Being in the NFL market that is currently on the clock(St. Louis), I felt it necessary that I write about the NFL.
First, we'll discuss the mess that is the Chad Johnson situation
Ocho Cinco needs to quit being a baby and decide whether or not he wants to play football or try to be a whiner who is a poor man's T.O. when it comes to end zone celebrations. Don't get me wrong, I think Chad Johnson is one of the top WRs in the NFL. However, he needs to get to training camp and play hard this season for the Bengals. Cincinnati is not going to trade him in the offseason so he needs to do what T.O. did in Philly, which is shut up and play the season. I see Johnson being traded next off season, not this one.
Second, I like the move of Jared Allen to the Vikings. Allen will solidify the D-Line for the Vikings, which has struck out on defensive ends in the past few years(Ukeze is the main one I'm thinking of). This will allow the Chiefs to draft a DE in the draft on Saturday.
Third, the NFL stated that, for the time being, the Rams can not negotiate with the player(s) that they want to pick #2 in the draft. I think the league will allow the Rams to negotiate with either Chris Long of Virginia or Glenn Dorsey of LSU.
Lastly, here's what I think will happen from Picks 2 to 7(I'm not Mel Kiper or Todd McShay-thank goodness) 2-Rams: DE Chris Long-Virginia 3-Falcons: QB Matt Ryan-Boston College 4-Saints(trade with Raiders): DT Glenn Dorsey-LSU 5-Chiefs: OLB/DE Vernon Gholsten-Ohio State 6-Jets: RB Darren McFadden-Arkansas 7-Patriots-LB Keith Rivers-USC
As long as the Bengals keep at least 24 players out of jail, they should win the AFC North.
2006 Record: 8-8, 2nd AFC North Missed Playoffs
Offense: Multiple Quarterback: Carson Palmer My pick to win the MVP award this season, Palmer will have his best season with Rudi, Chad, T.J. and the crew back again. With over 4,000 yards passing and 28 TDs to only 13 INTs, Palmer put up stats that should have helped the Bengals make the playoffs. Grade: 5 out of 5
Running Back: Rudi Johnson The chants of "Rudi, Rudi, Rudi" will be blaring loud and clear from the riverfront. Johnson is a bruiser who had over 1300 yards rushing and 12 TDs. Chris Henry is a viable backup as the Bengals may attempt to go with the 2 back system. Grade: 4 out of 5
Wide Receiver: Key Player-Chad Johnson It's the Chad and TJ show for it's 6th season in the League. Actually, I think it's been longer b/c they went to college together, but this will work. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are probably the best pair of wide outs in the league. The question is will they be able to co-exist. Both big egos normally are center stage during the season. Grade: 5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-RT WIllie Anderson The line is ok, but Anderson is the leader of the group. Old Willie hopefully will get another shot at the Super Bowl this year. Grade: 3 out of 5
Defense: 4-3 Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Justin Smith This unit is weak. The only reason I picked Smith is because he played for Missouri. I'm not a big fan of the D-Line here. Grade: 1.5 out of 5
Linebacker: Key Player-OLB Odell Thurman If Thurman could stay out of trouble, he is a great player. The third year pro from Georgia has the speed to cover the RB and the toughness to cover the TE. Unfortunately, he is the only good one they have. Grade: 2 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Deltha O'Neal Both of the starting corners had bad years last season, interception wise. O'Neal had 1 pick, Jonathan Joseph had none. They need to improve on that. Grade: 2 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Dexter Jackson The former Super Bowl MVP is a good fit in this defense of underachievers. IF someone was to step up on this D, I'm guessing Jackson will be the guy. Grade: 1.5 out of 5
Special Teams K: Shayne Graham P: Kyle Larson Graham has made some clutch kicks in his career. He was 25 for 30 last season. Larson is a good punter as well. Grade: 4 out of 5
Overview If the Bengals could play some solid defense(something that Marvin Lewis is good at coaching), there is no reason why Cincy couldn't win the AFC. However, I got a feeling that this D will suck. Carson will win his MVP and Rudi will get his 1500 yards, but the defense will be the reason the Bengals fall in the playoffs.
I am an avid sports fan who attempts to watch/read about as many games as possible. Growing up in St. Louis, I am a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. Not having an NFL team for most of my life, until the Rams showed up, I am a Tennessee Titans fan and I am also a University of Tennessee fan. I am a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
