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.
