Twas the Night Before the Season...

2010 NFL Playoff Predictions

AFC Wildcard

(6) Ravens over (3) Bengals
(5) Jets over (4) Patriots

NFC Wildcard

(3) Cowboys over (6) Vikings
(5) Falcons over (4) 49ers

AFC Divisional Playoffs

(1) Colts over (6) Ravens
(5) Jets over (2) Chargers

NFC Divisional Playoff

(1) Saints over (5) Falcons
(2) Packers over (3) Cowboys

AFC Championship Game

(1) Colts over (5) Jets

NFC Championship Game

2) Packers over (1) Saints

Super Bowl XLV

Packers 34 Colts 24

Individual Awards

MVP- Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

Offensive Player of the Year- Drew Brees, QB, Saints

Defensive Player of the Year- Patrick Willis, LB, 49ers

Offensive Rookie of the Year- Ryan Mathews, HB, Chargers

Defensive Rookie of the Year- Eric Berry, S, Chiefs

Comeback Player of the Year- Wes Welker, WR, Patriots

Five Quick Questions and Answers About the 2010 Season

1. What is the most overlooked free agent departure of the offseason? Running back, Chester Taylor, who left the Minnesota Vikings for the Chicago Bears. He was the consummate safety valve for Brett Favre and a key playmaker on third down. He may not have gaudy stats but he was a steady, heady professional that has a knack for stepping up big on third downs.

2. Will Ben Roethlisberger’s four game suspension hurt the Steelers playoff chances? It kills them. They play in one of the toughest divisions in football. He will miss games against the Falcons, Titans, Bucs, and Ravens. They will enter their week five bye week with a 1-3 record. Roethlisberger will return in a game against the Browns (who beat the Steelers the last time they met) and then they will have three consecutive road games against the Dolphins, Saints, and Bengals. This is a team destined to watch the playoffs from home this year. Yes they have veteran leadership and great coaching but the “suspension” hole will be too big to dig out of this season.

3. Will the Oakland Raiders finally be competitive? Yes, the Raiders (yes, the Raiders) will finish second in the AFC West this year. The fact is this is a team that can run the ball and stop the run which makes them competitive in every game. Nnamdi Asomugha can shut down one side of the field in man situations allowing the defense to get creative with blitz packages. Also, the arrival of a competent quarterback, Jason Campbell, will help to keep defenses honest and allow for better management of the offensive game plan. Despite the lunacy of Al Davis this team will be competitive.

4. Are there holdouts that should have been worrying teams (and the media) more than the now resolved Darrelle Revis holdout? Absolutely, Marcus McNeil, left tackle, of the Chargers and Logan Mankins, guard, of the Patriots are two huge gaping holes in the offensive lines for those two teams. The Chargers are compromising their ability to protect their top flight quarterbacks and create running lanes on one side of the ball. These are huge issues for these teams that need to be resolved as soon as possible as they could have dramatic impact on these playoff caliber teams.

5. Name one rising star and one fading hero for the 2010 season? The rising star will be Kevin Kolb, QB, of the Philadelphia Eagles. He played well in the two games that he played last year in McNabb's absence and with the precision passing attack of the Eagles he will be able to capitalize on his accuracy, quick release, and cool demeanor. His receivers, while gnat-like, will help him out by running good, sound routes and getting yards after the catch. Overall the Eagles will take a step back but Kolb will take a step forward as a star in this league. Ironically, the fading hero will be Donovan McNabb. I like Donovan but I do not like the Washington Redskins as they are fatally flawed offensively. I think that offensively they have a weak group of receivers and the offensive line is not impressive. The running game will be so-so and is built upon the legs of two aging running backs in Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson. This spells disaster for McNabb particularly in light of his durability issues over the past few seasons.

Godspeed, Tony Richardson: Last of a Dying Breed

I think we can officially say that the fullback in the NFL is an endangered species. With the increase in passing, particularly out of three and four receiver sets (more than three receivers lined up on 49.2% of offensive plays in the league last year), in the league the fullback is a rarer and rarer breed. The Jets cut veteran fullback Tony Richardson on Saturday (there is talk that he will return after the first game). Richardson, over his career blocked for Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Adrian Peterson, and Thomas Jones providing each with their career years. In 2000, injuries thrust him into the starting halfback role and he rushed for 647 yards at 4.7 yards per carry and had 468 receiving yards. He was poised to ascend to the role of primary back for the Chiefs when Priest Holmes arrived in Kansas City. Richardson selflessly returned to the fullback position and helped Holmes become one of the most dynamic backs in the league (see above picture, Richardson is #49). Richardson should be celebrated as one of the best to ever play his position and one of a handful of universally championed individuals in the game. He quietly achieved near perfection at his position and was a rock of leadership in the locker room. Reaction to Richardson being cut in the Jet's locker room was overwhelmingly disappointed. ESPN reported that one player simply said the move was "Terrible." while another player said, "[It's] f------ ridiculous."

Fullbacks are asked to punch open holes for 1,000-yard running backs, but also need to possess the capacity to catch outlet passes and pound out touchdowns on goal-line carries and first downs on short-yardage. The nature of their duties (non-glamorous) and the evolution of the league (whether Air Coryell, Joe Gibbs’ H-back system, or the Spread) leads to the fullback being an over looked, underutilized position. The West Coast offense does use a fullback extensively in various sets, passing routes, and blocking formations but even the West Coast has evolved beyond the original iteration introduced by Bill Walsh and his immediate disciples. Another example of the devolution of the fullback position is the Indianapolis Colts who did not even have a fullback on their 53 man roster last season. Even in the pro-bowl they are overlooked. For years Mike Alstott of the Tampa Bay Bucs booked his trip to Hawaii even though he was primarily used as a tailback and not a fullback (even Pro-Football-Reference.Com lists Alstott's position as RB and not FB).

Fullbacks are among the unsung heroes of the league. This year at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Emmitt Smith reminded us just how important fullbacks are and how important, Daryl “Moose” Johnston was to his career. Smith offered the following ode to his fullback:

Daryl Johnston, where are you? Will you please stand? You mean the world to me (tearing up) not just because we shared the same backfield, but because you sacrificed so much for me. People don’t understand what it took to be a fullback in our system, the sacrifices you made not simply with your body but your whole spirit. You took care of me as though you were taking care of your little brother. Without you, without you, I know today would not have been possible. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

You would hear the same thanks and devotion for those that Tony Richardson blocked for or for those (Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Corey Dillon, LaDainian Tomlinson) that Lorenzo Neal (who retired after the 2008 NFL season), another modern great blocking back, blocked for.

There are currently no true blocking backs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There are fullbacks but they were primarily running backs and not blockers. Players such as Jim Taylor (Packers), Larry Csonka (Dolphins), and Jim Brown (Browns) are all listed as fullbacks but each clearly played a roles that made them primary ball carriers in some of the most heralded ground games of their times. Let’s hope, if this is indeed the end of the road for Tony Richardson, that the public and the Hall give him his due. The Hall is long overdue to induct a blocking back and I cannot think of any better inductees than Tony Richardson.

Are you ready for some football? College Football Preview

Big Ten Realignment

This week the Big Ten announced the divisions for the conference once Nebraska joins the Big Ten. The currently unnamed divisions will be: Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota and Northwestern in one and Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Purdue and Indiana. Much of the media attention was on the fact that Michigan and Ohio State were in different divisions. I couldn’t care less about that. I dislike the lack of logic used to assemble the divisions. Look at the big conferences they use geography as a dividing line for divisions (see SEC and Big XII). The Big Ten officials said that they wanted to have competitive balance among the divisions. This is the same thing that the ACC said yet all of the power in the conference resides fully in the Coastal division with Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Miami.

The Big Ten should have simply, logically followed the geography of the conference. This, interestingly enough, does provide competitive balance and preserves regional rivalries. The divisions should have been:

East: Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana, and Purdue

West: Illinois, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska

The Big Six

I do not like preseason polls in college football. They rely too heavily on a team’s performance from the previous year and have too much impact on the national championship race. Get rid of the BCS and I’m cool with the preseason polls. Keep the BCS and dump the polls until the first week of October. So I will give you the top six teams in the country in no particular order:

Texas, Ohio State, Boise State, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Florida

BCS Conference winners

Big East- Pitt will edge out Cincinnati and Connecticut
Big Ten- Ohio State with a challenge Iowa and Wisconsin
Big XII- Texas over Nebraska in the Big XII title game
Pac 10- It all comes down to the Civil War, Oregon over Oregon State
SEC- The pundits say Alabama but I’m going with Florida over Alabama in SEC Championship. Florida will struggle early but catch fire over the course of the season peaking in December and January.
ACC- The champion will come out of the Coastal division (the Atlantic is a putrid division). With North Carolina’s suspension issues, the edge goes to Virginia Tech once again.

Five solid teams that will not win their conferences

Iowa, Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Connecticut, and Stanford

Four Preseason Heisman Contenders and One Super Long Shot

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State (my front runner and prediction)- He threw 39 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions as a sophomore and Boise State is loaded (returning 20 of 22 starters from last year’s 14-0 team).

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State- High profile player on a high profile team.

Dion Lewis, RB, Pitt- Rushed for nearly 1800 yards last year as a freshman.

Case Keenum, QB, Houston- An absolute stat monster. He threw for 5671 yards and 44 touchdowns.

Donald Buckram, RB, UTEP- Was fourth in rushing yards per game last season (132.8 yards) and will be running behind a solid, senior offensive line.

College Uniform Rankings

1. UCLA- Another “throwback” to a simpler time. The baby blue jerseys, created to provide contrast on black and white televisions make the uniform. This year they return to form by having only navy stripes and numbers on the road uniform.
2. Texas- Burnt Orange and white, admittedly an odd combo but its standard bearer for uniforms in college. Iconic logo and simple lines.
3. USC- Consistent, clean, and classic. The uniform trifecta. The simple helmet with the Trojan logo makes the set.
4. Michigan- Uniforms so nice that Rich Rodriguez could not even screw it up. The maize and blue are great but let's face it the helmet makes the uniform.
5. Ohio State- Only minor changes (to the stripes on the jersey) over the decades. The buckeyes on the helmet are a fall classic.
6. Notre Dame- Classic, iconic uniform. Some would say boring or antiquated. No, that’s Penn State. Also a fan of the super secret, rarely used green jersey. Will we see it more under Brian Kelly?
7. Ole Miss- A classic set with navy, grey, and red hearkening back to both the days of Archie Manning. Mirrors the Giants in the NFL in many ways.
8. Georgia- Classic combo with the silver pants, red jerseys, and red helmets with a black “Green Bay” G on them. Fans and Alums take the uni seriously and went crazy when the ‘Dogs introduced a black helmet. Never again.
9. Iowa- In my NFL rankings, I had the Steelers in the top ten. The Hawkeyes literally based their uniform design on the Steelers (down to the same pants and sleeve stripes)
1o. Clemson- When I was growing up, I spent 4 years in South Carolina and went to games at Death Valley. That experience and the sea of orange will always biased me. I love the paw on the helmet and the classic pairing orange and white with just a touch of purple. Though, I can absolutely do without the purple jerseys and purple pants.

Game(s) of the Week

Week one of the College Football Season will be dominated by the two non-BCS schools that get the most press: Boise State and TCU. Boise State plays Virgina Tech and TCU plays Oregon State. I know its the first game of the season for Boise State and TCU but these are must win, statement games. If they want to continue to hang with the big boys in the standings they must win. I think that both will and decisively as well.

I see Boise State beating Virgina Tech 27-13. Kellen Moore is unflappable and will be able to handle the pressure of the VaTech. Boise State has an underrated defense (see last years game against TCU) and will be able to contain the VaTech run game forcing them to throw the ball. TCU, with a chip the size of Texas on their shoulder, will dispatch a very scrappy, tough Oregon State team 38-28 at Cowboys Stadium. TCU will need to contain the Beavers ground attack but the Horned Frogs will present match up problems on both sides of the ball for the spunky Beavers.

Wednesday Night's All Right for Fighting, Too

So the Marlins and Nationals not only threw the baseball around last night in Miami but also threw some punches. The skirmish began as a match up between the Nationals' Nyjer Morgan and the Marlins' pitcher Chris Volstad and quickly lead to a full scale melee. This was one of the better bench clearing brawls in a while (but not epic like the Nolan Ryan beat down of Robin Ventura so much so that MLB has lead an effort to remove it from the web). The two best things about this brawl were 1) the clothes line thrown by Marlins' first baseman Gaby Sanchez and 2) there were more players on the field than fans in the stands. Enjoy.

Seriously?

This weeks edition of Seriously? A look back, with a sarcastic lens, at the week in sports:

Matt Leinart is whining about being benched for the Cardinals preseason game against the Bears. He said publically that he is confused and does not know why he’s been demoted. Seriously? Matt, huddle up for chat. Yes, you have been accurate (19-23) and you haven’t turned the ball over, but seriously, you done nothing but throw the check down, you’ve taken four sacks, and your team has not been moving the ball offensively. Matt, maybe show the same fire on the field that you did in front of the media about your demotion. You may have a solid passer rating (and by the way, who cares?) but you have looked confused and passive. Yes, you threw a TD against the Bears and yes, it was another check down.

This past Wednesday, Jim Furyk missed his tee time for the Barclay’s pro-am. He was summarily disqualified from the actual tournament (starting on Thursday) due to a PGA rule to make corporate sponsors and other rich white guys happy. Seriously? It’s a pro-am. It’s a meet and greet with clubs. Okay, fine, it’s the rule. Note to Mike Cowan (Jim Furyk’s caddie) call your golfer if you think he might be late. And Jim, double down on the cell phone alarm with a wakeup call from the hotel. This is not a tourney that comes with good karma for Furyk, last year he was penalized four strokes for carrying an extra club in his bag over the first two holes - a duplicate 60-degree wedge that he and his veteran caddie didn't realize was in the bag. Seriously?

Chad Ochocinco was fined $25,000 for tweeting during preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Seriously, we’re talking about the preseason, man (think Allen Iverson and practice). One of the offending tweets was, "Man Im sick of getting hit like that, its the damn preseason [expletive]! 1day I'm gone jump up and start throwing hay makers, #Tylenolplease," Couldn’t he claim that he was not in his right mind? He took a hell of a shot. Still, let the man tweet, it’s the preseason. Regular season, I’m with you NFL, but it’s the preseason, no one is really watching and he might help ratings.

Sammy Sosa thinks that the Cubs should retire his jersey. Seriously? Who asks to have their number retired? Has he planned the ceremony? Sammy, we are glad you have your color back but in case you haven’t noticed there is still a cloud of suspension following you like the stench on Pig Pen.

Michael Jordan and Kwame Brown (Jordan’s 2001 first round selection for Wizards and a prodigious bust) are reunited (yes, and it feels so good) in Charlotte. Why? Seriously, MJ? What in the last 9 years has made MJ think that Kwame can contribute? Seriously? Stubbornness as a player leads to greatness, stubbornness as a GM/President leads to failure.

Roger Clemens indicted on perjury and obstruction of Congress says that he looks forward to his day in court. Is also looking forward to his days in jail? Seriously, enough already with the arrogance, Roger.

Albert Haynesworth was in the news again this week with “headaches” or a “muscular disorder.” Seriously? Do we need to hold a telethon for Albert? He’s obese, has “headaches”, a knee issue, a “muscular disorder”, and a $100 million dollar contract. Sounds like he is the poster child for the lazy, rich, fat athlete syndrome also know as Derrick Coleman Syndrome (there will be a post on this syndrome).

Tyler Thomas, an Oregon State University offensive lineman, has been dismissed from the team after police say they found him naked and drunk in a stranger's home and they had to use stun guns to take him into custody. Seriously, erase that mental image from my brain and what the hell are they putting in the water in Corvallis, OR?

Through My Head: Random Musings

The question coming out of USA Basketball is whether Rajon Rondo jumped before he was pushed off of the team. Last week, USA basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski sat Rondo for an exhibition game against Spain, one night after starting him in an exhibition against Lithuania. By then, Rondo could read the writing on the wall. He told ESPN's Chris Sheridan that he felt he could be the final roster cut. Yes, the international game is different but Rondo’s two greatest weaknesses were exposed in a real and glaring way. He has no reliable outside shot and he can't make free throws. Until he corrects those two issues (along with an attitude adjustment as well) he will always be a second tier point guard in the NBA.

18 Game Schedule: Too Much of a Good Thing?

The NFL Owners are meeting today in Atlanta. One of the agenda items is the proposed 18 game NFL schedule. This proposal would move two preseason games (currently four) to the regular season (from 16 games to 18 games). This is an inevitable move. I’m not a fan of the move for multiple reasons. The primary reason is that it is motivated by greed. Yes, Gordan Gekko states that, “Greed is good” but not in this case. It is a kin, in my mind, to the realignment that we see in major college football this past spring. It is about the almighty dollar. Yes, I get that the NFL is a business, I’m not naive but it is more complicated than the financial bottom line. There are people involved—both players and fans.

The 18 game schedule will create more wear and tear on the players’ bodies. This could mean more money during a season but less money over their careers because careers will be shorter. Running backs, already the disposable heroes of the league, will suffer even more of a beating over 18 games (plus the play offs which could push the total to 21 games). NFL is being hypocritical on this issue. On one end it discusses (and mandates) the need to vigilance and increased safety (technology, screenings, and equipment) regarding head injuries (which I support fully) about player safety. Then on the other end they extend the regular season, when veterans and starters will bear the brunt of the load, and ignore the wear and tear.

One of the arguments for an 18 game regular season is that the quality of play in the preseason is below the regular season. Roger Goddell discusses this all the time. The fans are demanding a better product in the preseason. Yes, some season ticket holders have to pay for preseason games and yes the preseason doesn’t count, but it is essential. More on that issue below. The fact is that no one complains about the quality of spring training in baseball. That is because we understand that it is practice, that players are working into game shape and speed, and that teams need to assess the talent on the roster. Why don’t we afford that same understanding to the NFL? Preseason games are not supposed to be the same quality as regular season games. Coaches are assessing a roster of 80 players and working out kinks in their offenses and defenses. No one brings up the fact that there are meaningless games in the regular season (see Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals after clinching divisions last year). There is poor and inconsistent play in the NFL during the regular season (see Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Bucs). Also note that the more games on the schedule the more opportunity for teams to clinch early, rest starters, and for there to be even more meaningless games on the back end (instead of meaningless preseason games on the front end).

The lack of a four game preseason will make it harder for coaches to assess talent the talent on their rosters. It will be particularly harder for lower draft picks and undrafted free agents to prove themselves in game situations. Practice and OTAs are one thing but a roster is made in game situations. Mark Schlereth (former NFL lineman and ESPN analyst), Jeff Saturday (Colts starting center), and Terrell Davis (former Denver Bronco running back) have all said publicly that they would not have made the NFL if it weren’t for the full complement of preseason games. As mentioned before, fans gripe about the quality of play in the preseason and the fact that the stars don’t play that much. THE PRESEASON IS NOT FOR FANS. It is for coaches and players to get ready for the year. We, as fans, are merely observers in that process, a process that is essential to developing future NFL stars and to insuring a high quality product during the regular season. Preseason games may not count but they are important.

Yes, as a fan, I would love more NFL games. An 18 game schedule in the NFL is a complex, multi-faceted issue with long ramifications for the league and the players. It can simply be summed up as, will this be too much of a good thing?

NFL Predictions

Here are my predictions for the upcoming NFL season:

National Football Conference

East- Dallas Cowboys-They are clearly the class of this division. It remains a tough division but not like in years past. Cowboys have the most talent, they now just need to have the desire too. This will also be Tony Romo’s year to move from a very good quarterback to an elite quarterback.

South- New Orleans Saints- The NFC South is Twilight Zone of NFL divisions with it propensity for worst to first divisional champions but not this year. Tampa Bay will not go worst to first but the defending champions will edge the Falcons for divisional supremacy.

North- Green Bay Packers- With or without Brett Favre leading the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers have the most talent in the division on both sides of the ball and a chip on their shoulder after the way the season ended last year. The Packers’ defense will be even more comfortable in their second year under defensive coordinator, Dom Capers. Aaron Rodgers will contend for his first NFL MVP award.

West- San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers will win the NFC West. The Niners have a strong running game, defense, and Alex Smith is developing into a game manager. The Cardinals, with Matt Leinart at quarterback, could be a mess on offense and have also taken a step back on defense as well. This is clearly the Niners’ division to lose.

Wildcard 1- Atlanta Falcons are ready to step back into the spotlight after missing the playoffs last year (though they did have a winning record). A healthy Michael Turner will be the difference.

Wildcard 2- Minnesota Vikings do have injuries and uncertainty to the receiving corps (Sidney Rice will miss at least half of the season after hip surgery and Percy Harvin continues to struggle mightly with migraines) which are beginning to worry me and should worry the Vikes as well. Favre will be asked to put the ball in Adrian Peterson’s hands more than last year which could mean more balls on the turf and more tension between Favre and Brad Childress over play calling.

On the outside looking in will be two NFC East team the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.


American Football Conference

East- New England Patriots- To be the best, you have to beat the best. The Jets are not ready for primetime (unless you count primetime TV), I’ve blogged on that before. The Patriots have the motivation and talent to continue to win the division. Tom Brady will have an incredible year (huge chip on his shoulder). Miami will be improved and the Jets are solid (not spectacular) so the division remains one of the toughest in football.

South- Indianapolis Colts- The AFC South remains one of the toughest divisions. The Texans are solid, as are the Titans, and Jags can cause some matchup problems. The Colts, the Atlanta Braves of the NFL, are the NFL model for consistency and will win yet another division title. The question for the Colts, just as it was with the Braves, is what will they do in the playoffs.

North- Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals won the division late year with a struggling offense. This year they have a rejuvenated offense (see Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley, Jermaine Gresham) and the defense remains solid. The Ravens have injuries in the secondary that will keep them from winning the AFC North, they will make the playoffs. The Steelers will make a run at the end of the year but it is shaping up as uphill battle for Pittsburgh.

West- San Diego Chargers- Ah, the AFC West, remains the one of the worst in football (what is it with the western divisions in the NFL). The Chargers remain the class of a bad division. The Raiders (yes, the Oakland Raiders) will finish second in the division.

Wildcard 1- Baltimore Ravens have an upgraded offense with the additions of Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth at receiver. The concern remains the health and depth of the secondary.

Wildcard 2- New York Jets are stout on defense. They still need Darrelle Revis in camp. The question, as I’ve posed before, is how much will Mark Sanchez improve and how will the receiving corps gel particularly given the 5 games worth of suspensions that Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes will need to serve.

On the outside looking in will be the Houston Texans (again) and the Miami Dolphins. Houston could get into the playoffs, I think they are very close and could get in as a wildcard but they will not win the AFC South

I will post my playoff and Super Bowl predictions the day before the NFL Season starts. Here’s a hint, I'm leaning towards a NFC North team versus a AFC South team in the Super Bowl in Dallas, Texas in February 2011.


Through My Head: Random Musings

In the current issue of Sports Illustrated there is a three article feature on the NFL running back. It is insightful and in many ways gut wrenching as it focuses on the physical toll the position puts on the human body as well as the expendable nature of the leagues runners. One of the articles, by Tim Layden, focuses on Gale Sayers. The article hits the normal points associated with Sayers his prodigious talent and his shortened career. The story begins with Sayers 2009 knee replacement surgery. The surgeon, Mark Klaassen, reported the following on Sayer’s knee:

Three long scars, one running down the front of the knee, another on the inside and a third on the outside, curling around to the back. These were from decades-old open surgeries ... Inside the knee Klaassen found carnage. Sayers' anterior cruciate ligament was gone; the posterior cruciate ligament was stretched and frayed. There was evidence that the medial collateral ligament had been sewn or stapled at some point in an effort to create stability (a practice common at one time but later found to be ineffective)… A half-inch wedge of his tibia had been sawed off in an osteotomy, a surgical procedure designed to redistribute weight away from an arthritic surface. Almost no cartilage remained, and as a result, the joint was filled with dust and fragments from bones rubbing together for many years. It was not the worst knee Klaassen had ever seen. But it was by far the worst on which the owner had been actively exercising.

What an amazing (albeit nauseating) testament to the physical punishment of the NFL but also of the spirit, will, and pain threshold of Gale Sayers.

Three Men and a Baby

So, Brett Favre is back for another year with the Minnesota Vikings. I’d like to say, “Wow what a shock…it’s unbelievable.” In reality, I think that a tweet by Trey Wingo (Baylor University Graduate) of ESPN says it all, “Favre coming back: in related news...sun sets in west tonight.”

So apparently the story goes that three Vikings (Jared Allen, Ryan Longwell, and Steve Hutchinson) flew down to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to meet Brett Favre. They showed up (apparently unannounced) at the Favre’s doorstep. But don’t you deep down inside think that Favre was watching ESPN News and knew that they were “reportedly” on their way down south? I have this notion in my head that Allen showed up carrying gold, Longwell frankincense, and Hutchinson myrrh. Maybe not, the notion of Jared Allen being a Magi is just plain funny. Okay, maybe not. Instead was there begging and stroking of the great ego over the steak dinner and long drives around Favre’s property. Did Favre suddenly have clarity while passing the A1 steak sauce to Ryan Longwell? Was it when Jared Allen quietly whispered, “You complete me” or when Steve Hutchinson emotionally stormed out to the patio and shouted, “Damn it, Brett, don’t quit us.”

Then the media circus started with aerial shots of the plane, the SUV, Favre walking holding a bag, a white bronco (oops, wrong circus). Rachel Nichols of ESPN tweeted, “Internet on the plane to Minnesota. Odd to be on a plane, watching video of someone getting off a plane, shot by someone in a helicopter.” Says it all, doesn’t it? Nobody, outside of runaway felons, gets the coverage that Favre does and he loves every single minute of it.

Yes, Favre gives the Vikings the best shot at a successful playoff season and maybe the Super Bowl. Yes, he doesn’t need training camp after 20 years in the league. Yes, he is an all time great. Yes, the NFL is better with him in the league. And, yes, he had a great season last year (4,202 yards, 33 TD and 7 INTS). But the fact is that the NFC North is better, the NFC is better, and Favre is a year older with another ankle surgery (number 3) behind him.

As I write this I’m listening to Favre’s press conference. As a Packers fan, I have spent years listening to his press conferences and without a doubt Favre sounds like he is still trying to convince himself of his “slumber party” decision. He says he came back because of the “great group of guys” in the locker room. He said the decision was really about the team, doing a “favor”, and he “owes it to the organization.” He never said that he is doing it because he wants to or he has unfinished business. His body language and voice scream, “I’m not sure.” The only emphatic statement that he made was that he didn't "want to fail.” That has to instill confidence in the Viking faithful.

Is he mentally committed to playing another year? I’m not convinced. Is his heart really in it? Does he really want to be back? I’m not sure because he is not sure. What happens when he gets drilled by linebacker, Clay Matthews of the Packers, will his “favor” to his teammates feel as good then? We know what happens when athletes aren’t mentally committed to the task at hand. They either play poorly or they get hurt. More times than not, it is the latter. So Vikings fans, the Vikings, and Coach Brad Childress be careful what you wish for…

Through My Head: Random Musing

Great tweet by Adam Schefter of ESPN, he tweeted, “Planned to retire after that bus trip but ESPN sent @Chris_Broussard, @Buster_ESPN and @erinandrews to talk me out of it. Worked, too.” Seriously, funny. I guess we all need someone to fly across the country, make us feel loved and secure, and then eat steak with us. It must be in our DNA.

Seriously?

Here is this week's edition of Seriously? My sarcastic look back at the week in sports.

Seriously, former number one pick, Stephen Strasburg, is calling out current number one pick, Bryce Harper, for not signing sooner with the Washington Nationals? Is it me or have Pot and Kettle not been formally introduced. Both Pot and Kettle are represented by uber agent, Scott Boras, and both can rest easy now that Kettle inked his deal 26 seconds before the deadline expired.

Apparently, Corey Pavin, U.S. Ryder Cup Captain, and Golf Channel reporter, Jim Gray got in a spat over Gray reporting that Pavin would select Tiger Woods as a Captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup team. This disagreement almost got physical. Seriously? Physical? What like a “throw down” or a tickle fight? Seriously? These two make featherweights look meaty. Jim Gray allegedly told Pavin that he "was going down." Seriously? Sadly, I’m thinking that Gray will not be asked to interview Pavin for the Golf Channel’s version of “The Decision.”

Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez, closer for the New York Mets, is now out for the year after tearing ligaments in his thumb while attacking the father of his girlfriend. Seriously? I can’t believe that a member of the Mets showed any sort of aggressiveness or passion. I’m not condoning violence, particularly against quasi family members, but I’m not used to any member of the Mets standing up for themselves normally they just quit.

The New Jersey Devils are working on a new deal with star left wing, Ilya Kovalchuk. This after their original $102 million 17 year deal was rejected by the NHL. Seriously? First, I’m not used to the NHL recognizing insanity when they see it. Big step forward for Gary Bettman and crew. But seriously, what’s next a $120 million 20 year deal? Kovalchuk will only be 47 years old. He could be the NHL’s Brett Favre.

Now what? Seems that everybody’s favorite lazy, fat guy football player is at it again. Albert Haynesworth, who protested (the Redskins moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense), asked for a trade, threatened a hold out, and failed conditioning test after conditioning test, now says that he likes the defense. Seriously? Don’t you think that Mike Shanahan is sitting in his office thinking the same thing? Seriously, Albert?

Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, caused quite the stir earlier in the week as he practiced with tape on his fingers. Seriously, NFL media and Pats’ fans, settle down…remember deep, cleansing breaths. All is well, Coach Belichick says the injury is not “life threatening.” Talk about dodging a bullet of course Belichick has been known to be a bit cagey about injuries.

Through my Head: Random Musings

Torry Holt’s career just might be over. He was put on injured reserve by the New England Patriots with a knee injury. I’ve always been fond of Holt and amazed by his abilities and his work ethic. I remember him as a senior at North Carolina State when the Wolfpack played at Baylor in 1998. Baylor won the game (an upset but aren’t they all) 33-30 but Holt won the day with 255 yards receiving. He was literally a man among boys. I have not, to this day, seen a college receiver put on that kind of show. Impressive. Holt currently ranks 11th all-time in the NFL in receptions and 10th all time in yards. He also led the league in receiving yards twice and had 1,000 yards in eight straight seasons. The questions about the Hall of Fame can wait. If this is the end of Holt’s career. Thanks Torry for being an example of work ethic, skill, and class.

Just when you thought things couldn't get worse for the Buffalo Bills, they did. Starting running back, Fred Jackson is out at least a month with a broken left hand and backup running back, Marshawn Lynch, limping on a sprained ankle. Yes, they have rookie running back, C.J. Spiller, but I would suggest keeping him on the sidelines in bubble wrap if I were the Bills.

Dressed to Kill (err...Play): 10 Best NFL Uniforms

Uniforms for me have always been a focal point to the sports experience both as a fan and when I played. They are foundational for a team’s identity and make a statement (one way or another). I prefer classic over trendy. Consistency will be rewarded. Granted the NFL has in many ways mandated consistency (sometimes at draconian lengths) at least in team colors where in the NBA one year a teams’ colors could be red and yellow and the next year blue, silver, and red (see Rockets, Houston) or red, white, and blue and the next year black, red, and gold (see 76ers, Philadelphia).

So in my list of the 10 best uniforms in the NFL, you will not see the Jags, Vikings, Seahawks, or Patriots (Please, return to the Pat the Patriot helmets and dump the flying Elvis). I do not take into account throwbacks otherwise the Falcons would be on the list, as would the Titans (see Luv Ya Blue), and the Chargers would be at the top with the perfection that is the powder blues from the AFL days. Also, why we are at it, Eagles, please return to the kelly green and ditch the quasi forest shade of green that the Eagles now wear.

I have to give an honorable mention to the Cincinnati Bengals. One the helmet is iconic but they lack consistency. In fact they are the NFL’s version of the Oregon Ducks. The Bengals have white, orange, and black jerseys and when coupled with white and black pants creates and endless array of Halloween-like permutations.

10. Dallas Cowboys- Many view the Cowboys uniform as the class of the NFL. The uniform and helmet, in particular, is iconic and transcends sports. But, in frankness, it makes me scratch my head just a touch. The helmet is (true silver and navy blue) does not match the white uniform (bluish/greenish silver and royal blue). I like that they wear the white for all of their games with the exception of road games at Washington and sometimes Philadelphia. So the uni would be higher on my list, if it matched. I do like the rarely worn navy jersey with the true silver pants, but again, it is rarely pulled out of the equipment room.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers- Classic, clean, and consistent. The Steelers are the 3 Cs. The uniform and the one-sided logo helmet are recognizable outside of the realm of football and sports in general. The colors look great together and I'm partial to yellow pants as you will see later. It’s the Grandma rule. Can your Grandma recognize the Steelers uniform? Probably? I think that the six Super Bowl championships also make the uniform look better. It also works for the Iowa Hawkeyes who use nearly a carbon copy of the Steelers unis.

8. Cleveland Browns- This is the uniform that is so ugly it just might be cool. Orange and Brown? Seriously, who came up with that color scheme? Did the Browns lose the color lottery and were stuck with their colors? Regardless, the uniforms are classic. The brown and plain orange helmet grow on you. It is a throwback without being a throwback. The uniform helps you remember that the Browns were once good (see Jim Brown) and maybe again, well, maybe. And thankfully they have abandoned the brown pants...stick with white.

7. Arizona Cardinals- The Cards have one of the few “modern” uniforms that I like. I think that it is because of two reasons. One, the helmet design is virtually the same as the Cards have worn since way back in the St. Louis days. Two, the colors (red and white) are sadly unique in the NFL. There are teams that use red as an accent (e.g. Patriots, Giants, Texans) and the 49ers wear red and gold and Falcons wear red and black. The classic color combo with the current design (sans the mono-chrome red) looks fast, clean, and new classic.

6. Baltimore Ravens- This was my second biggest surprise to my list. I am not a fan of purple as it can make grown men look like Barney (see Vikings, Minnesota). But the Ravens with the purple and the black look imposing and intimidating. I think that part of this has to do with who the Ravens are a tough, hard-nosed football team. If the Bills wore these uniforms, I’m not sure anyone would view them as intimidating but Ray Lewis and company are a different story. The Raven logo (non-cartoony and intense looking) and the sleeve patch (patterned after the Maryland flag) are two key accents to the uniform.

5. New York Giants- The Giants were my biggest surprise on this list. I did not have them in the top 10 originally. But the more that I looked at them the more that I liked them. The NY on the helmet hearkens back to Giants teams of the past. The royal blue jerseys coupled with the grey paints are smart and unique in the NFL. The white unis take advantage of the red accents which I like. There is a classic tone and feel to the uniforms, which is why they moved up my list.

4. San Francisco 49ers- First, I hated the 49ers uniforms when they darkened the red and added black in the late 90’s through last year. It reeked of marketing and jersey sales. The return to the true red and gold (sans black) with white accents was a return to the classic uniforms wore during the height of 49er dominance (the uniforms worn by Rice, Lott, Montana, and Craig).

3. San Diego Chargers- The white helmets are great and are throwback to the Super Charger days of the AFL. I wish they would wear the throwback powder blues as their permanent uniforms but the current iteration with a navy home, powder blue alternative, and navy road pants are a great set. The Chargers have always been one of my favorites from the time when I was a kid. The lightning bolt on the helmet (virtually unchanged in design from the inception of the team) is a classically appealing element. It has been yellow, white, and blue with varying accents. The Chargers over time have changed their colors (powder blue, royal blue, navy blue) and uniforms at a high frequency. Consistency is there only issue, this set is great, so stick and stay Bolts.

2. Chicago Bears- LeRoy Butler (the great safety for the Packers) is right, “the Bears still suck.” I hate the bears but have a healthy respect for them and I love the unis. Again, the Bears hit the uniform trifecta of classic, clean, and consistent. The design has remained consistent throughout the years, the C logo is a classic, and the striped socks are a great throwback to the Bears teams of the past. The dark navy blue does add to the intimidation factor (hearkening back to the “Monsters of the Midway”. I love the George Stanley Halas initials (GSH) on the left sleeve as well.

1. Green Bay Packers- Okay, so I’m a homer. The Packers are my team and the uniforms are true classics. They haven’t been changed significantly since Lombardi’s first season. The G logo is one of the most recognizable logos in sports (yes, it is also used by UGA and Grambling both with permission from the Packers). The colors are unique, classic, and just a tad bit gaudy with the yellow pants. The lines are clean and classic. The helmet and pants provide perfect symmetry whether at home (green jersey) or on the road (white jersey). The only change I would make would be to add stripes back to the socks (circa 1967). Like with the Bears, I relish the fact that the uniforms today create a link to the past, to Lombardi, Taylor, Kramer, White, and yes, even Favre.

"Take My Talents to South Beach"

This week we found out that LeBron James is really Santa Claus. He has a list, and he's checking it twice, he's gonna' find out who's been naughty and nice. In honor of LeBron "taking his talents to South Beach." Check out this great mash up of other stupid things (actually some are acurrate and some are just funny) said during press conferences. Enjoy.

"Soon to be Champs?"

Have you noticed that we are being sold a bill of goods? Everyone is selling New York Jets, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, HBO, and anyone else that talks or writes about the NFL. The football world has “Gang Green” Fever. “Soon to be champs” is what Rex Ryan wrote on Adam Schefter’s bus during his NFL training camp stop for ESPN. I don’t see it personally. Yes, they have a good defense and they finished last season by not only making the playoffs but by becoming a Cinderella story but I do not see the slipper fitting anymore and the tiara will not fit on the Jets' collective big head.

Let’s take a closer look at last season. The Jets lost 6 of 7 games in middle of season. Also, not to play a “what if” game but in week 16 and 17 last year both Indianapolis and Cincinnati rested starters and played vanilla, lackluster football in what amounted to meaningless games for both the Colts and Bengals. If the outcome of just one of those games were different then the Jets would have been 8-8 and out of the playoffs. In the playoffs they knocked off a Cincinnati Bengals team that was out of gas and then ran through the arm tackles and overconfidence of the San Diego Chargers.

If they did not have the playoff run then the discussion about the Jets this year would be about whether second year quarterback Mark Sanchez could evolve to be a quality starter in the NFL, if the Jets could overcome the loss of their leading rusher, and the pesky little holdout by Darrelle Revis. With the Jets there are more questions than answers.


1. We know that they have a good defense and Rex Ryan can coach defense and scheme with the best of them. But I blogged before about the fact that if Darrelle Revis is not shutting down one side of the field it weakens the Jets defense more than “experts” want to admit (Ryan included). How can you blitz your safeties if you need to provide help over the top? Relying on a rookie and Antonio Cromartie (and his matador ways) presents problems for the complex blitzing schemes that are built upon the assumption that at least one side of the field will be shutdown with safety help. Chances are the Revis situation will get resolved (regardless of the public statements by Woody Johnson the Jets’ owner)

2. Mark Sanchez not an elite quarterback yet. He was pedestrian last year. Granted he was not asked to do much and he delivered less. He threw for 2,444 yards, a 12-20 touchdown to interception ratio, and a QB rating of 63. Not exactly stellar. Again, if the Jets had not slipped into the playoffs last year the questions following Sanchez would be about does he have the ability to be an efficient, effective passer in the NFL, and can he afford a sophmore slump that has plagued many QBs. Those questions remain regardless of the hype.

3. The Jets are faced with issues at receiver. There starting receivers will miss a total of 5 games this season due to league suspensions. Santonio Holmes will miss 4 games due to suspension did break a thousand yards (1248) with 5 TD with the Steelers (a year that they threw more than ran) and was traded in the off season when he wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh. Braylon Edwards, who was traded to the Jets after wearing out his welcome in Cleveland), will miss 1 game due to suspension. Edwards hardly lived up to the lofty expectations of a former number 1 pick putting up 680 yards and 4 TD while still having those annoying alligator arms. So needless to say there are some question marks at receiver for New York.

4. The Jets let go of Thomas Jones who rushed for 1402 yards and 14 TDs last season. He was durable, powerful, and effective. They do have Shonn Greene who rushed for 540 yards and 2 TDs last season. He looks like the real deal but depth is key in the modern NFL especially in this era of the two back systems.

5. No fear you say as they added LaDainian Tomlinson as a free agent in the off season. Now, I am one of the biggest LT fans there is. I lived in central Texas when he was tearing it up at University High School in Waco, Texas and then at TCU. I thought he should have won the Heisman Trophy 2001 and been the number one pick over Michael Vick in that year's NFL draft. But he’s done. As sad as it is to admit and I want to be wrong. But he put up 730 yards at 3.3 yards per carry last year. He can’t stay healthy and the numbers (age and yards per carry) are working against him. The Jets also added the over the hill Jason Taylor (7 sacks last year) and will use him at outside linebacker (too small to play DE in a 3-4 defense).

6. The last thing working against the Jets is all of those annoying distractions. There are the Hard Knocks cameras, there is the Revis contract situations, there are numerous players on the last year of their contracts (see Holmes and Edwards), there is LT accepting that he is not a star back anymore but a complementary player, and the biggest distractions of all, Rex Ryan. Coach Ryan, I respect your defensive prowess and your powers of motivation but shut up. In case you haven’t noticed your team has not won anything, has issues (see above), is fully coated in hype, and your “brashness” isn’t cute anymore, it’s just a distraction.

The New York Jets already overhyped and soon to be overrated.

Seriously?

Last week, I started a look back at the week in sports (with a bit of a sarcastic tone) in a weekly segment titled, “Seriously?” This is my version of the Meyers and Poehler segment called “Really!?!” on SNL’s Weekend Update. This past week was a weird one to say the least.

Seriously, Brett Favre. Was it your text messages? Was it a jumpy media itching to write your professional obituary, again? Was it you wanting to see your career highlights on a loop every half hour on ESPN News? Who knew that Brett Favre the tough guy, gunslinger would grow up to be such a diva?

Seriously, Rich Rodriguez how many investigations can you be at the center of? First, the University of Michigan now West Virginia University, what’s next a new series on CBS, maybe CSI Rodriguez?

Okay so Tiger Woods finished 18 strokes over par this weekend at the Bridgestone in Akron, OH. This is an event that El Tigre has dominated over the years. Seriously? Did you see the highlights? I know I can hit some of those shots; I’m positive that I can go bunker to bunker and then over shoot the green. How much you want to bet that a third of the “golf experts” will still pick Tiger to win the PGA Championship this weekend. I think he needs to be admitted into a residential golf rehab program.

Brian Cushing, Houston Texans linebacker and last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, now says that his failed drug test (PEDs) was because of “overtraining.” Seriously? What’s he going to tell us next? It’s not us, it’s him but don’t worry he still wants to be friends? There is apparently science behind his excuse but there is also science involved in “my dog ate my homework.” This is a guy who has had whispers of PEDs follow him from high school in New Jersey to USC to the draft combine and to the NFL. So we’ll buy the “overtraining excuse” when Isiah Thomas returns to the New York Knicks.

Oh, crap. Apparently, Isiah Thomas has been hired as a part-time consultant for the New York Knicks so obviously hell has frozen over. Seriously? What’s next FEMA is going to hire Mike Brown to consult? Is Al Davis going to hire Lane Kiffin back? What is Thomas going to consult on anyway? Sexual harassment? Signing marginal players to long term contracts? How to effective destroy an NBA Franchise? Seriously, now someone is going to tell me that Albert Haynesworth passed his conditioning test…

What? Is this the Twilight Zone? Albert Haynesworth passed his conditioning test? Seriously? Do you get the feeling that this was one of those “wink, wink, nod, nod” deals? Still it took ten days for a “professional athlete” to pass a relatively easy, routine conditioning test. Isn’t it funny that his ineptitude and complete lack of work ethic became the major story of the first week of training camps?

Seriously, the Rick Pitino story wins the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Award for the week. Am I the only on looking forward to the Louisville Cardinals running a 15 second offense this season?

One of the funnier stories this week was that the Los Angeles Clippers and their former coach, Mike Dunleavy, were suing each other for fraud. Seriously? The Clippers and Dunleavy are both frauds one for impersonating a NBA franchise and the other for impersonating a NBA coach. The judge should throw the case out as both have inflicted enough damages on the fans.

Through My Head: Random Musings

Is it me or does Tim Tebow’s new haircut (by the way its veteran approved) looks like old school San Diego Padre’s Swinging Friar logo?

J.P Arencibia, rookie catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, had an historic debut this weekend. He took the first major league pitch he saw and went yard. His next three at-bats were a double, a single, and another homer.