Welcome Back...

courtesy nydailynews.com

Well it is official, the NFL and Roger Goodell have finally reached an agreement with the "real" referees and they were allowed to work the Thursday night game between the Browns and Ravens. 

The fans gave them a standing ovation as they walked out onto the field.  This will be the first time and last time officials get any kind of standing ovation from fans. 

It was, though, time to reach a deal between these two parties.  The first three games of the year were beginning to become a joke and were making a mockery of the league. 

The NFL, which is the most popular American sport by far, was tainting its brand and having fans furious.  They were standing firm with the stance that the replacement refs were not changing the product on the field. 

There were plenty of calls made that were without a doubt questionable, but it was the flow of the game and control of the game that was altered as well.  The replacements were not qualified to do this level of officiating. 

It was like the NFL asked the replacements if they were football referees and they said, "No, but we did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night."

It was evident they were not equip with the talent and fortitude to handle this kind of pressure.  It culminated with the debacle on Monday Night Football, at right.  The Packers, who I am definitely not a fan of, were hosed by the replacements and it was the straw that broke the camels back.  I am a fan of the game and to see this happen made me sick.

This non call will have ramifications throughout the rest of the season.  The Packers will have one more loss on their resume and the Seahawks will have one more win on their resume for the playoff push. 

It all comes down to tiebreakers in the NFL.  You get six teams in from each league and it usually comes down to that last weekend and a bucket full of tiebreaker scenarios.  You can bet your bottom dollar this will come back to either help or hurt these two teams at the end of the year. 

This is what Roger Goodell didn't want.  He didn't want the referees being bigger than the game and making their actions ultimately determining the outcomes of games.

He also didn't want this issue making the NFL Shield look bad.  The integrity of the game was being questioned and this is what he was supposed to stand for.  Integrity and safety of the game.

He, the owners, and the referees had to strike a deal and it is a good thing they did. 

Now that the deal has been done and fans, coaches, and players are in La-La Land with glee lets remember the regular officials are human too.  They will make mistakes, they will make bad calls, and they will make all us fans angry again. 

I am not Nostradamus, but it will happen. 

I think the difference is we have respect for what referees like Ed Hochuli, pictured left, do in order to run an NFL game.

I think Roger Goodell does as well. 

I have some contacts within the NFL and they informed me of how Mr. Goodell made up with the  regular refs so I will share it with you. 

It goes like this.

Mr. Goodell said, "Hey, Mr. Hochuli, I got a note."

Mr. Hochuli read the note as follows:

"Dear Mr. Hochuli:

Please excuse Roger and his actions that have allowed this once great league to look like the keystone cops.  He is glad to have you referees back in the fold.  He knows the future looks bright and the NFL will once again take its rightful place as the most popular sport in America. 

Signed Goodell's Mother."

Welcome back refs, Welcome Back, Welcome Back!

The How to Guide to Quarterbacking

In the last week, since their loss to Green Bay, there has been a great deal of national backlash towards Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.  His actions on and off the field towards his left tackle J'Marcus Webb, who he yelled and shoved, have been picked apart more than a frog in a science class.

The national media and even fans in Chicago have questioned Jay's skills as a quarterback, his potential to lead the Bears to a Super Bowl, and even his attitude as a human being. 

Jay came to the Bears, via trade from Denver, with the hope of better things to come from the quarterback position.  He came with a jet powered rocket arm and a ceiling as high as any Bears fan had seen in decades from a quarterback.   

What he didn't come with is a how-to-manual for it is supposed to take to be an NFL quarterback.

So Jay has shown some angst towards his offensive linemen.  He has displayed an apparent lack of etiquette towards other players.  He has shown a possible displeasure with the media. 

Really?  Who cares?

Jay has, in the past three years, reason to be upset with his offensive line.  He has been sacked over 100 times and that doesn't count the number of times he got rid of the ball and then was face planted by a rushing linebacker.  This is also a number that would clearly be larger had he not gotten hurt halfway through last year.

The game he had against the Packers was extremely sub par.  I will definitely not argue against that.  He through 4 picks and put his team in too many holes to dig out of. 

He was trying to do everything himself and make a play.  It is the same issue that Michael Vick puts the Eagles in when things go south, Vick tries to make something happen. 

When you are constantly feeling pressure from the pass rush and spending the majority of the game on your backside it gets frustrating.  Jay has stated himself he wants to win and has a passion for this game. 

This is what you want in your teams quarterback.  You want them to be fiery.  I am OK with him yelling at his offensive line and other skill position players. 

This is big boy football not pee-wee football. 

The problem I have with this situation is that fact Jay shoved J'Marcus.  You don't put your hands on anyone and think it will make the situation better.  Hitting or shoving never amounts to success.  Only bad things come from that form of aggression. 

I am; however, OK with him getting in Webb's face.  Jay is an emotional player in an immensely emotional game.  He reminds me of a great deal of Jim McMahon, pictured left. 

The "punky QB" was a bit off his rocker and fiery and it worked for Ditka's Bears.  He played with the passion and personality of the city of Chicago.  I think if Bears fans really think about what they have in Jay Cutler they would agree with me that he possesses these same traits.

I also feel the fans and media types out there who have been upset with Jay's play during that Thursday niter are suffering from early onset dementia.  They only remember one game and don't remember what it was like in his other games or what the Bears had at the quarterback position going back the last twenty years. 

Let me refresh your memories for what it was like before Jay Cutler landed in Chi-town.  Here are the quarterbacks who started the majority of games during the past 20+ years.

1990-93 - Jim Harbaugh.  I think he found his true calling as a head coach an not a starting quarterback.

1994 - Steve Walsh.  Isn't he the guy who hosts America's Most Wanted?

1995 - Erik Kramer.  Wasn't he hilarious when he would enter Jerry Seinfeld's apartment.



1996 - Dave Krieg.  The #3 all-time NFL fumbles leader.  Nice legacy!

1997-98 - Again Erik Kramer.  I think this is when he started Kramerica Industries.

1999 - Shane Matthews.  Clay Matthews craps bigger than this guy.

2000 - Cade McNown, left.  Is best know for possessing an illegal handicapped parking placard while at UCLA.  Class act on and off the field.

2001-02 - Jim Miller.  Man was tough as nails and damn near used them in his coffin after all his injuries.

2003 - Kordell Stewart.  "Slash" was more like "Slush" in Chicago weather.

2004 - Craig Krenzel and Chad Hutchinson.  I went into deep, deep hibernation during this season.


2005 - Kyle Orton.  Benefited from super defense and got to showcase his tremendous neck beard.

2006-07 - Rex Grossman.  Just good enough to not to screw things up for defense and had lone Super Bowl appearance since '85 team.

2008 - Again Kyle Orton.  See 2005.

2009-Present.  Jay Cutler.  As you can see the Chicago Bears have been praying for years for a franchise talented quarterback and they finally went out and got one.  The list of  signal callers is amazingly bad and now having someone with Jays talent and ability should make all Bears fans happy. 

I for one don't want to go back to what the Bears used to have calling the shots.     

They have questioned his ability to lead this team to a Super Bowl.  He had the Bears in the NFC title game two years ago and hurt his knee.  They questioned his toughness then and it was found he tried to come back in and was medically told not to.  He wants to win.  

They questioned his skills and ability to lead his team.  Last year the Bears were the hottest team in the NFL and sitting pretty at 7-3.  Jay was the toast of the town and then the wheels fell off when he  broke his thumb.  Again people saw what the Bears were with Jay at the helm and what the Bears weren't when he was hurt. 

Without Cutler the Bears are a mediocre football team. 

With him they are a contender. 

This year is only two games old for the 2012 Chicago Bears.  They host a feisty group of St. Louis Rams on Sunday who have adopted the personality of their head coach Jeff Fisher (former Bear).  They are in a rebuilding period and should be cure to what ales the Bears.

Jay will bounce back and show everyone again he is what the Bears have coveted for soooo long. 

He didn't come with a manual but...

What real man would read the manual anyway? 

Notre Lame

courtesy dailydomer.nd.edu



The last few days it was announced that Notre Dame will be leaving the Big East and joining the ACC in all sports except football.  This is not totally shocking they have decided to leave as teams have been jumping conferences like crazy over the past few years. 

The issue I have with the move is the narcissistic, egotistical, megalomaniac stance that Notre Dame football takes as they constantly stay as an independent.  They have again moved to a conference and not added football to that conference although they want the benefit from that conference. 

Talk about having your cake and eat it too.

To me Notre Dame has no meaning other than having to watch them play some mediocre football on NBC every Saturday afternoon.  The Notre Dame brand is not what it once was.  Their fans can tell you what they want but I will stand by that till the death.  This once powerful football university has not won a National Championship since Tony Rice, at left, was leading the charge in 1988. 

1988!  Really! 

This is the national power that everyone feels needs to be given all these perks like the BCS letting them in if they have eight wins or more.  It is dumb and they really need to just join a conference and add football.  Get it done already and make college football as level of a playing field as possible.  Enough of this ancient way of thinking and doing business and stop it.   

They will be joining the ACC now and although they won't be joining in football they will have to play five ACC opponents each year in their schedule. 

Five opponents per year out of the ACC.  But you aren't joining the league as a football member?  What a joke and how lame!  This is what I am talking about.  You won't add football but they are forcing you to play their teams five times a year.

I mean poop or get off the pot already!!! 

I thought it was ridiculous when the Big Ten approached them a few years ago and they decided not to join yet they were playing the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, and sometimes Northwestern annually.

It is the old adage that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, well its gotta be a duck.  Right??? 

I understand why they don't want to join as the almighty dollar speaks volumes.  Notre Dame is a monopoly when it comes to football and if they joined the conference it benefits from every team when they play in a bowl game.  If you can stay relevant independently and gain all the money it is the obvious choice.  I get that.   

The problem is Notre Dame isn't what is used to be.  The last time they were really dominate and had great teams year in and year out Lou Holtz, pictured left, was patrolling on the sidelines.  Not in ESPN's TV studio. 

They have tried to hire famous coaches and the hot coach and none of them have been able to bring this sinking ship back to life.  The kids that are playing football today really don't know Notre Dame football as a good product.  Like I stated early it has been 24 years since Notre Dame won a college football championship and the kids on campus now weren't even born yet. 

ESPN's Mike Golic has sons who play at Notre Dame but that is because he and his brother were stars there.  It would be interesting to ask his kids if they would be playing there today if their dad and uncles hadn't played there. 

Notre Dame is currently coached by Brian Kelly who was been successful before, most recently at Cincinnati, and he has the experience and drive to do the job.  Is the change though going to make his job easier?

The ACC has Virgina Tech and Florida State as their top tier of talent each year.  The rest of the league is really suspect at best.  You have the likes of North Carolina, Duke, Maryland, Boston College, Miami (who is a shell of its former self), etc.  They have to play five games against this talent going forward and this cuts into their other scheduling. 

The regular match ups Notre Dame has played in years past of Michigan, USC, Stanford, etc. could become challenged and really cut into what Notre Dame fans have been subject to in the past.  You take five games away from your regular schedule tendencies what are Notre Dame fans going to think in the future?

Will Michigan and Notre Dame do battle in the future?  Who knows only time will tell.  

The change is definitely coming and the Big East is asking at least 27 months advance notice, coupled with an extremely large buyout, to leave the league.

I am sure the other Notre Dame sports will do just fine in their adjustment to yet another league. 

For Notre Dame basketball it should be a slam dunk.

As for Notre Dame football I think this decision is yet another lame incomplete pass. 

   

Cowboys Giant Night

The NFL season kicked off last night with a classic match up between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.  The NFL always knows how to do things the right way by having the defending Super Bowl champion headline the opening night of football. 

The anticipation had been building for months.

The problem is someone forgot to inform the Giants.

They must have misplaced their "Little Orphan Annie" decoder pin to figure out what was in store for them against the Cowboys. 

Lucky for me I did have mine handy and this is what was to be deciphered. 

Be sure...

Be sure to...

Be sure to what???

Be Sure to cover Ogletree!

Ogletree!!!  A crumby third string receiver!!!

That was the important message?!?

It turned out to be.

It was obvious from the first few possessions the Giants were hell bent on using their attacking killer pass rush and try and take away Miles Austin and Dez Bryant.  This left Kevin Ogletree to basically exploit their lack of depth in the secondary and burn them for two touchdowns and over 100 yards.

He will be the big add in fantasy waiver wire claims today I guarantee it.   

The production they didn't expect from Ogletree, pictured left, allowed Dallas' running game to gain much needed yardage and continue to grind out the clock.  Tony Romo, who others and I have questioned about, was superb last night.  He only made one mistake, an interception with a man in his face, and was able to throw 300yds, 3 TD's, and play a complete four quarters. 

He out dueled Eli Manning and his "star" receiver Victor Cruz the whole night.  It might have been a different outcome had Cruz not dropped three very crucial passes that could have kept drives going and had a potential for scores.  The Giants, who were last in rushing a year ago, were no better this go around either. 

Their inability to run the ball on a consistent basis really hinders them especially if Eli's receivers are not catching the ball.  Being one dimensional on offense is hard enough but being zero dimensional is down right impossible.   

Eli has been able to over come this deficit in the playoffs and manage games with the help of a super aggressive defense.  If the Giants though are not able to get to the quarterback it will be another rough regular season for them. 

If they are struggling in these areas, especially in a very stacked NFC, it will be hard to see them making the playoffs.  I don't want to over state the outcome of the game but these areas were very glaring last night.  For one night the Cowboys were better.  The Giants will have their chance to return the favor later in the year.   

I also am not "drinking the Kool-Aid" of the Cowboys either.  I still have them just behind the Giants in their division but I have to give them credit for at least one night.  Jason Garrett, pictured right, and Rob Ryan had their guys ready and they produced.

The game plan was great and the coaching late in the game was what every football fan wants out of their team.  You play to win the game, as Herm Edwards always says. 

The Cowboys were winning and in a 3rd and 11 situation with just 2:11 on the clock in the fourth quarter.  When most teams would have run the ball and let the clock dwindle to the two minute warning then punted.  The Cowboys and Jason Garrett took the game into their own hands and went out and took the win. 

Garrett showed confidence in his starting quarterback when others in the league, and including myself, would have just gone the safe route.  He called a very skilled slant route and found his man, Ogletree, for the first down and ultimately the win.

Looks like Jason Garrett and Tony Romo had their decoder pins handy too! 

R U Ready 4 Some Football?

The football season is upon us and fans everywhere are dreaming of their favorite team playing in the Super Bowl this year.

The preseason is not what everyone wants to see but is forced to in order to get their fix of gridiron action.  The 2012-13 season will have its fill of interesting story lines and teams that come from no where to challenge for a playoff spot.  I have taken into consideration the additions and subtractions from each team and have made my predictions for the upcoming season.  They go as follows:

NFC East Division

1.  New York Giants - (10-6)
The reining Super Bowl champions have lost running back Brandon Jacobs so the back field will be lacking some punch.  They still have Eli Manning calling the shots and Victor Cruz has emerged as a quality target.  The defense is stalwart QB killing defensive ends JPP and Justin Tuck.  Will struggle a bit in regular season but we all know what Eli is capable of in the playoffs.

2.  Dallas Cowboys - (9-7)
It really comes down to two words, Tony Romo.  The former Eastern Illinois product has all the talent in the world but there is just something about him that doesn't get it done in crunch time.  He has shown a tendency to turn the ball over when the game is hanging in the balance.  He is a multimillion dollar quarterback with a 5 cent finish.


Can Romo lead "America's Team" to the Playoffs?

3.  Philadelphia Eagles - (8-8)
The Eagles are intriguing as they have made many moves in the past couple of years to improve their team.  The additions of Asomugha and Rodgers-Cormartie  have strengthened their secondary in a league that is so pass happy now it isn't even funny.  The problem I have is having Michael Vick as their starting QB.  He is super talented and super elusive but sooner or later he gets hit.  He gets hit ALOT!  He has already gotten drilled in a preseason game and had bruised ribs.  In order to be good he has to be on the field and I just don't see him making it through the year.  He is a 32 year old running quarterback.  Not ideal!

4.  Washington Redskins - (5-11)
Rookie QB RGIII.  New blood.  New life.  Same ol' Same ol'.  I do think the Redskins will be competitive but it will take time.  They have nice targets for RGIII in WR's Santana Moss and Pierre Garcon.  They should move the ball and score some points and having the "New Michael Vick" with 22 year old RGIII should help with him scrambling for his life and gaining gut wrenching first downs.  Couple years from now it will be interesting.

NFC West Division

1.  San Francisco 49ers - (12-4)
Jim Harbaugh's second year should be just as successful as his first.  He has as stacked an offensive crew as anyone in the NFL.  They have a quarterback with renewed confidence which is a direct effect of Harbaugh's coaching ability.  They have skill position players that strike fear in opposing teams hearts such as RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, and TE Vernon Davis.  They also add one of the all-time great fly pattern runners in NFL history in Randy Moss.  Moss is still searching for that lost Super Bowl Ring (see Patriots v. Giants first go around) and maybe he will find it in San Francisco Bay.  The defense will once again be anchored by do everything LB Patrick Willis.


Can Randy Moss finally get what he has been searching for?

2.  Arizona Cardinals - (6-10)
The team put all their eggs in the Kevin Kolb basket and they ended up broke.  Kolb went from one quarterbacking controversy in Philly to another in Arizona with John Skelton.  Looks like Skelton is winning the job at this point.  They still have Larry Fitzgerald which will make either QB look better as he is a freak with gloves on.  The ground should be covered quite well with Beanie Wells.  Will be another long year for the Cardinals.

3.  Seattle Seahawks - (5-11)
I am noticing a trend with teams signing or trading for back-up quarterbacks who show flashes with their former team in order to gain interest from other clubs and then they flame out big time.  See Matt Flynn.  The former Green Bay Packers put up great numbers in meaningless games last year for the Pack Attack.  He has now been over taken by rookie QB Russell Wilson.  He has the "it" factor from his days at N.C. State, Wisconsin, and now Seattle.  He isn't the tallest but he is a winner.  I think they are making the right choice but it will be tough going this year for the neon green.  Sidney Rice and Golden Tate are good quality receivers and Marshawn Lynch is a stud.  If the defense can force some turnovers then could win a few more games but winning with a rookie quarterback is always difficult even though lately it has seemed rather easy.

4.  St. Louis Rams - (4-12)
Jeff Fisher will have his hands full with trying to resurrect the once powerful "Greatest Show on Turf" and making them respectable again.  He has a proven track record in his days with Tennessee but this will take some growing pains.  He has a good quarterback in Sam Bradford and if he can stay healthy which has been a problem for him since his Oklahoma days.  Stephen Jackson continues to pile up crazy numbers and will soon be "old" by running backs standards.  It just is a shame he seems to be lost on a team that over the past few years has averaged 3 wins a season.  Will be tough going for the Rams but if anyone can right that ship it is Jeff Fisher.

NFC North Division

1.  Green Bay Packers - (13-3)
This season will be a redemption of sorts after last years 15-1 campaign that ended in Lambeau with the Giants celebrating and moving on in the playoffs.  This year I have a feeling cheeseheads everywhere will be witnessing a rebirth from Aaron Rodgers and a little help from his friends Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, James Starks, and Cedric Benson, the newly acquired ex-Bear/Bengal.  The defense will need to play much better as a whole then last year regardless of their record they did give up an awful amount of points at times.  You can't just go out and expect to outscore everyone because it is bound to come back and bite you in the butt.  Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji will assert their will and you should expect a solid effort from the Green Bay defense.


There will be plenty of leaps in his future!

2.  Chicago Bears - (11-5)
After last years collapse, when Jay Cutler was out for the season, the Bears knew they needed more help on the offensive side of the ball.  They went out and got it.  The addition of Brandon Marshall does two things.  One it gives the Bears the number one receiver they have coveted for soooo long and two it reunites Jay Cutler with his favorite receiver from his Denver Broncos days.  The contract dispute with Joseph Forte is behind him and should again be a HUGE piece of what the Bears do offensively as he is a dual threat as a runner and pass catcher.  The defense will need to stay hungry for turnovers, a Lovie Smith specialty, and definitely stay healthy.  They aren't getting any younger and the window of opportunity to win is closing.  Brian Urlacher is dealing with injuries so Lance Briggs along with their secondary, Tillman/Conte/Wright,  will have to step up big in any chance of success will happen in 2012-13.

3.  Detroit Lions - (9-7)
The video game statistics will again be accumulated for Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.  This is probably the best 1-2 punch for hooking up in the NFL today.  Johnson is so tall, fast, and has tremendous hands that all Stafford has to do is lob it up there for him to go and get it.  They will be Lob City North that is for certain.  The defense will again be started up front with demolition man Ndamukong Suh  and Kyle Vanden Bosch.  If Suh can keep his emotions in check enough to not penalize his team they should have another highly successful season.  Will be a tough division as anyone of these teams could make the playoffs and it wouldn't surprise me.

4.  Minnesota Vikings - (5-11)
They have Adrian Peterson which is a plus.  They have Christian Ponder which is a minus.  If any team can keep Jared Allen off your back then it should be a field day for opposing offenses.  Will be a long cold winter in Minnesota.

NFC South Division

1.  Carolina Panthers - (10-6)
There is always a team that comes out of nowhere to claim their division title.  I am going out on a limb and picking the Cam Newton led Panthers to be that team.  They are coming off a 6-10 season but Cam Newton put together one of the greatest rookie seasons to date.  He is a special talent and player who single handily wins games with his pure raw ability.  He did this in college at Auburn and will do so in Carolina.  He is just scratching the surface of what he could be and I see a freight train coming and when they get going they are hard to stop.  The rushing attack of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart has been solid as well and Steve Smith is still a viable target for Newton to hook up with for long gainers.  The defense will continue to be led by LB James Anderson which is a tackling machine.


When the smoke clears Cam's arrow is pointing skyward.

2.  Atlanta Falcons - (10-6)
The Falcons have been a sexy pick for the Super Bowl the past few seasons as Matt Ryan and company have been extremely solid and have a home field advantage that has been one of the more difficult to over come.  This isn't the case in the playoffs as Green Bay destroyed them two years ago and they were beaten soundly by the Giants last year.  The Falcons will again have weapons on offense like Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez for Ryan to aim for.  They also have a rock solid RB in Michael Turner.  I see another semi-successful season for Atlanta and then a first round fizzle in the playoffs.  The Dirty Birds will fly south for the winter early again.

3.  New Orleans Saints - (9-7)
The whole off season has been a mess for the Saints it is ridiculous.  The bounty issue coupled with the organizations lack of obvious support for quarterback Drew Brees will undoubtedly leave them punch drunk like Soda Popinski.  They don't have their Head Coach Sean Payton and they will have other players missing time, as well as, coaches.  It is a mess.  On pure talent and leadership qualities from Drew Brees I think he wills them to nine wins but I wouldn't be surprised with less.  You can't have an off season like that and think it won't effect the team going forward.


Only Soda Popinski was more wobbly than the Saints this off season.


4.  Tampa Bay Bucs - (3-13)
The Bucs went out and added some excellent skill players in Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark.  They have a solid quarterback in Josh Freeman.  They have a good RB in Lagarrette Blount.  I just get this feeling that this combination is not going to work.  Call it a hunch, but I just don't like it.  They have a new coach in Greg Schiano and did so after firing Raheem Morris who I thought got good results from his players when they had been 10-6 in 2010.  I just see yet another losing season for the Bucs.

AFC East Division

1.  New England Patriots - (13-3)
The Tom Brady led Patriots continue to amaze with the sheer mastery he has of the offense.  The addition of former Illini Brandon Lloyd should prove deadly for the opposition.  They still have Gronk and Welker as threats also.  Running back has always been an issue for the Pats but the short passing game is a glorified rushing attack for them and serves a similar purpose.  The division really is theirs to lose and I don't see it happening any time soon.  The defense under Belichek has never been dominate but serviceable knowing the offense is going to put up plenty of points.  The year Brady had last year with his 5,000 yards I only see that going up this year.  Drew Brees' record may only stand one season if Brady can stay healthy.

2.  Buffalo Bills - (9-7)
I am expecting one of the teams in this division to increase their win total from last year.  The Bills started last season with a strong start and also beat the Pats before a serious nose dive.  They added Mario Williams to the defense which will certainly make their front group stronger.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is a very good quarterback and has the intelligence (Harvard) to use last year to his advantage.  He threw for 3800 yards last season and doesn't have to go way beyond that, but does need to decrease his interceptions from the 23 he threw last year.  He has a very good running back in Fred Jackson and if he can be strong and durable the 1,000 yard season is definitely a mark he should meet and then some.  If the passing game can find a number two receiver to compliment Steve Johnson then good things may happen and a playoff push may be in their future.

3.  New York Jets - (6-10)
M. E. S. S. Mess, Mess, Mess.  Is what the Jets fans will be crying this season.  The quarterback situation is ridiculous with the organization giving Mark Sanchez a three year extension and then fast forward a bit and they trade for Tim Tebow.  It doesn't matter what either of these fine young men say it is NOT going to work out.  The beginning of the season for the Jets is brutal and if Sanchez starts slow it will be "Tebow Time" in New York.  And what weapons do they have that strikes fear in any opposing defense?  The answer is none really.  They have Santonio Holmes and Shonn Green but we aren't in the Big Ten anymore it is the AFC East.  The way Rex Ryan runs that team and everyone seems to have an opinion it is bound to blow up.  Revis Island will have more drama than Survivor.  And no one has immunity on this team, nobody.

 
All smiles in practice but games are a different issue.

4.  Miami Dolphins - (4-12)
Repeating myself bit but starting a rookie quarterback, that was questioned during the NFL draft, can be very tricky.  The good thing going for Ryan Tannehill is that he has ran the offense since being in college.  His offensive coordinator, and ex college coach, should be a good marriage.  Lets hope he doesn't get discouraged as he gets knocked on his backside regularly this season.  Reggie Bush showed he could carry the load as a prime running back but his size is still a concern.  Should be another rebuilding year for the Dolphins who are still looking for the next Dan Marino. 

AFC West Division

1.  Denver Broncos - (11-5)
I think the Broncos added a player this year but I can't think who it could be?  Just kidding, it is Peyton Manning.  The addition of Manning gives Denver the drop back passing quarterback they have wanted all along.  If they can win a playoff game with Tim Tebow last year they most definitely should improve on that success this year.  Peyton isn't what he once was, after four neck surgeries, but at 80-90% he is still better than most quarterbacks in the league.  I will take my chances with Peyton Manning, which reminds me of when Joe Montana left San Fran and led Kansas City to the playoffs.  Having a healthy Willis McGahee won't hurt either.


Following a legend won't be a problem for Petyon.

2.  San Diego Chargers - (8-8)
Man what can I say about the almost always mediocre Chargers.  I think it comes down to Norv Turner is not and hasn't been the right coach for this team all the way back to when he started.  I have nothing against him or his brother Ron, but they are much better coordinators than Head Coaches.  To have had Philip Rivers in his prime and really come away with nothing is sad.  Antonio Gates was been a devastating target and touchdown maker and should continue that way this season also, but I just don't see it getting past a .500 team.  Rivers will throw for a ton of yards and a ton of touchdowns, but ultimately a ton of interceptions.  Bad combination.  They have some nice pieces on defense with Takeo Spikes, Quentin Jammer, and ex-Illini Corey Liuget.

3.  Kansas City Chiefs - (7-9)
The development of Matt Cassel as a starting quarterback in this league is possibly running out.  He has one of the best receivers in the game to throw too in Dwayne Bowe and the fact he only had 5 TD catches all last year is abysmal.  Cassel cashed in on the one season Tom Brady got hurt in N.E. and has found out the grass isn't greener on the other side, only the money is.  Chiefs fans should hope and pray Cassel stays healthy because multi-team cast off Brady Quinn is lurking on the sidelines.  The only thing he has shown he can do is hold a clip board.  They are hoping the other Peyton (Hillis) to switch teams will revert to his form from his days in Cleveland and improve a running game that is sorely in need of new life.  If the ball bounces their way they could swap with S.D. and push for a potential playoff spot.  Don't bet your house on it though.

4.  Oakland Raiders - (5-11)
Tha Raidazzzz!  They have some of the best fans in the world and they are almost as entertaining as their players.  Unfortunately that is not far from the truth.  The Carson Palmer experiment Year 2 probably won't be any better than last year.  The franchise almost gives draft picks away for big splash fan fare in Palmer, Terrelle Pryor, Sebastian Janikowski.  I mean drafting a kicker in the first round of the NFL draft.  That sounds like something my kids would do in a fantasy draft, let alone a real one.  The point being moves like this set back franchises for years.  I don't see this year being any different.

AFC North Division

1.  Baltimore Ravens - (12-4)
The ending to last year literally went right through their finger tips.  The motivation for this team to get back to the AFC Championship game and ultimately the Super Bowl starts there.  Joe Flacco has shown in the preseason he means business.  He is in his fifth season and I feel is out to prove everyone he is an elite quarterback.  Ray Rice can flat out run the ball and keep the chains moving.  Anquan Boldin will need to have much better year than last and I see that for him.  The defense will again be set around future Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.  These guys are the motor of that always stellar defense in Baltimore.  I see great things for the Ravens this season.


Ray and company should be flexing their muscles plenty this year!

2.  Pittsburgh Steelers - (10-6)
The Steelers are a model franchise.  The always seem to do things the right way.  Which is a cliche but in this case is very much true.  Players go down with injury they just don't worry about it and plug someone else in there.  The rushing attack, without former Illini Rashard Mendenhall and his back up Issac Redman nursing an injury, will be rough going early.  They are going to rely heavily, like always, on Ben Rothlisburger to make plays.  He is at his best when the play is busted or out of the pocket and his natural instincts take over.  The defense will again be solid, minus that blip in the playoffs against Tebow, and should keep them in ball games.  I can't imagine a Steelers team coached by Mike Tomlin to not making the playoffs and figuring out a plan for success. 

3.  Cincinnati Bengals - (8-8)
Coming off last years playoff surprise led by then rookie quarterback Andy Dalton I feel they will take a slight step backwards.  Call it a sophomore slump if you will but I think Dalton will have a little tougher time this season without Cedric Benson and now having BenJarvis Green-Ellis as his primary ball carrier.  Things are still looking up in Cincinnati and that is a positive after so many years of watching thugs and criminals take the field than proud athletes. 

4.  Cleveland Browns - (3-13)
Ouch.  The Dawg Pound will be throwing more than dog biscuits in the endzone this year.  They may be flinging excrement at the field to cover up the smell this group will be producing.  Yet another rookie quarterback given the reigns of a team that hasn't been able to find an identity since Vinny T was calling plays.  They have a wonderfully talented rookie RB in Trent Richardson but he is being brought along carefully as his knee was scoped just earlier in the month.  They have limited supporting cast to help with the load Richardson will be asked to carry.  Opposing defenses will crowd the box and beg Brandon Weeden to throw the ball. 

AFC South Division

1.  Houston Texans - (11-5)
Another team from a year ago who missed dearly their starting quarterback when the playoffs began.  They were using their third string QB and still had chances of winning a playoff game.  With a healthy Matt Schaub and his ability to make the smart throw and not force the issue will help them stay in ball games and not put extra pressure on their defense.  Arian Foster has emerged as a franchise carrying running back and they also have Andre Johnson running routes and catching everything that moves.  This should be another playoff run for the Texans and potentially farther.


A healthy Matt Schaub should mean good things in Houston.

2.  Tennessee Titans - (8-8)
You never know sometimes when it is right to make the change to the future of your franchise but it appears that is where the Titans are with making Jake Locker the starting quarterback.  He has been promoted over Matt Hasselback and has shown well in his last preseason start.  He has a strong arm and having Chris Johnson still leading the way in the backfield doesn't hurt either.  Should be an up and down year with flashes of brilliance and also some flashes of pain.

3.  Jacksonville Jaguars - (5-11)
Blaine!  That isn't the name of a quarterback, that is a major appliance!  He will need a washing machine to clean all the dirt and muck from his jersey as he will get beat down like a rented mule.  They have no real skill position players that look promising or scary.  I know they have Justin Blackmon but it has been shown that receivers get better by year three not year one.  Besides you can't completed passes consistently when you are throwing them with linebacker all in your mug.  The best thing this team has is no state income tax.

4.  Indianapolis Colts - (4-12)
The injury last year of their franchises ultimate quarterback, P. Manning, led to the overall number one pick and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.  In his preseason starts so far he has looked the part.  He has shown poise in the pocket and a leadership quality the great ones have.  You can look at a quarterback and see if he is nervous or anxious during action and he seems calm.  It will be a long  year but even Troy Aikman only got one win his first year.  We all know how that worked out.  Rebuilding is the name of the game at this point and the arrow looks to be pointing up.  Indianapolis fans sure are lucky to get another franchise quarterback after having had one for the past 14 years.

NFC PLAYOFFS

First Round:

New York Giants versus Carolina Panthers
Chicago Bears versus Atlanta Falcons

Second Round:

Green Bay Packers versus New York Giants
San Francisco 49ers versus Chicago Bears

NFC Championship:

Green Bay Packers versus San Francisco 49ers

AFC PLAYOFFS

First Round:

Houston Texans versus Buffalo Bills
Denver Broncos versus Pittsburgh Steelers

Second Round:
New England Patriots versus Houston Texans
Baltimore Ravens versus Denver Broncos

AFC Championship:
Houston Texans versus Baltimore Ravens

SUPER BOWL:
San Franscisco 49ers versus Baltimore Ravens

SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS:

Baltimore Ravens

Titanic 2

Strasburg, Right Ahead. 

Thank You.

This is something we have seen coming since Spring Training and when the beginning of the season started.  The innings limit for ace Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg after having had Tommy John surgery and wanting to prolong the career of their phenom pitcher.  The date is looming and the decision of his organization to limit his total innings to between 160-180 is coming close.

I applaud the Nationals for their ability to stay steadfast and stick with a decision regardless of what their fans or the media feels.  It makes it especially hard for fans to understand since the Nationals are sitting atop their division in first place and have the MLB's best overall record.

Mr. Strasburg currently sits at 139.1 innings pitched and has a record of 14-5 with a 2.91 E.R.A.  He has gone 6 innings per start the last three outings and at this pace he will hit 160 innings after his next three and a half starts.   

He is the most dominate pitcher in their rotation and can single handily win a playoff series by shutting down the opposing teams hitters.  The one though getting shut down is Stephen. 

The organizations leaders have the best interest of their team in mind and the best interest of their player in mind also.  They are making sure the investment made in Strasburg will be a long term payoff rather than a short term flame out.  The philosophy of their decision is understandable.

They want to have a competitive team for the foreseeable future.  They want to be relevant in the next 10 years and want Stephen Strasburg to be a key piece of this puzzle.  They are looking at the tip of the iceberg and wondering what is possibly left they don't see.  This is where the debate begins with everyone involved.

Trying to "see" what is not visible makes this decision the most difficult. 

They want to be careful and not over stress his arm and cause him to breakdown and ruin him for the future.  They realize the team will definitely miss him and will put the team in a position where the playoffs would be much more difficult to succeed in.

 
The stress on Strasburg's arm is the biggest concern for the Nats. 

The issue is whether you want to win now or win later.  This game has no guarantees.  One day you feel like you are "King of the World" and then next you can't hit a curve ball or find the plate. 

I feel as a baseball fan you want to see the best players in the playoffs and if I was a fan of the Nationals I want to win the World Series no matter what the cost. 

The Nationals can still make the playoffs and still have a chance to win the World Series even if Stephen Strasburg is there or not.  They obviously have a quality team with their position players and the remainder of their rotation.  You don't have the best record in baseball without having a great balanced team. 

They will need big contributions from their other starting pitchers like Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, Edwin Jackson, and Ross Detwiler.  With the absence of Strasburg it will be imperative they get quality starts from this group of guys as the manager will have to decide who they put in Strasburg's spot in the rotation to finish out the season. 

The Nationals, with planning to shut Strasburg down, can take all the precautions necessary to try and ensure he have a long career and he could still get injured.  This would be devastating to the organization and their fan base as then you didn't get anything positive out of him.  You didn't go for it when you had the chance and then still ended up with him hurt.   

The point is you just don't know what the future holds. 

I am a firm believer in playing and winning for today, if you have the chance, and deal with the future when it comes. 

I am a huge Cubs fan and they haven't really won anything in over 100 years.  The Cubs thought they had the next great pitcher in Mark Prior and they went for it in 2003 and it didn't work out.  At least there was a chance and it was close.  Now no one has seen him in the majors in years after an injury.  It happened after the run in '03 but no one knew that is what the future held for him.

 
Mark Prior saw something out there but it wasn't his future. 

Strasburg has already been injured in his career and had surgery.  He has come back with a vengeance.  I feel they should step back and rethink their position and go for the gold.  I respect their position, and obviously I am not paying his salary either, but I am a fan of a team too and wouldn't want to jeopardize a World Series chance for the "what if" of the future.

People can see the tip of the iceberg but it is what's not seen that causes all the damage. 

It just depends where the damage is potentially done.

It could be Stephen Strasburg damaging opposing hitters in this years playoffs.

Or.

It could be the organization damaging their chances of winning this years World Series.


 

Dwight Move

                             
 courtesy orlandosentinal.com


"Did you ever have the feeling that you wanted to go when you still had the feeling that you wanted to stay.  You knew it was right, wasn't wrong.  Still you knew you wouldn't be very long.  It's tough to have the feeling that you wanted to go. Still had the feeling that you wanted to stay.  Started to go.  Changed your mind.  Started to go again but changed your mind again.  It's tough to have the feeling that you wanted to go still have the feeling that you wanted to stay. 
Do Re Mi Fa So La Si Do.  I go!"  - Jimmy Durante 


This weekend was a busy week in basketball circles as Team USA defeated Spain in the Gold Medal game and once again claimed their spot atop the basketball world.  In the midst of this Olympic basketball hysteria one other basketball team made a move to try and once again claim their spot atop the NBA world.

The Los Angeles Lakers.

It also took one of the most talented interior basketball players to finally just make a decision.  Dwight Howard who is the NBA's best center and one of the best interior defenders in the game today will finally put to rest all this trade talks, rumors, and just plain idiocy that has gone on over the past few months. 

He has handled this entire situation poorly to put it lightly.  He has been so wishy washy and unable to truly decide what he wants in his professional basketball life. 

He originally said the only place he would be traded to would be with Jay Z and the new Brooklyn Nets.  Teaming up with Deron Williams and their newly acquired Joe Johnson to form a quality group to rival the Heat in the Eastern Conference.  He was so adamant that he only go to Brooklyn that he was going to play out his year and go into free agency.


Jay Z's dream became a nightmare without Dwight!

This would have left Orlando with virtually nothing and they had to get something for him.  Then he did a backtracking and signed the exemption with Orlando causing himself the inability to sign where ever he wanted and then leaving Orlando thinking he was staying.  Then he wanted traded again. 

Enter the Lakers and Houston who wanted Dwight badly.  Dwight didn't want to go to Houston and really didn't want to "follow in the footsteps" of Shaq by leaving Orlando for L.A.  What a mess this was and it didn't have to get to this point. 

If he really wanted to win games and win NBA titles then the only real destination for him was to be alright with traveling cross country to L.A. and restore the tradition of Showtime Laker basketball.  He wants to be a star and what better place to be a star than Las Angeles.  I can already see Jack Nicholson, sunglasses and all, sitting courtside for another long playoff run by his Lakers.

Or will it???

This was the right choice for Dwight Howard and the Lakers but is it enough for "Superman" to take off and win the championship.  I am not so sure.  The early odds have the Lakers 8-5 and the Heat 8-5 with the Thunder at 7-2 to win the title.  Odds are obviously purely speculation and if championships were won on paper than why play the games.


Is "Superman" ready to take flight for a title? 

The Lakers have added some highly talented pieces this summer with Dwight and also adding Steve Nash to run the point.  Having them with Pau and Kobe makes for a very formidable team.  Howard is the leagues best center with Nash once being at the top of his position.  However, Dwight has history of back problems and Nash is at the end of his career with serious defensive liabilities.

You can't just depend on Howard to control the paint and help on Nash's inability to keep guys like Russel Westbrook in front of him.  Foul trouble will be a major cause for concern.  To be effective you have to be on the court.

The Thunder have everyone back from their trip to the NBA Finals and are younger and hungry to get back to the promise land.  Kevin Durant is a fierce competitor and killer scorer and won't back down to this new challenge.  They are on the rise and should not be forgotten just because the Lakers have made a splash in the summer.


Miami & OKC are still the top dogs in the NBA. 

It hasn't even been mentioned that the Miami Heat just won the NBA title and LeBron is the best player on the planet.  He has been picked apart from every angle over the past several seasons but this year he answered the bell.  It will be hard to see anyone dethroning the Heat going forward.  They still have Wade and Bosh with an addition of Ray Allen.  Ray will only be asked  to do what he does best and that is shoot threes.  I think the Heat will be scary good and probably better than this year.

It will be interesting to see how the season plays out and it will definitely make the playoffs must see TV.  Will it be the NBA Finals for the Lakers? 

Time will tell but we do know this: 

Dwight after all your second guessing and soul searching the answer was clear.  

Stay or Go?

do re mi fa so L.A. si do, you go!