Lights Out Baby!

NFC NORTH--Draft Impressions

2009-05-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

Green Bay Packers—It is smart strategy to draft needs based on division rivals’ strengths. That is exactly what the Packers did this year; and good that they did because the rest of the division has some serious offensive weapons. They tightened up their defense with B. J. Raji, a DT from Boston College. We are talking about a guy who is going to “light it up” in that new 3-4 scheme. Jk. Versatile OLB Clay Matthews from SC can really impact their rush defense. They also got some secondary depth with Brandon Underwood, a CB/S from Cincinnati. But you have to question any team that passes up on Michael Crabtree. Which team do you think Crabs makes better? The 49ers who don’t have a clue who the starting QB is? Or the Packers, who have an experienced starter? Don’t the Packers run an offense with lots of slants and screens? Hello?!! Texas Tech!

Chicago Bears—Da Bears didn’t have any first day picks. Those went to acquire Jay Cutler, so already you have to consider them winners. I felt the Bears didn’t target one specific area, but grabbed the best player available. Their first pick was in the 3^rd round which they used get to Jarron Gilbert, DE fom San Jose St. He's considered a boom or bust type of athlete. But you have to believe that someone who can JUMP OUT OF A POOL can provide some explosion. I love WRs Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox for Cutler. One gives you polished routes and reliability and the other blazing speed. Complementary players like Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal were for Cutler. Please Lovie, get Hester out of that offense. Considered a first-round player, D. J. Moore, CB from Vanderbilt is a value pick in the 4^th. Marcus Freeman, an Ohio St. LB, can eventually develop into a good athlete.

Detroit Lions—Any upside to going 0-16? Can’t go anywhere but up. But I have to be honest; I was impressed and very pleased about the Lions draft. The Lions land their franchise QB in Matthew Stafford from Georgia. They really can’t afford to miss on him. We’re talking $42 million guaranteed. But I find myself rooting for him; he did get Troy Aikman’s support after all. Plus! You need a QB with a rocket arm for Calvin Johnson right? We all thought they would use their second first round pick to get Michael Oher, a tackle who could protect Stafford, or go defense, but no. They instead went for some insta-offense with TE Brandon Pettigrew. He’s an outstanding pass-catching TE with great blocking skills. A rookie QB’s best friend. 2^nd round stud Louis Delmas, a S from Western Michigan, can maybe make the impact Bob Sanders has for the Colts. He’s a hard-hitting ball-hawk. No pressure, but Delmas needs to single-handedly give that defense an identity. Derrick Williams is a shifty WR from Penn St who can also add a return dimension. The rest of the picks are developmental players who can contribute to Special Teams. Plus, a team that went 0-16 needs to start getting rid of the lower part of the roster. In sum, they added some offense to get fans back, got an awesome safety, and got quality backups. They didn’t however; get some instant impact players on the offensive and defensive line. Ouch.

Minnesota Vikings—This team has question marks ONLY at the QB position. When that is settled, these draft picks are only pieces to that puzzle. First round pick Percy Harvin reminds me a lot of Steve Smith. He might be the one to finally take advantage of the way defenses approach Adrian Peterson. You have to ignore character issues though. But still, use him like the Saints use Reggie Bush. Screens, hitches, reverses, and returns. Jarius Wynn , OL from Oklahoma shows their commitment to making some monster lane for Adrian Peterson. This guy is all power. CB Asher Allen from Georgia can come in and cover the slot. There weren’t many picks for this team (5), but this team felt that they are already Super Bowl ready. And why not? ADRIAN PETERSON. Nuff said.

Matthew Stafford on Letterman

2009-04-28T11:45:00.001-07:00

New Lions Logo

2009-04-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's about time.

State of the Dallas Cowboys...

2009-01-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

according to a fan.
There are obviously pages I could fill up with anger, embarrassment, confusion, encouragement, and yes...hope, about the 'Boys. But I'll just comment on a some headlines. I'll make this a recurring post where I comment on some headlines. These two are fresh on my mind.

Win and in? Eagles 44-Cowboys 6

In one of the most ball-busting games to watch, the Cowboys gave up 44 points, 6 turnovers, and the opportunity to enter the post season in Week 17. After losing the game in the fourth quarter to the Steelers and Ravens the weeks before, they were still in charge of their playoffs chances with a win. For some genetic reason, they cracked in another postseason environment. What did I learn? Tony Romo's aloof attitude in the post game interview answered questions about the type of competitor and leader he is. I learned that this team can't win in December and in the playoffs. And that we need dramatic change.

Roy Williams trade
Cowboys gave up a first and a third-round pick for him. Steep for a guy that didn't add a new dimension to the team. Rookie WRs taken in the second round outplayed Roy! The reasoning for the trade? "Having two star receivers will create problems for defenses...T.O. won't be double covered and can get the ball more...blah blah." At the end of the seasnon we hear about how he needs to be in the system longer, and how him and Romo need to develop consistency over a summer, and how it is difficult to make an impact at WR halfways through the year. Well then why did you get him?! Isn't he a free agent soon? Get him early in the summer! He played like crap anyway. He threw Romo under the bus on an interception saying it was a bad pass or whatever. I say, if Troy Aikman comments that he ran a shitty route, than Roy Williams ran a shitty route. Williams basically set the receivers they were developing back. The receivers that everyone were excited about because of their raw athleticism and speed. Isn't that what the Cowboys keep saying they need? Speed? Roy is about as fast as Warren Sapp and runs bad routes. And now, we probably won't draft a receiver with better upside this year. Damn, and I wanted Juaquin Iglesias or Percy Harvin.

Draft Fantasy (Rod's picks)

2009-01-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday David Estrada made a post in which he selected some of his favorite prospects going into the 2009 NFL Draft and where he would like to see them, not where they will end up, but where he would LIKE to see them. So now I'm gonna rip him off and do exactly the same thing, here it goes!

Mark Sanchez: Dallas Cowboys
Let's face it, Tony Romo sucks. The Cowboys need a quarterback that can be the face of the franchise like Troy Aikman once was. Who better than pretty boy Mark Sanchez himself? He's got some talent too, and best of all He's Mexican! Finally America's team can have a QB which is America's Race...that's right. I said it. Seriously though, Sanchez has started less than 30 games at QB which is why I think he'll still be around in the second round. But if he WERE to go in the first round, which he just might based on his workouts I don't see him getting past San Francisco.

Graham Harrell: St. Louis Rams
That's right! The greatest show on turf returns!!!! Atleast...this would be the first step in that process, now I'm not saying the Rams should pick him up in the first round which they won't because they need a lineman, but Harrell should be available in the second day and with him back there slinging all day and Steven Jackson running this could be the beginning of something awesome. He might also be picked up by the Chiefs and he would be a good fit there as well. Harrell to Dwayne Bowe sounds even better than Harrell to Donnie Avery.

Matthew Stafford: Minnesota Vikings
I know I know he'll probably go first overall...but I'd like to see him in Minnesota. He'd REALLY benefit from having that running game there, and with the defense remaining as good as it was. Stafford could have immediate impact with the Vikings and the NFC north could be relevant again! Also I really think this guy would look good in purple...and yeah, I just want him with the Vikings. Still him throwing to Calvin "Megatron" Johnson would be a good consolation prize.

Michael Crabtree: Atlanta Falcons
I have to agree with David on this one, Crabs has that star potential that Atlanta needs. Plus by getting Crabs you provide Matt Ryan with a target for years to come, and when you couple him with Roddy White and Michael Turner...there's a pretty scary offense right there. With Crabs in Atlanta soon fans will start saying "What's a Michael Vick?"Plus Crabs looks good in Red White and Black, I think that should continue. Second choice, Washington Redskins....nice, imagine him lining up opposite Santana Moss and Washington's finally got an air attack! now all they need is a decent QB.

Jeremy Maclin: Baltimore Ravens
Mr. Versatility himself, you know alot has been said about Chase Daniel but his numbers wouldn't be anywhere close to where they were if he didn't have Maclin to throw to. Which is why I want to see him in Purple and Black, Baltimore NEEDS to have offensive weapons they need it. Now it seems they found their Quarterback, but now who is he gonna throw to? Mark Clayton and...um...Clayton? Another good fit for MacDaddy Maclin would be the Jets, he could learn under Coles for a couple of years and develop into the #1 target in no time.

James Laurinaitis: New Orleans Saints
The Saints need some defenders, they also need someone who can be a presence in the D. Put Laurinaitis at weakside linebacker and BAM they're one step closer to achieving that. Also Laurinaitis is a good guy, he's a good leader and hard worker and he could provide the saints with that cover athlete that the defense needs. I could also see him at Denver though, that'd be pretty cool and the Broncos could really use him or anyone at that position for that matter.

Rey Maualuga: San Diego Chargers
Say it with me now...Junior Seau part two: this time it's personal. Honestly, this guy needs to stay in California and what better place than in San Diego? He is without a doubt the nastiest ILB in the draft now imagine him lining up next to Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips??? SCARY. I seriously don't want to see this guy anywhere else, but he'll likely not get past the Browns or Broncos in round one. Also...check him out doing what most have only dreamt of to ESPN's Erin Andrews..

Brian Orakpo: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have no pass rush. Absolutely none. This guy can fix that, or at the very least HELP. Now imagine this behemoth trading in his burnt orange for a much more awesome shade of orange, and black. I get chills just thinking of him walking into the Jungle as a sea of fans roar "OSACKPO!!!!" Seriously, Cincy needs him but I don't see him getting past the Chiefs which would also be a good fit...and would have him playing in the same defense as Glenn Dorsey which would be pretty scary. Ah well if he doesn't go with the Bengals...hopefully Aaron Curry will.

Draft Fantasy

2009-01-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

Alright, this game matches up some NFL prospects I particularly like with teams I'd like to see them in. My game, I make up the rules, so I can picture a player with an established starter if I want.

Matthew Stafford Well, it's hard to picture him with anyone but the Lions since QB is their need, and he is basically the consensus #1 player at that position. Not sure he'll excel there, but let's just picture him with the Chicago Bears. That's right. This team needs a quarterback, not to mention a receiver. But look at what a good QB does to a team that is known for it's defense. Case and point, the Ravens. You match Stafford and the Bears...you got the missing piece to that puzzle. Not a lot of flash, but effective.

Graham Harrell Sweet...Now here's a guy that can air it out. Scary thing is, I see him going to the Philadelphia Eagles if they let McNabb go. They run that pass happy offense. He's a good looking chap...who knows, maybe they'll embrace him there. But I just see him going to a team that throws a lot. Another good fit might be Kansas City with their new head coach McDaniels. Remember he was the offensive coordinator to the Patriots team that basically ran the shotgun offense and flung it around. Closest NFL system to what he ran in Texas Tech. Even sweeter thing is this might be the best and most likely matchup I came with.

Percy "Oh Mercy" Harvin Here you're talking about the most dynamic of the bunch. I think. I don't want to see him returning kicks or punts, this guy is needs to be on all offensive plays. Screw Darren McFadden, I want to see this guy with the Raiders. This team has no identity, and since they aren't a passing team, this guy can add that dimension with plenty of YAC (yards after catch). Since all Russell can do is dump the ball off or hit the flats. I think he'll bring more excitement than DMC.

Rey Maualuga This guy needs to go to a team that needs some defensive energy. This guy brings enthusiasm, and fear that you might see in maybe...Ray Lewis. I also see him in Oakland. That team needs an identity, PLEASE! As much as his services could be used in Denver, where there defense was just terrible, it's hard too see his style and personality flying anywhere but in California.

Knowshon Moreno This guy can have the greatest impact off the bat probably of all the rookies. Picture this scenario: You hear reports about the San Diego Chargers shopping L.T. around. His best years are behind him. Who's going to be the starter?? 3 ft nothing Darren Sproles? This is where Knowshon should go. It would be a smooth transition, and something the club would appreciate. A fresh set of legs, and a runner with similar characteristics that made L.T. a household name. With obviously a better vertical....

"Beanie" Wells He's in the Brandon Jacobs mold. Big, physical. Except this cat can run. There's a team that sticks out for me right now, of where I want to see him. Arizona Cardinals. Think about it. they've really excelled, and exceeded expectations in the playoffs. Currently one win away from the Super Bowl. What's been the key? A balanced offense. Edgerrin James already came out and said he doesn't want to be there next year. You bring Wells in and this won't be a one year thing. They can stay on top of that division for a while.

Michael Crabtree Greatest college receiver, or most accomplished of all time. He reminds me of Marques Colston, in size and how they play. Not flashy but clearly no. 1 threats for opposing teams. Seattle is probably the team that would draft a wide receiver first but I want to see him wearing the red, white and black. No, I don't want him coming back to college (being a Texas fan and all). I want him to go to Atlanta. They have Roddy White, but the team, and I dare say the city and its fans need a marquee and household name in their lineup. Someone to do NIKE commercials. They really embraced Vick for that, and I think Crabtree could do the same.

January 14, 2009 Link Dump

2009-01-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

Larry Fitzgerald is a "renaissance man"

A pretty interesting article on, in my opinion, the best receiver in the NFL.

Kurt Warner suffers against the Eagles

Jim Johnson apparently has Kurt's number...

East-West Shrine game practice report

Chase Daniel apparently can't hit the deep out throws.

Michael Crabtree Officially declares for NFL Draft

Did anyone NOT see this coming? Will he get picked up by the Seahawks?

Texas vs. The Nation Roster

Drew Willy out of Buffalo (Nation) and David Johnson out of Tulsa (Texas) should tear it up!

2008 Season Final AP Poll Standings

2009-01-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

At the end of the year here's who the Associated Press considers to be the top teams in the country for the 2008 season.

1 Florida (48)
2 Utah (16)
3 USC (1)
4 Texas
5 Oklahoma
6 Alabama
7 TCU
8 Penn State
9 Ohio State
10 Oregon
11 Boise State
12 Texas Tech
13 Georgia
14 Mississippi
15 Virginia Tech
16 Oklahoma State
17 Cincinnati
18 Oregon State
19 Missouri
20 Iowa
21 Florida State
22 Georgia Tech
23 West Virginia
24 Michigan State
25 Brigham Young

Ok so now on to the useless analysis!!

Of the twenty five teams 8 of them did not have more than 10 wins: Ole Miss(9-4), Oklahoma St.(9-4), Oregon St.(9-4), Iowa(9-4), Florida St. (9-4), Georgia Tech(9-4), West Virginia (9-4), Michigan St. (9-4).

4 teams had only one loss: Florida (13-1), USC(12-1), Texas(12-1), and Boise St. (12-1)

One team has NO losses: Utah(13-0)

Here's how the conferences did:
Big 12: 5 (3 South, 2 North)
SEC: 4
Big 10: 4
Pac 10: 3
Mountain West: 3
ACC: 3 (1 Atlantic, 2 Coastal)
Big East: 2
WAC: 1
(No teams from CUSA, or Sunbelt, and no Independents)

Guy who placed USC as #1: Lee Corso.

Neutralize Ed Reed?

2009-01-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that Ed Reed is one of the best safeties in the game and he has the potential to be a game breaker in any game that's played which is why I have chosen to respond to Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson article entitled "Five Ways to Neutralize Ed Reed"

1. Use his aggression against him. Obviously Ed Reed is an extremely aggressive player who breaks on the ball instantaneously and covers a ridiculous amount of ground. However, if your quarterback is very adept at manipulating coverage and looking off the safety or is very good with ball fakes and selling play action, there is a chance that Reed will bite and attack with passion in the wrong direction. However, he is a top-notch student of the game and will bait quarterbacks.

2. Have a true superstar wide receiver on your side. The Ravens' cornerback play is improved from a year ago, but a truly elite wideout will often force Baltimore to roll Reed over the top of that respective playmaker. This gives you a better chance because it makes it easier to throw away from him. The problem is that not all teams have players like Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss or Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson.

3. Feature the tight end. Game-changing tight ends are also few and far between, but if you can run your passing game through a playmaker like Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez or Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, then Reed can be taken out of the equation in deep pursuit or matched up against a much bigger man. Reed is adept at handling opposing tight ends in man coverage, but the quarterback at least knows where he is and how to throw away from the star safety.

4. Run at him. While the Ravens prefer to use the strong safety as the extra man in the box to stop the run, Reed does get that duty on occasion. When he becomes the extra defender in the box, the best way to neutralize him is to run right at him. While he is a very tough run defender, he doesn't have great size to take on much bigger blockers and he can be swallowed up at the point of attack. However, running away from Reed allows him to use his terrific pursuit skills to track your ball-carrier down from behind.

5. Run him off. If Reed is in the deep middle of the field, it is wise to line up your best or fastest receiver close to the formation in the slot. Then, have him run as deep as possible to take Reed out of the play and open up the middle of the field. This will let your quarterback be more comfortable attacking the intermediate zones without having to worry about Reed.

Hm...Interesting. Well let's break it down by point.

1. Use his aggression against him: Ok well according to the article this might work if your QB is very adept at manipulating coverage or at selling play action. The problem here is that Ed Reed plays for the Ravens and the Raven's blitzing schemes don't really allow the quarterback much time to be back there "manipulating coverage." Overall though...this MIGHT work...if the QBs line gives him enough time, and the QB is indeed that good.

2. Have a true superstar wide receiver on your side: As the article states not many teams have this, and even the ones who do can't afford to have that player be completely eliminated from their game plans. The Ravens also shut down elite receivers such as T.O., Andre Johnson, Plaxico Burress, and Braylon Edwards this year....now looking at the playoffs I think the only team who can afford to do this is maybe the Cardinals considering Boldin and Fitzgerald are both beasts and Breaston isn't too bad either.

3. Feature the tight end: Textbook. Feature the tight end and bring down the Safety then you can throw away from him. Again though, not many teams can afford to do this. However playing with the Ravens I would trust the LBs to be able to cover the tight end, so this might not work at all, as evidenced when the Ravens faced Witten and Kellen Winslow this year.

4. Run at him: This COULD work if the Ravens used Ed Reed as the extra man in the box more often, but it doesn't really happen.

5. Run him off: Once again...Textbook. This definitely works when you're playing a top safety. But your QB needs to have enough time for it to work and your slot receiver has to be enough of a threat to work.

So in summary, teams playing the Ravens have a huge obstacle to overcome in Ed Reed. All the strategies above seem good but they all remove one weapon from the offense. Furthermore the whole Ravens D is very very good so this might not work.

Original Article Source: ESPN

Knowshon Hurdle? Not so great.

2008-09-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

We've all seen this over and over this past week talking about how AWESOME Moreno is...and honestly there's a bunch of players out there who can do that, and have done that, and DO do that.

One of these guys is Sam McGuffie who's at Michigan now and made a habit out of hurdling opponents to the point where players stopped going low on him because he always jumped over them...ok maybe not. Anyway there may be some of you out there who say that McGuffie did that in highschool and not in College so it's different well to you I present you the following...

BAM! Reggie Bush does it in the NFL.

The point is stop making a big deal out of this hurdle, ten bucks says we'll see a hurdle at least once more during the season.

What a way to start the week

2008-09-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

Make no mistake, I think Laron Landry is a BEAST and I idolize him in all the extension of the word. So you can understand how surprised I was when I saw him get run over by the Giants' Brandon Jacobs....check it out...

BAM! What a way to start the season. The Giants really did look like the Super Bowl champions and throughout the whole game never let up and pressured Washington incredibly. They never got a first down until nearly the end of the first half. Eli looked better than he did most of last year, and Justin Tuck will have everyone saying "Strahan Who?" all season long....but for now the moment that everyone will remember is that nasty hit by Jacobs who had Landry saying "Who done it?"

College Football Week 1

2008-09-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

Every Monday I'm gonna come in here and talk about what I liked most, or what I consider to be the most interesting stuff that happened this week. Now in the words of the greatest judge in the land...Let's Get it on!

I told everyone Clemson wasn't that good!! I Told you! But no one believed me everyone kept talking about all this "Clemson speed" and what not they didn't look fast at all against 'Bama. Nothing seemed to click for the Tigers, not even their all star QB Cullen Harper looked as good as he is. This naturally raises the question...is Alabama THAT good? Easy...nah. They're good, but not Florida or Georgia good, Clemson was just incredibly overrated.

In more bad news for the ACC Virginia Tech lost to ECU after the Pirates blocked a punt to seal the win. To be honest I was really pulling for ECU, last year they came really close to beating Va Tech and were in the top three teams of C-USA. Their defense is suprisingly good which is going to make for a pretty interesting match up againts Pat White and West Virginia come week two...one more thing, them Holtz boys can coach!

If you haven't gotten it by now it was not a good week for the ACC, North Carolina state got SHUTDOWN my the gamecocks of South Carolina, their offense just couldn't get anything going and it's not going to get much better considering their starting QB Russel Wilson got injured.

Well there was one conference that had a worse week than the ACC...and that was the Sun Belt. Good ol' Sunbelt you can always trust them to make the rest of the country forget how far FSU and The U have fallen. Of the 8 teams in the Sun Belt only two of them won...one of them was Troy againts Middle Tennesse(conference opponent) and Arkansas State who beat Texas A&M! Changing mascots from "Indians" to "Red Wolves" seems to have done the team some good. This is the first time this school beats a team from a BCS conference, furthermore they put an end to a 20 season opening game winning streak for Texas A&M.... The 12th man was too busy working the fields and was not available for comment. Also South Lake Carroll Highschool, I mean, North Texas got whooped on by KSU 45 - 6...nice job coach Dodge.

New year same problems for the UTEP Miners. New Defensive Coordinator's Osia Lewis 3-3-5 Defense has always been good at New Mexico and was hailed as the saving factor in reedeming the Miner's 117th ranked defense from last year. Well if the 42 points the Buffalo Bulls scored on UTEP are any indication that won't be the case, the secondary continues to be a HUGE weakness for the Miners, also it seems like Trevor Vittatoe who last year was one of the country's best Freshman QBs has been hit by the sophomore slump right in the mouth, as he threw three interceptions after being incredibly accurate all of last season....Hopefully the Miners get in shape as they receive the Longhorns in week 2.

The Top 3 are for real!!! Georgia's offense was impressive and Matthew Stafford looked very good as the Dawgs scored 45 on Georgia Southern. Florida took care of business and in a real good sign had four different players rush for TDs none of these players were Tim Tebow. USC is scary good, Rey Maulaluga leads a defensive squad which just smothered the Cavaliers and Mark Sanchez looks poised and ready to lead quite possibly the most talented offensive squad of the country.

Michigan lost another home opener to a non BCS team.....well atleast this one was a Div I school. But seriously they weren't even close, still I expect big things from the Wolverines especially Sam McGuffie in the future. Let's stay in the Big 10...Ohio State shut down Youngstown state but Heisman candidate Beanie Wells got injured, depending how serious the injury is the Buckeyes are going to look to Terrelle Pryor who had a real easy time running it in for a TD. The Illini came on the short end of a shootout with Chase Daniel and the rest of the Mizzou Tigers, it was a very exciting game hopefully the Illini find their defense as the year goes on. Finally PJ Hill tore it UP! (and get me gobs of fantasy points in the process) If Wells is out, look for PJ Hill to grab some national attention and maybe even some Heisman Consideration??

Alright that's it for this week....any comments or hate? or suggestions?? Fell free to email me: l2odnunez@gmail.com

This could be awesome...

2008-08-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

Remember that above? When Chad Johnson put "Ocho Cinco" on the back of his jersey to honor Hispanic heritage month, then later on demanded that reporters address him as Ocho Cinco? Well.....according to Miami sport's radio station 790 The Ticket Chad Johnson has legally changed his last name to "Ocho Cinco" meaning his name is now "Chad Ocho Cinco" which means that now he should be able to put that on his jersey without getting penalized....HAHAHA, Chad Johnson is crazy but this is just hilarious, imagine the media calling him Ocho Cinco? It's too much!!!

Source: Hashmarks

UTEP should join the Big 12 Conference

2008-08-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have noticed in the past couple of years that many BCS conferences have been looking for teams to add to make the conferences even better than what they are now, this includes the Big 12. Which is why I raise the case for the University of Texas At El Paso. I am saying this because over the past couple of years the UTEP football team has gone up against a football team from the Big 12. Over the past two years UTEP gave Texas Tech a run for the money both in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, as well as in Lubbock last year. This year they will be playing the University of Texas on Sep. 6 in El Paso, and will try and show the country they have what it takes to pull of the upset. Next year this UTEP team will be going to Austin, to take on the Longhorns, while the Kansas Jayhawks will be going down to the Sun Bowl to take on the Miners. Not to many non BCS teams can say they are going to play two Big 12 teams in one year. If UTEP can show a strong showing against in the next two years I believe that they can replace a team such as Baylor in the South. I know this is off the subject but not only does this happen in football but over the last couple of years the UTEP basketball team has gone up against A&M in College Station and Tech both in Lubbock and in El Paso. The change would not only good for UTEP but for the Big 12 Conference as well.

Home Field Advantage? Not for these guys...

2008-08-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt one of the great things about college football is the atmosphere. There's nothing better than thousands of fans all draped in their school colors making the ground shake with their collective roar. Great fan support is essential if a team wants to win, that's why there's even a term like "home field advantage". Ask anyone who's ever played againts LSU at Tiger Stadium, or Michigan at The Big House and they'll tell you what an impact it is to play in such a hostile environment. To win in a situation like this is truly a feat by any visitor, not all schools are as lucky however; some teams walk step out to a half empty stadium, with lackluster support from their fans. These are the schools with the WORST home field advantage.

10. School: San Jose St.
Conference: WAC
2007 Record: 5 - 7
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 15,465

9. School: New Mexico St.
Conference: WAC
2007 Record: 4 - 9
Home Games: 7
Average Attendance: 14,412

8. School: Buffalo
Conference: MAC
2007 Record: 5 - 7
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 13,568

7. School: Rice
Conference: C-USA
2007 Record: 3 - 9
Home Games: 6
Average Attendance: 13,353

6. School: Utah St.
Conference: WAC
2007 Record: 2 - 10
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 13,131

5. School: Ball St.
Conference: MAC
2007 Record: 7 - 5
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 13,085

4. School: Idaho
Conference: WAC
2007 Record: 1 - 11
Home Games: 6
Average Attendance: 11,479

3. School: Kent St.
Conference: MAC
2007 Record: 3 - 9
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 8,999

2. School: Florida Int.
Conference: Sun Belt
2007 Record: 1 - 11
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 7,982

1. School: Eastern Michigan
Conference: MAC
2007 Record: 4 -8
Average Attendance: 6,810

Hm...so what can I say?? I guess not winning games and being the MAC doesn't really bring out the crowds.

Top Selling Jerseys

2008-08-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

NFLShop.com Top Selling Jerseys from April 1 to July 31 are as follows:

1. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
2. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
4. Eli Manning, New York Giants
5. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
6. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
7. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
8. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
9. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
10. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
12. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
13. Randy Moss, New England Patriots
14. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
15. Michael Strahan, New York Giants
16. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
17. Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
18. Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants
19. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
20. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys
21. Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
22. Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
23. Jay Cutler, Denver Broncos
24. JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders
25. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks

Wow...Brett was number one, my guess is because of all the Green Bay fans who were thinking of getting the latest throwback, Jokes on you bastards!

So I like to analyze stuff that doesn't need to be analyzed or should be analyzed so let's see...

Teams with multiple players in the top 25 jerseys: 6 Teams, Dallas Cowboys: 5 (Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Terrell Owens, Jasson Witten, DeMarcus Ware), New York Giants: 3 (Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora), New England Patriots: 2 (Tom Brady, Randy Moss), Oakland Raiders: 2 (Darren McFadden, JaMarcus Russell), Pittsburgh Steelers: 2 (Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu), Chicago Bears: 2 ( Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester)

No Surprises here, "America's Team" is in first place, with the Super Bowl winners in second place followed by the bigest case of "almost but not quite" the Patriots. Perhaps the biggest shock is to see Oaklands two young offensive stars on here, I mean neither of them have even started a game, Russel has as much playing time in the NFL as I do and McFadden hasn't even taken a snap in a preseason game...hype much?? The Steelers and the Bears show that your team doesn't have to win in order for your players to be popular they just have to have cool hair, or be big scary looking white guys from crappy colleges.

NFC players: 16
AFC players: 9

Hm...so while the AFC has better teams the NFC has better individual talent? Well No, they have more popular players I guess...think about it the only "media darlings" I can think of in the AFC are Peyton Manning and Chad Johnson...You'll find as much camera whores in the NFC as you would on Myspace...TO, Reggie Bush, Tony Romo, Brett Favre, Devin Hester, Matt Leinart, Michael Vick(HEY he still counts.) So now let's see wether Defensive or offensive players are more popular...

Offense: 18
Defense: 6
Special Teams: 1

WOW...well no, not wow...no surprise what's truly shocking is that of those six defensive players only one of them is from the AFC(Hairs-n-Muscle Polamalu) come on people! Show more love to Bob Sanders, or Champ Bailey, or heck even Mike Vrabel. The special teams player is Devin Hester...because that's pretty much what he is. So which position is the most popular??

QB: 10 (Brett Favre, Tony Romo, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Ben R , Jay Cutler, JaMarcus Russell, Matt Hasselbeck)

RB: 6 (Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Marion Barber, Darren McFadden, Brian Westbrook, Reggie Bush)

LB: 3 (Brian Urlacher,DeMarcus Ware, Patrick Willis)

WR: 2 (Randy Moss,Terrell Owens)

DE: 2 (Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora)

TE: 1 (Jason Witten)

S: 1 (Troy Polamalu)

KR: 1 (Devin Hester)

The usual spotlight players...QBs and RBs stealing the spotlight...why aren't there ever any Long snappers or Centers on this list?? A nice surprise is Patrick Willis who tore it UP at San Franciso last year, I'm also glad to see Jason Witten who's very underratted and should be payed alot more.

So there you go, a lot of information about Jersey sales for a couple of months.

Where's the Love?

2008-08-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

Russ Lande of War Room Scouts recently wrote a piece for The Sporting News in which he goes on to talk about who he considers to be the top ten quarterbacks for the 09 NFL draft, here’s a copy of the list:

Tim Tebow, Florida, Jr.
Matthew Stafford, Georgia,Jr.
Josh Freeman, Kansas State, Jr.
Cullen Harper, Clemson, Sr.
Colt McCoy, Texas, Jr.
Chase Daniel, Missouri, Sr.
Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas, Sr.
Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State, Sr.
Sean Glennon, Virginia Tech, Sr.
Rhett Bhomar, Sam Houston State, Sr.

In this list there is one HUGE glaring obvious absence. I’m sure if you know anything about

college football you already know who I’m talking about. So I ask Mr. Lande….where’s the love?? Why the exclusion of Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell?

The only reason I can think of is the label that Harrell has been unfairly given, “System Quarterback” so let’s break it down. Let’s take a look at Harrell’s numbers from last year, 48 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 512 completions out of 713 attempts with 5705 yards, all I can say is WOW…but still many people think “System QB” so let’s take a look at other “System QB”s and see how they stack up I am going to focus on three other guys, Timmy Chang who tore it up in college but didn’t make it in the NFL, Colt Brennan who rewrote the record books and will look to get a job in the NFL, and finally a player who was included in Russ Lande’s list, Chase Holbrook.

	Completions	Attempts	Yards	TDs	INTs
Graham Harrell(2007 )	512	713	5705	48	14
Timmy Chang(2004)	358	602	4258	38	13
Colt Brennan(2007)	359	510	4343	38	17
Chase Holbrook(2007)	381	543	3866	26	18

There’s a clear difference between Harrell and the rest of these players isn’t there? Holbrook’s numbers would perhaps be a lil’ bit higher if he hadn’t missed one game against Louisiana Tech last year; still Harrell threw a lot more than any of these players, had more touchdowns, fewer interceptions than most(except for Chang), and more completions. Not only that but Harrell plays in the Big XII while all these other players play against WAC defenses which are for the most part not as good as those in the Big XII. So obviously Harrell is a player, anyone who can throw 48 TDs in 12 games is amazing, I don’t care what system you’re playing in, not many other players can match that. I guarantee Chase Daniel, or Matthew Stafford wouldn’t have the same kind of numbers if they played under Mike Leach.

So now that I’ve made my case that Harrell is not simply a “system QB” let’s go on to see other names that were included instead of Graham Harrell. Start at the top, Tim Tebow last year’s Heisman winner and a QB who’s a huge double threat, especially when it comes to those short yardage situations. According to Russ Lande Tim Tebow is the #1 NFL prospect for next year, but let’s weigh the facts. Running QBs simply don’t cut it in the NFL it’s as simple as that, the last mobile QB to make it to a Super Bowl was Donovan McNabb with the Eagles, and he didn’t win, five years before it was Air McNair with the Titans, and they lost. Before that it was John Elway when he won with the Broncos. That’s it, mobile QBs are simply not successful in the NFL. Let’s take a look at the top QBs in the league, Tom Brady(not mobile), Peyton Manning(not Mobile), Carson Palmer(not mobile)….starting to get the picture?

The last great Mobile QB to play college football was Vince Young, now he’s still a rookie but so far he’s been having a hard time in the NFL. Let’s compare his last year with Texas to Tebow’s performance last year.

	Pass attempts	Completions	Yards	TDs	INTs	Rush attemps	Rush Yards	Rush TDs	Avg
Vince Young(2005)	325	212	3036	26	10	147	993	12	6.8
Tim Tebow(2007)	350	234	3286	32	6	210	895	23	4.3

Tebow’s numbers show that he has thrown and rushed more than Vince Young did, because of that he had more passing and rushing TDs, his rushing TDs however mostly came at the goal line when his 6’3 240lb frame came in handy. Which lead to Tebow getting hit quite a lot to the point that his hand got injured, How many coaches in the NFL would be willing to risk their running QB to get hit that much? None. The point is Young was faster, and bigger than Tebow but that still hasn’t made a difference in the NFL so I highly doubt Tebow would have that edge in the NFL. Which leads of course to say that Tebow is a better passer than Vince Young, and yes he is…but is he a better passer than Harrell? Or even Matthew Stafford? Or Chase Daniel?...doubt it.

Which leads me to my next point, Matthew Stafford. Now don’t get me wrong, he’s a good player but is he really the #2 QB? Matt Stafford last year had 348 attempts for 194 completions for 2523 yards 19 TDs and 10 INTs…..that’s right 19 TDs and 10 INTs that’s more than half of his total TD count. When compared to Harrell we can see that second year starter Stafford threw almost half as many passes but only 4 less interceptions than Harrell. While Stafford’s completion percentage was 55.7 while Harrell’s was 71.8. Overall Stafford just doesn’t overshadow Harrell in any way, not even physically while Stafford stands at 6’3 and 237lbs, Harrell is just as impressive at 6’3 and 205lbs. I really don’t see how anyone would take Stafford over Harrell.

As for the rest of the players, they’re not really worth analyzing, the only player which deserves to be as high as he is ranked is Chase Daniel, I’d even rank him higher. The point is if Harrell’s numbers are a product of the system, then so are Tim Tebow’s. So Where’s the Love Russ Lande?? Where's the love NFL Scouts? Where’ the Love Heisman voters??

Weekend Observations

2008-08-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Green Bay is holding a QB competition for that starting job
My money is on Matt Flynn

HOF Game: Redskins vs. Colts
Colt Brennan > Jason Campbell

Steve Smith of Carolina Panthers suspended for two-games
Doesn't Steve Smith look like a Ninja Turtle

How is it possible to compare A QB from the MAC to QBs from the BCS

2008-07-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

Personally I have always found it interesting when many sports writers try to compare a Non-BCS quarterback to one of a major conference. I am talking about Dan LeFevour from Central Michigan, no disrespect to him but I have always found it weird when everyone starts to compare him to the likes of a Chase Daniel or a Graham Harrell, the talent level that these two play against is at the top compared to what LeFevour sees every week. Week in week out, these two Heisman candidates face top of the line talent from all around the nation, while LeFevour gets his hands usually on some second hand prospects. There's no way that you can do that, if any BCS QB would play in a system like that, there is no telling what they would be able to do. It has gotten to the point where Central Michigan's Athletic Director(Jason Holtman) has decided to put up a giant billboard of LeFevour in hopes of him winning the Heisman Trophy. Wouldn't you know that this same A.D. was the same one who decided to get behind Joey Harrington way back when at Oregon in hopes of winning him the Heisman.

To add as a starting QB at Central Michigan, Dan LeFevour has not beaten a single BCS team coming in to the 2008 season, now how can you compare, that just shows you that you can't. I can remember a year ago when everyone said that Colt Brennan should win the Heisman based on his team's record, I can see that but the only team they played from a power conference was Washington and if I'm not mistaken, they were near the bottom of the PAC-10 last year. When it was Hawaii's turn to play with the big boys in the Sugar Bowl, they just got manhandled by one of the best teams in the nation. Just goes to show you that you CAN'T compare BCS QBs to those of any non BCS school, and wouldn't you know it Central Michigan happens to bump heads with National Champion contender, the Georgia Bulldogs this coming season. Good Luck Dan!

September 6,2008

2008-07-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has a good reason...

2008-07-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

In a recent press conference Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said the following,

"Aaron Rodgers the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. That's been stated over and over again. I hope you can finally understand that. That's where we are as an organization."

That's it. Period. Now we know the "What" aspect of the story it's time to think about the "Why". NO it's not because Favre already said he was retiring and is apparently in the midst of a midlife crisis where (ironically) football is the only thing keeping him from going back to abusing painkillers. Nor is it because not many coaches in their right mind wouldn't take a guy who throws six interceptions in a playoff game and the media will hail him as the greatest in the post game show. No it is not any of these reasons...the reason why the Packers don't want Brett back is because of this...

That's right! The Madden Curse!!!! It's all so obvious now.

The Packers front office thought all was well when Brett retired and was later announced as the cover athlete, "Screw it, he's gone" they thought. In this way the Pack was immune to their QB breaking something(Vince Young, Madden 08 or Shaun Alexander 07, OR Donovan McNabb Madden 06) and of course in order for something to sideline Brett it would have to be HUGE...I'm thinking like a broken pelvis(which at his age isn't too unexpected). So when Brett said he wanted to come back the front office was understandably going crazy I mean after all the Madden curse is what sent Ray Lewis' career into oblivion and arguably what sent Michael Vick to prison. With that being said there was no way they could let him in, "Send him to the Jets....or the Milwaukee Bucks -- I mean Tampa Bay Bucs, screw it, send him back to Southern Miss!" Packers GM was heard screaming in Lambeau Field**.

So now you know the REAL reason behind the Favre debacle.Who'd a thunk the Packers front office were so versed in video game based superstitions??....Also nobody likes his Wrangler jean ads.

This article in no way shape or form reflects the true reasons why Favre is let go...well maybe it does but it's not the Madden Part.
** Ted Thompson didn't say that.

Haruki Nakamura Update

2008-07-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Haruki Nakamura, every ones favorite Black Belt sporting Free Safety(well he's mine anyway) has been fighting for a spot on the Baltimore Ravens and is apparently doing a pretty good job. The hard nosed ferocious tackler is roommates with another player who shares that characteristic with him and whose name also drives Spell Check crazy, Tom Zbikowski. Both of them team up in the backfield and are wreaking some havoc, as made apparent when Zbikowski picked off Troy Smith in the end zone after a Nakamura tip. The two apparently have made a quick friendship and even have their "own language" as Nakamura puts it which makes it much easier for them to communicate on the field. There is of course some differences between them, after all Nakamura is a sixth round pick while Zbikowski is a third round pick so, while Zbikowski looks to make an impact on the team as soon as next season Nakamura should be happy if he makes the team and gets some play time on any of the four special teams squads.

I like this guy. He's a hard worker, he's serious about football, he knows the game, he knows his job and despite being undersized plays with a heart that many players can't match. Not only that but the Ravens are a good match for him, when you think of the Ravens images of tough hard hitting, no nonsene tough guys immediately come to mind(except for Siragusa, he's pretty friggin' adorable...oh and Kyle Boller) So I hope Haruki can earn a spot and eventually we can see him and mr. golden gloves in the backfield knocking some heads.

Sources: www.baltimoreravens.com
The Evening Sun

Free Favre T-Shirt!

2008-07-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

Now you too can proclaim to the world that poor lil' Brett Favre should be allowed to keep on throwing the pigskin in the pros. Seriously...I don't really know what to think. I mean I really like Favre, but I think if you say something you should keep your word. I dunno.

Buy Here

I didn't say it...

2008-07-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

"Virginia's Marquis Weeks caps off his 100 yard kick off return for the touchdown. 'That was just instinct. Kind of like running from the cops,' said the senior tailback."

...Haha that ain't right.

Found on: Keithwhite.us

Here's the beauty of high school football

2008-07-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

The fattest ,slowest,ugliest,smelliest, and sweatiest guy on the team are one and the same, the star DT.