With Training Camp mere days away I thought now would be a good time to put out my season predictions. I figure I'll start by saying who will make the playoffs and how they got there, and then move to the actual playoff games. So without further ado here is my list.

AFC East Division Champions: New England Patriots 14-2

No suprises here, after coming off a 16-0 regular season and a runner up finish the Patriots appear equally loaded to make another run. Returning is virtually the entire record setting offense which should continue to be the best in the league. Maroney should emerge into a 1000 yard back, and balance out the offensive attack. On defense arguably the best defensive line should be bolstered by a healthy Richard Seymour for the first time in several years. There is some fresh blood at linebacker which should improve the pass defense in that area. However, the secondary is an absolute mess with the departure of Asante Samuel. The starting corners are Ellis Hobbs and Fernando Bryant, and if the latter isn't good enough for the Lions than he definately isn't good enough for the Pats. The 2 losses will come from the Broncos and the Seahawks.

AFC South Division Champions: Indianapolis Colts 12-4

After a quiet offseason from Indianapolis the Colts return a strong team. Manning and company should be boosted by a healthy Harrison this year. Addai should emerge into an elite back with another year of seasoning. On defense Dwight Freeney returns from IR, and he will try to continue to continue to be a pass rushing force. They return the #1 ranked pass defense, and that should continue to be a strength for them. The improvement across the division, and dates with the Chargers and the Pats will lead to a few more losses this year for the Colts, but they will nonetheless stay atop the division.

AFC North Division Champions: Cleveland Browns 11-5

This one was an extremely hard choice between the Steelers and the Browns. While I personally believe the Steelers are stronger, they also have to face the Chargers and the Patriots which will be the difference. The young exciting offense of the Browns should put up points in bunches, especially with the embarrasment of riches at the skill positions. However, the real question is on defense with new parts being added to the mix. I believe the 2 new D tackles will dissapoint those who are expecting a huge improvement, since it is difficult to translate D tackles to the 3-4. Kamerion Wimbley should make a bigger impact like he did in his rookie year. The cornerback slot is a mess like the Patriots. They should split the season series with the Steelers and beat the Steelers in by 1 game.

AFC West Champions: San Diego Chargers 13-3

Make no mistake the Chargers are LOADED!! With Phillip Rivers leading the way they can expect to secure a bye while providing some of the most impressive performances of the season. They have drafted so well over the past couple of years that they have enough young talent to split over 3 teams. However, despite the talent they do have the great equalizer Norv Turner. He alone should account for 3 losses. They do need to win a Superbowl soon as their young talent will soon require contracts that are out of this world.

Wild Card: Jacksonville Jaguars 11-5

What isn't there to like about this team? Their two headed monster at tailback will continue to dominate this year. David Garrard is an extremely good game manager, who doesn't make mistakes. On defense they have some weapons with Henderson, Mathis, Nelson, and others. Despite all this they are relying on Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson to improve their passing game.(never gonna happen).  Also they overpaid for Drayton Florence an extremely average corner. My big question with the Jags is why will this year be any different from the last couple? While they are always good they are never great, and I suspect the same is their destiny in 2008.

Wild Card: Buffalo Bills 10-6

Hold your laughter for a second please. The Bills have one of the easiest schedules I have ever seen. It's like taking the Patriots and removing the division champions. Plus, have you looked at the Bills roster lately? I'm naturally skeptical, but this has the look of a good team. Marshawn Lynch can create an effective rushing attack, plus Lee Evans is always good for a big play. On defense they added Marcus Stroud who will create more opportunities for the gifted ends on the outside. Also, Mckelvin arrives culminating with the emergence of Whitner and the return of Pozluzney leading to an exciting defense. If this team could scrap together a 7-9 record last year adding 3 wins with an improved team and an easier schedule shouldn't be outside the realm of possibility. If they somehow hold a tiebreaker with the Steelers than they are playoff bound.

The Games: Wilcard

Buffalo@ Indianapolis: Final Score 48-13 Indi

So much for a Cinderella story. The Colts easily handle the inferior Bills at home with Peyton Manning throwing for 5 TD's.

Jacksonville@ Cleveland: Final Score 24-21 Cle

A tough fought game despite over 300 yards passing by Anderson. His mistakes lead to opportunistic points by Jacksonville. However, after Jacksonville ties it with 15 seconds left Cribbs returns the ball 67 yards leading to the GW field goal.

Divisional Round

Cleveland@ New England: Final Score 31-17 NE

New England jumps out to an early lead with twin deep strikes to Moss. Late in the game Cleveland closes to within a touchdown, but the Patriots ice it with a strike to Watson in the back of the endzone.

Indianapolis@ San Diego: Final Score 17-14 SD

Since the Colts couldn't beat the Volek-Turner Chargers their is no chance they beat next years version. The game is an unexpected defensive struggle which leads to defensive TD's by Cromartie and Sanders. At the end of the game with a chance to win it Manning fumbles and the Chargers subsequently drive and kick a GW field goal redeeming Kaeding after years of failure.

Championship

San Diego @ New England: Final 34-31 SD

This year is the year San Diego makes it over the hump. The offenses dominate the game as the defenses look helpless.  Down 4 with less than 2 minutes Phillip Rivers leads the Chargers down to a game winning touchdown with LT on the sideline complaining because it is too cold outside. On the last play of regulation Rivers throws a bullet to Gates down the seam. As he catches it he is drilled by Harrison on the goal line resulting in controversy on whether or not the ball broke the plane. After review the refs rule it a touchdown and the game is over, leading to me on the floor screaming in disbelief as the Chargers are headed to the Superbowl for the 1st time in over a decade.

Being a Boston sports fan there isn't all that much to complain about these days. However, I'm going to do my best to do so anyways. Hopefully in doing so I can insult and anger every blogger on this website. So without any further ado here is my list.

 

10. The Tampa Bay Rays

Now before this year I had nothing against the Rays, they were the loveable losers who got in a couple of fights per year with the Sox, but now they are in first place. Now this doesn't bother me that much, but all the writers are acting like they called it. The problem is they have been picking first in the draft virtually for 10 years now. So everyone knew eventually the talent would have to prevail. It's okay though in 3 years these young stars like Longoria will have new $100,000,000 contracts with the Soxs and Yanks and all will be right with the world.

9. The Portland Trail Blazers

A surprise pick to some, but I am basically jealous because of the absurd luck that has hit this team. They win the NBA draft lottery against incredible odds to secure the best center prospect this decade, and Darius Miles experiences a career ending injury, ridding them of his rediculous contract. Also, Kevin Pritchard is milking the former Celtics Ainge, Mchale, and Bird in trades virtually every year. Lets review Bassy Telfair for 7th pick=Randy Foye, Randy Foye+ Cash+ Brandon Roy, Kareem Rush+ Jarrett Jack=Jerryd Bayless. That is insanity I think the NBA should institute a new rule banning teams from making more than one trade per year with former Celtics. Grizzly fans I would watch yourselves Pritchard might be able to milk Chris Wallace with a Mayo and Gay for Diogu and Frye trade.

A lottery pick gone and all I got was this lousy Through the Fire DVD.

8. San Diego Chargers

Now the Chargers used to be my second favorite team up until a few years ago. They are the next dynasty in the NFL and are likely to throw the Pats from their perch atop the AFC. The real reason for all the animosity is Ladanian Tomlinson whose jersey I own, but haven't worn for a number of years. Two years ago he cried and claimed disrespect because the Pats celebrated their victory by mocking Sean Merriman, BIG DEAL!! but LT made an issue of it, and was a sore loser a la Bill Belicheck. What any real player would have done is waited until the next year and get revenge then, but Tomlinson didn't and instead sulked on the sideline saying his knee hurt while teamate Phillip Rivers played his heart out. I can't see myself respecting a team with Tomlinson on it, and  that is why they rank at number 8.

7. Montreal Canadiens

Being 100% French Canadien with relatives in Quebec and New Brunswick this seems somewhat sacreligious, but let me tell you nothing is as satisfying as making fun of fans who are so passionate and drink so heavily after the Canadiens are eliminated. While I am just a part time hockey fan, I would have given anything to see the Bruins eliminate the Habs.

6.  New York Giants

Now this doesn't entirely stem from me being bitter about the Pats loss. No it is more that the fans their are so fickle. Before the Superbowl the fans were calling for Eli and Coughlin's jobs, but now 1 victory later they are ready to enshrine them into the hall of fame. I'm just wondering how many games it will take for them to turn on the Giants again. My prediction is by Week 2.

5. USC Trojans

Now my BC Eagles never face them, and likely won't for quite some time, but here is my problem, Why do they need 6 Five-Star recruits at every position? The last time i checked only one player starts at each position, so why do recruits risk probable future NFL careers by going to a school where their is a good chance that they will never see the field? Also, Pete Carrol was at the helm of the Pats during their decline from Superbowl contender to an average team. Finally, what kind of name is the Trojans? Who would name their team after a ancient city of which nobody is certain even existed, whose people got fooled by a gigantic wooden horse? I'm just saying.

4. New York Jets

Is it the fact that they are the Pats longtime rivals? Nope. Or how bout the fact that Mangina is a snitch? Not that either. It's that stupid J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS! chant. We get it Jets fans you can spell simple words, we are proud of you.

Fireman Ed can spell and he is excited.

3. Los Angeles Lakers

Since I was born after the Celtics Lakers heyday I am new to this rivalry, but after the finals I can proudly say I know why it exists. Lakers fans are idiots it is as simple as that. The fact is on these blogs as most of you can attest to, Lakers fans say so many rediculous things that I can't even tell if its a true LA fan or somebody just parodying them. Over the last week I have seen Lakers fans predicting a threepeat before they have even won one, another lakers fan convinced that the Lakers would have won the NBA finals if not for the Refs, and finally somebody saying KOBE!!! is underated despite being widely considered the best player in the game. Hopefully the Trail Blazers and Celtics can put them in their place over the next 5 years or so, because I can't imagine listening to them after they win an NBA championship. You know what scratch the Blazers off the list the world needs them.

2. New York Yankees

This is an obvious choice being that I'm the type of fan that I am. Besides for their egomanical owners they can sucessfully manipulate the MLB to get whatever they want. When The Sox try to trade for A-Rod MLB blocks it, but the Yankees offer a similar package and they allow it. They spend 60 mil per year more than any other team. I know the Sox are the same way, but to manipulate a quote by Lewis Black "The Yankees are such assholes that they make the Red Sox look like rectums in comparison." (Lewis Black, The White Album)

 Sorry for the obscure Monica Lewinsy reference but it had to be done.

1. Indianapolis Colts

Finally, the mecca of them all the Colts. Now besides the fact that the Pats have owned the Colts in the TB vs. PM era, I take so much joy in watching the Colts lose. Tony Dungy may be a good guy and a good christian, but the media makes him out to look like Jesus re-incarnated, and since apparently Pats-Colts matchups have turned into good vs evil it is always fun to root for the bad guys. Most of all though is Peyton Manning. While he is a good guy, and his commercials are funny, the #2 reason why I watch football is to see those rare wonderful Manning face sightings.

 Now this is why I watch football

 O yeah at least Randy didn't moon a female athletic trainer like Peyon Manning. (Why did I bring that up? Because I'm Petty)

Honorable Mention

The Toronto Blue Jays

Every year their fans say this is they year, and every year they are the proverbial puching bag.

 

So that's my list. I welcome your comments on the teams you love to hate on.

Every so often an athlete comes along with talent so amazing that he can transcend the barriers of other sports like Bo Jackson. This got me thinking about the type of impact certain athletes could make in other sports. I started to make a list of who I think could make the jump and what postions they would play. These are a few of what I came up with:

Lebron James 6'6 240lbs Tight End

Lebron is arguably one of the best in the game already, but if he had played football he could have been the best Tight End to ever play the game. Assuming Lebron runs roughly a 4.6 40 time (not completely out of the realm of possibility) he would be in the upper eschelon in terms of speed. What would make him different is his height and athleticism. Nobody in the NFL that tall has ever been that athletic, this would make Lebron the leagues top redzone target. Plus, with NFL strength coaches he could probably put on another 20lbs making him larger that most NFL linebackers. As far as blocking he would be about as likely to do that as he plays defense in the NBA so that is a wash.

Wes Welker  5'9 185lbs Right Wing

What stands out about Wes Welker is how scrappy of a player he is. His tenacity probably belongs in the National Hockey League where he would get to make a more profound impact. He is extremely quick and has fast feet which would serve him well if he was playing on skates. His soccer backround would probably help him as well. He is considered one of the most physical blocking receivers in the NFL so he likely wouldn't me afraid to jack people up. Plus, that sex offender stash is something that belongs in either MLB or the NHL. On numerous occasions last year I heard him trash talking opponents, In the NHL those would turn into fights. He'd probably get his ass kicked, but it would be a fun ride.

Jamarcus Russell 6'6 269lbs Outfielder

Coming into the combine it was rumored that he could throw the ball 80+ yards. If you think Jeff Francour has a cannon imagine seeing Russell gun down unsuspecting baserunners from Right Field. As far as batting is concerned he definately has raw power. Plus quarterbacks have generally quick releases which would likely translate somewhat to bat speed. Another added benefit would be that Russell would have a much harder time eating himself out of the league, but in either league it will eventually happen.

Allen Iverson 6'0 165lbs Cornerback

Back in high school Iverson was supposedly better than Michael Vick at QB. His resume also included a 7 interception game, I repeat 7 interceptions. He likely would be at CB because of his weight, but he also has a 45" vertical jump and fluid athleticism which would make him like Deion. His change of sirection ability would allow him to return kicks and punts. He would however be a lock for a holdout during training camp every season do to his distaste for "practice".

Richard Seymour 6'7 310lbs Power Foward

This one isn't ideal because he is too short and isn't an insane athlete, but he is probably amongst the strongest and most physically intimidating players in the NFL. if the had 2 more inches he could be as good as Shaq. The NBA has never seen a player quite so strong in the low post. On defense nobody would be able to move within 8 feet of the basket due to his incredible strength. People trying to defend him would be thrown to the side when he elevates. He would become the leagues first enforcer since Oakley, and KG wouldn't do a chest bump within 5 miles of him because of fears of reprocussions.

Those are just a few that I thought of, please comment on whoever you think could make it.

 

I haven't ever watched as much sports in my life as I did this year. Euphoria and heartbreak, thank god I have a 2 month break until the olympics so my heart doesn't explode. I am going to chronicle Boston sports from the last 12 months and recap this amazing year.

Since the Celtics just won their 17th title It seems fitting to start 1 year ago on draft day when the Celts traded their 5th pick, Delonte West, and Wally Szcerbiak for Ray Allen. This transformed the Celtics from a young inexperienced tanking team to a playoff contender. Just 2 months later they traded for KG which established them as a championship team. They started out fast right out of the gate and cruised to a 66-16 record. Then the playoffs were unbelievable watching The Truth become a legend with his game 7 against the Cavs, the NBA finals comeback from 24 down, and my personal favorite part was watching Lamar Odom finally deciding to play hard 30 pts down in an elimination game. After spending the last couple of years watching the impotent Celtics get hammered it was a treat to finally watch real basketball being played in Boston.

 

The Red Sox finally won the division over the Yankees for the first time in 12 years. In doing so they put together a young pitching staff which is evolving into the envy of the league. They came from 3 down against Cleveland to win in 7 during the ALCS, and subsequently swept the Rockies leading to their 2nd World Series title this decade.

 

The Patriots had one of the most exciting and media covered seasons of any team in any sport in history. Spygate left a black mark over the team, however I had fun for a while debating in the completely biased on both ends argument on whether or not the Pats titles are tainted. I put all of my thoughts into a blog on Spygate. Then week 9 rolled around for the most hyped regular season game in history against the Colts culminating in a Pats victory. They rolled to the first 16-0 regular season record and into the Superbowl. Then things took a turn. The game against the Giants was the biggest upset in Superbowl history, the amazing Tyree catch+ the fact that the O-Line all took 10 Ambiens before the game led to the loss. (How the F*** did he catch that ball?) I'm over it though really.

 

I even got into hockey again when the Celtics were playing for nothing and the Bruins were in the playoff chase despite being hobbled badly by injuries. They pushed Montreal to 7 despite being a far inferior team, but in doing so they re-ignited a once passionate fan base with hustle and Physical play. Sidenote: Milan Lucic of the Bruins is going to be a star, mark my words maybe not int terms of points but with fights and hits.

Finally, for me one of the few Boston College fans I got to witness a senior class that I loved to watch have a legitimate opportunity to play in a BCS bowl. Also, I saw one of the biggest victories in BC history over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. This was the wildest game I saw all year with broken play after broken play working for BC.

(Yes Matt its been a wild ride)

I understand why there are so many NE haters because when you have a year like this one where one of your teams is in a huge game seemingly every week  there is an envy that comes with that. All I can say is that I hope every fan can experience this once in their life because it is great. I am going to spend the next couple of months away from sports in order for my heart to recouperate.

 

 

Before I start I will admit to being incredibly biased towards BC. This happens every year, the media hypes up a quarterback to the point where he isn't the QB he is made out to be. Then the criticism turns onto him, and they tear him down. This year it is Matt Ryan. He seems to be falling in the Mock Drafts because the pundits say he doesn't have star potential. I think he will play like a combination of Ben Roethlisberger and Phillip Rivers at the next level. He may not be able to throw a football 50 yards on his knees, but the man is a player. 2007 Stats: 4,507 passing yards (59% completion percentage) 31 TD passes 19 interceptions People who have never seen him play point to his poor completion % and Int, but what is important to understand is how utterly terrible BC's receivers were. None of them were over 6-1 or could run sub 4.6 40 times. Essentially he had 2 star receivers going against 4-5 star ACC DB's. Thus he had to fit the ball into incredibly tight windows to complete passes. Even the coaches called out the receivers saying their lack of YAC was probably the lowest per completion in history. Plus he had about 5 interceptions on passes his receivers should have caught. Plus his offensive line was very average, Gosder Cherulius is one of the most overated prospects in the draft, and his RT Anthony Costanzo was a 260lb revolving door. He was 3-0 in bowl games. He played with a broken foot during his Junior season. His arm is sufficeint enough to throw any pass. He is a natural leader who isn't afraid to get in players faces if they make a mistake. He distributes the ball very well, and dispite the lofty Int totals hits his checkdown receiver a lot. He has deceptive speed, and rolls out very well, and throws on the run well. For those who argue that Brian Brohm or Chad Henne are better, Matt Ryan would have lit up the nation with that kind of talent. He certaintly wouldn't have lost to Appallacian State or gone 6-6.