Roughing the Passer, Real Sports Insight.

Dallas Cowboys Draft Preview.

2013-04-21T09:28:00.001-07:00

Ok, so the 2013 NFL Draft is a few days away so I figure I take a look who the Cowboys might, or should be looking at with the 18th pick.

(Team Needs) In order.

1. FS/SS
2. DT
3. RT
4. OG
5. RB
6. WR
7. CB

At 18 there should be a few prospects on the board that Jerry Jones will be happy about taking. With SS/FS being the number 1 need to me if K Vaccaro (S, Texas) is there I think Dallas runs to the podium with that pick. If Vaccaro isn't there, J Cyprien (S, Fla. International) is also another very good S prospect. Those two guys are interchangeable really, I just like Vaccaro a little more personally.

If somehow both Vaccaro and Cyprien are both gone, or if Dallas chooses to go DT at 18, there should be value there as well. S. Lotulelei (DT, Utah), S. Richardson (DT, Mizzou), S. Floyd (DT Fla), S Williams (DT, UNC), D. jones (DT, UCLA) these are the top DTs. Pretty deep huh ? ... Now, I don't believe all of these guys will be there at 18 but someone is sure to be. Any of these guys would be a great fit in the new 4-3.

The wild card to me D.J. Fluker (RT, Alabama) if he is there at 18 Dallas may very well draft him. D. Free is terrible and cannot play RT in the NFL, and is costing Dallas a lot of money. By drafting Fluker Dallas wont need to sign a RT, like E. Winston because obviously a rookie is much cheaper. With T. Smith at LT and possibly Fluker at RT Dallas would have the two most athletic starting OTs in the league.

One player I would love Dallas to take is C. Warmack - if he's there at 18 and Im the GM, I'd take him. (Gangnam Style dancing to the podium).

Later Rd possibilities ...

2nd - Eric Reid (S, LSU), Eddie Lacy (RB, Bama)
3rd - Margus Hunt (DE, SMU)
3rd - 4th - Ace Sanders (Slot WR, KR/PR)
4th -Kyle Long (OT, Ore), Phillip Thomas (FS, Fresno St)
5th - L. Bell (RB, MSU)

2013 NFL Mock Draft Round 1

2013-03-02T06:31:00.001-08:00

1. KC - L. Joeckel LT
2. JAX - E. Fisher LT
3. OAK - S. Richardson DT
4. PHI - D. Jordan LB
5. DET - Z. Ansah DE
6. CLE - B. Mingo OLB
7. ARI - L. Johnson LT
8. BUF - J. Jones LB
9. NYJ - C. Warmack OG
10. TEN - J. Cooper OG
11. SD - S Floyd DT
12. MIA - K. Vaccaro SS
13. TB - D. Milliner CB
14. CAR - T. Carridine DE
15. NO - S. Lotulelei DT
16. STL - D. Jones DT
17. PIT - X. Rhodes CB
18. DAL - J Cyprien S
19. NYG - T. Eiffert TE
20. CHI - DJ. Fluker OT
21. CIN - DJ. Swearinger S
22. STL - R. Woods WR
23. MN - C. Patterson WR
24. IND - C. Lemonier DE/LB
25. SEA - C. Washington DE
26. GB - B. Jones C/G
27. HOU - M. Wheaton WR
28. DEN - A. Brown LB
29. NE - M. Elam S
30. ATL - B. Werner DE
31. SF - J. Banks CB
32. BAL - A. Ogletree LB

Mock Draft

2013-01-21T11:07:00.001-08:00

1. KC - L Joeckel OT
2. Jax - S Lotulelei DT
3. Oak - B Mingo OLB
4. Phi - C Warmack OG
5. Det - B Werner DE
6. Cle - D Moore DE
7. Ari - E Fisher OT
8. Buf - G Smith QB
9. NYJ - J. Cooper OG
10. Ten - S Richardson DT
11. SD - L. Johnson OT
12. Mia - K Allen WR
13. TB - B Jones C
14. Car - R Woods WR
15. NO - M Hunt DE
16. STL - D Fluker OT
17. Pit - J Williams DT
18. Dal - E Ansah DE
19. NYG - A Brown MLB
20. Chi - D Thomas OT
21. Cin - K Vaccaro FS
22. STL - J Hankins DT
23. Min - C Patterson WR
24. Ind - D Milliner CB
25. Sea - A Okafor DE
26. GB - D Jones DE
27. Hou - A Ogletree MLB
28. Den - S Floyd DT
29. NE - M Elam SS
30. Atl - T Eiffert TE
31. Bal - D Swearinger SS
32. SF - J Banks CB

Top 5 RB's 2013 NFL Draft

2013-01-10T08:36:00.001-08:00

1. J. Randle (Ok St)

+ Has good speed, runs behind his pads well, has great hands, patient, had good vision.

2. D. Johnson (Ark)

+ Has great build, very strong, quick, shows descent hands out the backfield, great balance, and runs with power & agility. Good in pass pro too.

3. S. Taylor (Stan)

+ Has good vision, durable, quick, good balance, descent speed, not someone who will outrun you but, has good moves and power to get around/Through defenders.

4. E. Lacy (Ala)

+ Good balance, strong runner, light on his feet, good vision, excellent patience when reading blocks, good open field vision.

5. R. Graham (Pitt)

+ Good speed, good open field vision, playmaker, good hands out the backfield, patient runner.

Top 5 WR's 2013 NFL Draft

2013-01-10T08:19:00.001-08:00

1. R. Woods (USC)

+ Smooth athlete, plucks the ball out the air, shows good hands, good acceleration, natural WR instincts, can run any route, and play any WR position.

2. K. Allen (Cal)

+ Has good size, descent speed, playmaker, shows descent hands, above average route running.

3. Q. Patton (La Tech)

+ Shows great body control, natural catcher, descent speed, good route runner, playmaker.

4. T. Williams (Baylor)

+ Great size, good speed, good strength, ideal built, playmaker.

5. C. Patterson (Tenn)

+ Great athlete, has great speed, playmaker, versatile, quick.

Week 16 Picks (with spread) 10-6

2012-12-23T09:07:00.001-08:00

10-6

Lions +4 vs Falcons - Falcons (W)

Bengals +3 vs Steelers - Steelers (W)

Vikings +8 vs Texans - Texans (L)

Saints +2 vs Cowboys - Cowboys (L)

Chiefs +5 vs Colts - Colts (W)

Ravens +1 vs Giants - Ravens (W)

Bills +5 vs Dolphins - Dolphins (W)

Titans +10.5 vs Packers - Packers (W)

Chargers +2.5 vs Jets - Chargers (W)

Eagles +5 vs Redskins - Eagles (L)

Rams +3 vs Bucs - Rams (W)

Raiders +9 vs Panthers - Panthers (W)

Browns +11.5 vs Broncos - Broncos (W)

Jaguars +14 vs Patriots - Patriots (L)

Cardinals +7 vs Bears - Cardinals (L)

49ers +1.5 vs Seahawks - 49ers (L)

Week 15 NFL picks (With Spreads) 13-2

2012-12-15T18:59:00.001-08:00

13-2 ... MNF pending.

Eagles (+4.5) vs Bengals - Bengals (W)

Giants (+2) vs Falcons - Falcons (W)

Bears (+3) vs Packers - Packers (W)

Redskins (E) vs Browns - Browns (L)

Vikings (+3) vs Rams - Rams (L)

Jaguars (+7) vs Dolphins - Dolphins (W)

Bucs (+3.5) vs Saints - Saints (W)

Ravens (+3) vs Broncos - Broncos (W)

Colts (+8) vs Texans - Texans (W)

Cowboys (+1.5) vs Steelers - Cowboys (W)

Bills (+5.5) vs Seahawks - Seahawks (W)

Cardinals (+6) vs Lions - Cardinals (W)

Panthers (+3) vs Chargers - Panthers (W)

Chiefs (+3) vs Raiders - Raiders (W)

49ers (+5.5) vs Patriots - 49ers (W)

Jets (+1.5) vs Titans - Jets

Rob Parker - No way, No how !

2012-12-14T12:03:00.001-08:00

Rob Parker is a 48 year old black man, who was raised in a mostly black community (Jamaica Queens, Brooklyn, NY).

Parker has come under scrutiny about his comments about RG3, and his "blackness", or lack there of. On ESPN's terrible excuse of a debate show, where seemingly anything goes.

Parker stated that Griffin "was a Republican, has a white wife". He (Parker) goes on to say "Is he a brother, or a cornball brother, he's kind of black, but not really the guy you want to hang out with".

He says a few other comments about the subject. None as "touchy" as listed above.

There has been a huge backlash of criticism from people and websites, social media as well. ESPN has suspended Parker "until further notice".

Here's where I have a problem with it. ESPN First Take has had a slew of inappropriate subjects, comments on their ratings driven show. Co-Host Stephen A Smith has said "Nigga" twice on air ! He hasn't been publicly reprimanded by ESPN. Don't even get me started on Skip, that man is a walking shock jock.

Back to Parker though, his comments, to me, were totally understandable. Only because I am a black man, I've heard these same things from my own family, and I mean the older one's.

Older Black people DO look at black men dating white girls as taboo, looked down upon, different. Not to say it's right but it exist.

I'm engaged to a white women, so I've heard it myself from my own family.

As far as the RG3 being Republican, well black people (generally) are Democrats, and in the urban community (And Black communities) being a Republican is frowned down upon. Again, whether it's right or wrong is useless, because it exist.

Most black people can tell you, what Parker said is a VERY real subject. It may have been inappropriate to discuss on ESPN, but so is Tim Tebow's virginity,

And that's discussed often. Rob Parker shouldn't be fined, suspended due to speaking his mind, and the mind of the area, people he represents. On top of that ESPN encourages, enables their employees to walk that thin line.

Until ESPN First Take turns into a REAL sports show, we can only expect First Take to be "The View" ... for men.

Top 5 Offensive Skill Players (NFL Draft)

2012-12-13T10:38:00.001-08:00

QB's
1. T. Wilson Arkansas
2. Z. Dysert
3. D. Fales SJS
4. G. Smith WV
5. M. Barkley USC

RB's
1. J. Randle Ok State
2. D. Johnson Arkansas
3. S. Taylor Stanford
4. Z. Stacy Vandy
5. A. Ellington Clem

WR's

1. R. Woods USC
2. K. Allen Cal
3. J. Hunter Tenn
4. T. Williams Baylor
5. Q. Patton La Tech

TE's

1. T. Eiffert ND
2. J. Reed Fla
3. Z. Ertz Stanford
4. L. Toilolo Stanford
5. P. Lutzenkirchen

Matt Elam - Beyond The Cover - SS Florida

2012-12-11T03:33:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately, there are so many painful stories in the inner city, of violence and murder. The beautiful thing is when some one feels that pain, and and turns it into motivation to take on the world.

Matt Elam, younger brother of Abe Elam (NFL SS) grew up in South Florida, in a very tough community. Where violence was all too common.

When Matt was 8 years old, his sister Christina (12 years old) was murdered at a park near the families home.

Then, amazingly when Matt was in high school Matt's older brother Donald was murdered, at the same park his sister was killed at.

Matt's mother transferred him to another school in S. Florida to help him focus on football more. Probably to get him out the neighborhood too.

Matt obviously went on to star at Florida, but not without more pain. His father had passed away too.

Matt's older brother Abe Elam has been mentoring Matt, and helping to keep his little brother focused.

Since being at Florida Matt has changed his workout, eating habits, many people say he has become a leader, and matured a lot. It's great to see Matt use his resources in all the right ways.

And it's about to pay off. I have Matt Elam listed as the top SS in this years draft.

I see him going mid 1st Rd - late 2nd Rd.

Pros - Quick, strong, instinctive, physical, ball hawk, plays well in the box, good in zone cov, capable in man cov, high motor, good body frame, great foot work.

Cons - Hot-headed, reckless at times, lacks prototypical size, questions in his range in zone coverage, but not from me.

Potential teams - Saints, Jets, Dolphins, Patriots, Eagles, Lions, Bengals, Cowboys, Texans.

Week 14 picks (With lines)

2012-12-08T23:00:00.001-08:00

8-7

Raiders (+10) vs Broncos - Broncos (W)

Cowboys (+3) vs Bengals - Cowboys (W)

Rams (+3) vs Bills - Rams (W)

Chiefs (6.5) vs Browns - Browns (W)

Titans (+5) vs Colts - Titans (W)

Vikings (+3) vs Bears - Vikings (W)

Chargers (+8) vs Steelers - Chargers (W)

Eagles (+7) vs Bucs - Bucs (L)

Ravens (+2) vs Redskins - Ravens (L)

Panthers (+3) vs Falcons - Falcons (L)

Jags (+3) vs Jets - Jags (L)

Dolphins (+10) vs 49ers - Dolphins (L)

Saints (+4.5) vs Giants - Saints (L)

Cardinals (+9.5) vs Seahawks - Cardinals (L)

Lions (+6.5) vs Packers - Packers (W)

Texans (+4.5) vs Patriots - Texans

Top 65 Draft Prospects

2012-12-04T15:04:00.001-08:00

1. L. Joeckel OT A&M
2. S. Lotulelei DT Utah
3. M. Te'o LB ND
4. E. Ansah DE BYU
5. B. Mingo LB LSU
6. D. Jordan OLB Oregon
7. S. Montgomery DE LSU
8. C. Warmack G Alabama
9. D. Moore DE A&M
10. T. Lewan OT Michigan
11. M. Elam S Florida
12. D. Milliner CB Alabama
13. R. Woods WR USC
14. S. Richardson DT Missouri
15. O. Hunter NT Florida
16. J. Banks CB Miss St
17. T. Wilson QB Arkansas
18. J. Jenkins DT Georgia
19. J. Cooper OG UNC
20. J. Hankins DT OSU
21. C.J. Mosley ILB Alabama
22. K. Minter ILB LSU
24. B. Jones C/OG Alabama
25. E. Fisher OT C. Michigan
26. G. Smith QB WV
27. P. Thomas FS Fresno St
28. J. Williams NT Alabama
28. M. Holland OLB S. Miss
29. A. Brown LB Kan St
30. J. Hunter WE USC
31. T. Eifert TE ND
32. W. Gholston DE MSU
33. D.J. Swearinger S 'SC
34. C. Thomas OLB Stanford
35. B. Werner DE FSU
36. E. Reid FS LSU
37. R. Woods WR USC
37. Q. Patton WR La Tech
38. L. Johnson OT Oklahoma
39. O. Aboushi OT VA
40. L. Warford OG Kentucky
41. N. Johnson LB Bama
42. R. Nassib QB Syracuse
43. D. Rogers WR Ark St
44. K. Minter LB LSU
45. J. Reed TE Florida
46. Z. Stacy RB Vandy
47. C. Patterson WR Tenn
48. D. Fluker OG/OT Bama
49. D. Johnson RB Ark
50. S. Taylor RB Stanford
51. T. Williams WR Baylor
52. G. Bernard RB UNC
53. K. Vaccaro S Texas
54. M. Barkley QB USC
55. A. Ogletree LB Georgia
56. B. Jenkins DE FSU
57. G. Jackson G Miss St
58. K. Allen WR Cal
59. X. Rhodes CB FSU
60. Z. Dysert QB Mia (OH)
61. A. Okafor DE Texas
62. T. Austin RB/WR WV
63. D. Thomas OT Tenn
64. J. Poyer CB Oregon St
65. D. Hopkins WR Clemson

2013 NFL Mock Draft 1.5

2012-12-04T10:42:00.001-08:00

1. KC - L. Joeckel OT - Tex A&M

2. Jax - S. Loutulelei - DT - Utah

3. Oak - M. Te'o - ILB - ND

4. Phi - C. Warmack - OG - Bama

5. Car - J. Mathews OT - Tex A&M

6. SD - J. Lewan - OT - Mich

7. Cle - D. Jordan - OLB - Oregon

8. Ten - S. Richardson - DT - Mizzu

9. Ari - E. Fisher - OT - C. Mich

10. Det - D. Milliner - CB - Bama

11. Buf - G. Smith - QB - WV

12. N.O. - M. Elam - S - Florida

13. Mia - R. Woods - WR - USC

14. NYJ - C. Mosley - LB - Bama

15. STL - B. Jones - G/C - Bama

16. T.B. - E. Reid - FS - LSU

17. STL - T. Eiffert - TE - ND

18. Dal - J. Cooper - OG - UNC

19. Min - D. Moore - DE - Tex A&M

20. Cin - A. Okafor - DE Texas

21. Pitt - O. Hunter - NT - Florida

22. Sea - E. Ansah - DE - BYU

23. NYG - B. Werner - DE - FSU

24. Ind - M. Holland - OLB - S. Miss

25. Chi - L. Johnson - OT - Oklah

26. GB - L. Warford - OG - Kentucky

27. Den - K. Greene - LB - Rutgers

28. Bal - N. Johnson - ILB - Bama

29. S.F. - W. Gholston - DE - MSU

30. N.E. - D. Swearinger - S - S. Car

31. ATL - J. Hankins - DT - OSU

32. Hou - J. Hunter - WR - Tennessee

Week 13 My Picks Recap (With Spreads)

2012-12-02T21:22:00.001-08:00

9-4-1 Pending the Monday Night Game

Jags (+6) vs Bills - Bills (Win)

Seahawks (+3) vs Bears - Bears (Lost)

Colts (+7) vs Lions - Colts (Win)

Vikings (+7) vs Packers - Packers (Win)

Titans (+6.5) vs Texans - Texans (Win)

Chiefs (+5.5) vs Panthers - Panthers (Lost)

Rams (+7) vs 49ers - 49ers (Lost)

Dolphins (+7) vs Patriots - Patriots (Tie)

Cardinals (+6) vs Jets - Cardinals (Win)

Bucs (+7.5) vs Broncos - Broncos (Win)

Raiders (+2) vs Browns - Browns (Win)

Chargers (+1) vs Bengals - Bengals (Win)

Steelers (+7) vs Ravens - Ravens (Lost)

Redskins (+3) vs Giants - Redskins (Win)

Week 13 Picks (With Spread)

2012-12-02T09:06:00.001-08:00

Jags (+6) vs Bills - Bills

Seahawks (+3) vs Bears - Bears

Colts (+7) vs Lions - Colts

Vikings (+7) vs Packers - Packers

Titans (+6.5) vs Texans - Texans

Chiefs (+5.5) vs Panthers - Panthers

Rams (+7) vs 49ers - 49ers

Dolphins (+7) vs Patriots - Patriots

Cardinals (+6) vs Jets - Cardinals

Bucs (+7.5) vs Broncos - Broncos

Raiders (+2) vs Browns - Browns

Chargers (+1) vs Bengals - Bengals

Steelers (+7) vs Ravens - Ravens

Redskins (+3) vs Giants - Redskins

Top 32 NFL Draft Prospects 2013

2012-12-01T06:37:00.001-08:00

1. L. Joeckel OT A&M
2. S. Lotulelei DT Utah
3. B. Werner DE Florida St
4. M. Teo ILB ND
5. D. Milliner CB Alabama
6. B. Mingo DE LSU
7. S. Montgomery DE LSU
8. C. Warmack G Alabama
9. D. Moore DE A&M
10. T. Lewan OT Michigan
11. E. Ansah OLB BYU
12. D. Jordan OLB Oregon
13. A. Okafor DE Texas
14. S. Richardson DT Missouri
15. O. Hunter NT Florida
16. J. Banks CB Miss St
17. T. Wilson QB Arkansas
18. J. Jenkins DT Georgia
19. J. Cooper OG UNC
20. J. Hankins DT OSU
21. C.J. Mosley ILB Alabama
22.M. Elam SS Florida
24. B. Jones C/OG Alabama
25. E. Fisher OT C. Michigan
26. G. Smith QB WV
27. A. Barr OLB UCLA
28. J. Williams NT Alabama
28. C. Thomas OLB Stanford
29. Robert Woods WR USC
30. T. Eifert TE ND
31. W. Gholston DE MSU
32. D.J. Swearinger S 'SC

Jason Garrett

2012-11-29T22:13:00.001-08:00

Fire him. Please.

Commissioners Gone Wild

2012-11-29T21:43:00.001-08:00

Spurs Head Coach Greg Popavich decided that on the last game of a road trip, he'd send his 3 oldest players back to S.A. a day earlier. By doing so those 3 players would miss the last road game.

David Stern did not like this news obviously. Why ? Well, those 3 guys were Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli.

And THAT problem led to David Sterns biggest issue. The game was televised nationally on TNT. Now I'm no ratings expert but that would mean a lot less viewers tuning in. Also, resulting in some pissed off advertisers as well. Which is probably why David Stern announced S.A. Spurs would be punished for sitting their super stars.

Which leads me to my problem, and the problem people should have with the direction of major sports and their commissioners.

Whether it's Goodell in the NFL fining players for just about anything, or this latest business rage by David Stern, one thing for sure is these two commissioners have gone wild, there're out of line.

They're making business decisions (which i totally get) I mean, it is their job. Where it becomes almost criminal is when they make business decisions on the account of another persons life. No, no, no one is being killed, but when you take someones money away you're playing with their life.

Spurs sat out their "Big 3" three times last year, none of those games were on TNT I'm guessing. It's not the S.A. Spurs responsibility to get TNT's ratings up. They're trying to win a championship in S.A. not an Emmy. How bout the NBA air more games or have flex schedules. That's a thought.

Until the players, and their unions make some serious overhauls in their next CBA i expect these commissioners to not only work for the owners, advertisers, but also work against the players and often times their sports fans.

So what, Suh me.

2012-11-27T07:52:00.001-08:00

Detroit stud DT N. Suh has been a lightning rod of criticism, foul play, and disingenuousness that seems to resonate from the All Pro DT since he's made his NFL debut. Whether he's lying about a car crash, stomping on another player, getting into another car crash, kicking Shaub in the man area, he's made the news for far more reasons than football.

Coming out of Nebraska Suh was a Heisman trophy candidate, maybe the most popular DT in a decade or 2. He was a likable guy, a big aggressive teddy bear to most.

However opinions about Suh have drastically changed since his arrival in the league. A guy that was loved by most media/fans has done his best job to destroy his own image. From a likable, calm player to "most dirty" player in NFL.

Suh might have tricked a lot of people with his soft tone, and intelligence, but he obviously is a DT at heart, his mentality, his way of life seemingly coincides with his style of play.

Can't have it both ways, if you like Suh because of his aggressive play, you cannot be overly judgmental about his seemingly aggressive life style.

Johnny Fucking Football

2012-11-10T22:06:00.001-08:00

His nickname isn't made for TV, but his game definitely is. Johnny Manziel is a freshman QB for Texas A&M. Besides that, and the fact that he was going to attend Oregon and play there, until A&M offered him a scholarship i don't know much about Manziel.

I've watched Manziel play 3 or 4 games. Every time i come away thinking the same 2 things (1.) This kid is going to win a Heisman Trophy, (2.) Texas A&M is going to play in a national championship at some point in this kids career.

Johnny Football as he is commonly known as, is about 6 ft and 190 lbs. He has great instincts, good speed at the QB position, agility, and he can throw a dam good pass. Sky is the limit for this kid. Rare to see a QB that can run and pass at a high level. As a freshmen this kid can do both! Not to mention he plays in a system that will showcase his ability.

A&M lost close games to LSU and Florida, but the win over #1 ranked Bama was a championship in its own right. I don't know how many more times A&M will be an underdog knocking off the #1 team in the nation because, with Johnny Football playing QB there wont be too many times A&M is an underdog.

NFL Awards (Predictions)

2012-11-09T22:21:00.001-08:00

MVP - P. Manning

Offensive Player of year - P Harvin
(AFC) - P Manning

Defensive Player of year - J.J. Watt
(NFC) - C. Tillman

Rookie of the year - A. Luck
(NFC) R. Griffin

Defensive rookie of year - J. Jenkins
(AFC) - C. Jones

Special teams player of the year - G. Zuerlein

Comeback player of the year - P. Manning

Met Bruce Carter

2012-10-23T21:21:00.001-07:00

With the sad news that Sean Lee will be undergoing season ending toe surgery, there will be a huge void to fill at MLB.

So who steps up ?

It you ask me, I'd say Bruce Carter. Carter was the 40th overall pick in the 2011 draft (2nd Round) out of North Carolina. Was it not for a torn ACL late in his senior year Carter easily would've been a 1st round draft pick.

Dallas took it easy with Carter last year, easing him into game shape, teaching him the defense, and all of his assignments. He did play on special teams and the nickel package last year. Nothing too major though. Dallas made sure not to rush him on the field. Likely because of the play of Sean Lee, and some veterans Dallas had last year.

It's no secret Rob Ryan loves Bruce Carter. Carter is the fastest, quickest, most athletic LB Dallas has. Rob Ryan was quoted saying "I love his (Carter) versatility. This was before the season, so you know it wasn't just Ryan family hyperbole.

Dan Conner probably is better vs the run then Carter is at this point due to Conners experience so shouldn't be too huge of a drop off. Carter who's best at pass coverage at this point in his career should continue to do so.

Sean Lee will be missed, but i think a lot of Cowboy fans are going to find them selves saying "Dam, that Carter is pretty good".

Cam Newton

2012-10-22T11:10:00.001-07:00

Is it me, or does Cam Newton receive far too much criticism ? I hear on radio, see on TV, read on internet lots of Cam Newton trashing. One has to wonder why.

First things first, Cam is having a disappointing season. Especially when you take into account what he did last year. Yet, he is only in his second year as QB. Not even mid way through the 2nd year actually.

Media questions his leadership, criticizes his post game body language, its almost a borderline whitch-hunt. Why isn't a guy like Gabbert mentioned by media ? Now Gabbert is a high draft pick that deserves way more criticism than Cam.

Cam was 1st overall pick last year. So obviously Carolina is a horrible team. What was Cam expected to have Carolina in the playoffs this season ? Surely no one thought that.

What about the high paid vets on Carolina ? Stewart, Williams, Smith. They've been non existent this year. Mostly due to coaching because the offense Carolina runs is just awful. Its hard to even watch. Maybe they should fire the coach, along with the GM they just dumped. Look, Im not relieving Cam entirely of his responsibility in the offense. I'm just putting it into perspective.

Cam is a young QB with tons of talent, i have no doubt he'll be a great QB at the end of the day. Have to give him time to grow, and i think the media is doing what they can to stunt his growth. Is it because he's a black QB ? I don't know. Maybe its other reasons. Maybe its not though.

What We Learned - Week 7 NFL

2012-10-21T22:01:00.001-07:00

1. Houston is the best team in NFL. By far.

2. Baltimore has serious problems on both sides of the ball. I don't think they're a serious contender anymore. Flacco isn't good enough to carry the Ravens.

3. Green Bay is looking like GB from last year for a few weeks in a row now. This GB team will be a force down the road.

4. NE Patriots look more like a wild card team at this point as a posed to the juggernaut world beaters they seem to be year after year. Brady having an average year. Average doesn't cut it in NFL.

5. Giants playing fairly well and have won a few straight now. Obviously have to take the defending Super Bowl champions serious. Great pass rushers, and a young secondary needs to be consistent for NY to succeed.

6. RG3 and A Luck were worth every bit of off season hype. Colts, Redskins wont need a QB for 12-14 years.

7. Cowboys get a win for the first time since Sept 30 i believe. Romo and the O are playing a lot better. With the D playing so good Dallas is a team to keep an eye out for to make a serious run. If not Garrett's hot seat will be getting hotter.

8. Drew Brees is amazing. Saints D is really bad and Saints wont make playoffs but Brees is amazing.

9. Chris Johnson is back to being himself. I was never too worried bout him, media over reacts... What else is new.

10. Cardinals O-Line is atrocious, egregious, any other Stephen A. Smith word you can think of. Kolb/Skelton have been battering Rams. Anyone remember when Arizona was feel good story ? Me either.

What we learned - NCAA

2012-10-21T21:04:00.001-07:00

1. Alabama is still vastly superior to every team in nation... This isn't something new.

2. Florida is for real, kind of. As great as Florida D has been i just can't believe in their passing game. Cannot just run vs Bama.

3. K- State is for real, for real. Optimus-Klein is a force and Bill Snyder is a legendary coach.

4. Oregon is still Oregon, I'm sure they changed uniforms and scored once or twice while I was typing this sentence. Defense still a concern tho.

5. ND is not a championship contender. Their O is average AT BEST. Te'o can't do everything. Gholston can't throw and Reese can't run.

6. LSU has a GREAT D, as always, but their O is pathetic to say the least. Mettenberger has been a complete disaster. He will cost LSU at any real shot at winning anything.

7. Oregon St now this is the team that is garnering no attention. OSU is a sound football team. Well coached with talent to score and a hell of a D. Can be spoiler team.

8. Oklahoma is a very good team, but having no Big 12 championship game will hurt them. Plus K State beat em. Should play for BCS bowl tho.

9. USC they will have their shot, they possibly may have to beat Oregon twice. That surely will keep them in the conversation for the tittle game.

10.(A) Georgia still has a shot at making a splash if they win out and beat Bama in SEC conf championship game. Georgia had talent on all levels, a long shot, but don't be shocked.

(B) Miss St No One is talking about Miss St ! Undefeated Miss St ! This team is a lot better than people think and with Bama next week, they'll have a shot to prove their worth.