Armchair Idiots

In Case You Missed It!

2010-01-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

In case you were either living in a hole or your significant other made you do something else, here are the highlights from the best playoff game of the weekend.
By best, I mean action packed. So calm down Cowboy fans, I know its been a long time.

MVP HONORS

2010-01-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

NFThis year’s MVP talk boils down to two players, Peyton Manning & Chris Johnson. Philip Rivers & Drew Brees are certainly in the conversation. Philip Rivers led the S.D. Chargers to a division title & first round bye in the playoffs. Rivers engineered the Chargers unit in eleven consecutive victories. Manning, Brady, & Brees club anyone? Rivers is knocking at the door. Next year may be his time? Then there is Drew Brees. He led the Saints to an impressive 13-3 record. What hurts Brees’ chances is the way the N.O. Saints have played of late. They haven’t looked all that impressive since their week 12 (38-17) spanking of the Patriots. The Saints have dropped their last three games. Brees should be a shoe in for the running again next season.

The crowning of Peyton Manning is the logical choice. Peyton was on the verge of inscribing the Colts as the third team in NFL history to go undefeated in the regular season. But, the organization had decided to bench their starters in favor of a playoff run.

The Colts had two major offseason changes. Both came in the form of retirement. On January 12th 2009 seven year head coach Tony Dungy called it quits. In came first year head coach Jim Caldwell & question marks arose. But, it turned out to be a smooth transition. Then on May 6th 2009, Hall of Famer, & eleven year teammate Marvin Harrison followed suit. The two hold a number of QB-WR tandem records. Most completions (career): 953; most completions in a season: 143(2002); most passing/receiving yards (career): 12,756; & most passing/receiving TDs (career): 112. Peyton still had pro bowl receiver Reggie Wayne, one of the finest in the business, & pro bowl tight end Dallas Clark, also one of the best at his respective position. It didn’t take long for Peyton & incoming rookie WR’s Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie to click. What they accomplished over the course of the season was an exhibition of Peyton’s playmaking brilliance. The Colts defense had their share of adjustments due to injuries, placing more pressure on the offense. Peyton has led the Colts to a league leading (7) fourth-quarter comebacks, more than any team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Peyton was the best player on the planet for the 2009-’10 season.

There is also cause for an argument that Chris Johnson deserves the crown. The second year running back out of East Carolina torched defenses on a weekly basis. Johnson was able to do it running for an abysmal Tennessee Titan offense. His numbers are incredibly impressive, considering opposing defensive coordinators identified Johnson as Tennessee’s offensive jugular. Neutralize him, & you have a stagnant Titan offense. How he was able to rack up 2,006 rushing yards is amazing. He is the 6th player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards. Johnson finished the season with 11 consecutive 100+ rushing yard games. He was able to rush for 150+ yards in four games. In week 8 he racked up 228 rushing yards vs. the Jaguars. His most impressive performance came in week 2; he had TD runs of 50+, 60+, & 91+ yards, becoming the first player to ever do this. Johnson also had three runs of 85 yards or more this season. No NFL player has ever done that in their entire career. Johnson also broke Marshall Faulk’s record of 2,429 yards from scrimmage in a single season, with 2,509 yards. Johnson totaled 503 yards receiving. The only 2,000 back to come close to that was Barry Sanders, in 1997, when he had 305 yards receiving. There’s also the holding penalty Ed Hochuli called, it negated a 62 yard TD run by Johnson with 11:53 to go in the 4th quarter in week 17. It was a terrible call. Those 62 yards would have given Johnson 2,060 yards at that point, only 46 yards away from breaking Dickerson’s single season record of 2,105 yards. It may not matter anyway. It is unlikely Johnson will be given the MVP. The reason being, the Titans aren’t playing in the postseason. Barry Sanders won the MVP award in 1997 when he had his 2,000 yard season. But, the Detroit Lions went on to the playoffs. Chris Johnson had as fine a season as any running back has ever had. Johnson was also the best player on the planet this year.

Comparing these two players is absurd. They both had a phenomenal season in different situations, playing different positions. Giving the MVP award to one & not the other is ridiculous. It is comparable to one having to choose the Brazilian or French beauty for his queen. They both get the crown. Chris Johnson & Peyton Manning should be co-MVP’s!

CANTON BOUND

2010-01-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, has dominated in his 2009-’10 campaign. Three years into the league he has established himself as one of the games elite. He has dominated every #1 wide receiver that has come his way. Andre Johnson (4 Rec, 35 Yds), Randy Moss (4 Rec, 24 Yds, week 2; 5 Rec., 34 Yds, 1 TD, week 10), Marques Colston (2 Rec, 33 Yds), Terrell Owens (3 Rec, 13 Yds, week 6; 3 Rec, 31 Yds, week 12), Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers; 2 Rec, 2 Yds), Roddy White (4 Rec, 33 Yds), Reggie Wayne (3 Rec, 33 Yds), & Chad OchoCinco (0 Rec, 0 Yds). These are some of the finest receivers to ever play; this is the resume of an all world cornerback.

Revis is the equivalent of two defenders. His shutdown ability enables the Jets safeties to cover other players. The Jets defenders can then overload zones. Quarterbacks have no choice but to throw to his side. His league leading 31 passes defended is a result of this.

Revis obviously possesses a ton of talent. But his recent success is also to be credited to his appetite for learning. He no longer watches game film; he studies it, of his upcoming opponents over & over. Studying a receiver’s body language is all about repetition. The key is to memorize their entire bag of tricks. What do they habitually do with their hands prior to running specific routes? How are their feet positioned? Every player has habits. It’s a matter of putting in the time to discover what they are. Then exploit it come game day.

Every season Revis has improved, becoming more spectacular than the last. His offseason improvement is a testament to his discipline. His training regiment included; running up Arizona Mountains in the desert heat, pulling sleds, & repetitiously lifting monster truck tires. He meticulously studied every receiver he would face, fueling him in his workouts.

When all is said & done, barring any major career ending injuries, Revis will go down as one of the greats. He will continue to dominate in his era, making pro bowl receivers look amateurish. He is doing this in an NFL that isn’t friendly to defenses. Defensive backs in particular, where penalty flags fly as if they are suppose to play two-hand touch football. Because after all offense sells tickets. Even as Revis, in his 2009-’10 campaign, has perfected the art of a lockdown corner when they are surely a dying breed. Mr. Revis is only going to keep improving if that is at all possible?

FANTASY IN FOCUS

2009-12-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

The New England Patriots defense continues to struggle. Credit that to their inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. This is leaving their largely inexperienced secondary isolated and vulnerable. Opposing teams will continue to employ an aerial attack when facing them. This will only change provided their front seven can start generating pressure on a more consistent basis.

The current scenario is bad for Patriot fans but bodes well for Tom Brady, Wes Welker, & Randy Moss owners. The Patriots are 7-5. They hold a fragile one game lead in the AFC east division. Their remaining games are playoff caliber games. They haven’t had a very effective running game this year. So expect this offense to continue to rely heavily on the arm of Tom Brady. The Patriots upcoming schedule: Carolina, @Buffalo, Jacksonville, & @Houston.

Brady, Welker, & Moss are great options moving forward. Consider benching the Patriot defense if you have a better option.

What is going to become of the Indianapolis Colts offensive unit? Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, & Joseph Addai have consistently produced. The Colts stand at 12-0. Head coach Jim Caldwell has said he will be resting his starters once they have clinched a playoff bye. Manning, Wayne, & Clark in particular may see reduced playing time. Owners need to pay close attention to this situation.

The looming question is how playing time will be distributed amongst the backs? Maybe Joseph Addai will get fewer carries? Making way for Donald Brown & Chad Simpson to see increased reps? Watch this situation moving forward.

The 12-0 New Orleans Saints are on a roll. Their QB Drew Brees continues to engineer the leagues top ranked offensive unit.

In week 13 Brees hit WR Robert Meachem on a 53 yard bomb in the fourth quarter to tie the game. Meachem has emerged as this year’s Lance Moore. In recent weeks he has played like a #1 fantasy receiver, out of the #3 spot for the Saints. He has produced 6 TDs in the last 5 games. He is another receiver breaking out in his third year.

The Saints were able to manufacture 33 points against the Washington Redskins. The NFL’s #1 ranked pass defense.

Marques Colston Robert Meachem, & Devery Henderson remain Brees’ most dangerous weapons. I don’t see any of their remaining opponents being able to stop them.

Pay close attention to the running back situation. Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, & Reggie Bush crowd their backfield. Thomas is the best starting option of the three. That could change if head coach Sean Payton decides to rest some of his guys. Even though he has said his players will be playing down the stretch, in hopes of going 16-0. Regardless of that statement stay tuned, to see what will transpire over the coming weeks.

What happened to the Pittsburgh Steelers? They lost in week 12 at Arrowhead Stadium, to a terrible Kansas City Chiefs team. Pair that with a week 13 loss at Heinz Field, to an Oakland Raiders squad. A defeat that drops the defending champs to a meager 6-6 record.

With the Cincinnati Bengals on the verge of wrapping up that division, the Steelers will be fighting for a wild card spot. This is good news for Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, & Rashard Mendenhall owners. Expect them to post solid numbers down the stretch.

Heath Miller has been non-existent in this offense of late. Roethlisberger should find a way to get him re-involved in the offense.

Like the Patriots it is the Steelers defense that has been their downfall. The impending scenario is how long will Troy Polamalu remain sidelined? He is the heart & soul of this defense. Polamalu’s absence has extinguished the defenses spirit. If he remains sidelined consider using another defense.

The Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers & Donald Driver connection continues to roll. Rodgers remains the top fantasy scoring player in the majority of leagues. Donald Driver has served as a reliable safety valve for Rodgers all season. Driver & Jermichael Finley are Rodgers favorite targets, when his pocket prematurely collapses. But don’t make the mistake of leaving Greg Jennings out of the conversation. He has had a disappointing year to date. Poor blocking for Rodgers has hurt Jennings fantasy value. He is a lethal vertical threat when Rodgers is given the time. The Packers O-line has found some cohesion of late. They looked legit against a stout Baltimore Raven front seven. Owners have no excuses in not starting these guys.

The Packers can still win the NFC north title. They need the Vikings to lose 3 out of their last 4, and they need to win outright. Every week is a big game.

At times Dom Capers has been able to orchestrate this young defense into NFL elitism. Rookies Clay Mathews Jr. & BJ Raji have played extremely well. Mathews Jr. is a fun one to watch. He flies all over the field and has a knack for the ball. Raji has been able to plug gaps and get a solid push up front. Combine that with perennial ball hawk Charles Woodson and you have a formidable defense in the making. Don’t make the mistake of sitting this defense.

Can The Saints Go Marching In?

2009-12-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

The New Orleans Saints are hands down the best team in the NFL right now. They made the New England Patriots look mediocre. They handed the Patriots their worst defeat since their 38-13, week 3 loss to the Miami Dolphins last season. Matt Cassel took over quarterback duties in place of Tom Brady due to his season ending knee injury. The Dolphins offense was invigorated by the newly found Wildcat offense. In some ways the outcome of that game wasn’t all that shocking. For one the Patriots didn’t have their pro bowl quarterback Tom Brady. Matt Cassel hadn’t started a game since high school. He is the only quarterback in NFL history to have started an NFL game without starting in college. The defense had personnel changes it was trying to accommodate as well.

Teams don’t find their identity that early in the season. Suffering a demoralizing loss in week 12 is more alarming. Can the team psychologically recover from that loss? What type of character does this team possess? In order to be successful in this league you have to be able to bounce back. Have a short memory. Re-discover your swagger. It usually comes down to which teams are able to peak at the end of the season, most of the time. Last year the Arizona Cardinals looked terrible down the stretch. Their division, the NFC West, was equivalent to the AFC West division. The Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Denver Broncos were all bad teams. The San Diego Chargers were the only respectable team to emerge from the AFC West last year. The NFC West had terrible teams in the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and St. Louis Rams last year. The Cardinals were the only one from that division to emerge as a respectable squad. They ended up winning the NFC West with a shoddy 9-7 record. Once the playoffs began the Cardinals defense played exceptionally well. Better than they had all season. Edgerrin James appeared to have reverted to the back he was three years prior to the actual calendar date. The passing game was firing on all cylinders. Larry Fitzgerald was having his best games of the season at the most crucial time. Everything was clicking for them. Hence Super Bowl XLIII hosted the Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.

If the New Orleans Saints defense continues to fly around the field and playing with a chip on their shoulders, watch out. Combine that with their offense and Congress should pass legislation deeming the Saints an illegal organization. They make it seem unfair that opposing defenses can’t field 12 or 13 defenders to contain them. I do mean contain them. Don’t confuse that with stopping them. Talk about a defensive coordinators worst nightmare come to life.

Observing the Saints offense this year has been educational. It is a reminder that the game has evolved. Team speed has never been more essential. Gone are the days of the Lombardi sweep plays, physical bump ‘n run defenses, and Buddy Ryan hurling punches at fellow staffers on the sideline. The game resembles more of the AFL’s vertical passing style. To think, as fans we will be witnessing the three greatest offenses of all time, in the span of one decade. The 2001-’02 St. Louis Rams, 2007-’08 New England Patriots, and now the 2009-’10 New Orleans Saints.

Drew Brees has to be revered as one of the game’s elite. He possesses unbelievable passing accuracy. He was hitting his receivers in stride 30 or more yards down field at will. He was able to consistently throw the ball in seemingly impossible spaces, which only his receivers could get to. The entire Saints team has been nothing short of spectacular. It will be interesting to see if they can keep performing at such a high level.

The 2001-’02 St. Louis Rams lost to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI. The 2007-’08 New England Patriots, who entered the Super Bowl 18-0, lost to the New York Giants. The Giants were a 10-6 wild card team that year. The Two most dominant offensive teams in NFL history lost to teams that were considered to be inferior. To put it best, any given Sunday

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUP!

2009-12-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Larry Johnson had his best game of the season in week 12. He ran for 107 yards on 22 carries. Even though he was running against a terrible Cleveland Browns defense, this performance displayed the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line has been effectively run blocking all season.

Cedric Benson was able to gain 120 yards on the ground in facing a stout Baltimore Ravens defense in week 5. At that juncture the Ravens defense had only allowed three 100 yard performances in their prior 40 games. He ran for 141 yards in week 2, playing an impressive Green Bay Packer defense. His most productive game came against his former team, the Chicago Bears. He had 189 yards on 37 carries.

Larry Johnson’s fantasy value should be high moving forward. Rookie running back Bernard Scott is listed as having turf toe. It’s an injury that hinders a running backs ability to cut. LaDainian Tomlinson had that same injury last year. It severely hampered his production. Cedric Benson is coming back from a hip injury. Will his body be able to handle his bruising running style? This could potentially become Larry Johnson’s backfield very soon. Let’s assume Cedric Benson remains healthy and the #1 back in Cincinnati. Come week 16 the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Cincinnati. Championship weekend for most fantasy leagues! Larry Johnson is going to be salivating at the opportunity to make a statement in this game. I’m going to bet the Bengals will give him the majority of carries that weekend. This matchup should have fantasy owners drooling.

SHOWDOWN IN THE FRENCH QUARTERS

2009-11-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

The (7-3) New England Patriots take the trip south to the Superdome, for a Monday night showdown with the (10-0) New Orleans Saints. The Saints are the only NFC team that remains undefeated. Only the Indianapolis Colts join them in a perfect season thus far.

Can the Saints reel off an eleventh straight victory? Facing a New England Patriot team primed for a run. Tom Brady is back to his rare form. Wes Welker is coming off a career high 15 catch, 192 receiving yard performance. Randy Moss will be looking to post primetime numbers in a primetime game. Bill Belichick will be devising defensive schemes yet to be seen on film. Throw in New England’s heartbreaking week 10 loss to the Colts. Motivation couldn’t be any higher for this squad.

The Patriots defense made a huge statement in week 11. They dominated the Mark Sanchez led offense of the New York Jets. Sanchez threw four picks. Three of those picks complimentary of Leigh Bodden. One of which he returned for a TD. Belichick defenses eat up inexperienced quarterbacks. Peyton Manning struggled for years before getting over the hump.

Drew Brees is 2-0 versus the Patriots over his career. Both times he was sporting a Charger uniform. He played them in week 4 of 2002 and week 4 of 2005. In 2002 he threw for a meager 104 yards, 1TD. LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 217 yards, 2TDS. In 2005 Brees threw for 248 yards, 2TDS. L.T. had 134 yards, 2TDS. Brees has found some success when facing Belichick defenses. It didn’t hurt that L.T. was the best running back on the planet at that time.

The Saints have a stable of dangerous wide receivers in Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, and Lance Moore. Tight ends Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas have great hands. Running backs Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Reggie Bush are all capable of doing their share of damage. Sean Peyton has explosive offensive players capable of giving the NFL’s best defenses fits.

This game is a chess match. The Saints Sean Peyton is regarded as one of the brightest offensive minds in the game. Then you have Bill Belichick who is one of the NFL’s more innovative defensive strategists. This is going to be a game of constant adjustments. A game when the momentum can turn on a dime.

Will it come down to General Brady or General Brees, being summoned, to march their respective team down the field come crunch time? Expect this game to go down to the wire. Both of these teams have a ton of talent on their squads. Coaches and management included.

The Patriots have won their last six games on Monday night football. Is there a seventh in the works? The Saints offense is averaging 36.9 points per game. The Patriots pass defense ranks 6th. The Saints pass defense ranks 16th. I’m giving a slight advantage to the Patriots. They find a way to win this one on the road, spoiling the Saints campaign for a perfect season.

More Trick Plays - Brett Favre Take Note!

2009-11-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

OK - So you guys like the trick plays! Here is more!

We have seen many amazing Brett Favre Red Zone tosses. Here's one I don't think he has even pulled off.

Fantasy Payoff Picks

2009-11-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

Even if you are not at the top of your league, let's feel good about some of the high draft picks you may have selected this year.

The Tennessee Titans players have been lousy this year. Chris Johnson has been the exception. He is a home run style runner. Johnson has had runs of 30 or more yards in 7 of 9 games this year. His 6.4 yards per carry average on 170 attempts is a testament to his explosive running style. Johnson will be a top three pick in fantasy drafts come the 2010 season.

It is safe to state that Tom Brady has officially returned to his expected form. He has had a career best four straight three-hundred yard games. In those games Brady has thrown 13 TDs. That is a TD/INT ratio just better than 3:1. His upcoming matchups are: NYJ, @NO, @MIA, CAR, @BUF, JAC, @HOU. Fantasy owners will continue smiling in the coming weeks.

Maurice Jones-Drew has been on fire his last four games. He had workhouse numbers in week 6, getting 33 carries for 133 and 3 TDs. Week 7 he was on a bye. In week 8 at Tennessee he accumulated a season high 177 yards on 8 carries! Drew found pay dirt twice that week. Week 9 brought 29 carries for 97 yards and 1 TD versus Kansas City. Week 10 was against a tough Jets defense, 24 carries for 123 yards and 1 TD. Drew would have had another TD at the end of the game but he took an intentional knee.

Aaron Rodgers has more than lived up to fantasy owner’s expectations. Despite having to run for his life every week he has produced. Rodgers has thrown double digit TDs six times this year. He is out scoring Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, & Drew Brees in most fantasy leagues. He was a solid second or third round pick.

Weeks 7, 8, & 10 have brought good fortune to Stephen Jackson owners. Jackson rushed for 134 yards against Indianapolis in week 7. Week 8 at Detroit was even better. Jackson posted his first TD of the season to go with 149 yards. He was able to find pay dirt again in week 10 and ran for 131 yards against New Orleans. Jackson has run incredibly hard all year for a terrible team. Larry Johnson should try to emulate himself after Mr. Jackson.

Reggie Wayne is coming off a 10 catch, 126 yard, 2 TD Sunday evening. He is quite simply as good as any receiver in the NFL. Wayne will once again finish the season as a top five fantasy scorer among receivers.

FANTASYS' PLEASANT SURPRISES

2009-11-19T11:20:00.000-08:00

Third year wide receivers Sidney Rice and Mike Sims-Walker have burst onto the 2009 fantasy scene. More proof that wide receivers are prone to blow up in their third year.

Sidney Rice’s production was hampered in his first two seasons. Credit that to Tavarius Jackson’s inability to play the quarterback position. In 2007 and 2008 combined Rice compiled 46 catches for 537 yards and 8 TDs. Bringing in Hall Of Fame QB Brett Favre has changed that. Through nine games Rice has compiled 44 receptions for 786 yards and 2 TDs. His average fantasy draft position was in the 14th round. Chaz Schilens, Troy Williamson, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Isaac Bruce were all drafted before him. There is a lesson to be learned here. Search for sleepers like Rice when their team undergoes a major improvement in the off-season such as this one.

Unless there was a die hard Jacksonville Jaguars fan in your league, Mike Sims-Walker went undrafted. Remember him being labeled a deep sleeper pick at the beginning of the season? Consider him a sleeper no more, 39 catches for 603 yards and 5 TDs is very credible. He has decisively lived up to his potential in claiming the #1 receiver billing in Jacksonsville.

Don't Sleep on D! - A Great High School Football Play

2009-11-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

Check out this great play by Mesa (Ariz.) Mountain View High against Gilbert (Ariz.) Highland High. Always remember to play it out until a whistle. Good job by the refs!

Under The Hoodie - There Is No Doubt It Was The Right Choice

2009-11-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

There has been an inordinate amount of piling on the Patriots coasch over the last few days since Bill Belichick went for for it on fourth down on his own 28 against the Colts. It is very easy to question this call, and it makes great sports radio and blog fodder. However let's not pile on, but think about why, and talk about how a calculated risk is not such a bad move.

No doubt the Patriots were in control of this game. Also no doubt that the New England Defense was on for the first three quarters. Another no doubt is that this is not even an issue if Maroney doesn't fumble in the Red Zone.

There was no doubt that the Colts made an adjustment. There is also no doubt that Manning can score quickly and efficiently at any time. There was no doubt that the Patriots defense was tired from fighting out the first three quarters.

Most would agree that Tom Brady and the offense could get 2 yards. You and I both would bet on it, over them not making it, any day of the week. The Patriots were going to have to play defense no matter what. A long field with a tired defense could create an easy big play for the Colts and Manning. We all know that the Red Zone shortens the field and makes it more difficult for any offense. No doubt Belichick thought of this and gambled. It's not that he didn't trust his defense, he chose the gamble of putting them on a shorter field and thinking they had to stop the Colts anyway.

Brady passed to Faulk, executed the play, the ball was bobbled, and in the NFL that is enough time to not make the first down. Was it a crazy gamble? For any other team yes, but not Patriots. Belichick felt his best chance to win the game was with his offense. The idea that his defense is upset over the call is silly. The NFL is not high school, it is professional football. His gamble did not work, oh well. Sometimes your gut is what you have to trust. It has gotten Belichick to the top and is a necessary tool for a great coach. I would rather have a coach that takes a chance on what he feels is his best chance to win, than just going with conventional wisdom. That's why most teams are average, they take no chances and have no balls.

There is a ton of season left. No one knows where or how this game will affect the Patriots. No matter who you are, you do not want to play the Patriots in the playoffs at home or on the road.

They will get another chance at the Colts.

FANTASY SNAPSHOT - Running Back Updates

2009-11-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

There were some key RB injuries in week 10.

Cincinnati Bengal Cedric Benson left the game with a strained hip flexor. Rookie Bernard Scott filled in with 13 carries for 33 yards. He also had 1 catch that went for 21 yards. Not a very impressive stat line. But he was running against the Steelers. The Bengals play the Oakland Raiders in week 11. The Bengals say Benson will be ready to go week 11. Provided that changes Scott becomes a great fantasy play.

Seattle Seahawks Julius Jones is severely banged up. He spent the night in the hospital as he was experiencing bleeding in his lung. He also has a broken rib. Jones will be out for at least the next two weeks. His replacement was second year RB Justin Forsett. He made the most of his opportunity. Running for a career high 123 yards on 17 carries. He added 5 receptions for 26 yards. Unless you’re stacked at RB pick him up. He is an elusive back that the Seahawks are in need of. Not to mention head coach Jim Mora has taken a strong liking to him.

Atlanta Falcon RB Michael Turner suffered a high ankle sprain. It is being reported that it isn’t a severe sprain. It is really a question of how much time Turner will be missing.

My guess is that Jason Snelling will get the start in week 11. He has been averaging 4.9 yards per carry on the season. Head Coach Mike Smith praised his hard running style.

Jerious Norwood is still listed as questionable with a hip injury.

The team will be signing Aaron Stecker in the coming days. To serve as a #2 or #3 back.

RIVALRY

2009-11-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

The Patriots-Colts square off in a battle highlighting two of the games most gifted quarterbacks to have ever shouldered the NFL emblem. I praise the football Gods for games such as this! I will go so far as to state I firmly believe Monday the 16th of November should be declared a national holiday for 2009. If I were elected president this issue would be at the top of my list. Matters such as these would heed precedence over bringing peace to the Middle East or nuclear proliferation. I would make the day before, of, and after the Super Bowl a permanent national holiday. As your President my first official oval office meeting would be with my most trusted football advisors. We would meticulously dissect the upcoming NFL schedule in order to declare timely holidays for that given calendar year. What true red, white, and blue Patriot wouldn’t vote for me?

Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning! Can a headline get any sexier than that? Yes. The Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings saga beat out any feasible headline for the 2009 American football campaign.

The practical minds of the NFL’s schedulers chose to have these two elite franchises collide in week 10. What a flawless marketing decision. What were the odds that both organizations would be sitting at or near the top of the NFL come week 10? So good I would have bet everything I have ever owned on it. Even my soul provided it would have any potential monetary appeal.

This game exudes far than a headline consisting of Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. These teams have faced each other so many times in the course of both quarterbacks’ illustrious careers that it must be incredibly difficult to construct an innovated game plan. What can these coaches, who are extremely familiar with one another, conceivably disguise during the course of this game that will prove to be effective? It comes down to the X’s and O’s of the game. The team that executes, doesn’t turn the ball over, and wins special teams will be triumphant.

Can Patriots LT Matt Light contain Colts pro bowl DE Dwight Freeney? Freeney has caused Patriots pro bowl LT Matt Light fits in previous meetings. This will be one of the key matchups taking place Sunday. Due to the Colts being without defensive starters SS Bob Sanders, FS Marlin Jackson, and LCB Kelvin Hayden. Rookies Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey will be the Colts starting CBs.

Colts pro bowl TE Dallas Clark is fresh off a 14 catch performance in week 9. Expect Belichick’s to game plan to include plenty of attention directed Clark’s way. It should be difficult for him to get open in the middle of the field. In a similar fashion to the way the Patriots were able to neutralize Atlanta Falcon pro bowl TE Tony Gonzales.

This should be a spectacular game. Enjoy!

The Larry Johnson Sweepstakes - I Mean Door Prize

2009-11-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

When you are 75 yards short of the all-time rushing record for your NFL team and they place you on waivers, you have to know you messed up! That is where Larry Johnson is right now. No team claimed him and his 2+million dollar contract, which was really no surprise. Now however, will someone take the risk on him, his attitude, and his paltry 2.7 yard per carry average. We have seen the turn around for Cedric Benson and the Bengals rushing game, so will a team take a chance on him? The answer will be yes, so lets take a look at a few spots where he could fit in.

New England Patriots: The obvious choice and current NFL half way house. There seems to be a common consensus that Belichick can take on problem cases and turn them into contributing players. His success with Cory Dillon and Randy Moss have proven that a well run system can tame even the toughest of beasts. There really is no standout back in New England, and it seem to be running back by committee. A possibility at best for Larry to be a Patriot.

Cleveland Browns: Let's face it the Browns are a mess. The season is a wash, and it is time to develop Brady Quinn. Jamal Lewis only has a bit left in the tank and Larry Johnson could fit in with Jamal just fine. The Browns really have nothing to lose in singing Johnson. If there is any upside at all it could help them improve the run game and help Quinn get used to helming the team full time.

Green Bay Packers: With an offensive line that is a mess, and Aaron Rodgers running for his life, the Packers could help their situation with a good number 2 back. Brandon Jackson has been a disappointment at number 2, and has now lost the job to an aged Ahman Greene. Ryan Grant is ok, but is not a punishing back. With Larry Johnson running in cold weather games, it could be a good fit if he can still lay out the punishment.

Oakland Raiders: Why the hell not. Do I really need to say any thing more? Well at least Johnson and Cable share a love of violence, and Fargas is somehow again their leading rusher.

Larry will get another chance, but will he do something with it or continue to twitter away what's left of his NFL career?

ONE OF THE ELITE

2009-11-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line exhibited superb cohesion Monday night in protecting their QB Ben Roethlisberger, while facing a stout Denver Bronco defense at Mile High. Defenses giving Big Ben that amount of time to throw to receivers Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and tight end Heath Miller is the equivalent of drinking a glass of paint thinner over Dom Perignon. Throw in some gaping holes the size of the ones the 1990’s Cowboys O-line would open for Emmitt Smith for the youthful legs of Rashard Mendenhall and it is going to be a long night for any defensive coordinator. A primitive example of the old saying, “the game is won in the trenches.” A line that is applicable against the evolution of the game.

Witnessing the second half adjustments the Steelers defense executed is the development of a championship caliber defense in every facet. Great in the adjustments, the coaches concocted down to the beautiful textbook execution by the players. Further, it is a testament to the scouting department in enabling the player personnel department to bring in players that are compatible with the coaches’ schemes. Troy Polamalu exemplifies such. There has never been a better safety to have graced an NFL field. Polamalu is capable of changing the momentum of a game on any one single play. Plainly put he is a menace to opposing offenses. Quarterbacks and potential blockers have to be aware of him at all times. The Steelers defense was lacking his threatening presence in his absence. Throw him back into the mix and there isn’t a more lethal defense in the NFL. Defense wins championships.

That intriguing juncture has arrived in the course of the NFL season in week 10 when some teams that came out of the gate on fire have had their flames extinguished. While other teams that were chastised by their home fans for being a disappointment, have discovered a spark of hope in the last few weeks in priming themselves for a potential run.

The Pittsburgh Steelers should be considered the most well balanced team in the NFL heading into week 10. Stay tuned NFL fans stay tuned.

SECONDARY CRISIS!

2009-11-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

What has happened to the New York Giants?

They started off 5-0 before getting crushed by the Saints in week 6 at New Orleans. They followed that up with a 17-24 loss at home to Arizona then a 17-40 loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia. The Giants opponents prior to the Saints game were Washington, Dallas, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and Oakland. Dallas is the only team out of this group that should be considered a worthy opponent. In retrospect the Giants should have started of as hot as they did.

The loss of starting CB Aaron Ross at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury has proven to be a big loss for a permeable Giants secondary compounded further by the loss of starting safety Kenny Phillips. Which was put on display in week 6 when Drew Brees lit them up for 48 points thus handing NFL teams a blueprint on how to effectively attack the Giants. There are other contributing factors to the Giants sudden spiral. The loss of DT Chris Canty in week 1. Injuries to OLB Michael Boley and Mario Manningham haven’t helped. The offensive line hasn’t been as effective in protecting Manning the way they did in weeks 1-5. That can be contributed to facing stronger pass rushes and from having to play from behind.

The San Diego Chargers take the trip east to the Meadowlands for a week 9 matchup with the Giants. The strength of the Bolts is their passing attack. I don’t see how the Giants will be able to slow them down unless their big uglies up front can get pressure on Philip Rivers early and often. The Bolts starting receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd stand tall at 6’5” each. Starting tight end Antonio Gates comes in at 6’4” tall. Not exactly an ideal matchup for a struggling banged up secondary searching for their identity. If the G-Men aren’t able to remedy their coverage woes this week New York Giant fans will be praising Brandon Jacobs and praying for inclement weather often.

BARGAIN DEALS

2009-11-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

The majority of fantasy owners had high expectations for Steve Slaton at the beginning of the 2009 season. He hasn’t exactly lived up to it. His fumble issues combined with Chris Brown’s presence as the goal line back has diminished his value. Now enter Ryan Moats who is coming off a career 3 TD game against Buffalo in week 8. Head coach Gary Kubiak has stated the Texans will use a three-headed backfield moving forward. I’m just not convinced that Ryan Moats will end up taking the majority of reps. Steve Slaton is hands down the most explosive back they have. Why would they want to take the ball out of his hands? Obviously Kubiak has trust issues with him. Unless Slaton’s fumble issues persist he will be the featured back in Houston. He is a risky player to own at the moment but one that has a strong chance of bouncing back. Now is the perfect time to buy him low while owners are down on him.

Brandon Jacobs hasn’t exactly gotten off to a blazing start as most owners anticipated. Derrick Ward’s departure to Tampa Bay was suppose to catapult Jacobs into an elite NFL back that would crush defenses. Let’s not forget that the cold weather will be here soon to help deliver Jacobs stinging blows to opposing tacklers. Tom Coughlin is a run first coach. Jacobs value will increase as it becomes colder. Take advantage of his low value now. Before it’s too late.

The arrival of Jay Cutler in Chicago has stifled the prospect of Matt Forte having a stellar sophomore campaign. His fantasy numbers for the most part have been porous. His 90 yard 2 TD performance versus Cleveland this past weekend bodes well for trade purposes. It is a good time to sell him high if you own him. Matt Forte has two good matchups left this season. Week 13 vs. St. Louis and week 17 vs. Detroit. The bears upcoming schedule:

WEEK 9 Arizona

WEEK 10 @ San Francisco

WEEK 11 Philadelphia

WEEK 12 @ Minnesota

WEEK 13 St. Louis

WEEK 14 Green Bay

WEEK 15 @ Baltimore

WEEK 16 Minnesota

WEEK 17 @Detroit

A waiver wire pickup that is worth noting would be that of 6’5” 225LB Malcolm Floyd. This comes upon the release of Chris Chambers which officially bestows him the starting wideout spot opposite “The Beast” Vincent Jackson. He will be the #2 wide receiver for the Chargers. Which makes him the #3 considering Antonio Gates is the #2 option in that offense. The Chargers passing game will continue to thrive in a horrible division

Week 9 Picks

2009-11-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

So far there is no indication that the scoring frenzy by the elite teams in the NFL will stop. But beware of the overs. There are some good offensive teams matched up against some weak offensive teams, so be careful as the bad teams may not pull their weight to cover overs. Good Luck!

Texans at Colts - Indianapolis -9: Houston will stay in this game despite problems running the ball. Look for big scoring in this game, with the Colts pulling away in the fourth quarter. Colts win and cover this one easy. The over at 47.5 is a good bet as well.

Panthers at Saints - New Orleans -13: So far the Saints have covered the over in every game so far this season. I think it stops this week. Carolina and an anemic offense wont put up the points to help you reach the over. The Saints will pull ahead early and stay ahead. Easy win and cover for the Saints, but beware of the over and take the under this time.

Lions at Seahawks - Seattle -10: This is just the kind of meaningless game that pits two weekly underdogs together. This is a perfect game for Detroit to grab a win. A banged up Seattle reserve team will lose to the Detroit starters. Take the Lions and the points, and don't worry about who wins, and don't even bet the over under.

Packers at Tampa Bay - Green Bay -10: Look for the Packers to take out their Favre frustrations on the lowly Bucs. Big offensive day for Green Bay along with a solid defensive effort will allow for the Packers to cover in this one. Take the under as Tampa will probably not put up more than 10 points in this one.

Good Luck and remember when they ask you where you got your advice tell them from some idiots!

From A Packer Fan: A Letter To Brett Favre

2009-10-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Brett Favre,

First off I want to say thank you. Yourself, Reggie White, Mike Holmgren, and Ron Wolff gave me something that many fans will never have. A Super Bowl victory. I figure I was really about six years old when I remember caring about the Packers. I watched through 17 years of pretty much 8-8 seasons and very little hope of ever seeing the team in the big game. I was actually super excited about Don Majkowski. A new quarterback, someone who wasn't a failed draft choice. Nothing against Lynn Dicky, or David Whitehurst, but the "Majik Man" gave us playoff hope. Then he went down, and they put you in. We all know the rest of the story.

Playoff games, respect, the feeling of what it must have been like to see the great Lombardi teams. No longer was the Packer highlight reel capped off with Bart Star crossing the one in the Ice Bowl. We were for real, Lambeau Field was restored as hallowed ground, and a damn tough place to get a win. You embraced the weather, something we are all proud of in Wisconsin, and you used it to win. You started every game no matter if you were hurt, sick, or tired. You did everything that was asked of you, and we were more than happy to pay you what you wanted.

Again Thank You.

Now we all saw the first meeting against the Vikings. The shot of you walking up to the line against the Green Bay defense was "surreal" as Mike Tirico pointed out. I am not even going to discuss the Jets or any of the nonsense about coming back or not coming back. You are now a Viking.

My disdain for the Vikings has always been the same. I will not travel through the Minneapolis Airport because it is in Viking country. Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but I won't fish in any of them. I relish in the fact that the Viking have lost 4 Superbowls. My kids really don't ever wear purple and NEVER with yellow. Did I mention I hate the Vikings?

So Mr. Favre, when you come out of that tunnel, I am going to boo you. When our defense sacks you, I am going to cheer and yell primal screams, and when Charles Woodson pick sixes you I will probably loose my mind in delight! I can not root for you, nor can I say how great you ARE. You are a Viking.

So again I thank you for everything you WERE and DID for Green Bay. I praise you for what you DID for me, my friends, and the state of Wisconsin. However on Sunday, and going forward, YOU SUCK AND THE VIKINGS SUCK, and I hope you loose the rest of your games and finish out of the playoffs.

Go Packers,

A Packer Fan

PS When we retire your number at Lambeau Field, I will cheer the loudest along with all of the other great fans in Green Bay!

Times They Are A Changin’

2009-10-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

Let’s take a look at the multitude of changes occurring amongst NFL teams after week 7.

In Kansas City you have the “THUG” Larry Johnson twittering his way off of his teams roster. Maybe he hasn’t beaten enough women lately and it’s getting to him? It would be so sweet if NFL teams banded together and blacklisted this ungrateful use to be from the NFL forever. On the upside Haley is making way for the second year back Jamaal Charles. He is a nice pick up as a bye week replacement or stash guy.

Tedd Ginn Jr. is officially back in Bill Parcell’s doghouse. Ginn is to see reduced playing time moving forward. Coach Tony Sparano has said on record that rookie Brian Hartline “merits playing more.” My question is will Brian Hartline be the guy or will Greg Camarillo sneak in there the way he did last year?

Now that Chris Cooley has been ruled out for at least 4 weeks Fred Davis will be taking over his starting role. The second year tight end out of USC played well against the Eagles in week 7 when Cooley left the game. The knock against Davis is that he isn’t a great blocker. So maybe he won’t be playing every down? But he is an excellent receiving tight end. Washington’s offense has looked pathetic at times this year struggling to get the ball down field. A short passing game serves them well.

Brian Westbrook is more than likely to miss week 8. His backup LeSean McCoy is a talented rookie. The Eagles need to run the ball in order for their offense to be effective. They didn’t commit to the run in week 6 and lost uh-hummmm LOST to the Oakland Raiders! I rest my case.

Is Vince Young going to be the Titans starter coming out of their week 7 bye? Owner Bud Adams is supposedly pulling for him to get the start over Collins come week 8. Does this one even make much of a difference? Certainly not fantasy wise unless you planned on starting JaMarcus Russell this week.

Does Al Davis really have that big of a man crush on JaMarcus Russell? I think so! Otherwise Tom Cable would have been fired by now. Let’s take a look at Mr. (I don’t belong in the NFL) Russell’s stats through 7 weeks. He has amassed an amazing 891 passing yards. That would be an average of 127 yards a game! His completion % is a mind blowing 46.3%! He has thrown for a deplorable 2 TD’s and 8…….8 INT’s! I guess there isn’t any need for change here?

Norv Turner hinted Malcolm Floyd will be cutting into Chris Chambers playing time. Malcolm’s big at 6’5” 225 pounds. If he plays enough I believe he’ll put up solid fantasy numbers. The strength of this team is their passing game. I like this guy as a wide receiver 4 or 5.

Sunday Game of the Week

2009-10-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Great comeback by the Saints. Miami again played well and gave it up in the fourth quarter.

These highlights show why this was the game of the week this Sunday.

Enjoy!

Week 7 Picks

2009-10-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Picks for Week 7:

Green Bay at Cleveland - Packers -9 : With multiple Cleveland players hampered with a nasty flu, the Browns should be torn apart by the Packer offense. There is a very good possibility of a Special Teams or Pick Six against weak special teams and defense. Even though Green Bay is on the road take the Packers and the points.

New Orleans at Miami - New Orleans -7 : This game is going to be closer than most people think. Playing in Miami is always a struggle for road teams, and the Saints will be no exception. Look for the same strategy that the Dolphins used against the Colts. Ball control, and keep Brees from having the ball. Dolphins cover in this one, but probably will still not come away with the victory.

Minnesota at Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh -5.5 : With Winfield out in the Vikings secondary, look for the Steelers to open up the passing game early and the run in the fourth quarter. No Favre magic at Heinz field, the Steelers easily cover in this one.

Atlanta at Dallas - Dallas -4 : Even though this is desperation time in Dallas, the Falcons are a much better team. Better QB, better coach, better team all around. The Falcons will cover and get the win.

Good Luck

The Idiots

PRE-EMPTIVE PEARL?

2009-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Pittsburgh Steelers backfield didn’t quite work out the way I envisioned it would. Willie Parker did get hurt as expected but the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall has been impressive. Which has given Mewelde Moore limited opportunities.

I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t seem likely that I’ll be running the player personnel of any NFL team in the foreseeable future. Although I do believe I’d have a shot at doing so with the Raiders organization. If I so desired. But who would want to do that to themselves? My career would certainly end up in the graveyard. Then I’d have to seek therapy to deal with my Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome!

Enough of my jackass talk. BenJarvus Green-Ellis. You picking up what I’m putting down people? I would assume no unless you are an avid Patriots fan? He entered the season last on the New England Patriots depth chart. But with injuries to Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris his stock has quietly risen. Laurence Maroney should remain the featured back provided he doesn’t get injured or runs the way he so often has in his short career. I’m going to keep a keen eye on BenJarvus Green-Ellis over the course of the next two weeks in particular. Should something happen to Maroney or the Patriots start blowing out their opponents he will get a nice workload. Green-Ellis may have some value patch work wise if you play in a league that consists of 14 or more teams and you have bye week or injury problems. Consider him a desperate pick up at this point but one that may be worth keeping an eye on in the near future.

Armchair Picks

2009-10-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

As we have settled in and seen what most NFL teams are now capable of, lets look at some good last minute bets for Sunday's action.

Detroit at Green Bay - - 14 points - Take the Lions and the points. Even without Stafford, the Packers have not been running away from teams and tend to play to the level of their opponents. The game should be closer than most think.

Baltimore at Minnesota - 3 points - Take the Ravens and the points this week. The Ravens are a good team and the Vikings are prime for a let down. This is the toughest competition the Vikings have faced thus far, as well as the toughest run defense. Look for Favre turnovers, and an easy win for the Ravens.

Chicago at Atlanta - 3.5 points - The Falcons giving 3.5 should be no problem in this NFC matchup. Too many weapons on a superior offense should have no problem pulling away from the Bears average Defense in the second half.

Philadelphia at Oakland - 14 points - If you don't htink the Eagles should win this one by 20 plus you probably are painting your face Balck and Silver and still have some committment to excellence you are working on. Take the Eagles. This one should be in over by mid second quarter.

Remember if you do follow our advice, remember to tell your friends that you heard it from a couple of idiots!

Good Luck