The Michigan issue...

You know I had to comment on thing thing...here are my streaming thoughts....

• Did Rich Rodriguez just cry? I'm not liking this....not liking this one bit....
• Every team in the country goes over 20 hours a week...BUT I refuse to use that as an excuse...if you hear that...disregard what that person says....it doesn't make it okay
• These reports are still very much "alleged"
• I frankly don't believe the allegations that the staff told players to miss classes....That's a stretch even in this day and age...
• Why is this a huge story? Because it's Michigan football...if this was Iowa...not leading SportsCenter...comes with the territory
• I'm 10x less confident in this regime today than I was yesterday...but I can't seem to pinpoint why...maybe it's the revealing that they had a little panic after the 3-9 year...
• Please Saturday...hurry....and don't lose to Western...or this will be intolerable...

2009 NFL Preview Part 8: AFC East

And now the moment Sir Andrew Bernard has been waiting for....

1. New England Patriots (14-2) - The class of the division remains as such... Brady is back and healthy....Moss is full-strength (and the 2 of them looked to be in midseason form the other night)....Welker is the ideal slot man and the offensive line is a top-10 unit... Add in the addition of veteran Fred Taylor and a returning Laurence Maroney to compliment Kevin Faulk...the offense is the most talented unit in the league and can/should lead the league in scoring once again....you knew all that....the defense is better than it has been in recent years though....the defensive line in the 3-4 is CHALKED with pro bowlers...Vince Wilfork is elite at tackle, Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, and the like will dominate up there....and the linebackers are no longer the old, slow unit they have been...Jerod Mayo led the team in tackles a rookie and is a monster....newly acquired Derrick Burgess teams with Adalius Thomas to form possible the most electric OLB combo in the league flying off the edge....and the secondary gets a boost adding Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden....Can't bet against them and I won't....
2. Buffalo Bills (8-8) - Big time drop off.... I like what Buffalo did in the offseason...for as much ballyhoo as the TO signing brought them...they got him relatively cheap and it's sort of a 1-year flier.... Aaron Maybin looks like an animal on defense and once Marshawn Lynch comes back from suspension, they have some pretty significant weapons (don't forget about Lee Evans)...I like Trent Edwards as a caretaker and not much more...there is talent...but not the explosion needed to contend with the Pats....one advantage to look for though? The electric return game Buffalo can trot out with Roscoe Parrish and Leodis McKelvin....
3. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - The good: This teams returns virtually everyone from their 11-5 team....The bad: the 11-5 team was a fluke.... Chad Pennington played out of his mind last year...Ronnie Brown (and Chad, too) can't stay healthy for a full year and had a down year when you remove the fluky 5 TD effort he had early... The receivers are potentially dreadful again unless Ted Ginn can emerge... The defense could be quite good as they bring back Jason Taylor, draft Vontae Davis (who looks like a man), and bring in Gibril Wilson to anchor the back....I'm not as down on them as some...but no playoff repeat...
4. New York Jets (5-11) - All about the QB here folks...I'm not sold on Sanchez as a guy that can play right away...he started 16 games in his entire college career...guys like that don't have immediate NFL success...factor in a mediocre (at best) receiving corps....and bleh....Dustin Keller is a brightspot at TE and Jericho Cotchery is overly consistent...but no explosion...the defense should be good with Rex Ryan bringing alot of his guys to town (Bart Scott included) but if they never get off the field...it'll be a long year....

Vick, USC QB, etc.

Real quick...on the road...

• Mike Vick returns to action....I'm rooting for him, did I mention that? But i'll still be angry if he emerges to old form (sans Falcons of course)....4-4 in first start for 19 yards (all check downs) and one play lined up in the slot...they aren't going to show much....ho-hum
• Matt Barkley tabbed as USC's QB...the true freshman gets the nod in a very Pete Carroll-like move....lost in the shuffle? Former #1 recruit Mitch Mustain is the 3rd QB...this guy was ranked ahead of Tebow and Matt Stafford in their class...ouch
• NL teams should be going after Brad Penny...the NL move is about a -1.00 on the ERA off the bat lol...
• 7 game stretch for the Atlanta Braves featuring 3 with Philly and 4 with Florida....any worse than 5-2 in this stretch (unless Colorado goes 0-7 or something) will cause me to pronounce the season dead...Let's say its a big week....\
• The "3rd preseason game" corollary is in full effect...if you want to see something CLOSE to normal football action...that's the only option for the NFL....so tune in....

Later..

2009 NFL Preview Part 7: AFC North

Rough and tumble as per usual...

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - The champs return all but 3 starters from their championship team...Larry Foote, Bryant McFadden, and Kendall Simmons are gone...but those aren't gigantic losses...Big Ben, Willie Parker, forgotten 2nd year RB Mendenhall, Hines Ward, and Santonio Holmes....all back and they'll form a consistent and above-average offense to go along with a good run blocking line that showed some improvement in the passing game late last year.... And that defense...well you know how good they are...but let me tell you they could be better this year than last...rookie Ziggy Hood joins the ridiculous front 7 talent (James Harrison, Lamarr Woodley, etc.) and the secondary is healthy and could be dominant....not alot of holes to speak of....if Roethlisberger and Parker can stay healthy...pencil in the division win and a late run...
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) - Same position...a step back in record....I felt like (and still do feel like) Baltimore was a bit of a mirage in winning 11 games last year...the offense could be potentially putrid once again...yes, Flacco should improve at least slightly...but the running back trio has huge questions (I'd vote for Ray Rice in 09) and the receiving corps had to pry the previously retired Derrick Mason back to the field...the defense? They'll be good...but at some point the step back (with age) has to come for guys like Ray Lewis...I love Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, and Ed Reed....3 of the top 15-20 defensive players in the league in my opinion...but there could be some holes....
3. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) - A little rebound in Cincy....Carson Palmer is the key as always...if he's healthy, they could go .500....if not...ewww....Cedric Benson is all they have at running back and that's troubling but Chad, Chris Henry and Laveranues Coles is an NFL receiving trio...and the defense has some fairly good talent... Tank Johnson comes in (very talented if he can stay on the field), 2nd rounder Rey Maualuga could be special, and the secondary has some talent... I'm taking the optimistic route in predicting 7 wins...but I'm also assuming health for Palmer
4. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - I just don't see it... Jamal Lewis has hit the wall...and there's no young emerging option in sight...they can't pick a QB and neither is a good enough option to contend...Braylon has all the talent in the world, but outside of him....the offensive cupboard is as bare as ever after the loss of Stallworth and Winslow (rookies Robiskie and Massaquoi could fill the void but rookie receivers are always a chore)... Mangini brought in alot of "his guys" from the Jets...that could help in the transition but you still need talent, and there isn't alot... the loss of Sean Jones at safety could be big on defense, they have some younger talent in Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson... but they are a year away...at least

Philip Rivers, the Rockies, etc.

Just a few things going on....figured I'd check in between NFL previews...

• Philip Rivers signs for 6 years/92 million....38-39 million guaranteed is alot of cash...but the overall number is lower than Eli Manning's...I don't get that....you can tell me Manning won a super bowl (and you'd be right) but anybody that tells me he's a better player than Philip Rivers is out of their mind....the defense won that Super Bowl...thanks....
• Johan Santana has an elbow issue that may require surgery....more pile-on to the Mets dreadful campaign...and I'm loving every minute... "beat the mets...beat the mets...step right up and beat the mets...."
• Why all the fuss about Billy Wagner? The deal to Boston has apparently gone through as of this afternoon...finally...he's not going to be more than their 3rd or 4th reliever...so what's the uproar? It'll be funny to watch him and Papelbon sitting side-by-side in the pen though...
  
• The Rockies are unconscious....they give up 3 runs in the top of the 14th to soft-hitting San Francisco...and immediately hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom half...they can't lose if they try at this point...bad news for the Braves
• Michael Beasley in rehab....crazy...not going to say I was overly shocked b/c I was never a believer in Beasley based on his mental makeup as much as his game...but you never wanna see depression pop up...send prayer his way...
  
• Un-shockingly....some Vikings players reportedly want Tarvaris Jackson to start....I don't blame them...it's a guy they've bled with...he's won games...and Favre has declining skills and JUST walked in the door....but it's not going to happen...

More later

2009 NFL Preview Part 6: AFC West

This may be ugly...

1. San Diego Chargers (12-4) - Easily the class of this ugly division.... Philip Rivers is an elite QB, LDT is primed to keep it going (and Darren Sproles is the best change-up back in the league)...and that's before you even get to newly elite WR Vincent Jackson and all-world TE Antonio Gates...insane the talent on this side of the ball....and the defense should make a pretty strong return from last year's down year....Shawne Merriman is healthy to open the field up for Shaun Philips, rookie Larry English, and the like...Jamal Williams is a monster...and even Antonio Cromartie should rebound a bit...Quentin Jammer and Eric Weddle also may form the best pass defending safety tandem in the entire league....A Super Bowl contender pending the sight of what Tomlinson has left....
2. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) - Starting the ugliness... First the positives...I'm a Matt Cassel fan....Dwayne Bowe has elite talent and Bobby Engram is the pro's pro...and I also like guys like Jamaal Charles, Derrick Johnson, and Monty Beisel...but this team's front office is baffling me at the moment....they say they want to compete and sign Cassel...then flip Tony Gonzalez (their best player by a wide margin) for picks??? ehh...the defense has huge holes as well...Best of the worst....
3. Denver Broncos (5-11) - Let's say I'm not sold on the Kyle Orton era... Brandon Marshall is unhealthy, I wasn't sold on Knowshon Moreno before the injury....so let's leave it there....the defense was bad a year ago and could be slightly better, but Champ Bailey is on the downside, their biggest acquisition was Brian Dawkins who is in the twilight as well... it was an dreadful offseason with the relegation of Jay Cutler, and Josh McDaniels showing his colors in a negative way...I'm gonna say the season follows suit....
4. Oakland Raiders (3-13) - The circus is still in town.... Positives first... Darren McFadden could (and I think will) break out this year, they have an underrated TE in Zach Miller, and by far, the best corner in the league in Nnamdi Asomugha....add in the best kicking/punting game in the league with Lechler and Janikowski.... okay that's the list of positives...Jamarcus Russell continues to be a trainwreck as we all knew he would (Add 3 wins if Jeff Garcia is playing btw), the coaching/ownership situation is obviously a certified joke, and the offensive and defensive lines will continuously be overmatched (especially since they just jettisoned Derrick Burgess to NE)....Futility.....

2009 NFL Preview Part 5: AFC South

Straight in...

1. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - Still tons of talent on the offensive end...Peyton is healthy...Reggie Wayne is an elite #1 WR, Dallas Clark is a top 3-4 tight end, and I'm a big Anthony Gonzalez fan...but the biggest improvement on that end? I really like what Donald Brown can bring at the RB spot... Joseph Addai seems to be a little worn down at this point, and we figure to get alot of Donald Brown and that's a good thing to me....the defense is the usual...slightly undersized and fast....Marlin Jackson, Dwight Freeney, Kelvin Hayden, Robert Mathis....all guys that fit the system perfectly and excel...and that's before I even get to Bob Sanders...who is always the key... Big fan of this team still under Jim Caldwell b/c Peyton is still there....
2. Houston Texans (9-7) - An elite offense... no question...Matt Schaub is a good QB when healthy, Steve Slaton is emerging (although I think he's a bit over-rated fantasy-wise, etc.)...and then you get to the freak Andre Johnson and the under-rated combo of Kevin Walter and TE Owen Daniels...love the explosiveness there....and the D has some elite talent also, Mario Williams is a pro bowler at DE, Amobi Okoye is young and a stud at DT, and Demeco Ryans & Dunta Robinson lead their units with high-level production....there are still some holes on the O-Line and injury concerns in the secondary and at QB...but 9-10 wins is realistic....
3. Tennessee Titans (8-8) - If the record doesn't tip you off... I think the Titans come back to the pack this year...Call me crazy but Kerry Collins doesn't inspire any confidence in me...and still no receivers to speak of....Chris Johnson is an elite talent at RB and Lendale White looks to be in shape....but that doesn't mean it's a good offense...it's one-dimensional...the defense is a year older, without Albert Haynesworth and corner Eric King, and they were absurdly lucky in close games last year....add it up and I see a regression....
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9) - Alot of prognosticators seem to be back on the Jags bandwagon....I'm optimistic that they won't repeat their 5-11 record from last year...but they lost immense talent (Mike Peterson, Paul Spicer, Fred Taylor, Drayton Florence, and even Matt Jones)...and although I liked the Torry Holt signing...he isn't 2000 Torry Holt... the offense should be reasonably good depending on the health of MJD and David Garrard...Holt will anchor a has-to-be-improved receiving outfit....the defense has elite talent at places, but also significant holes at linebacker and safety....I'm not sold on the comeback, but they'll be competitive

Plax, Usain Bolt, etc...

Actually a fairly busy day in the world of sports...it's been a while....

• Plaxico Burress pleads guilty and will serve 2 years....boy that seems strong for what he did...I know I've joined in the "he just hurt himself" argument (and I stand by it) but his main crime was the illegal carrying of the gun in a state where it's just about as brutal as you can get on that particular issue... I think his career is over, and that's fairly insane when you think about how fast that type of thing can happen....
• Usain Bolt is absurd....back-to-back races...back-to-back world records and he SHATTERED both of them....It's a shame that the first thing people think of is "Is he cheating?" but that's the culture we live in....at any rate, he's making Michael Johnson look human and I never thought I'd see that....
• Chad Ochocinco kicked an extra point (and a kickoff) last night....awesome....plain awesome....we've been hearing for years about his soccer exploits and this was great (his kickoff reached the 9 yard line...impressive)
• Memphis and John Calipari stripped of their 38-win, final four appearance due to cheating...the allegations surround their best player and NBA ROY Derrick Rose.... but this is really on Calipari...how many times does he have to have this happen before it's an issue?
• Ben Roethlisberger carted off at Steelers camp...uh oh...paging Dennis Dixon....
• The Braves got a big series win in New York last night (despite a late error from Larry Jones) and seemed poised for a run...that being said....the constant mentioning of them as a "sleeper" in the Wild Card and East races scares me...these things don't work out...I need them under the radar....

Stay tuned...

On the go...

Blogging from the road this morning....

Brett Favre is a clown...there's not too much I can say about it other than to tell you that my NFC North preview is NOT changing....I repeat NOT changing....I don't think he makes them better at 40 years old than they would have been with Sage Rosenfels...it's a running team and he's coming into camp incredibly late....Meh

Why the Braves wouldn't pursue John Smoltz in a bullpen role is beyond me....But that's not the lead Braves story today...that would be the utter collapse of Derek Lowe in the 4th last night...I've never seen anything like that from him before...Just suddenly couldn't get anybody out...and Bobby hung him out to dry on top of it....hopefully an aberration

I'm gonna need more coverage of the Hawks ownership re-merger....this is an insane story....for background, here are several co-owners of the Atlanta Spirit group that owns the Hawks and Thrashers; Several months ago (over 2 years actually), Steve Belkin decided to sue the other partners over some financial issues, and actual personnel issues stemming from the Joe Johnson sign-and-trade....Anyway, the courts have decided that the 2 sides now, once again, co-own the team....and I haven't seen a national mention of this....these guys HATE each other...and don't have enough money to own an NBA team anyway....Great mojo for the future of Atlanta sports....

More later

Tiger goes Down, Bulger out, etc.

Couple things to tidy up with...

• Tiger semi-implodes...goes down to YE Yang at the PGA....can't say I'm not shocked b/c I really, truly am...never been more surprised about a golf result actually lol...incredible shot-making by Yang coming down the stretch with balls-to-the-wall hybrid shots from incredible distance and clutch putting...I guess it happens to everyone, but Tiger didn't make a consequential putt all day long and couldn't make anything crazy happen
• Carlos Delfino to the Bucks for Amir Johnson....not a big deal right? Eh...I actually love the Delfino fit...he can play when they let him and Amir's a guy with some high-level potential
• Marc Bulger out for 2 weeks+....another hit for the Rams QB...Never fails with him lol....they gotta have him...
• Will the Nats get Strasburg? I really don't think Boras is going to turn down 20-ish million for this guy...especially when his value can do nothing but diminish by pitching....just sign already Scotty....

Rest of the NFL preview in the works..be patient lol

2009 NFL Preview Part 4: NFC East

The cream of the NFC crop...

1. Philadelphia Eagles (12-4) - I had them here pre-Vick and that doesn't change...if anything it may add a W if they can figure out how to use him to maximum ability...they concentrated on offense in the offseason and came away with Pro Bowl OT Jason Peters, 2 rookie skill guys in McCoy and Maclin, and some additional O-line help to protect Donovan...this offense could be explosive if Westbrook can play at near 100% and Desean Jackson progresses as I think he will...crazy...on defense? Couple of losses (Lito Sheppard, Brian Dawkins), but still a top flight unit when you factor the addition of Ellis Hobbs at nickelback and the depth they still have in the secondary... Just a complete team and my favorite in the NFC period....One thing to watch though...the loss of DC Jim Johnson and how it affects their aggressiveness....
2. New York Giants (11-5) - Probably the 2nd best team in the conference....Eli Manning got paid and should be his usual consistent/not outstanding self....the loss of Derrick Ward in the backfield could be felt...but only if Brandon Jacobs can't stay on the field... and the O-Line remains outstanding....the real problem on offense? the Plaxico-less receiving corps is fairly ugly...Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith would be fine complimentary guys...but not worthy of starting status...and Eli isn't the type of guy who can do it alone....that hurts them... on defense, the return of Osi Umenyiora is huge, and along with Justin Tuck they form a crazy good DE combo... Michael Boley was a relatively cheap steal at linebacker and that young secondary should continue to improve with every year they play together...I like the Giants alot if they can get points in the passing game...but Brandon Jacobs health may be the overall key....
3. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) - If you were to look at a Cowboys offseason transaction list...you'd see alot of exits...and not many entries... TO is the big name...but also Chris Canty, Roy Williams, Tank Johnson and Greg Ellis....that's alot to lose...especially when the only real addition is Keith Brooking (and Felix Jones off injury)... The offense should hold its own if Roy Williams can bounce back (far from a lock) b/c the running back tandem was absolutely dynamic until Jones went down last year...he can score from anywhere and Barber is a masher...the OL is slow and plodding but overall reasonable...on defense... it's an incredibly talented unit but one that fails to achieve to their talent level regularly... Demarcus Ware will produce, but Brooking is on the downside, the safety play is suspect, and the Greg Ellis loss is huge....add in Wade Philips' influence and the Boys miss the playoffs....
4. Washington Redskins (7-9) - I'm the opposite of "high" on the 'Skins... they emptied the bank account on Haynesworth (who I have a feeling will hugely underachieve now) and Dockery...yes...those are improvements...but the offense still has trouble getting going behind Jason Campbell and a "bleh" receiving unit... and it doesn't help that they were shopping around for a QB all offseason...that ends badly.... I'm a huge fan of Brian Orakpo coming off the edge but he can only take you so far... and ahhh yes...Deangelo Hall and the experience that he is comes to Washington....good luck to you Redskin fans... Jim Zorn loses control of this team if Campbell underperforms...and he will... say hello to the basement

Tiger....

In between my 9 part NFL preview (check it!)....Tiger is killing at the PGA...he currently leads by 4 after 36 holes, and he's basically off the board in Vegas to win the tournament...I wish the general public had an understanding of how ridiculous he is...yes, it's well understood that he's the best golfer in the world...but he's the best golfer of all-time by a wide margin...in this age of advanced technology and competition worldwide...he's soaring past the competition at a laughable clip....take a step back and realize that he wins over half the events he enters....in GOLF! There's dozens and dozens of players in each event...all world-class....and yet, he's still the large-scale favorite every week....it's insanity....Just my two cents...

2009 NFL Preview Part 3: NFC North

This one took some debate....

1. Green Bay Packers (11-5) - I really, really like this team.... I'm very high on Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant responded well at the end of 2008, and the Jennings/Driver combo is quite solid...add in Donald Lee and newly drafted athletic freak TE Jermichael Finley, as well as a veteran O-line...it's an above-average unit... on defense... wow, the talent level is almost staggering when you look at it for the first time... Aaron Kampman, Ryan Pickett, and newly drafted BJ Raji on the d-line.... AJ Hawk, Nick Barnett, and rookie Clay Matthews at LB....lockdown corners (when healthy) on both sides in Charles Woodson (a personal favorite) and Al Harris... and even a very good kicker in Mason Crosby...This is definitely a playoff team if they stay healthy....
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) - I've wavered alot here.... but settled on this b/c of their dominant lines on both sides of the ball...the offensive line is very stout with Mt. McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson (the best guard in the league), and even newly drafted Phil Loadholt on the right side... the defensive line is flat-out exceptional as well with Jared Allen terrorizing the end while the Williams' brothers (who aren't brothers) dominate inside.... and we haven't even gotten to Adrian Peterson yet...so there's immense talent... the problem? You already know it's at QB...I actually like Sage Rosenfels....as a backup...but if you have him and the always-riveting Tarvaris Jackson competing to lead a supposed playoff contender...it makes me a little wary (especially with no receivers outside of Bernard Berrian)...nonetheless...all they need to do is manage the game...so i'll give them a wild-card look
3. Chicago Bears (9-7) - If there's an advantage Chicago has over Minny...it's at QB...Jay Cutler probably has the livest arm in the entire league and has shown the ability to wing the ball around...is he marginally crazy? yes...but he's a big-time upgrade...I also expect Matt Forte to come back with a 1500-yd+ sophomore campaign....Receiver is a question mark...Devin Hester has all the talent in the world and I think Cutler can bring out the same things in him that he got out of Eddie Royal in Denver...but the other side is laughable...Here's where Chicago falls behind... this defense is old...and oft-injured...in theory there are names on that side of the ball that get you excited...but Urlacher, Harris, Tillman, and even Ogunleye aren't the players they once were....This is a team that can beat anybody...but injuries and age keep them out of the show...
4. Detroit Lions (4-12) - Four wins! Needless to say that'd be a huge improvement...and I don't think I've EVER seen this kind of roster turnover in one offseason...Julian Peterson...Larry Foote... Philip Buchanon...Anthony Henry...Grady Jackson...and I digress...The root of the problem is on defense...but those guys help that enough where that should be only a slightly below-average unit... the offense? Let's just say I'm not sold on Stafford or Culpepper this year...Kevin Smith is quite good...and Calvin Johnson is named Megatron for a reason... Marked improvement...yes.....competing for the playoffs? no... 

2009 NFL Preview Part 2: NFC West

Ah the dreaded NFC West....this'll be riveting....

1. Seattle Seahawks (9-7) - Yes, 9-7 wins the West yet again....in the most putrid division in football, that's not TOO surprising...but I also feel like everyone (aside from Arizona) will take a slight step forward this year....Hasselbeck is healthy and he is throwing to a pretty good set of wideouts led by star acquisition TJ Houshmandzadeh as their #1 and a very good young TE in John Carlson...the offense depends on the health of Hasselbeck most of all...but the running back tandem of Julius Jones and TJ Duckett leaves a little to be desired...more Justin Forsett please....the defense should be quite good....the linebacking corps of Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, and #1 pick Aaron Curry is a top-flight unit in the league... and they lead a top-10 unit... Most of all...they are the team I trust the most in the division I trust the least....
2. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - oooo....ahh..... 8-8... Lots of factors at work here...the Super Bowl loser rarely responds...Kurt Warner can't possibly (and won't) stay upright for 16 games again (he had hip surgery in the offseason...what is he 70?), there is still no running game to speak of (Beanie Wells is already hurt)...and on top of that...this team went 9-7 last year...repeat...9-7....don't forget that.... the defense has talent with Rodgers-Cromartie, Rolle, Dockett, and company....but they are also changing schemes...a slight step back to come...
3. St. Louis Rams (6-10) - There are certainly some problems...Steven Jackson is healthy and it can't be understated how good he is when healthy...like top 3-4 back in the league good...Bulger is capable and this team should be eternally better coached this year...receiver is a problem (especially with the Donnie Avery injury) when the average fan can't name a single wideout and Falcons castoff Laurent Robinson will start, but the O-line should have come together a bit... There is some talent on defense (Leonard Little, Chris Long, Will Witherspoon, etc.) but there is also some age...they won't be putrid...but don't expect much more than a slight bump
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) - Tie for 3rd with St. Louis...but I trust the Rams a bit more...and here's the reason....Alex Smith...or Shaun Hill.... the always ridiculous Niners QB battle is in full force... yes, they have Frank Gore...but the receiver position is woeful yet again (although I like Josh Morgan)...Nate Clements and Patrick Willis are stars on defense, and that is an above-average unit...but not enough to make up for the lack of responsible QB play...

Ugly...

2009 NFL Preview Part 1: NFC South

Greetings all...I will be going through a 9-part NFL preview...8 divisions...and a Playoff/award prediction section...enjoy it...

1. New Orleans Saints (10-6) - This one may surprise some people...but hear me out...first things first...the NFC South is down from last year...plain and simple....now let me tell you why I like NO....that offense is simply dynamic...Brees is a top-flight QB...I'm a big Pierre Thomas fan (now that they've settled on him as the primary ball carrier), and the receiving corps with a healthy Colston, an established Lance Moore, and the almost-forgotten Robert Meachem (on the outside, I've been hearing good things)....this is a 30-point offense... but the O is never the problem here...they've brought in numerous guys (including a new DC) on the other side of the ball...Malcolm Jenkins is an impact guy at Corner, and Darren Sharper solidifies the safety play....add in guys like Jabari Greer at corner and Paul Spicer on the D-line to compliment Sedrick Ellis, Will Smith, and company....I like the D alot too....I'm sold...
2. Carolina Panthers (9-7) - You can't, and never will be able to, sell me on the Jake Delhomme experience....add in the obligatory Steve Smith injury (already), Muhsin Muhammed on the other side (ew) and the fluke potential of Deangelo Williams....and I'll say 8-8...I do like Jonathan Stewart emerging a bit though... Honestly the defense is pretty solid behind Jon Beason and the one-year-tendered Julius Peppers, but the secondary is fairly shaky and counting on some young guys in a division with Brees and Ryan...not good enough to overcome the offense....
3. Atlanta Falcons (8-8) - The streak of non-back-to-back winning campaigns continues...and it breaks my heart too, don't worry....there's alot of optimism in the fan community about this club this year...but if you look deeper, it should be reserved a bit....yes, the offense has the potential to be lights-out good with Ryan, Turner, White, Jenkins, and Gonzalez forming one of the most complete batteries in the league....but Turner toted the ball 370+ times last year (usually an indicator of a return to earth) and the O-line leaves a little to be desired...that being said, I like the offense....but the other side of the ball is ugly....very ugly.... yes, you have John Abraham and 2 top draft picks...but losing the best corner, 2 of the 3 linebackers, and best d-tackle from an already bad defense....yikes... Von Hutchins and Chris Houston isn't a starting NFL corner tandem... and that's before getting into Stephen Nicholas and the aging Mike Peterson at LB....I'm not exactly sold....but I hope I'm wrong (obviously)
4. Tampa Bay Bucs (6-10) - Josh Freeman, Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown....yikes.... I'm actually a Leftwich fan...but he's not a legit starter and I'm about as opposed to the Freeman pick as anybody could be.... Derrick Ward could be a 1400 yd. rusher, but the receiving corps remains bad (Bryant's breakout aside, he's not consistent)....there are questions on defense as well (Barber is old, replacing Derrick Brooks, Gaines Adams' production among them)...One more year and a QB away....

Vick to the....Eagles???!?

Well here are my thoughts as they happened....

1. What!??!?! The Eagles?!?!?
2. How is Donovan going to react?
3. He gets a 2-year deal....wow...1.6 for year 1...5.2 million option for year 2....seems pretty crazy to me...but also pretty sly on the Eagles part....5.2 would be a steal if he's the old Vick...if not, they pass on the option
4. Will they use him elsewhere? They almost have to...they've invested fairly highly in Kevin Kolb and this would figure to demote him instantly at QB....The fit is even MORE interesting simply b/c they already have 2 short/fast slot receiver types in Maclin and Jackson, AND an outstanding RB tandem....Where does he fit?
5. On a list of the top 20 teams I thought he may go to... Philly wouldn't be on it....
6. Now the countdown is on until December 6th....and the absolute freak show it'll be when Philly comes to Atlanta...I've already got my eye on some tickets....but I won't be pulling the trigger until I see if Vick will actually see the gridiron....

That's all for now...but I'm...wow...lol

Stallworth, the PGA, etc.

The breaking story this morning first...

• Donte Stallworth suspended without pay for the entire 09 season....I actually like this heavy handedness from the Commish... he got off painfully easy in the court system (he killed a man!!!) but the NFL has proven that it'll do what it wants...and the punishment fits here...I'm cool with it...
• Tiger is going to win the PGA....yes, I'm like Mike Wilbon in that I pick Tiger all the time...but hear me out....he hasn't won a major this year....this is the last one.... twice in his career he's won 2 tourneys in a row and then played the following week....and he's won the 3rd week both times... it's a course that fits his game...I could keep going...
• Pitino vows to stay at Louisville...I didn't know it was his choice? lol
• Why wouldn't Philly demote Jamie Moyer for Pedro Martinez? Moyer has the highest qualifying ERA of any starter in the NL...so don't focus on his team-high in wins...wins can be and generally are misleading...
• Every day the Yankees have a walk-off win it seems like.... 
• And the obligatory Braves mention....brace for this...Adam Laroche is fitting in...2 homers last night...and no one expects him to hit .300...just do this occasionally Adam...and as we wait for McLouth to return...the bats have been decent...and that's all they need to be...

Pitino and...Soccer?

The world is leading with Rick Pitino...so I'll say my piece....

• After gathering all the info I possibly could this afternoon....I've come to this conclusion...the worst thing he did here? Have drunken/unprotected sex with a woman who wasn't his wife...that's a terrible, terrible offense to me....that said, I have no issue with Louisville keeping him should they choose to do so...It's a strictly moral issue from what I can see b/c his job performance hasn't come under fire...and I've seen the Mike Price (Alabama football) comparison....I don't see it....Price hadn't coached a game at the school, used a university credit card, and received lap dances while on the job (official event)....hence the "university-centered" theme here....Pitino had none of that...EDIT: His contract has a morality clause....there's some leeway for the university if they wanna get out of that big contract....
• The US blew a 1-0 lead and lost in soccer to Mexico in Mexico City where they apparently never win....this is apparently news....I don't know why?
• Kevin Youkilis and Rick Porcello each suspended 5 games...how in the world is that justice? Now hear me out... Porcello is a starting pitcher...5 games is basically the equivalent of him taking an extra day between starts....that's all he gets? He threw at Victor Martinez the inning before...and then subsequently drilled Youk....Yes, Youkilis should get docked...but not SIGNIFICANTLY more than Porcello....which he clearly is as a position player....
• John Smoltz refuses option to the minors....will now be traded or cut....Memo to Frank Wren....GO GET HIM! Yes...I said it...make it up to your fans...go get him...stick him in the pen and let him unleash 1 inning at a time...
• Rasual Butler dealt to Clippers in a straight salary dump...helps the Clips with a reasonable backup at the 2/3 without threatening Eric Gordon's minutes...for New Orleans...saves them about $4 million and adds to the completely inconsistent behavior of that front office lately...are you trying to compete or be cheap?
• The Braves are hot....6 of 7...4 straight.... if they pitch like this....I refuse to get my hopes....keep reminding me ok? Thanks....

Have a good day all....

Back...and Back strong...

Greetings all....back to life...back to reality....let's jump right in....

• Tired of hearing about Mike Vick yet? I sure am...and I've been pretty disconnected so I can imagine how some of you must feel...there are reportedly "at least 5" teams interested in his services...cool....go sign with one...
• Alex Rios (and his gigantic contract) claimed off waivers by the White Sox....They will assume the 60-ish million left on it...basically as a free agent signing mid-season...one of the crazier things I can remember happening....but he can still play a little bit...
• Big Baby resigns in Boston....2 years....6 million....My question is...where are all these guys going to play? Wallace/Perkins/KG will all play significantly more minutes....so I guess he's insurance?
• The Yankees finally lost....and the Red Sox finally won....so OF COURSE SportsCenter leads with them....clearly there's nothing else happening in sports...lol
• For those of you that care...my NFL preview is being worked on as we speak....
• Troy Tulowitzki hits for the cycle...in his first 4 ABs no less.....the Cycle is vastly over-rated to me (wouldn't you want 4 extra base hits instead of having a single? and so on) but a nice 5-5 day....

More later today probably....stay tuned

Twitter!

Hiatus continues til the 10th....but for some shorter thoughts....follow me on twitter http://www.twitter.com/browismyhero or simply @browismyhero..... get it