I'm already 1-0 with the Colts demoliton of the Saints, let's keep up the good work before I hurt myself patting myself on the back. I'll give y'all some free fantasy tips, with some insight from Matt Williamson from Scouts INC in between.
The Vikings and Falcons could be one of the fuve worst matchups of the season. Since the offenses on both teams stink, the game should be rather close but I'll see Minnesota taking it by more then 2.5. Watch out for the kickers, because there won't be many TD's.
Call me crazy (many have) but I don't see the Panthers as a legit team. The Rams on the other hand has a bunch of offensive talent, and coupled with Carolina's poor secondary St Louis could go off. Holt, Bruce, and Bennett could all have huge games as St Louis will win this at home by more then half a point. I trust the Ram offense a whole bunch more then I do Jake Delhomme.
A lot of people are calling a Buffalo home upset over Denver, due to the poor performance in opening road games by the Broncos. But I see this as a terrible matchup for the Bills offense. Bailey and Bly will blanket Lee Evans man to man, allowing the Denver D to put 8 or 9 men in the box against Marshawn Lynch, who won't have an enjoyable day in his NFL debut. The Bills defense is young, expect a good game from Javon Walker and Travis Henry. Go with Denver and the 3.5.
If you want a home upset, it's right here. Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said that he won't use Larry Johnson as much at the beginning of the season, and Gary Kubiak thanks him, especially considering that Damon Huard will play QB for KC. Expect a healthy dose of Ahman Green, given that Kubiak will want to ease Matt Schaub into the starting role. Expect a TD from Andre Johnson and some good work from rookie wideout Jacoby Jones. Johnson will be matched up with Ty Law and Patrick Surtain, and it'll be certain that the Law won't win. Neither will the Chiefs. Give me the young Texan D against Huard and the Chiefs plus the 1.5.
Washington and Miami is a tough game to figure out. The Phins defense is strong against the run, so don't expect too much from Portis or Betts, but I don't know where the Miami offense will come from. I do like Moss and Cooley in the game for the Skins, and the game will likely be in the teens for much of the contest. 3.5 may seem like a little, but it seems like a lot to me. Expect the Skins to win, but the Dolphins to cover the 3.5
There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding tomorrow's big Pats-Jets division showdown throwdown. Moss, Jones, Samuel, the Jet o-line. So very confusing, so expect a close game, right? It only makes sense. The only sure thing may be that Laurence Maroney will have a stellar game against the New York run defense, especially since Tom Brady may need a game working with his new receivers. Thomas Jones is the key for Chad Pennington and co, and Bill Belichik will focus on Jacob Bender, the replacement for Pete Kendall. If the Jets have to max protect to help Bender out, it'll compromise the options that Pennington has which would allow the Pats to key on the run, whoever that'll be for the Jets. What I'm trying to say is that New England will win, but not more then a TD. I'll take the Jets to cover 6.5.
Philly and Green Bay will be exciting to watch. I really want to see how the Green Bay defense will do against a complex back like Brian Westbrook. He may get a lot of reps with McNabb trying to get settles back into his role as team leader. The Eagles defense is young and weak against the run, so I expect a sleeper day out of Brandon Jackson. Brett Favre will rely on Donald Driver way too much, so expect DD to have a nice performance. Lambeau Field will be jumpin tomorrow, but I'm going to be conservative here. Green Bay has to earn SOS's trust. I'll go safe and take the Iggles by more then 2.5.
Pittsburgh and Cleveland seems like a pretty easy pick. That's 'cause it is. Please give us money with a 4.5 spread. The Browns D is banged up, and fast Willie Parker will make some fast cash with a big game. Watch out for Santonio Holmes. The Steelers D knows Jamal Lewis and will neutralize him. Charlie Frye will get smoked tomorrow, and the public will be laughing all the way to the bank. Call it my LOCK OF THE WEEK.
I orignally picked the Jaguars to beat the Titans by more then a TD, but I then reconsidered. I don't know why, maybe I expect Vince Young to run wild and Garrard to have some stage fright. Expect good output from Fred Taylor and MJD, but this division game could be close so expect the Jags to win but the Titans to cover. I could be wrong here.
Bolts-Bears seems tough, but really isn't. The Colts proved on Thursday that there's a large disparity between the elite teams of the American and National conferences. LT will go off, and Rex Grossman will look shell shocked at the multiple blitzes that Ted Cotrell will bring to the table. I don't like Ceddy Benson here, and I like the Chargers to cruise plus the 5.5.
The Raiders defense and the Lions offense will be something to watch on Sunday. But I'll take Air Martz in the Black Hole, providing that Jon Kitna doesn't screw it up. Expect a big game from Calvin Johnson, and Al Davis will be all pissed that he took JaMarcus over CJ. Then again, David could be more angry at Josh McCown, who will looked confused against the Lions D. I'll take Detroit plus 1.5.
I expect Seattle to handily beat the Bucs. I wonder how well Jeff Garcia will fare in a Gruden offense, but I expect Joey Galloway neutralized and Caddy Williams kept in check. I like DJ Hackett to have a nice performance with the defense keying on Deion Branch. The spread is 6.5, and I like the Seahawks by around 2 scores.
Even with Terry Glenn and Terence Newman out and Michael Strahan in, I expect the Cowboys to cover against the Giants. Wade Phillips will force Eli Manning into mistakes, and the additions on the Dallas offensive line will allow a revitalized Tony Romo to work his magic outside of the pocket. Look out for Witten and Crayton with a banged up Giants secondary trying to contain TO. And even given that, I don't know how well RW McQuarters and other will do against Terrell. Dallas plus 4.5.
The Ravens and Bengals is a tough game to figure out, so I used a lifeline: Matt Williamson of Scouts INC. So how well will the Cincy O do against the Ravens D?
"Rudi will do nothing. Not a thing. Chad will battle McAlister and I like his chances. Palmer could have a good game. Will often to to TJ against Rolle-huge matchup in Cincy's favor."
I agree, but with Rudi Johnson not being able to do anything, I could see a lot of help given to Rolle. I like McGahee in this game, and Todd Heap as well. I like Baltimore with the 2.5 points.
Will the 49er defense be able to contain Fitzgerald and Boldin? This game is why Frisco ponied up the green to get Nate Clements. Frank Gore will have a really good game, and Vernon Davis is primed to break out in prime time and will lead the Niners to the win plus 3.5
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Saturday, September 8, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Around The Majors- Friday
Lots of big series this weekend, including a couple that have already started. I'll go over yesterday's games, go through some news, and get to the weekend preview.
Thursday Recap
Detroit scored 2 huge runs off of Bobby Jenks in the 9th to lead Detroit past the White Sox 3-2. Paul Konerko drove in the Chicago runs. Boston scored a run in the 9th off of Dannys Baez to edge Baltimore 7-6. Coco Crisp homered and drove in 3 for the Red Sox. In a battle of division leaders, Casey Kotchman and Garrett Anderson each drove in 3 as the Angels pummeled the Indians 10-3. Rick Ankiel went nuts, homering twice and driving in 7 as the Cardinals destroyed the Pirates 16-4. The Dodgers took 3 of 4 from the Cubs as Andre Ethier hit the game winning 3 run shot in a 4 run 9th to shock the Cubbies 7-4. Soriano drove in 4 for Chicago.
Breaking News
As of 1:45pm Friday, the Pirates have fired GM Dave Littlefield as Pittsburgh is headed for its 15th straight losing season.
News and Notes
- How will Baseball respond to the Daily News' Rick Ankiel report about HGH? Would the Union agree to blood testing? It may be the only option to save the credibility of the game. You see that players in the NFL have been suspended for HGH left and right, and a large amount of suspensions might finally send a message to the players that illegal performance enhancing drugs cannot be tolerated. Look at Cycling. The entire Tour de France was completely engulfed in blood doping scandal, and the sport is willing to take a hit until the sport is clean again. Ditto for Track and Field. To a lesser extent, the NFL is doing the same thing. MLB has to step up and revitalize the integrity of the game. I urge Baseball to finally put and end to the Steroids Era.
- Erik Bedard may miss the rest of the season because of his strained right oblique.
- David Dellucci and Gary Sheffield were activated from the DL, so was Mark Mulder, and Seattle released Rick White.
Weekend Preview
Friday
Jon Lester faces Daniel Cabrera in Boston, and Batista and Verlander go in Detroit in what could be a Wild Card elimination series. Dustin McGowan goes in Tampa, Haren faces Volquez in Texas, and young Ian Kennedy faces Gil Meche and the Royals. Vazquez faces the Twins, and Westbrook faces Lackey in LA.
JD Durbin battles Florida, Hill faces Gorzelanny in Pittsburgh, Bush-Arroyo in Cincy, and Smoltz faces Washington. Justin Germano faces the Rockies, Webb faces Wainwright in a big series in Phoenix, and Chad Billingsley and the Dodgers face the Giants (10pm ESPN).
Saturday
Tom Glavine faces Houston at 1. 4pm on FOX, you could see either Garza-Contreras, Eaton against the Marlins, or David Wells and Barry Zito by the Bay. Dice-K faces Baltimore, Weaver and Robertson in Detroit, Pettitte-Bannister in KC, and AJ Burnett in Tampa. Zambrano faces Snell in Pittsburgh (7pm FOX), James and Atlanta face the Nationals, and Suppan battles Harang. Gaudin-Gabbard, Maddux-Francis, and Looper faces Owings. Sabathia and Santana go in LA (9pm FOX).
Sunday
King Felix and Bonderman go at it at 1. Beckett faces Guthrie in Baltimore and Roy Oswalt faces Pedro Martinez in New York. Shields faces Toronto, Sheets faces the Reds, and Willis and Moyer battle in Philly. Trachsel faces Morris in Pittsburgh, Wang faces Grienke, and Santana faces Garland. Chris Young goes in Colorado, Penny battles Cain, Davis faces St Louis, and Jered Weaver battles the Indians (8pm ESPN).
Thursday Recap
Detroit scored 2 huge runs off of Bobby Jenks in the 9th to lead Detroit past the White Sox 3-2. Paul Konerko drove in the Chicago runs. Boston scored a run in the 9th off of Dannys Baez to edge Baltimore 7-6. Coco Crisp homered and drove in 3 for the Red Sox. In a battle of division leaders, Casey Kotchman and Garrett Anderson each drove in 3 as the Angels pummeled the Indians 10-3. Rick Ankiel went nuts, homering twice and driving in 7 as the Cardinals destroyed the Pirates 16-4. The Dodgers took 3 of 4 from the Cubs as Andre Ethier hit the game winning 3 run shot in a 4 run 9th to shock the Cubbies 7-4. Soriano drove in 4 for Chicago.
Breaking News
As of 1:45pm Friday, the Pirates have fired GM Dave Littlefield as Pittsburgh is headed for its 15th straight losing season.
News and Notes
- How will Baseball respond to the Daily News' Rick Ankiel report about HGH? Would the Union agree to blood testing? It may be the only option to save the credibility of the game. You see that players in the NFL have been suspended for HGH left and right, and a large amount of suspensions might finally send a message to the players that illegal performance enhancing drugs cannot be tolerated. Look at Cycling. The entire Tour de France was completely engulfed in blood doping scandal, and the sport is willing to take a hit until the sport is clean again. Ditto for Track and Field. To a lesser extent, the NFL is doing the same thing. MLB has to step up and revitalize the integrity of the game. I urge Baseball to finally put and end to the Steroids Era.
- Erik Bedard may miss the rest of the season because of his strained right oblique.
- David Dellucci and Gary Sheffield were activated from the DL, so was Mark Mulder, and Seattle released Rick White.
Weekend Preview
Friday
Jon Lester faces Daniel Cabrera in Boston, and Batista and Verlander go in Detroit in what could be a Wild Card elimination series. Dustin McGowan goes in Tampa, Haren faces Volquez in Texas, and young Ian Kennedy faces Gil Meche and the Royals. Vazquez faces the Twins, and Westbrook faces Lackey in LA.
JD Durbin battles Florida, Hill faces Gorzelanny in Pittsburgh, Bush-Arroyo in Cincy, and Smoltz faces Washington. Justin Germano faces the Rockies, Webb faces Wainwright in a big series in Phoenix, and Chad Billingsley and the Dodgers face the Giants (10pm ESPN).
Saturday
Tom Glavine faces Houston at 1. 4pm on FOX, you could see either Garza-Contreras, Eaton against the Marlins, or David Wells and Barry Zito by the Bay. Dice-K faces Baltimore, Weaver and Robertson in Detroit, Pettitte-Bannister in KC, and AJ Burnett in Tampa. Zambrano faces Snell in Pittsburgh (7pm FOX), James and Atlanta face the Nationals, and Suppan battles Harang. Gaudin-Gabbard, Maddux-Francis, and Looper faces Owings. Sabathia and Santana go in LA (9pm FOX).
Sunday
King Felix and Bonderman go at it at 1. Beckett faces Guthrie in Baltimore and Roy Oswalt faces Pedro Martinez in New York. Shields faces Toronto, Sheets faces the Reds, and Willis and Moyer battle in Philly. Trachsel faces Morris in Pittsburgh, Wang faces Grienke, and Santana faces Garland. Chris Young goes in Colorado, Penny battles Cain, Davis faces St Louis, and Jered Weaver battles the Indians (8pm ESPN).
Thursday, September 6, 2007
College Football Week 2 Preview
Will there be a giant surprise this week like there was at Ann Arbour last week? Cal and Tennessee played some high powered football, but there are some sick games this weekend. Let's get to it.
Thursday/Friday
Tonight, 8th ranked Louisville hosts Middle Tennessee (7pm ESPN2) with Brian Brohm in action. Also a game of two likely bowl bound teams will have Oregon State take on Cincy (7:45pm ESPN).
Rutgers looks to raise its rank from 15 as the take on Navy tomorrow night. That's at 7pm on ESPN.
Saturday
#3 West Virginia has a real trap on their hands as they travel to state rival Marshall (11am ESPN). At Noon, there's a slew of games on the Big Ten Network including Miami (OH) at Minnesota, Akron at Ohio State, and Bowling Green at Michigan State. 16th ranked Nebraska are the favorites in the Big 12 North, but they must travel down south and take on the defending ACC champs Wake Forest, who are looking to avenge a tough conference loss to BC. (12pm ABC)
Also on ABC at Noon, regional coverage has Miami playing its first big game in the Randy Shannon era as they travel to Norman to take on the 5th ranked Sooners. Duke and Virginia is also at Noon. 'Bama battles Vandy at 12:30 in Nashville, watch for a possible upset there. At 1, #25 Clemson takes on Louisiana-Monroe. Army will host Rhode Island (1pm ESPN Classic). 21st ranked Georgia Tech will host Samford, 1:30pm ESPNU.
Cal looked quite impressive last week, and they go on the road to take on a tough Colorado State team at 2pm. BC scored a huge win over Wake last weak but their new head coach happens to have coached NC State last season. The story lines in addition to a nice ACC tilt will cause you to tune into ESPN2 at 2:30. Saying that Michigan needs a win is a fairly mild understatement, they're back at the Big House against Pac 10 power Oregon (3:30pm ABC). 23rd ranked Texas A&M battles Fresno State, and 22nd ranked Boise State goes to Washington to tak on the Huskies. In what could be a trap game for Florida State, they battle UAB at 5pm on ESPNU. SEC football is big, bad, and back as Steve Spurrier and his South Carolina Gamecocks head to Athens to take on the 11th ranked Georgia Bulldogs at 5:45pm on ESPN2. Florida will host Troy and Kentucky will host Kent State. Mizzou will battle Ole Miss, and ECU will host North Carolina, the Pirates gave VaTech a nice run last week. (6pm CSTV)
Jimmy Claussen will start at QB for the Irish, who will finish? Notre Dame will likely go to 0-2 as they travel to Happy Valley against Penn State (6pm ESPN). UCLA will host BYU in an underrated matchup, and in an even more underrated game I predict that #19 TCU will knock off #7 Texas, who had some trouble with Arkansas State. Horned Frogs over Longhorns.
At 7pm 20th ranked Hawaii will play at LaTech, and Tennessee will host C-USA power Southern Miss, the Vols should be in for a tight one. Some TV games at 8, Indiana will be at Western Michigan on ESPNU and my Syracuse Orange will get spanked at Iowa on Big Ten.
In what will be a huge game and will prove the legitmiacy of the Big East as a football conference, South Florida will be at Auburn and will make it too close for comfort. That game is at 9 on ESPN2, but I'm sure that EVERYONE will be watching 9th ranked VaTech against 2nd ranked LSU at 9pm on ESPN, that could be the noncon matchup of the year. 5th ranked Wisconsin is at UNLV at 10, Colorado will be at Arizona State 15 minutes later.
Thursday/Friday
Tonight, 8th ranked Louisville hosts Middle Tennessee (7pm ESPN2) with Brian Brohm in action. Also a game of two likely bowl bound teams will have Oregon State take on Cincy (7:45pm ESPN).
Rutgers looks to raise its rank from 15 as the take on Navy tomorrow night. That's at 7pm on ESPN.
Saturday
#3 West Virginia has a real trap on their hands as they travel to state rival Marshall (11am ESPN). At Noon, there's a slew of games on the Big Ten Network including Miami (OH) at Minnesota, Akron at Ohio State, and Bowling Green at Michigan State. 16th ranked Nebraska are the favorites in the Big 12 North, but they must travel down south and take on the defending ACC champs Wake Forest, who are looking to avenge a tough conference loss to BC. (12pm ABC)
Also on ABC at Noon, regional coverage has Miami playing its first big game in the Randy Shannon era as they travel to Norman to take on the 5th ranked Sooners. Duke and Virginia is also at Noon. 'Bama battles Vandy at 12:30 in Nashville, watch for a possible upset there. At 1, #25 Clemson takes on Louisiana-Monroe. Army will host Rhode Island (1pm ESPN Classic). 21st ranked Georgia Tech will host Samford, 1:30pm ESPNU.
Cal looked quite impressive last week, and they go on the road to take on a tough Colorado State team at 2pm. BC scored a huge win over Wake last weak but their new head coach happens to have coached NC State last season. The story lines in addition to a nice ACC tilt will cause you to tune into ESPN2 at 2:30. Saying that Michigan needs a win is a fairly mild understatement, they're back at the Big House against Pac 10 power Oregon (3:30pm ABC). 23rd ranked Texas A&M battles Fresno State, and 22nd ranked Boise State goes to Washington to tak on the Huskies. In what could be a trap game for Florida State, they battle UAB at 5pm on ESPNU. SEC football is big, bad, and back as Steve Spurrier and his South Carolina Gamecocks head to Athens to take on the 11th ranked Georgia Bulldogs at 5:45pm on ESPN2. Florida will host Troy and Kentucky will host Kent State. Mizzou will battle Ole Miss, and ECU will host North Carolina, the Pirates gave VaTech a nice run last week. (6pm CSTV)
Jimmy Claussen will start at QB for the Irish, who will finish? Notre Dame will likely go to 0-2 as they travel to Happy Valley against Penn State (6pm ESPN). UCLA will host BYU in an underrated matchup, and in an even more underrated game I predict that #19 TCU will knock off #7 Texas, who had some trouble with Arkansas State. Horned Frogs over Longhorns.
At 7pm 20th ranked Hawaii will play at LaTech, and Tennessee will host C-USA power Southern Miss, the Vols should be in for a tight one. Some TV games at 8, Indiana will be at Western Michigan on ESPNU and my Syracuse Orange will get spanked at Iowa on Big Ten.
In what will be a huge game and will prove the legitmiacy of the Big East as a football conference, South Florida will be at Auburn and will make it too close for comfort. That game is at 9 on ESPN2, but I'm sure that EVERYONE will be watching 9th ranked VaTech against 2nd ranked LSU at 9pm on ESPN, that could be the noncon matchup of the year. 5th ranked Wisconsin is at UNLV at 10, Colorado will be at Arizona State 15 minutes later.
NFC South & West Preview + Opening Night Preview
Before I get to the Colts and Saints, let's finish off the rest of the teams.
NFC South
New Orleans Saints
They're not gonna be overlooked this year, but the Saints are primed for a big run in a pretty easy division. Drew Brees put up MVP numbers last year, and would've won the award if not for some Manning guy. The combo of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush is almsot unstoppable, and teams had to concentrate on the run so much last year that Marques Colston and Devery Henderson ended up having huge years out of nowhere. Colston has to prove that last year wasn't a fluke, and needs to assert himself as the best receiving target of the non RB variety. The offensive line was young and inexperienced last year, but really jelled as a unit. Look for that to continue this year with Brown, Faine, and Evans. The defense was this team's weak point last year, and that shouldn't really change. They gave up way too many big plays last year. Charles Grant anchors the defensive line along with Will Smith, but the rest of the team were big overachievers last year. There is talent at LB with Fujita and Simoneau, but they won't be able to hold up unless one of them has a big year. McKenzie and David are good corners, but the safeties are also inexperienced. There isn't a point in the schedule where they have a stretch of 3 hard games, but they have a few pockets of back to back hard ones. Carolina and Seattle after the bye, and Philly and Chicago to end the year will be tough but 11-5 should easily win this awful division.
Carolina Panthers
There might be more questions about this team then there are on an SAT, especially on offense. Jake Delhomme is a good leader, but he might make too many mistakes and will be under a lot of pressure and scrutiny with David Carr breathing down his neck like a collecting agency on a deadbeat father. The Panthers are also unsettled at RB, with Foster and Williams competing for the job. It's possible that neither could get into a rhythem, but John Fox will likely play the hot hand especially with his job on the line. Wahle and Gross will make sure that the QB will have time, but Steve Smith is the only proven receiving option. Dwayne Jarrett and Keary Colbert are nice, but not as 2 and 3 WR's. Opposing secondaries will obviously blanket Smith at all times and will force the other weapons to beat them. Julius Peppers is an all world lineman, and Kris Jenkins needs to stay healthy and Mike Rucker has to have a bounce back year for Carolina to even sniff success. Dan Morgan will try to return at LB after a series of concussions, and will mentor the heir apparent first rounder Jon Beason. Lucas and Gamble are good corners, but they'll have 2 new starters at safety and will probably give up big plays at the same rate of their black and gold adversaries, perhaps at an ever greater rate. I think that the Panthers will hang around the playoff race, but they have the Jaguars, Seahawks, and Cowboys in weeks 14-16 and a late season stumble will result in an 8-8 finish.
Tampa Bay Buccanneers
Jon Gruden has a QB fetish. He likes signing them and keeping them and holding them in his hand. This year's flavor is Jeff Garcia, and Chuckie's job is depending on Garcia. Caddy Williams and Michael Pittman didn't do the job last year, but they hope that there won't be a repetition of that in '07. The line isn't that great except for Davin Joseph and FA signing Luke Petigout. Joey Galloway isn't a number one WR anymore, and Maurice Stovall or Mark Clayton won't get the job done as the number two. There's just a lack of weapons, maybe Gruden should have a WR fetish instead. The defense is still strong, but not so much on the line. Chris Hovan is the only player there with real potential to scare people. Cato June comes down south to form a dynamic LB duo with Derrick Brooks, and Kelly and Barber lead a good secondary. The schedule is tough early with games against Seattle, New Orleans, St Louis, Carolina, and Indianapolis in their first 5. They may start out the season 1-4, and will finish the campaign 6-10. Just not enough firepower, and a trip to the unemployment line for Gruden. Have fun on Madden with your QB's.
Atlanta Falcons
This preview will be Vick free starting......now. Man the Falcons will sure miss ****, but it would not have mattered with this sorry club. I mean **** would have been better then Joey Harrington, but there are no offensive weapons besides for Alge Crumpler. The offensive line will give Joey Harrington a lot of time, and the linemen won't have to run upfield blocking for ****. Joe Horn and Michael Jenkins are not good receivers, and they might be worse then the Vikings WR's. The week one matchup between Atlanta and Minnesota could be the worst compilation of starting wideouts in world history. And please try explaining why Warrick Dunn is starting over the young Jerrious Norwood! Maybe they want to tank for the top pick. The defensive line is quite good with Coleman and Abraham, but they'll really miss Kerney on and off the field. The linebacking is pretty bad besides for Michael Boley, and DeAngelo Hall is the Lassie among a bunch of dogs. And with Lawyer Milloy, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Let's hope this team doesn't fight because they're so bad, then **** would feel left out. 3-13 seems about right for this team.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks
I like what the 'Hawks have done this offseason. That's why I still think they'll win the West even with the improvements of some other teams. They still have big Walter Jones on the left side to create holes for Shaun Alexander, and Hasselbeck is still a top QB in the NFC. Deion Branch gives the team a vertical threat, and they have multiple options in Hackett, Pollard, and Wallace. Patrick Kerney will really help a young defensive line jell and grow up a bit faster. Tatupu and Peterson is a sick LB combo and will wreak havoc inside the box and out. Trufant and Jennings should hold the fort at CB, but the signings of Deon Grant and Brian Russell at safety really shores up their biggest weakness from last season. Weeks 3-6 and 10-13 are tough, but I think that Seattle will persevere and prevail at 10-6.
St Louis Rams
How do you make a dynamic offense even stronger? By signing Drew Bennett to be your 3rd WR along with Holt and Bruce, you sign a big receiving TE in McMichael, and you have another year of Stephen Jackson. Orlando Pace and co will protect the most underrated QB in the NFL (Marc Bulger) and you've got yourself an Arena Football League offense. Unfortunately, the AFL defense and accessories are included. Little is still a force, but the line is pedestrian with too young Adam Carriker and too old La'Roi Glover. Witherspoon is the only viable LB, and the secondary is made up of a Nickel package. So the Rams will have more shootouts then a Gene Wilder Western, and watch out for games against Arizona, New Orleans, and Cincy for some Texas Rangers like scores if ya know what I mean. This team could surprise, I go with 9-7.
San Francisco 49ers
An improved Niners team is only good for the league. Frank Gore will have another year to hone his skill as a rusher, and Alex Smith will have another year under his belt and weapons to work with. A healthy manimal like Vernon Davis to go over the middle at TE is huge for a young QB,(ask Phil Rivers) and the signing of Darrell Jackson is huge. Larry Allen will anchor the o-line which will be better this season. Bryant Young leads the 3-4, but they might not fare that well in stopping the run. The LB group is young, but could emerge as a very dangerous unit as the season goes by. Manny Lawson, Patrick Willis, and Tully Banta-Cain are just oozing with talent, waiting to put a good hard hit on someone. Nate Clements will do a really good job at locking down the really great receivers in this division, and Walt Harris is still kickin' even at his age. Weeks 2-5 are hard for the 9ers, and I think that they'll live up to their name and go 9-7.
Arizona Cardinals
New head coach Ken Whisenhunt will soon realize that he's coaching the Bengals West without the long history of criminal activity or overall defensive talent. You've got the budding young USC QB in Matt Leinart, the upper echelon RB in Edge, an average offensive line and two world class WR's in Fitzgerald and Boldin. The problem is that their 3-4 defensive line is awful, and the LB's of Berry and Dansby will have to do too much to try to compensate for how bad the line is. And besides for all-pro S Adrian Wilson, the secondary is a joke which will prove costly especially against a team like the Rams. Love the stadium, not the team, more than 6 wins could be an impossible dream. 6-10 is the call.
Saints-Colts Game Preview
Are YOU ready for some football???
Tonight, we'll have a good ol' fashioned barn burner at the RCA Dome, with lots of big plays and dazzling runs. The winner will be decided by turnovers (duh) and whichever team gives up the least amount of big plays. The N'awlins D gave up the most big plays (going 40 yards or longer) in all of football, and didn't make any offseason upgrades and they didn't play the Colts. That will equate to a lot of big plays for Peyton Manning and co. Sean Payton will try to neutralize Joseph Addai and will likely hold him to under 100 yards. On defense, the Colts will try to force Drew Brees to throw, and must avoid letting Reggie Bush get out into the open field at all costs. Bob Sanders needs to show the neccessary leadership with 2 new CB's making the start. Watch out for Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark for the Colts, the Saints defense will be spread way too thin to cover all of their weapons. The spread here for all you betters is 5.5 for the Colts, and they'll cover the spread because the Saints won't be able to cover the Colt receivers. 31-23 Indy will be your final.
NFC South
New Orleans Saints
They're not gonna be overlooked this year, but the Saints are primed for a big run in a pretty easy division. Drew Brees put up MVP numbers last year, and would've won the award if not for some Manning guy. The combo of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush is almsot unstoppable, and teams had to concentrate on the run so much last year that Marques Colston and Devery Henderson ended up having huge years out of nowhere. Colston has to prove that last year wasn't a fluke, and needs to assert himself as the best receiving target of the non RB variety. The offensive line was young and inexperienced last year, but really jelled as a unit. Look for that to continue this year with Brown, Faine, and Evans. The defense was this team's weak point last year, and that shouldn't really change. They gave up way too many big plays last year. Charles Grant anchors the defensive line along with Will Smith, but the rest of the team were big overachievers last year. There is talent at LB with Fujita and Simoneau, but they won't be able to hold up unless one of them has a big year. McKenzie and David are good corners, but the safeties are also inexperienced. There isn't a point in the schedule where they have a stretch of 3 hard games, but they have a few pockets of back to back hard ones. Carolina and Seattle after the bye, and Philly and Chicago to end the year will be tough but 11-5 should easily win this awful division.
Carolina Panthers
There might be more questions about this team then there are on an SAT, especially on offense. Jake Delhomme is a good leader, but he might make too many mistakes and will be under a lot of pressure and scrutiny with David Carr breathing down his neck like a collecting agency on a deadbeat father. The Panthers are also unsettled at RB, with Foster and Williams competing for the job. It's possible that neither could get into a rhythem, but John Fox will likely play the hot hand especially with his job on the line. Wahle and Gross will make sure that the QB will have time, but Steve Smith is the only proven receiving option. Dwayne Jarrett and Keary Colbert are nice, but not as 2 and 3 WR's. Opposing secondaries will obviously blanket Smith at all times and will force the other weapons to beat them. Julius Peppers is an all world lineman, and Kris Jenkins needs to stay healthy and Mike Rucker has to have a bounce back year for Carolina to even sniff success. Dan Morgan will try to return at LB after a series of concussions, and will mentor the heir apparent first rounder Jon Beason. Lucas and Gamble are good corners, but they'll have 2 new starters at safety and will probably give up big plays at the same rate of their black and gold adversaries, perhaps at an ever greater rate. I think that the Panthers will hang around the playoff race, but they have the Jaguars, Seahawks, and Cowboys in weeks 14-16 and a late season stumble will result in an 8-8 finish.
Tampa Bay Buccanneers
Jon Gruden has a QB fetish. He likes signing them and keeping them and holding them in his hand. This year's flavor is Jeff Garcia, and Chuckie's job is depending on Garcia. Caddy Williams and Michael Pittman didn't do the job last year, but they hope that there won't be a repetition of that in '07. The line isn't that great except for Davin Joseph and FA signing Luke Petigout. Joey Galloway isn't a number one WR anymore, and Maurice Stovall or Mark Clayton won't get the job done as the number two. There's just a lack of weapons, maybe Gruden should have a WR fetish instead. The defense is still strong, but not so much on the line. Chris Hovan is the only player there with real potential to scare people. Cato June comes down south to form a dynamic LB duo with Derrick Brooks, and Kelly and Barber lead a good secondary. The schedule is tough early with games against Seattle, New Orleans, St Louis, Carolina, and Indianapolis in their first 5. They may start out the season 1-4, and will finish the campaign 6-10. Just not enough firepower, and a trip to the unemployment line for Gruden. Have fun on Madden with your QB's.
Atlanta Falcons
This preview will be Vick free starting......now. Man the Falcons will sure miss ****, but it would not have mattered with this sorry club. I mean **** would have been better then Joey Harrington, but there are no offensive weapons besides for Alge Crumpler. The offensive line will give Joey Harrington a lot of time, and the linemen won't have to run upfield blocking for ****. Joe Horn and Michael Jenkins are not good receivers, and they might be worse then the Vikings WR's. The week one matchup between Atlanta and Minnesota could be the worst compilation of starting wideouts in world history. And please try explaining why Warrick Dunn is starting over the young Jerrious Norwood! Maybe they want to tank for the top pick. The defensive line is quite good with Coleman and Abraham, but they'll really miss Kerney on and off the field. The linebacking is pretty bad besides for Michael Boley, and DeAngelo Hall is the Lassie among a bunch of dogs. And with Lawyer Milloy, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Let's hope this team doesn't fight because they're so bad, then **** would feel left out. 3-13 seems about right for this team.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks
I like what the 'Hawks have done this offseason. That's why I still think they'll win the West even with the improvements of some other teams. They still have big Walter Jones on the left side to create holes for Shaun Alexander, and Hasselbeck is still a top QB in the NFC. Deion Branch gives the team a vertical threat, and they have multiple options in Hackett, Pollard, and Wallace. Patrick Kerney will really help a young defensive line jell and grow up a bit faster. Tatupu and Peterson is a sick LB combo and will wreak havoc inside the box and out. Trufant and Jennings should hold the fort at CB, but the signings of Deon Grant and Brian Russell at safety really shores up their biggest weakness from last season. Weeks 3-6 and 10-13 are tough, but I think that Seattle will persevere and prevail at 10-6.
St Louis Rams
How do you make a dynamic offense even stronger? By signing Drew Bennett to be your 3rd WR along with Holt and Bruce, you sign a big receiving TE in McMichael, and you have another year of Stephen Jackson. Orlando Pace and co will protect the most underrated QB in the NFL (Marc Bulger) and you've got yourself an Arena Football League offense. Unfortunately, the AFL defense and accessories are included. Little is still a force, but the line is pedestrian with too young Adam Carriker and too old La'Roi Glover. Witherspoon is the only viable LB, and the secondary is made up of a Nickel package. So the Rams will have more shootouts then a Gene Wilder Western, and watch out for games against Arizona, New Orleans, and Cincy for some Texas Rangers like scores if ya know what I mean. This team could surprise, I go with 9-7.
San Francisco 49ers
An improved Niners team is only good for the league. Frank Gore will have another year to hone his skill as a rusher, and Alex Smith will have another year under his belt and weapons to work with. A healthy manimal like Vernon Davis to go over the middle at TE is huge for a young QB,(ask Phil Rivers) and the signing of Darrell Jackson is huge. Larry Allen will anchor the o-line which will be better this season. Bryant Young leads the 3-4, but they might not fare that well in stopping the run. The LB group is young, but could emerge as a very dangerous unit as the season goes by. Manny Lawson, Patrick Willis, and Tully Banta-Cain are just oozing with talent, waiting to put a good hard hit on someone. Nate Clements will do a really good job at locking down the really great receivers in this division, and Walt Harris is still kickin' even at his age. Weeks 2-5 are hard for the 9ers, and I think that they'll live up to their name and go 9-7.
Arizona Cardinals
New head coach Ken Whisenhunt will soon realize that he's coaching the Bengals West without the long history of criminal activity or overall defensive talent. You've got the budding young USC QB in Matt Leinart, the upper echelon RB in Edge, an average offensive line and two world class WR's in Fitzgerald and Boldin. The problem is that their 3-4 defensive line is awful, and the LB's of Berry and Dansby will have to do too much to try to compensate for how bad the line is. And besides for all-pro S Adrian Wilson, the secondary is a joke which will prove costly especially against a team like the Rams. Love the stadium, not the team, more than 6 wins could be an impossible dream. 6-10 is the call.
Saints-Colts Game Preview
Are YOU ready for some football???
Tonight, we'll have a good ol' fashioned barn burner at the RCA Dome, with lots of big plays and dazzling runs. The winner will be decided by turnovers (duh) and whichever team gives up the least amount of big plays. The N'awlins D gave up the most big plays (going 40 yards or longer) in all of football, and didn't make any offseason upgrades and they didn't play the Colts. That will equate to a lot of big plays for Peyton Manning and co. Sean Payton will try to neutralize Joseph Addai and will likely hold him to under 100 yards. On defense, the Colts will try to force Drew Brees to throw, and must avoid letting Reggie Bush get out into the open field at all costs. Bob Sanders needs to show the neccessary leadership with 2 new CB's making the start. Watch out for Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark for the Colts, the Saints defense will be spread way too thin to cover all of their weapons. The spread here for all you betters is 5.5 for the Colts, and they'll cover the spread because the Saints won't be able to cover the Colt receivers. 31-23 Indy will be your final.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
NFL Preview- By: Adam Ehrenreich
I know most of the previews you have seen have been long and informative so I'll keep it short sweet and interesting.
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots-
Key Loss: Cory Dillon
Key Addition: Wes Welker, look out for this guy to be huge.
Prediction: 12-4, 2nd Round Loss
2. New York Jets-
Key Loss: Pete Kendall
Key Addition: Thomas Jones
Prediction: 9-7, Missing the Playoffs
3. Buffalo Bills
Key Loss: Willis McGahee
Key Addition: Marshawn Lynch
Prediction: 6-10
4. Miami Dolphins
Key Loss: Nick Saban
Key Addition: Joey Porter
Prediction: 4-12
AFC North
1. Bengals
Key Loss: Eric Steinbeck
Key Addition: Leon Hall
Prediction: 11-5, 1st Round Loss
2. Ravens
Key Loss: Adalius Thomas, anything he could do, Suggs could do better.
Key Addition: McGahee
Prediction: 11-5, Wild Card Berth
3. Steelers
Key Loss: Joey Porter
Key Addition: Mike Tomlin
Prediction: 9-7
4. Browns
Key Loss: Trent Dilfer- not much of a loss.
Key Addition: Jamal Lewis
Prediction: 4-12
AFC South
1. Colts
Key Loss: Tarik Glenn
Key Addition: Anthony Gonzalez
Prediction: 13-3 AFC Championship Game Berth
2. Titans
Key Loss: Drew Bennett
Key Addition: Nick Harper
Prediction: 9-7, Missed Playoffs
3. Jaguars
Key Loss: Byron Leftwich
Key Addition: Distraction from the players
Prediction: 7-9
4. Texans
Key Loss: David Carr
Key Addition: Matt Schaub, Ahman Green
Prediction: 6-10
AFC West
1. Chargers
Key Loss: Donnie Edwards
Key Addition: Norv Turner
Prediction: 14-2, AFC Championship Game Berth
2.Broncos
Key Loss: Jake Plummer
Key Addition: Dre' Bly
Prediction: 10-6. Wild Card Berth
3. Chiefs
Key Loss: Trent Green
Key Addition: Donnie Edwards
Prediction: 5-11
4. Raiders
Key Loss: Randy Moss
Key Addition: Daunte Culpepper
Prediction: 3-13
NFC East
1. Eagles
Key Loss: Jeremiah Trotter
Key Addition: Takeo Spikes
Prediction: 11-5, Division Winner
2. Cowboys
Key Loss: Bill Parcells
Key Addition: Ken Hamlin
Prediction: 11-5, Wild Card Berth
3. Redskins
Key Loss: John Hall
Key Addition: London Fletcher-Baker
Prediction: 7-9
4. Giants
Key Loss: Tiki Barber
Key Addition: Rueben Droughns
Prediction:5-11
AFC North
1. Bears
Key Loss: Thomas Jones
Key Addition: Greg Olsen
Prediction: 12-4, 2nd Round Loss
2. Lions
Key Loss: Dre' Bly
Key Addition: Tatum Bell
Prediction:8-8
3. Packers
Key Loss: Ahman Green
Key Addition: Brandon Jackson
Prediction: 8-8
4. Vikings
Key Loss: Brad Johnson
Key Addition: Robert Ferguson
Prediction: 3-13
NFC South
1. Saints
Key Loss: Joe Horn
Key Addition: Dhani Jones
Prediction: 13-3, NFC Championship Game Berth
2.Panthers
Key Loss: Mike Minter
Key Addition: Dwayne Jarrett
Prediction:7-9
3. Buccaneers
Key Loss: Mike Alstott
Key Addition: Jeff Garcia
Prediction: 6-10
4. Falcons
Key Loss: Need I Say? Patrick Kerney....no just kidding its Vick
Key Addition: Joe Horn
Prediction: 3-13.. its a plan to get a good pick and then get Vick back after rebuilding, im telling you!
NFC West
1. Cardinals (Thats Right!!)
Key Loss: Leonard Davis
KeyAddition: Terrence Holt
Prediction: 12-4
2. Rams
Key Loss: Adam Timmerman
Key Addition: Drew Bennett
Predictions: 10-6, Wild Card Berth
3. Seahawks
Key Loss: Darrell Jackson
Key Addition: Patrick Kerney
Prediction: 10-6, Lose Tie Breaker
4. 49ers
Key Loss: Antonio Bryant
Key Addition: Nate Clements
Prediction: 9-7
NFC Championship Game:
2. Saints -vs- 4. Eagles
AFC Championship Game:
1. Colts -vs- 2. Chargers
Super Bowl:
1. Colts -vs- 2. Saints
Super Bowl Champions:
COLTS MVP: Harrison
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots-
Key Loss: Cory Dillon
Key Addition: Wes Welker, look out for this guy to be huge.
Prediction: 12-4, 2nd Round Loss
2. New York Jets-
Key Loss: Pete Kendall
Key Addition: Thomas Jones
Prediction: 9-7, Missing the Playoffs
3. Buffalo Bills
Key Loss: Willis McGahee
Key Addition: Marshawn Lynch
Prediction: 6-10
4. Miami Dolphins
Key Loss: Nick Saban
Key Addition: Joey Porter
Prediction: 4-12
AFC North
1. Bengals
Key Loss: Eric Steinbeck
Key Addition: Leon Hall
Prediction: 11-5, 1st Round Loss
2. Ravens
Key Loss: Adalius Thomas, anything he could do, Suggs could do better.
Key Addition: McGahee
Prediction: 11-5, Wild Card Berth
3. Steelers
Key Loss: Joey Porter
Key Addition: Mike Tomlin
Prediction: 9-7
4. Browns
Key Loss: Trent Dilfer- not much of a loss.
Key Addition: Jamal Lewis
Prediction: 4-12
AFC South
1. Colts
Key Loss: Tarik Glenn
Key Addition: Anthony Gonzalez
Prediction: 13-3 AFC Championship Game Berth
2. Titans
Key Loss: Drew Bennett
Key Addition: Nick Harper
Prediction: 9-7, Missed Playoffs
3. Jaguars
Key Loss: Byron Leftwich
Key Addition: Distraction from the players
Prediction: 7-9
4. Texans
Key Loss: David Carr
Key Addition: Matt Schaub, Ahman Green
Prediction: 6-10
AFC West
1. Chargers
Key Loss: Donnie Edwards
Key Addition: Norv Turner
Prediction: 14-2, AFC Championship Game Berth
2.Broncos
Key Loss: Jake Plummer
Key Addition: Dre' Bly
Prediction: 10-6. Wild Card Berth
3. Chiefs
Key Loss: Trent Green
Key Addition: Donnie Edwards
Prediction: 5-11
4. Raiders
Key Loss: Randy Moss
Key Addition: Daunte Culpepper
Prediction: 3-13
NFC East
1. Eagles
Key Loss: Jeremiah Trotter
Key Addition: Takeo Spikes
Prediction: 11-5, Division Winner
2. Cowboys
Key Loss: Bill Parcells
Key Addition: Ken Hamlin
Prediction: 11-5, Wild Card Berth
3. Redskins
Key Loss: John Hall
Key Addition: London Fletcher-Baker
Prediction: 7-9
4. Giants
Key Loss: Tiki Barber
Key Addition: Rueben Droughns
Prediction:5-11
AFC North
1. Bears
Key Loss: Thomas Jones
Key Addition: Greg Olsen
Prediction: 12-4, 2nd Round Loss
2. Lions
Key Loss: Dre' Bly
Key Addition: Tatum Bell
Prediction:8-8
3. Packers
Key Loss: Ahman Green
Key Addition: Brandon Jackson
Prediction: 8-8
4. Vikings
Key Loss: Brad Johnson
Key Addition: Robert Ferguson
Prediction: 3-13
NFC South
1. Saints
Key Loss: Joe Horn
Key Addition: Dhani Jones
Prediction: 13-3, NFC Championship Game Berth
2.Panthers
Key Loss: Mike Minter
Key Addition: Dwayne Jarrett
Prediction:7-9
3. Buccaneers
Key Loss: Mike Alstott
Key Addition: Jeff Garcia
Prediction: 6-10
4. Falcons
Key Loss: Need I Say? Patrick Kerney....no just kidding its Vick
Key Addition: Joe Horn
Prediction: 3-13.. its a plan to get a good pick and then get Vick back after rebuilding, im telling you!
NFC West
1. Cardinals (Thats Right!!)
Key Loss: Leonard Davis
KeyAddition: Terrence Holt
Prediction: 12-4
2. Rams
Key Loss: Adam Timmerman
Key Addition: Drew Bennett
Predictions: 10-6, Wild Card Berth
3. Seahawks
Key Loss: Darrell Jackson
Key Addition: Patrick Kerney
Prediction: 10-6, Lose Tie Breaker
4. 49ers
Key Loss: Antonio Bryant
Key Addition: Nate Clements
Prediction: 9-7
NFC Championship Game:
2. Saints -vs- 4. Eagles
AFC Championship Game:
1. Colts -vs- 2. Chargers
Super Bowl:
1. Colts -vs- 2. Saints
Super Bowl Champions:
COLTS MVP: Harrison
Who's Who in the September Callups
When September 1st comes, teams are allowed to expand their rosters. Organizations hope that the players will help the team in the pennant race, or if the team is out of the race the player could get a taste of the majors, making them better prepared for the major leagues in the future. This season many top prospects have been called up, and these players should be around the league for awhile. Let's take a look at some of the top players who were called up in early September.
Joey Votto, Cincinatti Reds
Votto was a second round pick in 2002, and has been productive at every level in the minors since. He is a power hitting first baseman that also has the ability to hit for a high average and he has a good eye at the plate. Votto could also swipe a bag if needed to (24 SB in 2006) which would make him a good fit in the Reds already powerful offense. He already has hit his first Major League HR against John Maine, and that was also his first big league hit as well. Votto has the potential to be a 30 HR- 30 SB type player, and will compete for the starting 1B job in spring training, although a good September might give him the job.
Luke Hochevar, Kansas City Royals
The first overall pick in 2006 was called up on September 4, and the Royals hope he will get a feel for the Majors this year before he is put in the rotation for next season. Hochevar has a great fastball and a pretty good curve to use as a second pitch. His problem is his third pitch which is his changeup. Hochevar needs his changeup to be effective as his third pitch, because hitters will sit on either the fastball and curve, and he will get hit. He has struggled in AA and AAA this year especially when it comes to giving up the HR ball (23 HR 146 IP) , so it should be interesting to see how he pitches in the majors this year. No matter what happens in September, Hochevar should be in the Royals rotation at some point in 2008.
Wladimir Balentien, Seattle Mariners
Balentien was signed out of Curacao in 2000 and has been putting up big power numbers throughout his minor league career. He also has the ability to draw a walk, but his downfall is the strikeout (it is known around SOS that Wladimir puts the K in strikeout). He resembles Adam Dunn as a player who hits a lot of Homeruns and draws a lot of walks, but strikesout way too much for his own good. He could see some playing time now since Jose Guillen has been struggling lately. He already has collected his first major league hit, and you should see him hitting a lot of homeruns for years to come.
Joey Votto, Cincinatti Reds
Votto was a second round pick in 2002, and has been productive at every level in the minors since. He is a power hitting first baseman that also has the ability to hit for a high average and he has a good eye at the plate. Votto could also swipe a bag if needed to (24 SB in 2006) which would make him a good fit in the Reds already powerful offense. He already has hit his first Major League HR against John Maine, and that was also his first big league hit as well. Votto has the potential to be a 30 HR- 30 SB type player, and will compete for the starting 1B job in spring training, although a good September might give him the job.
Luke Hochevar, Kansas City Royals
The first overall pick in 2006 was called up on September 4, and the Royals hope he will get a feel for the Majors this year before he is put in the rotation for next season. Hochevar has a great fastball and a pretty good curve to use as a second pitch. His problem is his third pitch which is his changeup. Hochevar needs his changeup to be effective as his third pitch, because hitters will sit on either the fastball and curve, and he will get hit. He has struggled in AA and AAA this year especially when it comes to giving up the HR ball (23 HR 146 IP) , so it should be interesting to see how he pitches in the majors this year. No matter what happens in September, Hochevar should be in the Royals rotation at some point in 2008.
Wladimir Balentien, Seattle Mariners
Balentien was signed out of Curacao in 2000 and has been putting up big power numbers throughout his minor league career. He also has the ability to draw a walk, but his downfall is the strikeout (it is known around SOS that Wladimir puts the K in strikeout). He resembles Adam Dunn as a player who hits a lot of Homeruns and draws a lot of walks, but strikesout way too much for his own good. He could see some playing time now since Jose Guillen has been struggling lately. He already has collected his first major league hit, and you should see him hitting a lot of homeruns for years to come.
D-League Expansion Draft
Arkansas and Fort Worth are no longer in existence, but four teams have taken their place. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, which is the affiliate for the Cavs, Rockets, and Hornets took their 10 players and took JR Pinnock first. Pinnock played for the RimRockers last season. The Vipers also selected Terrence Thomas, Pinnock's former teammate Clay Tucker, former USC Trojan and Laker Desmon Farmer, and former Maryland Terp John Gilchrist.
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants reps the Pistons and Pacers, and picked former Flyer Jeremy Richardson with their first pick. They also added former Gator Anthony Roberson, Olu Famutimi, and Tyrone Salley.
The Utah Flash is the affiliate for the Jazz and Celtics, and they picked former RimRocker Brian Jackson first. They then went on to select a good group of players led by former Bobcat Kevin Burleson, Roger Powell, Curtis Stinson, and former Net big man Cezary Trybanski.
The Iowa energy probably made the best first pick with Will Conroy, they're the affiliate for the Bulls and Heat. They also took Jackie Manuel, a former Tar Heel, D-League star Denham Brown, former Stanford product Matt Haryasz, and former Bull Luke Schenscher.
Look for more D-League updates as time goes by.
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants reps the Pistons and Pacers, and picked former Flyer Jeremy Richardson with their first pick. They also added former Gator Anthony Roberson, Olu Famutimi, and Tyrone Salley.
The Utah Flash is the affiliate for the Jazz and Celtics, and they picked former RimRocker Brian Jackson first. They then went on to select a good group of players led by former Bobcat Kevin Burleson, Roger Powell, Curtis Stinson, and former Net big man Cezary Trybanski.
The Iowa energy probably made the best first pick with Will Conroy, they're the affiliate for the Bulls and Heat. They also took Jackie Manuel, a former Tar Heel, D-League star Denham Brown, former Stanford product Matt Haryasz, and former Bull Luke Schenscher.
Look for more D-League updates as time goes by.
Around The Majors- Wednesday
It was a big night in baseball, I'll go through the games, get to the news and notes, and last week's fantasy studs & duds before I check out what's on tap.
Tuesday Recap
Josh Beckett became the first pitcher to 17 wins, he outdueled Roy Halladay as Boston bested Toronto 5-3. Jacoby Ellsbury homered and drove in 2 for the Red Sox. Chien Ming Wang became the second to 17 victories as the Yankees put up 7 runs in the 7th to maul the Mariners 12-3. Jorge Posada homered twice for New York. Jon Garland pitched 7 strong innings as Alex Cintron drove in 2 as the White Sox downed Detroit 3-1. Baltimore scored 4 in the 8th to defeat Tampa Bay 8-4. Ramon Hernandez drove in 3 for the Birds. Kinsler, Botts, and Wilkerson each drove in 2 as Texas edged the Royals 9-8. Travis Hafner homered twice and drove in 4 including a sacrifice fly as part of a 2 run 11th in a 7-5 win over Minnesota. Kendrick and Anderson each drove in 2 as the Angels edged the A's 4-3.
Jesus Flores hit a 2 run double in the 9th inning off of Kevin Gregg as the Nationals shocked the Marlins 4-3. Paul Lo Duca homered twice and drove in 7 as the Mets ripped the Reds 11-7. Howard and Ruiz each drove in 2 as the Phillies beat the Braves 5-2. Carlos Villanueva pitched 6 solid innings as Milwaukee defeated Houston 5-3. Juan Pierre drove in 2 as Brad Penny pitched the Dodgers past the Cubs 6-2. Chris Duncan drove in 3 as the Cardinals beat Pittsburgh 6-2. Brad Hawpe hit the game winning single off of Brad Hennessey as the Rockies beat the Giants 6-5. Arizona took over first place as the knocked Chris Young around as they pummeled the Padres 9-1. Eric Byrnes drove in 3 runs for the Snakes.
News and Notes
- After a collision in last night's win over Seattle, A-Rod got an MRI on his right ankle and is listed as in the lineup for tonight's game against the M's.
- Jake Peavy will pitch tonight for San Diego on 3 days rest, more on this later in the blog.
- Cardinals OF Juan Encarnacion was released from the hospital, but it's unknown whether he'll have surgery of his fractured right eye socket. Encarnacion was hit with a foul ball while waiting on deck and also got a concussion, for which he's still feeling the after effects according to a source close to the St Louis Post Dispatch. I wish Juan a speedy recovery, needless to say his season is over.
- An MRI showed that Orioles ace Erik Bedard has a strained right oblique muscle, and the team will announce whether he'll pitch or not this season later in the week.
- Ruben Amaro will interview for the Astros GM position, accoridng to ESPN's Jayson Stark.
- Baltimore released Paul Shuey and Detroit activated Kenny Rogers from the DL and will join their rotation for the first time this season.
- Mets 1B Carlos Delgado will likely be out 7-10 days with a strained right hip flexor.
Wednesday On Tap
Already today, 4 Reds pitchers combined on a 3 hit shutout as Cincinnati mauled the Mets 7-0. John Maine gave up 6 runs in 4 and a third innings, and Brandon Phillips broke a franchise single season record for homers by a second baseman with his 28th, 1 more then SOS guest analyst Joe Morgan. Atlanta scored 4 in the 8th and then 3 in the 9th on a bases clearing double by Matt Diaz off of Brett Myers to lead the Braves past the Phillies 9-8. Willie Harris also had a pair of ribs for Atlanta. Fausto Carmona won his 15th as the Indians tamed the Twins 6-2. Victor Martinez and Kenny Lofton each drove in 2 for the Tribe. The A's defeated the Angels 6-2 as Mark Ellis homered and drove in 4 for Oakland. Joe Blanton got the win for the A's.
Tonight, Boston looks to extend their AL East lead when they send Curt Schilling to the hill against the always tough Shawn Marcum of Toronto. Kenny Rogers returns to the mound as Detroit takes on Gavin Floyd and the White Sox, and Jarrod Washburn looks to get the Mariners closer in the Wild Card race as they take on Phil Hughes and the Yankees. Liz and Sonnanstine are the 2 young SP's in Tampa as the O's take on the Rays.
In the NL, the Dodgers send out young Eric Stults for the sweep of the Cubs, Ted Lilly counters for Chicago at 8pm on ESPN. Milwaukee is only a half game out, they send Yovano Gallardo against Matt Albers of the Astros. Mark Mulder makes his season debut for the Cardinals, Tony Armas counters for Pittsburgh. Young Ubaldo Jimenez leads Colorado against the Giants. Jake Peavy will go on 3 days rest for the 2nd time in his career as the Padres battle the Diamondbaks for first place. Livan Hernandez pitches for Arizona.
Fantasy Studs & Duds
Hitting Studs
1) Garret Anderson, OF, LAA
2) Hunter Pence, OF, HOU
3) Carlos Pena, 1B, TB
4) Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI
5) Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX
Hitting Duds (min 23 ab's)
1) Nick Swisher, 1B/OF, Oak
2) Vernon Wells, OF, TOR
3) Joey Gathright, OF, KC
4) Gary Matthews, OF, LAA
5) Jose Guillen, OF, SEA
Pitching Studs
1) CC Sabathia, SP, CLE
2) Chien Ming Wang, SP, NYY
3) Jered Weaver, SP, LAA
4) Jeff Francis, SP, COL
5) Doug Davis, SP, ARZ
Pitching Duds
1) JD Durbin, P, PHI
2) Noah Lowry, SP, SF
3) Jarrod Washburn, SP, SEA
4) Antonio Alfonseca, RP, PHI
5) Andrew Miller, SP, DET
Tuesday Recap
Josh Beckett became the first pitcher to 17 wins, he outdueled Roy Halladay as Boston bested Toronto 5-3. Jacoby Ellsbury homered and drove in 2 for the Red Sox. Chien Ming Wang became the second to 17 victories as the Yankees put up 7 runs in the 7th to maul the Mariners 12-3. Jorge Posada homered twice for New York. Jon Garland pitched 7 strong innings as Alex Cintron drove in 2 as the White Sox downed Detroit 3-1. Baltimore scored 4 in the 8th to defeat Tampa Bay 8-4. Ramon Hernandez drove in 3 for the Birds. Kinsler, Botts, and Wilkerson each drove in 2 as Texas edged the Royals 9-8. Travis Hafner homered twice and drove in 4 including a sacrifice fly as part of a 2 run 11th in a 7-5 win over Minnesota. Kendrick and Anderson each drove in 2 as the Angels edged the A's 4-3.
Jesus Flores hit a 2 run double in the 9th inning off of Kevin Gregg as the Nationals shocked the Marlins 4-3. Paul Lo Duca homered twice and drove in 7 as the Mets ripped the Reds 11-7. Howard and Ruiz each drove in 2 as the Phillies beat the Braves 5-2. Carlos Villanueva pitched 6 solid innings as Milwaukee defeated Houston 5-3. Juan Pierre drove in 2 as Brad Penny pitched the Dodgers past the Cubs 6-2. Chris Duncan drove in 3 as the Cardinals beat Pittsburgh 6-2. Brad Hawpe hit the game winning single off of Brad Hennessey as the Rockies beat the Giants 6-5. Arizona took over first place as the knocked Chris Young around as they pummeled the Padres 9-1. Eric Byrnes drove in 3 runs for the Snakes.
News and Notes
- After a collision in last night's win over Seattle, A-Rod got an MRI on his right ankle and is listed as in the lineup for tonight's game against the M's.
- Jake Peavy will pitch tonight for San Diego on 3 days rest, more on this later in the blog.
- Cardinals OF Juan Encarnacion was released from the hospital, but it's unknown whether he'll have surgery of his fractured right eye socket. Encarnacion was hit with a foul ball while waiting on deck and also got a concussion, for which he's still feeling the after effects according to a source close to the St Louis Post Dispatch. I wish Juan a speedy recovery, needless to say his season is over.
- An MRI showed that Orioles ace Erik Bedard has a strained right oblique muscle, and the team will announce whether he'll pitch or not this season later in the week.
- Ruben Amaro will interview for the Astros GM position, accoridng to ESPN's Jayson Stark.
- Baltimore released Paul Shuey and Detroit activated Kenny Rogers from the DL and will join their rotation for the first time this season.
- Mets 1B Carlos Delgado will likely be out 7-10 days with a strained right hip flexor.
Wednesday On Tap
Already today, 4 Reds pitchers combined on a 3 hit shutout as Cincinnati mauled the Mets 7-0. John Maine gave up 6 runs in 4 and a third innings, and Brandon Phillips broke a franchise single season record for homers by a second baseman with his 28th, 1 more then SOS guest analyst Joe Morgan. Atlanta scored 4 in the 8th and then 3 in the 9th on a bases clearing double by Matt Diaz off of Brett Myers to lead the Braves past the Phillies 9-8. Willie Harris also had a pair of ribs for Atlanta. Fausto Carmona won his 15th as the Indians tamed the Twins 6-2. Victor Martinez and Kenny Lofton each drove in 2 for the Tribe. The A's defeated the Angels 6-2 as Mark Ellis homered and drove in 4 for Oakland. Joe Blanton got the win for the A's.
Tonight, Boston looks to extend their AL East lead when they send Curt Schilling to the hill against the always tough Shawn Marcum of Toronto. Kenny Rogers returns to the mound as Detroit takes on Gavin Floyd and the White Sox, and Jarrod Washburn looks to get the Mariners closer in the Wild Card race as they take on Phil Hughes and the Yankees. Liz and Sonnanstine are the 2 young SP's in Tampa as the O's take on the Rays.
In the NL, the Dodgers send out young Eric Stults for the sweep of the Cubs, Ted Lilly counters for Chicago at 8pm on ESPN. Milwaukee is only a half game out, they send Yovano Gallardo against Matt Albers of the Astros. Mark Mulder makes his season debut for the Cardinals, Tony Armas counters for Pittsburgh. Young Ubaldo Jimenez leads Colorado against the Giants. Jake Peavy will go on 3 days rest for the 2nd time in his career as the Padres battle the Diamondbaks for first place. Livan Hernandez pitches for Arizona.
Fantasy Studs & Duds
Hitting Studs
1) Garret Anderson, OF, LAA
2) Hunter Pence, OF, HOU
3) Carlos Pena, 1B, TB
4) Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI
5) Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX
Hitting Duds (min 23 ab's)
1) Nick Swisher, 1B/OF, Oak
2) Vernon Wells, OF, TOR
3) Joey Gathright, OF, KC
4) Gary Matthews, OF, LAA
5) Jose Guillen, OF, SEA
Pitching Studs
1) CC Sabathia, SP, CLE
2) Chien Ming Wang, SP, NYY
3) Jered Weaver, SP, LAA
4) Jeff Francis, SP, COL
5) Doug Davis, SP, ARZ
Pitching Duds
1) JD Durbin, P, PHI
2) Noah Lowry, SP, SF
3) Jarrod Washburn, SP, SEA
4) Antonio Alfonseca, RP, PHI
5) Andrew Miller, SP, DET
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
AFC South & West Previews
On Sunday, you saw what was going to happen in the east and north, let's now check out the rest of the league.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
A decent amount of adversity will have to be overcome for the Colts to take home a second consecutive Lombardy Trohpy, but the NFL is Peyton's Place so never count them out of title contention. Joseph Addai was a stud last season, but will have to run behind a weakened offensive line, after the retirement of Tarik Glenn. His replacement Tony Ugoh shows some promise, but Jeff Saturday will be the key to line success on Sundays (and Mondays when applicable). Harrison and Wayne are all world, Anthony Gonzalez is a good fit for the system, and Clark and Utecht make for a very nice set of TE's. The weak point of this club has always been the defense, but that could be magnified this season without Corey Simon, but more importantly Booger McFarland who's out for the season. Booger was supposed to clog up the run like his name clogs up noses, so the team is lacking at DT. The ends of Freeney and Mathis are still top notch, and will provide a very solid pass rush. The Linebacking is actually a bit below average, with Gary Brackett leading that unit. Bob Sanders was the catalyst behind last season's improbable defensive dominance, but both starting corners are now elsewhere and Tony Dungy's Tampa 2 could be severely comprimised. A midseason stretch against the Jaguars, Panthers, Patriots, and Chargers (3 on the road) will test Indy's mettle, but a 13-3 mark is expected.
Jacksonville Jaguars
David Garrard is THE MAN in J-Ville as Byron Leftwich has been cut even though he got every first team rep and every preseason start. With a subpar receiving corps, the Jags will once again rely on the two headed monster of Fred Taylor and the surprising Maurice Jones-Drew (MJD). The Guards anchor the o-line, but is below average at Center and the Tackles. As usual, the defense will have to carry this team. Henderson and Stroud is the top DT combo bar none, and Hayward is a sick pass rusher. Smith and Peterson are underrated at LB, and the secondary really took a beating in the offseason. Rasheen Mathis is still top of the line, but they had to sign Aaron Glenn for depth and rookie Reggie Nelson will have to start at FS. The line better stop the run and consistently rush the passer, because the secondary may not hold up when the tough gets going. Given the easy schedule the Jags has with no forseeable prolonged tough stretch, except maybe weeks 13-15 the Jags could squeak out 9-7 out of this team. The playoffs may be a bit of a push though.
Houston Texans
The Texans' second QB will be Schaub almighty, and features two career starts. But the offensive line that turned Carr into a lemon remains the same, and that spells bad news for Houston. Ahman Green is the same style RB that they've always had, and Andre Johnson still doesn't have an overly talented friend at WR. Owen Daniels isn't a second receiving option. The reason why this team could improve is on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive line has a fine mix of youth and veteran with Anthony Weaver providing guidance to Mario Williams and superfreak rookie DT Amobi Okoye. Reigning DROY DeMeco Ryans is complimented by Morlon Greenwood at LB, and Dunta Robinson is the lone bright spot in an overall poor secondary. The first four games are always telling with a young team, and could do them in. If that doesn't do it, the Broncos, Colts, and Jaguars will to end the season. 7-9 will be a nice improvement for Gary Kubiak and co.
Tennessee Titans
Forget that Vince Young is cursed, he certainly isn't blessed with a lot of talent around him. His Running Backs LenDale White and Chris Brown aren't going to be lighting up the scoreboard. Mawae and Roos lead a good offensive line, but their best receivers are elsewhere this year. Eric Moulds hasn't been a number one target in a while, and Brandon Jones is very unproven. It'll be a struggle to score points. The defense has talent even with the suspension of Adam Jones. Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch will do a good job at rushing the passer and stopping the run, and David Thornton and Keith Bullock make a very good LB tandem. The secondary added Chris Hope from Pittsburgh and Nick Harper from the Colts, and rookie Michael Griffin and co will make sure that they don't get scorched via the air. The team is OK, but probably doesn't have enough offensive weapons. Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and New Orleans start off the year and they may not be able to recover. Expect some growing pains, 6-10 is the selection.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers
New look, new coaches, thankfully the same LT. Norv Turner will run Tomlinson to no end, and he'll do a nice job in developing Phillip Rivers (he did the same with Alex Smith and Troy Aikman). McNeill and Deilman star on the left side of the line and allows LT to run at will to the weak side. Don't forget Lorenzo Neal, the best Fullback in the game. Rivers will play catch with Antonio Gates, and may have the receivers getting in on the act as well, with fast rising Vincent Jackson and a promising rookie Craig Davis. The front seven is superb with Castillo, Williams, and Olshansky on the line and superstars Merriman and Phillips at LB. The secondary is suspect, and Quentin Jammer has to prove that he can cover the top receiver. They could get shredded in the air in a given game if they're unable to get to the QB. By pure talent alone, they'll take this division. They start against Chicago and New England, and have the Colts, Jaguars, and Ravens in weeks 10-12. I'll take 12-4 with this team and a first round bye.
Denver Broncos
Jay Cutler will be eased along in his second year, and Mike Shanahan will let his running and defense do the work. Sounds familiar? This year's RB is Travis Henry, and their blocking led by Lepsis, Hamilton, and Nailen this year always seems to get the job done. As always they have depth with former Texas player Selvin Young and Mike Bell along with Cecil Sapp. Cutler has Javon Walker and the talented Daniel Graham to throw to, but Rod Smith may never play again and young Brandon Marshall will have to start. He'll have to grow up fast in order for Denver to reach its full potential. The Broncos are playing Extreme Makeover defensive line, and they don't have much to work with. Sam Adams and Simeon Rice are in along with Moss and Crowder, Gerrard Warren and Jimmy Kennedy out. Gold and DJ Williams will anchor a very good LB corps, and Bailey and Bly could be the best cornerback pair in the last decade. Ferguson and Lynch are the safeties. Their tough stretch is early on, so I see a late season rally and a 10-6 record to go down.
Kansas City Chiefs
If only Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez could play QB. Damon Huard held off Brodie Croyle for the starting gig and will have time in the pocket with the solid O-line led by Waters and Weigmann to try to manage the game. The handoff will easily be the team's best play, and there will be many a toss to Gonzalez. But Parker and Kennison aren't going to cut it anymore as starting wideouts, but they'll try to phase in Dwayne Bowe at receiver. Young Tamba Hali leads a very good defensive line along with the overlooked Jared Allen, and Johnson and Edwards leads the LB's. Law and Surtain is a good pairing at CB, but the safeties will allow the opposition to pull the trigger deep. This team is the definition of mediocre, and they'll finish out 7-9.
Oakland Raiders
It's OK Lane Kiffin, I'd go ill if I had to coach this team also. Daunte Culpepper will lead the Silver and Black before JaMarcus Russell takes the reins, and LaMont Jordan will try to find himself helped out by Dominic Rhodes after he comes back from suspension. So many draft picks have been wasted on this offensive line, but they've been busts and couldn't protect anything if they were the only people on earth. Miller has potential at TE, and the always angry Porter will pair with oft injured former UNC star Ronald Curry. The offense sounds like a joke, Raider Nation isn't laughing. The defense has a lot of potential, unlike the O. Burgess and Sapp star on the left side of the line, the right side is awful. Morrison is the lone bright spot at LB, and Nnamdi Asomugha is a star at CB, and the team may get as many wins as there are vowels in his name. Huff and Schweigert make for a good young group of safeties. Shane Lechler will be very important for this team, for some obvious reasons. They might actually start 3-1 with winnable games against Detroit, Cleveland, and Miami early on but the wins will be few and far between after that. I'll be nice and give Da Raidaz 5-11, and I'll give some virtual Tums to Mr Kiffin.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
A decent amount of adversity will have to be overcome for the Colts to take home a second consecutive Lombardy Trohpy, but the NFL is Peyton's Place so never count them out of title contention. Joseph Addai was a stud last season, but will have to run behind a weakened offensive line, after the retirement of Tarik Glenn. His replacement Tony Ugoh shows some promise, but Jeff Saturday will be the key to line success on Sundays (and Mondays when applicable). Harrison and Wayne are all world, Anthony Gonzalez is a good fit for the system, and Clark and Utecht make for a very nice set of TE's. The weak point of this club has always been the defense, but that could be magnified this season without Corey Simon, but more importantly Booger McFarland who's out for the season. Booger was supposed to clog up the run like his name clogs up noses, so the team is lacking at DT. The ends of Freeney and Mathis are still top notch, and will provide a very solid pass rush. The Linebacking is actually a bit below average, with Gary Brackett leading that unit. Bob Sanders was the catalyst behind last season's improbable defensive dominance, but both starting corners are now elsewhere and Tony Dungy's Tampa 2 could be severely comprimised. A midseason stretch against the Jaguars, Panthers, Patriots, and Chargers (3 on the road) will test Indy's mettle, but a 13-3 mark is expected.
Jacksonville Jaguars
David Garrard is THE MAN in J-Ville as Byron Leftwich has been cut even though he got every first team rep and every preseason start. With a subpar receiving corps, the Jags will once again rely on the two headed monster of Fred Taylor and the surprising Maurice Jones-Drew (MJD). The Guards anchor the o-line, but is below average at Center and the Tackles. As usual, the defense will have to carry this team. Henderson and Stroud is the top DT combo bar none, and Hayward is a sick pass rusher. Smith and Peterson are underrated at LB, and the secondary really took a beating in the offseason. Rasheen Mathis is still top of the line, but they had to sign Aaron Glenn for depth and rookie Reggie Nelson will have to start at FS. The line better stop the run and consistently rush the passer, because the secondary may not hold up when the tough gets going. Given the easy schedule the Jags has with no forseeable prolonged tough stretch, except maybe weeks 13-15 the Jags could squeak out 9-7 out of this team. The playoffs may be a bit of a push though.
Houston Texans
The Texans' second QB will be Schaub almighty, and features two career starts. But the offensive line that turned Carr into a lemon remains the same, and that spells bad news for Houston. Ahman Green is the same style RB that they've always had, and Andre Johnson still doesn't have an overly talented friend at WR. Owen Daniels isn't a second receiving option. The reason why this team could improve is on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive line has a fine mix of youth and veteran with Anthony Weaver providing guidance to Mario Williams and superfreak rookie DT Amobi Okoye. Reigning DROY DeMeco Ryans is complimented by Morlon Greenwood at LB, and Dunta Robinson is the lone bright spot in an overall poor secondary. The first four games are always telling with a young team, and could do them in. If that doesn't do it, the Broncos, Colts, and Jaguars will to end the season. 7-9 will be a nice improvement for Gary Kubiak and co.
Tennessee Titans
Forget that Vince Young is cursed, he certainly isn't blessed with a lot of talent around him. His Running Backs LenDale White and Chris Brown aren't going to be lighting up the scoreboard. Mawae and Roos lead a good offensive line, but their best receivers are elsewhere this year. Eric Moulds hasn't been a number one target in a while, and Brandon Jones is very unproven. It'll be a struggle to score points. The defense has talent even with the suspension of Adam Jones. Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch will do a good job at rushing the passer and stopping the run, and David Thornton and Keith Bullock make a very good LB tandem. The secondary added Chris Hope from Pittsburgh and Nick Harper from the Colts, and rookie Michael Griffin and co will make sure that they don't get scorched via the air. The team is OK, but probably doesn't have enough offensive weapons. Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and New Orleans start off the year and they may not be able to recover. Expect some growing pains, 6-10 is the selection.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers
New look, new coaches, thankfully the same LT. Norv Turner will run Tomlinson to no end, and he'll do a nice job in developing Phillip Rivers (he did the same with Alex Smith and Troy Aikman). McNeill and Deilman star on the left side of the line and allows LT to run at will to the weak side. Don't forget Lorenzo Neal, the best Fullback in the game. Rivers will play catch with Antonio Gates, and may have the receivers getting in on the act as well, with fast rising Vincent Jackson and a promising rookie Craig Davis. The front seven is superb with Castillo, Williams, and Olshansky on the line and superstars Merriman and Phillips at LB. The secondary is suspect, and Quentin Jammer has to prove that he can cover the top receiver. They could get shredded in the air in a given game if they're unable to get to the QB. By pure talent alone, they'll take this division. They start against Chicago and New England, and have the Colts, Jaguars, and Ravens in weeks 10-12. I'll take 12-4 with this team and a first round bye.
Denver Broncos
Jay Cutler will be eased along in his second year, and Mike Shanahan will let his running and defense do the work. Sounds familiar? This year's RB is Travis Henry, and their blocking led by Lepsis, Hamilton, and Nailen this year always seems to get the job done. As always they have depth with former Texas player Selvin Young and Mike Bell along with Cecil Sapp. Cutler has Javon Walker and the talented Daniel Graham to throw to, but Rod Smith may never play again and young Brandon Marshall will have to start. He'll have to grow up fast in order for Denver to reach its full potential. The Broncos are playing Extreme Makeover defensive line, and they don't have much to work with. Sam Adams and Simeon Rice are in along with Moss and Crowder, Gerrard Warren and Jimmy Kennedy out. Gold and DJ Williams will anchor a very good LB corps, and Bailey and Bly could be the best cornerback pair in the last decade. Ferguson and Lynch are the safeties. Their tough stretch is early on, so I see a late season rally and a 10-6 record to go down.
Kansas City Chiefs
If only Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez could play QB. Damon Huard held off Brodie Croyle for the starting gig and will have time in the pocket with the solid O-line led by Waters and Weigmann to try to manage the game. The handoff will easily be the team's best play, and there will be many a toss to Gonzalez. But Parker and Kennison aren't going to cut it anymore as starting wideouts, but they'll try to phase in Dwayne Bowe at receiver. Young Tamba Hali leads a very good defensive line along with the overlooked Jared Allen, and Johnson and Edwards leads the LB's. Law and Surtain is a good pairing at CB, but the safeties will allow the opposition to pull the trigger deep. This team is the definition of mediocre, and they'll finish out 7-9.
Oakland Raiders
It's OK Lane Kiffin, I'd go ill if I had to coach this team also. Daunte Culpepper will lead the Silver and Black before JaMarcus Russell takes the reins, and LaMont Jordan will try to find himself helped out by Dominic Rhodes after he comes back from suspension. So many draft picks have been wasted on this offensive line, but they've been busts and couldn't protect anything if they were the only people on earth. Miller has potential at TE, and the always angry Porter will pair with oft injured former UNC star Ronald Curry. The offense sounds like a joke, Raider Nation isn't laughing. The defense has a lot of potential, unlike the O. Burgess and Sapp star on the left side of the line, the right side is awful. Morrison is the lone bright spot at LB, and Nnamdi Asomugha is a star at CB, and the team may get as many wins as there are vowels in his name. Huff and Schweigert make for a good young group of safeties. Shane Lechler will be very important for this team, for some obvious reasons. They might actually start 3-1 with winnable games against Detroit, Cleveland, and Miami early on but the wins will be few and far between after that. I'll be nice and give Da Raidaz 5-11, and I'll give some virtual Tums to Mr Kiffin.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Around The Majors- Monday
Happy Labor Day everyone! It's time for that last trip to the beach, that last chance to fire up the grill, and a great opportunity to kick back with a cold one and watch some big matches in all the pennant races. But before I tell you what's on tap for today, I'll take a look at the standings and how the pennant races are taking shape.
Standings
Boston has a 6 game lead over the Yankees in the AL East. Toronto has won 7 of 10 to be respectable. Cleveland has won 8 of 10 and leads Detroit by 5.5 in the AL Central. Seattle has dropped 9 in a row and trail the Angels by 6.5 in the AL West. Atlanta has lost 7 of 10 and are now 7.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Philadelphia is 4 out in the race. The Cubs are 1.5 ahead of Milwaukee and 2 clear of St Louis in the NL Central. The Padres and Diamondbacks are 4 games ahead of the Dodgers in the NL West. The Yankees are 2 games clear of Seattle for the AL Wild Card and 3 ahead of Detroit. The Padres/D-Backs are 3 ahead of the Phillies, 4 ahead of the Dodgers, and 5 ahead of Colorado in the NL Wild Card race.
Monday On Tap
Huge series starts in The Bronx as Roger Clemens take on King Felix Hernandez and the Mariners. Philly and Atlanta begin an elimination series in the NL East with Jaime Moyer going for the Phils. Sabathia and Santana lock up in a Labor Day Duel, and Pedro Martinez makes his first start after rotator cuff surgery for the Mets as they face the tough Aaron Harang and the Reds. Dice-K Matuszaka faces Toronto up North, and James Shields faces Baltimore. Oswalt and Sheets match up in Milwaukee, Cain and Francis in Denver, Esteban Loaiza goes for the Dodgers against Carlos Zambrano, and Maddux faces Owings in Phoenix. Gaudin faces Ervin Santana in LA.
Standings
Boston has a 6 game lead over the Yankees in the AL East. Toronto has won 7 of 10 to be respectable. Cleveland has won 8 of 10 and leads Detroit by 5.5 in the AL Central. Seattle has dropped 9 in a row and trail the Angels by 6.5 in the AL West. Atlanta has lost 7 of 10 and are now 7.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East. Philadelphia is 4 out in the race. The Cubs are 1.5 ahead of Milwaukee and 2 clear of St Louis in the NL Central. The Padres and Diamondbacks are 4 games ahead of the Dodgers in the NL West. The Yankees are 2 games clear of Seattle for the AL Wild Card and 3 ahead of Detroit. The Padres/D-Backs are 3 ahead of the Phillies, 4 ahead of the Dodgers, and 5 ahead of Colorado in the NL Wild Card race.
Monday On Tap
Huge series starts in The Bronx as Roger Clemens take on King Felix Hernandez and the Mariners. Philly and Atlanta begin an elimination series in the NL East with Jaime Moyer going for the Phils. Sabathia and Santana lock up in a Labor Day Duel, and Pedro Martinez makes his first start after rotator cuff surgery for the Mets as they face the tough Aaron Harang and the Reds. Dice-K Matuszaka faces Toronto up North, and James Shields faces Baltimore. Oswalt and Sheets match up in Milwaukee, Cain and Francis in Denver, Esteban Loaiza goes for the Dodgers against Carlos Zambrano, and Maddux faces Owings in Phoenix. Gaudin faces Ervin Santana in LA.
What The Slump?
-In March, during Fantasy Baseball Draft season, you paid big bucks to land Pujols, Mauer, Manny, Aramis Ramirez, Bay etc. You feel bad now don't you. These are a small percentage of big names that have not been as productive as you thought they would be. Ortiz, Helton, Hafner, Delgado, Jones, Rolen and Drew, and these are only the batters. Big names have emerged and big names have faltered. Confusing isn't it. Times have changed and the long ball doesn't seem as important as it used to be, but can all of these stars get old in one year?
-In 1965, the New York Yankees had the same roster as their 62,63 and 64 winning teams. The only problem was that they all started getting old. Mantle and Maris's numbers went down by a lot and the team didn't do anywhere close to what they had done in the years past. Now, some of these players are having good years (Pujols and Ortiz), we just aren't used to these numbers compared to the numbers that they have put up in previous years. Pitchers have tendency to get old quickly and that comes with injury and age. For example, Randy Johnson, Kenny Rogers, Barry Zito, Curt Schilling and Mark Mulder. All were marquee names until late. They have all gotten old very fast, and its hard to ignore. Players getting old is more confusing than teams changing closers because their Mr. Reliable had a minor injury (Brian Fuentes). The only way to know a player is actually getting old is to see how they do on back to back years. Most of these slumping players will be back next year. Here's a chart of who I think will be slumped for good and who is bound to make a big comeback year:
Slumped For Good:
-In 1965, the New York Yankees had the same roster as their 62,63 and 64 winning teams. The only problem was that they all started getting old. Mantle and Maris's numbers went down by a lot and the team didn't do anywhere close to what they had done in the years past. Now, some of these players are having good years (Pujols and Ortiz), we just aren't used to these numbers compared to the numbers that they have put up in previous years. Pitchers have tendency to get old quickly and that comes with injury and age. For example, Randy Johnson, Kenny Rogers, Barry Zito, Curt Schilling and Mark Mulder. All were marquee names until late. They have all gotten old very fast, and its hard to ignore. Players getting old is more confusing than teams changing closers because their Mr. Reliable had a minor injury (Brian Fuentes). The only way to know a player is actually getting old is to see how they do on back to back years. Most of these slumping players will be back next year. Here's a chart of who I think will be slumped for good and who is bound to make a big comeback year:
Slumped For Good:
- Scott Rolen: Injuries have plagued his last two seasons, look for him to retire within a year or two.
- Manny Ramirez: Has been looking to get out of Boston for a few years. Will become a DH and last another four long and non-productive seasons.
- Barry Zito: Big contract looked good but team doesn't help. He'll be around for a while but no more big seasons.
- Carlos Delgado: Usual 35 homer guy is down to 21 in September, that's not normal.
Primed to Comeback:
- Albert Pujols: Look for 45, 125 and a .335 average next season.
- Joe Mauer: Average has slid but will be back to normal next season.
- Travis Hafner: I have faith that he will come back strong.
- Dontrelle Willis: He is not done yet. Give him a 15 win season next year if he is moved.
We'll Be Seeing A lot of Him:
- Carlos Pena: He has had fluke years before but I think he's for real now.
- Prince Fielder: 40 this year, 50 next year, its a pattern.
- Ryan Braun: Rookie is the real deal.
- Eric Byrnes: The best player that your 10 year old doesn't know about.
- Jeff Francis: Its about time people realized that this guy could pitch.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
East & North NFL Previews
With the season just a week away, and all the rosters now at the standard 53 men let's get to the previews.
AFC East
New England Patriots
Let's set things straight, the Pats are easily the class of this division, but a pair of new developments could make their early season road a bit tougher. DT Richard Seymour was surprisingly placed on the PUP list and will miss the first six games of the season. Rodney Harrison will be suspended the first four on suspension for taking a banned substance, what he said was to aid his recovery from injury and not steroids. With two major cogs missing for New England early on, the acquisitions that Bill Belichik and Scott Pioli made are that much more important. Randy Moss gives their offense a big time threat at receiver, and Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelley Washington gives the club depth. Tom Brady loves distributing the ball to a large number of targets, and will be able to do so with the WR's and rising TE Ben Watson. Laurence Maroney is the lone back this year with the departure of Corey Dillon, and he should be able to carry the load more than adequately. Even without Seymour, the front seven is the best in football. Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork are on the line, and super defenseman Adalius Thomas joins Vrabel, Bruschi, and Colvin at LB. The Pats never seem to have depth in the secondary, and Eugene Wilson will have to step up big at Safety. Asante Samuel is back at CB after his holdout and stars alongside Ellis Hobbs. Gostkowski does the kicking, and Welker will bring speed to the return game. They play the Jets, Chargers, Bengals, and Cowboys in their first six games so a slow start is possible. A big game is at Indy in week 9, but it'll be smooth sailing after week 13. Expect 11 wins and another division crown.
New York Jets
Coach Eric Mangini looked brilliant when he guided the Jets to the postseason last year, but a daunting schedule will likely bring New York back down to earth this season. Chad Pennington leads his offense that has a new RB in Thomas Jones, a likely improvement at the position. Laveranues Coles is a solid number one, and Chris Baker and Jerricho Cotchery will be the main targets. The offensive line is young and improving, but the defense may still have ways to go. The run defense was putrid last year, and that may not change at all. Dewayne Robertson hasn't proven that he could plug the holes in the 3-4 defense, and the Linebacking corps is average aside from Johnathan Vilma. The pass defense could be subject to a scorching as well, as Kerry Rhodes is the only sure bet. For this pass defense to succeed, first round pick Darrelle Revis may have to make a difference immediately, and that could be asking a lot especially given his lengthy holdout. The special teams looks good, but the schedule could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. They open with New England and Baltimore, and have the Giants and Eagles in weeks 5 and 6. They have the Bengals in week 7, and the Steelers and Cowboys in weeks 11 and 12. The last portion of the campaign seems easy, but I see 8-8 in their futures.
Buffalo Bills
This is the season where JP Losman makes it happen. The offense has some nice weapons in Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans, and Peerless Price. The underrated defense is young and improving. What could be the downfall of the team is the offensive line, which must protect Losman in his big year. That could spell problems for Buffalo, and lots of grass stains for the QB. Lynch should be the OROY this year, and Evans is emerging into a big time threat. Kelsay and Schobel anchor the D-line, and Paul Posluszny anchors an average LB corps. The secondary has to step up this year, and the special teams is one of the best. This team is definitely an improving bunch, but could be too young to capitalize off of mistakes and prevail in close contests. Denver, Pittsburgh, and New England starts off the season with the Jets and Cowboys following. They have one of the toughest schedules in the league, so their 7-9 finish shows how much promise they actually have.
Miami Dolphins
I promise that Miami will blow this year. Trent Green looked awful in preseason, and Cam Cameron is already showing doubts that Ronnie Brown can be an every down back in this league. The offensive line is abysmal, and Chris Chambers had as bad of a season as any top WR had ever. Marty Booker may have been a #2 WR 10 years ago, and David Martin is a sorry excuse for a starting TE. Jason Taylor is the only bright spot on an average defensive line, and the secondary is average at best. The shining light for this crew are the LB's with Zach Thomas and Joey Porter showing the way for rising star Channing Crowder. Ted Ginn will be a nice special teams player, and will have to score some TD's so that the Miami faithful don't drown themselves in their own tears. I see a maximum of 6 wins on the schedule, so I see the Phins ending up at 4-12.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Last I checked, the Ravens have the best D in the AFC and that should once again be enough for a division crown. Steve McNair leads the offense along with his new backfield pal Willis McGahee who should take some of the pressure that a subpar Jamal Lewis placed on McNair last season. The offensive line could be a concern, but I'll trust all-timer Jonathan Ogden to carry the line forward. Derrick Mason has been a McNair target for years, Todd Heap is still a top tier threat at TE, and Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams should only improve this year. Pryce, Gregg, and Ngata are probably the best line on any 3-4 defense, and Suggs, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott will do just fine without Adalius Thomas. Ed Reed and Chris McAllister make two dominant secondary players, and SS Dawan Landry is on the rise. The concern is Samari role at the other CB spot, if he plays well the D may have no holes at all. But if he gets routinely scorched, it could get ugly. Division games are always tough in this division, but I think that they can handle the NFC West and take home a 10-6 record.
Cincinnati Bengals
Three things can always be assumed with this team: A stellar offense, dozens of mugshots, and a swiss cheese D. The latter can ultimately be Cincy's downfall. We all know that Carson Palmer and his WR's Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmanzadeh are elite and that Rudi Johnson is Bengalese for reliable, but a weak line could mean that Palmer could be in a world of trouble. Palmer was on his ass 91 times last year, 2nd in the league to only John Kitna. The front seven on D only has Justin Smith as a star, and he's very inconsistent. Madieu Williams is the leader of the secondary, but the defense just can't stop anyone. I'm looking forward to a week 14 Arena League style match against the Rams, and a 9-7 mark in '07 for the Bengals.
Pittsburgh Steelers
New coach Mike Tomlin is asking Big Ben to do more. The last time something good happened to him, he almost killed himself. He threw more picks last year then any other QB and they're asking him to do more? With a suspect O-line besides for Alan Faneca and the rise of Willie Parker as a big threat, maybe they should keep to the run it down your throat approach that Bill Cowher used. Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Santonio Holmes are nice my dear Tomlin, but not when your QB is severely overrated. The LB's could take a step back without Joey Porter, and Chris Hope's departure really hurts the secondary. Pittsburgh will go 7-9 this season.
Cleveland Browns
At QB, Romeo Crennel can choose from meat loaf, Brussels sprouts, or dog poo. He went with Charlie Frye, with Brady Quinn for desert. By the time Quinn enters, I think that the Dawg Pound will have lost their collective appetites by then. Jamal Lewis is just average now, Kellen Winslow will be pissed that nobody will be able to throw it to him, and Braylon Edwards will continue to be a bust. Asking Ted Washington to anchor a D-line is like asking Neil Armstrong to lead a trip to the moon, he's been there but he's way too old to go back. Davis and Wimbley will make the LB's pleasant and Pool and Jones will be a top safety tandem for a while. Going back to the dog poo for a second, wait make that an entire season. 4-12 for the Browns, and perhaps a trip to the unemployment line for Romeo.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
I've developed a theory, that for every human being, there's a different opinion about Tony Romo. What's fact is that Terrell Owens and Jason Witten are two of the best players at their positions, and that Wade Phillips's attacking 3-4 defense will bring lead Dallas to a division crown. Adams, Gurode, and Davis lead a line that will pave the way for both Julius Jones and Marion Barber, and a group of LB led by Akin Ayodele and superstud DeMarcus Ware. The addition of Ken Hamlin will enable Roy Williams to not have to cover people (it was like telling a kleptomaniac to watch your house) and Terrence Newman will lead the CB's. A trip to Chicago in week 3 will be a huge test, I see Dallas at 11-5 this season.
Philadelphia Eagles
He ran, he caught, he kissed babies. Brian Westbrook did it all last year, and he should be the clear focal point of the offense to protect Donovan McNabb. McNabb does have one of the best lines in the game, but he seems to be more fragile then a souffle in an opera house. LJ Smith will be the main man in the passing attack, and Brown and Curtis will be targets as well. Kimo von Oelhoffen was added to bolster the D-line along with Trent Cole, and Takeo Spikes anchors a very inexperienced group of LB's. The secondary will as usual be the glue to thie defense, with Sheppard, Brown, and Dawkins leading the way. Games at Dallas and New Orleans in weeks 15 and 16 will go a long way to sealing their fate, I'll give them 10-6.
New York Giants
Their best player is at NBC. Their 2nd best player just walked in the door. Their new team leader can't even find his own way. Their coach is on the hot seat. This team could be in trouble. Eli Manning has to prove his leadership to himself and the rest of the world for the Giants to have any shot at the postseason. The RB tandem of Jacobs and Droughns may take a while to click, and Burress and Shockey will have to take leadership roles both on and off the field. The O-line is average, and will need to hold up in pass protection in order to succeed. Strahan may take some time to get back in the swing of things, so Osi Umenyiora may have to step up even more early on. Antonio Pierce leads a decent LB grouping, but the secondary is pretty weak and could prove to be a liability. They play the division and the Jets in 4 of their first 5, so they'll be testedt immediately. If that doesn't get them, games against the Bears, Eagles, and Pats in 3 of their last 5 will. 7-9 is the prediction.
Washington Redskins
Is Jason Campbell ready for the big time? His career seems to be mapped out a lot like JP Losmans' and that's not very promising. The offensive line is among the league's best, and the running game will have to be a factor whether it's Portis or Betts in the backfield. Moss and Cooley are the only reliable targets via the air, and Llyod and Randle El seem to be busts. For the team to have a shot at the postseason, they MUST create more turnovers. They created 12 last year, less than a team I saw made of dyslexic, cross-eyed parapalegics. Their defensive line is below average, and London Fletcher-Baker will have to do wonders at LB especially with the loss of Marcus Washington. Springs, Landry, and Taylor make up a promising secondary but the teams' deficiencies may prove to be too much for this team to be successful. A midseason stretch against the Patriots, Jets, Eagles, and Cowboys will likely do them in. 6-10 is the prediction.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
This division is so bad, that SprungOnSports could be the QB and the Bears would still get a home playoff game. Rex Grossman has shown some improvement in camp, but he still has to prove himself on the field, or be a constant punch-line throughout his career. Cedric Benson takes over full time at RB, and he has to show some drive and durability. The offensive line is solid, and Berrian and Muhammad are solid WR's. Devin Hester, Desmond Clark, and Gregg Olson make for good secondary options. Anderson and Harris lead the defensive line, and Briggs and Urlacher make for the best LB corps in the game, and the Tillman and Vasher show is quite nice at CB. They're at San Diego week one, and they play the Saints in week 17 but everything should be fine in between. 10-6 will be plenty to take the division.
Detroit Lions
I want what Jon Kitna's taking. With his offensive line and his running game, .500 would be quite the feat. Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones won't be good enough at the position to win consistently. Air Martz will be flying nonstop one way to Williams, Johnson, and Furrey and will not stop until the final gun. Rogers and Redding lead a nice D-line, but the rest of the defense is awful. Detroit has a pretty easy schedule so they'll end up 7-9.
Green Bay Packers
Brett Favre is keeping this franchise in handcuffs, but the team doesn't find it so kinky. He doesn't have many weapons on offense besides for Donald Driver, and the line is bad besides for Chad Clifton. Vernand Morency and Brandon Jackson will carry the running load, the fans will have to bring their own barf bags. This team will do better then people expect because of their rock solid defense. Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins are very good on the line, and AJ Hawk is turning into a star at LB. Harris and Woodson are good at corner, and the D will keep Green Bay classy. It'll be trial by fire for the Cheeseheads as they'll face the Eagles, Giants, Chargers, and Bears in 4 of their first 5 and they'll fight for their 7-9 finish.
Minnesota Vikings
Tarvaris Jackson is the worst starting QB a team has had in recent memory, and that includes Joey Harrington. Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson will have to run circles around opposing defenses. The offensive line will be there for Jackson to do well with McKinnie, Hutchinson, and Birk, but Bobby Wade and Troy Williamson are 4th receivers on most teams not 1-2. Pat and Kevin Williams anchor a good defensive line, and the LB's are young and hungry. But will youth and energy bring success for Henderson, Greenway, and co? Winfield and Sharper are good in the secondary but an abover average defense can't make up for a horrible offense. Their first 4 games are winnable, but they get Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Green Bay after their bye in a row. Uh-oh, 4-12 is in the works for the Purple People.
AFC East
New England Patriots
Let's set things straight, the Pats are easily the class of this division, but a pair of new developments could make their early season road a bit tougher. DT Richard Seymour was surprisingly placed on the PUP list and will miss the first six games of the season. Rodney Harrison will be suspended the first four on suspension for taking a banned substance, what he said was to aid his recovery from injury and not steroids. With two major cogs missing for New England early on, the acquisitions that Bill Belichik and Scott Pioli made are that much more important. Randy Moss gives their offense a big time threat at receiver, and Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelley Washington gives the club depth. Tom Brady loves distributing the ball to a large number of targets, and will be able to do so with the WR's and rising TE Ben Watson. Laurence Maroney is the lone back this year with the departure of Corey Dillon, and he should be able to carry the load more than adequately. Even without Seymour, the front seven is the best in football. Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork are on the line, and super defenseman Adalius Thomas joins Vrabel, Bruschi, and Colvin at LB. The Pats never seem to have depth in the secondary, and Eugene Wilson will have to step up big at Safety. Asante Samuel is back at CB after his holdout and stars alongside Ellis Hobbs. Gostkowski does the kicking, and Welker will bring speed to the return game. They play the Jets, Chargers, Bengals, and Cowboys in their first six games so a slow start is possible. A big game is at Indy in week 9, but it'll be smooth sailing after week 13. Expect 11 wins and another division crown.
New York Jets
Coach Eric Mangini looked brilliant when he guided the Jets to the postseason last year, but a daunting schedule will likely bring New York back down to earth this season. Chad Pennington leads his offense that has a new RB in Thomas Jones, a likely improvement at the position. Laveranues Coles is a solid number one, and Chris Baker and Jerricho Cotchery will be the main targets. The offensive line is young and improving, but the defense may still have ways to go. The run defense was putrid last year, and that may not change at all. Dewayne Robertson hasn't proven that he could plug the holes in the 3-4 defense, and the Linebacking corps is average aside from Johnathan Vilma. The pass defense could be subject to a scorching as well, as Kerry Rhodes is the only sure bet. For this pass defense to succeed, first round pick Darrelle Revis may have to make a difference immediately, and that could be asking a lot especially given his lengthy holdout. The special teams looks good, but the schedule could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. They open with New England and Baltimore, and have the Giants and Eagles in weeks 5 and 6. They have the Bengals in week 7, and the Steelers and Cowboys in weeks 11 and 12. The last portion of the campaign seems easy, but I see 8-8 in their futures.
Buffalo Bills
This is the season where JP Losman makes it happen. The offense has some nice weapons in Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans, and Peerless Price. The underrated defense is young and improving. What could be the downfall of the team is the offensive line, which must protect Losman in his big year. That could spell problems for Buffalo, and lots of grass stains for the QB. Lynch should be the OROY this year, and Evans is emerging into a big time threat. Kelsay and Schobel anchor the D-line, and Paul Posluszny anchors an average LB corps. The secondary has to step up this year, and the special teams is one of the best. This team is definitely an improving bunch, but could be too young to capitalize off of mistakes and prevail in close contests. Denver, Pittsburgh, and New England starts off the season with the Jets and Cowboys following. They have one of the toughest schedules in the league, so their 7-9 finish shows how much promise they actually have.
Miami Dolphins
I promise that Miami will blow this year. Trent Green looked awful in preseason, and Cam Cameron is already showing doubts that Ronnie Brown can be an every down back in this league. The offensive line is abysmal, and Chris Chambers had as bad of a season as any top WR had ever. Marty Booker may have been a #2 WR 10 years ago, and David Martin is a sorry excuse for a starting TE. Jason Taylor is the only bright spot on an average defensive line, and the secondary is average at best. The shining light for this crew are the LB's with Zach Thomas and Joey Porter showing the way for rising star Channing Crowder. Ted Ginn will be a nice special teams player, and will have to score some TD's so that the Miami faithful don't drown themselves in their own tears. I see a maximum of 6 wins on the schedule, so I see the Phins ending up at 4-12.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Last I checked, the Ravens have the best D in the AFC and that should once again be enough for a division crown. Steve McNair leads the offense along with his new backfield pal Willis McGahee who should take some of the pressure that a subpar Jamal Lewis placed on McNair last season. The offensive line could be a concern, but I'll trust all-timer Jonathan Ogden to carry the line forward. Derrick Mason has been a McNair target for years, Todd Heap is still a top tier threat at TE, and Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams should only improve this year. Pryce, Gregg, and Ngata are probably the best line on any 3-4 defense, and Suggs, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott will do just fine without Adalius Thomas. Ed Reed and Chris McAllister make two dominant secondary players, and SS Dawan Landry is on the rise. The concern is Samari role at the other CB spot, if he plays well the D may have no holes at all. But if he gets routinely scorched, it could get ugly. Division games are always tough in this division, but I think that they can handle the NFC West and take home a 10-6 record.
Cincinnati Bengals
Three things can always be assumed with this team: A stellar offense, dozens of mugshots, and a swiss cheese D. The latter can ultimately be Cincy's downfall. We all know that Carson Palmer and his WR's Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmanzadeh are elite and that Rudi Johnson is Bengalese for reliable, but a weak line could mean that Palmer could be in a world of trouble. Palmer was on his ass 91 times last year, 2nd in the league to only John Kitna. The front seven on D only has Justin Smith as a star, and he's very inconsistent. Madieu Williams is the leader of the secondary, but the defense just can't stop anyone. I'm looking forward to a week 14 Arena League style match against the Rams, and a 9-7 mark in '07 for the Bengals.
Pittsburgh Steelers
New coach Mike Tomlin is asking Big Ben to do more. The last time something good happened to him, he almost killed himself. He threw more picks last year then any other QB and they're asking him to do more? With a suspect O-line besides for Alan Faneca and the rise of Willie Parker as a big threat, maybe they should keep to the run it down your throat approach that Bill Cowher used. Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Santonio Holmes are nice my dear Tomlin, but not when your QB is severely overrated. The LB's could take a step back without Joey Porter, and Chris Hope's departure really hurts the secondary. Pittsburgh will go 7-9 this season.
Cleveland Browns
At QB, Romeo Crennel can choose from meat loaf, Brussels sprouts, or dog poo. He went with Charlie Frye, with Brady Quinn for desert. By the time Quinn enters, I think that the Dawg Pound will have lost their collective appetites by then. Jamal Lewis is just average now, Kellen Winslow will be pissed that nobody will be able to throw it to him, and Braylon Edwards will continue to be a bust. Asking Ted Washington to anchor a D-line is like asking Neil Armstrong to lead a trip to the moon, he's been there but he's way too old to go back. Davis and Wimbley will make the LB's pleasant and Pool and Jones will be a top safety tandem for a while. Going back to the dog poo for a second, wait make that an entire season. 4-12 for the Browns, and perhaps a trip to the unemployment line for Romeo.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
I've developed a theory, that for every human being, there's a different opinion about Tony Romo. What's fact is that Terrell Owens and Jason Witten are two of the best players at their positions, and that Wade Phillips's attacking 3-4 defense will bring lead Dallas to a division crown. Adams, Gurode, and Davis lead a line that will pave the way for both Julius Jones and Marion Barber, and a group of LB led by Akin Ayodele and superstud DeMarcus Ware. The addition of Ken Hamlin will enable Roy Williams to not have to cover people (it was like telling a kleptomaniac to watch your house) and Terrence Newman will lead the CB's. A trip to Chicago in week 3 will be a huge test, I see Dallas at 11-5 this season.
Philadelphia Eagles
He ran, he caught, he kissed babies. Brian Westbrook did it all last year, and he should be the clear focal point of the offense to protect Donovan McNabb. McNabb does have one of the best lines in the game, but he seems to be more fragile then a souffle in an opera house. LJ Smith will be the main man in the passing attack, and Brown and Curtis will be targets as well. Kimo von Oelhoffen was added to bolster the D-line along with Trent Cole, and Takeo Spikes anchors a very inexperienced group of LB's. The secondary will as usual be the glue to thie defense, with Sheppard, Brown, and Dawkins leading the way. Games at Dallas and New Orleans in weeks 15 and 16 will go a long way to sealing their fate, I'll give them 10-6.
New York Giants
Their best player is at NBC. Their 2nd best player just walked in the door. Their new team leader can't even find his own way. Their coach is on the hot seat. This team could be in trouble. Eli Manning has to prove his leadership to himself and the rest of the world for the Giants to have any shot at the postseason. The RB tandem of Jacobs and Droughns may take a while to click, and Burress and Shockey will have to take leadership roles both on and off the field. The O-line is average, and will need to hold up in pass protection in order to succeed. Strahan may take some time to get back in the swing of things, so Osi Umenyiora may have to step up even more early on. Antonio Pierce leads a decent LB grouping, but the secondary is pretty weak and could prove to be a liability. They play the division and the Jets in 4 of their first 5, so they'll be testedt immediately. If that doesn't get them, games against the Bears, Eagles, and Pats in 3 of their last 5 will. 7-9 is the prediction.
Washington Redskins
Is Jason Campbell ready for the big time? His career seems to be mapped out a lot like JP Losmans' and that's not very promising. The offensive line is among the league's best, and the running game will have to be a factor whether it's Portis or Betts in the backfield. Moss and Cooley are the only reliable targets via the air, and Llyod and Randle El seem to be busts. For the team to have a shot at the postseason, they MUST create more turnovers. They created 12 last year, less than a team I saw made of dyslexic, cross-eyed parapalegics. Their defensive line is below average, and London Fletcher-Baker will have to do wonders at LB especially with the loss of Marcus Washington. Springs, Landry, and Taylor make up a promising secondary but the teams' deficiencies may prove to be too much for this team to be successful. A midseason stretch against the Patriots, Jets, Eagles, and Cowboys will likely do them in. 6-10 is the prediction.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
This division is so bad, that SprungOnSports could be the QB and the Bears would still get a home playoff game. Rex Grossman has shown some improvement in camp, but he still has to prove himself on the field, or be a constant punch-line throughout his career. Cedric Benson takes over full time at RB, and he has to show some drive and durability. The offensive line is solid, and Berrian and Muhammad are solid WR's. Devin Hester, Desmond Clark, and Gregg Olson make for good secondary options. Anderson and Harris lead the defensive line, and Briggs and Urlacher make for the best LB corps in the game, and the Tillman and Vasher show is quite nice at CB. They're at San Diego week one, and they play the Saints in week 17 but everything should be fine in between. 10-6 will be plenty to take the division.
Detroit Lions
I want what Jon Kitna's taking. With his offensive line and his running game, .500 would be quite the feat. Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones won't be good enough at the position to win consistently. Air Martz will be flying nonstop one way to Williams, Johnson, and Furrey and will not stop until the final gun. Rogers and Redding lead a nice D-line, but the rest of the defense is awful. Detroit has a pretty easy schedule so they'll end up 7-9.
Green Bay Packers
Brett Favre is keeping this franchise in handcuffs, but the team doesn't find it so kinky. He doesn't have many weapons on offense besides for Donald Driver, and the line is bad besides for Chad Clifton. Vernand Morency and Brandon Jackson will carry the running load, the fans will have to bring their own barf bags. This team will do better then people expect because of their rock solid defense. Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins are very good on the line, and AJ Hawk is turning into a star at LB. Harris and Woodson are good at corner, and the D will keep Green Bay classy. It'll be trial by fire for the Cheeseheads as they'll face the Eagles, Giants, Chargers, and Bears in 4 of their first 5 and they'll fight for their 7-9 finish.
Minnesota Vikings
Tarvaris Jackson is the worst starting QB a team has had in recent memory, and that includes Joey Harrington. Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson will have to run circles around opposing defenses. The offensive line will be there for Jackson to do well with McKinnie, Hutchinson, and Birk, but Bobby Wade and Troy Williamson are 4th receivers on most teams not 1-2. Pat and Kevin Williams anchor a good defensive line, and the LB's are young and hungry. But will youth and energy bring success for Henderson, Greenway, and co? Winfield and Sharper are good in the secondary but an abover average defense can't make up for a horrible offense. Their first 4 games are winnable, but they get Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Green Bay after their bye in a row. Uh-oh, 4-12 is in the works for the Purple People.
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