Well ladies and gentlemen, with the start of the NFL season being so close I can practically taste it, we have entered a very important time of year for a lot of men (and plenty of women), which is the day of their fantasy football draft. Whether you online draft anonymously from the safety of your man cave or offline draft in Vegas with your buddies (lucky bastard), I can totally understand the dedication and extra work that a true fantasy player will put in to secure the best possible line up. Oftentimes, a well timed sleeper pick up can propel your otherwise average team into fantasy stardom, so for those of you who aren't ESPN Insiders, I offer my FREE advice on the fantasy sleepers that I see a potential value in.
Roy Helu, RB Washington Redskin's
Helu has been a surprising story out of camp for the Redskins this year,as he possesses good size for his position as well as breakaway speed and good hands. The only thing that is holding Helu back from presumably being the starter is the newly acquired Tim Hightower. Hightower is not an elite back, posting a career 3.9 YPC average, but he is a workhorse power back who can catch the ball out of the backfield and is known for his vital blocking abilities in the passing game. The best chance for Helu to leapfrog Hightower is by holding onto the ball, something Hightower has had trouble with in the past. Add to the mix the Mike Shanahan career killing factor, and Helu looks like a dangerous risk. However, the talent and opportunity he has make him worth a roster spot in a deeper league, if you've got the room. Helu is one Hightower injury away from being the feature back for the Redskins, not the tastiest fantasy starter but well worth your time and effort.
Daniel Thomas, RB Miami Dolphins
If you are reading this article and would start Reggie Bush every game as a feature back if you were an NFL GM, please, stand up. Come on, up and at 'em. Seriously, we're all waiting for you to stand up, so we can laugh at you for that funny joke. Okay, so maybe that is a bit tough, but if you haven't been living under a rock and have actually paid attention to the NFL recently, you know that Reggie Bush has had a mediocre, disappointing troll of an NFL career. No team has startedhim as a feature back in years, and no team wants to. He is still fast, and a dangerous player in some settings. But he isn't a 30 carries a game kind of guy. Never has been. That bodes well for 2nd stringer Daniel Thomas, who has alot of upside and could be a nice compliment to Bush, who projects to be a mostly 3rd down back. Thomas has 30lbs on Bush, and could be the logical choice for goal line situations. I hate to reccomend a player on touchdowns alone, because thats a big risk to depend on week in and week out, but if he can get 10-15 carries with a touchdown every game, he becomes a valuable flex play or No.2 RB option. One more note, Reggie Bush has never stayed healthy for an entire NFL season since he's been in the league. Just some food for thought.
Denarius Moore WR, Oakland Raiders
Get ready for a big surprise. The newest WR in the Raiders camp this year is fast. Not Jacoby Ford fast, but fast nonetheless. Okay, no surprise here. Oakland LOVES speedy wideouts, and they have accrued a stable of them over there over the past few seasons. The problem is, none of them have passed 1,000 yards on the season in the past 3 seasons. In fact, no Oakland player has. The closest one for each of those seasons had been TE Zach Miller, now in Seattle. Moore, while most likely not favored to reach that mark this season, has impressed alot of people during his time in Oakland thus far, and with Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy hurt, he will most likely start the season at worst as the no. 3 WR on the team, though I think he could easily be better than Darrius Heyward-Bust, I mean Bey. Moore has alot of potential this year, and possibly even some relevant fantasy value, but like any Raiders player not named Darren McFadden or Michael Bush, be careful how much you trust him on your team.
Delonte Carter, RB Colts
Ok, so Carter is on here not because I personally am excited by what I see out of him, but more because he could have relevant fantasy value in a Colt's backfield that hasn't seen a decent RB since Joseph Addai, 2006 edition. The Colt's have done well despite this missing backfield presence, mostly because of the guy who stands right behind the center. However, Joseph Addai has had almost as many injuries problems as Bob Sanders, and hasn't been relevant for the past two seasons. Donald Brown took the workload last year, but he was a placeholder at best. Brown has a career 3.8 YPC average and his longest run in the NFL has been 49 yards. Honestly, Carter could essentially walk right on as the starter in this backfield and nobody would be surprised. He's a tough runner, a jackhammer at 5-9 225, and could be used all over the field for the Colts. He's certainly not the worst RB in the league, and having the team around him that he does, he is worth a pickup if and when he passes Brown.
Rashad Jennings RB, Jaguars
Jennings is not a rookie, and he certainly is known by at least some fantasy owners for the work he put in while MJD wasn't shredding defenses last year. He is substantially bigger than Maurice Jones- Drew, which is to be expected, and just about as fast. He is a good pass catcher out of the backfield, just like MJD, and averaged a superb 5.5 YPC last season on 84 attempts. Jennings will be able to carve out flex value in this back field because of his ability to make a big play anytime he touches the ball. The Jaguars will likely use these two as a compliment to each other, change of pace running strategy which could give Jennings anywhere from 8-15 carries a game. Combine that with an expanded role in the passing game, and Jennings may become worth a roster spot this season.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
NCAA probe of Miami could make a big splash in college football.
Honestly, I'm done.
That's what I tell myself every time I see another school breaking NCAA rules and getting a slap on the wrist for it. I tell myself that college football is ruined, that the cheating and the lies and the crooks have defiled it to its very core. I turn away in disgust and invest myself further in the NFL, hardly a role model of a league itself. You know I used to let my friend tell me that college sports were better because they had a "college atmosphere" and weren't a bunch of spoiled rich guys playing a game and taking away the love of the game, like the pro sports were. I DO NOT know why I ever listened to him try and tell me that. Of course, all the wonderful offenses that have come up in the past few years by such schools as USC, West Virginia, Ohio State and now Miami weren't public knowledge back then. Nowadays we are finding more and more things that were continuously swept under the rug and covered up for years, and they ave pushed college football to the breaking point. When my favorite college team, Indiana, was caught cheating in the Kelvin Sampson scandal, he would rag on me non-stop about it. I had no better defense, so I relied on the simple and entirely unproveable phrase "every college team is cheating somehow, Indiana just got caught". I used to say that to end the conversation, but now I'm starting to see that statement was right on the money. A large portion of the biggest college teams in the country have all taken their turn on the hot seat, as they rack up more and more violations. Its starting to make my head spin, and every new violation makes me love college football a little less.
However, I think there could be a light at the end of the tunnel here. Miami has done a great job in volunteering to be the guinea pig for the NCAA's new no nonsense approach to discipline. I think there is no question that Miami should receive the death penalty, the vaunted punishment that has only been used five times in NCAA history. It would completely shut down Miami's football program for a year, giving them a huge financial loss, as well as nationwide prestige loss and embarrassment. My reasoning is that if the NCAA makes a harsh example out of "the U", other big schools would definitely think twice about allowing or facilitating NCAA violations. I don't know how many honest schools there are out there. I'd like to extend the benefit of the doubt to any school who doesn't have a record of cheating already, but I'm not so sure If I can these days. If the smaller schools are trying to compete with the big schools, and the big programs are all cheating to get ahead, that puts the small schools at a distinct disadvantage, unless they cheat as well.
At this point, I still enjoy college football. I believe alot of people still do, but at the current rate these schools are tarnishing the game, fans won't stay for long. This game is a broken, abused thing. It is having alot of trouble cleaning up its act and returning to its old ways. I just hope the NCAA changes something fast, before me and other fans finally give up on college football and start tuning in to the CFL.
That's what I tell myself every time I see another school breaking NCAA rules and getting a slap on the wrist for it. I tell myself that college football is ruined, that the cheating and the lies and the crooks have defiled it to its very core. I turn away in disgust and invest myself further in the NFL, hardly a role model of a league itself. You know I used to let my friend tell me that college sports were better because they had a "college atmosphere" and weren't a bunch of spoiled rich guys playing a game and taking away the love of the game, like the pro sports were. I DO NOT know why I ever listened to him try and tell me that. Of course, all the wonderful offenses that have come up in the past few years by such schools as USC, West Virginia, Ohio State and now Miami weren't public knowledge back then. Nowadays we are finding more and more things that were continuously swept under the rug and covered up for years, and they ave pushed college football to the breaking point. When my favorite college team, Indiana, was caught cheating in the Kelvin Sampson scandal, he would rag on me non-stop about it. I had no better defense, so I relied on the simple and entirely unproveable phrase "every college team is cheating somehow, Indiana just got caught". I used to say that to end the conversation, but now I'm starting to see that statement was right on the money. A large portion of the biggest college teams in the country have all taken their turn on the hot seat, as they rack up more and more violations. Its starting to make my head spin, and every new violation makes me love college football a little less.
However, I think there could be a light at the end of the tunnel here. Miami has done a great job in volunteering to be the guinea pig for the NCAA's new no nonsense approach to discipline. I think there is no question that Miami should receive the death penalty, the vaunted punishment that has only been used five times in NCAA history. It would completely shut down Miami's football program for a year, giving them a huge financial loss, as well as nationwide prestige loss and embarrassment. My reasoning is that if the NCAA makes a harsh example out of "the U", other big schools would definitely think twice about allowing or facilitating NCAA violations. I don't know how many honest schools there are out there. I'd like to extend the benefit of the doubt to any school who doesn't have a record of cheating already, but I'm not so sure If I can these days. If the smaller schools are trying to compete with the big schools, and the big programs are all cheating to get ahead, that puts the small schools at a distinct disadvantage, unless they cheat as well.
At this point, I still enjoy college football. I believe alot of people still do, but at the current rate these schools are tarnishing the game, fans won't stay for long. This game is a broken, abused thing. It is having alot of trouble cleaning up its act and returning to its old ways. I just hope the NCAA changes something fast, before me and other fans finally give up on college football and start tuning in to the CFL.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
What to look forward to this NFL season
The National Football League has always been one of the most liquid of the professional sports leagues, and this season has been no different. The NFL has the ability to attract all sorts of attention from all sorts of people, anytime something of any significance happens. I took it upon myself to list a few of the things that I think will be the more interesting story lines of this season.
1. Rookie Quarterbacks and their first NFL starts
Always an exciting topic no doubt, this subject takes on an especially interesting twist this year as heralded rookie Cam Newton looks to lead the Panthers out of their perennial cellar slot. Joining him as potential rookie starters are Colin Kapernick in San Fransisco, Andy Dalton in Cincinnati and possibly Christian Ponder in Minnesota. Honestly, I don't care which teams these guys are on, or what kind of cruddy offense they inherit, I am hard pressed to find a reason why any one of these guys should start a game this year. It just doesn't make much sense at this point in their career. Desperation is a stinky cologne, and the NFL stinks rather badly this year.
2. The ugly, horrifying, sad downfall of the Cincinnati Bengals
I'm thinking of a team who swept their division, showing sustainable levels of brilliant play behind good, not great, but solid, hardworking players. This team amazed NFL fans everywhere, especially those in their hometown. They talked the talk and walked the walk. This team was the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals. Yes, just two years removed from a truly great season, and the Bengals are looking down the barrel of a pitiful season. The worst part? This team is essentially the same as the 2009 team, minus a few players. Yes, their best WR is gone in Chad Ochocinco, and yes, they no longer want Carson Palmer as their quarterback, but otherwise this team has mostly the same players, coach and chance to win as the 2009 team did. Held back by the vanity of their owner and the recent lapses by coach Marvin Lewis, this team is not headed to the promised land.
3. The National Flag Football League
I don't take credit for that term, that honor belongs to about 20 separate NFL players who are all upset about the NFL led crackdown on hits that have always been a staple of football since its invention. Excessive fines and the threat of suspensions have led many players to a state of confusion, where they can't draw the line between a "dangerous" hit and a hit they were trained to do their whole life. Honestly, I've tried to rationalize the standpoint of the NFL for months now, and i'm tired of it. Every NFL player understands the risk they take when they step out onto the field, yet the commissioner seeks to further restrict the game to make football less dangerous. This task is impossible. Football is a dangerous and highly physical game. Ask Eric LeGrand. Ask Kevin Everett. This game has the potential to permanently alter the life of anyone who plays it. However, its benefits are tenfold in number compared to the risks. The NFL yearns to be progressive and safety minded, yet its players are fighting tooth and nail to keep it the same way. Let the players have what they want. Let the fans have what they want. Let football be football.
So there you have it, 3 big issues that will be prevalent throughout the NFL season. If you agree or disagree on anything, let me know in the comments. Keep reading and don't forget to sign up and follow my blog! >>
1. Rookie Quarterbacks and their first NFL starts
Always an exciting topic no doubt, this subject takes on an especially interesting twist this year as heralded rookie Cam Newton looks to lead the Panthers out of their perennial cellar slot. Joining him as potential rookie starters are Colin Kapernick in San Fransisco, Andy Dalton in Cincinnati and possibly Christian Ponder in Minnesota. Honestly, I don't care which teams these guys are on, or what kind of cruddy offense they inherit, I am hard pressed to find a reason why any one of these guys should start a game this year. It just doesn't make much sense at this point in their career. Desperation is a stinky cologne, and the NFL stinks rather badly this year.
2. The ugly, horrifying, sad downfall of the Cincinnati Bengals
I'm thinking of a team who swept their division, showing sustainable levels of brilliant play behind good, not great, but solid, hardworking players. This team amazed NFL fans everywhere, especially those in their hometown. They talked the talk and walked the walk. This team was the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals. Yes, just two years removed from a truly great season, and the Bengals are looking down the barrel of a pitiful season. The worst part? This team is essentially the same as the 2009 team, minus a few players. Yes, their best WR is gone in Chad Ochocinco, and yes, they no longer want Carson Palmer as their quarterback, but otherwise this team has mostly the same players, coach and chance to win as the 2009 team did. Held back by the vanity of their owner and the recent lapses by coach Marvin Lewis, this team is not headed to the promised land.
3. The National Flag Football League
I don't take credit for that term, that honor belongs to about 20 separate NFL players who are all upset about the NFL led crackdown on hits that have always been a staple of football since its invention. Excessive fines and the threat of suspensions have led many players to a state of confusion, where they can't draw the line between a "dangerous" hit and a hit they were trained to do their whole life. Honestly, I've tried to rationalize the standpoint of the NFL for months now, and i'm tired of it. Every NFL player understands the risk they take when they step out onto the field, yet the commissioner seeks to further restrict the game to make football less dangerous. This task is impossible. Football is a dangerous and highly physical game. Ask Eric LeGrand. Ask Kevin Everett. This game has the potential to permanently alter the life of anyone who plays it. However, its benefits are tenfold in number compared to the risks. The NFL yearns to be progressive and safety minded, yet its players are fighting tooth and nail to keep it the same way. Let the players have what they want. Let the fans have what they want. Let football be football.
So there you have it, 3 big issues that will be prevalent throughout the NFL season. If you agree or disagree on anything, let me know in the comments. Keep reading and don't forget to sign up and follow my blog! >>
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Questions for the new NFL season
Heading into this new and exciting NFL season, there is alot of buzz around the NFL, mostly around a few select subjects. Everyone involved with sports has their own opinions on these subjects, so I thought I'd share mine to add another perspective to the mix.
Question #1 Are the Philadelphia Eagles for real this season after their aggressive off season?
Well, first off, I have to applaud this team and its front office for having a plan when the free agency period began, and for going out and making it happen seemingly effortlessly and in a very low key manner. Indeed, it wasn't until the 3 or 4th day that people started to notice how many proven talents were headed to Philly. I see a few tough games on their schedule this year, @ the Falcons in week 2, versus the Patriots in week 12 and the Jets in week 15. Talent wise, I think the Eagles have enough talent on this team to drub anyone else on their schedule. This past year, the Miami Heat already showed us that you can stack talent on a team and get to the Big Ticket game, and the Eagles have something the Heat didn't. A coach.
Question #2 Who starts the season at QB in Denver and who finishes the season at QB, barring injuries?
Statistically, I have to give the ball to Kyle Orton. The man threw for 3600 yards and 20 touchdowns with only 9 picks. His 60% pass completion percentage wasn't spectacular but he established good chemistry with receiver Brandon Lloyd. He went 3-10 as a starter last season, hardly spectacular consider the breakout season he had, statistically. Tebow, on the other hand, can do no wrong in the eyes of some Broncos fans, but if you take a look at his production, you'll see he only completed about 50% of his passes on his way to throwing 5 touchdowns and 3 picks. Look, I strongly believe in the phrase choose the lesser of two evils when it comes to NFL QB's, and when you don't have a Tom Brady or a Peyton Manning around, you have to go with the next best thing. And in Denver, that's Kyle Orton. Orton will hold onto the starting job for a while, but if the team starts to underperform and fans start calling for Tebow, I don't think coach John Fox will wait long to put in the young buck, most likely for the remainder of the season.
Question #3 Which team will be the worst in the NFL this year?
Interestingly enough, there are a few possible contenders, but no clear cut favorite. I think there are a few teams that will do poorly, but none that I think have a good shot of going 2-14 or worse. If you've read my NFC prediction articles, I predicted a bad season for the Redskins due to their ineptitude at QB, and I think the Vikings, Titans and Panthers could also be quite bad. Detroit will NOT be on this list this year, as they have finally figured out how to rebuild and are moving up in the world. However, my pick for worst team this year goes to the hapless Bengals, who showed their immaturity several times during the lockout. Two player arrests and the abscence of anything decent at QB has me wishing that they had decided to trade disgruntled QB Carson Palmer away for something of value, instead of making him retire just to be stubborn. If I were a Bengals fan, I wouldn't go to the games this season. Any of them. I mean, why should the fans pay top dollar for tickets to see their team get creamed this year, when the front office could have tried to prevent it? I think the Bengals stumble through a few wins this season, get blown out a lot, and get shut out several times. Things are BLEAK in Cincy only two years after they swept their division. Talk about a turnaround.
Question #4 Does the streak of injuries in the Lions camp mean the same old Lions are coming back?
Look, there is no curse on the Lions. Everything they've gone through, all the failure they've dealt with, has all been on the team and the front office. This team has had a losing mentality for so long, they don't know how to win. They could do very well this year record wise and absolutely choke if they make it to the playoffs, and thats just because they don't know how to play at that level. The best thing they can do is take care of their bodies, stay healthy, stay rested, and play each game with the same level of intensity. These Lions players are well aware that they hold their destiny in the palm of their hands, and this opportunity is entirely what they make of it.
Question #5 Who is the breakout player of the year this season?
Plaxico Burress, one of the games best wideouts before his self inflicted gunshot wound brought a prison sentence and a stop to his career. Now, two years later, he is out of prison, back in football shape and ready to play football again. His 6'5" frame and good speed have made him a top wide receiver in the league when hes healthy and happy, which he is now, once again. I think Plaxico makes up for lost time this season in a big way, just as Michael Vick has done after his release from prison.
Question #1 Are the Philadelphia Eagles for real this season after their aggressive off season?
Well, first off, I have to applaud this team and its front office for having a plan when the free agency period began, and for going out and making it happen seemingly effortlessly and in a very low key manner. Indeed, it wasn't until the 3 or 4th day that people started to notice how many proven talents were headed to Philly. I see a few tough games on their schedule this year, @ the Falcons in week 2, versus the Patriots in week 12 and the Jets in week 15. Talent wise, I think the Eagles have enough talent on this team to drub anyone else on their schedule. This past year, the Miami Heat already showed us that you can stack talent on a team and get to the Big Ticket game, and the Eagles have something the Heat didn't. A coach.
Question #2 Who starts the season at QB in Denver and who finishes the season at QB, barring injuries?
Statistically, I have to give the ball to Kyle Orton. The man threw for 3600 yards and 20 touchdowns with only 9 picks. His 60% pass completion percentage wasn't spectacular but he established good chemistry with receiver Brandon Lloyd. He went 3-10 as a starter last season, hardly spectacular consider the breakout season he had, statistically. Tebow, on the other hand, can do no wrong in the eyes of some Broncos fans, but if you take a look at his production, you'll see he only completed about 50% of his passes on his way to throwing 5 touchdowns and 3 picks. Look, I strongly believe in the phrase choose the lesser of two evils when it comes to NFL QB's, and when you don't have a Tom Brady or a Peyton Manning around, you have to go with the next best thing. And in Denver, that's Kyle Orton. Orton will hold onto the starting job for a while, but if the team starts to underperform and fans start calling for Tebow, I don't think coach John Fox will wait long to put in the young buck, most likely for the remainder of the season.
Question #3 Which team will be the worst in the NFL this year?
Interestingly enough, there are a few possible contenders, but no clear cut favorite. I think there are a few teams that will do poorly, but none that I think have a good shot of going 2-14 or worse. If you've read my NFC prediction articles, I predicted a bad season for the Redskins due to their ineptitude at QB, and I think the Vikings, Titans and Panthers could also be quite bad. Detroit will NOT be on this list this year, as they have finally figured out how to rebuild and are moving up in the world. However, my pick for worst team this year goes to the hapless Bengals, who showed their immaturity several times during the lockout. Two player arrests and the abscence of anything decent at QB has me wishing that they had decided to trade disgruntled QB Carson Palmer away for something of value, instead of making him retire just to be stubborn. If I were a Bengals fan, I wouldn't go to the games this season. Any of them. I mean, why should the fans pay top dollar for tickets to see their team get creamed this year, when the front office could have tried to prevent it? I think the Bengals stumble through a few wins this season, get blown out a lot, and get shut out several times. Things are BLEAK in Cincy only two years after they swept their division. Talk about a turnaround.
Question #4 Does the streak of injuries in the Lions camp mean the same old Lions are coming back?
Look, there is no curse on the Lions. Everything they've gone through, all the failure they've dealt with, has all been on the team and the front office. This team has had a losing mentality for so long, they don't know how to win. They could do very well this year record wise and absolutely choke if they make it to the playoffs, and thats just because they don't know how to play at that level. The best thing they can do is take care of their bodies, stay healthy, stay rested, and play each game with the same level of intensity. These Lions players are well aware that they hold their destiny in the palm of their hands, and this opportunity is entirely what they make of it.
Question #5 Who is the breakout player of the year this season?
Plaxico Burress, one of the games best wideouts before his self inflicted gunshot wound brought a prison sentence and a stop to his career. Now, two years later, he is out of prison, back in football shape and ready to play football again. His 6'5" frame and good speed have made him a top wide receiver in the league when hes healthy and happy, which he is now, once again. I think Plaxico makes up for lost time this season in a big way, just as Michael Vick has done after his release from prison.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Preseason Predictions NFC West
Last season, the NFC West was both confusing and incredibly frustrating to watch, as none of the four teams in the division seemed either capable or motivated to win the division. Whether by a lack of motivation, clutch performance or just general talent, none of the teams in this division were able to gain separation from the others, and the division was up for grabs all season long. Going into this season, I’d like to think, and thus I’ll predict, that one of these four teams MIGHT ACTUALLY try to win the division by a measurable margin.
Arizona Cardinals
Last Season Overall: 5-11 (NFC West: 1-5)
Prediction 8-8 overall (NFC West 4-2)
Talk about a team who knows what they need, the Cardinals entered free agency with one goal in mind, one target in plain sight, and they went out and got the best free agent QB available, Kevin Kolb. I saw this team play last year, and other than a gaping hole at the QB slot, I firmly believed that the team was pretty good, based on talent alone. With Kolb passing to Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald, look for the Cardinals to take control of their division outright, but otherwise be fairly average against the rest of the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks
Last season Overall: 7-9 (NFC West: 4-2)
Prediction 4-12 overall (1-5 NFC West)
As the eventual winners of the division last year at a paltry 7-9, the Seahawks gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “winning isn’t everything”. They became the first team in NFL history to win their division by finishing a complete season under .500. This angered a lot of fans, many who felt that other teams deserved the spot more than the flimsy ‘Hawks. This year, they have a tough schedule, a second rate cast off QB and no great new additions. It’ll be a disappointing season for the Seahawks as they take a big step backwards. That’s what happens when you choose to make Charlie Whitehurst your starting QB.
San Fransisco 49er’s
Last season Overall: 6-10 (NFC West: 4-2)
Prediction 6-10 overall (NFC West 3-3)
Not much changes for the 49er’s this season, as first year coach Jim Harbaugh will be more focused on grooming draft prize QB Colin Kaepernick into the franchise QB than rushing the team into trying to win immediately. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball still, and will not have trouble winning enough games to be about average in this league. Much more than that, well that I can’t promise.
St. Louis Rams
Last season Overall: 7-9 (NFC West: 3-3)
Prediction 8-8 overall (NFC West 4-2)
I don’t know how the Rams managed to hang as many wins up as they did last year, but they seem to be doing something right down there. After years of mediocrity and at times, downright horrible play, the Rams have rallied around the leadership of young Sam Bradford and, like Tampa Bay, seem to be rebuilding in the right way ahem* Detroit Lions*. I think this team could challenge for the division this year, but I think they might have a hard time getting past Arizona and Kevin Kolb. And if you don’t recognize anyone that Sam Bradford is throwing to these days, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Arizona Cardinals
Last Season Overall: 5-11 (NFC West: 1-5)
Prediction 8-8 overall (NFC West 4-2)
Talk about a team who knows what they need, the Cardinals entered free agency with one goal in mind, one target in plain sight, and they went out and got the best free agent QB available, Kevin Kolb. I saw this team play last year, and other than a gaping hole at the QB slot, I firmly believed that the team was pretty good, based on talent alone. With Kolb passing to Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald, look for the Cardinals to take control of their division outright, but otherwise be fairly average against the rest of the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks
Last season Overall: 7-9 (NFC West: 4-2)
Prediction 4-12 overall (1-5 NFC West)
As the eventual winners of the division last year at a paltry 7-9, the Seahawks gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “winning isn’t everything”. They became the first team in NFL history to win their division by finishing a complete season under .500. This angered a lot of fans, many who felt that other teams deserved the spot more than the flimsy ‘Hawks. This year, they have a tough schedule, a second rate cast off QB and no great new additions. It’ll be a disappointing season for the Seahawks as they take a big step backwards. That’s what happens when you choose to make Charlie Whitehurst your starting QB.
San Fransisco 49er’s
Last season Overall: 6-10 (NFC West: 4-2)
Prediction 6-10 overall (NFC West 3-3)
Not much changes for the 49er’s this season, as first year coach Jim Harbaugh will be more focused on grooming draft prize QB Colin Kaepernick into the franchise QB than rushing the team into trying to win immediately. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball still, and will not have trouble winning enough games to be about average in this league. Much more than that, well that I can’t promise.
St. Louis Rams
Last season Overall: 7-9 (NFC West: 3-3)
Prediction 8-8 overall (NFC West 4-2)
I don’t know how the Rams managed to hang as many wins up as they did last year, but they seem to be doing something right down there. After years of mediocrity and at times, downright horrible play, the Rams have rallied around the leadership of young Sam Bradford and, like Tampa Bay, seem to be rebuilding in the right way ahem* Detroit Lions*. I think this team could challenge for the division this year, but I think they might have a hard time getting past Arizona and Kevin Kolb. And if you don’t recognize anyone that Sam Bradford is throwing to these days, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
NFC South Predictions
Atlanta Falcons
Last Season overall: 13-3 (NFC South: 5-1)
Prediction 11-5 overall (NFC South 4-2)
Atlanta has definitely done well for itself since the days of Michael Vick, striking a jackpot with its new superstar QB Matt Ryan. Coupled with the development of WR Roddy White and a strong running game, and Atlanta looks to once again be a dominant force in the NFC South and a challenger for the division title. They will be hard pressed to win the division outright, as the New Orleans Saints look to be the preseason favorite to win the division.
New Orleans Saints
Overall: 11-5 (NFC South: 4-2)
Prediction 13-3 overall (NFC South 5-1)
The Saints are probably the best prepared of any team for the new season, as they ran optional team practices even throughout the NFL Lockout, and retained a top 3 NFL quarterback in Drew Brees. The biggest challenges for New Orleans will be cutting down on turnovers( (27 last season, 22 from Brees) and forcing many more on defense, as they did in 2010 when they won the Super Bowl. If they can breathe new life into the run game, they won’t put as much pressure on Brees to force throws and will likely turn the ball over less.
Carolina Panthers
Overall: 2-14 (NFC South: 0-6)
Prediction 3-13 overall (NFC South 0-6)
New Coach Ron Rivera and rookie QB sensation Cam Newton hope to improve on the Panther’s 2-14 season last year, which they probably will, but not much. If Newton is to succeed and live up to his hype, the O-Line MUST protect him better than they did Jimmy Clausen (50 sacks given up last season). Newton may not be as good as they say he is, but we’ll never know if he can’t ever get a good pass attempt off without getting sacked. Don’t expect much from the Panthers this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall: 10-6vs NFC South: 3-3
Prediction 8-8 (NFC South 3-3)
The Bucs are in an improvement stage, as they continue to accrue and develop young talent in their organization. With a successful young QB in Josh Freeman and capable wideouts Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn, the Bucs mostly need their defense to tighten up and allow the team to advance to new levels. Coach Raheem Morris has them heading in the right direction, and in a couple years, this team could be possibly be reaching the NFC Championship game.
Last Season overall: 13-3 (NFC South: 5-1)
Prediction 11-5 overall (NFC South 4-2)
Atlanta has definitely done well for itself since the days of Michael Vick, striking a jackpot with its new superstar QB Matt Ryan. Coupled with the development of WR Roddy White and a strong running game, and Atlanta looks to once again be a dominant force in the NFC South and a challenger for the division title. They will be hard pressed to win the division outright, as the New Orleans Saints look to be the preseason favorite to win the division.
New Orleans Saints
Overall: 11-5 (NFC South: 4-2)
Prediction 13-3 overall (NFC South 5-1)
The Saints are probably the best prepared of any team for the new season, as they ran optional team practices even throughout the NFL Lockout, and retained a top 3 NFL quarterback in Drew Brees. The biggest challenges for New Orleans will be cutting down on turnovers( (27 last season, 22 from Brees) and forcing many more on defense, as they did in 2010 when they won the Super Bowl. If they can breathe new life into the run game, they won’t put as much pressure on Brees to force throws and will likely turn the ball over less.
Carolina Panthers
Overall: 2-14 (NFC South: 0-6)
Prediction 3-13 overall (NFC South 0-6)
New Coach Ron Rivera and rookie QB sensation Cam Newton hope to improve on the Panther’s 2-14 season last year, which they probably will, but not much. If Newton is to succeed and live up to his hype, the O-Line MUST protect him better than they did Jimmy Clausen (50 sacks given up last season). Newton may not be as good as they say he is, but we’ll never know if he can’t ever get a good pass attempt off without getting sacked. Don’t expect much from the Panthers this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall: 10-6vs NFC South: 3-3
Prediction 8-8 (NFC South 3-3)
The Bucs are in an improvement stage, as they continue to accrue and develop young talent in their organization. With a successful young QB in Josh Freeman and capable wideouts Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn, the Bucs mostly need their defense to tighten up and allow the team to advance to new levels. Coach Raheem Morris has them heading in the right direction, and in a couple years, this team could be possibly be reaching the NFC Championship game.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Preseason Predictions- NFC East
As we approach the beginning of the NFL season, I’d like to offer up my predictions for how well the teams in the NFC East will stack up this season against the rest of the NFL as well as in their own division. Lets start with the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia Eagles- Last Season 10-6 overall (4-2 NFC East)
Prediction 11-5 overall (4-2 NFC East)
The Eagles have had a very busy off season, amassing a lot of talent to seemingly make a strong one year push to the Super Bowl. Many of these veterans have shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but it remains to be seen if they can perform in that manner for the Eagles. I’m looking forward to seeing the Eagles loaded secondary shut down opposing quarterbacks, as they certainly have the talent to do so. Labeled the NFL’s “Dream Team”, I predict the Eagles will accomplish their goal and take their division and head to the NFC Championship game. If everything goes well and the team stays healthy, I believe they could even secure a Super Bowl berth. Of course, this all depends on the rest of the NFC East just laying down and taking a sound whipping, something I don’t think longtime rival Dallas will allow.
And speaking of the Dallas Cowboys….
Dallas Cowboys-Last Season 6-10 overall (3-3 NFC East)
Prediction 9-7 overall (NFC East 3-3)
Coming off of a disappointing season, and having done nothing of value in free agency, I put the Dallas Cowboys on pace for another losing season UNLESS Tony Romo plays much better than last year and stays healthy. With first year head coach Jason Garrett at the helm and without receiving any new talent in the off season, the Cowboys will most likely not wow any of us this year, winning just enough games to stay relevant, and ultimately falling short.
And since we are on the topic of short, Washington WR/KR Brandon Banks might be one of the shortest NFL players to ever grace the TV screens of Sportscenter, scraping the skies at a daunting 5 ft, 7 inches. Honestly though, he’s good at what he does. Look him up.
Washington Redskins- Last season 6-10 overall (2-4 NFC East)
Prediction 4-13 overall (2-4 NFC East)
Ouch. At 4-13, the Redskins would end up near the bottom of the league, and I’m failr certain that is where they will end up. Last year, the Redskins had semi-capable QB Donovan McNabb and a career year from WR Santana Moss to lead their offense, but with John Beck at QB this year, they are due for a let down. And down is exactly where they will go. Moss will not be able to follow up last season with another great year, and with the passing game failing, the pressure on the mediocre run game will rise. The Redskin’s desperately needed a QB this offseason, but chose to allow Rex Grossman and John Beck to fight for the position of starting QB. I don’t see a winner, regardless of who starts.
New York Giants- Last Season 10-6 overall (3-3 NFC East)
Prediction 7-9 overall (3-3 NFC East)
One Giant mistake. More like a team full of giant mistakes, as the G-Men let Desean Jackson define their entire 2010 season in just one tragic play. That was last season in a nutshell for the Giants, a season in which they made way too many sloppy mistakes to be as good as they could have been. The good news is that they have managed to re-sign almost all of their key players from last year. The bad news is that they didn't add talent, they didn't get better through free agency, like the Eagles did. To remain competitive with a division rival, a team must always be trying to make themselves better than the other team, and I haven't seen the Giants trying to do that at all heading into this season. They seemed content to retain the status quo, and I predict their record will reflect that apathy. Of course, the Giants do have a powerful offense, with Eli Manning throwing to such targets as Mario Manningham, Kevin Boss and Hakeem Nicks, and they still have a few great defenders, such as Osi Umenyora and Justin Tuck. The Giants have the potential to be quite good, they just need to make good plays in the clutch.
Well, that wraps up my predictions for the NFC East, let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree on anything. Also, invite your friends to read and join in on my blog.
Philadelphia Eagles- Last Season 10-6 overall (4-2 NFC East)
Prediction 11-5 overall (4-2 NFC East)
The Eagles have had a very busy off season, amassing a lot of talent to seemingly make a strong one year push to the Super Bowl. Many of these veterans have shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but it remains to be seen if they can perform in that manner for the Eagles. I’m looking forward to seeing the Eagles loaded secondary shut down opposing quarterbacks, as they certainly have the talent to do so. Labeled the NFL’s “Dream Team”, I predict the Eagles will accomplish their goal and take their division and head to the NFC Championship game. If everything goes well and the team stays healthy, I believe they could even secure a Super Bowl berth. Of course, this all depends on the rest of the NFC East just laying down and taking a sound whipping, something I don’t think longtime rival Dallas will allow.
And speaking of the Dallas Cowboys….
Dallas Cowboys-Last Season 6-10 overall (3-3 NFC East)
Prediction 9-7 overall (NFC East 3-3)
Coming off of a disappointing season, and having done nothing of value in free agency, I put the Dallas Cowboys on pace for another losing season UNLESS Tony Romo plays much better than last year and stays healthy. With first year head coach Jason Garrett at the helm and without receiving any new talent in the off season, the Cowboys will most likely not wow any of us this year, winning just enough games to stay relevant, and ultimately falling short.
And since we are on the topic of short, Washington WR/KR Brandon Banks might be one of the shortest NFL players to ever grace the TV screens of Sportscenter, scraping the skies at a daunting 5 ft, 7 inches. Honestly though, he’s good at what he does. Look him up.
Washington Redskins- Last season 6-10 overall (2-4 NFC East)
Prediction 4-13 overall (2-4 NFC East)
Ouch. At 4-13, the Redskins would end up near the bottom of the league, and I’m failr certain that is where they will end up. Last year, the Redskins had semi-capable QB Donovan McNabb and a career year from WR Santana Moss to lead their offense, but with John Beck at QB this year, they are due for a let down. And down is exactly where they will go. Moss will not be able to follow up last season with another great year, and with the passing game failing, the pressure on the mediocre run game will rise. The Redskin’s desperately needed a QB this offseason, but chose to allow Rex Grossman and John Beck to fight for the position of starting QB. I don’t see a winner, regardless of who starts.
New York Giants- Last Season 10-6 overall (3-3 NFC East)
Prediction 7-9 overall (3-3 NFC East)
One Giant mistake. More like a team full of giant mistakes, as the G-Men let Desean Jackson define their entire 2010 season in just one tragic play. That was last season in a nutshell for the Giants, a season in which they made way too many sloppy mistakes to be as good as they could have been. The good news is that they have managed to re-sign almost all of their key players from last year. The bad news is that they didn't add talent, they didn't get better through free agency, like the Eagles did. To remain competitive with a division rival, a team must always be trying to make themselves better than the other team, and I haven't seen the Giants trying to do that at all heading into this season. They seemed content to retain the status quo, and I predict their record will reflect that apathy. Of course, the Giants do have a powerful offense, with Eli Manning throwing to such targets as Mario Manningham, Kevin Boss and Hakeem Nicks, and they still have a few great defenders, such as Osi Umenyora and Justin Tuck. The Giants have the potential to be quite good, they just need to make good plays in the clutch.
Well, that wraps up my predictions for the NFC East, let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree on anything. Also, invite your friends to read and join in on my blog.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Preseason Picks: NFC North
Well, since we know that there will in fact be an NFL season, and since we have all witnessed the frantic trades and free agent pickups by NFL teams, I am now going to detail my favorites to win each division and the (predicted) records of that divisions teams.
Minnesota Vikings- Last Season 6-10 overall (1-5 NFC North)
Prediction: 7-9 overall 1-5 NFC North
The Vikings used the free agent period to address a pressing need by signing Donovan McNabb at QB, a position vacated by Brett Favre retiring. Again. However, they lost top receiver Sidney Rice to free agency, leaving them with TE Visanthe Shiancoe and injury prone Percy Harvin to carry the receiving load, something neither one is capable of. They lost DE Ray Edwards to free agency, which further reduces the efficiency of its aging defense. The only saving grace for Minnesota is the opportunity to develop franchise QB hopeful Christian Ponder under the coaching of good QB in Donovan McNabb.
Green Bay Packers- Last Season 10-6 overall (4-2 NFC North)
Prediction- 11-5 overall 4-2 NFC North)
Green Bay had a rather unprofitable free agent period ,losing two proven linemen in Cullen Jenkins and Daryn Colledge, as well as veteran LB Nick Barnett. The Pack will have to find a more productive and stable solution in the running game, or they will find it more difficult to work their passing game. Overall, I think the Cheesehead’s success walks hand in hand with the kind of season that QB Aaron Rodgers has. Rodgers has the ability to completely take over a game and if he stays healthy and productive, Green Bay should be in serious contention to win the NFC North.
Chicago Bears- Last Season 11-5 overall (5-1 NFC North)
Prediction- 9-7 overall (4-2 NFC North)
Chicago had a very deceptive season last year. Two of the teams 11 wins came on controversial calls against the Detroit Lions, and the offense was anything but consistent. As is always the case with Chicago, it was the defense keeping them in games week in and week out, and the offense occasionally stepping in to make an appearance. This season, the Bears will need Jay Cutler and their offense to step up and take some pressure off of the defense. They have a tough schedule, facing a lot of pass happy teams, who can exploit their mediocre pass defense and bypass their tough run defense altogether. Matt Forte has really grown to be a multi-threat back, but may struggle to find open running lanes with the loss of 13 year veteran C Olin Kruetz to free agency.
Detroit Lions-Last season 6-10 overall (2-4 NFC North)
Prediction- 10-6 overall (4-2 NFC North)
Listen. I know its crazy to predict a winning season for the Lions these days, but if they play to their potential and Matt Stafford stops imitating a piece of fine China, I think the Lions could be on the path to great things. The addition of Ndamukong Suh put the Lions defense on the map. The addition of Nick Fairley, provided that he plays like the Nick Fairely that made him so dominant in college, makes the D-line in Detroit scarier than a blind date in Compton. Honestly, a lot of guys in this league chase quarterbacks. Ndamukong Suh hunts them down and throws them around like rag dolls. Teams see this and try to stop him. And when they double team or triple team him, then they will let Nick Fairley free. Or Kyle Vanden Bosch. Or Cliff Avril. Go ahead and doubt Detroit. Pick them to finish where they always have, at the bottom. But this is a dark horse team and they will be a much better team this year than in years past.
Minnesota Vikings- Last Season 6-10 overall (1-5 NFC North)
Prediction: 7-9 overall 1-5 NFC North
The Vikings used the free agent period to address a pressing need by signing Donovan McNabb at QB, a position vacated by Brett Favre retiring. Again. However, they lost top receiver Sidney Rice to free agency, leaving them with TE Visanthe Shiancoe and injury prone Percy Harvin to carry the receiving load, something neither one is capable of. They lost DE Ray Edwards to free agency, which further reduces the efficiency of its aging defense. The only saving grace for Minnesota is the opportunity to develop franchise QB hopeful Christian Ponder under the coaching of good QB in Donovan McNabb.
Green Bay Packers- Last Season 10-6 overall (4-2 NFC North)
Prediction- 11-5 overall 4-2 NFC North)
Green Bay had a rather unprofitable free agent period ,losing two proven linemen in Cullen Jenkins and Daryn Colledge, as well as veteran LB Nick Barnett. The Pack will have to find a more productive and stable solution in the running game, or they will find it more difficult to work their passing game. Overall, I think the Cheesehead’s success walks hand in hand with the kind of season that QB Aaron Rodgers has. Rodgers has the ability to completely take over a game and if he stays healthy and productive, Green Bay should be in serious contention to win the NFC North.
Chicago Bears- Last Season 11-5 overall (5-1 NFC North)
Prediction- 9-7 overall (4-2 NFC North)
Chicago had a very deceptive season last year. Two of the teams 11 wins came on controversial calls against the Detroit Lions, and the offense was anything but consistent. As is always the case with Chicago, it was the defense keeping them in games week in and week out, and the offense occasionally stepping in to make an appearance. This season, the Bears will need Jay Cutler and their offense to step up and take some pressure off of the defense. They have a tough schedule, facing a lot of pass happy teams, who can exploit their mediocre pass defense and bypass their tough run defense altogether. Matt Forte has really grown to be a multi-threat back, but may struggle to find open running lanes with the loss of 13 year veteran C Olin Kruetz to free agency.
Detroit Lions-Last season 6-10 overall (2-4 NFC North)
Prediction- 10-6 overall (4-2 NFC North)
Listen. I know its crazy to predict a winning season for the Lions these days, but if they play to their potential and Matt Stafford stops imitating a piece of fine China, I think the Lions could be on the path to great things. The addition of Ndamukong Suh put the Lions defense on the map. The addition of Nick Fairley, provided that he plays like the Nick Fairely that made him so dominant in college, makes the D-line in Detroit scarier than a blind date in Compton. Honestly, a lot of guys in this league chase quarterbacks. Ndamukong Suh hunts them down and throws them around like rag dolls. Teams see this and try to stop him. And when they double team or triple team him, then they will let Nick Fairley free. Or Kyle Vanden Bosch. Or Cliff Avril. Go ahead and doubt Detroit. Pick them to finish where they always have, at the bottom. But this is a dark horse team and they will be a much better team this year than in years past.
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