Sunday, September 30, 2007

This is why we love

Sundays in the fall are always fun days in sports because you have football scores and stats coming in all day. But today is special, if SanDiego loses, and the Mets, Philies, and Rockies all win there will be 4 teams in the National League with the same record. (89-73). So after 162 games we will have decided nothing. This would mean a 3 day playoff that would not see the playoffs start until Thursday. The Mets and Philies would play for the National League East on Monday in Philadelpia. The winner of that game takes the division, and the loser plays San Diego. The winner of that game hosts Colorado for the right to be the wildcard team.
I have no rooting interesting in any of these team, but I am rooting for a 4 team playoff that would be great for the sport.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

More NFL thoughts

Is it too early to think about the 2008 NFL Free Agent class? I say no, so here it is by position.
QB:
Tony Romo (DAL) - Easily the biggest name and we all assume he will remain a Cowboy.
Kyle Boller (BAL) - Looking at the Ravens offense and McNair, he may be far more important to this team than we may think, that is, unless Troy Smith is the man.
Rex Grossman (CHI) - Will find a new home this off-season but not as a starter.
Jim Sorgi (IND) - Just because he's the most famous backup that I can remember, except for Scott Zolak.

RB:
Chris Brown (TEN) - Couldn't find a job a new job this year, and will his 175 yard opening day outburst be forgotten?
Mike Alstott (TB) - Will he comeback again for another year? The neck injury will hopefully be enough for one of the great fullbacks of this decade to hang 'em up for good and enjoy fishing in southern Florida.
T.J. Duckett (DET) - A big back who has never found a home. Teams will continue to give him a chance, but at this point he's running out of feature back chances.
Justin Fargas (OAK) - After a big Week 4, he's shown what he can do, but being on a team with LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes won't help him this year. He has a chance to be the Sammy Morris of next year.
Jamal Lewis (CLE) - He slimmed down hoping to attract teams for one more contract and had done well so far this season except for an injury against the Patriots. If he can prove that he's a 1200 yard, 8 TD back, he should get another chance somewhere.
Lorenzo Neal (SD) - LDT's lead blocker may call it quits but I say it depends on how the Chargers finish this season. If they miss the playoffs, I see Lorenzo waving goodbye to the Chargers.
Tony Richardson (MIN) - Another great lead blocker will see if he can get a 3 or 4 year deal before he calls it a career.
Fred Taylor (JAC) - What are we to make of Fred Taylor? He's been a 1000 yard back for as long as I can remember and seems beyond his injuries. The Jags may want him to stay around and share carries with Jones-Drew, but will Taylor want to stay?
Michael Turner (SD) - Supposedly the best back in the market, hasn't played nearly as well as last year in limited carries.
Derrick Ward (NYG) - A virtual unknown to most of us before the season started, will probably earn himself a timeshare.
Vernand Morency (GB) - Looking at his numbers so far this year, Morency has a chance to get money somewhere in the league, but I'm not sure why he'd want to leave the hallowed grounds of Lambeau Field.

WR:
Bernard Berrian (CHI) - The Bears speedster has nobody to throw him the ball. I see a lot of teams lining up to get a down field threat to compliment an already solid receiver...if the price is right.
Troy Brown (NE) - He will either retire or sign another 1-year deal with the Patriots to continue to try and win another championship.
Brandon Stockley (DEN) - Obviously hasn't been the same receiver since leaving the Colts but has shown signs of life in Denver. If he has a solid year, he can decide to stay as the #2 behind Javon Walker, or if Brandon Marshall continues his current pace, he can look elsewhere for work.
Patrick Crayton (DAL) - A solid WR who has filled in admirably for Terry Glenn should get another contract in Big D. Another player the Cowboys have to decide on in this crucial off-season for the Cowboys.

TE:
Chris Cooley (WAS) - Solid HB/TE who it appears Jason Campbell is comfortable with, but is he worth a new contract? He can get a job elsewhere and may hit the market for the dollars.
L.J. Smith (PHI) - Injuries have plagued him the last few years and the Eagles teams we used to know may be gone. With the management's history of cutting guys loose early, plus the emergence of young stud Brent Celek, LJ would be better off with a new home. A chance of scenery may help extend his career a few seasons.

OL:
Alan Faneca (PIT) - Already had disputes with the Steelers and it doesn't seem likely that he will return after the season. Look for him to try and get big money on the market.
Ryan Lilja (IND) and Jake Scott (IND) - The Colts cannot afford to lose two starting offensive linemen in one season. While Tony Ugoh has done a great job thus far filling in for retired Tarik Glenn, I don't believe that the Colts could afford to lose anymore starters.


DL:
Jared Allen (KC) - Workhorse for the Chiefs would be a welcomed addition to any defense. The question is, who will pay him what he wants?
Terrell Suggs (BAL) - He's about to turn 25 and could make HUGE dollars this off-season. The Ravens have a knack of turning anybody into a great defensive player and Suggs has turned into a star. With Ray Lewis getting older, the Ravens may need to keep Suggs around, but his versatility (he can play DE or OLB) and his ceiling will be plenty to have teams opening the checkbook for his services.
Simeon Rice (DEN) - The old-time sack master hasn't been the same since 2005, but Rice can get to the quarterback as well as anybody. He should be able to get another contract in the off-season, especially for a team that wants him to show a young kid the ropes.
Mike Rucker (CAR) - At 32, his prospects of getting a contract this off-season look grim, but he's been a great player for the Panthers for the last 9 years. I think the Panthers keep him around for a few more years to keep alongside Julius Peppers.
Justin Smith (CIN) - The Bengals 1st round pick of 2001 continues to be a solid contributer on a weak Bengals defense who should re-sign him in the off-season. If the Bengals pass on Smith, he could get good money in the open market and teams would be willing to pay him.
Albert Haynesworth (TEN) - A monster defensive force who has been fantastic so far this season. His troubled past and up-and-down performance could make teams shy away, but if he plays well this season, he could be the cream of the crop in this defensive class.
Pat Williams (MIN) - More than a few teams will be hot for the vetern run stuffer capable of playing nose tackle in the 3-4.
Mike Wright (NE) - I put him on the list because he's a great worker and the Patriots found a consummate professional in Mike Wright. I love this guy and hope we keep him to back up Wilfork.

LB:
Tedy Bruschi (NE) - The soul of the Patriots defense will be the one to decide if he wants another year with Brady and Belichick. If the Patriots win the Super Bowl this year, he may start picking the kids up from school...or he might come back to get the one for the thumb.
Karlos Dansby (ARI) - Young, athletic linebacker who has the skill set to be great, but does he do enough to warrant a deal from the Cardinals?
Mike Vrabel (NE) - Another Patriot linebacker whose future directly relates to the success of the Patriots this year. He loves Boston and the fans love him so it makes sense to stay in New England especially because even at 30, he's loving the game and looking like he's 25.

CB:
Domonique Foxworth (DEN) - At only 24 years old, he has a chance to prove himself this year and be the 3rd CB in for the Broncos...or he could have a solid year and make himself some money on the free agent market. He doesn't have the skill-set of a #1 corner just yet, but he definitely has the talent to make a team very happy if they invest in him.
Eugene Wilson (NE) - I'm not sure what the Patriots will do with Wilson, but nobody ever knows what the Patriots will do. A lot of questions will be answered when we find out what Asante Samuel decides to do this off-season and if the Patriots believe Ellis Hobbs, Randal Gay, James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather can handle the load. If those players can, the Patriots will have one of the youngest and most talented defensive backfield in the NFL, with or without Samuel and Wilson.

What you may have forgotten since April

A lot has changed since the NFL Draft back in April, but here are a few things from the draft that you may have forgotten.

-The Dallas Cowboys have the Cleveland Browns first round pick, which at this point looks like a top 5 pick. While the Cowboys have been tearing up the NFL through the first 3 weeks, people have seemingly forgotten that they will likely have a top pick in next years draft. Not only do the Cowboys have a chance to top the NFC this year but will be the favorite next year. People have also criticized the Cowboys for taking a chance on Tank Johnson, but I think it's a great idea. The Cowboys know they are only renting Tank as long as he behaves and if he doesn't, they have a chance to replace him in the draft with the LSU's Glenn Dorsey. Look for the Cowboys to resign Romo, let Julius Jones go and give the job to Marion Barber III and draft either Glenn Dorsey, Darren McFadden or the top WR with the Browns pick.

-The Patriots no longer have 2 first round picks, but they still have the 49ers first round pick which looks to fall anywhere from 12-22. At this point, the Patriots don't look like a team with many needs, but just like the last few years, the Patriots could use some young legs at the linebacker position. The Asante Samuel situation will also play a key role in who the Patriots draft. I look for them to go after the top LB or CB with their pick and they should be able to choose from almost any of the top players at those positions, but don't forget that the Patriots love to draft DE's and TE's in the first round.

-The 49ers traded their pick to the Patriots but traded for the Colts pick in 2008. This is interesting because the 49ers can continue to get young and add more players to a great young team, but the Colts lose out on a chance to add anything to their already thin lineup. I see the Colts signing Bob Sanders to a big long term deal like they did with Dwight Freeney (6 tackles, 0 sacks through 3 games) and hoping their no-name defense can be good enough. If the Colts defense struggles, the Colts are going to have a tough time finding affordable replacements in the off-season.

More to come later. Time to enjoy some college football.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Andrew's Week 4 picks

Oakland @ Miami - Oakland. The Raiders are allowing 27.7 points per game. The Dolphins are allowing 28. I take the Raiders with a mobile Culpepper.

Green Bay @ Minnesota - Green Bay. The Vikings defense has been stellar allowing only 67 rush yards a game and only 12 points, but Brett Favre is happier than he's been in years and wants to leave Marino's record in the dust.

Houston @ Atlanta - Houston. The Texans have been strong on defense allowing only 18 points while the offense has put up 26 points a game.

N.Y. Jets @ Buffalo - Jets. The Bills have lost too many players to injury and its only Week 4. I feel for the bison, hopefully Trent Edwards and Lee Evans can hook up on a deep pass to keep the fans alive.

Baltimore @ Cleveland - Baltimore. The Ravens haven't played well but with the Browns giving up a league worst 35 points per game, the Ravens will have a balanced enough offense and just enough defense to win in the pound.

St. Louis @ Dallas - Dallas. Romo and TO continue to roll and the Cowboys stay atop the NFC. The Rams just want to get to their Week 9 bye.

Chicago @ Detroit - Chicago. Griese will be mistake free in a Trent Dilfer like performance. Bears fans wonder if he can keep it up.

Seattle @ San Francisco - Seattle. Great NFC West battle that seems to get better every year. The veteran Seahawks continue their reign out west.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina - Tampa Bay. Jeff Garcia continues to win games. That's all he will do for this Bucs team.

Pittsburgh @ Arizona - Pittsburgh. The Steelers keep rolling and the Cardinals continue their search for a quarterback. The NFL world waits for the Steelers to face a real foe.

Kansas City @ San Diego - San Diego. The perfect game for LDT and LJ to get back into last years form. Chargers do just enough to beat a bad Chiefs team.

Denver @ Indianapolis - Indianapolis. The Broncos are allowing only 88 passing yards a game but Peyton does just enough to win as Broncos fans turn their attention to playoff baseball.

Philadelphia @ N.Y Giants - Philadelphia. The Eagles win a big NFC East match-up as Eli continues to come up just short.

New England @ Cincinnati - New England. The leagues top defense and second best offense continues its torrid pace as the Patriots roll on Monday night.

jb week 4 picks

Week 3 Games:

Oakland @ Miami - Oakland. A winnable game for a team with a great defense

Green Bay @ Minnesota - Green Bay. Brett Favre vs. Tavaris Jackson

Houston @ Atlanta - Houston. It doesn't matter who Atlanta plays, they're not going to win

N.Y. Jets @ Buffalo - One of the harder games, I'm going with Buffalo, hopefully the coaching staff will let Trent Edwards throw the ball on first down and gain confidence.

Baltimore @ Cleveland - Cleveland. Baltimore has been asking to lose the last few weeks.

St. Louis @ Dallas - Dallas. Dallas will win this game, but we can all hope that the St. Louis offense gets back on track against a horrible Cowboys defense.

Chicago @ Detroit - Chicago. I keep on wondering what happens if Brian Griese comes out and throws 4 INT's and they lose. What do Bears fans do then?

Seattle @ San Francisco - Seattle. Seattle is a top 3 team in the NFC.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina - Carolina. Steve Smith has been destroying everybody this season. I can't bet against him until somebody stops him.

Pittsburgh @ Arizona - Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh still hasn't had a real test, and they don't get one this week either as they continue their winning ways.

Kansas City @ San Diego - San Diego. Kansas City is the second worst team in the league.

Denver @ Indianapolis - Denver. Yes, it's an upset, but Mike Shanahan is the second best coach in the league, and they have the best set of corners.

Philadelphia @ N.Y Giants - Philadelphia. McNabb finally woke up last week, and the Giants are an absolute mess.

New England @ Cincinnati - New England. They just can't be stopped right now.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

NFL Schedule Tidbits

After their week 8 bye, the Baltimore Ravens play at the Steelers, home against Cincinnati, home against Cleveland, at San Diego, home against New England and at Indianapolis. Brutal.

The Chicago Bears play the New York Giants at home on Sunday, December 2nd followed by a game Thursday, December 6th at Washington. Two tough NFC East games 4 days apart. Better be ready for some long nights Lovie Smith.

The Dallas Cowboys play at home against the Redskins Sunday, November 18th followed by the Jets at home on Thursday, November 22nd followed by another home game against the Packers on Thursday, November 29th. Weird.

Starting next week, the Denver Broncos play at Indianapolis, home against San Diego, followed by a bye week to prepare for a home game against the Steelers.

The Vikings come out of their Week 5 bye at Chicago, at Dallas, home against the Eagles, home against San Diego and at Green Bay. Who is the quarterback again?

The Patriots could meet the undefeated Cowboys in Week 6 and the undefeated Colts in Week 9.

Sorry Woody

You know what, I'm an idiot. My brain slipped a gear and I said something horrible about Woody Paige. I completely meant that undeserved libel to go to Skip Bayless, easily the most annoying, unprofessional, loudmouthed, stupid, useless piece of dookie on ESPN. By far.

Woody, if you ever see this, I'm truly sorry.

Skip, if you ever see this, I know that you prance around in your wife's underwear like a four year old ballerina. And I'm telling the world.

more on mike gundy

The one thing that irks me the most about the whole Mike Gundy situation is all these reporters on around the horn and sportcenter saying that he was childish for going after the reporter. Of course they're going to say that. They are reporters. They do not want to be accountable for what they say. They make personal attacks, but can't take them. Skip Bayless is the worst. He was on sportscenter last night saying how it was cowardly for this Gundy to call her out in front of other reporters and cameras. The real story is that Skip, and every other journalist, doesn't want to be called out for their own mistakes . Journalists should accept any and all criticism for what they write.

NFL Injury reports

Inaugural post, and it's about injury reports in general. I almost don't get why teams bother issuing these things. Tom Brady's a good example, and Brian Westbrook is another. He's always got a strained this or a sore that and he never practices and then he plays on Sundays and blows up. If this surprises anyone then you haven't been paying attention. I figure issuing the "injury" reports must just be to give the media something to talk about.

Speaking of the media and talking, I'm loving the Mike Gundy saga. I don't see why a coach or player shouldn't call out a member of the media that makes up nonsense and then expects to be left alone or ignored. Doing it publicly only makes it all the sweeter. I guess it can be argued that all Gundy did was make the reporter way more famous then she would have been on her own, and that he didn't achieve anything, but I say rock on brother.

In a related story, I want to write really offensive lies about famous sports "personalities" until they call me on it, because the concept of someone becoming famous because they have a loud mouth to express their loud opinions about sports bothers me. To kick it off:

Woody Paige and Steven A. Smith are secret lovers, and they especially enjoy a good snarling larry.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Mike & Mike

I was listening to Mike & Mike this morning and heard Greenberg's fears of all the people that don't like him. He defended himself like Jerry's mom defends him in Seinfeld. [How could somebody not like you? What is there not to like?] So here's the deal. I like you guys. Greenberg and Golic, you do wonderful things together. Hopefully you read this and feel better about yourselves. Mention our blog on the air.

Fun with NFL.com

Here are some rookie stats as we keep an eye on these kids.

Adrian Peterson leads the rookie runners in yards and YPC while Marshawn Lynch leads them with 2 TD's, but outside of those two guys, the only rookie runner to make an impact thus far has been the Brandon Jackson/DeShawn Wynn combo in Green Bay.

Now get this, James Jones leads ALL rookie WR's with 14 catches. Brandon Jackson has the 2nd most catches by a rookie with 11. So the top 2 ball catching rookies are both on, you guessed it, Green Bay. Number 3 we all know, thats right, Mr. Dwayne Bowe who has 10 catches and 2 TD's. Calvin Johnson follows with 10 catches and 2 TD's as well and he also leads all rookies in receiving yards. And don't forget rookie tight end Matt Spaeth who has 3 catches for 2 TD's in SteelerLand.

I have no reason to mention the QB's because Quinn and Russell have done nothing and Trent Edwards doesn't really count...does he?

Paul Posluzny leads rookies with 26 tackles though he sadly won't play anymore this season. He's tied with Patrick Willis who is this years DeMeco Ryans and could be the next Vilma/AJ Hawk type middle linebacker. LaRon Landry rounds out the top 3 with 22 tackles. The only player in the NFL who cannot drink legally, Amobi Okoye leads rookies with 3 sacks and Brian Robinson (the other Texas DE), Clifton Ryan (I don't know who he is, but check out his sweet website: cliftonryan.com) and LaMarr "Thank the Lord I left Michigan" Woodley follow with 2 sacks a piece. Ryan has also forced 2 fumbles as has Reggie Nelson of the Jagsuars.

Only 3 rookies have intercepted a pass, Gerald Alexander of Detroit, Leon Hall of the vaunted Bengals secondary and Marcus Thomas of the Broncos. Sadly, no rookie has recorded a safety or a touchdown.

If we start looking at stats over a projected full season, things are looking like this:

Adrian Peterson - 1445 yards, 16 TD's, 43 receptions, 853 yards, 8 TD's (if he keeps that up, it will be completely insane)
Marshawn Lynch - 1216 yards, 11 TD's (I believe he can do this especially with Losman out for a bit)
Greg James - 75 catches, 1000 yards
Brandon Jackson - 1000 all-purpose yards, 9 TD's
Dwayne Bowe - 53 catches, 720 yards, 11 TD's
Calvin Johnson - 53 catches, 1008 yards, 11 TD's
Patrick Willis - 139 tackles, 5 forced fumbles

But the question remains...who will be this years NFL Rookie of the Year?

Injury Report

It feels like Tom Brady has been listed on the Patriots injury report every week for the last 3 years. However in a recent interview he was quoted as saying "I'm sure I'll be listed somewhere on the injury report. I'm trying to get off that thing"
Tom, Bill will never take you off the injury report

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

How Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds can change baseball forever

Barry Bonds will not play for the San Francisco Giants next year. Alex Rodriguez will not play for the New York Yankees next year (I think). While I like the idea of A-rod joining the Cubs in an effort to win a championship in a city that desperately needs it, I think I have a better idea. How about A-rod puts his money (lots of it) where his mouth is (pink lips and all) and take a pay cut (HUGE pay cut) and go play in a small(er) market on a team that can contend for a title now.
I know what you're saying, nobody does that, nobody ever will, it's just a pipe dream from fans who won't believe these guys are in it for the money. But what if A-rod could break every individual batting record of all time? You say, but isn't he going to do that anyways? Well, yes, he will, but how about he starts breaking those records next season. How? Where? Well, how about in a little place I like to call Coors Field.

That's right, Alex Rodriguez should join the Colorado Rockies this off-season. He should take a pay cut and he should invite the only person in the league hated more than he, Mr. Barry Bonds, to take a cut as well and go with him. Think about the possibilities of having A-rod and Barry Bonds back to back in the lineup. I know Barry would have to play the field and junk (how about the Roayls then?), but these two would combine for a minimum of 125 HR's combined in a season at Coors Field and the Rockies would be a legitimate contender in a putrid division.
I know this is ridiculous and I know it won't happen in my life time (except on my MVP Baseball 2008 team), but these guys have a chance to change the way we will look at baseball for the next 100 years. I know it's a pipe dream...but it's MY pipe dream and I'm sticking to it.

Monday, September 24, 2007

2008 NFL Draft

In case you weren't paying attention to the 2007 draft two very good teams traded for 2008 first round draft picks; the Cowboys and the Patriots. Now both of these teams are 3-0 and probably headed for the play-offs, if they happen to meet in the Superbowl and Cleveland and San Fransisco collapse we could the best two teams in the league with the first two draft picks in the 2008 draft.

Welcome

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