Part one of seven

The most common draft strategy used by many fantasy team owners is to draft running backs in round one and two. Some even take backs in the first three rounds. But if everyone does this how would anyone separate their team from other teams besides injuries? This year there are four QBs you should consider in the first round as well. This doesn’t mean to skip RBs all together, but consider other options.

This year is the year you can finally get an edge. This doesn’t mean you need to draft a kicker in round three, you still should be drafting your kicker dead last. What you may need is a new strategy. If everyone is using the same strategies usually the only thing that separates your team from theirs is dumb luck.

The era of the three down back is over. In 2007 the NFL saw it lowest total of 300 carry backs (6) since 1999. There are a lot of quality backs you can get after the RB draft frenzy is over. In fact there are only a few backs worthy of round one status. Lets break it down.

Round 1 RBs

1. LaDanian Tomlinson – he is healthy and a fantasy stud, he is worthy of a number one overall pick.

2. Adrian Peterson – Peterson is unstoppable at times and can rack up monstrous fantasy numbers against any team any week. Worthy of a top 5 pick.

3. Steven Jackson – Jackson was injured in 2007 and the Ram offense was a non-factor. In 2008 big things are expected from Jackson and unless he holds out for a long period of time he is worthy of your round one pick in the 4-8 range.

4. Joseph Addai- The Colts offense is predicated on the ability of Peyton Manning to be able to run play action passes. This makes Addai’s role very important again in 2008 and he should deliver as well. Addai is a "inside the 5 guy" as well (see below)He is worthy of your round one pick in the 4-8 range.

5. Brian Westbrook – Westbrook does it all in Philly. He runs well, catches the ball, and blocks. Westbrook and McNabb should both have good years, but Westbrook is the key to it all and they will use him as such. He is also worthy of your round one pick between 5-10.

Round 2 RBs

Frank Gore had a bit of a down year after his breakout season in 2006. But with a new offense coordinated by Mike Martz Gore should flourish once again. Gore could be yours at pick 10-13.
Larry Johnson is back and ready to go. He is rated low this year based off of last years stats. Last season he held out almost all of camp and then was injured. The Chief’s offense has a bright spot and it shines on Johnson. He may fall all the way to the end of round 2 or even into round 3.

Clinton Portis is now under the West Coast offense in Washington. Portis will get more catches and should be better in 2008 with a healthy shoulder. He should go early in the 2nd round.

Marshawn #### is the number one back in Buffalo and could have another good season. He was a surprise as a rookie and should be able to build on that to haveyet a n even bigger 2008. #### should go in the 2nd round for sure.

Marion Barber is now the featured back in Dallas. With an offense like the Cowboys have he could have yet his biggest season yet. He hasn’t been at his best as the featured back in the past when Julius Jones was out, but Jones is gone now and Barber doesn’t have a choice but to be the man. Barber may go early in round 2 but he would be better late in round 2 or early round three.

Best of the Rest

Jamal Lewis is part of a very potent Cleveland attack. He was one of the better RBs last season but is still ranked too low in pre-draft rankings. You could snag him as late as round 5!

Matt forte is a rookie in Chicago this year and is going to be the featured back. First Cedric Benson was arrested twice and then swiftly cut. Then the Bears brought in former Lion Kevin Jones but he is still hurt yet again from last season. Forte may slip under the radar onto your roster in round 4 or later.

One-Two Punch

These are the players that if you draft one you need to get the other.

Willie Parker is still the one in the one-two punch in Pittsburgh. Parker will get the bulk of the load ahead of rookie Rashard Mendenhall.

Kevin Smith is a rookie in Detroit where they team has changed from a pass happy offense to a run oriented zone blocking scheme used in Denver. Tatum Bell is the veteran of the duo. Bell started the first 5 games last year until Kevin Jones returned. However once Jones did return, Bell was deactivated in all 11 weeks after.

Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor may actually have better numbers as a duo in 2008 with the additions to the already stout defense. The offense should be on the field even more so they will be solid picks once again.
Don’t Forget Backs

Brandon Jacobs, Darren McFadden, Edgerin James, Rudi Johnson, Ronnie Brown, Thomas Jones, Julius Jones, TJ Duckett, Reggie Bush, and Michael Turner should all be available after you have filled your other starters at every other position.

RBs to Stay Away from Early


Laurence Maroney- The Patriots use so many backs and Maroney has been injured so many times that you should pick him with caution. He should be a late round find instead of an early round buster without the rhymes.

Willis McGahee is highly ranked and lowly productive. The Ravens offense is terrible and the QB situation may change every week making Willis a weak pick. Hope that another fantasy owner goes bananas and drafts him in the 2nd round.



Handy Dandy Chart

Here is another way to look for a RB late in your draft that can have an impact on your season. With so many teams running by committee it is very important to have the back that teams go to in the red zone. Although some of the players didn’t rack up a ton of points last year that doesn’t mean they won’t in 2008. You should seriously consider these numbers when determining one player ahead of another.


Here are the top ten go to backs when it matters. They may not be your franchise back but they each had at least 200 carries.

Player                              carries                inside the 5

Jamal Lewis                    298                      
    22

Joseph Addai                  261                           18

Clinton Portis                  324                           17

LaDanian Tomlinson    315                           17

Thomas Jones               310                           15

Willis McGahee              294                           14

Earnest Graham            222                           14

LenDale White                304                          13

Marion Barber                 201                          13

Edgerin James              323                           11

 

Al Davis is at it again.  He is looking to bring in yet another new coach to the Raiders.  After only one season in Oakland, Raiders owner Al Davis wants Lane Kiffin to resign.  Davis would like to bring in former Cardinals and Vikings head coach Dennis Green.

  In a story from ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen:

"Davis has gone so far as to draft a letter of resignation for Kiffin to sign, a source said. Kiffin has refused to do so but has dared Davis to fire him instead. The letter, the source said, was sent to Kiffin two weeks ago.

Kiffin, who was 4-12 in his first season as coach, has two years remaining on his contract at an estimated $2 million per year.

In the letter sent to Kiffin's legal representatives, Davis stated that only he would have control over his staff and full personnel decisions, sources said. According to a source close to Kiffin, Davis had promised Kiffin when he hired him that he would have more control over staff and personnel matters than recent Raiders coaches. Kiffin was allowed five offensive assistants and to name his own staff when he took the job after the 2006 season."


This would be the fourth head coach in four years for the Raiders and fifth coach in six years.  The secret to success is not instability.  Maybe Al's last face lift was a little to tight and it has since impaired his judgement. 

Kiffin had more than just being a rookie head coach against him last season.  He had no stability in many important positions.  He started three different QBs in McCown, Culpepper, and #1 pick JaMarcus Russell.  He also had three different starting RBs as well in Fargas, Jordan, and Rhodes.  Lets not forget that there was a reason why Oakland had the number one overall pick in the first place.  Kiffeen took over the worst team in the NFL.

Lane Kiffin like many coaches should be given at least one more year.  That way Oakland could bring in Bill Cower, a proven winner and hard nosed coach.  Just what the Raiders need.  Besides with Dennis Green, HE IS WHAT WE THOUGHT HE WAS!  Is this really the task that Dennis Green wants or needs to take on at this point of his life?

  Remember Al Davis is the same man who said John Gruden couldn't win the big game.  After trading Gruden to Tampa Bay Gruden then proiceeded to spank the Raiders in the BIG GAME the very first year.  That should have been his first clue that he has lost his touch.

Lets talk about irony in sports. I am not talking about irony like Sheryl Crow did either. Her type is rain on your wedding day. That isn’t ironic, that is a sign! That means run! Besides, a wise man once said " a man doesn’t realize what true happiness is until he gets married, unfortunately by then it is too late!

Sports irony happens all the time. Sometimes it can be more of poetic justice than irony.

The Motor City/State- It’s ironic in Michigan, the auto capitol of the world, the head football coach of the football team had a last name of Carr, then tried to replace him with a coach named Les Miles! 

 The Cashman- It’s ironic that the New York Yankees, the "Evil Empire", MLB’s richest franchise, has a GM with the last name of Cashman. Brian Cashman is the GM with the highest payroll in all of sports! Cashman has signed players to their highest contracts to come to New York. Although, if the Yankees are such a great organization, why do they have to pay so much more for players than other teams do? In 2007 the Yankees had 5 of the top 10 paid player salaries and had the top three in Giambi, Rodriguez, and Jeter.

The Magic Johnson- It’s ironic that a handsome, successful, charismatic, basketball player with a great rack of chicklets for a smile named "Magic Johnson" would get HIV? It would be like a guy named #### Hertz or a woman named Sharon Cox getting it. Too bad he didn’t cover his "Magic Johnson" before he contracted HIV. He helped raise awareness for the disease, unfortunately he had to have it to do it. I guess the cure for AIDS is money because he has had HIV for 16 years now. OK, so maybe it would be more ironic if this happened to a guy named Jimmy Hatt instead, but someone had to point it out.

New York, New York, Buffalo- It’s ironic that there are three teams in the NFL that represent the state of New York but only one of them actually plays in the state of New York. The two teams bearing the state and or city name of New York play in New Jersey at the Meadowlands and the Buffalo Bills actually play in Buffalo, New York.

Saturday’s Balls- Isn’t it ironic that Peyton Manning is constantly licking his hands to get a better grip on balls but does it before and after each snap. Maybe Jeff Saturday just has something special going on down there.....or those are the balls he is trying to get a better grip on. Maybe that isn’t ironic, just nasty, sorry for that.

College Lighting- In October of 2006 a college football game featuring the Kent State University "Golden Flashes" was temporarily delayed by lightning.

Gruden’s Grudge Match- In 2002 the head coach of the Oakland Raiders John Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay for a ton of draft picks. Owner Al Davis felt the move was great because he felt that Gruden could not win the "Big One". Ironically in his first year as the Bucs head coach he won the Super Bowl against who?....................the Raiders

The San Diego Chargers have announced that the San Diego Chargers will look a little different in 2007.  The team says this is a New Era and the best way to represent it is with new uniforms.  If you click on the picture to the right you can see the changes up close on LaDanian Tomlinson.

The teams website also has everything up on the new unis as well.


The team went 14-2 last year before losing at home to New England.  Then they fired their head coach Marty Schotenheimer, lost both offensive and defensive coordinators, and then brought in Norv Turner.

The powder blue uniforms in my opinion were the best they have had.  They actually still have that one but it too it modified.

This is a win-win for the Chargers orginazation because expectations are high for the team and fans are behind the team now more than they have been in a long-long time.  Now they all have to go buy new gear now! 

  I can not phathom the reasons that the NFL seems to be able to have so many crimes every year and personel being arrested, but it doesn't outrage fans, hurt attendance, or hurt TV ratings?  This year alone The Bengals had 13% of their roster arrested.  Chris Henry of the Bengals has his own rap sheet that would send any common street criminal to county jail.  At some point Marvin Lewis is going to have to get the attention of his team and get it into their heads that they are blowing it.  They only have a short window of their lives to play NFL football and make all that money.

Tank Johnson of the Bears has to get special permission from a judge to get clearance to go to the Super Bowl in Miami because of gun charges against him.

My Detroit Lions well known for being backasswards didn't even have any players arrested and they are in the city that was #2 on the highest crime rate in America list (I live in the city ranked #3).  Oh wait......there was one of the coaches who was arrested twice in a two week period. Once on charges of driving nude through a Tim Horton's drive thru.  Although he was just merely using "it" as a bagel holder because he didn't have a drink holder for his coffee and had to drive with his other hand.  Then he had a DUI about two weeks later.

Shawne Merriman was caught using steroids as well as a few other players.  If theses guys played baseball, hockey or were in the NBA they would be shunned by their fans and crucified by foes.  Merriman even though he missed four games from the steroid violation was still actually a finalist for the league MVP.  He did have 17 sacks, but he was juiced up for most of them.

Michael Vick gets caught with a "residue"?  What the hell does that even mean?  You can get busted for residue now?  I think they should have just arrested him for being so stupid.  This is what should concern the Falcons more than anything.  He has $117 million left on his current contract.  He can afford to drop anything in the garbage and buy more when he gets home!  Also, did he not think that they would check for drugs in the Miami Airport?  You can't even take bottled water through security.  It isn't like he never flies anywhere so he should have known.  Vick's crime is that he has everything in the world that money can buy, but none of the things it can't.

  Al Davis the owner of the Oakland Raiders has not gone wild but he has definatly gone crazy.  According to the Oakland Tribune he is willing to trade malcontent WR Jerry Porter.  That isn't the crazy part though.  He is reportedly looking for two first round picks in return.  That is right, he wanted two first round picks.  I dont think most teams would give two first round picks for Randy Moss, let alone an outspoken, underacheiving, disinterested Porter.  The other vice on any deal for Porter is Davis wants Porter to repay $4 million of his $13 million bonus so he could be traded.  Davis also says maybe now he just wants one number one pick, maybe less.  Porter is barely a season into his current deal, which would leave the Raiders with a tremendous cap hit of $6.45 million in 2007 if he's traded or cut this year.  Al it is time to get a GM that tells YOU what is going to happen and you write the check.  That is what an owner does, write the checks and stay out of player personnell decisions.  Also Al, great move on bringing in Aaron Brooks and drafting Michael Huff instead of drafting Leinhart or Cutler.

  Charles Rogers worked out for former Michigan State head coach and current Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban.  The underachieving, one failed drug test away from a year suspension, cut by Detroit Rogers apparently "laid an egg".  The Dolphins were actually going to make him a contract offer if he looked good in the workout.  According to MiamiHerald.com........."right there in front of Nick Saban, who recruited Rogers out of high school, Bobby Williams, who coached Rogers at Michigan State, and Charlie Baggett, who was the receivers coach at Michigan State early in Rogers career, there was nothing but disappointment among the onlookers.  All were hoping to see a spark of the talent Rogers showed for the Spartans. But it simply wasn't there."  So as it looks right now, the Detroit Lions have made the right decision on shipping him out, and it wasn't a popular one at the time when they did.  But how does Charles react to all of this?  He fired his agent this week.

  Billy Volek has made quite a few headlines for being traded recently.  The BIG question is, WHY?  He has been a back up forever and has never done anything with his chances throughout his career.  But somehow his being traded is making headlines and I have to hear about him being traded on every football show I watch.  Hey if he can't beat out Kerry Collins as the starter in Tennesee, why would you want to trade for him?  On the Volek story all I want to say is NEXT!

 

Detroit - According to several outlets in Detroit including detroitlions.com, Mike Williams and Charles Rogers will apparently make the roster for the Detroit Lions this season. They have been down the depth chart all through training camp. This gave Shaun Bodiford and Glen Martinez a chance to make the team and show what they can do. However they really haven't showed anything. The other factor is the signing bonuses of Charles Rogers and mike Williams combined with "potential" they will make the team instead. The Lions would take a significant cap hit for cutting one of the star WRs and could not cut both. They may not play a lot in the season though unless they can show why they should be on the field.

Philadelphia - Todd Stinkston is allowed to seek a trade after the Eagles acquired Dante Stallworth from the Saints. According to the Delaware County Times: "Pinkston’s agent Joel Segal immediately began shopping him around to other teams in the NFL, and according to a report on ESPN.com, at least three teams are interested in Pinkston as a possible starting wideout." However this morning they just flat out released him.


Oakland - Jeff George has signed with the Oakland Raiders. In case you missed it earlier this week you may need to reread that first sentence again. It has been five years since he last played in the NFL. The former #1 overall pick with Indianapolis was said to have looked sharp and still possesses the big arm he once had in an open to the media practice earlier this week.

Chicago - If the Bears decide to stick with Rex Grossman it may be the biggest mistake the team makes all season. With current back up Brian Griese on the team, who is a proven NFL quarterback fans will be calling his name by week 3. Grossman has a great arm but just does not put up many points or yards. Chicago has proven they can win with Kyle Orton at QB throwing for less than 150 yards week after week. But why try to win with you defense alone, again. If the Bears stick with Grossman they may not repeat as NFC North champs.

Where you are - NFL prognosticators and gurus are everywhere right? Not really, anyone can guess at scores and predict division winners. Here is a chance to prove you can predict NFL games, winners, stats, rank players outcomes at Fan IQ. It is a website that allows fans to enter predictions and opinions on every subject sports. If you and you friends want to try it just send the this link! http://www.faniq.com/index.php?id=24942

Comebacks can come in all shapes and forms and I am about to take you through some that have come to mind. Comebacks are what we love about sports, among other things, but what does it take to have a comeback? Well lets see.

With a player it takes a complete turn of events from recent history, such as injuries or appearing to be finished as an athlete. In a game, it takes all the players on a team to stay focused and battle through all adversities that may come there way until the end when they comeback. I will show you some examples of comebacks and would like you to comment on one of your best/favorite comebacks. It can be recent, past, or most memorable.

Baseball- comeback players/team of the year

1. Magglio Ordonez - Maggs has comeback from a knee injury that ended his days in Chicago the season before they won the World Series. Magglio only played 52 games in 2004 and 82 games last year for Detroit. Not only is Magglio Ordonez tearing it up this season, he returned to the All-Star game as well as leading his team to the best record in baseball to this point with a whopping 10 game lead on any team in baseball. This year Maggs is hitting .298 with 16 hr and 79 rbi.

2. Jim Thome - He is somewhat similar to Maggs in the fact he making his comeback from an injury in which he only played in 59 games last year in Philly. Although the Phillies didn’t just let their star walk, they were able to trade him and get Aaron Rowand. This year he has been crushing the ball. He currently is hitting .304 with 34 hr and 85 rbi. Last season was the first season since 1995 in which Thome did not hit at least thirty home runs, last season he only hit seven. This year he has comeback to form.

3. Nomar Garciaparra - Nomar was going to be considered but he yet again has been sidelined with injuries again in 2006. When he has been in this year he has been lights out hitting .327 with 12 hr and 57 rbi. But the problem with Nomar, he hasn’t played in more than 81 games for anyone since 2003 in Boston. Will Nomar ever comeback?

4. Detroit Tigers - this is an epic comeback! The tigers were 43-119 in 2003, this year they have the best record in baseball by a full 10 games at this point. This is also the best start to any season for Detroit in the entire history of the franchise. In 1984(way back when Uncle Rico could still throw a football over those mountains, and still reeling from his coach not putting him in and his team not winning the state championship) the Tigers had their highest win total of 104. Right now they are on pace to win around 110 games.

 

NFL players and teams -

Terrell Owens - can he comeback healthy enough in body and mind and put together an actual season this year. He has Drew Bledsoe and Bill Parcells but he can always find a way to blow that too. He may have been right every time he exploded on the sidelines or ran his mouth to the media and other players with the words he was saying. But hey, if you can dish it out you better be ready to eat some too. If those players and offensive coordinators were so bad at making mistakes, you don’t call them out in front of the world. Because that is being a bad teamate. Terrell, comeback to reality and show the world who is the best receiver in football, not the worst teammate.

Jon Kitna - Jon gets another chance to finish off his career on a good note. When he was in Cincinnati he was part of the building block for the foundation they don’t call the "Bunguls" anymore. He was to hold down the team until Heisman trophy winning first round pick Carson Palmer was ready. Now he gets to run a new offense in Detroit led by Mike Martz as the coordinator. He was the comeback player of the year in the NFL in 2004. And if you don’t think he can get the best out of Kitna you don’t know anything about Mike Martz.

Javon Walker - He gets his shot this year in Denver to be the man. After blowing out his knee in the season opener last year in Detroit, Javon was sidelined for the whole season. Now he is going to comeback and he is ready to go. We just don’t know where he is going to go with Jake Plummer at quarterback.

Brett Favre - If Brett is poised for this honor. If anyone can be a comeback player it is him. He is a legend for a reason. The legends and true champions always find a way to come back in the end so it wouldnt suprise me to see Brett have one last comeback.

Seattle and Philadelphia, will they both comeback to the NFC Championship game this year and contend for the Super Bowl. Philly was absent after the whole T.O. debacle and Seattle is poised to make another run for the title. Seattle may comeback, Philly, they need to learn how to run the ball before they comeback.

     Three quarterback making a comeback or sorts. Carson Palmer, Daunte Culpepper, and Ben Roethlisberger are all coming back from serious injuries. NFL fans around the leaguwill be anxious to have their star players on the field. Everyone knows how much of a factor injuries are in the NFL.

Cycling -

Floyd Landis’ comeback at the Tour De France this year was epic after the kind of crash he had. It was almost as if he were helped in some way. Not really, knowing what little I do about testosterone, it takes a long time for you to get any results from what ever it is you are using. Floyd, stay strong if you are innocent because this whole thing is fishy year after year and it has already gotten old accusing so many of doping and the testing system having so many bad tests.

Comeback lines of the day -

Yo mama is so fat, when I yelled into her belly button I heard an echo!

Yo mama so stupid that she sold her car for gas money!

How about some go aways!

  How about all the NFL players getting in trouble on the Bengals and Bears. Daven Holly of the Bears and Chris Henry of the Bengals got arrested on weapons charges, Henry didn’t stop there though. Henry managed to get picked up for drunk driving, posseision of marijuans, and giving alcohol to underage women. This between these two teams is so long and you have probably heard all about it. Not to mention Barrett Brooks (OL) for the Steelers tried to out run cops on a motorcycle and got caught, after trying to ditch his bike, and then get back on and run again. Sean Taylor of the Redskins who recently was sentenced on gun charges was fined by the NFL $71,000 and has community service until he is of retirement age.

Do you think you know more about sports than I do?  Lets see, go to http://www.faniq.com/index.php?id=24942  



The changes made to foxblogs have cramped my blogging style the way you post pictures and links.  If anyone will give me insight into this change it will be appreciated, thank you!

New York, Jacksonville, Detroit, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Kansas City, Washington, New England, and Denver


For some players in the NFL the next few months will determine if they make or break their career.  There are several veteran players who may be cut or benched this season early on.  The most important thing some players don't understand is how important the off season really is.  If you are a player on the apex of making a roster you better be at every off season meeting, mini-camp, and any injury treatments you need.  Some players just won't ever get it no matter how many chances they are given either.

  At least Lawrence Taylor had the thought to at least wait until his career was over to really get into his drug problem.  In his book he talked about the last six years of his career in which he said he could not wait to retire so he could smoke crack. 

A couple guys around the league will be cut, benched, or have their play reduced this season.  I will touch on a few around the league.


Jacksonville - Mike Williams OT The weight problems that prompted Buffalo to cut offensive lineman Mike Williams have followed him to Jacksonville, even threatening his chances to make the team.  Buffalo drafted him 5th overall in 2002 and cut him after last season.  If he doesn't make the team he will be picked up elsewhere.   Top five picks usually get a few more chances than most other players.


Green Bay - Ahman Green RB  He is only 29 years old but he was already slowing down before his quadriceps burst in Minnesota last season.  It remains to be seen when Green will return during training camp. And it's a greater mystery if he can fully recover from such a brutal injury.  Samkon Gado is a lock to make the team and this year it may be up to Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport to get that final roster spot.  For fantasy owners, stay away from all of these guys because they still don't have a line to block for them.


Denver - Ashley Lelie WR  It has been rumored that he was part of a three way trade with New England for TE Daniel Graham and New Orleans RB Michael Bennett.  Lelie would go to New England, Graham would go to New Orleans, and Bennett to Denver.  With the addition of Javon Walker the Broncos have found Lelie to be expendable.  If they are really look to trade him, why not call Philadelphia?  I think they needs some WRs.  Besides why does Denver need more RBs?  Didn't they draft Maurice Clarrett?...........oh wait

Detroit - Mike Williams WR  He was dismissed from practice last week and may not be in the immediate plans for the Lions offense.  The Lions will have a three wide look that, at this point, is lined up as #1WR Roy Williams, #2 Corey Bradford, #3 Mike Furrey.  The Lions may be married to Mike Williams but he is not going to be a player you want to draft in a fantasy league as he may not even be activated some weeks.

Green Bay - Robert Ferguson WR  Ferguson had the chance of his life last season and proceeded to drop the ball. After Javon Walker went down in the season-opener, Ferguson had every opportunity to prove he was the No. 1 wide receiver he'd claimed to be for years.  But Ferguson was arguably the Packers' most disappointing player and might be out of chances in Green Bay.


Kansas City - Priest Holmes RB  his days may be numbered in Kansas city with the emergance of Larry Johnson.  Holmes has already said he still wants to play.  He may just have to do it elswhere.  He has said in years past that he may retire but has played on.  If the Chiefs do decide to trade or release him there will be plenty of teams looking to acquire his services.


Green Bay - Rod Gardener WR The Packers are in a transition stage right now that may take longer than the fans will like.  Coming off a 4-12 year they have Brett Favre returning for one more year.  They add Gardener to the list of players who may be out sooner than later.  A washout in both Washington and Carolina, Gardner looked like a former first-round draft choice during his brief stay in Green Bay last winter. Gardner, picked up on waivers with two weeks left in the regular season.  But Gardner irritated the coaching staff when he missed a large portion of the current organized team activities.  He has good size but does not run well.  The Packers drafted two recievers in 2006 so Gardener and Ferguson will be fighting for spots.


Washington - David Patten WR Patten may be cut by the Redskins this month.  With the additions of Atwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd also having Santanna Moss, Patten's days are numbered.  However New England is in need of a WR so he may go back to play in Foxboro with another possible former player Ty Law.


New York Jets - Chad Pennington QB  Coming off his second rotator cuff surgery in as many years the Jets have competition for him.  Patrick Ramsey was traded for from Washington for a sixth round pick.  This QB controversy will only heat up if Pennington is healthy.  If he is healthy then rookie head coach Eric Mangini has his work cut out for him.  He has already announced, and rightfully so, that the job is wide open.  Pennington told the Star Ledger newspaper in May,  that he's "full go" and "throwing every route in the playbook." But he recently toned down his comments -- saying simply that he's making progress.  Seriously, why can't they just find a decent quarterback named Benny?


Cincinnati - Chris Henry WR Henry pleaded not guilty this morning to providing alcohol to three underage women at a hotel on Covington’s riverfront.  This marked the fourth time in six months Henry had been arrested.  He finally made it into the third recieving spot last season and it may have been his last of his career.  He faces up to a year in jail on these charges.  He still has the other cases pending against him that he will later this month be in court for.  He will spend more time in court than the Miami Heat will play on this summer.

NFL


Tennessee Titans- Former San Francisco 49er first round pick Ahmed Plummer has played only nine games in the past two years after a succession of injuries. Twelve-year veteran Ty Law picked off 10 passes for the New York Jets in 2005, but also comes with a high price tag and, even more troubling, a warning label. They have had both in this month to see what interest each player has in Tennessee and a decision will come soon.

Detroit Lions- Warren Sapp a Lion?  The Lions released Dan Wilkinson yesterday in a move that suprised some.  He has talked about retirement all off-season.  He also has pending law suits in Maryland from a restaurant deal he had going from his Redskins days that didn't work out.  Ironically his lack of working out is what got him cut from Detroit. New head coach Rod Marinelli wants players who want to play and put in the extra effort needed to turn the franchise around.  Since Wilkinson was paid pretty well, that money can be used to pursue other free agents, if any players become available who might interest the Lions. There has been speculation in Oakland that the Raiders might part company with Warren Sapp, who had a strong relationship with Marinelli with the Buccaneers.

Pittsburgh Steelers- Joey Porter missed the first week of the Steelers' voluntary workouts, and now the question is whether he will participate in any of them.  Porter, a Pro Bowl linebacker, attended the team's mandatory three-day minicamp May 13-15 but was the only veteran absent from all four of their follow-up voluntary sessions last week at their UPMC training facility on the South Side.  He has two years left on a contract he signed in February 2004. He is scheduled to earn a salary of $3.85 million this year, and earn $5 million in 2007, which includes a $1 million roster bonus.


MLB


New York- take your pick which New York team picks up Dontrell Willis.  Both have had scouts following him the last two weeks.  He has had a slightly down season on a team that sold everyone else off before the season even started.  He was kept because he is still very young and has not had his first big pay day yet.

Kansas City- The Royals are now 19 games back of Detroit in the AL Central.  It is only May 23rd.  Yes their season is done and they will be unloading some players.  They made several off-season free agent signings and nothing has worked for them this year.  The biggest reason is they didn't sign pitching.  They have several veteran players they can trade off that may bring them plenty of young prospects for a team that has traded off every prospect that has every come to fruition for them.

Washington Nationals- Alfonso Soriano may also be headed out of town very soon.  He has been rumored to be traded since the time he was traded to Washington.  He may be headed toi the Mets, White Sox, Philadelphia, or St. Louis.

Los Angeles- If Morales struggles, the Angels will turn to the trade market, with Arizona first baseman Tony Clark considered a possible target. Clark is an attractive short-term option because he is signed only through this season and, because he's stuck behind young first baseman Conor Jackson, wouldn't cost as much as some of the front-line players the Angels are pursuing, such as Alfonso Soriano and Shea Hillenbrand.  The Angels are 11 games below .500 and in last place, a perfect fit for Tony Clark.  Ask any Detroit Tigers fan.

 

  Tuesday, The Governator said that he had a meeting with several NFL owners Tuesday and told them he was there to make sure "we're getting not only one NFL team to the Los Angeles area, Southern California, but to actually get two teams. That's why I came. Why limit it?"  I do have to say that I wasn't and do not support him as a governor, but it is hard to not root for a guy that would try to get me two NFL teams.  Besides it is a traveshamockery that there in no NFL football in L.A.

  Yes Arnold why not?  why limit it?  You are so business and pro sport savy anyway.  Actually I am guessing you don't know a very much about that fancy math that is put together when you are wanting to accomplish something that has never been done in pro sports.  Just expand the NFL by two or move two teams to L.A.  That makes a lot of sense considering how well the city handled two NFL teams in the past. (terrible)

    It is however rediculous that L.A. does not have a NFL team.    Two teams is not and should not happen ever again there.  But they do however deserve one team. Lets look at a couple options they may actually have eventually as ways to get a new NFL team(s) there.

1. Expansion - may be the best option, at least to get two teams in southern California.  They could put a team in Aneheim and one in Los Angeles.  That is the best chance to get two teams.  This is actually one of the proposals they are going to put together.

2. Move an existing franchise - (a) How about the Saints?  They still have the Superdome under renovation and is a possible reopening by next season.  This franchise has a lot of new talent and upside and just drafted Reggie Bush.  I think he would sell a lot of jerseys back in southern California.  (b) There are two teams that I would not have any personal issues with them moving.  One is the Baltimore Ravens, they lost a team to Indianapolis and stole the Browns from Cleveland, then won a Superbowl them and just digs the knife a little deeper.  The other team would be the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Florida does not need three NFL teams.  So by order of inception, they gotta go.

3. Move Oakland or St. Louis back.  Oakland is the better choice because that is best place for them anyway.  Renovate the L.A. Colesium into a brand new looking place and use the same field and outer layer to keep the original theme.  St. Louis (won a superbowl shotly after leaving as well) needs to stay put as they lost the Cardinals they took from Chicago to Arizona.

 


     According to Jay Glazier at Foxsports.com, Charles Woodson have agreed to terms on a seven-year deal in the $45 million range for Pro Bowl and Heisman Trophy-winning defensive back Charles Woodson.  The Packers have been very quiet in the off-season as far as big name free-agent signings.  Charles Woodson was a Franchise player for the Raiders last year and earned over $10 million.  Woodson was the type of corner that took away almost half the field.  He was known for that at Michigan when he won the Heisman trophy.  This contract is also not yet signed.  It is an incentive laiden contract which in my opinion is not how he should be paid.  He does take away almost half the field (when he does actually play).  Which means, he doesn't get the ball thrown his way as much.  With the contract paying him  $10.5 Million the first year that leave $34.5 million left for the last 6 years.  That averages out to 5.75 per.  Quite a bargain if he works out.  If he doesn't, they can cut him.  There are no guaranteed contracts, only guaranteed bonus money.  But at 5.75 million per year he will work out. The Packers have more room this year and spread out works great for the teams well. If it works it works, at least they tried.  Besides, how will you ever get the fruit if you are afraid to go out on a limb.