The offseason... sigh... is there anything worse? Not for football fans. We wait. We debate. We attend draft day parties, track signings on line... some of us try to show up to training camp just to get a little fix.

And let's face it, it's not as if the offseason diminishes the celebrity of any footballer. You can pick out Tom Brady at fifty yards. Keith Traylor and Junior Seau are the most popular guys in their retirement communities, while Matt Leinart and Vince Young are the most popular at the local college keg party... and Brett... oh Brett.

But the problem with the offseason is that while a true fan still wants to be in touch with the league, the idea of it all gets muddled. When is it no longer football we are following?

For such cases, I ask myself H.D.T.A.M.F.L., or... "How Does This Affect My Fantasy League?" It's a great filter to keep in mind as cruising headlines in the offseason, and a very large reason that I believe EVERY person who writes about football should partake in it's fantasy outlet. This way, we can focus on ACTUAL football stories, and move away from the fluff and business that really shouldn't clog my brain EVER. Signings and team cuts are obvious, but others need a bit of perspective. Here are a few examples...

Terrell Owens say Jessica Simpson can come watch Tony play.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - It doesn't. Jessica is not Tony's downfall. Panic attacks are. This is not a football story.

Brandon Marshall is attacked by brother/McDonalds bag.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Tons, though only due to the resulting injury. The story itself... doesn't mean #### to me. He could have been attacked by the Burger KIng "King", and I don't care. Just as long as he can wrap his fingers around a football.

Javon Walker is beaten up by thugs, relives events in a flashback that closely resembles a season of "24".
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Doesn't affect anything. If you were planning on drafting him, you have deeper trouble.

Tom Brady dates model. They go places and look better than everyone.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - I've thought long and hard about it, in hopes to make SOMETHING in this count, but it doesn't. He's simply a very hatable man.

Marshawn #### plays bumper tag with woman on city street.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Deeply. The commishiner could suspend him forever. And there is that whole "jail" thing.

Eli Manning attends charity ball.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - It won't. Ever. Unless he gets stabbed in the leg with a serving fork. This is not a football article. Turn in your field pass.

Peyton Manning shoots 12 new commercials.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Massive impact. If I draft him, I now am forced to think about him more than food or women I would like to sleep with. Life takes a very dark twist.

Brett Favre.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Haha! This is tricky. You would think massive impact, depending on where he ends up, if he ends up playing, etc. etc. BUT NO! He's on the Madden Cover. Untouchable. Proceed as normal.

So... I hope this gives some perspective to what should really constitute a sports story, and how I hope we can move away from the celebrity expose that we seem to be giving NFL footballers. Let's face it, in the end, we want them to play games and win. We want the to smash other guys in the mouth and make it more exciting to pass through a Sunday. Let's get down to brass tacks, and let Fantasy Football lead the way.

The new season is on it's way!

P.S. You may be asking yourself... H.D.T.A.M.F.L.
If so, excellent job. You were paying attention. This blog affects your fantasy league deeply. In fact, it should have changed the way you approach life. If not, meditate upon it, come back to me later.

Last year, Denver Broncos fans walked away dismayed. I, like many, began the season excited. Jay Cutler had experience under his belt. Travis Henry was to lead another corps of stellar runners. Rod Smith might be able to return, Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall were looking to be quite a tandem in the making. On defense, we had drafted two new ends to compliment a very talented Elvis Dumerville. With the addition of Dre’ Bly, the Denver top 3 corners looked to be the best combo in the NFL (at the time). Visions of Super Bowls danced in my head.

I, of course, lost hope as quickly as Jay was loosing weight. As our storied veteran O-line crashed down, so did the potency of our offense. Henry started strong, but between injuries and the drug testing fiasco, it wouldn’t count for much. Walker hurt his knee. Smith didn’t come back. Ebenezer Ekuban and Jarvis Moss were both lost for the season, leaving the D-line wanting. Dre’ Bly got burned deep with some consistency. Lacking special teams decided it was a good idea to kick to Devin Hester twice in one game. To say the results of the season hurt is a slight understatement.

But as the wise John Madden once stated “Every team comes into the new season undefeated”, which I think means that given the right moves, any team can rise again. Time to see why hope stirs on the horizon for the Broncos… the following are my top 5 off-season moves… and while these moves may have several parts, they add to why the Broncos might become contenders again.

5. O-lineman: Clady and Lichtensteiger are promising as rookies, but the return of Hamilton and Nalen also are part of this recipe. If Denver looses linemen, we lose everything.

4. Safety depth: While the Chargers claim not to miss Marlon McCree, he is one of a handful of safety acquisitions that allow Denver fans piece of mind. For those of us who remember the AFC championship against Pittsburgh, few things hurt us worse than not being able to sub in for #### should he come up hurt. If nothing else, it should boost our special teams strength, and keep Champ Bailey from running kick-off coverage.

3. Diabetes: OK, technically, Jay had it last year too, but finding it and addressing it should help the kid feel healthy again. He’s also handled it like a pro, stepping up his own responsibility, and unlike the Marshall comments he made earlier in the year, he is downplaying the media hoopla in favor of just dealing with it.

2. Linebackers: While the return of Jarvis Moss, Ebenezer Ekuban, and the addition of Dewayne Robertson will likely help improve the Denver defensive front, it is more likely that the real growth will be shown in the LB corps, specifically the addition of Sam LB Boss Bailey and underrated Mike LB Niko Koutouvides. With D.J. Williams able to move over to the correct side of the field, the look of a “smart” defense should come again, plus with guys like Jamie Winborn, Jordan Beck, and Spencer Larson waiting in the wings, they’ll look fast, fresh, and hungry.

1. Wide receivers: I’ve been a fan of Darrell Jackson for years. Add to that players who have much to prove, such as Sammie Parker and Keary Colbert, and rookie receiver/returner Eddie Royal, and you’re not even half way to the 12 guys competing for a top spot on the roster. Assuming a strong recovery for Brandon Marshall, one thing Cutler should not be left wanting for is quality guys to throw to.

 

So, I see the Broncos improving this year, surprising many pundits who have so far dropped them off the radar. And if there are more moves, I can only assume they will help. But I’ve held these dreams before. Do I have a vision of a Super Bowl visit? Not yet. But remember… Everyone is undefeated until week one.

It doesn't seem that long ago that the AFC West was considered to be the toughest division in football. The four teams, year in and year out, were likely to compete not only for their own division, but to rob other divisions of wildcard spots. Then, as was meant to be, the wind shifted. Just as the Chargers finally rose to the top, the world seemed to go topsy-turvy. It was suddenly all about gloating who was going to get the highest draft spot.

But as a Broncos fan, I want all teams to rise again, to become feared amongst other divisions, and to fulfill an ache for true rivalries that matter. What follows is what I see in the West now, and the biggest reason we need a rivalry to begin anew now.

San Diego Chargers - Without a doubt, they are the toast of the division at the moment, but... sadly, that's about as far as it goes. The talent has been there for years, and unlike many other teams, has maintained a large sense of consistency. There is no doubt that they should be capable to win a Superbowl... or multiple playoff games. Perhaps a second year with the coaching staff will put them over the top, but... I can't be sure. Chris Chambers being more ingrained in the offense will help too. They should be good again this year.
Reason for a rivalry: If you're not a Chargers fan, you likely hate Philip Rivers. He doesn't have the talent level of Tomlinson or Merrimen, but he makes up for it in unjustified sense of smack talking. I know several defensive players have put a large target on him.

Denver Broncos - Denver fans have been fortunate to have a very competitive team for many years. Even in some of the worst years the team has had recently, they still put together the second best record in the division. That being said, the true level ability seems in question. For every postive aspect of the team (Champ Bailey is the best corner in the game, Brandon Marshall is an unforeseen talent, The Denver run system) there is a negetive (Dre' Bly won't tackle and gets burned, Brandon Marshall wrestle with unforeseen objects, The line is as hard to get around as the boarder fence). While very strong acquisitions have been made in the off-season, addressing weaknesses on defense, O-line and special team, it remains to be seen whether the Broncs will treat Denver to another playoff trip, or whether we're rebuilding more than we thought. I'm hoping for the best, but... there is no promise.
Reason for a rivalry: Mike Shanahan. Like other coaches marked as "genius", if you're not a fan of the team, you want him to fail. Even the winning of two super bowl rings doesn't decrease this emotion, but rather pushes it further. The current theory is that Shanny won't win without Elway, and Elway couldn't have won without T.D. Every rival armchair quarterback loves to ask the question "who's a genius now?"

Kansas City Chiefs - KC has come upon hard times. Once the offensive line started showing their age, this often underrated but often competitive team started losing the ability to compete. This off-season, the coaching staff made the wise choice of calling this time what it was, and truly establishing a rebuilding process. The difficult choice to trade away top talent Jared Allen resulted in one of the mightest drafts of recent memory. The bold choice not to push competition on QB Croyle was also ingenious. Now, given time and consistency, the team is a few years out from having a truly scary team that will last years. But, don't expect a miracle this year.
Reason for a rivalry: Right now, it's Arrowhead. In a division that boasts both Mile High Stadium and the Black Hole, Arrowhead stadium has become the most difficult place to come to. As the talent on the team matures, I'm sure it will become a reasoning that follows the team on the road.

Oakland Raiders - Javon Walker. DeAngelo Hall. DMF. While major off-season gains for the team, it's left most of the league scatching their heads while the Raider-nation is loving it. To me, it looks like a series of moves I made when playing Madden Football's "Franchise" mode years ago. A lot of measureables, but not a lot of team. The plan may work. Or you might have found the fastest, strongest headcases, and locked them in a room, expecting to them to be victorious. I can't really say. But I don't have a good feeling about it.
Reason for a rivalry: Al Davis is pretty much the agreed embodiment of darkness in the NFL. The question is, do you follow that darkness, or not? Even some Raider's fans I've spoken with have wondered if the team will hit stride before he kicks the bucket. To his credit, he doesn't care what anyone thinks. He's as nuts as he wants to be, and that scariness is a reason to want them to be competitive. Every hero needs a villian... and it helps if the villian is completely cool with that casting.

Here's to hoping for top teams across the board (with the Broncs coming out on top, of course).

This year, the Denver Broncos lost the services of Rod Smith as a player. For fans, this was difficult on several levels.

Rod Smith was not only a great receiver, but a stand-up guy. In post game interviews, you could count on Rod to call other players to task, and more than anything, to call himself on his short comings.

He stood out because he was a self-made standout. While physically able, few would have the ability to argue Rod was an all pro most specifically because of his will and ethic. He is a rareity.

I didn't realize, however, how much I will miss him until I watched Jay Cutler's interview on Denverbroncos.com. Peppered with questions about last season's performance, his views of the off-season moves the team has made, and his hopes for the upcoming season, Jay decided to break from the mold of standard responses and call Brandon Marshall to task.

Granted, this may have been more a casual sidenot than Foxsports wanted to make it out to be, but all the same, I found myself thinking... who the heck does this guy think he is? Yes, it's one thing to express disappointment that Marshall, due to an accident, will not participate in off-season workouts, but to indicate Marshall might one day "run out of chances" with the Broncos? I knew we let some people in the front office go... I just didn't realized Jay was asked to pick up the slack.

And while some have already applauded his statements as "leadership", it's your job as a leader on a team to know when to speak up about other players on your team, and when it's OK to bring it into an interview (hint: it's not).

But wait... didn't I say that Denver fans will miss Rod's ability to call things as he sees them? Yes I did. And yes, I just said Jay Cutler should be smart enough to keep his yap shut on certain subjects... and here is the difference.

We knew Rod. We saw Rod's will and sacrifice. He earned our trust, and we, as fans, knew that we were of concern in what Rod said and did. He would only say things in hopes to improve the team. Jay is still earning people's faith and respect. He's been handed chances and opportunities. Yet Broncos fans have not seen him hold himself in the same light that he feels OK to cast on others. He dodges questions about his involvement in the teams needs of improvement. There was no thought of the fans or the betterment of the team. It was a classless attack on his #1 guy, and if even in passing, it was a bad move. Despite Marshall's willingness to admit he needs to grow up, I think Jay should realize before he speaks out of turn, he's got some growing to do himself.

Broncos, oh my Broncos...

Um... just so you know... Chris Chambers is now a Charger. That whooping they handed you was their take on "warming up".

We play the Steelers this week, and, well, they may be ####ed up, they may have issues, but they're scary, and winning handily.

The Colts and Green Bay are coming down the pike.

K.C. and Oakland are getting their games together. I don't want to be last in the division... do you?

From my understanding, 4 linebackers tried out for the team this last week.

So... um... now that we're on the trade deadline, WOULD YOU DO SOMETHING? Please? I know we're just short of having an amazing team. I don't want to see us get beat up, in light of the moves we've made and the blows to our team.

Is Rod Smith active, or not?

Just please... please... give a man hope, will you?

Your fan, no matter what...

Jason

It's tough for any NFL team fan to see their team losing. This is the time when the fair weather fans seem to have the better idea, because they don't share your pain when the team drops 3 painful games in a row. Still, I am a Broncos fan. I am a deeply worried, horrified, pained Broncos fan... but I am giving up another title. That of a blind Shanahan follower. Why you ask?

After a bad loss, or even a close game, it's natural to go over the pros and cons of the games, see where the team is standing, where they can improve... it give you something to think about and hope for, to somehow justify the week of ribbings you'll get for being a tried and true fan.

So what's up with the Broncs?

At the beginning of the season, many popular analysts suggested that the Broncos main shortcomings were at wide reciever and defensive line. Well, Javon Walker has been good (when healthy), Brandon Marshall has been a force to watch, and Brandon Stokely is probably one of the best thirds a team could ask for. Martinez isn't bad, and Rod Smith hasn't been ruled out yet, so, all clear there. As for the defensive front, Elvis Dumerville is one of the AFC leaders in sacks. QBs are under more presure, and there are more backfield tackles... but then what's wrong with the team?

Special teams - There was a thought that Domink Hixon was to blame for bad special team performaces, and so today he was replaced by Brian Clark... who fumbled and had about as many yards as Hixon. The problem is, when another team kicks, everyone arrives in front of the carrier about the same time the ball arrives. There doesn't seem to be much blocking. This is a vast difference from when the Broncos kick away, and teams are able to establish running lanes and block patterns... and then go out for coffee, write a birthday card to their grandmother, get it in the post office box to make Monday morning pick up, get back to the field, re-establish the block system just in time to greet the Broncos special teams unit. I seriously thought that special teams coach Scott O'Brien was supposed to fix the problems we had out there... and why, exactly, is Champ Bailey out there? Running 85 yards downfield to try and make a tackle is tiring work... for a good handful of players, it is there only purpose in the NFL. They live for it, and we don't obviously have enough because our defensive cornerstone probowl corner is out there.

Injuries - OK, you can never fully account for these, but some of our biggest names on both sides of the ball have missed time, and it's hurt in key situations. Which brings us to the next point.

Deapth - As I mentioned earlier, WR might be OK here, but between the defensive secondary, the linebacking corp and the o-linemen, I don't know if the team has that much blood to bleed, and the drop off in talent between starters and second string players is obvious. Huge holes develop on the field, and without announcement, you know exactly what player went out.

Linebackers - Last year, Ian Gold went to great efforts to prove he had not lost a step. Now constantly caught in offensive mismatches, it appears he's lost two. D.J. Williams has proven himseld a phenominal athlete by appearing to be adequate at this position. Like most of the defense, it's unclear if he knows where to be most of the time, he's not reading well or adjusting, but his physical ability lets him make up the difference. Webster has flashes of brilliance, but they are few and far between and he is not the caliber of starter we are used to seeing in Denver. So... how is Al Wilson these days? Because now, more than ever, I miss him.

General defense - We give up the run. Our two outstanding corners get beat with some consistency. Our safties are covering like corners. What our defense lacks is any sense of a consistent personality. We're not hard hitting. We're not smart. We're not fast. We're not shutdown. We have individual players who may hold one or more of those titles, but the defense as a whole has no single focus, and as such, we look lost. Instead of forcing teams to beat us in one particular fashion, we try to cover for all of it, which lets a team beat us every which way.

Jay Cutler - I will be forgiving. You are making errors that anyone new to the position is prone to make, and you are showing some amazing capabilties that let us dream of what could be. But still, take up meditation or something to calm the heck down.

Runningbacks - I think they're good... but...

O-Line - As first shown with the Raiders to some degree, and then heavily with the Jags, the Colts, and again, some today with the Chargers, you're job is to force the defender where you want him to go, not the other way. The vaunted Denver o-line zone running system looks like it should have retired years ago.

And finally, offensive play calling -  Seriously?! You think because they stopped you on down 1 and 2 when running up the middle that you may surprise them by doing it again on 3? You think that you can "trick" another team on 3rd (or all too often 4th) and long by going underneath, when you've never really proven you can go long?  And stop designing QB sneaks for 4th and 4. It doesn't work. Jay is one big tough guy, but it simply doesn't work. My football experience may be limited, but even I know better than that.

And the combination has led me for the first time to judge my coach as inept. The season is long, there are many chances to get a team in order, but I was really under the impression that this would be a strong year for the Broncs.

Instead, I am left trying to rationalize into a bye. Maybe we all need a break.

Oh, and before I get all the "Broncos s.u.c.k" comments, realize a few things.

Raiders fans - Chances are, we'll still get more than the 2 wins we have already
KC fans - The future of your team is Brodie Croyle and Dwayne Bowe. The glass may be half full, but it's still half-glass-ed.
Charger fans - One week ago, you didn't sound so different.
Everyone else - You've all had your ups and downs. You didn't like it when someone else rubbed it in. Wasn't needed. Your love for the team meant you criticized harder than anyone, right? Right.

I am not one to believe I am wrong too often. Honestly, I’m pretty self-righteous, so when I begin prognosticating, I’m putting a bit on the line… and the following teams, players, and twists of fate have already ruined it for me…

 

1) The Patriots. OK, they can be shady. I’m not surprised. I don’t think it’s an uncommon issue in the NFL, and I don’t like it. I also question their treatment of the team itself… I’ve always said Belichick creeped me out. But I also said that I questioned the Pats ability to gel as a team and play as well as they seemed able on paper. I was wrong. Beating the Jets was one thing, but the way they shut down and burned up the Chargers was another. I hate them, but they are a team to beat.

2) The Saints. Granted, it’s only week 2, and it is not the time to declare anyone dead in the water, but I now question my own sanity in picking them to go all the way to the Super Bowl and… win. It’s not that I don’t consider them still capable, it’s just I’m horribly dismayed by the terrible play of an “improved” defense, and the short, conservative approach taken earlier in the game. That’s not what propelled them so far last year. If they don’t start picking it up and playing like a team on a mission, they will leave many people looking stupid.

3) The Falcons. This might have been more wishful thinking, but I really wanted Joey to do well. I really wanted the Falcons to do well. I really thought they might actually do… OK. Now, not only will they make me look silly for picking them to do well, but also because I picked Tennessee and Minnesota to be the worst…

4) Steven Jackson: During my fantasy drafts, Jackson was listed as my #2 selection. He looks lost and vulnerable out there, and with Pace out, I’m suddenly relieved that of my many FF leagues, I never got to draft second.

5) The NFC. I still don’t believe the NFC on the whole is on par with the AFC. It’s just, within the NFC, my rankings were all upside-down, it seems. Darn them.

 

But there is a silver lining, folks. I’m not wrong all the time. Here’s why…

 

1) Carson Palmer. I said he would come back to full strength, and the offense would take off in Cincinnati again. I was right. I just didn’t foresee the defense being “give up 51 points to the Browns” bad.

2) The Panthers. I said with a healthy Steve Smith, Delhomme would look good again, and they could make themselves into players in the NFC… which brings us to…

3) The Texans. Looks like Kubs finally has a team this year… and they could rule the NFC. Too bad about not being in there… Still, don’t be surprised if they make waves this year.

4) I said Culpepper would be a great mentor for JaMarcus Russell. If nothing else, it seems like they can share a lot of quality bench time together.

5) I said Denver would be the top of the AFC West… and this week, they are. This may change, as people are quick to point out that last second field goals against so-so teams are not a good sign, and I would sort of agree. Except that I remember many a year where Denver did not play at their own level, but at the level of their opposition. Conservative game play was opted for over putting a team away, and errors could nearly take the game out of their hands. It’s not good for a guy with high blood pressure to watch this sort of thing. But, as the trite saying goes, “A win is a win”. And for anyone claiming Shannahan cheated, it’s called “icing the kicker”, and it’s one of the oldest coaches’ tricks. And for the record, that game proved another part of my season predictions. The Raiders are going to be better than anyone thinks.

A couple of months ago when I started this blog, I commented on how I felt that the NFL should stay out of personal issues... and stick to business.

 

This was an unpopular vote in folks weighing in on the whole Pacman Jones thing. I found it ludicrous that a man who was not actually convicted of anything (yet), had judgment passed over him by a private company.

 

The NFL is a business, not a moral proving ground. The players should not be held to any higher level of standards than anyone else, and as a company, the NFL should be in no way able to judge guilt or innocence, especially before any trial by a real court of law.

 

But now the NFL has gone even further by banning alcohol from any team related event or location... before, this rule was enforced in the locker room only, but now it spans to any place and all coaches, players, staff, and guests are to be held liable.

 

I can't agree with this. It's not that I think everyone should booze it up and go nutty, but we are talking about grown men here. They have the right to make their own choices, and should be held responsible for them... just not by Goodell.

 

I don't believe a convicted felon should be allowed to play. I think he should be fired straight out, and as a business, every team should have that right, but they don't. Complex contracts can sometimes enable players to get paid even if they don't play. This isn't right, and I believe every contract should carry a clause that says "If you commit a crime, you don't work in the NFL." That's fair. It also requires that the person be convicted first.

 

BUT where I draw the line is in pre-emptive action that oversteps any court system. It's a slippery slope that can keep going further and further.

 

For instance:

 

Tank Johnson got arrested and did time for possession of an illegal firearm and violation of parole... so... obviously players shouldn't have guns at all. Sure, it's a violation of the whole "right to bear arms" thing (as it is currently interpreted), perpetrated by a private institution, but whatever. If you're in the NFL, no gun for you.

 

Mike Vick will seemingly be tried (and if the reports of witnesses and books, and perhaps even pictures are correct) for a dog fighting ring... so... players obviously can't be responsible for pets of any sort. It's a one game suspension for owning a parakeet. You do the math from there.

 

The list could go on and on... and now with the NFL offering to have private security "assist" in the Vick investigation? Are you kidding me? The NFL has its own private police force?

 

Do I think they are bad men in the NFL? Yes. And I'm not surprised.

 

But they are individuals who have every right to screw themselves up if they so choose and it should be the law and the courts bringing them to justice, not the NFL. It should be their own personal idea of responsibility leading them down their desired path, not a corporation mandate.

 

If you’re going to start enforcing morality in the NFL, it better be in contracts, and be specific, not based on a small collection of players, a commissioner, and some other random folks pushing out what they see fit. This could lead to much larger problems in no time folks, and I’d hate to see it.

 

There are criminals in the world, and some in the NFL. This sucks. All criminals should be punished for their crimes.

 

But we should get it out of our collective head that they are somehow more responsible because they are in the public light. If you're kid has to look to them as a role model, you screwed up... they're just football players. And some of them are really dumb.

 

In related Broncos news, Mike Shanahan decided David Kircus would not be cut from the football team after Kircus volunteered to undergo a lie detector test and passed it with flying colors. This, of course, is in no way admissible in court, but the two of them worked out a deal so Kircus could participate in training camp. The Broncos kept their distance from Kircus after his arrest for punching someone in the face. The trial could take 6 months to a year to begin, and so in these highly cautious times, something had to be arranged. Kircus went as far as to tell Shanahan that if he didn’t pass the test, Mike could cut him from the team.

 

Now, I don’t pretend to know what happened, but I like the resolve between a man who is not yet convicted, and the primary decision making force in contract status. They did it in a mutually agreed upon manner, and for now, they are good. Still, something creeps in my belly warning that this may not be the end we hear of this, even before the trial. You never know when the morally superior eye of the commissioner’s office will turn toward the Mile High city. Beware.

I love the open nature of these blogs. It's amazing how so many people can be oh so right and oh so wrong... and yet none of us knows for sure.

I was going to post something to boo the Patriots, but I decided, why not spread the pain? Besides, I'm probably not right, but I might not be wrong either.

The following is my humble opinion as to why the team you see as a power house (New England, Indianapolis, San Diego, Denver, and New Orleans)  will suck.

New England Patriots -

Everyone wants to get on this band wagon so bad. Has anyone stopped to think why Belicheck is making all these moves? This strikes me as a man's last stab at glory... and while the names are big, the New England Patriots were able to win Super Bowls off of the idea of a team. This team will explode mid-season when Randy Moss starts making jokes about the latest loss being "The Brain on drugs". It's all downhill from there, when in an attempt to regain his former team roll, Reche Caldwell claims that he too is carrying Tom Brady's child.

Indianapolis Colts -

Peyton Manning will get "lost" coming back from his 1 millionth commercial shoot. The team will be a mess without him, and suddenly realize that in this case, one man really can make a team. It will later be revealed that Pacman Jones was involved in Peyton's 14 week "detour".

San Diego Charges -

In a strange fit of new found power, A.J. Smith will begin firing anyone who looks at him cross eyed. LaDanian Tomlinson will start the last 9 games for the Houston Texans, and finally win a Super Bowl ring. They do almost lose in the AFC championship to the Tennessee Titans, led by Philp Rivers (Vince Young was put on I.R. earlier in the season for "unexplainable Madden related injuries")

Denver Broncos -

Seeming the earlier front runners for a Super Bowl run, the entire team is sadly sucked into a time vortex when Jay Cutler throws as hard as he can in practice and tears the fabric of reality. The team will reemerge in 2026 and lead humanity to a victory against the space people. Final score: Broncos 133 - Aliens 54.

New Orleans Saints -

The team that everyone has to love a little bit will suffer the sad realization that they are in the NFC, and the NFC sucks.

 

 

OK, sue me. I'm high on cough syrup. I thought it was funny.

The off-season review...

OK, off-season isn’t over yet. I know. There are a couple of impact players still floating in the ether of free agency. Players are still thinking about sitting out. Or joining in. Or joining in to talk about sitting out.

Like any good boss, Godell is in the process of following up on all arrest warrants (yes, I meant for that to sound confusing), and certain team coaches are still getting asked for their ID at the training facility (Security guard: “I don’t see you on the list. Could you spell Whisenhunt, please?”), and Jake Plummer has retired. Sort of. Without paperwork. Kind of. Basically, a lot can still happen.

But as folks start to plant their flags on the best and worst off-season moves, I would like to quickly review the most interesting points for me so far this year... in a format I shall dub...

“The Jmac Smac-ies”

 

 The first Smac-ie goes to the NFL player acquisition most overshadowed by some other guy:

The nominees are:

Oakland Raiders: Josh McCown – Overshadowed by the drafting of JaMarcus Russell

Tennessee Titans: Nick Harper – Overshadowed by Adam “Pacman” Jones suspension and appeal

San Francisco: Darrell Jackson – Overshadowed by New England’s acquisition of Randy Moss

New England: Adalius Thomas - Overshadowed by acquisition of Randy Moss

New England: Donte’ Stallworth - Overshadowed by acquisition of Randy Moss

 

And the Smac-ie goes to... eh. We’ll give it to Jackson. San Fran traded Seattle for Jackson in the same round New England got Moss. Some how, no one thought this was a very big deal, but when you consider the 9ers were about to have Ashley Leile and Arnez Battle fighting it out for the top spot, you realize what a gain Jackson is. The important thing is, I’m sick of hearing about Randy Moss.

 

The next Smac-ie is to honor the team with showing the most moxie:

The nominees are:

Arizona Cardinals: New coach wants to run the ball in the barren desert, and may have made enough moves to pull it off.

Buffalo Bills: In an attempt to build an offensive line, they trade off every star caliber player... and it’s just crazy enough to work...

Cleveland Browns: A coach ropes in a pair of young talents to lead a rag tag crew on what may be his last stand

Houston Texans: After acquiring a new QB and RB through free agency, the team opts to draft defense... again.

Oakland Raiders: “Yeah, we’ll rebuild our team. And take a coach younger than half the roster! Cause I’m Al Davis, and I said so!” 

 

And the Smac-ie goes to... Arizona. I mean... Arizona is where good RBs go to die. But Whisenhunt seems serious about this... and taking Levi Brown at 5? Really? Cut ties with the past. There’s a new Sherriff in town!


A special mid-show tribute to how much I love my Broncos:

 

Dear Pat Bowlen,

Thank you for the wonderful off-season. Thank you for sitting atop the organization that brought in so much talent to an already wonderful team. Thank you for signing the checks for guys like Jay Cutler, Travis Henry, Javon Walker, Rod Smith, Champ Bailey, Dre' Bly, John ####, Elvis Dumervil, Kenard Lang, and well, thank you for everything.

Thank you most of all for resigning Mike Shanahan in a timely fashion. Some teams aren't that smart.

I know it's not right to ask anything of a man who's already been responsible for so much, but, I have 2 requests.

#1. Could we please beat the Colts and Patriots in the playoffs this year. I don't like everyone having to be on their bandwagon when ours is so much cooler.

#2. If it isn't too much trouble, could you, you know, never wear that fur coat on the sidelines again? Judging from this whole Mike Vick thing, PETA has a bigger eye on the NFL than usual.

OK. Thanks.

-Jason

One team, one dream, forever and ever... Elway.

And now, the Smac-ie for the team demonstrating the least foresight:
Miami: For thinking Ted Ginn Jr. was the way to go
Atlanta: For trading Matt Schaub away
Chicago: Putting a franchise tag on Lance Briggs
Kansas City: For announcing Croyle would probably start next year
Tampa Bay: For having two starting quaterbacks, and pulling in two more. One of which may be retired
San Diego: For blowing up their coaching staff.

 

This was a toughy, so, I had to figure out who responded the best. Miami could still pan out. Kansas City’s oversight in not making Green a true “prize”, and Miami’s obvious need of Green could cancel each other out. Tampa may need all four guys, since 3 (Simms, Garcia, Plummer) have a high likelihood of not lasting all season. San Diego put together a pretty fierce staff, and still have a very good team (though if they bomb, you can’t blame proven players or new coaches). Atlanta pulled in... Joey Harrington... and if Mike Vick goes to jail, well, Joey won some games for Miami last year, and may still be looking for the right chance to shine. I would have to say then that Chicago’s choice to slap a franchise tag on a young, healthy guy with tons of talent who could contribute for years to come was the dumbest move of all. He just wanted a contract of length. Now, he won’t play, and Chicago’s response of “Yeah he will” just doesn’t cut it. This wouldn’t be such a problem if the Bear’s management didn’t sit so long on the idea of resigning Lovie Smith to a contract extension. Just poor choices made by a group who made the Super Bowl last year. Add to that the Bears had several opportunities to get some value for the guy, and with the franchise tag, he is guaranteed the average of the top 5 salaries at his position. Too much for nothing in return. No foresight whatsoever.

 

And finally, the Smac-ie for the dumbest off-season move:

The nominees are:

Chicago Bears: Not resigning Lance Briggs

Green Bay Packers: Not granting Brett Favre’s wishes

Miami Dolphins: Worst draft in recent memory

Pacman Jones: Suspend me? I know people who could ki... uh... forget I said that.

Kansas City Chiefs: O-Line? We don’t need no O-line! We have Larry Johnson and Brodie Croyle!

Detroit Lions: WE NEED MORE RECIEVERS!!! YYYEEEESSSSSSS!!!

Ricky Williams: Up in smoke.

 

And the winner is:

It’s a close one!

Ricky Williams and Pacman as individuals have made enough dumb choices to outweigh any organizational moves. But here’s the thing... does anyone really know what happened with Pac? I don’t. I know he has responded like an ####, but I still have a very sketchy picture of... well... pretty much every charge against him. But Ricky... that one’s just easy. I mean, “Say no to drugs”. Not hard. Nancy Regan got it. Why can’t he? And he was soooooo close. That’s just dumb. In one hand, my future. Riches, stardom, you name it. In the other... weed. And anyone can get weed. Just a waste. His reactions have left something to be desired too, and now it seems official he will not ever be welcomed back in Miami. Just plain dumb.

 

And that, ladies and gentlemen, were the 2007 off-season Smac-ies, brought to you by JMac. Remember, if it says JMac, it means quality.

Please, clean up after yourselves on you way out, and don’t forget if you checked you coat on the way in. I will rifle your pockets if they are left.

GOODNIGHT!

So here I am, stuck home today recovering from the aftermath of a migraine headache the size of Ruben Droughns, and about as equally effective. It's funny, because after such a mauling of the brain, basic processes come back slowly. Bits of reality you once thought simple now seem so far away, and you can't help but wonder "How did this come to be?"

The first example is here, in this blogging community. Why, oh why, is it so hard to have blogs properly placed? I imagine people tag their amazing kick boxing and NASCAR blogs as NFL specific because let's face it... no one really cares about the other sports. We get insightful blogs that are actually about football buried beneath the rubbish of men's beach volleyball. Seriously folks, it's rude.

But it could be worse.

You see, I have also come to realize that I have become delussional myself. After watching football most my life, after several successful seasons in fantasy football... I have managed to convince myself that I am an expert. Some people might have glimpsed a recent spat I had with another blogger about Wes Welker. I like him on the Pats, the other gentleman didn't. So we went round and around. He found stats, I glanced over them... I spent time thinking about what I saw of him on the Dolphin's last year, and wondered why Joey Harrington wasn't a better NFL QB (I was at University of Oregon during his junior year). Anyway, we both had our points, but we sounded so high and mighty. I'll admit, he made a better arguement than me... but does it matter? What do either of us gain from it? I can't imagine looking this guy up if Wes is a top 15 WR this year to say "I told you so". The truth is, this is like the adult world of make believe, where we watch, we make claims, and like some strange role playing game, we shout who is better. But let's face it. The NFL doesn't need our help in making calls. They all have their reasons, and we just witness the results. Whoo hoo.

Next up, I saw several articles this week about Pacman appealing his suspension and Ricky Williams testing positive for weed again. I wrote one of my first blogs on how a company shouldn't have the right to make moral judgements on it's employees, and instead, that the code of conduct should enable people to just get fired, not suspended. I still feel that if someone has violated a law, a fair and balanced legal system should decide punishment. An employer should just decide i####uy works there or not. I still like this idea, however, I have also come to the thought that players are idiots. I mean, Pacman's appeal was "Other people did it too..." Really? That's all your lawyers got? I had to start thinking more creatively in grade school. I really hope Godell comes back with "Well, if all the other players jumped of a bridge, would you do it ten times?" And Ricky... please... STOP GIVING YOGA A BAD NAME. IT'S JUST WEED MAN!!! You're instant reaction of "I'm a yoga master now" returns that old school flare that meditative arts are for hippie burn outs. STOP IT.

Finally, as I say in every blog, I love my Broncs. I do. Which is why I think Fantasy Football has ruined me. You see, it forced me to pay more attention to the larger league, and God help me... I'm hoping the... Raiders do well this year? I mean, not as well as the Broncs, and lord knows the Chargers are going to be hard to beat, but... I like the Raiders off season. I like Kiffin. I don't know how to deal with this. I could give you a list of my top NFL teams, 1-32, and the Raiders are supposed to be in the bottom 4. But they're not. I just... don't know how to be OK with this. I think I just like the really good games back again.

Well, I'm going to go rest my precious brain again. I wish you all well.

I love my Broncs. I do. I don't always understand them, but I love them all the same. They're like a family member you don't introduce your girlfriend to until you're well into the relationship.

Why? Well, they're smart, but chaotic. They're proud, strong, and tricky. They will do their best for you, but could steal your girl by the end of the night.

What am I talking about?

The Denver off-season...

In my honest opinion, Denver has had the second best off-season behind the Patriots, and we're not done yet.

To review...
Denver trades for cornerback Dre' Bly, making not only one of the scariest cornerback tandems in the NFL ever (with Champ Bailey), but an acceptable amount of depth in secondary with Foxworth and Paymeh.
Denver picks up Daniel Graham, making a very scary TE combo with Tony Scheffler, as well as improving our line blocking skills.
Denver picks up Travis Henry, a back who has compiled good numbers over the years despite being placed behind awful lines, and upset in position by guys who may not have deserved it. With Mike Bell, a great 1-2 punch behind an offensive system that could make the kid with the limp down the block look good.
There was also:
Brandon Stokely (WR)
Patrick Ramsey (QB)
Paul Smith (FB)
Montrae Holland (G)
Alvin McKinley (DT)

Sure, we lost some guys, but most weren't much worth keeping (Jake Plummer, Tatum Bell, George Foster, Michael Myers), some were the result of hardship and cap (Al Wilson, Patrick Chukwurah), while others were the victims of unforeseeable tradgedy (Darrent Williams, Damien Nash). Still, the Broncos stay strong.

Well, apparently, we are not finished yet.

With the loss of Wilson and Chukwurah, we need at least one new LB. Because of DJ Williams ability to play Sam side or middle, it doesn't matter where the new guy plays. What does matter is his talent level. I'm thinking it will be Ed Hartwell.

We need a burlier DT. I'm thinking it's a trade to get Kris Jenkins for a 3rd. Rumor has it, that may happen... but now for the shocker.

Rumors have the Broncos waiting anxiously for draft day to see what Oakland will do. If the black hole sucks JaMarcus Russell in (and I personally think they should... they need a true franchise QB), then Denver has apparently brokered another trade with Detroit, forfieting 4 first day picks (1, 2, and 3 this year and a 1 next year) for the #2 slot to draft Calvin Johnson. Could you imagine the depth there? Brandon Stokely, Rod Smith, David Kircus, and Domenik Hixon competing for the 4th spot?

How do we get the money for these guys? I don't know. How do we plan for the future? I don't know. I don't know what the contracts look like. I don't know what the Broncos will manage with 4 picks in the 2007 draft (with a Detroit trade and Carolina trade mentioned above, it would be: #2, #176, #198, #233). I don't know if Calvin Johnson is worth that much stuff. I don't know.

What I do know is that the off-season has been, and will likely continue to be, quite different in the mile high city.

1st and 20 to life...

There has been much talk this week about Goodell's  meetings with Pacman Jones and Chris Henry. We now await the handing down of a judgement on what the two's extracirricular activities will mean to their NFL careers. Meanwhile, back in Denver, WR Brandon Marshall was cuffed last week for a misdemeanor domestic dispute, and a felony level false imprisionment.

This all bothers me. Why, you ask? Is it because I'm ashamed of the NFL players? Is it because they set a bad example? Or is it something more...

It is because this whole thing is chaos. In recent history we have seen celebrity trump justice time and time again. It's grotesque. Every level of popular culture has examples of dudes who somehow skirt the rules because we know who they are. It's dumb. A crime should fit a punishment, but our culture has made it nearly impossible to recall what that is behind the glare of a spotlight. Sometimes, in reaction, we even get a violent backswing of a cop or jury coming down harder on a celeb because "they shouldn't get away with it".

Do I know what's going on with Jones or Henry? No. I wasn't there. I'm not a cop. So this isn't about them. Do I know what happened when Randy Moss or Jamal Lewis were cuffed years ago? No. Do I know what happened with Brandon Marshall? No (though my family does have a history in law enforcement, and I know the charges don't make sense... combined, they're incongruent... but I won't get into that, again, it's speculation). Here's the real question. Do I believe they should be suspended?

No.

I know, shock and awe. But why? They're bringing down the game, their bad role models...

Blah blah blah. I said I don't believe they should be. What I do believe is that if they do a crime, they should be punished fairly for it, just as anyone else in the world should be. It's hard to make catches from behind bars. But when we, as a society, have let things spin so violently out of control that a private organization can decree punishment upon an individual, things are bad. I think the fact that the NFL has to start handling how players act off field is more of a criticism of our justice system and less of right step in business policy.

But I know what some are thinking... "Jmac, what if someone at your work was taken to jail for..." whatever. They would be fired. There would be no negotiation. Like the monopoly card says "GO STRAIGHT TO JAIL. DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT COLLECT $200." That's that. You get sentenced for something, you find other work. You wear a bracelt around your ankle with a pager like device attached. You do not work in a "Professional Environment". Let some of these guys try to rebuild careers after contract after contract has been torn assunder because they can't keep their #### on the straight and narrow. But you know what, let the judicial body be the judge of it (haha. Judge. Get it?) Not a private corporation. If my workplace started telling me how to live morally, I would be out of their in a flash.

And what of the role model issue?

They're football players. They play a game. Look up to person for who he is and what he does (See my bit about Rod Smith for further details). Not what his contract allows him.

QB, or not QB. That's not a question.

Back to the fantasy stuff. I explained what my primary league looks like in my last blog. I also gave you a look at my top 20 running backs for next years fantasy draft. Now I am proud to show my top 20 QBs, but keep in mind, nothing is solid. Already, the running back list I posted has been... altered... as this list will likely be as well. But I figure, why not?

This year, my overall draft is likely to include 3 QBs in the FIRST ROUND. That's right, a 12 man league, and my first round wish list is 9 running backs and 3 QBs. Why?

Because there are many good runners. There are precious few good QBs, and depending on your leagues point system, QBs can kill you. So here we are...

1. P. Manning (Ind QB) - Of course he's first amongst QBs. He's damn good, and I've avoided him the last 2 years and felt like an #### for it. So, unless he scores the cover of Madden, yeah, I want him.
2. C. Palmer (Cin QB) - I still like Carson's situation. Housh and Ocho Cinco are a nice combo, and I think Palmer didn't do well until late in the year due to the knee injury. It's amazing what he put up after he decided not to worry about it anymore and got his mechanics backs.
3. T. Brady (NE QB) - Another guy I used to avoid like the plaugue for personal reasons, he's just a damn good QB, and with a bevy of capable wideouts coming in, he should be really good. Why is he behind Carson? Chemistry. Carson know his guys.
4. D. Brees (NO QB) - Who can't love Drew after last year? The injuries are a concern, but the dude is tough. He's not a first round for me, but the margin is minimal.
5. M. Bulger (StL QB) - This could change too as St. Louis line gets better. Again, injuries can be scary, but it's an always potent offense if Marc can stay on his feet for a few seconds.
6. D. McNabb (Phi QB) - SO MANY INJURY CONCERNS. Welcome to the NFL, I guess, but when in there, Donovan will put up points like nobody's business, and I think overall, the Eagles will be even more improved than last year. The question is, of course, will Donovan's hip?
7. M. Hasselbeck (Sea QB) - Trade away Darrel Jackson, and Matt slips on my list. Again, I love QBs and WR who know eachother. Marvin and Peyton. Joe and Jerry. This sort of thing is essential when trying to make a smart pick. Without Darrell, I'm just not convinced.
8. J. Cutler (Den QB) - Call me a homer. Whatever. I like the wideouts. I like Jay's ability, and I love the defense's ability to give Jay more chances.
9. P. Rivers (SD QB) - He's good. He really is. Give him a real set of wideouts, and man... the guy should blow minds.
10. B. Farve (GB QB) - Favre is the official point in the draft where I start getting REALLY nervous. If I don't get one of the top 9, I guess Favre would be OK, but his season had more dramatic ups and downs than a French art film last year.
11. B. Rothesberger (Pit QB) - I think Ben will be better next year. I also think Brittney looks better bald. What do I know?
12. M. Schaub (Hou QB) - If they get a second wideout, I'm psyched for him. I think the line has been improved in the offseason. I secretly hope the Texans move up in the draft, and through a trade with Detroit pick up Calvin Johnson. Then it will be Johnson & Johnson, a family company. Schaub should have a field day.
13. J. Delhomme (Car QB) - I don't know why everyone is so down on Jake. He had a bad season last year, and he NEEDS Steve Smith on the field. But he's servicable, and there are worse options.
14. C. Pennington (NYJ QB) - Injury worry, slow as frozen pudding, but a cannon and some great options... add to that an ever improving line and Thomas Jones, and he may be great. Or, he may not.
15. E. Manning (NYG QB) - I simply don't trust him, nor the Giants. Just don't. But... hey, he might be worth a gamble.
16. M. Leinart (Ari QB) - He drops off the list if the Cards did anything dumb like trade away Fitzgerald, as was rumored earlier in the season. If the line improves and other key pieces stay, he's a good #2 for me.
17. T. Romo (Dal QB) - I think he's overhyped. I also think I could do worse, and someone has to throw to T.O.
18. A. Smith (SF QB) - He dropped when they pull Lelie. Seriously. Get better wideouts.
19. V. Young (Ten QB) - Rushing yards count too, and while he scares the #### out of me, Vince Young just wins games... and there's nothing wrong with that.
20. S. McNair (Bal QB) - Do I trust McNair, no. But I like the Ravens againt this year, and someone had to be #20.

People who might slide in:

No one. Seriously, if I don't draft 1 or 2 of those guys listed above, I'm quitting fantasy football.

That is all from me. Hope all is well with all of you.

Denver Broncos thought -

 

Rod Smith is having to sit out of preseason work outs for the first time in NFL career. His offseason hip surgery should keep him off the field until the official training camp begins, but by all estimates, he should be good to go come the season. Many thought the resigning of Brandon Stokely may be an effort to assure a solid third if Rod cannot play, but knowing Rod Smith’s history, the chances of that are unlikely.

 

Rod Smith is an NFL rarity. An undrafted pick up, Rod has racked up phenomenal stats and two superbowl rings in his career. While being listed as the #1 receiver on the Broncos depth charts for as long as I can remember, he has worked himself non-stop in an effort to compete. I remember in a pre-season interview last year he was asked if he felt the signing of Javon Walker was a threat to his continued career. He laughed it off and replied that every season he expects to walk into the locker room and see his name removed from the locker. He uses this self doubt to work himself harder. Never have I had the experience of watching such a mix of confidence, heart, and humility in a professional athlete. I don’t think this will be his last season, but when the time come, I hope the voting community keeps that well in mind when choosing candidates for the hall of fame when his eligibility rises.

 

Fantasy – RB draft order (for now) -

 

I have begun positioning my draft order for next year's fantasy league. In both keeper leagues and other leagues, the Running Back is often the first position reviewed. They will get you more points on a more consistent basis than other positions.

But first, some background on my league of focus... my friends and I have become a bit competitive, so I plan heavily around this league to avoid continued mockery throughout the year. Points are gained for touchdowns, rushing yards gained, receptions, receiving yards gained, extra points, field goals, and points are lost for fumbles, interceptions (which happens), and concerning QBs, sacks. An empahsis is still placed on runners, but QBs and top WR become a little more important than your standard league. We also draft individual defensive players rather than team defenses, but I'm sure I'll get to that later.

In the meantime, I offer my insight into the RB market this year with a top 20 on my list, and why.

1. L. Tomlinson (SD RB) – L.T. should be the undeniable first pick in any league this year. What he did last year was amazing, and barring any major changes with coaching staff change over, it should be much the same this year. I’m not too worried, as it seems this coaching staff should emphasize L.T. as well.
2. S. Jackson (StL RB) – This is most specifically due to the fact that I’m involved in PPR leagues. I think the continued potency of St. Louis’ offense, Stephen’s ability to play non-stop, McMichael’s being pulled in at TE, and a slightly improved line only bodes well for a guy who finished near the top last year anyway.
3. S. Alexander (Sea RB) – Likely to slip slightly due to the injury plagued year, Alexander should be a steal for anyone lacking the top spot. His line isn’t as potent as it was when he was the man 2 years ago, but he’ll still be likely to haul in the points week in and week out. I drafted him last year with the top pick, and learned a valuable lesson. THE MADDEN CURSE IS REAL. If LT lands on the cover this year, don’t pull him until the second round. I don’t care. It’s real. Be aware, and try not to become involved in any league that drafts before the cover is announced.
4. B. Westbrook (Phi RB) – Again, being a PPR league, Westy is a strong pick. Unfortunately, he is a constant injury risk, though he proved last year that if there is a chance he can play, he will.
5. W. McGahee (Bal RB) – McGahee found himself in a very sweet situation. He has a line that helped make a declining Jamal Lewis look like a pretty good back last year, and a team that depends on the run only bodes well for fantasy leagues. McGahee can run just as hard as Lewis, but is more dodgy and his speed could equal more home runs this year. Add to that McNair’s love of dumping the ball off on passing situations, and it looks like McGahee will be able to do some major damage.
6. T. Henry (Den RB) – Similar to McGahee, Travis Henry finds himself moving from a team with a questionable run line to a team built for it. Henry also had to compete with Vince Young’s rushing ability last year, and he still managed to go well over 1,000 yards. The one cut run system in Denver is a perfect match for Henry’s running style, and while some may think a tandem with Mike Bell may hurt Travis’ ability to go big, it is in keeping him fresh that I think this guy will do serious damage.
7. W. Parker (Pit RB) – I foresee the rebirth of Big Ben this year. While up and down in his logic last year, I think he should be good to go. Add to that the addition of Sean Mahan and I like Willie Parker to produce numbers this year. He’s still a work load back, and they haven’t dubbed him “Fast” Willie Parker for just any reason. Week in and week out, he should provide a strong, consistent set of points.
8. J. Addai (Ind RB) – Addai sans Rhodes... it’s interesting. On one hand, he played several games last year where Rhodes would simply spell him. He was the definitive receiving back for the Colts, and he did serious damage throughout the playoffs. On the other hand, I can’t be sure about him as a single workhorse for an entire season without seeing it first. It is this doubt and this doubt alone that keeps me from pulling him earlier. 
9. R. Bush (NO RB) – Now, you may ask yourself in a PPR league why would I pull a RB who doubles as a WR so late? There are answers to all things, and here there are 2 strike marks I can foresee. The first, he is still a tandem back, and like it or not, McAllister will still take a good amount of weight from his shoulders. The second, the kid scares me. His high flying acrobatics and the sacrificing to pull those last few inches makes me nervous. They’re great for 2 things. Highlight reels and short careers. I am a Bush believer, but sometimes, you have to listen to your gut.
10. L. Johnson (KC RB) – I expressed in my first blog my fear of Larry Johnson this year. He’s a powerful back and a workhorse to boot, but I just don’t like the odds stacked against him this year. Unless KC beefs their line again, I’m going to pass on this pick a while. And for anyone who gets clever and wants to argue I said he’s a second rounder for me... he still is. Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, and Tom Brady are ahead of him on the complete draft list. Why so many first round QB’s? Because in a league where you can lose points for ints, sacks, and fumbles (like my primary league), a bad QB will screw you for the season.
11. L. Maroney (NE RB) – Now the solo back for New England, I think the more potent receiver corps will only help him. So why is he here? Because I’m not sure all the same.
12. R. Johnson (Cin RB) – Could very well move up in short order. He’s another one on a very potent offense that I just can’t make a final call on yet. On one hand, I think the offense will be great this year and I see Rudi’s role expandin