Tag: Nick Benning

VIDEO | Coaches on Bedford Open Session

08 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , ,

Following Sunday’s Open Session at the University of Bedfordshire, we caught up with Eagles DC Kevin Kong and Blackhawks Youth Head Coach Nick Benning to get their thoughts on the session…

Open to those interested in playing for the Ouse Valley Eagles senior (18+), Bedford Blackhawks Youth (U17) or Milton Keynes Redwings (U17) full contact teams as well as the Blackhawks senior (16+) flag team, we will be running three further Open Sessions during November:

– Sunday 12th November | Stantonbury Campus, Milton Keynes (12pm-2pm)
– Sunday 19th November | Northampton High School, Northampton (10am-12pm)
– Sunday 26th November | Lealands High School, Luton (10am-12pm)

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Amokah vs Benning: The Results

27 Oct
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , ,

In our sixth Head to Head of the season Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah took on Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning. Here’s how they got on…

Seahawks 20 49ers 3

AMOKAH: “Everyone knows all is not well with the Seahawks defence,” said Jon ahead of Thursday Night Football. “Question is, do Kaepernick and co have what it takes to capitalise?” He thought they did, turns out they really, really didn’t. Not a brilliant start. 0-1.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Correctly predicted Russell Wilson to continue his strong streak against the 9ers, who are in freefall. Coach is off to the best possible start. 1-0.

Bills 31 Jaguars 34

AMOKAH: What a ridiculous game this was, with the Jags threatening to blow the Bills out of the water before remembering that they’re the Jags and very, very nearly throwing it away. Anywho, Jon called a big day for Jacksonville, who got their first Wembley win. 1-1.

logo_color_squareBENNING: He was worried the game would be dull for those in attendance, but it turned out to be arguably one of the most entertaining games in the history of the International Series. Also backed the Bills incorrectly, so it’s back down to earth with a bang for Benning as he’s also now 1-1.

Vikings 28 Lions 19

AMOKAH: He went on record to say the Lions “are too talented to be a 1-5 team”. Well they’re now a 1-6 team Jon, are they too talented for that? Fortunately for the big man he had the foresight to still predict a Vikings win, and that takes him to 2-1.

logo_color_squareBENNING: One of our resident Vikings fans, was he ever going to go for anything other than an away win? Of course not, and he was spot on to do so. 2-1.

Saints 27 Colts 21

AMOKAH: We’re all for grudges, especially if they’re left unexplained like why Mr Amokah thinks the Colts are “too big for their bridges” (we think he meant “britches”but it’s fine). No questions asked, the Saints win and Jon moves to 3-1.

logo_color_squareBENNING: “On paper I should probably go for the Colts, but on the back of Brees and the boys getting the win against the previously undefeated Falcons, I can feel the Saints hitting form” he said. Good job he didn’t talk himself out of it. 3-1.

Steelers 13 Chiefs 23

AMOKAH: The Steelers were supposed to keep strong thanks to their “Next Man Up” mentality, but they didn’t and Jon moves to 3-2.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Coach Benning is still nipping at Amokah’s toes thanks to this Pittsburgh loss on the road at London-bound Kansas City, he’s also 3-2.

Texans 26 Dolphins 44

AMOKAH: Oh boy, this isn’t going to be pretty. The only unit he said he trusted in this match up was the Texans offense. Not sure what Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller and the rest of the Dolphins thought of that when they were up by 40-odd points at the half. 3-3.

logo_color_squareBENNING: So, are the ‘Fins back or are the Texans really are as bad as we think they are? Maybe it’s both, but all that matters now is that Benning is also 3-3.

Jets 23 Patriots 30

AMOKAH: “There are three things in life you don’t do. You don’t tug on Superman’s Cape, you don’t put Baby in the corner and you sure as hell do not give Belichick and Brady something to prove.” Sums it up quite nicely for me, and puts Jon back on the right track. 4-3.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Correctly predicted yet another win for the Pats to also move to 4-3.


Browns 6 Rams 24

AMOKAH: Went with the Rams on a toin coss, and they duly took the Browns apart. Amokah goes to an impressive 5-3.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Broke the mould by backing the Browns on the road in St Louis, and it cost him his winning streak. Coach is now playing catch up at 4-4.

Falcons 10 Titans 7

AMOKAH: Our lineman hasn’t got a lot wrong this week (apart from thinking the Falcons were still undefeated), and he called this one right as well. On to 6-3.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Reckoned Atlanta would win by three scores. They didn’t, winning instead by three points, but a win’s a win and Nick is back in the game at 5-4.

Buccaneers 30 Redskins 31

AMOKAH: If you know a Tampa Bay fan you might want to give them a hug this week after the ‘Skins staged the biggest comeback in franchise history to sneak by the hapless Bucs. Jon said he marginally favoured the home side, and they marginally won. 7-3.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Nick said he’d be impressed if either of these teams managed to win, and for a while it didn’t look like either side wanted to. In the end though he went for the wrong side, moves to 5-5, and maybe that’s that.

Raiders 37 Chargers 29

AMOKAH: The Raiders raced into a huge lead before taking their foot off the gas and eventually only beating the Chargers by one score in this battle for second in the AFC West. Jon said that Oakland would win, and it takes him to 8-3.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Nick spent an age describing why he wanted the Raiders to win…and then backed the Chargers. He should have known better, and surely it’s game over now. 5-6.

Cowboys 20 Giants 27

AMOKAH: Said Jon of this NFC East battle: “everyone knows exactly how the ‘Boys are going to blow this one. The Defence will hold up, but the offence will continually stall”. Bang on, and he’s 9-3.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Coach got this one right, even if did say the Giants defence would get in (the injured) Tony Romo’s face. No matter, he’s 6-6 and keeping it respectable.

Eagles 16 Panthers 27

AMOKAH: Never doubted for a second that the underrated Panthers would pull out the W against the Eagles, and that confidence sees Amokah coasting into Monday Night Football with an 10-3 record.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Said the Panthers would remain undefeated against inconsistent Philly, and that takes him to 7-6.

Ravens 18 Cardinals 26

AMOKAH: Jon’s spoiler alert was that the Cards would batter Baltimore in Monday Night Football. It didn’t really go down like that, but it’s hard to argue with a 11-3 record.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Coach also finished with a flourish by picking the Cards to finish with a pretty respectable score of 8-6.

So there we have it. As a result of this week’s scores the Coaches and Staff’s lead after six rounds has been cut to 54-35 to 52-37. It’s still all to play for, so be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Head to Head: Amokah v Benning

22 Oct
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to see who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

In week one Wide Receiver Chris Cowley took on Club Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster battled out a 6-10 draw which was followed by Head Coach Will White defeating Tight End Jack Judge by a score of 13-3 to 11-5.

Three weeks ago Vice Chairman Mark Chilton edged passed Offensive Lineman and Rookie of the Year Danny Cousins, a fortnight ago Running back Matt Duffin and Running Backs coach Neil Duffy drew 10-4 and last week Treasurer Michael Dilley saw off the challenge of Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher.

Heading into this week where Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah meets Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning, the Coaches and Staff lead the players 46-29 to 41-34.

Let’s see what the weekend has in store…

Seahawks @ 49ers (Thursday Night Football – Sky Sports 1 HD, Friday 01:25)

AMOKAH: The Legion of Boom have been found out! The tape is out on these guys and everyone knows all is not well with the Seahawks Defence. Question is, do Kaepernick and co have what it takes to capitalise? Because with Beast Mode back and the much-anticipated Wilson-Graham connection beginning to blossom, the 49ers D are going to have their hands full. I think they have a lot of upside with Carlos Hyde, and CK has shown he can get the ball to Boldin and Smith, and that’s why the 9ers pip it this week! 49ers to win.

logo_color_squareBENNING: So over the the last couple of seasons this rivalry has been one to watch, this game will be too..but maybe for the wrong reasons. The 2014 NFC title game is a distant memory now. Who has fallen the least in between this season and last? Both teams have a 2-4 record, however when you factor in Russell Wilson’s ability to put points on the 9er’s (nearly three times as many as conceded since he became a starter) you have to go with the Seattle boys. Seahawks to win.

Bills @ Jaguars (International Series – Wembley Stadium)

AMOKAH: The Bills have been the most inconsistent team in the league! Maybe they don’t have an identity under Rex Ryan yet, but as sure as a day is long, they will find it sooner rather than later. In a conference that 8-9 wins could get a playoff spot, the Bills have a compelling reason to decide who they are under Ryan this week in a game that is going to feel more neutral than an away game. With Tyrod Taylor out, it falls to EJ Manuel to find the better form of last season to work into a playoff berth and…screw it, the fact that there is too much going on with the Bills is reason enough to assume the Jags have this! TJ Yeldon is out, but in his place comes the dynamic offensive weapon Dennard Robinson (easy sleeper for this week in fantasy, you heard it hear first), and without the major distraction, the Jags could take this, and are my pick to win this tie. Jaguars win.

logo_color_squareBENNING: In week 1 this actually looked like it might not be as bad a game as it initially looked to me on paper. As in, the Bills looked like they might be a half decent unit and we would get the annual UK romping over the poor Union Jaxs. McCoy? Harvin? What’s not to like? They have however since fallen on inconsistency and so I fear this game will be a bore for all those at WEM-BEER-LEEE on Sunday. Bills to win it, Rambo pick 6….just because he’s called Rambo. Bills to win.

Vikings @ Lions

AMOKAH: I’m going to go on record and say the Lions are too talented to be a 1-5 team. 5th in the league in passing tells it’s own story, but with 3 under-utilised talented backs, not getting much work tells you that Jim Caldwell is not a fan of the running game, since this was the same stuff he pulled with Payton Manning, and Joe Flacco (yes they went on to win Super Bowls under his tutelage, but they still had established running backs who I suspect wouldn’t put up with this). The Vikings have been a one-man organisation for a while and still, Peterson is reliably unstoppable. Lions are at home, and might have an extra dimension if they use the running game, and they should win this with that! But won’t because Jim Caldwell doesn’t like to run! Vikings win.

logo_color_squareBENNING: As a Vikings fan, this one is a no-brainer and luckily we are playing one of the worst teams I’ve seen for a while. Sure the Lions have Megatron, but he’s going to need more than his fair share of Energon cubes to get them through this one. Teddy showed that the Vikes can find some form in the to add to Purple Jesus’s running game. Vikes go 4-2.

Saints @ Colts

AMOKAH: This is personal to me – and I will feel like this for a while – but the Colts are too big for their bridges. I am rooting for, and predicting, the Saints will be all good to part Andrew Luck and co with a W. No questions asked, New Orleans win!

logo_color_squareBENNING: Another game of inconsistent vs incompetent. On paper I should probably go for the Colts, but on the back of Brees and the boys getting the win against the previously undefeated Falcons, I can feel the Saints hitting form. Saints win.

Steelers @ Chiefs

AMOKAH: Since the fall of Big Ben, the Steelers have delivered a masterclass in “Next Man Up”, and getting it done. Something the Chiefs are going to have to learn to do, this week, since the fall of Jamaal Charles. So the Steelers have been doing it longer and this is why they win this week!

logo_color_squareBENNING: When I started playing ball Steelers were THE team. A lot has changed since then and some dark days have lurked, however it seems they are reaching the light at the end of that tunnel. With a 4-2 record so far this season and now playing the Chiefs, happy days in Pittsburgh. So as much as it pains me to pick Mike Keogh’s team…Steelers to win.

Texans @ Dolphins

AMOKAH: Here, we find the two most underachieving defences this year. How Nkomadong Suh doesn’t have the flesh of past quarterbacks between his teeth, this season, is beyond me. But hey, JJ Watt isn’t quite up to the standard we have grown to expect from him either. In fact the only unit I trust in this match up is the Texans offence. With the recent coach changes in Miami, it’s hard to see where the plays are going to come from. Texans win.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Another tough game to call, but for the wrong reasons. Both teams come into this game with losing records so far this season. The ‘Fins look average but do seem to be an improvement on previous seasons. The Texans should be great with the names on that D, but a lackluster O has let them down. However a win in the last game and new Coaches in at the Fins make me go for the guys from the lone star state. Texans to win.

Jets @ Patriots

AMOKAH: There are three things in life you don’t do. You don’t tug on Superman’s Cape, you don’t put Baby in the corner and you sure as hell do not give Belichick and Brady something to prove. And if Deflategate was dying down, all the Colts did last week was open up a fresh wound. Sorry Jets, I like what you are doing, but just not this week! Pats ftw!

logo_color_squareBENNING: Another tough call, but this time for the right reasons. The irresistible force (Pats O) vs the immovable object (Jets D). Post-Rex Ryan Jets look like the team they should have been a few seasons ago, currently 4-1 and looking good for a post-season football bet. The Pats, well are the Pats, when will they stop being good? Currently 5-0, but came from behind in a Monday night shootout! This could be a classic, but I’ll have the Pats to win.

Browns @ Rams

AMOKAH: Nobody wins here, these teams have been indifferent this season. Nick Foles is a far shade from the dude who replaced Michael Vick and torched Tampa Bay two years ago. Joe Haden is missing in action, making this a true coin toss. Yeah, Rams it is.

logo_color_squareBENNING: This won’t be a game for the ages, but could still be surprisingly interesting. Both teams have losing records, however they both have some decent scalps to their names this season. I tried using the Fox Sports predictor to help me with this one…but it went into meltdown. Even in defeat against the Broncos the Browns showed they can put points on the board. So lets go with the Money, Browns to win.

Falcons @ Titans

AMOKAH: What’s not to like about Atlanta? 5-0 (ed-do you want to tell him or shall I?), passing game on point, Devante Freeman a refreshing sight, Defence balling out. And Tennessee aren’t exactly starting fires. Falcons win.

logo_color_squareBENNING: The Falcons dropped the ball big style against the Saints last Thursday. Luckily for them they can regroup against the Titans. The Tennessee squad is very much in development and I doubt they have enough in the locker to put up a real fight. White and Jones to grab a brace each, Falcons to win by 3+ scores.

Buccaneers @ Redskins

AMOKAH: Kirk Cousins, Washington’s answer to a question no one asked. I like what Tampa are trying to do with rookie QB Jamies Winston, but he is not quite fully ready to tear up the league yet. So I am marginally favouring the home side this week. Redskins win.

logo_color_squareBENNING: I’d be impressed if either of these teams managed to win. But sadly in the NFL someone always has to, even the awful teams. The tie-breaker could be the Defence and the Bucs can at least boast their place in the top 5 in both yards against and rushing. Bucs to win by 3 safeties.

Raiders @ Chargers

AMOKAH: With Denver at 5-0, (somehow) this is an opportunity for both sides to pip each other to second spot. With Phillip Rivers propensity to try to be the saviour for the side letting him down, Oakland have a shot at drawing next blood in this sluggish division. And I think they will! Raiders win.

logo_color_squareBENNING: I have to admit to having a soft spot for the Raiders, being a child of the 80’s I can actually remember when they were good…seriously I can! Recent years haven’t been so good for the Silver and Black, however this season they have looked a bit better. Sure they have a losing record so far, but the 3 C’s (Carr, Crabtree and Cooper) do provide a decent threat to any of the other mid-level teams. That brings me on to the Chargers, the no.1 offence in the league so far this season pushes them just out of the mid-level bracket. My heart wants to say Raiders…but I’ll go with my head, Chargers to win.

Cowboys @ Giants

AMOKAH: Cowboys without Romo is something we haven’t seen in a while, predictable! And in a division that nobody seems to want to win, everyone knows exactly how the ‘Boys are going to blow this one. The Defence will hold up, but the offence will continually stall. Provided the Giants turn up. Which they will, as a reaction to the defeat to Philly, Giants win!

logo_color_squareBENNING: Despite the records this could be a great game. I’m not a fan of Romo and I think the Giants D will really get in his face (ed-do you want to tell him or shall I?). Manning, Cruz and Odell Beckham to give the Cowgirls secondary a ‘mare. Giants to win.

Eagles @ Panthers (Sunday Night Football)

AMOKAH: What’s it going to take for the Panthers to be taken seriously? After the comeback against the Seahawks, Carolina are the real deal! Much has been made of Chip Kelly’s trade policy this season, and with reason. Make no mistake, Kelly is a mad man with t team, but not enough to stop Ron Riviera, and co. There is no version of this that Panthers don’t win.

logo_color_squareBENNING: For me the Panthers have been a surprise package this season. Sure we all know Cam is a top draw QB, but it did for a while seem like teams had him figured out. Well I figured wrong. That offence looks great, with a strong running game and the’ve only gone and added my buddy Jared Allen to the D, all be it in what could be his last pro season. Eagles, sadly just don’t have the fire power to stop them. Panthers to go 6-0 and my pick for a Superbowl spot.

Ravens @ Cardinals (MNF)

AMOKAH: BIRD FIGHT!!!! Not really a fight, more of a beat down with Arizona looking to further strengthen their position in the NFC West and the Ravens proving that there are newer ways to lose a game, this isn’t a prediction, this is a spoiler, ARIZONA FOR THE WIN.

logo_color_squareBENNING: Ravens are another team that has fallen from grace in recent times. This season they seem to have hit rock bottom. Flacco and the Cards on the other hand are looking very good with the no.5 ranked Offence. I don’t expect any surprises here, Cards to win by 2 + scores.

Summary

Match Amokah Benning
Seahawks @ 49ers (TNF) 49ers Seahawks
Bills @ Jaguars Jaguars Bills
Vikings @ Lions Vikings Vikings
Saints @ Colts Saints Saints
Steelers @ Chiefs Steelers Steelers
Texans @ Dolphins Texans Texans
Jets @ Patriots Patriots Patriots
Browns @ Rams Rams Browns
Falcons @ Titans Falcons Falcons
Buccaneers @ Redskins Redskins Buccaneers
Raiders @ Chargers Raiders Chargers
Cowboys @ Giants Giants Giants
Eagles @ Panthers (SNF) Panthers Panthers
Ravens @ Cardinals (MNF) Cardinals Cardinals


You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.