely to get a three-game winning streak than he is to put up three points. At this point, Jim Harbaugh would probably lean on Kaepernick to get closer than 45 yards before sending the kicker out.

 

Odds on Odds on Odds *Lines from Las Vegas Hotel & Casino Super Book

Will Ed Reed intercept a pass?

Yes +400

No -500

 

Ed Reed has 8 interceptions in 14 playoff games, yet he has failed to pick a ball off this postseason. Is he overdue?

 

No touchdown will be scored in Super Bowl XLVII:

200:1

 

Will defenses dominate the game? Will it be a match between David Akers and Justin Tucker? I’m pretty sure me and the rest of America hope it won’t be. Someone has to get a touchdown!

 

Will any Baltimore or San Francisco Player on Active roster be arrested before Super Bowl XLVII?

No (-500)
yes (+500)

 

First off, I don’t know who should be more ashamed of themselves for stereotyping NFL players. Should it be Bovada for offering the bet or the people who take the odds? Or is it not shameful at all? That being said its Mardi Gras, with Michael Crabtree, Ray Lewis and two NFL teams — yikes.

 

Will there be a safety?

Yes (+900)

No (-1300)

 

I’m wondering if last year’s Super Bowl safety that put the first points on the board and all the stories of huge payouts will cause people to be inclined to wager yes this year. Can lightning strike twice? I’m thinking no.

 

Will there be overtime?

Yes (+700)

No (-1000)

 

No Super Bowl has ever gone into overtime. Until this year however, no two brothers had coached against each other and deer antlers hadn’t been a headline on ESPN (Has football entered into doping in cycling — where we know stuff is used, just not being tested. Coming back from torn biceps so soon doesn’t seem exactly ‘natural’).

 

 

Will the game be decided by exactly 3 points?

Yes (+350)

No (-420)

 

In a game that nearly everyone predicts to be close, this might not be such a bad idea. Will Akers or Tucker kick a game-winning field goal? Can Flacco or Kaepernick drive the team down the field for a touchdown when down four?

 

 

The bets that your girlfriend will get a kick out of. *Bovada.lv

 

Will Alicia Keys add at least one word to the National Anthem?

Yes (+200)

No (-300)

 

Really? It’s the National Anthem. You’ve got to have some major cojones if you’re going to try to add a word to the National Anthem. It would just throw everything off.

 

What predominant color will Beyonce’s top be at the beginning of the Super Bowl Halftime show?

 

Black (9/4), Gold (11/4), Silver (7/2), White (5/1), Red (13/2), Pink (15/2), Orange (12/1), Blue (15/1), Green (15/1)

 

The only thing missing here are odds for none/nip slip. You would think that the Janet Jackson miscue would forever give us the ability to wager on a wardrobe malfunction.

 

Will Beyonce’s hair be Curly/Crimped or Straight at the beginning of the Super Bowl Half Time Show?

Straight (+150)

Curly/Crimpled (-200)

 

She went curly when she sang for the president. She’s got to switch it up right? Maybe? I have no idea.

 

Will Beyonce be joined by Jay-Z on Stage during the Super Bowl Half Time Show?

Yes +110

No -150

 

You think one of the biggest egos in the world will miss an opportunity like this? Please, HOVA is going to be up there with his baby mama. Go ahead and parlay this one with the over (.5) how many times Jay-Z will be shown on TV during the game.

 

What will happen with the Dow Jones the day after the Super Bowl?

Market Up (-140)

Market Down (Even)

 

Let’s see if everyone committing to one activity on Sunday will cause the market to go up on Monday. I personally plan on doing my part and spiking Coors stock up a bit. Everyone’s going to be buying Super Bowl goodies all weekend right?

 

 

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Thank you for reading The Cover 4! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Oh yeah, tell your friends too!

Tye Masters
Sports Activist for The Cover 4
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Colin Kaepernick is a Game Changer

January 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment

kaep

History will tell you that a new-age “running quarterback” can’t carry a team to the Super Bowl. Experts and critics will tell you that the read-option offense is a college gimmick that won’t work in the NFL where the athletes are better and defenses are more sophisticated.

Don’t tell Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers that.

The second-year quarterback has defied all odds and silenced every critic during the Niners’ march to the Super Bowl. After taking over for Alex Smith earlier in the season after Smith sustained a concussion against the Rams, Kaepernick took advantage of the opportunity and earned the starting nod over Smith even when the former No. 1 overall pick was cleared to play. Smith is not a Pro Bowl caliber player by any stretch of the imagination, but for a second-year quarterback to replace a healthy established starter who was playing well is a gamble.

Jim Harbaugh knew what he was doing. He drafted Kaepernick in the second round after a stellar career at the University of Nevada where Kaepernick ran Chris Ault’s pistol offense to perfection. Anyone who followed WAC football knew Kaepernick had potential. He had a good arm, great speed, great character and hid the ball as well as any quarterback in the nation on play-action read options.

Kaepernick is the first of the new breed of quarterbacks to truly shine. Michael Vick, Cam Newton and even Tim Tebow have all shown flashes of potential. Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III led their teams to the playoffs as rookies and got more national attention throughout the season. None of them have done what Kaepernick has. Yes, the Niners’ defense is one of the best in the league. Don’t let that fool you; this team would not be in the Super Bowl if it wasn’t for Kaepernick. He does more than simply manage the game: he dictates and controls it.

Harbaugh is not afraid to give Kaepernick the keys to the car. There is nothing Kaepernick can’t do. He’s accurate, he can throw the deep ball, he can throw in traffic and when all else fails he can break the pressure and scramble outside the pocket to extend the play. Most importantly, he is smart and makes great decisions almost every play. The read-option is not easy, especially with the speed of the game in the NFL. One bad decision could get you or your running back knocked out. Instead, Kaepernick keeps defenses guessing, while he and Frank Gore run for big gain after big gain.

The Niners’ offense has been set up to give defenses fits. The Ravens love to rush the passer off the edge with the likes of Terrell Suggs and Paul Kruger. In the Super Bowl, the Ravens will have to find a way put pressure on Kaepernick while keeping contain on the outside. If the Ravens decide to stack the box and go to single coverage, the Niners have the weapons to make any defense pay with Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Randy Moss and Michael Crabtree. If they choose to drop more men in coverage, the Niners can let Kaepernick, Gore and LaMichael James loose through their potent running attack. Pick your poison, Ravens.

None of this would be possible if Alex Smith was under center. Yes, Kaepernick still has his flaws and is not great at taking snaps from under center, which was a significant red flag when he came out of college. However, the risk for the Niners is worth the reward. He brings such a different dynamic to their offense that there is no question he is the best choice. The Niners were a good team with Smith, they are great with Kaepernick. At the time it looked like a risk; no one is questioning  Harbaugh now.

If Kaepernick and the Niners win, the impact for quarterbacks like him is huge. I guarantee it, win or lose, you will see more teams go to the read-option as their primary offense. If they win, more teams will be willing to take risks on dual-threat quarterbacks because there will be a proven recipe for success. Winning championships is paramount in any sport. Teams aren’t going to use a system that has no hope of leading to a championship.

Many of the aforementioned quarterbacks are better athletes than Kaepernick, have better arms and more impressive college credentials. None of them are the complete package like he is. He gives coaches and general managers a new mold of quarterback to look at. He is a system quarterback and that system with him running it has proven to be incredibly successful at the highest level. To win the Super Bowl against the legendary Ravens defense would be a statement for Kaepernick, Harbaugh, the Niners and the new breed of quarterbacks everywhere looking for their shot in the NFL. Victory over a defense of that stature would change the game.

Kaepernick has overcome every obstacle in his path so far. If he comes through on the game’s biggest stage, he will have gone from the backup to a legend in a matter of months. As Kaepernick’s history tells us, he thrives as the underdog and loves to prove his critics wrong. It would be unwise to bet against him this Sunday in the biggest game of his career.

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David Oleson
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