I'm going to go ahead and agree with Dave: football has taken over as America's game. Baseball may still be known as the Great American Past Time, and Soccer is without a doubt the most popular game in the world, but Football has transcended all other sports to become America's game today.
Don't believe me? Name one other sport where the off season is so tantalizingly long that TV and radio make a national event of the sport's draft's pregame. Baseball's draft is literally over 10x longer than football's and it isn't even televised. Aside from the obvious talks of John Wall going to Washington, I've only seen one piece on ESPN in recent memory focusing on the NBA draft and it's happening tomorrow. I did watch a 2 hour special on the NBA draft on the NBA network yesterday but what else are they supposed to show? It's the NBA network.
And let's not forget the day the NFL schedule came out...essentially another night of prime time television dedicated to football - in April. Football has consumed the minds of American sports fans in recent years...myself included. Football is like a not-so-secret love affair...I have to schedule around work and my girlfriend to make time for it a few days a week. Actually, it's probably more like a second penis...because I definitely catch a little mahogany every time my Dolphins score! All kidding aside, I'm psyched up about football...obviously. Less than 2 months to go and I can't wait! So lets continue the psychosis and talk more football lists:
Best Running Back Corp:
1.) Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore's just nasty this year. Ray Rice established himself as one of the elite running backs in the league last year. Seriously, if you think Adrian Peterson's #1, Chris Johnson's #2 (or visa versa), Ray Rice could/should be #3 on that list. Willis McGahee's still got gas left in the tank, too. He proved that last year when he racked up 14 total touchdowns. Tack on the 2-time Pro Bowl fullback, Le'Ron McLain, and it's hard to see anyone stopping this running attack. And since they upgraded their passing attack, this team may be the most well-balanced offensive squad in the league.
2.) Dallas Cowboys: With a terrific balance of power and speed, Marion Barber and Felix Jones show Dallas their impression of Thunder and Lightning. Paired with Tashard Choice, these 3 guys ran up 2000 yards last season alone. The NFL's 7th best team on the ground, the Cowboys are always fun to watch and this year will be no different. Look for Felix Jones to see more carries this year. I feel like he's poised for a breakout. Who would have thought his numbers would be better than Darren McFadden's so far?
3.) Carolina Panthers: Where my top 2 teams are 3-headed at running back, the Panthers are more of a 1-2 punch kind of team on the ground. Make no mistake though...DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are powerful punches. Not many teams can say they have 2 1000-yard rushers...Carolina had 2 1100-yard rushers last season. Not bad considering Williams got his 1100 in 13 games. Correct me if I'm wrong, but dual 1000 yard rushers hasn't happened in 25 years and has only happened 4 times total. Very impressive. With quarterback issues and Steve Smith breaking his arm playing checkers, expect to see even more from this tandem this season.
Honorable mentions: NY Giants, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins
Running Back with Best Resurgence
1.) Matt Forte: From here on out, I'm making it my duty to convince as many people as I can that Matt Forte is for real. I honestly believe he is. Remember when he was going 4/5/6 in your fantasy leagues last year? He's still the same running back you drafted then! His problem in 2009 was his quarterback. Jay Cutler turned the ball over more times than an Allen Iverson crossover. It's kind of hard to accumulate stats when the other team has the ball. Hopefully this year Cutler will tame his ego, realize he is head of a run-first offense, and let Forte do his thing. My prediction: Cutler settles down in his second season in this offense, the Bears run 75% of their offense through Forte, Brian Westbrook style, and Forte has a huge season.
2.) Ladainian Tomlinson: If this pick doesn't work out, Dave will never let me live it down! I'm still an LT supporter...and in my opinion it's hard to say he'll have a bad year when he'll be running behind the best offensive line in the AFC. And consider this: he gets to play the 30th ranked (Buffalo) and the 18th ranked (Miami) rushing defenses twice. I would not be surprised with a 900 yard 10 touchdown performance in 2010.
3.) Frank Gore: Ok, I guess if he has a good year it wouldn't be considered a resurgence, but I'm just hoping one of my favorite backs in the league can stay healthy for an entire season. With more focus being put on the passing game with Michael Crabtree stretching the field and the emergence of Vernon Davis as a pass-catching tight end, I can only assume Frank stands a good chance of doing just that this year. Also, I look for Glen Coffee to give him some much needed rest on third down.
Honorable mentions: Larry Johnson, Marshawn Lynch
Most Improved Team (Win Column)
1.) Washington Redskins: If you haven't realized this yet, you're either oblivious to the game of football, or you're a Cowboys fan...which quite possibly means both would apply to you.
2.) Tennessee Titans: In case you forgot, the Titans finished 2009 winning 8 of their last 10. Unfortunately for them, they started 0-6. Provided Chris Johnson gives comparable effort to what he accomplished last year and Vince Young doesn't try to kill himself again, the Titans should pick up right where they left off. They get the Raiders, the quarterback-less Steelers, and the Broncos at home for their first 3 home games.
3.) Baltimore Ravens: Can 2 teams from the AFC play in the Superbowl? Because I want to put The Ravens and the Jets in there together. It's hard to improve that much on a 9-7 season, but honestly I expect nothing short of 12 wins from Baltimore this season. That should give them a bye and at least 1 home field playoff game. Disagree? How can you? I just finished explaining how they have the best running attack in football! They have an ever-maturing quarterback with a sweet receiving corp, and lets not forget an aging, but still scarily good defense. All the elements are there...just wait and see. Plus, it doesn't hurt they get to play the Browns and the Steelers twice, (yes, I'm implying what you think I'm implying!).
Honorable mentions: St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions (these because of simple math), Miami Dolphins: too much talent there to win only 7 games, and NY Jets: they play a tough division...but since they won 9 games last year I'm saying they win 11 this year.
I would give you more, but I'm nearing the end of my summer session of Organic Chemistry...more to come when I'm done!
Jun 23, 2010
Jun 10, 2010
World Cup Preview 2010
I'll be honest, I'm not a soccer fan. At all. However, the World Cup is a different animal. The atmosphere is absolutely and unbelievably electric. It can't be topped. You get one solid month of it, with the same buzz circling through every game. The NFL playoffs can't say that, and the MLB/NBA/NHL playoffs sure as hell don't even come close. There was an exhibition with free tickets, and a stampede broke out. Yes, a stampede. Only at the World Cup.
So as I was saying before I interrupted myself hyping up the World Cup, I don't know much about soccer, so I won't pretend to. If only for your sake. I'm asking a local expert some questions. He goes by Tim Reyes and he's a genius. He should help me and my friends make plenty of money this time of year. For the record, I'm picking the Netherlands to win it all. We'll see how well that works out. (Note: it's unedited and I didn't feel like editing it. Sue me. Enjoy!)
Dave: Since South Africa is ranked 87th in the World Cup, do you think that they can continue the trend of making it through to the knockout round?
Tim: Don't think they can make it to the knockout stage, they only have one really good player, Steven Pienaar. They left one of their best forwards Benni McCarthy off the team. Not sure they would have qualified for the tournament if they weren't the host nation. They played alright in the confederations cup and their coach has won the World Cup before with Brazil when the USA hosted the tournament. I would say the best part about South Africa is saying "BOOOOOOOOOOTH" when their CB Matthew Booth touches the ball.
Dave: What type of impact do you suspect the USA will have on this World Cup?
Tim: It's expected of the USA to make it to at least the second round, they have the easiest draw they've ever had in any major tournament according to most people. Donovan, the US's best player proved that he can play in Europe (at Everton) and should be able to play well this tournament. He's also played against most of the players on England, he pretty much dominated England's starting left back Ashley Cole when Everton played Arsenal. Dempsey has also shown that he can play in big games, just look up his goal against Juventus in the Europa Cup (This goal knocked out Juventus). Just have to hope there are no stupid red cards and that the defense holds up. They've shown that on their day they can beat anyone, see Spain and First half of Brazil at the confederations cup.
Dave: Who are the favorites going into this World Cup?
Tim: Brazil and Spain have to be the favorites. As you can read in any article about Brazil they have changed their style with Dunga as their coach. They defend well now and probably have one of the most in form goalies in Julio Cesar. Fabiano has a pretty solid strike rate up front (25 gls in 35 games) for them and as long as Kaka is fully fit they have a strong midfield too. Even though they left Ronaldinho at home they still have a team of stars.
So as I was saying before I interrupted myself hyping up the World Cup, I don't know much about soccer, so I won't pretend to. If only for your sake. I'm asking a local expert some questions. He goes by Tim Reyes and he's a genius. He should help me and my friends make plenty of money this time of year. For the record, I'm picking the Netherlands to win it all. We'll see how well that works out. (Note: it's unedited and I didn't feel like editing it. Sue me. Enjoy!)
Dave: Since South Africa is ranked 87th in the World Cup, do you think that they can continue the trend of making it through to the knockout round?
Tim: Don't think they can make it to the knockout stage, they only have one really good player, Steven Pienaar. They left one of their best forwards Benni McCarthy off the team. Not sure they would have qualified for the tournament if they weren't the host nation. They played alright in the confederations cup and their coach has won the World Cup before with Brazil when the USA hosted the tournament. I would say the best part about South Africa is saying "BOOOOOOOOOOTH" when their CB Matthew Booth touches the ball.
Dave: What type of impact do you suspect the USA will have on this World Cup?
Tim: It's expected of the USA to make it to at least the second round, they have the easiest draw they've ever had in any major tournament according to most people. Donovan, the US's best player proved that he can play in Europe (at Everton) and should be able to play well this tournament. He's also played against most of the players on England, he pretty much dominated England's starting left back Ashley Cole when Everton played Arsenal. Dempsey has also shown that he can play in big games, just look up his goal against Juventus in the Europa Cup (This goal knocked out Juventus). Just have to hope there are no stupid red cards and that the defense holds up. They've shown that on their day they can beat anyone, see Spain and First half of Brazil at the confederations cup.
Dave: Who are the favorites going into this World Cup?
Tim: Brazil and Spain have to be the favorites. As you can read in any article about Brazil they have changed their style with Dunga as their coach. They defend well now and probably have one of the most in form goalies in Julio Cesar. Fabiano has a pretty solid strike rate up front (25 gls in 35 games) for them and as long as Kaka is fully fit they have a strong midfield too. Even though they left Ronaldinho at home they still have a team of stars.
Spain is a favorite after actually winning a major tournament (Euro 2008), they have probably the strongest midfield in the tournament and can hold possesion of the ball for a crazy amount of time. Just look at this goal to see how well they can play.
Argentina could also be considered a favorite with Tevez, Messi, Aguero and Biguian to choose from. They probably have the best group of attackers in the tournament.
Dave: I'm personally picking the Netherlands to win the whole thing, am I a complete moron? Or still just a partial one? Don't be bashful.
Tim: Moron, Holland is probably grouped in there with Portugal and England (Spain would also be in this group if they didn't win Euro 2008) as a team that will choke in the later stages. In Euro 2008 they were dominating until they got beat by Arshavin and Russia. Their best player Arjen Robben is known as the Glassman and has already picked up an injury before the tournament started (He should play though). It is winter in South Africa about now but I don't think Robben will be able to wear his supertights. They will probably play well enough for you to think that they are going to win and then end up pulling a TMac and choking. Their defense is also not that strong with Gio Van Bronckhorst (35 years old) still starting for them, he can be exposed by players with pace.
Their strikers are not in form, Robin Van Persie has been injured a majority of this past season, Huntelaar i think won the golden bin for one of the worst players in the Italian Serie A. Dirk Kuyt isn't much of a goal scorer.
So there you go, enough information to keep you tuned into to the next month of World Cup action. The U.S. is worth watching this year, and you can expect me to make a bunch of crappy predictions. Just expect Spain and/or Brazil to be playing well into the knockout rounds. Everyone enjoy the tournament and don't blame me when this tournament is 10 times more exciting than you thought it would be!
Argentina could also be considered a favorite with Tevez, Messi, Aguero and Biguian to choose from. They probably have the best group of attackers in the tournament.
Dave: I'm personally picking the Netherlands to win the whole thing, am I a complete moron? Or still just a partial one? Don't be bashful.
Tim: Moron, Holland is probably grouped in there with Portugal and England (Spain would also be in this group if they didn't win Euro 2008) as a team that will choke in the later stages. In Euro 2008 they were dominating until they got beat by Arshavin and Russia. Their best player Arjen Robben is known as the Glassman and has already picked up an injury before the tournament started (He should play though). It is winter in South Africa about now but I don't think Robben will be able to wear his supertights. They will probably play well enough for you to think that they are going to win and then end up pulling a TMac and choking. Their defense is also not that strong with Gio Van Bronckhorst (35 years old) still starting for them, he can be exposed by players with pace.
So there you go, enough information to keep you tuned into to the next month of World Cup action. The U.S. is worth watching this year, and you can expect me to make a bunch of crappy predictions. Just expect Spain and/or Brazil to be playing well into the knockout rounds. Everyone enjoy the tournament and don't blame me when this tournament is 10 times more exciting than you thought it would be!
Jun 7, 2010
Random NFL lists for 2010, Part One
If you don't think I'm a nice guy, consider this: I'm about to give you top notch information in the form of random lists. In the wake of a possible lockout, this season might be worth savoring, even though the season is always worth watching and too fast no matter what.
The one thing that cracks me up more than anything is that the football season not only goes by the fastest because its the most entertaining sport, but it also takes up less calendar than any other. Consider this, more people watch NFL and NCAA Basketball over anything else, but both only lasts 4-5 months. Baseball, on the other hand, lasts from April thru October(7 months) with games daily. NBA Basketball is another 8 month adventure that most people can't stand, excluding myself of course and Bill Simmons, well and Kobe Bryant. My guess is that people gravitate towards the NFL and March Madness due to the setups the respective organizations have come up with. Every week is more important than the previous, all season long. You can't afford to lose a few in a row, in most cases, and still be taken seriously.
Okay, now you're in football mode. Here's some random rankings and the reason I put them there. If you disagree, well you're probably wrong. All in Top 3 form. Here goes nothing!
Teams most likely to shock you in January, in a positive way:
1) Atlanta Falcons - I Love this team this year, yes Love them. Like Love them so much that if you had to bet a team to win the Super Bowl this year(30-1), this is the team. I can't explain it, but I'll try. Matt Ryan entering his 3rd year, and on his way to Payton Manning type success in the EXTREME near-future, probably this year. Other good things here: Michael Turner still tearing up in his prime, Roddy White becoming as consistent as they come, and a defensive head coach who finally got some help for his secondary. I love this team, and don't laugh at me.
2) Baltimore Ravens - I could just copy and paste the previous paragraph, but I'd rather put you to sleep quicker by writing more. I think Joe Flacco has a huge year. In fact, I think the whole offense has a huge year. Look at these weapons: Flacco, Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, "The Killer Not Named Ray Lewis" Donte Stallworth, and the "Most Games Missed Leader" Todd Heap. Look at that list, holy S***! Throw in the most underrated coach in football, John Harbaugh, and watch out for these guys, Farva-Style. (Also worth nothing: this is also the first year the defense will be questioned, like 24 points against per game-style. Then Ray Lewis will hang it up.)
3) Washington Redskins - Chuck and I have covered this once each, but Donovan (Eff) McNabb is going to have this team competing right away. They should call him Chicken Salad, because he can always make some out of chicken s***. I'll point out one negative for them, the WR corps, where the hell did these guys come from?? Thats a real question, where the hell did they come from? Look at this list of scrubs, err, guys! But then again, I guess McNabb has done more with less(See Freddie Mitchell, James Thrash, Todd Pinkston.) The defense was great, considering the circumstances, last year, even without The Fatass(Haynesworth, as Skins fans now know him.) The running back corps has gotten much better as well, as artfully explained by Everyone's Favorite Bartender Chuck here. I'd put them with Dallas as the best team in the NFC East with the NY Giants a half or quarter step behind. Best division in football once again.
Teams to Shock you in January, in a negative way:
1) Pittsburgh Steelers - Actually, this doesn't shock me! I hate the Steelers! Pencil them in for 5-11! Ben Berger is going to be out for the first six games(maybe four, still pending) Byron Leftwich should have them out to a 2-4 start at best with a start of: vs Atlanta, at Tennessee, at Tampa Bay, vs Baltimore, vs Cleveland and at Miami. Lets not forget about that defense, which should improve, but should be on the field an awful lot to start the season. If you're a Steelers fan reading this, just know that I'm a loyal Raiders fan and my team has sucked for almost 30 straight years, so we're even.
2) New Orleans Saints - And this is coming from a man who picked them to win the Super Bowl a few months ago. I hate myself. I think the offense will still be potent, somewhere in the 25-28 point range, whereas the defense can't possibly be as lucky as they were last year. It's impossible, I checked. Too many lucky tips, bounces of the ball, turnovers, and the other team choking up. Check out New Orleans at Miami from last year(sorry Chuck) for more evidence. Favre's interception in the NFC Championship game is another classic example. They will fall off, I'd guess in the 9 win range.
3) Denver Broncos - I already regret putting this here for some reason, but I just can't see this team winning any more than 5 games, I also can't see how they score points, unless one of the Tebow/Quinn/Orton combo catches fire NBA Jam style. Knowshon Moreno should be great in Year Two, but could be limited with carries due to being behind in fourth quarters. The defense overachieved last year in the first half of the season and looks to get thrown on a lot with an aging secondary. Champ Bailey isn't remotely close to a shutdown corner anymore. But like I said, this is when I'm most wrong, when it's just a little too obvious.
Best Three Rookies:
1) Ryan Matthews - I really like this guy, to say the least. He will be on my fantasy team this year, somehow or another, as I bring home another championship. I saw him play against Boise State last year on a Friday night game, and he ripped them to shreds(19 carries, 234 yards, 3 tds, holy cow!.) It was highly impressive. Plus the facts are simple. Even Concrete Legs(Tomlinson) posted decent yards and TD's with this Chargers offense that's in place. Barring injury, i'd put him in for 1100 yards and 12 TD's.
2) Jermaine Gresham - He is exactly what Cincinnati was missing from last year's low octane offense that was clearly run oriented. You can't produce a true winner with that type without an over the middle playmaker to keep the defense honest down the field. This guy can do it, just a fantastic playmaker with Sam Bradford at Oklahoma in 2008 and a huge target for Carson Palmer.
3) Demaryius Thomas - I enjoyed his work in college for a team who ran the football 95 percent of the time. It was unforgettable watching Josh Nesbit throw rainbows 25 yards down the field and having Thomas run under them and get extra yards. I'd seriously compare him to Calvin Johnson for his pro career. Unfortunately, he'll be trapped with crappy QB's until further notice.
Honarable Mention: Jimmy Clausen(if he plays), and Brandon Graham(10 sacks this year, mark it down)
Rookies That You'll Have Jokes For During the Season:
1) Bryan Bulaga - From what I saw on film on ESPN and NFL network, this guys sucks. I can't even sugar coat it. Brandon Graham basically turned him into a pinata on national television. They say he can't handle blitzes, yet he plays Tackle, and every team will know he can't and attack it. This can't end well for the Packers. In related news, Aaron Rodgers got sacked a lot last year too.
2) Sam Bradford - But at least this won't be his fault, his line stinks and he has no one to throw to. You could count Donnie Avery, but that doesn't count. Someone has to catch the balls right? I thought they should have traded down and drafted a lineman, so we didn't have to cringe everytime a rookie dropped back to pass. I'm scared for Sam Bradford's life, no lie. Of course, now he'll lead them to 12-4 and make me quit predicting things for life.
3) Joe Haden - This is just a "feeling". I always see guys from Florida going high in the draft, and not producing. It just happens way too often. They have so much talent that everyone looks a little better than they are. If you want examples, I'll say Derrick Harvey's name. Then I'll finish with Reggie Nelson. Now you'll say, "that's because the Jaguars suck." Also true. I have no rebuttal. Like I said, "just a feeling."
Part Two coming soon.....
The one thing that cracks me up more than anything is that the football season not only goes by the fastest because its the most entertaining sport, but it also takes up less calendar than any other. Consider this, more people watch NFL and NCAA Basketball over anything else, but both only lasts 4-5 months. Baseball, on the other hand, lasts from April thru October(7 months) with games daily. NBA Basketball is another 8 month adventure that most people can't stand, excluding myself of course and Bill Simmons, well and Kobe Bryant. My guess is that people gravitate towards the NFL and March Madness due to the setups the respective organizations have come up with. Every week is more important than the previous, all season long. You can't afford to lose a few in a row, in most cases, and still be taken seriously.
Okay, now you're in football mode. Here's some random rankings and the reason I put them there. If you disagree, well you're probably wrong. All in Top 3 form. Here goes nothing!
Teams most likely to shock you in January, in a positive way:
1) Atlanta Falcons - I Love this team this year, yes Love them. Like Love them so much that if you had to bet a team to win the Super Bowl this year(30-1), this is the team. I can't explain it, but I'll try. Matt Ryan entering his 3rd year, and on his way to Payton Manning type success in the EXTREME near-future, probably this year. Other good things here: Michael Turner still tearing up in his prime, Roddy White becoming as consistent as they come, and a defensive head coach who finally got some help for his secondary. I love this team, and don't laugh at me.
2) Baltimore Ravens - I could just copy and paste the previous paragraph, but I'd rather put you to sleep quicker by writing more. I think Joe Flacco has a huge year. In fact, I think the whole offense has a huge year. Look at these weapons: Flacco, Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, "The Killer Not Named Ray Lewis" Donte Stallworth, and the "Most Games Missed Leader" Todd Heap. Look at that list, holy S***! Throw in the most underrated coach in football, John Harbaugh, and watch out for these guys, Farva-Style. (Also worth nothing: this is also the first year the defense will be questioned, like 24 points against per game-style. Then Ray Lewis will hang it up.)
3) Washington Redskins - Chuck and I have covered this once each, but Donovan (Eff) McNabb is going to have this team competing right away. They should call him Chicken Salad, because he can always make some out of chicken s***. I'll point out one negative for them, the WR corps, where the hell did these guys come from?? Thats a real question, where the hell did they come from? Look at this list of scrubs, err, guys! But then again, I guess McNabb has done more with less(See Freddie Mitchell, James Thrash, Todd Pinkston.) The defense was great, considering the circumstances, last year, even without The Fatass(Haynesworth, as Skins fans now know him.) The running back corps has gotten much better as well, as artfully explained by Everyone's Favorite Bartender Chuck here. I'd put them with Dallas as the best team in the NFC East with the NY Giants a half or quarter step behind. Best division in football once again.
Teams to Shock you in January, in a negative way:
1) Pittsburgh Steelers - Actually, this doesn't shock me! I hate the Steelers! Pencil them in for 5-11! Ben Berger is going to be out for the first six games(maybe four, still pending) Byron Leftwich should have them out to a 2-4 start at best with a start of: vs Atlanta, at Tennessee, at Tampa Bay, vs Baltimore, vs Cleveland and at Miami. Lets not forget about that defense, which should improve, but should be on the field an awful lot to start the season. If you're a Steelers fan reading this, just know that I'm a loyal Raiders fan and my team has sucked for almost 30 straight years, so we're even.
2) New Orleans Saints - And this is coming from a man who picked them to win the Super Bowl a few months ago. I hate myself. I think the offense will still be potent, somewhere in the 25-28 point range, whereas the defense can't possibly be as lucky as they were last year. It's impossible, I checked. Too many lucky tips, bounces of the ball, turnovers, and the other team choking up. Check out New Orleans at Miami from last year(sorry Chuck) for more evidence. Favre's interception in the NFC Championship game is another classic example. They will fall off, I'd guess in the 9 win range.
3) Denver Broncos - I already regret putting this here for some reason, but I just can't see this team winning any more than 5 games, I also can't see how they score points, unless one of the Tebow/Quinn/Orton combo catches fire NBA Jam style. Knowshon Moreno should be great in Year Two, but could be limited with carries due to being behind in fourth quarters. The defense overachieved last year in the first half of the season and looks to get thrown on a lot with an aging secondary. Champ Bailey isn't remotely close to a shutdown corner anymore. But like I said, this is when I'm most wrong, when it's just a little too obvious.
Best Three Rookies:
1) Ryan Matthews - I really like this guy, to say the least. He will be on my fantasy team this year, somehow or another, as I bring home another championship. I saw him play against Boise State last year on a Friday night game, and he ripped them to shreds(19 carries, 234 yards, 3 tds, holy cow!.) It was highly impressive. Plus the facts are simple. Even Concrete Legs(Tomlinson) posted decent yards and TD's with this Chargers offense that's in place. Barring injury, i'd put him in for 1100 yards and 12 TD's.
2) Jermaine Gresham - He is exactly what Cincinnati was missing from last year's low octane offense that was clearly run oriented. You can't produce a true winner with that type without an over the middle playmaker to keep the defense honest down the field. This guy can do it, just a fantastic playmaker with Sam Bradford at Oklahoma in 2008 and a huge target for Carson Palmer.
3) Demaryius Thomas - I enjoyed his work in college for a team who ran the football 95 percent of the time. It was unforgettable watching Josh Nesbit throw rainbows 25 yards down the field and having Thomas run under them and get extra yards. I'd seriously compare him to Calvin Johnson for his pro career. Unfortunately, he'll be trapped with crappy QB's until further notice.
Honarable Mention: Jimmy Clausen(if he plays), and Brandon Graham(10 sacks this year, mark it down)
Rookies That You'll Have Jokes For During the Season:
1) Bryan Bulaga - From what I saw on film on ESPN and NFL network, this guys sucks. I can't even sugar coat it. Brandon Graham basically turned him into a pinata on national television. They say he can't handle blitzes, yet he plays Tackle, and every team will know he can't and attack it. This can't end well for the Packers. In related news, Aaron Rodgers got sacked a lot last year too.
2) Sam Bradford - But at least this won't be his fault, his line stinks and he has no one to throw to. You could count Donnie Avery, but that doesn't count. Someone has to catch the balls right? I thought they should have traded down and drafted a lineman, so we didn't have to cringe everytime a rookie dropped back to pass. I'm scared for Sam Bradford's life, no lie. Of course, now he'll lead them to 12-4 and make me quit predicting things for life.
3) Joe Haden - This is just a "feeling". I always see guys from Florida going high in the draft, and not producing. It just happens way too often. They have so much talent that everyone looks a little better than they are. If you want examples, I'll say Derrick Harvey's name. Then I'll finish with Reggie Nelson. Now you'll say, "that's because the Jaguars suck." Also true. I have no rebuttal. Like I said, "just a feeling."
Part Two coming soon.....
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