Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Thoughts From a Cowboy Fan Who Doesn't Get It

Comments from Ace the Guru,
Strangely, I have to agree with Ilya here. I think Matty has this division upside down. The division comes down the to Redskins and Cowboys. It's that simple. The Skins as always made a splash in free agency with Big Albert Haynesworth. A huge addition to a defense with was pretty solid last season. Add in another year of continuity for Jason Campbell in Jim Zorn's offense and you have to respect this team. Regarding the Cowboys (I know I'm biased), but I'll just this... Wasn't this team the consensus "most talented" team last year? So what changed? They removed the distactions in Pacaman and Owens (yes, he's talented, but it's still addition by substraction). Throw in a healthy Felix Jones to the fully stocked backfield of Barber and Choice, and you have a little something. Plus a full training camp of Romo working with Roy Williams. Not to mention the development of last year's rookie corners Jenkins and Scandrick, along with a healthy Newman. I'll go to battle with the talent level of that O and D. I'm not solid on Philly (too old, too many injuries, too much of McNabb's choking ass). And the Giants are done. Eli is overpaid and very average without Plaxico... and the workhorse Jacobs can't stay healthy.So basically it comes down tot he Skins and Cowboys in the NFC East.
August 11, 2009 2:47 PM

Can Someone Proof Read This

Thoughts from Gellar,
So matty is going with a tried and true "copy the most popular predictions" strategy. I have sommethign to say about NFCe.I think this devision is going to be a lot closer then anyone emagines with the worst team again being 8-8. Any of these teams can finish first or last in the division.Each team has question marks, but also most got better in the off season. Lets start with the popular pick.EAGLES - Do not understand why everyone is so high on this team? They barely snuck in to the playoffs in last year and did play fairly well in them. But what changed this year?(+) upgraded O-line = checkDrafted a WR and a RBOkay so the run game will be upgraded and Mcnab might have more time to throw to the rookie WRs. We really dont know what to expect here. Rookie WRs ususally dont play well first year. Jackson has showed himslef to be inconsistent last year and Maclin is an unknown. The rest dotn scare anyone.(-) what they lostperhaps one of the all time best D-coordinators. A veteran leader safety and early enjuries to starting LBs.-Can they overcome the D losses? Will the young WRs be effective.Finished with a 2-4 div record in 08GIANTSEli can't get it doen without Buress.. it's that simple. The D might be good enough to still win the division but games will not be as easy as they were in 08.CowboysOwens is gone.. and so are the excuses. I don't believe Roy Williams (career underacheiver except for one season) can get it done. That coupled with chemistry and leadership issues. Look for another sub-par performance. SKINS(+)Upgraded the #4 D with Haynesworth and Orakpo. Will be even more dominant this year. 2nd year for campbell and the O. 2nd year rooky WRs will finally contribute.(-)The Oline got little upgrade and will again be the cause of the teams problems this year. But this time the D might be good enough to give a struggling O more scoring chances. This team finished 8-8 in 08 with a late season collapse. Dont see them finishing worse then 9-7 this year.
August 11, 2009 12:43 PM

2009 NFL Preview (AFC North)

The Pittsburgh Steelers return virtually their entire roster that won it's 6th Super Bowl Championship last season while playing the league's toughest schedule. The powers that be have rewarded the champs with the 5th easiest schedule entering the 2009 season. Will that equal another title?

Predicted Order of Finish
1) Pittsburgh Steelers - Should win more games than last yr.
2) Baltimore Ravens - Flip a coin with Tenn for last playoff spot.
3) Cincinnati Bengals - Could finish .500 or better.
4) Cleveland Browns - Fewest wins in league is possible.

Impact Veteran Newcommers
Laveranues Coles - Bengals

5 Rookies Who Could Blow Up
Michael Johnson, DE (3rd, Georgia Tech) - Bengals
Michael Oher, OT (1st, Mississippi) - Ravens
Rey Maualuga, ILB (2nd, USC) - Bengals
Brian Robiskie, WR (2nd, Ohio State) - Browns
Mohamed Massaquoi, WR (2, Georgia) - Browns

5 Fantasy Winners
Santonio Holmes, WR - Steelers
Steelers Defense
Carson Palmer, QB - Bengals
Derrick Mason, WR - Ravens
Ravens Defense

5 Fantasy Losers
Willie Parker, RB - Steelers
Braylon Edwards, WR - Browns
Willis McGahee, RB - Ravens
Joe Flacco, QB - Ravens
Jamal Lewis, RB - Browns

5 Fantasy Team Make-or-Breakers
Cedric Benson, RB - Bengals
Bengals Defense
Chad Johnson, WR - Bengals
Hines Ward, WR - Steelers
Rashard Mendenhall, RB - Steelers

End Game
Cincinnati is closer to Baltimore than Baltimore is to Pittsburgh going into the season. The Bengals have quietly built a roster of college winners with talent. Baltimore's running game doesn't dazzle and if forced to throw to win I don't like those odds. While in Cleveland it has been proven many times over that QB controversies don't pay. They have no chance until a quaterback is chosen once and for all. As for Pittsburgh. Another division title seems likely. However familiar foes, SD and NE, await come playoff time.





Thursday, August 6, 2009

2009 NFL Preview (NFC East)

In a recent radio interview, former head coach Herm Edwards, was asked who he would take into battle in big game, Donovan McNabb or Tom Brady. Edwards without hesitation said McNabb. Guess that's 1 of the reasons Herm doesn't have a coaching gig any more. As for McNabb's Eagles this season? This might be their best chance to win the Super Bowl.

Predicted Order Of Finnish
1. Philadelphia Eagles - McNabb has weapons. Now can he deliver.
2. New York Giants* - Offense has to be able to stretch the field.
3. Dallas Cowboys - Good defense, bad quaterback.
4. Washington Redskins - Don't worry, Mike Shannahan takes over next yr.

Key Veteran Additions
Albert Haynesworth, DT - Redskins

5 Rookies Who Could Blow Up
Jason Williams, OLB (3rd, Western Illinois) - Cowboys
LeSean McCoy, RB (2nd, Pitt) - Eagles
Cornelius Ingram, TE (5th, Florida) - Eagles
Hakeem Nicks, WR (1st, North Carolina) - Giants
Robert Brewster, OG (3rd, Ball State) - Cowboys

5 Fantasy Winners
Donovan McNabb, QB - Eagles
Cowboys Defense
Jason Witten, TE - Cowboys
Brandon Jacobs, RB - Giants
Chris Cooley, TE - Redskins

5 Fantasy Losers
Tony Romo, QB - Cowboys
Santana Moss, WR - Redskins
Brian Westbrook, RB - Eagles
Redskins Defense
Jason Campbell, QB - Redskins

5 Fantasy Team Make-or-Breakers
Clinton Portis, RB - Redskins
Roy Williams, WR - Cowboys
DeSean Jackson, WR - Eagles
Eli Manning, QB - Giants
Giants Defense

End Game
The Eagles have everything in place to win. What worries me is past failures. New York is every bit talented as Philly but come playoff time can the offense stay consistent. Dallas simply can't win with their quaterback, and Washington skill players will begin to show their age as the season goes on.






Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Thoughts from Big Guns

As for the AFC South, I am surprised to see Houston picked as the division leader. While I will admit they have the easiest schedule on paper heading into the season Indy and Tenn still have to be the class of the division (at least until they get beaten). Indy should be an improved team this year. The loss of Marvin won’t hurt much as he was not the Marvin of 3 years ago. Getting younger and quicker at that spot will be a good thing. Plus they now have a legitimate 1-2 punch at RB which will take heat off the passing game and wear out defenses more. Payton is also not battling the knee injury which held him out of camp and plagued him all season. The fact that he will be working with the team in camp will make him better this year and raise his production. They also had injuries on D last year that are forgotten about (Sanders). Look for this team to come back with a vengeance and take the division. Tenn is also potentially improved, or at least as good. The loss of Albert will be felt but they have another sack artist on the DL already plus they drafted a replacement for him as well. While I don’t expect anyone to step into his shoes and fill the position at the same level, I also don’t expect the D to suddenly give up big games left and right. Their D is still very tough. While the O will not post 35 on a regular basis 24 is an adequate target per game and that will be tough for almost any opponent to score on their D.

As for the AFC West I look for Denver to be better than Oakland. Oakland has an alright D with a couple good players on O but not much to work with. They have had many questions so far about the dedication of their players, and ability to work together. If Garcia gets the job they could be ok, since he won’t they will suffer below 500 again. KC is also getting credit they have not earned. While the addition of Cassle could be nice, he had one great year with a ton of talent and potentially the best coach in the game currently. Removing him from the system could be more devastating that anyone assumes. KC has also lost some talent this year in their most productive receiver. It will mean good things for the stat line on Bowe, but the D’s will also be able to focus on him more now to. Johnson hasn’t shown anything for a couple years, so it is good to hear he has gotten himself in better shape but he needs to do something before he earns my trust as a game changer again. They are on the rebound for future years, but are still a year or two away from contending in the division. Denver is a team with enough weapons to jump up and surprise people and they are my wild card for the year. They could have a bust season and they could be the Miami of 09. Two great WR’s, a rookie RB who could potentially win rookie of the year, decent QB, and a D that has potential. Not to say they are super bowl bound but beating Oakland and KC twice is a legitimate possibility, which means 8 or 9 wins is within reach. If they win 9 they finish 2nd in the division.

All in all I like the blog, keep it up.

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2009 NFL Preview (AFC South)

Tennessee Titans RB LenDale White recently claimed his reason for losing 30lbs was giving up tequilla shots. In honor of this move I will give out 30 shots on his behalf, 1 for each pound. (8 shots)The Indianapolis Colts will make the playoffs for the 8th straight season. (9 shots)Jacksonville QB, David Garrard will only throw 9 td passes in what will be a miserable season for the Jaguars. (10 shots)The Titans might win 10 games and not make the playoffs. (3 shots)It's year 3 of the Gary Kubiak Era in Houston and if history is any barometer the Texans will win the AFC South.

Predicted Order of Finish
1. Houston Texans - Yr 3 of the Kubiak Era = division title.
2. Indianapolis Colts* - Will win 10 games, again.
3. Tennessee Titans* - Tequilla shots are on LenDale.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars - Just a dull team.

Veteran Additions
Torry Holt, WR - Jaguars
Nate Washington, WR - Titans
Antonio Smith, DE - Texans

5 Rookies Who Could Blow Up
Brian Cushing, OLB (1st, USC) - Texans
Donald Brown, RB (1st, Connecticut) - Colts
Jarett Dillard, WR (5th, Rice) - Jaguars
Eugune Monroe, OLT (1st, Virginia) - Jaguars
Ryan Mouton, CB (3rd, Hawaii) - Titans

5 Fantasy Winners
Peyton Manning, QB - Colts (proj rd.2)
Andre Johnson, WR - Texans (proj rd.2)
Chris Johnson, RB - Titans (proj rd.1/2)
Reggie Wayne, WR - Colts (proj rd.2)
Maurice Jones- Drew, RB - Jaguars (proj rd.1)

5 Fantasy Losers
Torry Holt, WR - Jaguars
Joseph Addai, RB - Colts
Kerry Collins, QB - Titans
Jaguars Defense
Adam Vinatieri, K - Colts

5 Fantasy Team Make-or-Breakers
Anthony Gonzalez, WR - Colts
Matt Schaub, QB - Texans
Texans Defense
Steve Slaton, RB - Texans
Nate Washington, WR - Titans

End Game
If Matt Schaub can stay healthy for the entire season then Houston has a great chance to win the 1st division title in it's 8 yr existance. Condidering he has missed 9 starts in the last 2 seasons that's a big IF. The Colts have a new coach and no Marivn Harrison but still should get to the playoffs and go farther than Houston. Tennessee will miss Albert Haynesworth on defense and not score enough to offset the loss. Jacksonville is boring and will wollow with the also-rans of the conference.
- Tomorrow NFC East

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

2009 NFL Preview (AFC West)

No division going to 2009 is in more disary than the AFC West. Kansas City parted ways with the most prolific TE of all time, and has a new coach. Oakland's QB, JaMarcus Russell, arrived at training camp overweight proclaiming at least he wasn't 300lbs. San Diego had a very public contract dispute with franchise RB LaDainian Tomlinson that became ugly. While Denver suffered the mother of all offseason collapses. If firing the 2-time Super Bowl winning coach isn't enough. They traded the franchise QB, received trade demands from the Pro Bowl WR, and to top things off, the top draft pick is currently holding out. All of this in timely fashion as the AFC West interlocks with the superpower NFC East this year. Good luck with that.

Predicted Order of Finish
1. San Diego Chargers - How can they not win this division?
2. Kansas City Chiefs - There's a rumor Larry Johnson will bounce back this season.
3. Oakland Raiders - At least they can run the ball.
4. Denver Broncos - No comment.


Veteran Newcomers
Matt Cassel, QB - Chiefs
Brian Dawkins, S - Broncos

5 Rookies Who Could Blow Up
Alphonso Smith, CB (2nd, Wake Forest) - Broncos
Ryan Succop, K (7th, South Carolina) - Chiefs
Louis Murphy, WR (4th, Florida) - Raiders
Robert Ayers, DE (1st, Tennessee) - Broncos
Daivd Burton, FS (4th, Notre Dame) - Broncos

5 Fantasy Winners
Phillip Rivers, QB - Chargers (Proj rd.3)
Dwayne Bowe, WR - Chiefs (Proj rd.3)
Vincent Jackson, WR - Chargers (Proj rd. 4/5)
Nate Kaeding, K - Chargers (Proj rd.10/12)
Chargers Defense (Proj rd.10/12)

5 Fantasy Losers
Brandon Marshall, WR - Broncos
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB - Chargers
Javon Walker, WR - Raiders
Matt Cassel, QB - Chiefs
Antonio Gates, TE - Chargers

5 Fantasy Team Make-or-Breakers
Larry Johnson, RB - Chiefs
Knowshon Moreno, RB - Broncos
Mark Bradley, WR - Chiefs
Darren McFadden, RB - Raiders
Darren Sproles, RB - Chargers

End Game
Unless something completely random happens the Chargers will win this division and could even make the Super Bowl with a little luck. The others, not so good an outlook. KC can't protect the passer, Oak can't complete a pass, and Denver is simply the most disfunctional franchise in pro football going into the season.
- Tomorrow AFC South-

Monday, August 3, 2009

2009 NFL Preview (NFC North)

"Garrison Poll"
2009 NFL Preview- NFC North
It's been 13 seasons since an NFC North team has won the Super Bowl. With the additions of QB Jay Cutler in Chicago and muscle in the Green Bay defensive front 7, this division is closer than you might think to being the strongest in the conference and getting back to the big game, and winning.
Order of Finish - *denotes wild card
1. Green Bay Packers - An improved defense will be the difference.
2. Minnesota Vikings*- Hangovers are never good, especially the Brett Farve type.
3. Chicago Bears - Cutler's town, Urlacher's team. Interesting.
4. Detroit Lions - Might win a couple of times this season.
Impact Veteran Newcommers
Jay Cutler, QB - Bears
Sage Rosenfels, QB - Vikings
5 Rookies Who Could Blow Up
Juaquin Eglesias, WR (3rd Oklahoma) - Bears
Clay Matthews, OLB (2nd, USC) - Packers
Brandon Pettigrew, TE (1st, Oklahoma St.) - Lions
Louis Delmas, S (2nd, W.Michigan) - Lions
Phil Loadholt, OT (2nd, Oklahoma) - Vikings
5 Fantasy Winners
Matt Forte, RB - Bears (no.1 overall)
Adrian Peterson, RB - Vikings (proj rd. 1st)
Calvin Johnson, WR - Lions (proj rd. 2nd)
Kevin Smith, RB - Lions (proj rd.2)
Greg Olson, TE - Bears (Proj rd 5/6)
5 Fantasy Losers
Devin Hester, WR - Bears
Matthew Stafford, QB - Lions
Vikings Defense
Ryan Grant, RB - Packers
Visanthe Shiancoe, TE - Vikings
5 Fantasy Team Make-or-Breakers
Greg Jennings, WR - Packers
Jay Cutler, QB - Bears
Packers Defense
Jermichael Finley, TE - Packers
Earl Bennett, WR - Bears
End Game
If you haven't noticed I like Green Bay. If potential reaches expectations the Packers can get to the conference title game, if not further. However, Minnesota lacks the quaterback and Chicago lacks the intangibles to get past wild card weekend. Detriot skill players will be fantasy producers but wins/losses will be on par with the worst of the league.
-Tomorrow, AFC West