This weekend’s NFL Draft featured a number of similarities when compared to drafts of the past. As always, there were a boatload of trades and a plethora of surprise picks.

For me, there were a number of teams who came through with solid drafts. In particular, I’m handing out gold stars to the five teams listed below, in my NFL Draft edition of “Gold Stars”.

Gold Stars – Volume II – NFL Draft 2008
Please note: All picks state the round first, then the overall spot which the player was taken.



Kansas City Chiefs

Many of the critics are giving the Chiefs high marks for their draft. I’m joining in on that fun, and there are plenty of reasons why. Here’s the list of the new Chiefs:


1 (005) – Glenn Dorsey – DT – LSU
1 (015) – Branden Albert – OG – Virginia
2 (035) – Brandon Flowers – CB – Virginia Tech
3 (073) – Jamaal Charles – RB – Texas
3 (076) – Brad Cottam – TE – Tennessee
3 (082) – DaJuan Morgan – S – North Carolina State
4 (105) – William Franklin – WR – Missouri
5 (140) – Brandon Carr – CB – Grand Valley State
6 (170) – Barry Richardson – OT – Clemson
6 (182) – Kevin Robinson – WR – Utah State
7 (210) – Brian Johnston – DE – Gardner Webb
7 (239) – Mike Merritt – TE – Central Florida

When you’re a team with major holes to fill, the wise choice would be to start in the trenches. That’s exactly what the Chiefs did, and they did so in grand fashion by taking two of the most talented in the draft, LSU’s Glenn Dorsey and OG Branden Albert from Virginia. The Chiefs also managed to snag the talented Brandon Flowers for their secondary, as well as former Texas Longhorn Jamaal Charles to help out the running game. Still, the gem here is Dorsey, the former LSU star who despite being double teamed all season, managed seven sacks and 12 ½ tackles for a loss throughout LSU’s national championship run.



Washington Redskins

Wasn’t it a little strange seeing Washington’s name pop up so many times on the draft board? I think so. Either way, the ‘Skins took advantage of the opportunities they had, with a number of solid additions. Here’s the list:


2 (034) – Devin Thomas – WR – Michigan State
2 (048) – Fred Davis – TE – USC
2 (051) – Malcolm Kelly – WR – Oklahoma
3 (096) – Chad Rinehart – OG – Northern Iowa
4 (124) – Justin Tryon – CB – Arizona State
6 (168) – Durant Brooks – P – Georgia Tech
6 (180) – Kareem Moore – S – Nicholls State
6 (186) – Colt Brennan – QB – Hawaii
7 (242) – Rob Jackson – DE – Kansas State
7 (249) – Christopher Horton – S – UCLA

The Redskins had a great draft for a number of reasons. OK, so they seemed to ignore the D-line need again, but the big targets at WR were added. It was a need after falling short in trading for Cincinnati’s Chad Johnson. In recent weeks, the talk on the Washington Post website was the ‘Skins looking at Malcolm Kelly with the 21st pick, stating that Devin Thomas would not fall to them. Not only did Washington manage to select both receivers, but the Redskins also were able to trade out of the 21st slot for additional picks, and still get both players. That alone points to a successful draft. In addition to that accomplishment, Washington had a few other intriguing picks, including arguably the best punter in college last year (Durant Brooks), as well as Colt Brennan. Sure, Brennan got beaten up by Georgia on the national stage. He also wasn’t impressive in the Senior Bowl. He also has said to have iffy form. All that aside, he has the character, a ton of records, and has worked with a former NFL coach in June Jones. All in all, it makes him an intriguing late round pick by the ‘Skins.



Baltimore Ravens

Another draft, another Ravens team searching for an impact QB. OK, so maybe it doesn’t happen every year, but it sure seems like it. I was impressed with Baltimore’s draft for a number of reasons. Here’s the list:


1 (018) – Joe Flacco – QB – Delaware
2 (055) – Ray Rice – RB – Rutgers
3 (071) – Tavares Gooden – ILB – Miami (FLA)
3 (086) – Tom Zbikowski – S – Notre Dame
3 (099) – Oniel Cousins – OG – UTEP
4 (106) – Marcus Smith – WR – New Mexico
4 (133) – David Hale – OT – Weber State
6 (206) – Haruki Nakamura – S – Cincinnati
7 (215) – Justin Harper – WR – Virginia Tech
7 (240) – Allen Patrick – RB – Oklahoma

With Steve McNair retiring, the Ravens desperately were seeking a top QB. If not Matt Ryan, then it was going to be Delaware’s Joe Flacco, featuring a towering 6’6” frame and powerful arm. While I think the Ravens may have traded up a little high (in a panic) to get Flacco, I still think this could pan out to be a solid “un-Boller-like” selection. Next, there’s RB Ray Rice from Rutgers. I loved watching this kid play in college. Sure, scouts say he may not have the size, but man he runs hard. Like a bull, and I think he’ll be a fine addition as well. Finally, I can’t help but admit that Tom Zbikowski, the former Notre Dame safety, also sticks out in my mind. He can play special teams, he has speed, he hits hard, and he’s smart. He should be a great fit with the Ravens. All in all, a solid draft for the men in purple.



Carolina Panthers

I think the Panthers addressed some needs for sure, and got some solid value in a number of their slots. In a year where John Fox will be under a microscope more than ever, here’s their list of new additions:


1 (013) – Jonathan Stewart – RB – Oregon
1 (019) – Jeff Otah – OT – Pittsburgh
3 (067) – Charles Godfrey – CB – Iowa
3 (074) – Dan Connor – ILB – Penn State
5 (141) – Gary Barnidge – TE – Louisville
6 (181) – Nick Hayden – DT – Wisconsin
7 (221) – Hilee Taylor – OLB – North Carolina
7 (241) – Geoff Schwartz – OT – Oregon
7 (250) – Mackenzy Bernadeau – OG – Bentley

I admit when trading up, I thought the Panthers may have given up too much. Still, they were aggressive and filled needs, and you can’t fault them for that. Jeff Otah was listed as one of the better linemen in the draft, and should eventually help Carolina with their running game. As for former Oregon Duck RB Jonathan Stewart, call me crazy, but I think he could have a better career than Darren McFadden. Finally, I want to mention former Penn State LB Dan Connor, who was originally projected as a late first round pick. Instead, he fell to the third round, where Carolina gets great value, and a guy with great instincts. I think Connor will go on to excel in the NFL, just like former teammate Paul Posluszny began to do before a freak arm injury last season.



New York Jets

After a major drop off from a solid 2006 season, the Jets needed to improve in a big way. And on paper, it certainly looks like they may have done that. We’ll see how this crop does, but here’s New York’s solid list:


1 (006) – Vernon Gholston – DE – Ohio State
1 (030) – Dustin Keller – TE – Purdue
4 (113) – Dwight Lowery – CB – San Jose State
5 (162) – Erik Ainge – QB – Tennessee
6 (171) – Marcus Henry – WR – Kansas
7 (211) – Nate Garner – OT – Arkansas

Sure, the Jets didn’t have as many picks as the other teams mentioned above, but they picked quite well with what they had available to them. The pick most intriguing to me is Dustin Keller, former TE from Purdue. Scouts say he lacks in size and blocking ability, but I think this guy is underrated. He has 4.5 speed for a tight end, coupled with great hands. With that alone, he could cause some nightmares and tough matchups for opponents. He should be a solid weapon for the Jets passing game. In addition to Keller, I think Vernon Gholston could end up being a very talented defensive end in the NFL. I think both he and Dorsey could have solid careers. Finally, the Erik Ainge pick intrigues me. He is a solid QB for a fifth round pick, and he certainly has the size at 6’5”. Who knows, maybe he could climb the depth charts. The Jets certainly need a QB to step to the forefront. Hey, Tom Brady did it.


There you have it, five teams that personally jumped out at me during this year’s NFL Draft. Certainly, I liked some other picks in the draft such as the Steelers stealing Mendenhall late and the Cowboys adding speedster back Felix Jones, among others. Still, the five above teams in particular had unique moves, situations, or multiple picks that I felt could pan out or add some value. Feel free to pitch in your thoughts on the draft, and who you personally would give a gold star too.

This has been “Gold Stars”, and that’s a wrap for another NFL Draft. When is kickoff?

We interrupt this blog to bring you our regular scheduled programming, already in progress…

“… and that’s the good, the bad, and the ugly regarding Vinny Testaverde and his career as a football player…”

Roastmaster: “Thanks Coach Parcells. ‘The Roast of Vinny Testaverde’ will return after a word from our sponsors.”

We’re back with the “The Roast of Vinny Testaverde”… **

Now up on the podium is KP, a blogger on the Fox Sports website… take it away KP!!

Thank you gentlemen. Wow, there certainly have been some though acts to follow today, from Bill Parcells, to Mark Carrier, Keyshawn Johnson, Curtis Martin, and so on. Thankfully, the commercial break allowed for a perfect segue. It was certainly the lead-in that I needed.

Before I get into a real roasting, I want to first touch upon a few pretty incredible things about Vinny’s career. Testaverde, the 1986 Heisman Trophy winner as the quarterback of the Miami Hurricanes, was also the number one overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft. Vinny has seen some unbelievable ups and downs throughout his career, from the abysmal 1988 campaign where he had 13 touchdown passes and 35 interceptions, to his two pro bowl seasons, in 1996 with the Baltimore Ravens (4,000 yards plus passing, 33 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions) and 1998 with the New York Jets (29 touchdowns and 7 interceptions).

Over a career that has spanned across three decades, Testaverde has thrown for over 45,000 yards, while throwing 271 touchdown passes. Most recently, Vinny was able to break some new football records. After signing on with the Carolina Panthers just days ago, Testaverde came on board to help add depth at the quarterback position, after Carolina lost starter Jake Delhomme to injury. In four days, he went from an add-on to the starter, due to an injured David Carr. Vinny took advantage, looking like he had been the quarterback in the Carolina system for years, going 20 for 33, with 207 yards passing and one touchdown. Most importantly, the Panthers earned a 25-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, improving their record to 4-2 on the season. Along with the victory came Vinny’s name in the NFL record books. Vinny became the third oldest quarterback to ever start an NFL game, and more importantly, the 43-year old became the oldest quarterback to ever win an NFL game. He also broke his own NFL record of the most consecutive seasons with a touchdown pass, now extended to 21. Therefore, one could say that Testaverde’s most recent victory was truly “one for the ages”. And with age, that’s where the roasting comes into play. Enough of the Mr. Nice Guy routine… I’m not only here to celebrate

Vinny’s career achievements (recent and past), but also to roast him… and roast him good.

Roasting Vinny T.

Vinny has a beautiful family, all who are very supportive. His wife Mitzi was also a Bucs cheerleader during his early days. Well, at least we knew there was some scoring going on in Tampa Bay when he was the quarterback there.

Seriously though, I imagine after all those errant passes and throwaways, he got quite familiar with her on the sidelines. Hopefully, she does a better job of dressing him than the Bucs did.

I informed Vinny that while the Panthers are happy that he’s here, he wasn’t their first choice. Warren Moon respectfully declined.

So did Doug Flutie.

When he showed up at his locker, there was a sign hung up to help avoid any accidents from occurring (see left).

He walks around the locker room listening to Classic Rock and Oldies, constantly saying “This was a good song when I was your age”.

I got a hold of Vinny’s first ever game helmet and presented it to him in honor of his career accomplishments (see right).

Before Sunday’s kickoff, there was a gift basket waiting for Vinny, including items such as Ben ####, ice packs, Metamucil, Just For Men, and Centrum Silver.

Upon arriving at the game, I heard that in order to get there, Vinny traveled uphill both ways, in the snow…until he finally showed up.

Seriously though, I heard he was given a front row parking space outside the stadium, but that was mainly to provide less chance that he would pull a hammy on the way in.

During drills the other day, the Carolina cheerleading squad was also on the field practicing. Vinny was the only guy to blurt out “Wow, that cheerleader is young enough to be my daughter.”

While others are taking out their mouth guards during the game, Vinny takes out his false teeth.

Loud crowds are not a big deal because he can’t really hear them anyway.

During possessions when the defense was on the field, the Carolina running backs were on exercise bikes staying loose. Next to them, a rocking chair was present for Vinny.

Every play call is presented in 50 font size for Vinny – therefore, Bill Belichick is just itchin’ to take on the Panthers. They won’t need cameras.

Vinny hates the 4 o’clock games, because dinner time arrives prior to the half, and bedtime arrives before the time the final seconds tick off the clock.

When asked if Vinny could earn a “C” on his jersey if his stellar play continues, my thought was “Where would the AARP patch go then?”

When asked if it was just as fun to get out on the football field, Vinny responds by saying that believe it or not, it even beat out last week’s games of Cribbage, Pachisi, and Canasta.

After the game, some of the media was looking for Vinny and they just tracked down the guy that was driving in the left lane slowly with his turn signal stuck in the “ON” position.

We went out to celebrate after the game and Vinny’s kids came out with him. They didn’t get carded.

Vinny’s so old that when in the bar the other night, Paris Hilton didn’t even hit on him. If Anna Nicole Smith were still alive, she likely would have.

I was about to ask Vinny why he still had his hand warmers on after the game, when I realized it was a fanny pack instead.

During the postgame, Vinny taught me about the concept of the Early Bird Special.

Vinny took a group of us out for a movie one night. He was given the senior discount without even asking for it.

Later, our group invited him out to go see ‘The Heartbreak Kid’, but he declined saying that he saw the original in the theaters.

Soon, Vinny will be turning 44. I heard the players are going to celebrate by giving him a birthday cake with candles and a fire extinguisher.

And the moral of the story…

If the love for something is still there, never give up. Play your heart out as long as your body holds up and you can still reach a level of excellence. Just expect to catch some #### for it on the side.

As for Vinny Testaverde, perhaps a few extra bones cracked when he got out of bed on Sunday morning. Afterward, maybe a few muscles were sore when they once weren’t. Yet the spirit was willing, the mind was sharp, and the performance was one for the ages…

literally.

** Please note that this roast is entirely fictional, yet one should celebrate Vinny Testaverde in a roasting format, as he’s had a career filled with various accomplishments and unique longevity. I applaud Vinny for his recent comeback in Carolina and wish him the best as the season progresses.

This post is part of Mike Greenspire’s Blogger Contest, featuring articles related to the NFL. I would like to encourage all of you to read the posts of all the other participants. Best wishes, and as always, thanks for reading… - KP

Volume II

Every now and then I will post a “tidbits” blog, which features a random sampling of recent sports stories.  The reason for “tidbits” is basically that I don’t have enough details for a full article, but still would prefer to blog about it.   

Raiding the “tidbits” Archives:

tidbits Volume I

For this week’s “tidbits” segment, I am focusing on Super Bowl XL, Ben Roethlisberger, Alexander Ovechkin, and Jay Gibbons.  Enjoy!

 

Big Ben Saves the Day

Ben Roethlisberger single handedly saved the victory for the Steelers in the AFC divisional playoff game against Indianapolis.  It was him, not Vanderjagt losing it with his wayward kick.  It was not the Steelers defense, though they certainly helped in keeping Peyton Manning and the Indy offense off balance.  Big Ben saved the day, and not on offense.  Roethlisberger saved the game when he hustled down the field immediately after the Bettis fumble and put himself in position to make the game saving tackle at the 40 yard line.  If Roethlisberger did not immediately drop back to make the play, the Colts instead cruise down the field for an easy TD and a four point lead with less then a minute to go in the game.  The Steelers may be a six seed, but they are not playing like one.  They have the talent of a team that deserved a bye week.  Furthermore, Roethlisberger is not playing like a second-year player, but instead one with poise to take his team to a Super Bowl title.  One more game to go and Ben and the Steelers will already be there.  The only team in the way is Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, and the upstart Seattle Seahawks.  Sunday promises to be an interesting game for sure. 

Super Bowl XL Prediction

Steelers vs. Seahawks

Pittsburgh has made a great run after rattling off three straight road wins against the 1, 2, and 3 seeds in the AFC.  Many people out there feel they will continue that streak and take the title, allowing for Jerome Bettis to retire on top.  However, you cannot underestimate Mike Holmgren and the very balanced Seahawks squad.  Seattle has the league MVP in Shaun Alexander, who has had an additional two weeks to fully recover from the concussion he suffered against the Washington Redskins in the NFC divisional playoff game.  While the Steelers were very efficient in blitzing and causing multiple headaches against both the Colts and Broncos, I see Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck keeping his composure even with the pressure of the big game.  Hasselbeck was able to handle Washington’s “D”, as well as the aggressive Carolina defense.  He will find ways to be efficient and move the Seahawks offense when necessary.  This game may not be the most exciting matchup, but it should be a tight game and an exciting Super Bowl.  After a series of blowouts over many recent years, this Super Bowl game should be far from that.  In the end, Mike Holmgren will find a way to get it done and beat out Bill Cowher for the title.  Look for the ‘Hawks to eke this one out in the fourth quarter, even without the presence of their precious “12^th man”.    

KP’s Call: Seahawks win 27-23

Gibby Serves Another Term

Hike up your socks Orioles fans, as all reports are stating that Jay Gibbons has signed a four year contract extension for approximately 21.1 million dollars.  There you have it; Gibby, as he is called by teammates, will be back for four more years.  Honestly, you have to love it when things like this happen.  This is a great story for both Jay Gibbons and the Baltimore Orioles.  Here you have the Orioles, who keep a guy who has left-handed power (helpful for Camden Yards), a great attitude, and plays extremely hard.  On the other side, you have Gibbons (.277 average, 26 home runs, and 79 RBI’s in 2005), who truly loves playing for Baltimore.  He is one of the rare players of today who got a chance, took advantage of that chance, and then didn’t leave the team for money but instead was loyal to the team that gave him the opportunity.  If not for Johan Santana, one could argue that Jay Gibbons is the biggest Rule 5 success story.  There are a handful of others you could compare to him, but he is certainly worthy of being on the list of the best to be selected in the Rule 5 baseball draft.  The Orioles were lucky to pick him up, especially since they managed to steal him away from the division rival Toronto Blue Jays.  All in all, as an Orioles fan, I am very pleased to see Gibbons “serving another term” in Baltimore.

“Alexander the Great” conquers the Coyotes

If you have not heard of Alexander Ovechkin, you should really know him by now.  Either way, you need to watch this highlight <Click here to see the madness>. The previously stated link is to Google video, which features an acrobatic goal scoring hockey highlight via Fox Sports Net of a recent game between the Washington Capitals and Phoenix Coyotes.   Ovechkin (34 goals and 31 assists in 50 games so far this season, including the one seen in the highlight) is a young superstar in the making for the Washington Capitals.  He was the first pick in the draft prior to the strike year, and can be considered a top rookie alongside of Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby this season.  “Alexander the Great”, as he has been called, is making quite the impression in the NHL, and should be a force for years to come.  That highlight is only the beginning for Ovechkin.  On the other hand,  the Capitals still need some work, as they are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference (with only 41 points), but they now have themselves a star to help put more bodies in their arena seats.   If get you a second, check out that highlight, and keep an eye out for many more from Ovechkin in the future.

Synopsis for tidbits Volume II:

Four more years!  Four more years!!  Just down the road from Washington D.C., the town familiar with hearing that phrase, people are instead hearing that chant in Baltimore, where Jay Gibbons has signed a contract extension to remain implanted in the Orioles outfield until the year 2009. 

Speaking of four more years, it is very possible that Peyton Manning may be waiting four more years to get to the Super Bowl.  The Colts have the talent, but are they going to emerge as today’s Buffalo Bills team, loaded with talent, but not able to win the “big game”??  Big Ben Roethlisberger can attest to that, as him and the Steelers managed to spoil Indy’s hopes for a title game appearance and a Super Bowl ring. 

While it was quiet in Indianapolis, it was the opposite in Phoenix, where even the hometown Coyotes fans had to marvel at the acrobatic goal by emerging star Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.  After “Alexander the Great” managed to sneak in a no-look goal, the cheers could be heard as far north as Detroit, Michigan.

Speaking of Detroit, there is an important game going on there this coming weekend.  That’s right sports fans; Super Bowl XL is taking place in Detroit.  Finally, a WINNING football team will emerge from the depths of “Detroit Rock City”.  Sorry Lions fans, I couldn’t resist.  Who will it be though, the Seattle Seahawks or the Pittsburgh Steelers?  Only time will tell.  Enjoy the big game!!

 

 

Volume I

Every now and then I will post a “tidbits” blog, which features a random sampling of recent sports stories.  The reason for “tidbits” is basically that I don’t have enough details for a full article, but still would prefer to blog about it.   For this week’s “tidbits” segment, I am focusing on the NFL playoffs, Marcus Vick, Eli Manning, and Kevin Millar.  Enjoy!

NFL Playoff Predictions

Redskins at Seahawks

It’s raining, it’s pouring, the Redskins are scoring... but they aren’t scoring enough.  It is a good chance that rain could be a factor in this game.  After all, it has rained in Seattle for 25 straight days, and that streak will be extended into the weekend.  But will Washington’s win streak?  The Redskins have been playing very good football, but the week of rest and home field advantage should be just enough for the Seahawks to fend off the feisty ‘Skins.  Expect this game to be a battle to the end. 

KP’s Call: Seahawks win 23-20

Panthers at Bears

The Panthers won’t be able to do much against the stingy Bears defense, but don’t expect the Chicago offense to do a whole lot either.  Carolina destroyed a much better Giants offense, and I expect the Panthers defense to get a second half defensive touchdown when Bears QB Rex Grossman attempts to force the issue.  Jake Delhomme and the Panthers offense will be held in check, but should get just enough to advance to the NFC Championship.

KP’s Call: Panthers win 17-9

Steelers at Colts

The Colts have struggled of late, but expect a week’s rest to get them back on track.  I expect Pittsburgh to sprint out to an early lead, but Peyton Manning and the explosive Indy offense will get their act together and post three touchdowns in the second half.  Furthermore, the Colts defense will settle in and shut down Roethlisberger and the Steelers.  In order to pull the upset, Pittsburgh would have to establish a running game and control the clock.  That simply won’t happen against the stingy Colts D. 

KP’s Call: Colts win 31-17

Patriots at Broncos

Denver has great balance on offense, and the mile-high air will give them an advantage.  However, who can pick against Belichick, Brady, and the Pats during the playoffs?  I expect New England to get out to the early lead, and the Broncos to make a late surge.  It won’t be enough though, as Brady and the boys advance to the AFC Championship for what I see to be a rematch with the high-octane Indianapolis Colts.

KP’s Call: Patriots win 27-21

Marcus Vick: The Rotten Apple

Remember a few years ago when all of college football was talking about Michael Vick’s brother following his footsteps and attending Virginia Tech?  Do you remember Michael himself stating that his brother was an even better football player then him?  How rapidly things can change!  Marcus Vick is the apple that fell far from the tree.  In fact, he is the rotten apple that fell from the tree, down an embankment, and is still rolling further away from that tree.  After incidents of viciously stepping on an opponent’s player, pulling a gun on a group of teenagers, and other assorted legal problems, Vick could be the apple that rolls away from the tree and into jail if he isn’t careful. Which NFL team is going to take a chance on Marcus Vick and the baggage that comes along with him?  Maybe no one will.  Perhaps the Falcons should draft him, and have his brother Michael take him “under his wing” (no pun intended).  Atlanta could then trade solid backup Matt Schaub for team needs or a legitimate draft pick (or two). 

My final note on this matter is not regarding the Falcons, but instead the Virginia Tech Hokies.  You have to give credit to Frank Beamer, who is obviously a class act and prefers a clean and professional program.  Coach Beamer and his staff could have kept a talent like Vick around, but they decided to cut him loose and keep a clean program, and I respect that greatly. 

 

Blue in the Big Apple

In New York City, the only men left in blue uniforms are the NYPD and the Blue Man Group as the New York Giants are at home after getting trounced by the Carolina Panthers during Wild Card weekend.  The bluest of the “blue men” is Eli Manning, who suffered a fall from grace with New York fans during the second half of the season.  It feels like just yesterday that Manning forged a major comeback victory over the Denver Broncos.  However, after that win, the second-year QB tossed only 12 touchdown passes, while having 16 interceptions (including playoffs). 

Why the Blue Man Group reference you might ask?  Actually, it was on my mind as my girlfriend Karen gave me the gift of the Blue Man group for Christmas.  We had a great time, and it was a creative and entertaining show that I would recommend to anyone, especially those frustrated Giants fans that could probably use a good laugh or two.  Eli, you should get some tickets too.

 

Orioles ready to “Cowboy Up”

“Millahhhhhhhh!! You bum!!”  If I had a nickel for every time I heard that phrase while living in the Boston area... I could buy myself a “wicked good bowl of chowdah”.  On Thursday, the Orioles signed “class clown” Kevin Millar to a one year deal.  I would like to soften my stance on Millar, who I openly trashed on a previous blog.  At the time, I was adamant about the O’s not signing him for a full-time position, and luckily they did not.  However, I will admit that I fell victim to the Boston media, who appear to only praise their players when they exceed expectations.  Not meet them, but exceed them.  After hearing tons of negativity about Millar in recent years, I took it upon myself to research more about his stats.  Below is a three-year stat comparison between Millar and five of the best hitters in the Baltimore lineup.  As you can see, Millar is second in on-base percentage (OBP) for 2004 and 2005, including having a higher OBP then Miguel Tejada over the past three seasons.  Furthermore, Millar’s strikeout numbers are not outrageous, and his average has been above .270 for each of the last three years.  One thing is for sure, Millar will be a fresh face that is sure to loosen up a Baltimore clubhouse that suffered from some major trauma in 2005.    

PLAYER (TEAM)	HR/K ‘03	HR/K ‘04	HR/K ‘05	OBP ‘03	OBP ‘04	OBP ‘05
Kevin Millar (BOS)	25/108	18/91	9/74	.348	.383	.355
Melvin Mora (BAL)	15/71	27/95	27/112	.418	.419	.348
Miguel Tejada (OAK/BAL)	27/65	34/73	26/83	.336	.360	.349
Brian Roberts (BAL)	5/58	4/95	18/83	.337	.344	.387
Javy Lopez (ATL/BAL)	43/90	23/97	15/68	.378	.370	.322
Jay Gibbons (BAL)	23/89	10/64	26/56	.330	.303	.317

 

Synopsis for tidbits Volume I:

Millar may not be a bad sign after all, but the O’s still need pitching more then Marcus Vick needs to get his hands on a “Get out of Jail Free” card. 

If comedian Larry the Cable Guy was given the opportunity to describe Eli Manning against the ferocious Carolina defense, I’m sure he would use his joke “He was sweatin’ more then Jessica Simpson taking the SAT’s, I tell you what”. 

Don’t sweat it New York, after two seasons brother Peyton had not fulfilled his potential yet either.  Give Eli some more time Giants fans.   

Speaking of time, it is time for the NFL Divisional Playoffs.  Expect rain and drama in Seattle, a track meet in Indy, a defensive struggle in the Windy City, and two coaching masterminds duking it out in Denver.

 

Happy Holidays to all you readers out there! 

In the holiday spirit, here is a unique twist on the NFL playoff contenders as the season winds down…

NFC

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-2):

Team Outlook 

The Seahawks are in cruise control right now, yet they remain slightly vulnerable.  The Giants showed that the ‘Hawks are beatable a few weeks back, as the wayward foot of Jay Feely single handedly kept New York from the win column.  Seattle does have great offensive balance combining the solid running game of Shaun Alexander with the capable passing game led by QB Matt Hasselbeck.  With a week off, the Seahawks could be tough to beat in a wide-open NFC playoff race.

What was in his stocking?

Shaun Alexander – The NFL Running Back Touchdown Record

Alexander tied Priest Holmes’ mark of 27 TD’s (with three scores on Saturday against Indianapolis)

Mike Holmgren – A “Cheesehead”

Don’t worry Seahawk faithful; it was just some Green Bay fans begging Holmgren to come back to Lambeau Field.  Too bad for Packer fans, as they will get their wish in Week 17.

2. Chicago Bears (11-4):

Team Outlook

The Bears are an interesting team, with a very solid defense.  They are by no means flashy, and I (like many out there), have little faith in them reaching the Super Bowl.  Rex Grossman is rusty, and is returning to the helm during the final stretch of the season.  Chicago’s defense is solid, but their anemic offense does not appear to have enough firepower to get the job done this year.  Furthermore, Chicago had the luxury of playing in a weak division.  The first round bye will help the Bears, but look for them to bow out sooner then later.

What was in his stocking?

Kyle Orton – A Lump of Coal (the full-sized wooden bench would not fit)

The former Purdue alum was bounced from the starting QB job after going 10-4 on the season.  Sure, Orton’s game was flawed, but he got the job done, and that certainly must be a “tough pill to ####”.  Rex Grossman now gets the nod at quarterback for the Bears.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5):

Team Outlook

The Bucs will look to rest their playoff chances behind the “wheels of their Cadillac”.  Cadillac Williams has had some health issues throughout the season, but is a legitimate running threat along the side of the versatile Michael Pittman.  Combine that with solid defense, and a fairly mistake-free Chris Simms, the Bucs should have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs.  However, a possible rematch with the red-hot Redskins (Tampa beat the ‘Skins 36-35 on November 13^th) on Wild Card Weekend could be a roadblock that even the Cadillac can’t drive through.

What was in his stocking?

Cadillac Williams – An Oil Change and Tune-up

Tampa Bay is hoping they will have a healthy and rested Williams, as well as a playoff home game.

Jon Gruden – A “Chucky” Doll

C’mon!  You know that someone has had to buy him one at some point in his life!

4. New York Giants (10-5):

Team Outlook

Like the Seahawks, the Giants have great balance.  New York boasts a solid defense led by Michael Strahan, a consistent running game led by Tiki Barber, and a streaky yet potent passing game led by Eli Manning.  Led by the hard-nosed Tom Coughlin, the Giants have a great shot to return to the Super Bowl this season.  If the seeds remain the way they are today, I would not be surprised if New York sneaks into the NFC Championship game. 

What was in his stocking?

Tiki Barber – A few early MVP votes

There is no doubt that Barber has taken this team on his back, and the Giants would not be where they are without him.

Michael Strahan – Contact info for a good dentist, who can fix the gap between his teeth.  Toss in with it the recognition for being the leader of the Giant defense.

5. Carolina Panthers (10-5):

Team Outlook

Carolina is a tough team to figure out.  One week they look unstoppable, and the next they are chock full of flaws.  For many weeks, I thought the Panthers should sneak back into the Super Bowl.  However, now I am having my doubts, especially if they are presented with a matchup against the Giants.  Either way, Carolina still has plenty of talent, and still has a shot to take their division.  In order to defeat the Panthers, their opponent must contain Steve Smith.

What was in his stocking?

Steve Smith – A restraining order from the refs in Week 16

Smith needs to keep a level head, as the Panthers will need him and his playmaking abilities in order to go deep in the playoffs.

6. Washington Redskins (9-6):

Team Outlook

The ‘Skins are clicking right now, and have been a streaky team all year.  One week the offense is explosive, and the next Washington can’t put points on the board.  After starting 3-0, the Redskins lost six of eight, and then followed that with four straight victories.  Now, one win over the Eagles, and the Redskins are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999.  Joe Gibbs is back in a big way, and using his running game (featuring RB Clinton Portis) like the old days.  Mark Brunell’s knee status is a slight worry, and offensive lineman Randy Thomas being out with an injury hurts even more.  However, a Redskins team clicking at the right time could make some major noise in the playoffs… that is, if they get in.  Washington owns the tiebreaker over Dallas.

What was in his stocking?

Daniel Snyder – A Playoff Berth

If possible to get a playoff berth into a stocking, Snyder would find a way.  One would have to imagine the Redskins owner is ecstatic to see Gibbs back, and that his ‘Skins are one win away from a playoff berth.

Patrick Ramsey – A few Timeouts

Santa figured Patrick could use a few after blowing two in as many seconds in Saturday’s game against the Giants.  On a side note, Ramsey filled in admirably for Brunell in the 35-20 win over New York.

7. Dallas Cowboys (9-6):

Team Outlook

Dallas is the “Bubble team” in the NFC at the current time.  Parcells rallied the troops to another thrilling victory to keep the Cowboys in the playoff hunt.  The win over Carolina kept Dallas alive, and now they will need help going into the final week.  A victory over the Rams followed by a Washington loss can get Parcells and the ‘Boys back into the playoffs.  Once there, any team coached by Parcells has a chance at making a run. 

What was in his stocking?

Bill Parcells - "Jerry Jones Repellant"

With the team on the verge of potentially missing the playoffs, one would imagine that Dallas owner Jerry Jones is breathing down the back of Bill Parcells.

 

Coming up Next: The AFC analysis

In the meantime, Happy Holidays again to all… and to all a good night!