The AFC North is hard to call. Thank goodness the Ravens' Terrell Suggs got injured and might miss the rest of the season in order to make this decision a little easier.
This division has been known for the Steelers-Ravens rivalry over the last few years. While I can't say which of these two teams will take the division, I know it will be one these two teams. Sure, the Bengals were a surprise team getting into the playoffs under Andy Dalton but to get in again seems unlikely, especially when they didn't beat the Ravens or the Steelers once last season. As for the Browns, they are turning to a 28 year old QB rookie. Enough said.
Now who has edge between the Steelers and the Ravens? It's got to be the Steelers and just barely. Joe Flacco of the Ravens could come out of his shell and throw like an elite QB but short of that, the Steelers are my pick. They have a slightly better defense with Suggs out of the picture in Baltimore and even though Mike Wallace is coming back to the team after trying to holdout, Big Ben Roethlisberger is still the Steelers' QB and he knows how to exploit a defense. Or is it women?
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
2012 AFC East Preview: Can Anyone Contend with the Pats?
The answer to the question above seems to be "Who cares? When will Tim Tebow start for the Jets?
The most talked about team during the preseason and training camp has been the New York Jets and it's not because they are contenders for the Super Bowl. It's Tim Tebow drawing the attention in and everyone trying to figure out when he will be starting for the team. The official party line is that Mark Sanchez is still QB for the Jets and while he will be in week 1 it's a forgone conclusion that at some point Tim Tebow will take the job away. This Jets offense has stunk in the preseason and while the games don't matter, they still look atrocious. This whole season might be a wash no matter who is behind center (or in shotgun). Your seat looks hot, Rex.
As for the other teams, the Bills have a chance. They showed last year that they can play ball and even though they went through a really rough patch, they still looked good at times. Getting Mario Williams will help that defense and could get them over the .500 mark. The Dolphins will have a wash this season in which they will be concerned with Ryan Tannehill and his development.
The favorite is clearly the Patriots and this is one of those picks that seems like a guarantee. Securing up the TE positions for years to come with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez makes Tom Brady happy and having Brandon Lloyd is not bad either. That defense, however, has been sub par and they never really dominated on that side of the ball since their Super Bowl winning years. It could change this year considering that their draft last spring was basically a defensive theme but I just don't have a good vibe for that defense.
Of course the Pats have to be considered for more than just a division. Finishing with a bye week in the postseason is a possibility and going to the Super Bowl is another.
P.S. Week 6 is when Tim Tebow takes over as the starter. Those first five weeks are basically killers and week 6 vs. the Colts might be the best time to make a QB change.
The most talked about team during the preseason and training camp has been the New York Jets and it's not because they are contenders for the Super Bowl. It's Tim Tebow drawing the attention in and everyone trying to figure out when he will be starting for the team. The official party line is that Mark Sanchez is still QB for the Jets and while he will be in week 1 it's a forgone conclusion that at some point Tim Tebow will take the job away. This Jets offense has stunk in the preseason and while the games don't matter, they still look atrocious. This whole season might be a wash no matter who is behind center (or in shotgun). Your seat looks hot, Rex.
As for the other teams, the Bills have a chance. They showed last year that they can play ball and even though they went through a really rough patch, they still looked good at times. Getting Mario Williams will help that defense and could get them over the .500 mark. The Dolphins will have a wash this season in which they will be concerned with Ryan Tannehill and his development.
The favorite is clearly the Patriots and this is one of those picks that seems like a guarantee. Securing up the TE positions for years to come with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez makes Tom Brady happy and having Brandon Lloyd is not bad either. That defense, however, has been sub par and they never really dominated on that side of the ball since their Super Bowl winning years. It could change this year considering that their draft last spring was basically a defensive theme but I just don't have a good vibe for that defense.
Of course the Pats have to be considered for more than just a division. Finishing with a bye week in the postseason is a possibility and going to the Super Bowl is another.
P.S. Week 6 is when Tim Tebow takes over as the starter. Those first five weeks are basically killers and week 6 vs. the Colts might be the best time to make a QB change.
Monday, September 3, 2012
MJD Reporting for Duty... After a Failed Holdout
What a horrible time to hold out for more money. Now I am for players getting money they deserve when they can, especially RB's, but this guy didn't have a chance.
Maurice Jones-Drew is basically the Jaguars offense and everyone in Jacksonville knows that, even the new owner of the team, Shahid Khan (MY BROTHER!!!). So MJD decided to leverage that knowledge and holdout for more money. The problem for him, though, was the fact that Khan wouldn't negotiate. He's the new owner and he wasn't going to let a RB win in a holdout for more money. MJD tried to get leverage by saying he wanted a trade but it seemed to go away almost immediately with it being revealed he didn't really want to go anywhere else.
So after the preseason and about a week before the Jags play, MJD caved in and decided to end the lockout without a new deal for him. He still has two years left on his current contract and he could be fined over a million dollars because of the time he has missed.
I wish he could have gotten more money but I don't blame Khan for not giving in. He's the new sheriff in town and he wants to present the image to his new players and the league that he is tough and non-negotiable. Now in time he might negotiate with players down the road but when you are trying to establish yourself as tough new owner you have to start out as tough right away. Looking at it from that angle and MJD didn't stand a chance.
Maurice Jones-Drew is basically the Jaguars offense and everyone in Jacksonville knows that, even the new owner of the team, Shahid Khan (MY BROTHER!!!). So MJD decided to leverage that knowledge and holdout for more money. The problem for him, though, was the fact that Khan wouldn't negotiate. He's the new owner and he wasn't going to let a RB win in a holdout for more money. MJD tried to get leverage by saying he wanted a trade but it seemed to go away almost immediately with it being revealed he didn't really want to go anywhere else.
So after the preseason and about a week before the Jags play, MJD caved in and decided to end the lockout without a new deal for him. He still has two years left on his current contract and he could be fined over a million dollars because of the time he has missed.
I wish he could have gotten more money but I don't blame Khan for not giving in. He's the new sheriff in town and he wants to present the image to his new players and the league that he is tough and non-negotiable. Now in time he might negotiate with players down the road but when you are trying to establish yourself as tough new owner you have to start out as tough right away. Looking at it from that angle and MJD didn't stand a chance.
2012 NFC West: Go for Gold
The NFC West was my favorite division to watch last year mainly because my 49ers were there kicking a** and taking names. They were one of the surprise teams of the NFL what with the season they had in 2010 and how good their defense was performing last year. It's obvious who my favorite here is.
But before I claim the title of "Captain Obvious," let's see how the rest of the division fares. Two of the other teams have interesting QB conversation. The first being the Seahawks naming Russell Wilson as their starter instead of Matt Flynn who they traded for. There is no doubt that Russell Wilson was the better starter in the preseason and he deserves the starting role but that team is likely going to be middle of the road at the best, even with Matt Flynn as their starter.
The other team with the QB controversy is the Cardinals. They name John Skelton as their starter instead of Kevin Kolb who was injury prone a season ago. It might not matter at all who they put out there considering they still have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to.
As for the Rams, I'm not sure which direction this team will be headed, especially at the QB slot. Will we see an improved Sam Bradford or the one we saw last year? They might still have Steven Jackson but I don't see them doing much in Jeff Fisher's first year as head coach.
So the favorite is no doubt the 49ers. Now anything can happen in the NFL but I have to believe after last year's performance that the 49ers are the best team in the NFC West. I have watched them all preseason long and while they don't look great I still like what I see. They still don't have a great pass defense to go along with that amazing run defense they showed last year but as long as you can make the other team one dimensional you have a great defense.
The offense could still use improvement. Alex Smith hasn't been impressive but he hasn't been horrible either. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is not tipping his hand so to speak. Quite frankly I'm hoping that this is the case. What I did see, however, was a very good Colin Kaepernick. I was very impressed with his performance in that last preseason. He seemed like he could step in no problem if something happened to Smith. Now I am routing for Smith to do well (which is something I haven't done in a while) but it's nice to know where the back up is.
49ers are the favorite this year and have to be considered Super Bowl contenders seeing how far they got in the postseason. Here's hoping they get a bit further.
P.S. Despite my enthusiasm for the team, I can't help but feel worried. I am a pessimist at heart so this whole post is out of character. I can't help but feel like something will go horribly wro wro wro.... I shouldn't think this.
But before I claim the title of "Captain Obvious," let's see how the rest of the division fares. Two of the other teams have interesting QB conversation. The first being the Seahawks naming Russell Wilson as their starter instead of Matt Flynn who they traded for. There is no doubt that Russell Wilson was the better starter in the preseason and he deserves the starting role but that team is likely going to be middle of the road at the best, even with Matt Flynn as their starter.
The other team with the QB controversy is the Cardinals. They name John Skelton as their starter instead of Kevin Kolb who was injury prone a season ago. It might not matter at all who they put out there considering they still have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to.
As for the Rams, I'm not sure which direction this team will be headed, especially at the QB slot. Will we see an improved Sam Bradford or the one we saw last year? They might still have Steven Jackson but I don't see them doing much in Jeff Fisher's first year as head coach.
So the favorite is no doubt the 49ers. Now anything can happen in the NFL but I have to believe after last year's performance that the 49ers are the best team in the NFC West. I have watched them all preseason long and while they don't look great I still like what I see. They still don't have a great pass defense to go along with that amazing run defense they showed last year but as long as you can make the other team one dimensional you have a great defense.
The offense could still use improvement. Alex Smith hasn't been impressive but he hasn't been horrible either. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is not tipping his hand so to speak. Quite frankly I'm hoping that this is the case. What I did see, however, was a very good Colin Kaepernick. I was very impressed with his performance in that last preseason. He seemed like he could step in no problem if something happened to Smith. Now I am routing for Smith to do well (which is something I haven't done in a while) but it's nice to know where the back up is.
49ers are the favorite this year and have to be considered Super Bowl contenders seeing how far they got in the postseason. Here's hoping they get a bit further.
P.S. Despite my enthusiasm for the team, I can't help but feel worried. I am a pessimist at heart so this whole post is out of character. I can't help but feel like something will go horribly wro wro wro.... I shouldn't think this.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
2012 NFC South Preview: Falcons Clear for Takeoff
The NFC South should be very fun to watch unfold this year considering that each team is very intriguing for different reasons.
One thing that everyone couldn't stop talking about was Cam Newton and his rookie season as QB for the Panthers. He was phenomenal and could do even better this season. But I'm not sure he has the pieces around him to get it done and that defense needs improving . Hopefully rookie linebacker and the Panthers first draft pick in 2012, Luke Kuechly, can help give their defense a much needed boost.
What makes this division remarkable, however, is the fact that I honestly think each team has a shot at the playoffs (maybe more than some). Even though the Buccaneers had a bad season last year and have a new coach, there is still some hope for them. Josh Freeman may have slumped but partly due to a unbalanced offense. They will need help from the rushing attack a bit more and hopefully LeGarrette Blount does better along with new RB's Doug Martin and Michael Smith.
Even the Saints have a chance despite the fact that a couple of players are suspended along with the head coach and even the interim head coach for a while. They have a shot because of Drew Brees as their QB (which they risked jeopardizing a bit). But they are not my team in this division.
The Falcons are my choice for the NFC South. They might not be the sexiest pick but they are stable unlike most of the teams around them and they have a good QB in Matt Ryan looking to be called a great QB.
One thing that everyone couldn't stop talking about was Cam Newton and his rookie season as QB for the Panthers. He was phenomenal and could do even better this season. But I'm not sure he has the pieces around him to get it done and that defense needs improving . Hopefully rookie linebacker and the Panthers first draft pick in 2012, Luke Kuechly, can help give their defense a much needed boost.
What makes this division remarkable, however, is the fact that I honestly think each team has a shot at the playoffs (maybe more than some). Even though the Buccaneers had a bad season last year and have a new coach, there is still some hope for them. Josh Freeman may have slumped but partly due to a unbalanced offense. They will need help from the rushing attack a bit more and hopefully LeGarrette Blount does better along with new RB's Doug Martin and Michael Smith.
Even the Saints have a chance despite the fact that a couple of players are suspended along with the head coach and even the interim head coach for a while. They have a shot because of Drew Brees as their QB (which they risked jeopardizing a bit). But they are not my team in this division.
The Falcons are my choice for the NFC South. They might not be the sexiest pick but they are stable unlike most of the teams around them and they have a good QB in Matt Ryan looking to be called a great QB.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Lawsuit for Paying College Players Gets Interesting
There is a new twist in a lawsuit in the college world. In order to get a lawsuit deemed class action against the NCAA, lawyers argued that anything that use's a players names, image, or likeness whether on TV, a video game, or other products, should be shared with the players. So the NCAA can feel like their ethic of "Amateurism" is held together, money earned can be "temporarily held in trust for those individuals until cessation of their collegiate careers." Winning this lawsuit could mean "hundreds of thousands" of dollars each year to Division I basketball players and "tens of thousands" to college football players.
I'll be honest, I hope they win the suit. I'm not sure how far it will go in the courts but the players do deserve compensation for their efforts nowadays. No matter how someone wants to paint the picture, "Student Athletes" are indeed workers. They agree to go play for a school and in return they get some sort of scholarship (or payment). The problem is that the money earned today is outrageous compared to when this system first started. Nowadays the NCAA and Conferences are getting billions with TV deals, advertising, video games deals, and other products. Meanwhile the players are not getting a dime of any of that. If the players had a union, they would've voted to go on strike a long time ago.
The amateur system needs to go. It's not fair to kids who play for universities across the country. They still play for pennies while the NCAA and the Universities make off like Kings.
I'll be honest, I hope they win the suit. I'm not sure how far it will go in the courts but the players do deserve compensation for their efforts nowadays. No matter how someone wants to paint the picture, "Student Athletes" are indeed workers. They agree to go play for a school and in return they get some sort of scholarship (or payment). The problem is that the money earned today is outrageous compared to when this system first started. Nowadays the NCAA and Conferences are getting billions with TV deals, advertising, video games deals, and other products. Meanwhile the players are not getting a dime of any of that. If the players had a union, they would've voted to go on strike a long time ago.
The amateur system needs to go. It's not fair to kids who play for universities across the country. They still play for pennies while the NCAA and the Universities make off like Kings.
2012 NFC North Preview: Lions, Packers, and Bears... Oh Why?
The NFC North this year seems like the NFC East where many teams have legitimate shots at the division title... except for the Vikings. They will likely be happy with Christian Ponder developing for another season.
As for the other three, they all certainly have what it takes to win the NFC North. The Packers have one of the best QB's in the league with Aaron Rodgers leading the aerial assault. I'm more concerned with their defense overall. You might need a QB to win a title but a good defense is still required. The Bears might have both a good QB and defense but the D is getting old. Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher are still two of the finest Linebackers in the game but their in the 30's now and could start to wear down. Urlacher is already fighting through an injury.
My pick for the NFC North is the Detroit Lions. That offense led by Matthew Stafford is phenomenal with Calvin Johnson to throw to and the defensive line led by Ndamukong Suh strikes fears in QB's everywhere. I think this is the Lions year to claim a division title and maybe more.
As for the other three, they all certainly have what it takes to win the NFC North. The Packers have one of the best QB's in the league with Aaron Rodgers leading the aerial assault. I'm more concerned with their defense overall. You might need a QB to win a title but a good defense is still required. The Bears might have both a good QB and defense but the D is getting old. Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher are still two of the finest Linebackers in the game but their in the 30's now and could start to wear down. Urlacher is already fighting through an injury.
My pick for the NFC North is the Detroit Lions. That offense led by Matthew Stafford is phenomenal with Calvin Johnson to throw to and the defensive line led by Ndamukong Suh strikes fears in QB's everywhere. I think this is the Lions year to claim a division title and maybe more.
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