Wow, it has been an eternity since I last posted here. It's been longer than half the football season. Currently I am bored out of my mind, which I should probably be enjoying considering how insane things have been lately. Let's start with school....
Entrepreneurship: This class is brutal. I sit in there for two and half hours every Monday night and read Peter King's MMQB and talk to friends on Facebook. I haven't paid a lick of attention in there and I actually still have an A. I hope my luck continues. As like most classes there is a group project involved, but I am totally riding on this one. More on that later....
International Marketing: Master Pang (the professor) is hilarious. He should be a stand up comedian. This class's group project is over thankfully. We're expecting a B. I'm fine with that though because I did almost the whole thing myself and the part that got us a B instead of an A was one of the few things that I delegated. I'm just glad it's over.
Intro to Computer Graphics: I have no idea how well I'm doing in this class. We don't find out what we made on anything until the end of the semester. I am enjoying it though even though I tend to get very sleepy in it.
Sales Management: This class is also brutal. It's about to become like Entrepreneurship where I play on the Internet the whole time.
Integrated Marketing Communication: I really like this class. Mr. Lovoy is cool and laid back and always willing to help. We've been working on our group project for months and finally presented on Wednesday. We did amazing. I'm positive we are going to get an A. And Amy has been amazing as the group leader. I couldn't have asked for a better one and I am learning so much from her.
On the personal life front I still need a job. However, I still want a job that I am going to enjoy doing and not something to just make ends meet. I want something that is going to benefit me long term. I need a good internship.
Things have also been great recently from a social standpoint. Went to a Halloween party for the first time in ages and had a good time. I also met the coolest girl. Her name is Natalie. She's Asian and loves LOST like I do. I think we hit it off pretty well. Ambree's supposed to talk to her to guage interest and report back. I am waiting for that report.
I also played in the School of Business/School of Education softball game for Homecoming last week. Went 1/1 with a single and no major errors. We got slaughtered. Also went to Auburn with Amy and our little brothers. It was alot of fun but I was somewhat underwhelmed by the lemonade and Cheeburger Cheeburger. I mean it was good, but I was expecting my taste buds to explode. They didn't.
Things at church seem to be looking up as well though it is going to be a slow process. We announced that we are making a preaching change recently and this makes me very happy. Our preacher is a good man but he is just not what our church needs in the pulpit. Hopefully we can get somebody who is younger and more dynamic.
As for what's going on in sports, I'll just throw out some random things on which I'd like to comment.
1. Brett Favre is Brett Favre: Who knew that he would be having one of his best years ever? I should have seen this coming though. He has the best running back in the game, a great offensive line, solid receivers, and a good defense. Why shouldn't he be playing at such a high level? Now, I still hate the Vikings but I will admit that if they make the playoffs and the Packers don't, I will be rooting for them and for Favre. I still think it will be interesting to see how Favre's health holds up down the stretch run.
2. The Saints come marching in: I said in my NFC preview that I thought the Saints would be good, but I had no idea they'd be this good. What a complete team.
3. Peyton Manning is Peyton Manning: The Colts have been as good as anybody. And whoever said that Peyton Manning is only good because of his receivers is crazy. He made them good. Who would have thought he'd be playing like he has with a frenchman (Pierre Garcon) as his second receiver?
4. The Packers are in a free fall: What started out as a somewhat promising season has gone downhill because of one thing: The offensive line. Aaron Rodgers, despite putting up impressive numbers, has been sacked a league high 37 times through 8 games posting only 4 wins. He is still going to be great, but the offensive line has to get better and the defense is going to have to help him.
5. Congrats to Donald Driver and Ahman Green for breaking the Packers records for receptions and rushing yards respectively.
6. So many bad teams: Parody no longer exists in the NFL as the Lions, Browns, Redskins, Rams, Bucs, Raiders, Titans, and Chiefs all have 2 wins or less.
7. Percy Harvin is a freak: I've never seen such a versatile player. WR, RB, KR, this guy does it all.
8. The Denver Broncos: Started off hot. Have lost two in a row. Just like I said they would. This is not a playoff team.
9. The Cincinnati Bengals: I said they might surprise, but I never thought they nor Cedric Benson would be this good. They are the Saints of the AFC.
10. Random note of the day: I'm contemplating starting coffee. Maybe I shouldn't though. My body probably won't be able to handle the caffeine so I don't know.
Alright, that's all. Next post coming sometime in the future though I have no idea when that will be.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
NFL Preview 2009 -- AFC and Super Bowl Picks
Ah, the NFL season is upon us. Tomorrow night marks the beginning of 2009 NFL season when the Steelers take on the Titans. I realized I have to finish my preview before they start playing games, so without further adieu, your 2009 AFC preview.
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers -- 10-6
Last year's defending champs will get back to the playoffs in 2009, but I expect them to be a slightly weaker version of last year's team that won the Super Bowl thanks to Bernard Pollard (if you don't know who that is then Google him and you'll get what I mean).
What's good: Defense. Defense has been Pittsburgh's mantra for decades, dating back to the "Steel Curtain" defense of the '70s. They will be a strong unit again this season.
What's bad: Not much. The Steelers are one of those teams that are good everywhere, but not great anywhere, and when you have good guys everywhere you are likely to win a lot of games rather than having several stars and be weak at other positions.
What to watch: Limas Sweed. The Steelers lost WR Nate Washington to the Titans in free agency, so it will be up to Sweed to step up and fill the role of slot receiver.
2. Baltimore Ravens -- 10-6
I have the Ravens being just a hair worse than the Steelers similar to last season. To be quite honest I think they are probably the better team, but for some reason I just can't pick against Pittsburgh.
What's good: Defense. Just like the Steelers, the Ravens have a vaunted defense. But will they be as good after losing guru Rex Ryan to the Jets? Probably.
What's bad: Pass-catchers. Mike Clayton showed flashes of promise last year, but Derrick Mason and Todd Heap's better days are behind them.
What to watch: Joe Flacco. Will the rookie sensation of last season avoid a sophomore slump? I think so.
3. Cincinnati Bengals -- 6-10
The Bengals will be better than last year, but mediocre overall. Carson Palmer is supposedly healthy this year, which bodes well, but the defense is very shaky in my opinion.
What's good: Carson Palmer's elbow. He says he's 100%. Better hope he's right.
What's bad: Chad Ochocinco. I can't believe he officially changed his last name to a Spanish word that doesn't even translate to his jersey number "85". Ochocinco is a joke. A pretty good receiver, but a joke. Until he grows up he's never going to win anything.
What to watch: Cedric Benson. If Benson, a former number 4 overall draft pick can live up to his potential and provide a solid running game, the Bengals may come out of nowhere to surprise a lot of people.
4. Cleveland Browns -- 4-12
The Browns are a laughing stock right now. They can't make up their mind between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards developed butterfingers, and Jamal Lewis seems 100 years older than he reall is.
What's good: D'Qwell Jackson. His name is D'Qwell...without a "U"...and he's a stud.
What's bad: Defense, running back, receivers...almost everything.
What to watch: Brady Quinn. Coming out of college I said that Brady Quinn was the best QB prospect to come out in years. Better than anybody named Eli Manning, Rivers, Roethlisberger, Rodgers, Campbell, Ryan or Flacco. He needs to step it up so I don't have to eat those words.
AFC South
1. Tennessee Titans -- 11-5
The Titans surprised everyone last year when they went 13-3. The defense dominated as did the running game. They'll be solid again this year in what may be the trickiest division in football to predict.
What's good: Running the football. Chris Johnson and LenDale White may be the best 1-2 punch in the NFL.
What's bad: QB. Kerry Collins is a game manager and hasn't started a 16 games since 2002. If something happens to him can Vince Young hold down the fort?
What to watch: Wideouts. Without a true number one receiver, who will step up? Someone has to. Tight Ends Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler can't catch everything.
2. Indianapolis Colts -- 10-6
The Colts make the playoffs every year. As long as Peyton Manning is under center you can't bet against them.
What's good: Peyton Manning. Self explanitory.
What's bad: Number 2 receiver. Not that Anthony Gonzalez is bad, it's just that after Reggie Wayne there's not much depth. Gonzalez has the potential to be a star, but I don't know if he'll reach it this season. With Marvin Harrison gone, who will be the slot receiver? Pierre Garcon? Ha.
What to watch: Shakeups. The Colts coaching staff looks very different than it did last year. How will it affect the team overall?
3. Houston Texans -- 8-8
Houston is the sexy pick to make the playoffs every year but always come up short. This year will be no different.
What's good: Young defensive studs. Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans are arguabley the two premiere players at their positions.
What's bad: QB health. Has Matt Schaub ever made it through a full season? No. Is Rex Grossman going to carry them if something happens to Schaub? No.
What to watch: Andre Johnson. Maybe the best receiver in football. He always puts on a show.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars -- 4-12
I don't like anything about Jacksonville. I don't think that Maurice Jones-Drew will be nearly as good without Fred Taylor around, I don't think that Tory Holt is the Tory Holt of old, and I don't think that David Garrard is really all that great.
What's good: RaShean Mathis. Very underrated at cornerback.
What's bad: Receivers not named Holt. Mike Walker-Sims is Jacksonville's number two guy. Or is it Sims-Walker? I can't remember. In fact, who cares?
What to watch: MJD. How will Jones-Drew adjust to being a feature back? I don't know, but like I said, I have my doubts.
AFC East
1. New England Patriots -- 13-3
The Pats went 11-5 WITHOUT Tom Brady last year. 13-3 is probably low-balling the Pats. But I could see them losing once to Miami, losing to Baltimore, and dropping a game that they won't need in the last week of the season to the playoff clingy Texans.
What's good: Wes Welker. He's one of my favorite players. Scrappy little receiver slot receiver that shares my name.
What's bad: Nothing.
What to watch: Age. The Patriots got a lot younger with the trades of Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymore and the the retirement of Teddy Bruschi. But they got older on offense when they added Joey Galloway and Fred Taylor.
2. Miami Dolphins -- 9-7
The Dolphins shocked the world last season with a 10 game turnaround from the previous year, tying an NFL record. This year people see Miami coming and their little Wildcat ploy from last year is now a league wide sensation. Better start working on those Statue of Liberty plays, Sparano.
What's good: Running. Be it out of the Wildcat or straight up the gut, the Dolphins are deep at running back with Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Patrick Cobbs.
What's bad: Wide receivers. Ted Ginn Jr. has big play capability, but is very inconsistent. The rest of the group are a bunch of a slot receivers.
What to watch: Chad Pennington. When's the last time Chad Pennington put together back to back solid seasons? Oh, that's right, never. He has to be good if the Dolphins want to make it back to the playoffs.
3. Buffalo Bills -- 6-10
I had no idea whether to put the Bills or the Jets here, but decided to go with the team not starting a rookie quarterback.
What's good: Playmakers at receiver. Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Roscoe Parrish, Josh Reed, James Hardy. That's depth.
What's bad: Trent Edwards. I'm just not a believer.
What to watch: Team Obliterator. Will TO blow up the Bills like he did the 49ers, Eagles, and Cowboys?
4. New York Jets -- 6-10
Rex Ryan will have the defense ready to go. Question is, can they score enoug points? I see the Jets losing a lot of games 16-13.
What's good: Defense. Imported from Baltimore, head coach Rex Ryan is a defensive guru. He brought his stud linebacker Bart Scott with him.
What's bad: Receivers. I'm sure you're getting tired of me harping on the lack of receiving depth that haunts many teams, but there is not one guy on the Jets receiving corps who you can count on game in and game out to make plays.
What to watch: Mark Sanchez. I like what I've seen from the rookie from USC. Not sure if he'll have a Matt Ryan-like season, but he'll be pretty good.
AFC West
1. San Diego Chargers -- 12-4
At first I marked the Chargers down for 14 wins, but then looked at their schedule. They have tough games against Miami, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, the Giants, Philadelphia, and Dallas. I can see them losing 3 of those AFC games and one of those NFC games.
What's good: Philip Rivers. Is he ready to make a jump into Brady/Manning status? I think so.
What's bad: Not much. The Bolts are good EVERYWHERE.
What to watch: Ladainian Tomlinson. Will he bounce back from a disappointing, injury-plagued 2008 season?
2. Denver Broncos -- 5-11
The rest of this division is a mystery. I had no idea who to put here.
What's good: Knowshon Moreno. There isn't much to root about in Denver, but the rookie from Georgia has huge upside.
What's bad: Quarterback. Kyle Orton stinks. Chris Simms is hurt. I don't even know who the third guy is.
What to watch: Josh McDaniels. The rookie head coach of the Broncos seems to have already lost control of his team. I don't think he'll get it back.
3. Kansas City Chiefs -- 4-12
The Chiefs have the potential to be better than Denver. There were just too many question marks for me to give them the nod.
What's good: Dwayne Bowe. Just think if Bowe played for, say, Miami or Philadelphia.
What's bad: Defense. The Chiefs defense is bad. I can name maybe 4 starters. Glen Dorsey, Tyson Jackson, Tamba Hali, and um...okay, maybe 3 starters.
What to watch: Matt Cassel. Cassel had a coming out party after Brady went down with that knee injury. But with that group of New England receivers and that New England offensive line I could have quarterbacked the Patriots.
4. Oakland Raiders -- 2-14
Yes, the Raiders might be the NFL's worst team. Jamarcus Russel is terrible, just like I said he'd be when he was taken number one overall two years ago, and the team is being run by the oldest man alive.
What's good: Nnamdi Asomugha. Maybe the NFL's best corner.
What's bad: Everything else. Maybe McFadden will be good, but who is going to block for him?
What to watch: Darius Heyward-Bay. I am still puzzled that the Raiders chose DHB at #7 in April's draft. What were they thinking? It'll be interesting to see just how good he is.
So to summarize
AFC North -- Steelers, Ravens, Bengals, Browns
AFC South -- Titans, Colts, Texans, Jaguars
AFC East -- Patriots, Dolphins, Bills, Jets
AFC West -- Chargers, Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders
Who's in -- Steelers, Titans, Patriots, Chargers, Ravens, Colts
So how will the playoffs play out? Like this....
NFC
1. Eagles
2. Falcons
3. Packers
4. Seahawks
5. Vikings
6. Saints
Wild Card: Packers over Saints; Vikings over Seahawks
Division: Vikings over Eagles; Packers over Falcons
Championship: Packers over Vikings
AFC
1. Patriots
2. Chargers
3. Steelers
4. Titans
5. Ravens
6. Colts
Wild Card: Steelers over Colts; Ravens over Titans
Division: Ravens over Patriots; Chargers over Steelers
Championship: Chargers over Ravens
Super Bowl XLIV: Chargers over Packers
Okay so call me a homer, but I can honestly see Green Bay coming out of the NFC. Everyone in the conference is mediocre. I picked them because I could only think of good reasons to pick AGAINST everyone else. The Saints don't play defense. Matt Ryan isn't going to the Super Bowl in his second year. Brett Favre will never last through the playoffs. So I'm going with the Packers. The Chargers are a gut feeling. At the end of the day though, the Chargers are the more well rounded team. The Chargers will win Super Bowl XLIV.
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers -- 10-6
Last year's defending champs will get back to the playoffs in 2009, but I expect them to be a slightly weaker version of last year's team that won the Super Bowl thanks to Bernard Pollard (if you don't know who that is then Google him and you'll get what I mean).
What's good: Defense. Defense has been Pittsburgh's mantra for decades, dating back to the "Steel Curtain" defense of the '70s. They will be a strong unit again this season.
What's bad: Not much. The Steelers are one of those teams that are good everywhere, but not great anywhere, and when you have good guys everywhere you are likely to win a lot of games rather than having several stars and be weak at other positions.
What to watch: Limas Sweed. The Steelers lost WR Nate Washington to the Titans in free agency, so it will be up to Sweed to step up and fill the role of slot receiver.
2. Baltimore Ravens -- 10-6
I have the Ravens being just a hair worse than the Steelers similar to last season. To be quite honest I think they are probably the better team, but for some reason I just can't pick against Pittsburgh.
What's good: Defense. Just like the Steelers, the Ravens have a vaunted defense. But will they be as good after losing guru Rex Ryan to the Jets? Probably.
What's bad: Pass-catchers. Mike Clayton showed flashes of promise last year, but Derrick Mason and Todd Heap's better days are behind them.
What to watch: Joe Flacco. Will the rookie sensation of last season avoid a sophomore slump? I think so.
3. Cincinnati Bengals -- 6-10
The Bengals will be better than last year, but mediocre overall. Carson Palmer is supposedly healthy this year, which bodes well, but the defense is very shaky in my opinion.
What's good: Carson Palmer's elbow. He says he's 100%. Better hope he's right.
What's bad: Chad Ochocinco. I can't believe he officially changed his last name to a Spanish word that doesn't even translate to his jersey number "85". Ochocinco is a joke. A pretty good receiver, but a joke. Until he grows up he's never going to win anything.
What to watch: Cedric Benson. If Benson, a former number 4 overall draft pick can live up to his potential and provide a solid running game, the Bengals may come out of nowhere to surprise a lot of people.
4. Cleveland Browns -- 4-12
The Browns are a laughing stock right now. They can't make up their mind between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards developed butterfingers, and Jamal Lewis seems 100 years older than he reall is.
What's good: D'Qwell Jackson. His name is D'Qwell...without a "U"...and he's a stud.
What's bad: Defense, running back, receivers...almost everything.
What to watch: Brady Quinn. Coming out of college I said that Brady Quinn was the best QB prospect to come out in years. Better than anybody named Eli Manning, Rivers, Roethlisberger, Rodgers, Campbell, Ryan or Flacco. He needs to step it up so I don't have to eat those words.
AFC South
1. Tennessee Titans -- 11-5
The Titans surprised everyone last year when they went 13-3. The defense dominated as did the running game. They'll be solid again this year in what may be the trickiest division in football to predict.
What's good: Running the football. Chris Johnson and LenDale White may be the best 1-2 punch in the NFL.
What's bad: QB. Kerry Collins is a game manager and hasn't started a 16 games since 2002. If something happens to him can Vince Young hold down the fort?
What to watch: Wideouts. Without a true number one receiver, who will step up? Someone has to. Tight Ends Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler can't catch everything.
2. Indianapolis Colts -- 10-6
The Colts make the playoffs every year. As long as Peyton Manning is under center you can't bet against them.
What's good: Peyton Manning. Self explanitory.
What's bad: Number 2 receiver. Not that Anthony Gonzalez is bad, it's just that after Reggie Wayne there's not much depth. Gonzalez has the potential to be a star, but I don't know if he'll reach it this season. With Marvin Harrison gone, who will be the slot receiver? Pierre Garcon? Ha.
What to watch: Shakeups. The Colts coaching staff looks very different than it did last year. How will it affect the team overall?
3. Houston Texans -- 8-8
Houston is the sexy pick to make the playoffs every year but always come up short. This year will be no different.
What's good: Young defensive studs. Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans are arguabley the two premiere players at their positions.
What's bad: QB health. Has Matt Schaub ever made it through a full season? No. Is Rex Grossman going to carry them if something happens to Schaub? No.
What to watch: Andre Johnson. Maybe the best receiver in football. He always puts on a show.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars -- 4-12
I don't like anything about Jacksonville. I don't think that Maurice Jones-Drew will be nearly as good without Fred Taylor around, I don't think that Tory Holt is the Tory Holt of old, and I don't think that David Garrard is really all that great.
What's good: RaShean Mathis. Very underrated at cornerback.
What's bad: Receivers not named Holt. Mike Walker-Sims is Jacksonville's number two guy. Or is it Sims-Walker? I can't remember. In fact, who cares?
What to watch: MJD. How will Jones-Drew adjust to being a feature back? I don't know, but like I said, I have my doubts.
AFC East
1. New England Patriots -- 13-3
The Pats went 11-5 WITHOUT Tom Brady last year. 13-3 is probably low-balling the Pats. But I could see them losing once to Miami, losing to Baltimore, and dropping a game that they won't need in the last week of the season to the playoff clingy Texans.
What's good: Wes Welker. He's one of my favorite players. Scrappy little receiver slot receiver that shares my name.
What's bad: Nothing.
What to watch: Age. The Patriots got a lot younger with the trades of Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymore and the the retirement of Teddy Bruschi. But they got older on offense when they added Joey Galloway and Fred Taylor.
2. Miami Dolphins -- 9-7
The Dolphins shocked the world last season with a 10 game turnaround from the previous year, tying an NFL record. This year people see Miami coming and their little Wildcat ploy from last year is now a league wide sensation. Better start working on those Statue of Liberty plays, Sparano.
What's good: Running. Be it out of the Wildcat or straight up the gut, the Dolphins are deep at running back with Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Patrick Cobbs.
What's bad: Wide receivers. Ted Ginn Jr. has big play capability, but is very inconsistent. The rest of the group are a bunch of a slot receivers.
What to watch: Chad Pennington. When's the last time Chad Pennington put together back to back solid seasons? Oh, that's right, never. He has to be good if the Dolphins want to make it back to the playoffs.
3. Buffalo Bills -- 6-10
I had no idea whether to put the Bills or the Jets here, but decided to go with the team not starting a rookie quarterback.
What's good: Playmakers at receiver. Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Roscoe Parrish, Josh Reed, James Hardy. That's depth.
What's bad: Trent Edwards. I'm just not a believer.
What to watch: Team Obliterator. Will TO blow up the Bills like he did the 49ers, Eagles, and Cowboys?
4. New York Jets -- 6-10
Rex Ryan will have the defense ready to go. Question is, can they score enoug points? I see the Jets losing a lot of games 16-13.
What's good: Defense. Imported from Baltimore, head coach Rex Ryan is a defensive guru. He brought his stud linebacker Bart Scott with him.
What's bad: Receivers. I'm sure you're getting tired of me harping on the lack of receiving depth that haunts many teams, but there is not one guy on the Jets receiving corps who you can count on game in and game out to make plays.
What to watch: Mark Sanchez. I like what I've seen from the rookie from USC. Not sure if he'll have a Matt Ryan-like season, but he'll be pretty good.
AFC West
1. San Diego Chargers -- 12-4
At first I marked the Chargers down for 14 wins, but then looked at their schedule. They have tough games against Miami, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, the Giants, Philadelphia, and Dallas. I can see them losing 3 of those AFC games and one of those NFC games.
What's good: Philip Rivers. Is he ready to make a jump into Brady/Manning status? I think so.
What's bad: Not much. The Bolts are good EVERYWHERE.
What to watch: Ladainian Tomlinson. Will he bounce back from a disappointing, injury-plagued 2008 season?
2. Denver Broncos -- 5-11
The rest of this division is a mystery. I had no idea who to put here.
What's good: Knowshon Moreno. There isn't much to root about in Denver, but the rookie from Georgia has huge upside.
What's bad: Quarterback. Kyle Orton stinks. Chris Simms is hurt. I don't even know who the third guy is.
What to watch: Josh McDaniels. The rookie head coach of the Broncos seems to have already lost control of his team. I don't think he'll get it back.
3. Kansas City Chiefs -- 4-12
The Chiefs have the potential to be better than Denver. There were just too many question marks for me to give them the nod.
What's good: Dwayne Bowe. Just think if Bowe played for, say, Miami or Philadelphia.
What's bad: Defense. The Chiefs defense is bad. I can name maybe 4 starters. Glen Dorsey, Tyson Jackson, Tamba Hali, and um...okay, maybe 3 starters.
What to watch: Matt Cassel. Cassel had a coming out party after Brady went down with that knee injury. But with that group of New England receivers and that New England offensive line I could have quarterbacked the Patriots.
4. Oakland Raiders -- 2-14
Yes, the Raiders might be the NFL's worst team. Jamarcus Russel is terrible, just like I said he'd be when he was taken number one overall two years ago, and the team is being run by the oldest man alive.
What's good: Nnamdi Asomugha. Maybe the NFL's best corner.
What's bad: Everything else. Maybe McFadden will be good, but who is going to block for him?
What to watch: Darius Heyward-Bay. I am still puzzled that the Raiders chose DHB at #7 in April's draft. What were they thinking? It'll be interesting to see just how good he is.
So to summarize
AFC North -- Steelers, Ravens, Bengals, Browns
AFC South -- Titans, Colts, Texans, Jaguars
AFC East -- Patriots, Dolphins, Bills, Jets
AFC West -- Chargers, Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders
Who's in -- Steelers, Titans, Patriots, Chargers, Ravens, Colts
So how will the playoffs play out? Like this....
NFC
1. Eagles
2. Falcons
3. Packers
4. Seahawks
5. Vikings
6. Saints
Wild Card: Packers over Saints; Vikings over Seahawks
Division: Vikings over Eagles; Packers over Falcons
Championship: Packers over Vikings
AFC
1. Patriots
2. Chargers
3. Steelers
4. Titans
5. Ravens
6. Colts
Wild Card: Steelers over Colts; Ravens over Titans
Division: Ravens over Patriots; Chargers over Steelers
Championship: Chargers over Ravens
Super Bowl XLIV: Chargers over Packers
Okay so call me a homer, but I can honestly see Green Bay coming out of the NFC. Everyone in the conference is mediocre. I picked them because I could only think of good reasons to pick AGAINST everyone else. The Saints don't play defense. Matt Ryan isn't going to the Super Bowl in his second year. Brett Favre will never last through the playoffs. So I'm going with the Packers. The Chargers are a gut feeling. At the end of the day though, the Chargers are the more well rounded team. The Chargers will win Super Bowl XLIV.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
NFL Preview 2009 -- NFC
I've had a lot on my mind lately. So much in fact that I am taking a break from it and am going to get away from it all for a little bit. So, you may ask, what are you going to do with this new found time? Well I'm glad you asked. I am going to preview the upcoming NFL season division by division, team by team. I'll tell you what's good, what's bad, and how each team will finish. So without further adieu.........
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers -- 10-6
The Packers are a team that is very much under the radar this year. The only time that they are going to get super media coverage is when Brett Favre and the Vikings come to town, which will be the ultimate in "player vs. former team" matchups.
What's good: Aaron Rodgers. The Packers QB busted out in a big way in his first season as a starter. He did everything right and has played incredibly well in the preseason. He just might establish himself as the best QB in the NFC this season.
What's bad: The running game. Ryan Grant came out of nowhere two years ago to help lead the Packers to the NFC championship game. Actually, the running game isn't exactly bad, it's just a question mark. Grant needs to return to his 1300 yard form this season so that there isn't so much pressure on Aaron Rodgers.
What to watch: The defense. The Packers switch to the 3-4 scheme of new coordinator Dom Capers has been much publicized, including the transition of Pro Bowler Aaron Kampman from defensive end to linebacker. If that transition goes as planned the Packers defense should be a solid unit.
2. Minnesota Vikings -- 10-6
Obviously the story in Minnesota this season is Brett Favre and whether he is the missing piece to the puzzle. While my childhood hero is a big name and will sell thousands of tickets and jerseys I'm not convinced that he is a better option than Sage Rosenfels or Tavaris Jackson. More on that shortly.
What's good: The running game. Adrian Peterson is the NFL's best running back and Chester Taylor is a solid spell back. The offensive line is also good and that running game will be hard to stop.
What's bad: The team chemistry. The Favre saga has divided the Vikings lockerroom. They are going to all have to get on the same page if this is going to work. If Favre comes out and throws three picks in the first game the Vikings won't stand a chance this season.
What to watch: The Favre saga. Two years ago Brett Favre put in one of the hardest offseasons of work in his career. The result? One of his best seasons, a 13-3 record, and a trip to the NFC title game. Last year he had no offseason workouts, threw as many INTs as he did TDs and flopped in December. This year he got an even later start. You tell me what's going to happen.
3. Chicago Bears -- 9-7
The most interseting thing the Bears did this offseason was make a blockbuster trade for the starry Jay Cutler. The last time the Bears had a QB witht his clout was Sid Luckman. That was also in the 1940s.
What's good: Matt Forte. The Bears running back put together an outstanding rookie season last year. I think he's only going to get better.
What's bad: The receivers. Quick, name a receiver for the Bears. That's what I thought.
What to watch: Who is Jay Cutler going to throw to? Devin Hester? Well yeah, but Hester is not exactly Randy Moss. I'd expect tight end Greg Olsen to get the majority of Cutlers passes thrown his way.
4. Detroit Lions -- 3-13
The Lions had the best worst season in NFL history last year going 0-16. They can only go up from here. And they will.
What's good: Hope. After a winless season last year, hope is about all the Lions have. Kevin Smith is a pretty good running back and Calvin Johnson is a stud at receiver. After that there's not much good to talk about. So the fact that the Lions can't get any worse has to be a good thing right?
What's bad: Everything.
What to watch: Matthew Stafford. The first overall pick from Georgia will likely be starting sooner rather than later. I would expect him to be starting by midseason. It'll be interesting to see how much he develops in his rookie year.
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons -- 11-5
The Falcons had a surprising season last year. Michael Turner proved to be a beast at running back and then rookie Matt Ryan was proficient in the offense. Roddy White also had a coming out party (have to give a shout out to my fellow UAB Blazer).
What's good: The atmosphere. Before last season the Falcons were among the NFL's laughing stock. Michael Vick left the franchise in shambles. Now after last season they have a winning attitude, a model citizen to lead the team at QB, and a real chance to do some damage in the NFC this year.
What's bad: The pass defense. I can only name one member of the Falcons secondary, that being Arkansas alum Chris Houston. And he's not really a lock down corner.
What to watch: Tony Gonzalez. The all pro tight end finally got his wish and got out of Kansas City to play for a playoff contender. He provides a safety net for Matt Ryan and should make an already solid offense that much better.
2. New Orleans Saints -- 10-6
The Saints have what is maybe the most prolific passing game in the NFL. If Drew Brees had Patriots-like receivers then there is no doubt in my mind he would shatter all of Tom Brady's records. This pick may surprise some people, but I'll tell you why it will happen shortly.
What's good: The passing game. The Saints have the NFC's best passer in Drew Brees. Brees flirted with Dan Marino's single season passing yardage record last year, mainly because they couldn't run the ball. Then again neither could Marino's Dolphins teams.
What's bad: The defense. Why did the Saints passing game put up such great numbers last year? Because they were always playing from behind.
What to watch: History. Since 2002 the team that finished last in the NFC South has made the playoffs the next year. The Falcons did it last year. The Saints will do it this year. Why? Just because.
3. Carolina Panthers -- 9-7
The Panthers were one of the NFC's best teams a year ago as DeAngelo Williams and then rookie Jonathan Stewart provided a two headed monster in the backfield.
What's good: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Arguably the best running back duo in the NFL Williams and Stewart provide constant headaches for defensive coordinators.
What's bad: Inconsistency. Jake Delhomme is usually really good or really bad. The Panthers need him to be really good if they want to succeed. He'll be wishy washy again and that will hurt the Panthers.
What to watch: Jon Fox. The Panthers coach has gotten close several times but has never been able to get to the top. If he can't do it this year his seat might get much hotter.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- 6-10
The Bucs aren't really a threat to anybody this year. The defense is really their only strength.
What's good: Ronde Barber. The Bucs cornerback has been a staple of the franchise for more than a decade. He'll be good again this year.
What's bad: The wideouts. They're top two guys are Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall. The former is a George Clooney film and the latter sounds like some kind of oven cleaner.
What to watch: The running backs. They have three pretty good ones in Cadillac Williams, Ernest Graham, and newly acquired Derrick Ward. Those guys should be able to keep thim in the game. On another completely random note, when will see rookie QB Josh Freeman? Probably next year.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles -- 11-5
Last year the Eagles came out of nowhere to reach the NFC Championship game. This year they are considered among many to be the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
What's good: Speed. Wide receivers Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are two of the fastest in the game and are great after the catch. Throw Michael Vick into the mix and speed becomes a super strength of the Eagles.
What's bad: No go to guy. The Eagles have some good wideouts but they are all speedy and small. They lack a bigger possession receiver and they probably need one.
What to watch: Michael Vick. This is a no-brainer. If Vick comes out and is the Vick of old then the Eagles will be a force to be reckoned with. If he doesn't have the burst he used to then he won't be much help. He won't hurt them, but he won't help them either.
2. Dallas Cowboys -- 10-6
Last season Dallas flopped down the stretch. The Roy Williams trade didn't do what it was intended to do, Tony Romo missed a month, and Dallas missed the playoffs.
What's good: Tony Romo. Romo has alot of critics but I am not one of them. I think that he is going to be exponentially better this season because he doesn't have to be the pacifier in Terrell Owens's mouth.
What's bad: The wideouts. While TO whined alot he was the best wide receiver the 'Boys had. They don't need TO but they need another receiver who plays like him.
What to watch: Less is more. Like I said before Tony Romo should be much more relaxed this season. He should be able to scan the entire field and throw it to whoever is open now that he doesn't have to try to please TO.
3. New York Giants -- 8-8
The Giants were great last year. Then Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg.
What's good: The defensive line. Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck serve as two of the best DEs in the game. With Osi back and healthy the Giants pass rush will be brutal for opposing tackles.
What's bad: Pass catchers. Who on earth is Eli Manning going to throw the ball to? The Giants WR corps is made up of 6 number three receivers. Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, David Tyree, Sinorice Moss, Dominik Hixon. How many of those guys do you want on your fantasy team?
What to watch: Eli Manning. How good is he without Plaxico Burress? We will find out.
4. Washington Redskins -- 6-10
The Redskins are always one of those teams that everybody thinks is going to do well but then flops. Last year they started 6-2. Then they missed the playoffs.
What's good: Chris Cooley. Cooley is probably the Redskins' best weapon. He can lineup in a variety of places and do a variety of things.
What's bad: Jason Campbell. Don't get me wrong, I love Jason Campbell and what he did for my Auburn Tigers in 2004, but he has not lived up to the hype since coming to the NFL. You know he was drafted one pick behind Aaron Rodgers? He has not lived up to his first round billing.
What to watch.: Jason Campbell. If he doesn't play well this year the Redskins may start looking for another QB.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks -- 9-7
I know you're thinking "WHAT?! How can he not pick the Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald?" Several reasons I like the 'Hawks. 1) Matt Hasselbeck is healthy; 2) T.J. Houshmanzadeh has arrived; 3) Jim Mora Jr. has something to prove; 4) The defense is good; 5) Nice trio of running backs [Julius Jones, TJ Duckett, Edgerrin James]; 6) Super Bowl losers rarely make the playoffs the following season.
What's good: Matt Hasselbeck. Last season was an injury laden one for Matt Hasselbeck. This year he is healthy and has a brand new Pro Bowl receiver to throw to in T.J. Housmanzadeh.
What's bad: Mediocrity. Despite the fact that I am picking Seattle to do well, I still think they will be a very mediocre team. They will benefit more from being in a weak division than they actually will being a good football team.
What to watch: John Carlson. The Seahawks' tight end could bust out in a big way this year.
2. Arizona Cardinals -- 9-7
The Cards shocked the world by making it to the Super Bowl last season and ALMOST upsetting the Steelers.
What's good: Wide Receivers. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston all had 1000 yards receiving last year.
What's bad: History. Since 2000 only ONE team that has lost the Super Bowl has made the playoffs the next year, that being the Seattle Seahawks. I predict that something will happen to keep the Cards out. Someone will get hurt, the Madden curse will kick in on Fitz, somthing is going to happen.
What to watch: History. See "What's bad"
3. San Francisco 49ers -- 7-9
The 49ers made news last season by firing Mike Nolan and going with Mike Singletary as coach. Singletary is back this year and is looking to turn things around.
What's good: Coaching. Singletary did well last year handling his quarterbacks and the seemingly whiney Vernon Davis. I'd look for San Fran to be decent in Singletary's first full year.
What's bad: Quarterback. Shaun Hill is going to be the starter. He's not good but he's better than former first overall pick Alex Smith.
What to watch: Michael Crabtree. Crabtree has been holding out during training camp because his cousin of all people told him to. Man up and get with the game Crabtree. You've got talent but you are not God's gift to the world. Why do wide receivers have to be such divas?
4. St. Louis Rams -- 4-12
How bad are the Rams? So bad that I almost forgot to include them in this preview?
What's good: Steven Jackson. He's the only weapon they have.
What's bad: Everything else.
What to watch: Second year players. Defensive end Chris Long disappointed his rookie season and WR Donnie Avery had flashes of greatness. How will they develop?
To summarize --
NFC North: Packers, Vikings, Bears, Lions
NFC South: Falcons, Saints, Panthers, Bucs
NFC East: Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, Redskins
NFC West: Seahawks, Cardinals, 49ers, Rams
Who's in: Packers, Falcons, Eagles, Seahawks, Vikings, Saints
Tune in next time for the AFC preview.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers -- 10-6
The Packers are a team that is very much under the radar this year. The only time that they are going to get super media coverage is when Brett Favre and the Vikings come to town, which will be the ultimate in "player vs. former team" matchups.
What's good: Aaron Rodgers. The Packers QB busted out in a big way in his first season as a starter. He did everything right and has played incredibly well in the preseason. He just might establish himself as the best QB in the NFC this season.
What's bad: The running game. Ryan Grant came out of nowhere two years ago to help lead the Packers to the NFC championship game. Actually, the running game isn't exactly bad, it's just a question mark. Grant needs to return to his 1300 yard form this season so that there isn't so much pressure on Aaron Rodgers.
What to watch: The defense. The Packers switch to the 3-4 scheme of new coordinator Dom Capers has been much publicized, including the transition of Pro Bowler Aaron Kampman from defensive end to linebacker. If that transition goes as planned the Packers defense should be a solid unit.
2. Minnesota Vikings -- 10-6
Obviously the story in Minnesota this season is Brett Favre and whether he is the missing piece to the puzzle. While my childhood hero is a big name and will sell thousands of tickets and jerseys I'm not convinced that he is a better option than Sage Rosenfels or Tavaris Jackson. More on that shortly.
What's good: The running game. Adrian Peterson is the NFL's best running back and Chester Taylor is a solid spell back. The offensive line is also good and that running game will be hard to stop.
What's bad: The team chemistry. The Favre saga has divided the Vikings lockerroom. They are going to all have to get on the same page if this is going to work. If Favre comes out and throws three picks in the first game the Vikings won't stand a chance this season.
What to watch: The Favre saga. Two years ago Brett Favre put in one of the hardest offseasons of work in his career. The result? One of his best seasons, a 13-3 record, and a trip to the NFC title game. Last year he had no offseason workouts, threw as many INTs as he did TDs and flopped in December. This year he got an even later start. You tell me what's going to happen.
3. Chicago Bears -- 9-7
The most interseting thing the Bears did this offseason was make a blockbuster trade for the starry Jay Cutler. The last time the Bears had a QB witht his clout was Sid Luckman. That was also in the 1940s.
What's good: Matt Forte. The Bears running back put together an outstanding rookie season last year. I think he's only going to get better.
What's bad: The receivers. Quick, name a receiver for the Bears. That's what I thought.
What to watch: Who is Jay Cutler going to throw to? Devin Hester? Well yeah, but Hester is not exactly Randy Moss. I'd expect tight end Greg Olsen to get the majority of Cutlers passes thrown his way.
4. Detroit Lions -- 3-13
The Lions had the best worst season in NFL history last year going 0-16. They can only go up from here. And they will.
What's good: Hope. After a winless season last year, hope is about all the Lions have. Kevin Smith is a pretty good running back and Calvin Johnson is a stud at receiver. After that there's not much good to talk about. So the fact that the Lions can't get any worse has to be a good thing right?
What's bad: Everything.
What to watch: Matthew Stafford. The first overall pick from Georgia will likely be starting sooner rather than later. I would expect him to be starting by midseason. It'll be interesting to see how much he develops in his rookie year.
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons -- 11-5
The Falcons had a surprising season last year. Michael Turner proved to be a beast at running back and then rookie Matt Ryan was proficient in the offense. Roddy White also had a coming out party (have to give a shout out to my fellow UAB Blazer).
What's good: The atmosphere. Before last season the Falcons were among the NFL's laughing stock. Michael Vick left the franchise in shambles. Now after last season they have a winning attitude, a model citizen to lead the team at QB, and a real chance to do some damage in the NFC this year.
What's bad: The pass defense. I can only name one member of the Falcons secondary, that being Arkansas alum Chris Houston. And he's not really a lock down corner.
What to watch: Tony Gonzalez. The all pro tight end finally got his wish and got out of Kansas City to play for a playoff contender. He provides a safety net for Matt Ryan and should make an already solid offense that much better.
2. New Orleans Saints -- 10-6
The Saints have what is maybe the most prolific passing game in the NFL. If Drew Brees had Patriots-like receivers then there is no doubt in my mind he would shatter all of Tom Brady's records. This pick may surprise some people, but I'll tell you why it will happen shortly.
What's good: The passing game. The Saints have the NFC's best passer in Drew Brees. Brees flirted with Dan Marino's single season passing yardage record last year, mainly because they couldn't run the ball. Then again neither could Marino's Dolphins teams.
What's bad: The defense. Why did the Saints passing game put up such great numbers last year? Because they were always playing from behind.
What to watch: History. Since 2002 the team that finished last in the NFC South has made the playoffs the next year. The Falcons did it last year. The Saints will do it this year. Why? Just because.
3. Carolina Panthers -- 9-7
The Panthers were one of the NFC's best teams a year ago as DeAngelo Williams and then rookie Jonathan Stewart provided a two headed monster in the backfield.
What's good: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Arguably the best running back duo in the NFL Williams and Stewart provide constant headaches for defensive coordinators.
What's bad: Inconsistency. Jake Delhomme is usually really good or really bad. The Panthers need him to be really good if they want to succeed. He'll be wishy washy again and that will hurt the Panthers.
What to watch: Jon Fox. The Panthers coach has gotten close several times but has never been able to get to the top. If he can't do it this year his seat might get much hotter.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- 6-10
The Bucs aren't really a threat to anybody this year. The defense is really their only strength.
What's good: Ronde Barber. The Bucs cornerback has been a staple of the franchise for more than a decade. He'll be good again this year.
What's bad: The wideouts. They're top two guys are Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall. The former is a George Clooney film and the latter sounds like some kind of oven cleaner.
What to watch: The running backs. They have three pretty good ones in Cadillac Williams, Ernest Graham, and newly acquired Derrick Ward. Those guys should be able to keep thim in the game. On another completely random note, when will see rookie QB Josh Freeman? Probably next year.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles -- 11-5
Last year the Eagles came out of nowhere to reach the NFC Championship game. This year they are considered among many to be the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
What's good: Speed. Wide receivers Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are two of the fastest in the game and are great after the catch. Throw Michael Vick into the mix and speed becomes a super strength of the Eagles.
What's bad: No go to guy. The Eagles have some good wideouts but they are all speedy and small. They lack a bigger possession receiver and they probably need one.
What to watch: Michael Vick. This is a no-brainer. If Vick comes out and is the Vick of old then the Eagles will be a force to be reckoned with. If he doesn't have the burst he used to then he won't be much help. He won't hurt them, but he won't help them either.
2. Dallas Cowboys -- 10-6
Last season Dallas flopped down the stretch. The Roy Williams trade didn't do what it was intended to do, Tony Romo missed a month, and Dallas missed the playoffs.
What's good: Tony Romo. Romo has alot of critics but I am not one of them. I think that he is going to be exponentially better this season because he doesn't have to be the pacifier in Terrell Owens's mouth.
What's bad: The wideouts. While TO whined alot he was the best wide receiver the 'Boys had. They don't need TO but they need another receiver who plays like him.
What to watch: Less is more. Like I said before Tony Romo should be much more relaxed this season. He should be able to scan the entire field and throw it to whoever is open now that he doesn't have to try to please TO.
3. New York Giants -- 8-8
The Giants were great last year. Then Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg.
What's good: The defensive line. Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck serve as two of the best DEs in the game. With Osi back and healthy the Giants pass rush will be brutal for opposing tackles.
What's bad: Pass catchers. Who on earth is Eli Manning going to throw the ball to? The Giants WR corps is made up of 6 number three receivers. Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, David Tyree, Sinorice Moss, Dominik Hixon. How many of those guys do you want on your fantasy team?
What to watch: Eli Manning. How good is he without Plaxico Burress? We will find out.
4. Washington Redskins -- 6-10
The Redskins are always one of those teams that everybody thinks is going to do well but then flops. Last year they started 6-2. Then they missed the playoffs.
What's good: Chris Cooley. Cooley is probably the Redskins' best weapon. He can lineup in a variety of places and do a variety of things.
What's bad: Jason Campbell. Don't get me wrong, I love Jason Campbell and what he did for my Auburn Tigers in 2004, but he has not lived up to the hype since coming to the NFL. You know he was drafted one pick behind Aaron Rodgers? He has not lived up to his first round billing.
What to watch.: Jason Campbell. If he doesn't play well this year the Redskins may start looking for another QB.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks -- 9-7
I know you're thinking "WHAT?! How can he not pick the Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald?" Several reasons I like the 'Hawks. 1) Matt Hasselbeck is healthy; 2) T.J. Houshmanzadeh has arrived; 3) Jim Mora Jr. has something to prove; 4) The defense is good; 5) Nice trio of running backs [Julius Jones, TJ Duckett, Edgerrin James]; 6) Super Bowl losers rarely make the playoffs the following season.
What's good: Matt Hasselbeck. Last season was an injury laden one for Matt Hasselbeck. This year he is healthy and has a brand new Pro Bowl receiver to throw to in T.J. Housmanzadeh.
What's bad: Mediocrity. Despite the fact that I am picking Seattle to do well, I still think they will be a very mediocre team. They will benefit more from being in a weak division than they actually will being a good football team.
What to watch: John Carlson. The Seahawks' tight end could bust out in a big way this year.
2. Arizona Cardinals -- 9-7
The Cards shocked the world by making it to the Super Bowl last season and ALMOST upsetting the Steelers.
What's good: Wide Receivers. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston all had 1000 yards receiving last year.
What's bad: History. Since 2000 only ONE team that has lost the Super Bowl has made the playoffs the next year, that being the Seattle Seahawks. I predict that something will happen to keep the Cards out. Someone will get hurt, the Madden curse will kick in on Fitz, somthing is going to happen.
What to watch: History. See "What's bad"
3. San Francisco 49ers -- 7-9
The 49ers made news last season by firing Mike Nolan and going with Mike Singletary as coach. Singletary is back this year and is looking to turn things around.
What's good: Coaching. Singletary did well last year handling his quarterbacks and the seemingly whiney Vernon Davis. I'd look for San Fran to be decent in Singletary's first full year.
What's bad: Quarterback. Shaun Hill is going to be the starter. He's not good but he's better than former first overall pick Alex Smith.
What to watch: Michael Crabtree. Crabtree has been holding out during training camp because his cousin of all people told him to. Man up and get with the game Crabtree. You've got talent but you are not God's gift to the world. Why do wide receivers have to be such divas?
4. St. Louis Rams -- 4-12
How bad are the Rams? So bad that I almost forgot to include them in this preview?
What's good: Steven Jackson. He's the only weapon they have.
What's bad: Everything else.
What to watch: Second year players. Defensive end Chris Long disappointed his rookie season and WR Donnie Avery had flashes of greatness. How will they develop?
To summarize --
NFC North: Packers, Vikings, Bears, Lions
NFC South: Falcons, Saints, Panthers, Bucs
NFC East: Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, Redskins
NFC West: Seahawks, Cardinals, 49ers, Rams
Who's in: Packers, Falcons, Eagles, Seahawks, Vikings, Saints
Tune in next time for the AFC preview.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Perspective from a Packfan
By this point in time the fact that Brett Favre has joined the Minnesota Vikings is old news. However, being a huge Favre fan and an even bigger Packers fan I would be amiss if I didn’t address this situation. This is obviously a conflict of interest for me. Brett Favre is my hero. He has been ever since I was a little kid. Last summer when he and the Packers filed for divorce I had mixed feelings. I still loved him but I didn’t really want him back. I wanted him to stay retired. Management told him they wanted him back right after he threw that fateful interception in overtime of the NFC Championship game against the Giants; the same interception that lead to the greatest upset in Super Bowl history. But he didn’t want to come back. He opted to retire so the Packers moved on with Aaron Rodgers who appears to be a budding superstar.
To be quite honest though I don’t think Packers GM Ted Thompson really handled the Favre debacle in the best way possible. Thompson’s theory on Brett Favre last off-season appeared to be “he’s not good enough to play for us, but is too good to play for a division rival.” Personally I think that Thompson should have had the gumption to trade Favre to Minnesota last off-season. He should have had enough confidence in the team that he assembled himself to let Favre go to the Vikings without fear that he would lose to them. Rather, he traded Favre to the Jets for a conditional draft pick that the Packers would eventually use to trade back into the first round and draft linebacker Clay Matthews Jr.; but I digress. The trade that put Favre in a different shade of green even included a clause stating that the Jets would give the Packers two first round draft picks if they turned around and traded Favre to a division rival of the Packers. The point is that Ted Thompson was terrified that Favre would terrorize the Packers if traded to a team on the Packers schedule. The whole thing made both Favre and Thompson look foolish.
Meanwhile Favre had a solid start with the Jets, leading them to an 8-3 record, including setting a career mark for touchdown passes in a game (6) against the Arizona Cardinals. However, Favre struggled mightily over the last five games of the season going 1-4, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, and missing the playoffs.
In Green Bay Aaron Rodgers was making Ted Thompson look smart. He out-Favred Favre as he started all 16 games, played through the pain of a separated shoulder, and threw more touchdowns and fewer interceptions than Favre. However the Packers stout defense of the season before fell apart and Green Bay finished with a 6-10 record. So who won the battle of egos between Favre and Thompson? Aaron Rodgers, that’s who.
So now Favre is back again after another summer of “Will he or won’t he?” It was a summer in which Favre retired, thought about coming out of retirement, decided to stay retired, and then came back again. The majority of the sporting world thinks that Favre has forever tarnished his legacy with his indecisiveness and wishy-washiness. Fans grew weary of the continuous coverage of the Favre saga. I’m not sure why he came back, but I there are several plausible theories.
Theory One: He wants revenge on the Packers.
I think that this is only part of the reason why he came back. I am of the belief that the only member of the Packers organization against which Favre harbors some type of resentment is Thompson. I think that there is not a player on the Packers roster that Favre dislikes. I still think that Favre has an enormous amount of respect and admiration for the Packers and their fans. So does he want to stick it to Ted Thompson a little bit? Probably. But I don’t think that’s his main motivation for coming back.
Theory Two: He doesn’t want to go out the way he did.
Again, this is probably only part of the reason. I think that part of the reason he came back last year was because of the interception he threw against the Giants even though he denied that was the case. I also think that he didn’t like retiring after a collapse of historic proportion last season. I remember watching his final plays of last season against the Miami Dolphins as he threw around the ball just trying to make something happen with lateral after lateral. It was actually semi-pathetic. I think that he would like to leave the football field itself with some dignity even if he’s lost all of it off the field.
Theory Three: He wants to win another Super Bowl.
This is a big reason why he wanted to come back. He wanted to play for Minnesota last season because he thought they had a chance to go all the way and all they needed was a quarterback. If he really believed that he could win a championship with the Jets he’s lying. The Vikings have the best running game in the NFL with Adrian Peterson, a solid defense, and he already knows the offense having run it for 16 years with the Packers. Why wouldn’t he want to play quarterback for the Vikings? All Favre is going to have to do is hand the ball off to Peterson or Chester Taylor and throw enough to keep defenses honest. He has a much better chance to win a championship this year than he did last year. He got so close with the Packers two years ago that he got the same feeling that he had 13 years ago when he beat the Patriots and then lost to the Broncos in the big game. He really wants a second ring and that’s a big reason why he came back with Minnesota. He thinks he can win with them.
Theory Four: He doesn’t know what to do with himself.
In my opinion this is the main reason he wanted to come back. For the past 18 years all he’s known is football. He doesn’t know how to be anything other than an NFL quarterback. He doesn’t know what to do with himself. There’s only so much grass to be cut and golf to be played. He gets bored. He doesn’t know how to live in the real world. He sits on his leather sofa watching preseason games and training camp coverage on his 60+ inch plasma HDTV and wonders “what if?” So rather than wondering “what if” he does something about it and comes back so that he doesn’t have to wonder “what if.” That is something that I admire. He has the courage to realize what he wants and go get it.
Theory Five: All of the above.
THIS is why he wants to come back. He wants a little revenge on Ted Thompson, he wants to go out in a respectable manner on the field, he wants to win a championship, and he doesn’t know how to be anything other than Brett Favre. That’s why he’s coming back to the Vikings.
So how does this affect Packer nation? I am a firm believer in team over player regardless of who the player is. If you are a true fan you stick with your team regardless of who suits up for them. Favre said in his press conference yesterday that “If you’re a true Packers fan, you understand.” Well Brett, you’re right. I completely get it. I know you want to play so you did what you had to in order to make that happen. Sure, you take your time to make your decision, but you’ve earned that right. You are the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history. I know that you want to make sure that you’ve made the right decision before you make it, which is why you go back and forth. There is nothing wrong with taking your time to make important decisions. I wish more people would think before making decisions.
So is it going to be weird when Favre comes out of the visitor’s locker room at Lambeau Field wearing a purple helmet? Yes. Is it going to make some Packers fans resent him? Probably. But is it the end of the world? No. As a Packers fan I am excited to see Favre play again. I am going to buy a purple Favre jersey and hang it on the wall next to the two green ones I already have. But as excited as I am about Favre I am more excited about Aaron Rodgers. He is going to be great and has learned a lot from Favre. The atmosphere of the two games between the Packers and Vikings is going to be unbelievable as Favre faces off against the young QB that I know he had a positive influence on. I hope that Brett Favre succeeds this season and I will always stick up for him. Having said that, I hope the Packers beat him twice in the regular season and then again in the playoffs. It is certainly going to be interesting to watch all of this play out. Welcome to football season. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
To be quite honest though I don’t think Packers GM Ted Thompson really handled the Favre debacle in the best way possible. Thompson’s theory on Brett Favre last off-season appeared to be “he’s not good enough to play for us, but is too good to play for a division rival.” Personally I think that Thompson should have had the gumption to trade Favre to Minnesota last off-season. He should have had enough confidence in the team that he assembled himself to let Favre go to the Vikings without fear that he would lose to them. Rather, he traded Favre to the Jets for a conditional draft pick that the Packers would eventually use to trade back into the first round and draft linebacker Clay Matthews Jr.; but I digress. The trade that put Favre in a different shade of green even included a clause stating that the Jets would give the Packers two first round draft picks if they turned around and traded Favre to a division rival of the Packers. The point is that Ted Thompson was terrified that Favre would terrorize the Packers if traded to a team on the Packers schedule. The whole thing made both Favre and Thompson look foolish.
Meanwhile Favre had a solid start with the Jets, leading them to an 8-3 record, including setting a career mark for touchdown passes in a game (6) against the Arizona Cardinals. However, Favre struggled mightily over the last five games of the season going 1-4, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, and missing the playoffs.
In Green Bay Aaron Rodgers was making Ted Thompson look smart. He out-Favred Favre as he started all 16 games, played through the pain of a separated shoulder, and threw more touchdowns and fewer interceptions than Favre. However the Packers stout defense of the season before fell apart and Green Bay finished with a 6-10 record. So who won the battle of egos between Favre and Thompson? Aaron Rodgers, that’s who.
So now Favre is back again after another summer of “Will he or won’t he?” It was a summer in which Favre retired, thought about coming out of retirement, decided to stay retired, and then came back again. The majority of the sporting world thinks that Favre has forever tarnished his legacy with his indecisiveness and wishy-washiness. Fans grew weary of the continuous coverage of the Favre saga. I’m not sure why he came back, but I there are several plausible theories.
Theory One: He wants revenge on the Packers.
I think that this is only part of the reason why he came back. I am of the belief that the only member of the Packers organization against which Favre harbors some type of resentment is Thompson. I think that there is not a player on the Packers roster that Favre dislikes. I still think that Favre has an enormous amount of respect and admiration for the Packers and their fans. So does he want to stick it to Ted Thompson a little bit? Probably. But I don’t think that’s his main motivation for coming back.
Theory Two: He doesn’t want to go out the way he did.
Again, this is probably only part of the reason. I think that part of the reason he came back last year was because of the interception he threw against the Giants even though he denied that was the case. I also think that he didn’t like retiring after a collapse of historic proportion last season. I remember watching his final plays of last season against the Miami Dolphins as he threw around the ball just trying to make something happen with lateral after lateral. It was actually semi-pathetic. I think that he would like to leave the football field itself with some dignity even if he’s lost all of it off the field.
Theory Three: He wants to win another Super Bowl.
This is a big reason why he wanted to come back. He wanted to play for Minnesota last season because he thought they had a chance to go all the way and all they needed was a quarterback. If he really believed that he could win a championship with the Jets he’s lying. The Vikings have the best running game in the NFL with Adrian Peterson, a solid defense, and he already knows the offense having run it for 16 years with the Packers. Why wouldn’t he want to play quarterback for the Vikings? All Favre is going to have to do is hand the ball off to Peterson or Chester Taylor and throw enough to keep defenses honest. He has a much better chance to win a championship this year than he did last year. He got so close with the Packers two years ago that he got the same feeling that he had 13 years ago when he beat the Patriots and then lost to the Broncos in the big game. He really wants a second ring and that’s a big reason why he came back with Minnesota. He thinks he can win with them.
Theory Four: He doesn’t know what to do with himself.
In my opinion this is the main reason he wanted to come back. For the past 18 years all he’s known is football. He doesn’t know how to be anything other than an NFL quarterback. He doesn’t know what to do with himself. There’s only so much grass to be cut and golf to be played. He gets bored. He doesn’t know how to live in the real world. He sits on his leather sofa watching preseason games and training camp coverage on his 60+ inch plasma HDTV and wonders “what if?” So rather than wondering “what if” he does something about it and comes back so that he doesn’t have to wonder “what if.” That is something that I admire. He has the courage to realize what he wants and go get it.
Theory Five: All of the above.
THIS is why he wants to come back. He wants a little revenge on Ted Thompson, he wants to go out in a respectable manner on the field, he wants to win a championship, and he doesn’t know how to be anything other than Brett Favre. That’s why he’s coming back to the Vikings.
So how does this affect Packer nation? I am a firm believer in team over player regardless of who the player is. If you are a true fan you stick with your team regardless of who suits up for them. Favre said in his press conference yesterday that “If you’re a true Packers fan, you understand.” Well Brett, you’re right. I completely get it. I know you want to play so you did what you had to in order to make that happen. Sure, you take your time to make your decision, but you’ve earned that right. You are the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history. I know that you want to make sure that you’ve made the right decision before you make it, which is why you go back and forth. There is nothing wrong with taking your time to make important decisions. I wish more people would think before making decisions.
So is it going to be weird when Favre comes out of the visitor’s locker room at Lambeau Field wearing a purple helmet? Yes. Is it going to make some Packers fans resent him? Probably. But is it the end of the world? No. As a Packers fan I am excited to see Favre play again. I am going to buy a purple Favre jersey and hang it on the wall next to the two green ones I already have. But as excited as I am about Favre I am more excited about Aaron Rodgers. He is going to be great and has learned a lot from Favre. The atmosphere of the two games between the Packers and Vikings is going to be unbelievable as Favre faces off against the young QB that I know he had a positive influence on. I hope that Brett Favre succeeds this season and I will always stick up for him. Having said that, I hope the Packers beat him twice in the regular season and then again in the playoffs. It is certainly going to be interesting to watch all of this play out. Welcome to football season. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Kickoff
Hello and welcome to my first ever blog post! It's GREAT to have you with us...er, me. I have no idea what this blogging thing is all about, but I had some free time on my hands and started one at the suggestion of Amy. Basically I will use "Memoirs of a Cheesehead" for musings both personal and professional. "Personal" referring to whatever I want to share or in some cases let out; "professional" referring to articles that I may write when I'm bored about whatever happens to be happening in the sports world. Maybe Mike Greenberg will come across this and get me a radio show. Or maybe not.
Thus begins my first actual blog post...................
Classes start tomorrow and I have mixed emotions about it. The first day of classes are always exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time. You'd think by now I'd have gotten used to it, but there's just something weird about the first day. Maybe it's the fact that teachers generally just want to read the syllabus to you and then let you go, which makes for alot of downtime between classes. Or maybe it's not knowing who you're going to sit by. Let's face it, the first day of class is incredibly crucial. Most of the time people always return to the seat that they sat in on the first day, so you've gotta make sure you get a good seat next to somebody you're gonna like sitting next to for the next four months. Or maybe it's just the fact that on the first day you find out what assignments you're going to have to make the semester way longer. Take International Marketing for example...I know that on the first day we're going to be split up into groups of people that we don't even know and are going to be given an enormous paper/project to do. Stuff like that makes me sick. You know the belief that some people have that hell is a representation of your least favorite things in this life, only to a much larger degree? Well my personal hell would likely consist of snakes, being tickled, and having to do group projects for the rest of eternity. I'll take the fire and brimstone.
But as irritating as the first day can be, it does represent a fresh beginning, a new start, and new experiences to come. However, I'm not sure I want something new. If I could do last semester again, I would. I got to know some really cool people, became more involved, and I think I really grew as a person. I also had my best collegiate semester to date, totalling 4 A's and a B. Then over the summer I grabbed another of each, so now there's the added pressure of reproducing those numbers. I hope that this semester is even better. I want to continue making good grades and I want to keep or extend the extent of my social life. I've made alot of good friends over the past several months and I want to keep those relationships strong.
So now the professional musings.....This time of year is one of my favorites. Football is starting up and baseball is winding down. The Packers gave me a good first showing in week one of the preseason by blanking the Browns 17-0. Aaron Rodgers looked particularly good throwing for over 100 yards and a TD in limited action. The touchdown came on a scramble followed by a 53 yard bomb to Donald Driver. I watched the replay over and over. It gave me goosebumps. Just hearing the announcer yelling about what had just transpired was enough to excite me. I love football.
In the baseball world the Braves are right about where I thought they'd be. Thankfully we've been pretty hot since the All-Star break *knocks on wood*. If we can keep it going we just might end up in the playoffs if the cards fall right. Gotta get run support for our pitchers and Kawakami can't allow 6 runs per start.
I guess that'll wrap up blog post #1. Let the games begin.
Thus begins my first actual blog post...................
Classes start tomorrow and I have mixed emotions about it. The first day of classes are always exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time. You'd think by now I'd have gotten used to it, but there's just something weird about the first day. Maybe it's the fact that teachers generally just want to read the syllabus to you and then let you go, which makes for alot of downtime between classes. Or maybe it's not knowing who you're going to sit by. Let's face it, the first day of class is incredibly crucial. Most of the time people always return to the seat that they sat in on the first day, so you've gotta make sure you get a good seat next to somebody you're gonna like sitting next to for the next four months. Or maybe it's just the fact that on the first day you find out what assignments you're going to have to make the semester way longer. Take International Marketing for example...I know that on the first day we're going to be split up into groups of people that we don't even know and are going to be given an enormous paper/project to do. Stuff like that makes me sick. You know the belief that some people have that hell is a representation of your least favorite things in this life, only to a much larger degree? Well my personal hell would likely consist of snakes, being tickled, and having to do group projects for the rest of eternity. I'll take the fire and brimstone.
But as irritating as the first day can be, it does represent a fresh beginning, a new start, and new experiences to come. However, I'm not sure I want something new. If I could do last semester again, I would. I got to know some really cool people, became more involved, and I think I really grew as a person. I also had my best collegiate semester to date, totalling 4 A's and a B. Then over the summer I grabbed another of each, so now there's the added pressure of reproducing those numbers. I hope that this semester is even better. I want to continue making good grades and I want to keep or extend the extent of my social life. I've made alot of good friends over the past several months and I want to keep those relationships strong.
So now the professional musings.....This time of year is one of my favorites. Football is starting up and baseball is winding down. The Packers gave me a good first showing in week one of the preseason by blanking the Browns 17-0. Aaron Rodgers looked particularly good throwing for over 100 yards and a TD in limited action. The touchdown came on a scramble followed by a 53 yard bomb to Donald Driver. I watched the replay over and over. It gave me goosebumps. Just hearing the announcer yelling about what had just transpired was enough to excite me. I love football.
In the baseball world the Braves are right about where I thought they'd be. Thankfully we've been pretty hot since the All-Star break *knocks on wood*. If we can keep it going we just might end up in the playoffs if the cards fall right. Gotta get run support for our pitchers and Kawakami can't allow 6 runs per start.
I guess that'll wrap up blog post #1. Let the games begin.
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