Oh the beloved AFC South. Many people had deemed this as the conference that would have the teams to rival the Pats this season. (well before Brady got hurt) So far, my 2 favs for the conference at least, have looked average to poor. The Jags and the Colts are sitting at 2-3 and 2-2 respectively and have played very mediocre football. Honestly, had Sage Rosenfels not decided that he thought he was Elway, the Colts would be 1-3 and looking up from the abyss at the rest of the division.
Now that doesn't mean these teams can't turn it around. I expect them to. The Colts are a good football team when they are entirely healthy. We all have seen it before. Stud Jeff Saturday missed time early in the season and it seemed to derail their offense early on. Peyton has looked unPeyton like and Harrison and Wayne have both been ####ed up. All this will, and somewhat has, changed. That comeback, I believe, is what is going to spring them back. They will have that swagger. The D knows they can do it now. They believe. And honestly, believing with this team is enough.
The Jags however, seem to be more seriously plagued. Supposedly super-smart QB David Garrard has been harrassed often and he is throwing the ball to the wrong team, the O-line looks porous in both the running and passing games, and the ground game has just not panned out the way it did in the past. The defense just doesn't seem to have that edge or toughness they used to and they just can't seem to get it together. This team will, however, turn it around. That dual headed monster should turn it around and if the protection can shore up, Garrard will return to form.
Now to the Texans. Rosenfels is an #### and they all suck except for my fantasy reciever, Andre Johnson.
Yet they are all looking up at the Titans, who just find ways to win. The Titans have done it with a bruising ground game and a tenacious defense. RB Chris Johnson is easily a candidate for offensive ROY honors and QB Kerry Collins has done a great job managing the game. The defense has been great. They can stuff the run, defend the pass, and all of this makes you have to force it. This team kind of reminds me of the Ravens team that won the Super Bowl. Defense obviously comes first with this bunch.
Prediction:
Week 8, Monday night could decide the season. The Colts and Titans face off in a matchup of what should be 6-0 and 4-2 or 3-3 teams. I've still got the Colts turning it around in this division and finishing about 10-6 or 11-5 and the Titans will... finish at 12-4 and win the division. Right now, with the combo of Titans sked and the ground to make up its too much. The Jags will finish about 8-8 or 9-7. Not what they hoped, but it is better than they are right now. The Texans should forfeit the rest of their games and pick up Daniel.
Well Mike, this is in time in my Midwest. You didn't specify so I'll just hope it counts.
The NFL is under way and already there are some young guys looking like they belong in this league's elite. Here we'll run down the top 5 and some picks for the Rookie of the Year.
1. Chris Johnson- Johnson came into this league as an absolute burner out of ECU and that is how he is playing. He has burned up the rushing charts and is currently 7th in the league in rushing, 6th in the league in YPC (with over 50 carries), and 2 TDs. Though the TD's don't speak as much for him as his work, the kid is deadly every time he touches the ball. Of course, when you are a 4.2 speedster, you can outrun almost every other guy on the field. Another key for him is that he is riding along with a 4-0 team in the Tennessee Titans. As long as the Titans keep winning and he is a major cog in the offense, his status will rise.
2. Matt Forte- The young fella out of Tulane has carried the load for the Bears so far this year. He is 6th in the league in rushing and has scored once on the ground and once through the air. He is one of the key reasons that the Bears are 2-2 and he will only become more depended on as the weather gets colder. Another thing you have to love is his completeness in the game. The kid can protect the passer and can punch it in at the goal line. Plus he is a threat out of the backfield. If the Bears can rise up out of the NFC North, Forte may follow in AD's footsteps with a ROY performance.
3. Eddie Royal- He is more of a trendy pick thus far in the season, but right now, the numbers back it up. He is 10th in the league in yards, tied for 12th in the league in TD's, and has turned into one of Jay Cutler's go to guys. One of his main benefits is that the Broncos have turned into a much more pass oriented offense and Royal is still being heavily targeted even with Brandon Marshall returning. Plus he is playing in the AFC West and the division is weak. He should be going up against some very vulerable CB's due to the fact that Brandon Marshall draws the double teams and top corners from teams.
4. Chris Horton- The Redskin safety has jumped out to a hot start and already has totaled 3 interceptions and 3 passes defended. He has also factored in with 9 total tackles with 7 solo and has seemed to pass Reed Doughty on the depth chart. Of course, it always helps when he has a lockdown corner in Shaun Springs which often leads to QB's forcing passes into tough areas. He is also riding a team that is 3-1 and could be poised to make a move in the tough NFC East.
5. Darren McFadden- McFadden is player that plays much like last year's MVP, Adrian Peterson. He is currently 14th in rushing, 3rd in YPC (with over 50 carries), and has scored once. A knock on him is that he is playing in a deep backfield where the Raiders are likely to keep using Fargas, but McFadden is making a name for himself and it should only be a matter of time before they realize that riding him is the only way they will win. If that happens and Jamarcus Russell keeps on improving, McFadden and the uprising Raiders could get some looks at the end of the season.
How it'll pan out:
Eddie Royal is my pick for offensive ROY right now. It is early to tell, but I'm going with him for a couple of reasons. One, Denver has become a throwing offense with the improved Jay Cutler and he will continue to get looks as long as Brandon Marshall draws double coverage. Two, he is much less likely to face an injury as the RB's that were mentioned above. Three, the Broncos should be in the mix in the playoffs right to the end, if not all the way deep into the playoffs which will keep him in the minds of the voters.
Chris Johnson will finish 2nd. His role only keeps growing with the Titans. With VY out, the TItans have to rely more on the ground game and Johnson is their number one back. The reason I'm not going with him at this point is that his stats could be hurt by the TD vulture, LenDale White. You can just ask Reggie Bush how he can take TD's away from you.
Chris Horton will be my defensive choice as of now. He has shown the potential for big plays and could, if he keeps playing this well, be a consideration for overall Defensive MVP. My runner up will more than likely be a middle or outside linebacker type who will come in more as a darkhorse on a potentially worse team, but has racked up a ton of tackles. Well there you have it. Eddie Royal, Chris Horton, don't let me down.
As the NFL is quickly approaching here's a little idea I like to entertain from time to time. You can use every player that is on any team (no free agents or retirees) and use any one of their assets to make an uberplayer. You can only use one player once, so choose their attributes wisely. We are now to WRs.This one is even harder. For WR's here are what I think are most essential.
Speed/Acceleration- Steve Smith, he's small, so he's got to be able to fly to get open.
Agility- Wes Welker, he runs everything well and can cut on a dime. He's very elusive in the open field.
Quickness- I'll go with Hester, he can fly and its essential to him getting off the line and getting open. Now if da Bears had a QB.
Hands- TJ Houshmandzadeh, he didn't average many yards or make so many guys miss, but he pulled in 112 balls so his hands have got to be solid.
Jumping- Randy Moss, he'll go up and get anything, anywhere, anytime, anyplace. If it looks like its in the stadium, he can catch it.
Route Running- Reggie Wayne, he and Harrison always seem to be in sync and to have 104 catches you have to run well even for Peyton.
Awareness- Marvin Harrison, he always gets enough yards for the 1st and knows what's happening on the field.
Size/Strength- Terrell Owens, the dude is huge and can run over anybody. Plus he always works out. Have you seen him do situps.
Big Play Ability- Santonio Holmes, not only did he have the highest YPC of recievers with over 50 catches, but he can return as well. He has that ability to make a man miss and make a play.
Mouth/Entertainment- Chad Johnson, he loves to trash talk and can back it up. Plus he always comes up with ways to entertain.
Well that's my list. For more fun try doing an all-time list.
Here are the links to the first 2 installments of the series:
As the NFL is quickly approaching here's a little idea I like to entertain from time to time. We are now to RBs. You can use every player that is on any team (no free agents or retirees) and use any one of their assets to make an uberplayer. You can only use one player once, so choose their attributes wisely. This one is a little harder. For RB's here are what I think are most essential.
Speed- Willie Parker, he's a noted burner who can run away from a defense.
Agility- Reggie Bush, he can make a man miss, but it does get him into trouble.
Breaking Tackles- Marion Barber, his 8 or so broken tackles on one play in the end zone speak for themselves.
Home run ability- Adrian Peterson, he can break it at any time.
Power- Jamal Lewis, name me one defensive player who wants to tackle him. Exactly.
Vision- Ladainian Tomlinson, he always seems to know where the seam will come from and he hits it and hits it fast and hard.
Pass Catching- Brian Westbrook, he is the best back out of the backfield. He rarely drops the ball and can make it into a big play.
Ball Carrying- Joseph Addai, he diidn't fumble all of last year despite his 261 carries.
Heart- Maurice Jones-Drew, dispite his small size, he has a the heart o####iant. He wants to score everytime he touches the ball and will at any cost.
Leadership- Fred Taylor, he just wants the team to win and isn't all caught in the stats. His team follows his example.
For a little more fun, try make an all-time player. That's just my opinion, it was tough to pick which characteristic to use from each player. Have fun with it.
As the NFL is quickly approaching here's a little idea I like to entertain from time to time. We are starting with QB's. You can use every player that is on any team (no free agents or retirees) and use any one of their assets to make an uberplayer. You can only use one player once, so choose their attributes wisely. For QB's here are what I think are most essential.
Game awareness- Jeff Garcia, all you needed to do was watch him play last year. He knew he didn't need to win the game but had to manage it and he knew every situation.
Arm Strength- Jamarcus Russell, I've heard reports of him throwing it over 80 yards from his knees as confirmed by Gambit. Now that's an arm.
Arm Accuracy- Drew Brees, he was noted as a great precision passer and his numbers comfirmed it last year as he was 2nd in completion percentage among guys with over 300 attempts behind Brady.
Scrambling/Speed- Vince Young, this pick would have been Vick a few years ago but seeing he likes to fight with dogs more, VY and his amazing escapability is an easy choice.
Vision- Tom Brady, he always seems to be able to find that open reciever even with a blitzer in his face. Of course having Moss and Welker last year helps.
Leadership- Peyton Manning, his team knows he's in charge and he officially runs the show. Plus he makes good commercials.
Heart- Jon Kitna, he may not be the best but he plays every game hard and wants to win. He guaranteed 10 wins for the Lions, you must have a ton of heart to guarantee that.
Well there's my QB, I would have liked to use some guys more than once, but that's what makes this fun. If you want, throw in all-time and it gets much more interesting. Next up will be RBs.
Well here's my go at the Blogger's contest. Fox did there own little bit on what Adam should change his name to, but I'll try make a little better one.
PhatMan Jones- Since he seems to find himself as a real thug.
RatMan Jones- He must be telling the cops something so he isn't getting arrested.
SatMan Jones- Since he has had to sit out a year and hopefully will continue to do so unless he really has changed, but I doubt it.
ScatMan Jones- He just kept running from his true problems.
BlackMan Jones- That's what Imus seems to be calling him.
CrackMan Jones- He sure acts like he's smoking some crack.
ShatMan Jones- Because to me, then he is exactly what his name says.
StackMan Jones- Its what he's throwing at the ladies while he's out at the strip clubs all night.
ThatMan Jones- Since he always seems to be able to point the fingure at the other guy.
But I can see why he wen't with Adam. He is the man of original sin and all. Very fitting for him.
None of these names were meant to offend anyone and were just used as a poor attempt at humor so that maybe someone would glance at my blog. Maybe its just the one in the morning rubbing off on me.
Here's another chance for all you blogger's to give a shout out about your favorite team.
We all know about the first to hoist the Cup, the first team to win consecutive championships, and the first to have a player throw a no-hitter.
Give me your favorite teams most off-the-wall stat or play or game. I'll come back and look deeper into the most bizarre ones I hear. And remember, the craziest or most creative will always win.
The Vikes drafted Booty in the 4th round today. They got with that a guy many thought would be a preseason Heisman hopeful. The season didn't pan out the way he would have wished as he missed time with injury and was blamed for the loss to the Cardinal.
Now he has a chance to start anew. What do you guys think about Booty? Are we getting an alltime backup or could he challenge Jackson for a starting spot in the future? Lise, where are you? I need to know.
The Boston Red Sox. The NY Yankees. The San Antonio Spurs. The North Carolina Tar Heels. The New England Patriots. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The USC Trojans.
As I reel off these names, can you hear it? Can you hear that faint rumbling?
It seems more and more supposed 'fans' can hear the call. It is the call of the bandwagon and it seems that it is blowing its horn more loudly than ever. Even here, in the NW corner of Minnesota, I see Bo Sox hats and Irish caps. (Don't ask me why.)
These fans go around blowing their own horn about their 'favorite' team, but can't name a single historic player. You ask them to name someone who stood out over 10 years ago and they just stare into space until drool runs down or they glare at you for questioning their fanhood.
It just pains me to see so many people just jump freely from team to team. I mean, players do it enough, fans shouldn't have to too.
What has happened to loyalty? To pride? To honor?
All I have to ask you wagontrain fans is this: Who will be your favorite team 2 years down the road? 5 years? In fact, I'll just come by and see after the next championship game. And don't hide your new hat.
Note: To all you loyal fans out there, if you know anyone like this inspire them to be like you. They are in obvious need of guidance.
I decided I would go through the biggest sports leagues in the US and pick out all the teams people either love, or love to hate.
MLB- New York Yankees
This was an easy first choice. The Yankees have one of the largest fan bases in all of the world, much less the US. And all they ever seem to do is win. (until the start of this year) But hey, if you don't like the Yankees, you have to hate them. Any team that has Steinbrenner buying the players should be hated, shouldn't they?
NFL- New England Patriots
They have been one of the most dominant forces to come to the football field in the last 10 years. They seemingly are always a favorite to win the Super Bowl and millions have already jumped on the bandwagon. They are lead by America's poster boy, Tom Brady too. But when they come to play your favorite team, you pray that your hometown boys will just beat the #### out of them.
NBA- San Antonio Spurs
This one was a little tougher. There isn't as much of a clear-cut favorite, so I picked the Spurs. The Spurs have been about as good as any fan could hope for. That's why the rest of the league hates them. Every year they make the playoffs and just roll on through to the Finals, with seemingly no effort. It just makes me, as a T-Wolves fan sick, and it should to the rest of you non-Spurs fans as well.
NHL- Detroit Red Wings
This is one of those leagues where its almost impossible to pick one. The Canadiens used to be one of the most hated teams, but their recent unsuccess has lead to them being more of a laughing-stock. I went with the Wings because they are always in the running for the Presidents Cup and they just seem to roll on through to the playoffs, year after year. Man I love how my Wings work.
NCAA Football- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
This was a little tougher, but I decided to go with these guys because of all their tradition. They have some of the most diehard and crazy fans. But hey, what other team is always overrated and everybody wants their shot at them. The Irish are always the ones topping that list. (USC is an up and comer in this one.)
NCAA Basketball- Duke Blue Devils
Alll Duke ever seems to do is win. That's why last year was so sweet for so many non-Duke fans. We all remember the Christian Laettner shot and how it killed so many fans to see him make it. Every year, fans around the world either unite for Duke to win the NCAA or band together to make Duke lose. Your on one side or the other, there is gray area at all with these guys.
Golf- Tiger Woods
Most of the nation absolutely loves Tiger. People stalk him around the course, want to take pics of him, say every shot he takes is going to be drained. But there is still a small group of Phil's and other golfers fans that would love to see Tiger on sel####estruct. They are praying for that one day when Tiger implodes and their guy can dawn that green jacket.
Well, that's the end of my list. Let me know what you think, or if you have any other suggestions.
The two teams come in very evenly matched. Both teams have a solid QB, a good running game, and an above average defense. The game will come down to turnovers. Which ever team hangs onto the ball and wants it more will win. McNabb will want this one bad, but so will Alexander. The two superstars will slug it out, but the game will rest on their teammates. Lofa Tatupu will most likely be used as a spy on McNabb and to slow down the versatile Brian Westbrook. He is the key to the defense. The 'Hawks will most likely use their short passing game coupled with an always stellar running game to wear down the Eagles defense.
Projection: McNabb tries to win by himself, Eagles falter 24-21.
Carolina Panthers @ San Francisco 49ers
The Niners have finally returned to the playoffs. Will the trip be for a one and done? It all will rest on Alex Smith. He has 3 years of experience, but has never been in the big game. The Panthers front 7 will wreak havoc on the young kid and force into throwing before he's ready. Frank Gore will be steady as always, but will have to hang on to the ball. The Panthers will try to involve Steve Smith heavily, so the Niners will rely on newly signed Nate Clements to shut him down. If he can, the Panthers are in big trouble.
Projection: Niners pull one out on the legs of Gore 20-14.
Divisional Round
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
The Bears are coming off winning an easy division and the Seahawks are without a doubt, very battle tested to this point. Again the 'Hawks will try to depend on the short passing game and running game. They will, however, have to throw in the big play to have a shot against this tough D. The Bears will try to take all pressure off Grossman, but the Seahawks will, unsurprisingly, try to heap it on. Grossman will have to play one of the best games of his career to make sure the Bears aren't bounced.
Projection: Grossman fumbles away a victory. Hawks win 13-6.
San Francisco 49ers @ New Orleans Saints
The Saint have one of the most highpowered offenses in all of football. The can beat you with the backfield combo of McAllister and Bush or with Brees to Colston. The Niners personnel does not match up well with this team. Clements may be able to shut down Colston, but the short passes to Bush and the running game look like they will be tough to stop. The Niners only chance will be with ball control with Frank Gore, or to force some turnovers with pressure or hard hits. If the Niners get down early, things look bleak with Alex Smith being the only man to lead a comeback.
Projection: Saints all over the Niners, 31-17.
Conference Championship
Seattle Seahawks @ New Orleans Saints
This one looks like a toss-up to me. The Seahawks will look to Tatupu yet again to keep Bush in check, and I think the former teammates will give each other a good fight. Tatupu has the speed to keep Bush in check, but this will leave the middle vulnerable if he has to follow Bush around the field. McAllister could be poised for a big day if this happens. On offense, the Seahawks will have to try to use ball control to keep it out of the Saints hands. Shaun Alexander will get his ground game going and Hasslebeck will be able to find the holes. The Saints will have to do a good job of tackling and the linebackers will have to fight though their blocks and make the plays.
Points look like they will be hard to come by in this game. Both teams have solid defenses and should be able to slow down the opposing offense. Tom Brady will have to carry his team against Big Ben. Brady now has a good set of recievers and he should be able to expose the Steeler defense. He is able to pick apart any defense. Roethlisberger could have a good game as well, provided Samuel isn't back in uniform. The two running games should fare evenly against each other and would be a great late season game.
Prediction: Patriots edge Steelers 20-17
Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts
This will be a game of opposites. The Broncos prefer to grind out games and win with defense and a solid running game. Colts are all about the O and love to run and gun. Jay Cutler may be rattled in his first playoff game and we all know Manning will be better with the #### off his back. The Broncos running game will have the edge. The Colts front 7 is undersized and better set to rush the passer instead of stop the run. Manning may have trouble feeding Harrison the ball with Bailey on him all day.
Prediction: Broncos bust out Manning 31-28
Divisional Round
Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers
Divisional foes meet yet again. The Chargers know how to beat the Broncos. They mix LT on the ground with LT through the air and spread the ball around some until the Broncos get lost. The Broncos will finally have it figured out and will be able to slow down LT some, but not alot. The Broncos will have to try to run the ball to keep it away from LT and take pressure off Cutler. The running game will be successful, but they won't be able to keep using it if they fall behind. Then Cutler will have to throw. If this happens, we might see a huge blowout.
Prediction: LT is too much. Chargers win 24-10
New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will have their hands full in this one. They come out of a bye week with one of the worst possible matchups. They pick up the task of stopping Brady while making sure Maroney doesn't run wild. Brady is capable of slaying any secondary but this one will be tough for him. He will have to spread the ball around like he does so well. Maroney will have to be on his A-game. The Ravens will depend on McGahee to run well and McNair to be able to mix it up over the top. Should be a very good game.
Prediction: Brady is just too good. Patriots win 17-13.
Conference Championship
New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers
A matchup of two dynamic offenses in a rematch of last year. The Chargers will be looking for revenge for last years lights out dance on midfield. LT will once again be called on to carry the load. He will not disappoint against the Pats veteran linebackers. Rivers will have to mix in the long ball to prevent the Pats from loading the box however. Brady and Maroney will have to be good yet again. But if the defense can't stop LT, the offense can't win it for the Pats.
Prediction: Chargers vengeance is had. Bolts win 28-24.
Steve McNair appears to have revitalized an offense that was virtually nonexistant in the past. They were number 11 in passing and 17th overall. Not good but for the Ravens, it was phenomenal. Both Mason and Clayton were steady last year and Heap is always a good option for McNair. They picked up a proven RB in McGahee and the offense should definitely be better than last year.
The Ravens D, as always will be good, but I don't know if they will continue last years numbers. They had the number 2 front 7 in football, but that could decrease. Ray Lewis is starting to age as he's in his twelfth season. Will he be able to continue to make plays sideline to sideline. He maybe will, but probably not to the level he has become so well known for. The secondary has two of the best in the NFL in Ed Reed and Chris McAllister. McAllister is capable of shutting down any reciever and Ed Reed can both make the big hit or the timely interception. Expect the secondary to mimic last year's performance.
Projection: 12-4 division champs Tough stretches in the schedule lead to a slightly worse record.
Cincinnati Bengals: Last Season: 8-8
The Cincinatti offense has one of the best passing attacks in the game. Carson Palmer may be the next Peyton Manning and he has two great targets to throw to. Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh both can beat you at anytime with their play which prevents you from doubling one. Expect the passing attack to be much the same. Rudi Johnson has been effective at times but needs to improve his game. He needs to have a big season to help keep the heat off Palmer.
The Bengals D was just horrible last year. They were getting beat every which way known to man. They did draft Hall at corner which should help, but they have lost Odell Thurman for the year and there is no telling who else may get arrested. Expect the secondary to be slightly improved but still vulnerable.
Prediction: 9-7 Palmer leads a good offense but the defense can't keep up.
Cleveland Browns: Last Season:4-12
Clevelands offense was horrible last year. The QB situation is amok. It will be unclear who will start any game this season with Anderson, Frye, and Quinn all available. I expect Frye to be the starter but they will start poorly and Quinn will take over. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow provide valuable options but the QBs will still have to get it to them. The line looks improved due mainly to the addition of Joe Thomas. He should help a holey line from last year. The loss of Ryan Tucker will hurt, but he will return. They added Jamal Lewis to the backfield but that may not help. I don't know if he will be an effective runner in Cleveland.
The D tried its best to be just as bad and they almost pulled it off. They have lost Willie McGinest for 6 weeks and the run defense was horrible with him. The secondary was just as bad. They did add some corners, but none of the big names they needed. Expect another bad year in the Dawg Pound.
Projection: 3-13 QB controversy plus bad D leads to bad year.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Last Season: 8-8
For the first time, Big Ben will lead a Cowherless offense that he helped to write. Roethlisberger will need to be much better than last year to give the Steelers a shot. He has a deep core of recievers to throw to and Willie Parker is a big threat out of the backfield. I expect the offense to slowly gel together and be a good unit by the end of the year.
The defense will be good. They did lose Joey Porter, but the linebackers still look very good as does the front 7 as a whole. The secondary will have benefitted from an extra year of experience and will be much improved. Troy Polamalu will be as good as ever and this will be a tough D to beat.
Projection: 11-5 wild card Big Ben returns the Steeler nation to the playoffs where they look poised for another run.
There is my rundown of the divisions. Now all we have left is the playoffs.
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I'm a 17-year-old sports fan that lives in the northwest corner of Minnesota about 20 miles from Canada, who would love to be a sports writer. I have played organized sports all my life including football, baseball, golf, hockey, and, though I'm not too proud of it, basketball for a weekend.
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ckly approaching here's a little idea I like to entertain from time to time. You can use every player that is on any team (no free agents or retirees) and use any one of their assets to make an uberplayer. You can only use one player once, so choose their attributes wisely. We are now to WRs.This one is even harder. For WR's here are what I think are most essential.
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