If Michael Vick Killed Dogs, Has Roger Goodell Screwed The Pooch?

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Okay, so if any of my readers follow my articles on a regular basis then you would know that I have been quite acerbic. The reality is though, that while I can have an acerbic tongue, I do not have acerbic intent.

I have gone through this once or twice before, because I know that I am chronically caustic. 

That results mostly from impassioned opinions on various matters, but at the end of the day, I am always the type who seeks compromise.

The way I see it though is why, should I self-compromise? When I can just layout what I think, let the other person(s) state what they believe and then find the middle. I rarely apologize for what I say or think, and this is not one of those times. I merely seek to play hardball in debate, rather than self-compromise.

 

On the NFL: You Win Again

Frankly, I would not care about the fact that the NFL wants to enhance the NFL Network by moving the draft and games to that network. 

Will it enhance the NFL experience? I doubt it. But if the NFL opwners truly believe that they need it, I am not in position to deny that reasonably.

I also would not care that Roger Goodell has wanted to expand the game internationally. However, it seems rather soon to give the Super Bowl to the citizens of a country—England. They barely qualify as fair-weather fans of the NFL.

I also would not care about the fact that Goodell, in my opinion, covered-up the truth about Spygate by destroying the tapes. 

In my belief, those tapes included the Tuck Rule Game, and thus Goodell feared the ramifications of that.  Moreover, either the sports media a.) never thought to ask tough questions, or b.) was complicit in the cover-up, because they could not bare the idea of vindicating Al Davis, or impugning the integrity of the game, because that would detriment the security of their job.

The problem I have with Goodell is that the NFL holds the keys of opportunity to play football, yet has been willing to lockout players that either have been convicted of a crime, or were mostly perceived as a nuisance.

Why? 

They were all black, with the only exception being a paltry two-game suspension against DE Jared Allen, (I will explain more but only further along). Yet, various white players have had “buzz sheets” (not rap sheets) that are in fact similar to black players that have been suspended.

I accept that to play in the NFL is a privilege not a right. However, the NFL does not have the right to lockout someone from a chance to earn that privilege, because they aren’t white.

Frankly, I think the reason that buzz sheets for some players keep adding-up exponentially is that they cannot escape people that would be willing to “micro-manage” them, because they are black and had a situation with the law.

There are also of course the personal demons that they cannot escape and cannot be fixed by a heavy-handed commissioner.

Many people in society get put into, “boxes.” 

Sometimes, I wonder if the reason that some people are unable to live outside their box is only that the people around them will perpetuate the perceptions (for whatever reason).

Actors and actresses often are put into a box because of a character they played.  Lawyers are put into a box of being slimy shysters. Police are put into a box of being corrupt, violent, and donut dunkers. Sci-Fi geeks (they prefer “geeks” not “nerds”) are put into a box of being socially awkward freaks that need a life.

If a black person makes one bad decision and commit a crime, the stigma will follow that person for life, regardless of anything else.

That though, does not give the commissioner a right to excessively punish black players because the NFL is a “privilege,” yet will go leniently on white players.

 

Michael Vick

First, Michael Vick does not belong in the same category as Pacman Jones, Tank Johnson, Odell Thurman, or even Chris Henry.

The reason why is that Vick’s crimes made him a man on an island. Yet, people have lumped him together with the other aforementioned players. The only common thread is the color of their skin.

I personally think that what Vick did is sick, yet he was charged with crimes related to interstate gambling, more than animal cruelty. I doubt that I would hangout with Vick, if given the chance. 

That though, does not mean that Vick should not have the chance to “live it down” by proving his worth in a career that his conducive to his skills.

That reminds me of the perennial debate about the veracity of the Wonderlic test.  The Wonderlic test is basically an IQ test for football players (cat is to kitten, what dog is to…?).  Some players, like Dan Marino, have scored low on the Wonderlic, yet still achieved great success in the NFL.

Why? 

Because football is the only thing that they know, and they know it well. Thus, Vick should be allowed a fair chance to rectify his career without the scepter of Goodell over his shoulder at all times. 

Vick is the one whom must carry the burden for his crimes for life, and Vick has served his time to society.

 

Pacman Jones: “A Little Less Talk and A Lot More Action”

Buzz Sheet: Four accusations of assault and one charge of vandalism at Tennessee nightclubs; One instance of “making it rain” that has been blamed for starting a melee in a Vegas nightclub; three instances of disorderly conduct, one of which while under the influence; one instance of marijuana possession; one instance of violating probation.

Suspension: 23 games, remains unsigned.

Conclusion: Pacman has substance abuse problems, an affinity for strippers and for scuffles in bars.

Sounds like every redneck (Glenn Campbell or George Jones) in the city that Pacman once called home, Nashville—the country music capital of the world. Keep in mind that Nashville is also the city that gave football Hank Williams Jr., a.k.a. the guy who yells, “Are you read for some football?”

We are supposed to believe that the NFL feels undermined by rowdy drunks. I thought it was a Family Tradition!

The face of the NFL was a friggin’ rowdy drunk! It does not appear that Pacman would be one of Hank’s rowdy friends, though.

Maybe, Pacman should consider changing his name to Bocephus, Luke the Drifter, or the Red-Headed Stranger.

Maybe then, people would not clamor for bad news about Pacman, or realize that being in the presence of Pacman is an opportunity to get attention, or even praise from those who like to irrationalize the problems of a black person.

Like Merle Haggard once sang, “No one could steer me right but mama tried, mama tried. Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading, I denied. That leaves only me to blame ‘cos mama tried.”

Nevertheless, suspensions are not the type of action that someone like Pacman needed to go straight.  He needed Alcoholics Anonymous or another substance abuse treatment program, rather than to be smeared in the news and to fight tooth and nail for the, “privilege” to pursue the career that is conducive with his skills.

 

Tank Johnson: “Should’ve been a Cowboy”

Buzz Sheet: Two charges of illegal possession of guns; one conviction of misdemeanor gun possession; one charge of aggravated assault; one charge of resisting arrest; one conviction of violating probation; one instance of suspicion of driving under the influence.

Conclusion: Tank is a gun-hole from the gun-hole state of Arizona. Johnson though, served time in prison for violating probation and a concurrent sentence on the misdemeanor gun charge.

Suspension: eight games.

 

Odell Thurman: “I Love This Bar”

Buzz Sheet: one conviction of DUI; one charge of assault, one suspicion of assault; various issues with substance abuse.

Conclusion: Like Pacman, Odell is a rowdy drunk.  Yet, Thurman choose to pursue Alcoholics Anonymous.  Yet, Goodell has continued to lockout Thurman from the chance to pursue the “privileged” career that is conducive with his skills

Suspension: Indefinite since 2006

 

Chris Henry: “(I Ain’t) As Good As I Once Was”

Buzz Sheet: one conviction of providing alcohol to minors; one charge of aggravated assault; illegal gun possession; driving without a valid driver’s license and insurance; various substance abuse problems that resulted in failed tests; various accusations of assault and other charges that were dropped.

Conclusion: As you should know, I have compared the buzz sheets of suspended players to that of generic rednecks. After all, that’s who these suspensions appeal too. This might sound convoluted but here I go: Clearly, Henry is a very troubled person who needs to get his life together. However, if I dissect his buzz sheet and ask, “What has Henry done that a redneck would not do?”

The answer is…nothing. 

There are plenty of rednecks that own unregistered weapons, have been in bar-fights, and have engaged in beer-fueled mayhem.

Suspension: 10 games

 

In Conclusion

You know, I’ve reported various issues of assault by white people, and the police did nothing. Assault between white guys is often just viewed as an act of paling around and if that assault is against a woman and sexually driven that it is just a sign of affection.

Yet, white players like Matt Leinart gave alcohol to minors and potentially engaged in sexual acts that would legally be rape; Ben Roethlisberger has been accused of rape; and Tom Brady dumped the mother of his son for the model-of-the-week, and engaged in practices that undermined the integrity of the game; while Jared Allen has had a triple-DUI yet only had a two-game suspension.

I just look at the punishment against Jared Allen and the rest flows from there. 

Meaning that, if Goodell was willing to suspend a white defensive-end for only two games after three convictions of driving under the influence (twice in the same year) and in totality sounds no different than Odell Thurman or Chris Henry;  then it only follows that Goodell would not suspend the franchise investment and player of the position viewed as most important…the quarterback.

If you ask me, allowing players like to go without suspension or criticism is deplorable.

The stated purpose of Goodell’s disciplinary actions was to punish even non-criminal acts that undermine the image of the NFL. I fail to see how Leinart, Roethlisberger, Allen, and Brady do not undermine the NFL.

Except for the fact that…they are white.

Thus, the average NFL consumer does not care, but will care when the player is black, and that attention will create a chain reaction of exponential trouble and series of unfortunate events…

…quicksand.

2009 Division Winners: New England Patriots

The AFC East has been Tom Brady’s stomping ground for much of the last decade. This year should be no different.

The bottom feeding Bills made some head-scratching choices this offseason, letting Pro bowl tackle Jason Peters leave, which does not bode well for a struggling offensive line, or a QB named Trent Edwards who will no doubt be begging for protection as the Bills will be forced to become more of the pass0happy team they were in the 90’s and begin to lean less on the running game.

The free agent signing of Terrell Owens no doubt helps prove my point, as the Bills are looking for a real possession receiver to take attention away from speedsters Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish.

Robert Royal continues to impress as he matures, making the Bills a good pick for a sleeper, as long as you ignore their defense and lack of a consistent ground game.

One might argue that the Bills do have a consistent ground game with Marshawn Lynch, but how much of a compelling argument could you really make? Lynch finds himself suspended for the first month of the season, or four total games. Four potential losses if the passing offense does not establish itself early and often.

And then, even if the passing game does launch effectively, what if they cannot outscore their opponents? The Bills live in a division housing the pass happy Patriots, who managed to dismantle them last year without Tom Brady.

The Bills lack a consistently great pass rusher, can’t come up with a real playmaker from their linebacking corps, and they don’t exactly have a mouth-watering secondary. 

Combine these critical factors and you have a recipe for disaster in your own backyard.  

Even if T.O. can produce 10 T.D.s all by his lonesome, who will deliver alongside him? You cannot honestly tell me that Fred Davis is the guy you want getting 10-20 carries a game, and Lee Evans has never shown he can carry a team week in and week out.

So that leaves?

No one.

NO ONE.

Big target James Hardy proved he wasn’t ready as a rookie, and leaves little evidence he will be ready this season. Roscoe Parrish is small and injury prone, and the front office didn’t do a whole lot to even make a patchwork offensive line, meaning even if someone besides T.O. is ready to step up, Trent Edwards may not have the time to throw the ball.

Look for lots of sacks, turnovers, and maybe even a sub .500 season. No playoffs, and if T.O. struggles, he may not get an extension on his one year deal.

The Jets do have a lot of on-paper talent, but that has led to minimal success the past several years. This team has changed coaches three times in nine years, and I have no reason to believe a quick turnaround is in the cards.

Rex Ryan goes from Defensive guru in Baltimore to first time head coach in New Jersey. He has three rookie QB’s (a loss-heavy starting record and one concussion does not qualify Kellen Clemens as a “seasoned veteran” in my book) a very good stable of running backs, and an above average receiving corps.

This will only translate into offensive success if whomever Rex deems the capable heir to Chad and Brett can move the ball with the passing game.

The running game can only take you so far, as Tennessee was kind enough to demonstrate last season. You need a playmaking QB to win consistently in this league.

Miracles do happen, as the fates would allow for Baltimore and Trent Dilfer in 2000 and Tampa Bay and Brad Johnson in 2002. Neither team has made a serious run at the championship before or since, and that is in large part to inconsistent QB play (or poor head coaching on the part of Billeck and Gruden, you decide.  Maybe it is a combination).

The Jets’ defense is neither dominant nor dormant, but it will only take the team so far, as once again Tennessee was kind enough to demonstrate last season.

I cannot say without seeing him outside his previous system how effective Bart Scott will be. He never made my list of Raven’s MVP’s, and was the only one to leave so quickly. Bart may be more about the money than about the scheme. New coaches often make the mistake of bringing guys that made their old team’s system effective, even if it is not the playmaker(s) they wanted.

(You cannot honestly say that Rex would prefer Scott over Suggs or even old man Ray Lewis).

Keep in mind the Jets traded two defensive starters to the Browns for the right to draft Mark Sanchez, who walks into a shaky situation at best. Whoever starts, look for this to be a run first, smash mouth team, much like the Patriots and Steelers of the early 00’s. Laveranues Coles left at first chance, and no one can predict whether this team can succeed with no true number one wideout.

No matter what this team should finish with a .500 record or better, but if they could not get to the postseason with Favre, I don’t see them getting there this year either.

The Dolphins are a tough team to predict. In 2007 they brought in Cam Cameron to transfer his record setting run game from San Diego into Miami TD’s. After a 1-15 campaign, it is tough not to be strict with Cam.

It was clear last year in Baltimore that his system is only as effective as his playmakers, which can be said of any offensive coordinator. Miami had rookie Ted Ginn Jr., fresh off surgery for his first NFL season. He had trouble early and often, and rarely produced.

Trent Green suffered a season ending neck injury, even after several tough (albeit close) losses. Ronnie Brown suffered a season ending knee injury, and that pretty much sums up the offensive playmakers. After that, Cleo Lemon spent most of the season running for his life, trying to get the ball to receivers whose last name I cannot and do not want to try to spell.

The Dolphins narrowly avoided beating Detroit to the “worst team in NFL history” trophy presentation, and it took overtime to do so. Needless to say, Cam Cameron was not invited back for an encore. The only lighters out in the open were not to toast his one success, so much as to torch his contract.

Miami then brought in Bill Parcells and his subordinates.

He rebuilt via the draft and free agency, anchored the offensive line with Michigan LT Jake Long, and installed a run first offense that would protect both new QB Chad Pennington as well as surgically repaired Ronnie Brown.

To best his former protégé, Parcells installed a version of the wishbone offense to throw off would-be defenders. Ronnie Brown ran and passed wild, and the fish were able to stomp all over the Patriots.

So called “Noodle-armed” Chad proved he can be as accurate as ever, spreading the ball around and blocking effectively when the “wildcat” offense was called in. The season finished on a high note as Parcells and company dismantled his former protégé’s protégé, and Chad got revenge against his former team and current replacement, Brett Favre.

Brett finished the season leading the league in turnovers, while Chad finished first in completion percentage, first in turnover ratio, and in the top ten in overall rating. The season was a success, but ended on a low note when Chad threw four int’s in a postseason loss to Baltimore.

This year should be about the same.

The Fins have to contend with a healthy Patriots squad, and have made minimal changes to their own team. They still lack a true long term solution at QB, and the wildcat is no longer fooling teams. Parcells has proven he knows how to turn a franchise around, but has had trouble getting back to Super Bowl without top rate assistants (His last trip was 13 years ago and four teams ago).

Even with the continued maturation of Ted Ginn and even younger players such as Jhavid Bess and Greg Camarillo, the Fins are still looking for the replacement to the guy that should never have been allowed to leave: specialist Wes Welker. Camarillo may be the guy, but until we see him in 16 straight games we may never know.

Look for a record in the 10 win stages, but probably an early playoff exit if they make the cut at all.

The Patriots will be very hungry this year. Tom Brady is not getting younger, and neither is Randy Moss. Moss probably added years to his career life by taking plays off in Minnesota and Oakland, but that doesn’t work in a spread scheme.

If you are out on the field, run your hardest, take fast cuts, and just go, baby, go. Randy Moss has been a workhorse since he arrived in 2007, as has Wes Welker. There will be a new offensive coordinator this year, but as long as the playmakers are there, I do not foresee any slowing down.

Moss and Welker add another year of experience in a complicated scheme, and after Brady’s season-long vacation, may even be on the same page. Can you imagine if there were miscues in the 2007 campaign, just how dominant this trio might be this year with no further mistakes?

Granted, they no longer have a great third option since the Patriots were foolish enough to let Dante Stallworth go, but even if he had stayed there are no guarantees that he would not have run over some poor guy after drinking all night in a Miami hotel.

Stallworth plays for Cleveland, so there is no evidence he would not have been there regardless of what team he was representing. He is now suspended indefinitely, and might be playing for no team in 2009, which means he will just about match his production from 2008.

The Patriots made some nice upgrades on defense, bringing in Jerod Mayo last season and hard hitting safety Patrick Cheung this year. The loss of Rodney Harrison seems tough, but his age and lack of speed were holding the team back more than he was helping out. Even the worst safeties are effective in run support, but to be a truly great cover safety you need fresh legs, which rarely happens as you approach your 40’s.

The Patriots may not put up record setting points or go undefeated, but they will not face such a cupcake schedule as they did in 2007. The entire league has a blueprint for how to rush them, so look for Tom Brady to take more hits, hopefully not to his knee on a dead play like last season.

The annual Colts vs. Patriots showdown should be much better than last season, as it will actually be a showdown and not some tune-up game for Peyton Manning to get more practice in with whoever was filling in for the struggling Marvin Harrison that week.

Belichick will be more protective of Brady this year, and look to sit him if the game is out of reach on either end. That means fewer points, and probably less victories, especially if these guys secure a first round bye and have nothing to play for.

If Belichick can return to the days of winning without spite, this team should coast to the playoffs. Once there, unless they face an extra hungry Chargers or Colts team, look for the Patriots to get their fourth ring of the decade.

They should, at the very least, split the season series with each team, and in some cases sweep. This is the clear winner, and the return of Brady should regain the AFC its pride and competitiveness.

 

Michael Vick Reinstated, But Untouchable

I’m a dog lover. My rescue dog, a mix of black Lab and Rottweiler, is the most loving gentle giant I’ve ever had the honor of calling my best friend. 

Nonetheless, Roger Goodell did the right thing in giving Michael Vick a limited reinstatement.

As much as I would love to see my 110-pound dog clamp his jaws on Vick’s testicles for his reprehensible actions, Vick has done the crime and done the time, and thus, paid his debt to society according to our court system.

Goodell did the right thing in terms of it being the smart thing. Sometimes, the toll on the high road is too expensive, and any gain in public relations from an iron fist could have brought a lawsuit for restraint of trade.

Goodell, wisely, has allowed him to play after sitting out a suspension.

Now, let’s get into the free market and the real world.

What NFL team would touch him?

We Americans love our dogs, make movies and TV shows about them, name sports teams and cheering sections after them, and consider them as parts of our families.

They are.

If even the slightest Internet rumor showed any NFL team’s interest in Michael Vick, their would be picketers in front of that team’s offices. That team’s switchboard would be flooded, and their website would likely crash.

What would happen if a team actually signed Vick?

Season ticketholders would threaten to cancel, and some would actually do that. No small consideration in this economy.

Peyton Manning doesn’t greet you after a long day at work. Fido does.

In many states, convicted sex offenders cannot live within so many feet of a school, church or playground after their release. 

Thus, their sentence continues long after prison. Right or wrong, those laws are on the books, and no one wants a sex offender near their child’s school.

A bad night on the road, resulting in a DUI conviction, can exclude people from many professions. 

Michael Vick wrote his own perpetual sentence.

The memory of his “Bad Newz Kennels” operation remains an indelible stain of malicious, premeditated animal cruelty the vast majority of Americans cannot abide.

I doubt even Al Davis would have anything to do with Michael Vick.

Sorry, Michael, but that’s the Bad Newz.

Odd Named No-Names Hoping to Catch On with San Francisco 49ers

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Dobson Collins.

Diyral Briggs.

Matthew Huners.

Jahi Word-Daniels.

Pannel Egboh.

In the immortal words of the construction worker from the movie Major League, “Who are these @#$%ing guys?”

Two weeks ago I wouldn’t know any of them from Adam.

Then I got hired for this job.

Collins is a wide receiver from noted NFL factory Gardner-Webb University and a two-time All-Big South Conference honoree.

Briggs is a two-time All-MAC linebacker out of Bowling Green University.

Huners; a guard at the University of Southern Florida, was named to last season’s All-Big East team.

Word-Daniels is a cornerback from Georgia Tech and Egboh a defensive end from Stanford.

What these men all have in common is that they signed with the San Francisco 49ers as undrafted free agents this past spring.

They, and other, more commonly-named hopefuls such as Mark Washington (linebacker—Texas State), Lewis Baker (defensive back—Oklahoma), and Alex Boone (tackle—Ohio State) will be among the unknown and unheralded long shots at training camp all eager and determined to show that all the scouts and the league’s talent scouts and network “Draftniks” were wrong about them.

The odds are considerably against these men making the team, even on a roster such as the Niners’ that isn’t exactly overflowing with Pro Bowlers.

Yet the league is filled with diamonds in the rough; guys who played well in college but for whatever reason weren’t drafted.

Kurt Warner, who quarterbacked the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl last season and led the St. Louis Rams to two others, is perhaps the most well-known example.

Others include Dallas Cowboys star quarterback Tony Romo, New York Giants Pro Bowl center Shaun O’Hara, and Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Quintin Mikell, a second-team All-Pro in 2008.   

Collins, Briggs, Huners, et al, they’re all living the dream right now, all hoping to be next big training camp success story. They’ve got their uniforms and their playbooks, football’s version of the “chip and a chair” adage in poker tournaments.

Far be it from us on the outside, crunching the roster numbers, counting up the guys we know who played decently in the past rather than the ones we don’t who may play well in the future, to cast aspersions on these gentlemen.

Whoever will be the first man cut from the Niners, it’s a given that he is infinitely more talented on a football field than I could ever fantasize about being.

It also goes without saying that whoever turns out to be that unfortunate individual, that he would easily be able to pummel me senseless if I were to get on his bad side—except maybe Alex Romero, a placekicker out of Nicholls State.

So good luck to all of them, and as long as they’re a part of the team it will be my job to know about them and to report on them.

To know them from Adam, as it were.

Backup guard Adam Snyder, that is.

Buffalo Bills: Steve Johnson Injured

Training camp can be such a tease sometimes. In the past it has been from players who performed well in the preseason, but couldn’t translate that into success during the regular season.  In recent years it’s been a rash of injuries that has plagued the squad.

Since reading about Hardy’s slow development last season I turned my attention to someone who looked more promising considering he was drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 draft.

Like the general Buffalo Bills fan, I enjoy a great underdog story as much as anyone.  That’s why Fred Jackson is so appealing to fans along with players like Kyle Williams, George Wilson or even past players like Jason Peters and Jabari Greer.

I was very excited for training camp to start because I enjoy the stories that develop and the sleepers that could emerge.  While second year wideout Steve Johnson might not be considered a sleeper, I was looking forward to his further development throughout camp.

The preseason offers a great amount of playing time to young developing prospects like Johnson, who like Fred Jackson did two years ago, could make some preseason games worth watching.

I anticipated Johnson having a monster of a preseason, showing his worth and even magnifying the possibility of him starting opposite Lee Evans next season should Terrell Owens not resign with the team. I expected his preseason success to then translate on to the field during the regular season, unlike the first few season of Greer’s career in Buffalo.  Johnson has already shown that he can play. However, he just needs some more exposure.

Johnson possesses many of the attributes that fellow receivers T.O. and James Hardy have.  Johnson has a large frame, which helps to box out opposing defenders, and he possesses the height advantage that Buffalo had been missing on their squad.  He has great hands and does a wonderful job getting separation off of defenders, much like teammate Josh Reed.

At the very least I saw him getting involved more often on some three and four wide receiver sets, which could possibly result in splitting some time with Josh Reed to help keep him healthy throughout the season.

In true Buffalo Bills tradition (of recent years) and only three days in, training camp has already begun its slew of injuries with Steve Johnson being the latest victim.

Head coach Dick Jauron said that Johnson had some rib cartilage damage and is out indefinitely.  

I’m hoping that the term “indefinitely” doesn’t keep him out of too many preseason games. A broken rib generally takes about six to eight weeks to heal, while a costochondral separation (or tearing of the cartilage from the bones) usually take three to four weeks.

His rib x-rays were reported as negative, so hopefully Johnson won’t be out for more than a few weeks.  I despise when young players miss valuable practice time, especially when the team is loaded with WR talent, meaning that the possibility looms of at least one of them not making the roster.

With any luck Steve Johnson will make a speedy recovery and put my aggravations and worries to rest.

Like Mike: Why It’s Time the NFL and Its Fans Take a Look in the Mirror

You’ve got anger?  That’s good.  You’ve got aggression? That’s better.

Playing football at its highest level requires more than being able to jump like a grasshopper and run like a gazelle.  It requires that you have an almost sadistic love of pain.  You must be prepared to destroy yourself physically, mentally and emotionally every day.

Bone-crushing hits, broken limbs, bodies strewn across a bloodied field:  The image of a medieval battle field where men ruthlessly chopped each other to bits with clubs, swords and axes or simply integral parts of the fabric of a game that has quickly become America’s favorite sport?

Football trains men to act like animals.  It trains them to lose control of who they are so that they may act with reckless abandon.

Before games, men huddle up and jump up and down barking and hollering like a pack of pit bulls anticipating a kill.

We expect these modern gladiators to treat every game, every play, as if it were their last.  We expect them to play with intensity and anger so strong that they enjoy hurting, even destroying their opponents.  And then we expect them to be normal.

When NFL players end up on police blotters for assault, carrying weapons, or even financing a dog-fighting ring, we crucify them.

Former NFL star Michael Vick has served two years in prison for his role in financing and participating in a brutal, cruel sport.  He will be barred from appearing in an NFL game until at least the sixth week of the upcoming season.

When do we receive our punishment?

If we compare the actions of Michael Vick that led to his well-publicized two year prison sentence to the actions of the NFL and, in a broader sense, its fans, how much different are the two?

Vick set up a dog-fighting ring that saw greedy men train dogs to harness the dogs’ natural aggression and anger into fighting their opponents—sometimes to the death. 

Winning dogs gained little from their achievements except the chance to fight again while, allegedly, losing dogs would be subjected to cruel forms of punishment bordering on torture.  When they are no longer useful, they are discarded.

The NFL is a league that sees greedy owners train other men of a particularly high level of athletic ability to harness their natural aggression and anger into fighting their opponents. 

The vast majority of players receives a relatively small percentage of the league’s earnings for their accomplishments and often is left with severe injuries that detrimentally impact the rest of their lives.  When they are no longer useful, they too are discarded.

We all love the NFL and we all hate animal cruelty, but perhaps we should take a look in the mirror—and at the NFL—before we rush to judgment on the actions of NFL players who are often treated as no more than dogs in a fighting ring themselves.

Under Pressure: NFL Quarterbacks Who Need to Make it Happen in 2009

The NFL is not, necessarily, a league where your past accomplishments are enough to keep fan favor.

No. The NFL is about performance and execution and one, usually, dictates the other.

This year, there are a few quarterbacks who are finding that their good “favor” is beginning to run out with not only their die-hard fans but, in some cases, with management as well.

Guys like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning won’t be on this list for obvious reasons; neither of those two future Hall of Famer’s need worry about their Busts being tarnished—both have enough favor in the bank to last a long while.

The following guys, however, are on a shorter leash.

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles

Last season saw the worst of McNabb’s career thus far. He found himself benched at one point for (gulp) Kevin Kolb.

Why? He seemingly forgot what a football was and how to throw one to a wide receiver—that two game stretch in November still boggles the mind.

He did manage to redeem himself and lead the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game—where they would lose to the Arizona Cardinals.

Despite the hot and cold nature of his play last season, McNabb managed to post the best numbers of his career (3,916 yards passing, 23 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) while also starting all 16 games—something he hadn’t done since 2003.

So, what’s the problem? Well, McNabb is in the twilight of his career at age 32 (despite what his 08′ numbers say) and the Eagles’ window to win a Super Bowl with him at the helm is closing fast.

McNabb feels the team isn’t that far away and can still contend for a title. He made his wish list and management responded by drafting Jeremy Maclin (WR) and Cornelius Ingram (TE) while also signing Jason Peters (LT).

The question now is, will he finally bring the Eagles to the promised land?

It’s now or never.

Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers

Last season had to be a big disappointment for the Panthers. They entered the NFC Divisional Championship with, arguably, the best rushing attack in the league and one of its better defenses.

However, they were rewarded with a horrendously poor performance by not only their defense, which truthfully was Jekyll and Hyde all season, but also from Delhomme who threw five interceptions in the Division Championship Game.

Credit Jakey for coming back from Tommy John to make it happen for the Panthers but it’s a head-scratcher to see him rewarded with a five-year deal at 34-years old while coming off such an ugly performance.

Warts and all, he still remains the team’s best option, at the moment, but if he is to live up to the faith the Panther’s have shown that they have in him, he’s gonna have to be more consistent than he was during last season.

Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams

It’s a miracle that Bulger is still considered the starter for the Rams. He had one solid season and has been, fairly, mediocre since that time.

Charge it to injuries, rotating coaches, bad offensive line play, etc. Pick one and use that as the excuse for how and why Bulger went from a 12-3 Pro Bowl QB to a sub .500 one since—either way, he’s due to lose his player card any day now.

This year the Rams have upgraded their offensive line with the addition of stud left tackle, Jason Smith, but he won’t likely be starting at the position when the season begins (he is not yet the pass blocker he should eventually become) but that won’t keep the Rams from fielding a solid offensive line for Steven Jackson to run wild behind should he remain healthy.

That said, Bulger has lost Torry Holt and will be depending on a gimpy wide receiving corps to catch his passes. That can’t be good for Bulger’s comeback prospects.

Will he ever return to his 2006 form?

There are many who doubt he ever will.

Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals

Remember when Carson Palmer wasn’t just a top five quarterback but a top three? Oh, how the memories wash away.

Palmer has been stellar when healthy but healthy is something he has not been in a good while.

He is poised to return to his old 4,000+ yard passing self this season, barring any further setbacks, but a shaky offensive line and the loss of T.J. Houshmanzadeh leaves some doubt that he will have the time or the targets to be effective.

If he can’t stay upright and on the field, does he start moving from bust-out to bust status?

True enough, he had solid seasons in 2006 and 2007 (despite the increased in interceptions in ’07), but that team had a fully-committed Chad Johnson, wait, OchoCinco, sorry, a great offensive line, and a respectable run game—all of those are question marks with this current team.

Add to that, there is nothing to keep anyone from believing that Palmer won’t injure his knee, elbow, or some other necessary moving part again this year—how good of an idea was passing on Tommy John surgery, really?

If he can rebound from his year-long stint away from the game, he is immediately a sleeper candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. If not, it’s likely to be a long season in Cincy.

Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins

Jason is a hard guy to figure. He’s not a typical No. 1. His numbers are largely average and he doesn’t do anything on the field to make you feel like he should be paid Brady, Brees, or Manning money.

Perhaps that’s why the Skins didn’t feel obligated to cast him a new contract this season.

Why bother? There are at least three backups who are capable of doing the same mediocre things that Campbell does on a weekly basis—play it safe, manage the game, don’t take chances deep.

On the other hand, one look at the receiving corps and, it’s hard not to see why he would want to take any chances in the passing game.

That said, if he wants to show that he is worthy of more than a side mention, he needs to step up and play like a big dog.

He will go into this year minus a long-term contract so, if he plays lights out, he may be able to punch a favorable ticket right out of D.C.—not that anyone is likely to miss him if he does. Personally, no offence but, I’ve seen statues with more personality. 

Campbell is not a bad quarterback. He won’t likely lose you any games but, the question with him is, does he have the killer instinct to win you the big one?

Detroit Lions: Is Pacman Jones The Missing Piece Of The Puzzle?

The Detroit Lions have had a rather spectacular offseason in my humble opinion by adding some much-needed help on the defensive side, with the likes of players like Foote, Peterson, and Buchanon. 

The Lions also had solid additions of Fonoti, Jansen, Barton for the offensive line. Not to mention their draft was much better than expected, providing them with some much-needed help.

Things have gone really well for them so far and there’s not much left that they need to piece together to become a very good team. However, they are still rebuilding and it would take a miracle for them to make the playoffs. However, they are moving in the right direction and not much is missing. 

Their coach has, so far, seemed to be a great one and is really pushing them in the direction they need to be going if they want to be real playoff contenders. 

They are nearly a complete team with reasonable depth at every position, which is something they haven’t been able to say for a long time. However, there may be one or two things that are still missing for the Lions.

Adam “Pacman” Jones and Michael Vick may be two players that could help out the Lions. However, I’m not here to discuss Vick and why he would help the Lions. If you want to read a good article on that then click this link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/223508-michael-vick-a-detroit-lion-an-argument-for 

This is something I found a while back when looking for some stuff about Pacman maybe coming to Detroit, to see if anyone else was crazy as me for thinking it.

Well, I guess there’s at least a few people who think like me and this guy thought up some humorous pros and cons I would like to share just a few though.

 

Con: You can be sure Pacman will ultimately find himself in some sort of trouble. Likely damn big. It’s what he does.

Pro: The porn ’stached goon himself, Matt Millen, once said, “Every team needs a rat.” Well, Pacman would fit the rat bill to a T.

 

Con: He’s Pacman Jones.
Pro: Which makes him better than any defensive back on the Lions’ roster.

The thing is, the second fact is rather true. The Lions have upgraded there but to be honest, this kid is a beast and would definitely improve our secondary a lot. Some say his stats went down in Dallas, but he only played nine games. 

Had he played all the games in Dallas, his stats would of been almost as good as his best year with the Titans. This is pretty good considering he was off for a year and performed better than most, if not all, our cornerbacks.

A while back, when Pacman was still a Titan and got in all that trouble, the Lions thought about trying to trade and get him. However, they didn’t want to get rid of anyone that might have good potential and waste it on someone who would be suspended. 

Now, they don’t have to worry about losing someone because he is a free agent. All they would need to do is sign him, let him workout and come to camp. If he doesn’t work out or fit, then the Lions can cut him from the roster. 

Why can’t we sign him to the league minimum and give him some rewards or bonuses in his contract if he has good behavior? Weight and workout clauses worked for Culpepper. So why wouldn’t good behavior clauses workout for Pacman?

Our new head coach had to put up with him before in Tennessee and at least he lasted a few years there. To be honest, I think he has learned some from his mistakes.

Why not at least just give him a shot? What’s the worst that can happen, we have to cut him and we go 0-16? Oh wait, that wouldn’t be any worse than last year. 

 

 

Three Defensive Line Positions Up For Grabs in Miami Dolphins Camp

Defensive Line—how will many make the team? 8…

Locks – 4: Kendall Langford, Jason Ferguson, Randy Starks, Phillip Merling

Probable – 1: Paul Soliai

Fighting for last 3 spots: Lionel Dotson, Rod Wright, Tony McDaniel, Ryan Baker, Joe Cohen, Louis Ellis

 

This is the weakest unit on the defense. That is due to the youth of the starting defensive ends, Kendall Langford and Phillip Merling.

Of course the Dolphins have a lot of interchangeable parts in their 3-4 defense. Jason Taylor and Matt Roth will move from their linebacker spots and get plenty of playing time at defensive end.

This is the first in many looks at Miami’s defensive line. We focus on the battle at nose tackle in this sneak peek.

Soliai has the lead as the backup nose tackle to Jason Ferguson. Many scouts think Ferguson doesn’t have much left in the tank, so his back up position is vital. It is extremely vital since the Dolphins play a base 3-4 defense.

The main issue with Solai is weight and conditioning. Insiders say he has these under control and has improved his technique as well.Randy Starks can move over and play the nose tackle too. That is why Starks is a lock to make the team despite his legal troubles.

Ferguson must have a great season. He is surrounded by very young players all along the defensive line. The 13-year man out of Georgia, is not as thick or bulky as most traditional nose tackles. This, along with his age can cause him to wear down late in games, and in the season,

He is a fantastic bull rusher, who can handle double teams and always plays hard. He isn’t going to blow anybody away with athleticism or pass rushing ability, but he is a must as a player who knows the system, and stops the run at the point of attack.

It will be fascinating to see what happens with Lionel Dotson and Tony McDaniel. Both of these guys fit in the sleeper, diamond in the rough, boom or bust category.

Some Jacksonville players were stunned that the Dolphins were able to acquire McDaniel for only a seventh round pick. The word is that if he dedicates himself, the sky is the limit for this versatile defensive lineman.

Many Dolphin’s players love how Lionel Dotson played in the off season; he brings a real mean streak his approach. Dotson has great hands, pursues ball carriers relentlessly, and plays with a violent emotion.

The McDaniel-Dotson watch will be one of my favorite during training camp. McDaniel needs to learn the Dolphin’s system and Dotson needs to take his practice prowess to Sunday afternoons.

Just a brief look at part of the Dolphin’s defensive line, which I think is the key to a serious playoff run. And don’t forget Vonnie Holiday. Miami has their eyes on the unsigned vet in case their youth movement at defensive end is a year to early

No Adrian: Five Guys To Take Over Minnesota’s Peterson For Fantasy’s No. 1 Pick

Last week, I posted an article titled, Five Reasons Not to Take Adrian Peterson No. 1 (to read the article, click here). The jist of the article focused on the idea that while Peterson seems to be a unanimous choice as the No. 1 overall pick for the 2009 fantasy season, there are still red flags surrounding the Minnesota Vikings’ running back that fantasy owners should be aware of. The feedback I got from this article was a bit surprising.

To be honest, while writing the piece, I imagined Bruno Boys Nation coming at me with pitchforks and torches for spouting such blasphemy against the new Lord of Fantasy. However, the comments I got proved to be just the opposite.

Many of you out there were thrilled to see someone bring to light the chinks in Peterson’s armor. And many of you in your e-mails asked that I take the argument to the next level and highlight some of the backs that I believe are capable of challenging Peterson for the top spot.

Well, Bruno Boys Nation, as always, I’m here simply to serve your whims (of course, that’s assuming they are within reason), so sit back and take in the Five Guys Not Named Peterson to Consider Your No. 1.

1. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons)

By now, every fantasy owner is quite familiar with the “370 carry curse” that many experts expect to plague Turner in 2009, but are you really going to let a supposed curse dictate your draft? Ok, maybe the Madden Curse, yes. But, this one, I’m not buying it.

Yes, Turner had a full workload in 2008, but remember, prior to last year, the man hadn’t carried the ball more than 80 times in any of his four seasons in the league, meaning those 376 rushes he had in 2008 aren’t nearly as much a concern as they would be for the likes of a Clinton Portis.

Throw in the fact that defenses now have to worry about Roddy White and Hall of Fame tight end, Tony Gonzalez in the passing game; thereby, preventing them from stacking the box as often against Turner and there’s no reason he shouldn’t at least match the 12 double-digit outings he posted in 2008.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars)

In his first three seasons in the NFL, MJD has gone for 15, 9, and 14 total TDs. And, as any fantasy owner can tell you, TDs in the fantasy world are golden.

The craziest thing about MJD’s TD totals is that he did all that with Fred Taylor in the mix. Appeasing fantasy owners everywhere, the Jags parted ways with the aging veteran, meaning it’s now the “Jones-Drew Show” in Jacksonville. A back, who has never reached the 200 carry plateau, MJD should easily surpass that mark in 2009 with around 240-260 rushes, making the 209 fantasy points he compiled in 2008 a low-mark for 2009.

Don’t forget, too, that the Jags worked heavily this offseason, using their first (Eugene Monroe) and second round (Eben Britton) picks and signing Pro-Bowl free agent, Tra Thomas, to beef up their offensive line, which was a major weakness last season due to injuries.

To make this simple for all of you, when you think MJD in 2009 simply remember this equation “More Touches + Better O-Line = Big Year Ahead for Thunder Thighs.”

3. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears)

The focal point of the Bears’ offense in 2008, Forte seemed to matter-of-factly put up double-digit fantasy points in 13 of his 16 games as a rookie as he amassed 1,715 total yards and 12 total TDs. Those numbers landed Forte Rookie of the Year honors and push him into the debate regarding the No. 1 overall fantasy selection for 2009.

Considering the cast around him in 2008, Forte’s numbers are even more impressive. You didn’t have to be a genius to know the Bears were going to try and get him the ball, which means defenses were keyed on the rookie each and every down.

Still, Forte did not let that stop him, something fantasy owners should recognize as 2009 is lining up in such a way that things should be a bit easier for Forte when he gets the ball. In acquiring stud quarterback, Jay Cutler, the Bears’ passing game earns immediate respect, resulting in less eight men in the box fronts for Forte to deal with.

4. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers)

You can’t create a list of guys to take No. 1 in a fantasy draft without including last season’s leading point getter among running backs. The main concern with Williams heading into 2009 is the presence of sophomore running back, Jonathan Stewart. But, with 183 carries in 2008, it wasn’t exactly like Stewart was a non-factor in the Panthers’ game plan.

Williams was just that good, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, which allowed him to do what he did with his 272 carries. In fact, Williams has averaged 5.1 yards per catch in his career as a whole, so while he may get less touches than some of the other big names, that doesn’t mean he’s numbers will be less.

Plus, why not take the guy who had 20 TDs last year with the first pick?

5. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers)

With the way some fantasy owners have written LT off for 2009, you’d think he had a Shaun Alexander or Larry Johnson-type down year last season. But in reality, LT only had what was considered a “down year” because he’s been so phenomenal throughout his career. After all, the guy still finished sixth among RBs in fantasy points in 2008, only 21 points behind Peterson, and had double-digit outings in 13 of 16 games.

According to Norv Turner, LT looks healthier than ever, prompting the coach to suggest he could easily get over 300 carries in 2009. If that’s the case, LT could easily be back on top after 2009, especially with the chip he has on his shoulder.

For more fantasy football insight and advice, click the link below…

Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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