Who am I talking about? Well, you may have never guessed it, but the player who has "Bust" written all over him is none other than LSU QB JaMarcus Russell. Now don't get me wrong, I hope the best for Russell, but he doesn't look like the dominant QB everyone thinks he is. His best attribute is his size and arm strength. There are other QB's who have been drafted on size and arm strength. Ryan Leaf for example? 6-5, 235, he had great size. Arm strength? One of the best. NFL career? Joke. How about Rohan Davey, another former LSU Quarterback? He wasn't a high draft pick, but he has one of the best arms in the NFL. Davey now plays in the AFL. Another thing that Russell has been touted for is good mobility, a Daunte Culpepper clone. 6-5 Culpepper to 6-6 Russell. Yeah, I even think they are comparable players. But Russell is not very mobile. He is what I call college-mobile. He can't change the way an NFL defense will play against him, the way a Donovan McNabb or a Michael Vick or even Vince Young does. Now to sum this up, I think Russell will probably be a fine pro, and Oakland could be a great spot for him, but I just think any NFL team should think about these things mentioned, and use his big arm to their advantage.

Note: Rohan Davey, a former LSU Tiger, is somewhere weighing about 300 lbs. So JaMarcus, do yourself and the Raiders a favor and lay off the donuts, both Glazed and in the scoring colum.

Thoughts?

NBA:

Do not be surprised if some inconsistent Western Conference teams make a run at Kevin Garnett in the offseason. Teams like the Sonics, Warriors, and even the Lakers appear extremely interested in Kevin Garnett's services. He is one of the top 5 players in the league, and if he goes to Seattle, they are a playoff team. If he heads to Golden State, they are a top 6 seed in the West. But if he heads over to the Los Angeles Lakers, well then I believe they will be in the conversation with the Suns, Spurs and Mavericks for the favorite in the Western Conference Playoffs. Kobe and KG on the same court? Wow.

The Knicks want Chris Webber, and if he doesn't win an NBA title this summer with Detroit, they may just well get him. Chris has said that he could see himself retiring if he wins the title this season, but if he doesn't, he will bolt the Pistons in free-agency this summer to head to New York and play with the Knicks. He asked the 76ers to trade him to New York last season, and eventually was released after a deal could not be reached. Webber would definatley be taking a step down, going from Detroit to New York, but maybe he feels the Knicks have something. Webber is still a great player, but definatley not what he was. He would be a great piece for the Knicks, a solid veteran who would bring much needed leadership to the Knicks.

MLB:

The Cardinals may need to make a trade for another starter in the rotation. With Chris Carpenter's untimely injury, and Mark Mulder not near a return, they've got to look at a good pitcher on a bad team. The first player that comes to mind is Scott Kazmir, a great young pitcher on a really bad Devil Rays team. I think with an offense like the Cardinals have in the weaker National League, he could be a 20 game and potential Cy Young winner. Another option they might consider is an aging veteran with a good team who could find themselves on the trading block like Roy Oswalt last season. One example of that could be Roy Oswalt once again. But it's highly unlikely that if the Astros are looking to deal, they won't send Oswalt to the division rival Birds. So they Cardinals answer? Kazmir.

NFL:

The Raiders have to realize that they are not anywhere near competing. Now when building a franchise it is true that you start with the QB. But the Raiders might really need to get one this year, because next year's QB draft class doesn't look great. John David Booty might lead the class, and to me he doesn't look like one of the best QB's in recent history. So they should probably just take JaMarcus Russell, who looks real nice.  Randy Moss might like Russell, he is a Daunte Culpepper clone. But a move the Raiders should try to make is to pick up a mid to late 1st round pick. Maybe they can grab a gamebreaker like Ted Ginn, or a big-play threat like Dwayne Jarrett. The Denver Broncos could send the 21st pick to Oakland for say, Jerry Porter and a 2nd round pick.

 

               I am hearing that the Oakland Raiders are in negotiations with the Detroit Lions for backup QB Josh McCown. McCown is a solid QB who last started for the Arizona Cardinals 2 years ago. He is a big solid QB who is extremely mobile and a guy who I consider a poor mans Jake Plummer. If the Raiders were to acquire McCown, it could potentially shake up the entire draft. I believe it would also open the door for Oakland to draft Calvin Johnson and get rid of either Randy Moss or Jerry Porter, guys who have been headaches for the Raiders for the past 2 seasons.

  

Thoughts?

No fancy talk to start things off. Let's get to drafting.

1. Oakland Raiders-JaMarcus Russell QB LSU

 Oakland needs a run and gun QB, and Russell is just that.

2. Detroit Lions-Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin

They don't seem to interested in a new QB.

3. Cleveland Browns-Calvin Johnson WR GT

They have addressed alot of needs, so they get the best player.

4. Tampa Bay Bucs-Gaines Adams DE Clemson

Simeon Rice isn't healthy so they will be able to replace him.

5 Arizona Cardinals-Alan Branch DT Michigan

They take the best defensive player available.

6. Washington Redskins-Leon Hall CB Michigan

This might be a reach, but they need a CB.

7. Minnesota Vikings-LaRon Landry S LSU

They need tons of defensive secondary help.

8. Atlanta Falcons(f/HOU)-Dwyane Jarrett WR USC

Definatley a reach, but they need good receivers.

9. Miami Dolphins-Brady Quinn QB ND

Cleveland will grab Trent Green and Quinn will be the man in Miami.

10. Houston Texans-Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma

They were not expecting this, but boy with the Texans be thrilled.

11. San Francisco 49ers-Patrick Willis ILB Ole Miss

They will finally replace Julian Peterson.

12. Buffalo Bills-Amobi Okoye DT Louisville

They have to get younger on D.

13. St. Louis Rams-Jamal Anderson DE Arkansas

Best player available for a team who needs help on D.

14. Carolina Panthers-Greg Olsen TE Miami

New coaches want the TE position to get more involved.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers-Paul Posluzny OLB Penn. State

Mike Tomlin will find a gritty but great linbacker to replace Joey Porter.

16. Green Bay Packers-Marshawn #### RB Cal

They have made virtually no moves this offseason, so start at the most barren spot, RB.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars-Ted Ginn Jr. WR/KR Ohio State

They need another playmaker on O to match with Maurice Jones-Drew.

18. Cincinnati Bengals-Adam Carriker DE/OLB Nebraska

A tough pass rusher is needed by the Bengals.

19. Tennessee Titans-Reggie Nelson S Florida

Defense needs alot of help.

20. New York Giants-Levi Brown OT Penn. State

Will replace Luke Petigout.

21. Denver Broncos-Jarvis Moss DE Florida

Denver needs a sack master.

22. Dallas Cowboys-Ben Grubbs OT Auburn

They need young talent on the O-line.

23. Kansas City Chiefs-Robert Meachem WR Tennessee

A big WR is something KC is lacking bad.

24. New England Patriots-Aaron Ross CB Texas

With Asante Samuel asking for a trade, Ross is a shoe-in.

25. New York Jets-Chris Houston CB Arkansas

This team does something right, and Houston will help the D force turnovers.

26. Philadelphia Eagles-Dwyane Bowe WR LSU

He replaces new Patriot Donte Stallworth.

27. New Orleans Saints-Darrelle Revis CB Pittsburgh

Remember the game Chad Johnson had against this secondary? Revis will help.

28. New England Patriots(f/SEA)-Brian Leonard RB/FB Rutgers

A big bruiser who bolsters the backfield. Especially with Laurence Maroney's injury.

29. Baltimore Ravens-Lawrence Timmons DE/OLB FSU

He'll ease the pain of the Adailus Thomas departure.

30. San Diego Chargers-Marcus McCauley CB Fresno St.

Marcus will help a unit that needs to score more touchdowns.

31. Chicago Bears-Justin Harrell DT Tennessee

Tank Johnson is in jail so Harrell will get to step right in.

32. Indianapolis Colts-Tim Crowder DE/OLB Texas

Crowder could play DE of OLB for a horrid run defense.

 

Whatcha Think?

Right now there is alot of things going on in the sports world, so why not rant about it?

    Let's start with the NBA Draft. Right now, the Grizzles would get the 1st pick and the Celtics would get the 2nd. Assuming Kevin Durant and Greg Oden come out, where would they fall? Well a relativly easy looking choice would be for the Grizz to pick Durant, because of their lack of offense, but you have to look a little beyond that. Memphis has a guy who is a poor man's Durant, and that is rook Rudy ####. Also, before this year, the Grizz were one of the better defensive teams in the Association, so why not get your anchor Greg Oden. He's the choice here. And then maybe trade Pau Gasol for a pick or a player. The Celtics would be hoping for Oden, although they won't let you know that. But don't think for a second that they would grab Joakim Noah or Roy Hibbert in this spot. No, they'll still take Durant, who is going to be an amazing pro.

    The Denver Nuggets should do something in the playoffs. They are one of the most complete teams in the league when you think of how deep the are. Anthony, Iverson, Camby, Kleiza, Smith, Nene, Blake, and Evans? I would say they are deeper than everyone with the exception of San Antonio, Phoenix, and close to Dallas. If the Nuggets played like they are tonight (vs. the Kings on ESPN) every night then they would probably be the NBA Champs. But they are just another streaky team, and they won't do it.

•   Don't be surprised if some other teams get involved in the Lance Briggs trade talks. Chicago isn't really interested in paying unproven players 6th pick money, so maybe some teams towards the middle of the 1st round will get involved. The Giants, Bills, and maybe even the Steelers come to mind. They pick at 20, 12, and 15 respectivley. Patrick Willis could be available at any of those spots, and some other possibilities for the Bears to replace Briggs could be Lawrence Timmons from FSU and Paul Posluzny from PSU.

     Baseball is underway. Finally. I think some teams to watch are the Indians, Braves, Red Sox, and Giants. They all are teams that could get hot and get to the playoffs and beyond.

              On that note, I think Ryan Howard will somehow lead the Phillies to the playoffs, but it will be tough, and it won't be as a division winner, that will go to the Mets.

             The Wizards are in big trouble. They lost the most under-rated player in the league the other night in Caron Butler. Losing the 1st time all-star puts that much more pressure on Gilbert Arenas. But wait, Arenas goes down tonight with a sprained knee. The knee will get an X-Ray tommorow but how could the Wizards win anything in the playoffs with just Antawn Jamison? Oh yeah, they can't.

       My NBA Finals Pick: Suns over Pistons in 6 games. But don't sleep on the Baby Bulls. They are a great defensive team and can run with anyone. We could have a reknewed rivalry with the Pistons and Bulls deep in the Playoffs once again.

       There are so many different theories on who should go where in the NFL Draft, but some of it is nonsense. Oakland will probably grab JaMarcus Russell, and Detroit seems to be leaning back towards Brady Quinn. The Browns have adressed the O-Line, so they should sign David Carr or trade for Trent Green and then draft Calvin Johnson with the 3rd pick and get Drew Stanton later. How about Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Jamal Lewis, and CJ21? Wow.

That's it. Happy Thursday.

NFL Now

                 I truly can't believe that the NFL season is coming to a close. Even more so, I can't believe that my Giants are 7-8 and will be a .500 team at best. I do think they will make the playoffs, but I predicted them to at least match last years 11 wins. Another big surprise, but in more o####ood way, is the Green Bay Packers. In an earlier blog I had them at 7-9, and they will likely get there because of their final opponent, the Chicago Bears. John Clayton of ESPN said there would be a 98% of Brett Favre staying if they didn't make the playoffs, and 100% chance of staying if the Packers do make the playoffs. I wouldn't be so sure. Brett is really playing on a high level, and I think that with today's version of the NFC that with a little bit more talent the Packers could contend for a wildcard spot next year. They need to address the Linebacker position to sure up the run defense and a receiver and offensive lineman wouldn't hurt. I think they need to try and grab Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma in the draft if he is available. If not some possible solutions could be Marshawn #### of Cal or Michael Turner, a restricted free agent of the San Diego Chargers. All of those runners could have potential of a 1,000 yard back. Marshawn #### scares me a little bit because of the hype surrounding J.J. Arrington out of Cal to the Cardinals last year. Alot of the experts thought he was a great Rookie of the Year pick, and I even grabbed him late in one of my Fantasy Football leagues. So what did he do? Just run for 350+ yards and is now the main kick returner for Arizona. Moving on, the Indianapolis Colts just don't look like a Super Bowl threat. If this was Tom Brady's Patriots we were talking about I would feel completely different because he is a proven playoff Quarterback. Peyton Manning, surprisingly, is not. The Colts have a struggling D', rookie Runningback, and a mediocre special teams. The key in the playoffs will be Joseph Addai, because if he can get 25-30 carries in critical games against teams with a good offense, Indy will control the clock. Addai has shown flashes of being a top flight runner, like when he scored 4 TD's against a pretty good Philadelphia Eagles team. He has potential and is built to take the abusings of a playoff push against top defenses.

                                                 NFL Later

             Now for some potential offseason moves. Could the Minnesota Vikings be pursuing former Viking Randy Moss? And would Moss be "happy" back in Minny? I think he would be, barring Tavaris Jackson's success as the starting QB. If he can find his receivers, and I think he can, Moss will once again jump to the upper echleon of NFL Receivers. Another rumor surrounding the Vikings' receiver issue is them acquiring Larry Fitgerald, the former Minnesota ballboy. I don't see this happening, If Arizona is crazy enough to let this kid go, then they need counseling. If the Vikings don't go either of these directions however, they most definatley will go after a WR in the 1st round of the draft. Some options there would be Ted Ginn Jr. from Ohio State, DeWayne Jarret of USC, Jeff Samardzija out of Notre Dame, and possibly Sindey Rice from South Carolina. I will rule out Rice right away because of the bad luck they have had with Troy Williamson, another Gamecocks alumni. I think Samardzija would be a reach by the time the Vikings pick, which will likely be somewhere in the top 10. So that leaves us with Ginn Jr. and DeWayne Jarrett. The obvious choice because of gamebreaking ability is Ted Ginn, but small receivers don't seem to work in that system, so I'll give the nod of DeWayne Jarrett going to the Minnesota Vikings. Joining him will be, yes you guessed it, Randy Moss back to the Vikings for a 3rd round draft choice. Some other offseason moves I see happening is the Texans finally dealing David Carr. They will send him to the Kansas City Chiefs, and he will eventually replace the veteran Trent Green. Behind that offensive line, the sky is the limit for Carr. I see the Texans acquiring Troy Smith via Draft. Another AFC South player on the move will be Byron Leftwich, he will be heading to the Cleveland Browns who seem to have nothing but mediocrity under center with Derek Anderson doing nothing special and Charlie Frye being very turnover prone. We'll see how Ken Dorsey does this Sunday. Brady Quinn will be drafted by the Lions, leaving the Raiders to decide between Brian Brohm out of Louisville and JaMarcus Russell from LSU. They'll go with Brohm because of the wide open passing system he had with the Cards. Some free-agent moves will be Dwight Freeney going to the Chiefs, who will lose Jared Allen to the Broncos. Lance Briggs will force his way out of Chicago for more money, and the New York Giants will jump on it and sign the best linebacker on the market. Imagine Antonio Pierce, Lavar Arrington, and Briggs all lined up for the G-Men. I sure could. And finally T.O. will be traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Detroit Lions, because Matt Millen can never have enough receivers.

Note: I used to enjoy Terrell Owens, but now he is just plain annoying. I applaud Joe Theisman for his comments this morning on Mike & Mike. He was absolutley right. I, a Giants fan, actually have a T.O. jersey from his days in Philly. Since then my respect for him as a player and a person have hit rock bottom. Just Shut Up T.O. Media, please stop responding to him, he is like a 2 year old just dying for attention.

WHAT'S WRONG MIAMI?

The Dolphins are struggling. We just have to admit it. They don't run the ball, they don't pass the ball and the defense is showing it's age. They must do something to right the ship. Now let's not get crazy and say Nick Saban and Co. should jump and get Randy Moss, Brett Favre, and Jamal Lewis. They have to do the little things. Protect the QB. Get the ball to Chris Chambers. Play better Defense. Mike Mularkey doesn't seem to know what he is doing with the Offensive Coordinator job. Did he forget that he has that position? Or does he think he get's season tickets as compensation for the firing of the lowly Bills. But that's a different story. Let's start with the basics. Protect the QB. Whether it be Daunte Culpepper or Joey Harrington, protect him. I know that it sounds crazy, but it just might work. Next, try blocking for your RB. His name is Ronnie Brown. Get acquainted because he was most expert's pick for the new star runner in the league, and he's not going anywhere. If the line blocked for him we could see results like what Steven Jackson is doing with the St. Louis Rams. And finally on offense, we get to Chris Chambers. He is a pro bowler who is not performing up to par (and killing my fantasy team). Now obviously with Harrington and Culpepper getting sacked 22 times between them, they haven't had a huge opportunity to get Chambers the ball. But Joey Harrington was only sacked once against the Pats and didn't find Chambers enough. Just get him the ball. Throw it up there, he may only be 5'11" but he has the leaping ability of Dwyane Wade. He is a playmaker and needs to get more looks than anyone in the offense, and really will make a difference. The D looks like it's finally showing it's age this year. Junior Seau is gone, and has made more of an impact in New England this year than he has in his previous 2 seasons with the Phins. Miami simply needs to amount more pressure on the opposing QB. Guys like David Carr, Chad Pennington and J.P. Losman have lit them up because they have nobody in there face. Step up D, and take the pressure of the Offense. So you know what Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor? Step up and be the "Dominant Defensive Forces" that you're supposed to be. Because in the long run, the Phins successes rely on the defense to make plays and set up the offense. Dan Marino and Larry Csonka aren't coming back Miami. So you need to make today's plans happen.

MIAMI'S FINAL RECORD PREDICTION: They will make a late season run like last year and end up 8-8.

There has definatley been alot of interesting storylines happening in just 2 weeks of this young NFL season. Some surprise teams, some surprise players, some disappointing teams and players as well. But who are the biggest?

SURPRISES:

Chad Pennington: QB New York Jets

This is as much about the New York Jets as it is Chad Pennington. He has truly dominated in the first 2 weeks of the season, and carried the Jets to early season respectability. The running game has been non existent (Kevan Barlow is a backup on one of my fantasy teams) but the receivers have been spectacular. Laverneous Coles is catching everything thrown his way, and Jerricho Cotchery is a nominee for the Week 1 Fantasy Pickup that will be a Differencemaker the Rest of the Year Award. He is still young. Pennington could keep this up, and even if it's not to the tune of 300 yards per game he could throw for 3,000 yards and 20+ TDs.

Antonio Bryant: WR San Francisco 49ers

This is a guy who was exiled by Romeo Crennell and the Cleveland Browns, signed on with the hapless 49ers, and made the offense respectable. With Vernon Davis not as ready as people thought, Bryant had to step up. He did so in a big way, on pace for well over 1,800 yards and making Alex Smith look like a Pro Bowl Quarterback.

SURPRISE TEAMS:

Baltimore Ravens

Steve McNair has looked rejuvinated in the usually pathetic Ravens O. The Defense has been as good as usual, but the Offense has been better for the Ravens than it has in the last 10 years. McNair is gelling extrememly well with former teammate Derrick Mason, and Jamal Lewis is rebounding from a bad year last year.

Atlanta Falcons

This is a team that is just 2 season removed from an NFC Championship game berth. This Falcons team is a vastly improved team, both on defense and even on offense. Michael Vick looks like he may have found the right mix of run and pass, and if Warrick Dunn keeps up his torrid pace, he may lead the league in rushing. The defense is improved with Ed Hartwell back from a knee injury last season, and John Abraham has looked dominant even though he played in 1 game.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Miami Dolphins

The Phins were Sports Illustrated's pick to represent the Super Bowl for the AFC. Now they find themselves 0-2, and having lost a game against the Steelers in which some predicted they might win, and then losing to the Bills in a game in which everybody thought they would win. Daunte Culpepper doesn't yet look very comfortable in the Dolphin's offense, and Ronnie Brown hasn't had much running room. Chris Chambers is a playmaker, and he hasn't had the opportunities to make those plays.

Carolina Panthers/Steve Smith

The Panthers were Sports Illustrated's pick to win the Super Bowl, and they also find themselves 0-2. Steve Smith hasn't played one snap in the regular season, and is questionable this weekend. Keyshawn Johnson hasn't been as productive as Smith, but nobody really expected he would be. Jake Delhomme has been mediocre at best, not throwing for any touchdowns against the Falcons in Week 1 or the Vikings in Week 2. They need to turn the ship around fast so they don't avoid a season like 2004, a 1-7 start and no playoffs (Finishing at 7-9). The real key is to get the running game going, whether it be DeShaun Foster or DeAngello Williams running the ball.

Who is baseball's most overrated player? How about basketball? Football anyone? This blog will not be my opinion whatsoever. This is the Blogger's Blog. You, the FoxSports blogger you are, will decide who are the MLB's, NBA's and NFL's most overrated players?

Send your nominees for the "Most overrated players" through comments on this blog. You can place multiple nominees, 1 nominee, or just read along.

All nominees must be commented in by Monday, July 17th at 11:59 P.M.

After the nominees are accounted for, I will post a blog with the Top 3 vote getters for each sport.

Then you the bloggers will decide who is the MLB's, NBA's and NFL's most overrated player.

All nominees will be appreciated and accounted for.

Send your nominees for most overrated player in each sport through comments of this blog.

 

 

 

Every year, writers, analysts, and so-called "experts" predict who will step up and play good ball before the NFL season. Some are dead on, some look foolish because their picks are complete busts. These are my predictions for Breakout Stars (in no particular order).

---

BREAKOUT STARS

---

Ronnie Brown RB Miami Dolphins

Will now be the featured back in what could be a potent Miami offense. Would have likely rushed for 1000+ yards last season had it not been for a solid second half by Ricky Williams. Very similar runner to Edgerrin James.

Steven Jackson RB St. Louis Rams

The difference between Jackson and Ronnie Brown? Steven Jackson is already in a potent offense. SJ is more of a power runner than Ronnie Brown, even though Brown is powerful. Jackson will see more touches this season with Scott Linehan at the helm of the Rams.

Vernon Davis TE San Fransisco 49ers

Davis is a very talented tight end, and can step in and help sophmore QB Alex Smith greatly. All young QB's could use a good tight end, and even with the addition of Antonio Bryant, Smith lacks truly good recieving weapons.

Roy Williams WR Detroit Lions

Already a very solid Wide Receiver, will make the jump to star this season. He put up good numbers with Joey Harrington and Jeff Garcia at Quarterback. Jon Kitna is an immidiate upgrade at that position and with Mike Martz as Offensive Coordinator, could turn into a Torry Holt clone.

 Kevin Jones RB Detroit Lions

Seemed to have a breakout year in his rookie campaign, but tapered off alot in 2005. Whether it was due to injury or inconsistent team play, Mike Martz makes all the difference. A good runner with a great mix of speed and power.

DeAngello Hall CB Atlanta Falcons

Quietly was one of the best corners last season. He has a good mix of talent and confidence. At one point last year he made a pick, then made a sign on the sideline that read "Hawaii?". We could be talking in a season or two this kid being one of the top 3 DB in the game.

Dunta Robinson CB Houston Texans

Not quite on the level of DeAngelo Hall just yet, but is the anchor of this defensive secondary. In his rookie year, opposing offenses would routinely throw towards veteran corner Aaron Glenn (now with the Cowboys). Could have a Pro Bowl season and make huge plays for a team that desperatley needs it.

Charlie Frye QB Cleveland Browns

Frye is sort of a sleeper pick for a Breakout Star, but it could definatley happen. The offense added Pro Bowl center LeCharles Bentley and solid receiver Joe Jerivicious. Also has Kellen Winslow Jr. coming off of a knee injury caused by a motorcycle accident. Like I said earlier, young QB's love pass catching Tight Ends.

 

                                               
                   NFL 2006                                            
             

 

---

 

 

                                               
                 NFC North

Chicago Bears 12-4

The Bears Defense will help them win and be in most games. An up and coming offense will help them win the games.

Minnesota Vikings 8-8

A good team, but they can't seem to pull it all together at the same time. Darren Sharper is a stud on defense, but no big names or young guns on offense.

Green Bay Packers 7-9

Brett Favre is back for what will likely be his last season. Donald Driver is now the #1 option, even though he is a career #2. The defense added A.J. Hawk, and is going to need everything he brings. Charles Woodson will shore up a good Pass D.

Detroit Lions 7-9

A better Lions team than in recent memory, but still not good enough to contend for a playoff spot. Roy Williams is good, but will Jon Kitna be a consistent enough starter?

 

 

---

 

                                               
    NFC South

Carolina Panthers 13-3

A very good looking team. They really don't have any weaknesses. If they stay healthy (Kris Jenkins, Deshaun Foster) they may represent the NFC in the big game.

Atlanta Falcons 10-6

Michael Vick is at that point in the West Coast Offense where he will show massive improvement. DeAngello Hall is one of the best corners in the league and Ed Hartwell (when healthy) is a premier pass rushing Linebacker.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-9

Yes, the first 05-06 playoff team to slip alot. I'm just not sold on the offense. They have 3 injury prone QB's and the #1 receiver is aging. Same story with the defense.

New Orleans Saints 6-10

Reggie Bush and Drew Brees will be very solid in their first season as Saints. But the Defense is just not good enough. Give them one more year to improve in the draft/free agency, and we could see them make a run.

---

 

                                               
       NFC East

New York Giants 12-4

The young offense is still getting better, and massive defensive improvements (See Arrington, Lavar Madison, Sam and Demps, Will) will give this team the extra step in becoming a Super Bowl contender.

Dallas Cowboys 9-7

A solid run at the beginning of the season, just like last year. But Drew Bledsoe will show his age and make some mistakes, just like last year. Big worry is if Bledsoe can't get Terrell Owens the ball.

Washington Redskins 10-6

A dominant Defense will disquise the mediocre Offense, until the playoffs start. Clinton Portis will be good, but he always is.

Philadelphia Eagles 8-8

Donovan McNabb is still a good QB, but Reggie Brown is his #1 receiver and the Defense gave up alot of points last year.

---

 

                                               
     NFC West

Seattle Seahawks 10-6

They lost Steve Hutchinson, gained Nate Burleson. Advantage? Minnesota. Of the last 6 Super Bowl losers, the next season high in wins is 7. That and Shaun Alexander is on the cover of Madden 07.

Arizona Cardinals 10-6

Kurt Warner now has a marquee runningback. And 2 of the best receivers in the game. The defense is quietly effective and grabbed Leonard Pope in the draft.

St. Louis Rams 9-7

Marc Bulger is healthy, Steven Jackson is a breakout candidate, and Torry Holt is a top 5 wide receiver. Corey Chavous is a huge addition on defense and will help immediatley. Tye Hill is a nice addition too.

San Fransisco 49ers 4-12

Team just doesn't have enough talent. Vernon Davis will help Alex Smith inprove, but they don't have runningback and they lost Julian Peterson on D.

---

 

                                               
  AFC North

Cincinati Bengals 11-5

Carson Palmer will be alright, and lead the potent offense that includes Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson, and up and coming T.J. Houshmanzadeh. Defense forces alot of turnovers and they added alot of help on that side of the ball.

Pittsburgh Steelers 14-2

A very strong team. Ben Roethlisburger is already throwing after a scary June motorcycle accident. Willie Parker is good, and Hines Ward is better. Defense is best.

Baltimore Ravens 8-8

They are a good defensive team. But the offense, even with Steve McNair, is not going to cut it. Ray Lewis has to have a better year this year then last, or we will hear trade/retirement rumors.

Cleveland Browns 6-10

Another lackluster year for the Dogs of Cleveland. I think their only hope is that LeBron James decides to play wideout until NBA Season starts. They did improve on the defensive side of the ball though.

---

 

                                               
    AFC South

Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6

Defense is the most underrated in the NFL. Secondary core improved with the addition of Brian Williams. The offense will be missing a big piece without Jimmy Smith. Reggie Williams and Matt Jones must step it up. Fred Taylor must also play better and stay healthy.

Indianapolis Colts 12-4

Adam Vinetieri will give them a win or two but losing Edgerrin James will lose them at least one game. I believe Joseph Addai will beat out Dominic Rhodes and prove he deserves it. Of course Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Dwight Freeney will be good.

Tennessee Titans 5-11

The Vince Young era won't begin this season, so we will watch Billy Volek man the ship for the Titans. He actually can be a very prolific passer, once throwing for 400+ yards two games in a row in 2004. LenDale White and Chris Brown are decent runners, but the D is young. Drew Bennett is a good reciever, but if nobody can throw him the ball he's useless.

Houston Texans 6-10

Actually a very improved team. Mario Williams over Reggie Bush puzzles some, but he is 6'7" and a dominant pass rusher. Eric Moulds will help Andre Johnson on the other side. Dominick Davis is a good runningback, and David Carr could have his first semi-productive season if the O-Line holds up.

---

 

                                               
   AFC East

New England Patriots 12-4

Just 2 years removed from a Super Bowl Championship, and they have a main core of players intact. Adam Vinetieri is a big departure, so is Willie McGinnest. But the young secondary was force fed being on one of the best teams in the league and it has helped them mature.

Miami Dolphins 10-6

Daunte Culpepper will recover nicely from last seasons knee injury. Ronnie Brown is going to be one of the breakout stars of '06. Chris Chambers is a beast at the receiver position.

New York Jets 5-11

Chad Pennington's shoulder is a huge concern. Patrick Ramsey didn't show much playing in a Redskins uniform. Lavernues Coles hasn't been extremely productive since joining the Jets in the trade for Santana Moss. Jonathan Vilma is the only big time play-maker.

Buffalo Bills 2-14

In my opinion this is the worst team in football. Willis McGahee is a good player, but can't carry a whole team by himself. J.P. Losman does not look like a good QB prospect. The defense has lost the heart and soul, Lawyer Milloy and Sam Adams.

---

 

                                               
      AFC West

San Diego Chargers 12-4

Phillip Rivers is a first time starter, but 2 years learning the system and studying Drew Brees will help him contribute right away. LaDanian Tomlinson is a stud, but we all know that. Keenan McCardell is close to retirement, but is still a solid WR. Antonio Gates is one of the best TE's in the league and will help Rivers greatly. Defense is unstoppable against the run, but not too good against the pass. Ty Law would help the Pass D and acquiring Ashley Lelie would help the Passing game on offense.

Kansas City Chiefs 12-4

Larry Johnson is for real. He is capable of a monster game every week, and if the Chiefs make the playoffs he will be a big reason why. The defense is never mind-blowing, at least not in a good way. Derrick Johnson should improve and Trent Green is the most underrated QB in the league.

Denver Broncos 11-5

Right now probably the favorite out West, but that will change come December. If Jake Plummer struggles will he be dealt to another team? Tatum Bell is good, must must prove he is a featured back. Best linebacking core in the league belongs to the Broncos.

Oakland Raiders 6-10

Horrid Defense, but Michael Huff helps. Any offense with Randy Moss helps. Aaron Brooks is a solid QB, but some say his career is on the decline. LaMont Jordan had a great first year with Oakland and must keep it up.

 

 

And I'm not talking about the 'roid rage .

Barry Bonds hit homerun number 711 yesterday against the Mets, and he is starting to hit his stride.

Through the young season so far, Bonds has homered 3 times. Before he hit home run #1 this year, he was doing something while swinging his dangerous bat that we've never seen him do. He was pulling his hips and arms during the follow through of the swing. It was causing less power in the swing, making a bunch of frustrating flyouts for Bonds.

I do think that Barry's MVP days are likely over, he could still be an All-Star, and possibly in the top ten of the NL in Homeruns. I think this year could be very successful for Bonds, and I see him hitting 25-32 homeruns. He won't get the great Henry Aaron's record this year, but 30 homers will go along way to next years chase.

I believe we will see Bonds' production jump way up in the coming weeks. When he hit 709, the strange pulling follow through wasn't there, allowing more power to his hit. Since then, I haven't seen him pull once. He got over that, and now when he gets his chances, he will go yard. Yesterday as a pinch hitter, Barry Bonds wasn't walked in his 2 at-bats. If he keeps hitting homers like this, it won't be long before he is intentionally walked over and over again.

 

Here are my predictions of the NBA postseason awards.

Most Valuable Player

Steve Nash- G Suns

Steve Nash is having another amazing season, and he has the Phoenix Suns on pace to win 57 games WITHOUT Amare Stoudemire.

6th Man of the Year

Speedy Claxton- G Hornets

Speedy is a brilliant piece to the Hornets puzzle, providing an instant spark off the bench . He narrowly beats out Jerry Stackhouse for the award, mainly because Stack missed the first 26 games of this season.

Rookie of the Year

Chris Paul- G Hornets

This is a runaway this year, with Paul coming out of Wake Forest being touted as possibly the most NBA ready rookie, the Hornets snatched him up and made the most out of it, becoming a legit playoff contender.

Most Improved Player

Elton Brand- F Clippers

Elton may be a surprise pick for this award, seeing how David West went from nothing to 17 points per game, but Brand has improved this year in every major Statistical Category ( Points, Rebounds, Assists, Blocks, Steals). Not only that, but he is the major reason that the Clippers, yup the Clippers, are thinking playoffs.

Coach of the Year

Byron Scott- Hornets

The former Nets coach, Scott is one of the main reasons for the Hornets playoff-bound turnaround. He beats out Flip Saunders, Greg Popovich, Avery Johnson, and Phil Jackson.

NFC North-Winner/Chicago

Extremely dominant defense, offense has potential. Rex Grossman will hopefully be healthy all season, and if he is he will have time to gel with his recieving core and turn Chi-Town into a 20 point team.

NFC East-Winner/New York Giants

Talented Offense will only get better. Eli Manning will have a very good shot at leading the league in TD passes. Tiki Barber is one of the most talented runningbacks in the game. Plaxico Burres will be more dangerous in his second year and will be more comfortable and familiar with the offense. Shockey will be good, like 2005. On defense, the best end tandem in the league with Osi Umenyoria and Michael Strahan will dominate. They will get secondary help (possibly with Ty Law) and linbacking help. Watch out.

NFC South-Winner/Atlanta Falcons

Michael Vick will find that perfect mix of pass and run, and Atlanta will adress their needs on the O line and in the defensinve secondary, as well as their need for a run stuffing DT. The Falcons will get Vick a Go to reciever.

NFC West-Winner/Seattle

The Seahawks will win this Division by default. With their toughest competition coming from probably the Cardinals, the Seahawks can win this division with 8 wins. If Shaun Alexander leaves through free agency, then i think the winner of the west could have an under .500 record.

Wild Cards

Carolina-With the possibility of DeShaun Foster leaving the best they can get is a wild-card spot. They need a 1,000 yard rusher desperatley, and Foster isn't even that.

Detroit-I think that the Lions could be one of the biggest sleeper picks heading into next season. With Minnesota having problems and the Packers possibly heading into Aaron Rodgers rookie campaign, that leaves the door open for Detroit to sneek into the playoffs with 8-9 wins. Mike Martz makes all the difference.

NFC Sleepers

Arizona-Adress Defense, Ground Attack, O-Line. Very Talented Offense

Detroit-See Wildcards

NFC Stumblers

Tampa Bay-Not a good offense, and with possible big-name departures in the defense, not to mention in the same division with the Panthers and Falcons, this team won't make the playoffs

Cowboys/Redskins-Same category because of the same problem, players at key positions are getting OLD. I.E. Mark Brunell, Skins DL/OL, Drew Bledsoe, Terry Glenn, Keyshawn Johnson,Cowboys DL/OL.