The Return Of Michael Vick

One of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the NFL will make his anticipated pre-season debut for the Philadelphia Eagles after serving an eighteen month prison sentence for his role in leading a dog fighting ring. While there are many mixed emotions that surround the athlete the media attention has been tremendous. Go ahead and search for Michael Vick on Google and you’ll find over 1,000 articles with different journalists stating their options.  While sure, I may be just another one who is about to state an opinion everyone is entitled to speak their mind.  While I do not condone the previous actions of Vick I believe that everyone is entitled to a second chance. In fact I think it is absurd that he is not playing in game number one and is still suspended.

There are numerous animals that are euthanized on a yearly basis that there isn’t a correct count. An estimated 9.6 million animals are euthanized on a yearly basis according to the humane society. Does that give anyone the right to go kill and fight dogs against each other, no, but does that give the justice system a reason to put a man behind bars for eighteen months? That’s the question I believe you have to ask yourself. I myself am a dog lover, but I am not the type of person who feels that an animal is like a child. There is a big difference between a human and an animal and some people take that for granted or substitute an animal for compassion and being lonely.

As I stated I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. There is not a right or a wrong but simply a belief. As someone who cannot see the importance of eighteen months being served for killing animals what about people who commit worse crimes and get less time? For instance, what about Donte Stallworth…now there is a damn joke. On March 14^th, 2009 Stallworth’s Bentley struck a man and killed him. Stallworth was charged with DUI and second degree manslaughter.  Here is the real story…sentenced to 30 days in jail. He killed a man? Maybe he ran a red light because this is nothing but a slap on the wrist. Explain to me how someone can kill a human being and not get more than 30 days in jail?  Mr. Vick over here can get eighteen months for hurting dogs? Come on…get real…What a joke.  On a different note how many animals do hunters kill on a yearly basis? Just because Bambi isn’t in my home and drinking out of a bowl on the floor doesn’t mean that Bambi is any different than that dog that was killed.

Regardless of what anyone says Michael Vick has served his time and his debt to society. The problem is that a man or woman who has done something wrong in the eyes of the public is never actually free or has never paid his debt. He or she will always be looked upon as someone who did that “something.” So enter #7 in Philly and get ready for the crap that is about to surround it. How sick am I of it, let me count the ways. How about how the local media was telling people to get rid of their season tickets? No way in hell was any Philly fan going to give up tickets because they signed Vick. To listen to the Philly fans applaud Vick was simply music to my ears. Imagine what this man has been through in the last few years. Well don’t imagine too much, it is prison. He has made a mistake, paid his debt, and should be welcomed back to his profession. Just as if someone who worked a regular 9-5 job as a plumber went to jail for the same thing he would eventually get out and become a plumber again.  Michael Vick is a football player once again and this writer supports his comeback and believes in giving people second chances.

 

Fear Not Patriots’ Fans, Brady To Moss Is Okay

So basically everyone now is hearing about how Tom Brady was “hurt” last night by Albert Haynesworth “hit.”

Let me first say that the is absolutely no need for defensive players to be following through like that on quarterbacks. It may seem that I am biased in this opinion, considering I am a Patriots fan, and obviously am sensitive about Brady’s health.

Earlier in the game, Vince Wilfork made a similar hit on Jason Campbell, and my first reaction was to say, “what are you doing, Vince!”

Tom Brady is going to decimate all this year, as evidence by his clicking with Wide Receiver Randy Moss last night, when he was 12 of 19, throwing 150 yards and 2 TDs in two quarters. Both touchdowns were to Moss on two picture perfect plays.

With that said, we may not see Tom Brady next week, but know that this isn’t going to keep him from embarrassing the Bills on Monday Night Football in a couple weeks. Here is why:

• He reached out with his right arm to be picked up.
• He swirled his arm around on the sideline afterward.
• He was throwing the ball around as well. Showing no pain or grimace on his face.
• The Patriots actually said something about it: “sore shoulder.” This is a good, considering they would have had no comment had it been serious.
• Chad Johnson Tweeted how he got a message back from Brady saying he was fine (they’re friends).
• Bill Belichick said today, “Tom had a desire to play, but we made a football decision to play other players because I think we need to see them at that position, and make an evaluation there. That’s what I’m saying.”
• Tom is scheduled to make a radio appearance on WEEI on Monday, and in my opinion, had it been really serious this would not be happening.
• Brady has been listed as “Probable-Shoulder” ever since he hurt that same shoulder back in 2002, and look what he had done since then.
• Former Patriot quarterback Drew Bledsoe had a similar injury which only kept him out for two weeks.
• Perhaps worrying about his shoulder, will help keep his mind of his knee and actually help him overall.

Fear not Patriots fans, this is only a troubled time for every Patriots opponent this year, considering Brady to Moss is in high gear yet again.

How Will Tom Cable Explain This One?

This game sucked. What the hell kind of gameplan was this; let’s see how many times we can turn the ball over and be pathetic.

How will Tom Cable explain this, “um, we suck. Sorry fans.”

I mean, damn this was simply pathetic. I am horrified of the Chargers game now.

All we can do is turn the ball over in this. At least we’ll have plenty of tape to look at and work on.

What are we going to do, and how do you start Michael bush, and give him one handoff?

That is not fair. He should’ve been used much, much more. Then McFadden comes in and all they can do is give the ball to him.

I am one of the biggest Raiders’ supporter on this site, and I am horrified, so what does this game say as a statement, WE SUCK! OUCH!

I can’t even believe what I saw in this game. The Saints had better make the Super Bowl, or else we’re going to have a 2 win season again.

Drew Brees picked this defense apart. Louis Murphy had a terrrible game. JaMarcus Russell; this is not your fault.

I thought initially that it would be a good game, until the Russell fumble, then it was all downhill from there folks.

So much for Cable’s plan; win at home. I am disgruntled. Bear with me, I’ll find something positive, like Desmond Bryant. Let’s dump Gearard Warren , a.k.a. Terdell Sands part two, and start the rookie.

Jeez, where do we go from here? What’s the good news, it can’t get any worse, that’s all!

They need to sit Gerard Warren, start Desmond Bryant, and sit Trevor Scott and start Jay Richardson.

Darren McFadden is the best halfback on this team.

Javon Walker is the best receiver, until Chaz Schilens gets back, get him some balls!!!

AND FORFIET THE SAINTS GAME ALREADY!

Why Maurice Jones-Drew Is Over-Valued in Fantasy Drafts

Coming into the 2009 Fantasy Football season, Maurice Jones-Drew is usually the second player taken off of the board in drafts. I’m going to tell you why he shouldn’t be drafted with the second pick.

Jaguars’ running back Maurice Jones-Drew is heading into his fourth year in the NFL. During his previous three seasons, MJD split carries with long time Jaguar running back Fred Taylor.

Even though he was a split-carry back, MJD was still highly coveted in fantasy drafts. He’s just 5’6 but he possesses speed, power, and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and while lining up at receiver.

So now that he’s the guy in Jacksonville, he should be one of the top two off the board right?

Wrong.

With MJD going mostly with pick two and sometimes over Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson, I believe he is highly overvalued.

See, MJD has never been the main guy in Jacksonville. His highest amount of carries in a season is 197. Not exactly a lot of carries. So that means that he should be fresh for 2009 much like Michael Turner was for Atlanta in 2008, right? To an extent.

Running back is the NFL’s most volatile position. They get hit and tackled more times in one game than any two positions combined. It takes a toll on their bodies and wears them down over the course of a 16 game season.

That having been said, MJD has never proven that he can take the abuse of being the every down back that you expect him to be with the second overall pick. After all, MJD has carried the ball 20 or more occasions just five times in his career with his peak being 25.

Will MJD be able to make it to the 250-300 carry range without getting hurt or seeing a decline in performance?

When I select a running back at the No. 2 spot, I want a back I know will be able to carry the load of being the go-to guy on that offense.

Do I think MJD should still go top five? Absolutely. But I put him behind Matt Forte and Michael Turner.

At the mention of Michael Turner, you’re probably thinking “Turner never proved he could carry the load and look how he did!”

Was Turner taken top two? No.

When I pick top three, I want the “sure thing” player. And yes, it is true that the “sure thing” players don’t live up to the hype. By sure thing, I mean that there is a great chance that they’ll put up the stats you expect them to.

With all of this being said, I just want to clarify that I think Maurice Jones-Drew is a top five selection in fantasy drafts this season. I just don’t think he should be the second back selected.

Packers Put NFC On Notice, Trounce Cardinal Starters, But Superbowl?

(Sorry for the lack of Packer backer content this week. I had some technical difficulties due to a faulty update from a company I won’t mention, but whose name rhymes with schmicrosoft)

Through three weeks of the preseason, no team has been more impressive than the Green Bay Packers. Period.  Even though the second and third stringers let Arizona back in the game, fans should be excited about the finish and the way head coach Mike McCarthy and his team responded.   

The offense has outscored opponents 76-10 in the first halves of games and the first team defense seemed let down when they allowed 10 first half points the defending NFC champion Cardinals Friday night. (They had shut out Buffalo and Cleveland in the previous two games).

The defense continues to create big plays and the first team defense now has 12 turnovers through three games in the preseason. Charles Woodson forced three fumbles and had two sacks, with the Packers scoring 17 first half points off those turnovers.

The second half in Arizona was similar to the Buffalo game where the defense let the opponent back in the game. In fact, the Cards had a chance to tie or take the lead after scoring a touchdown late in the fourth.  When Arizona missed the go-ahead two point conversion, the Packers continued to fight back.

Ruvell Martin returned an onside kick for six and then it was the Packers turn to go for two. Even though they missed it, we saw McCarthy’s dedication to teaching this team the importance of finishing games and wanting to win, preseason or otherwise.

Even Brian Brohm looked half-way decent going 4/5 against Cardinals starters. He made stick throws and seemed more in control of the offense than he has since being drafted in 2008. It may be too late for land a roster spot, but it certainly isn’t too late for him to increase his value in a trade.

But I want to be a voice of cautious optimism.

I don’t want to hear about Super Bowls or anything like that. The Packers are an extremely talented team, but with Aaron Rodgers are quarterback they have proven absolutely zero in the regular season except that they are maddeningly inconsistent.

Monday after Monday last season it seemed the talk from Cheeseheads was “Coulda, woulda, shoulda” because that’s how close the Packers were from turning a 6-10 team into a 10-6 team.

They went 3-0 against teams with sub .500 records and 3-10 against teams with .500 records or better.  So far this preseason they have played exactly one team with a winning record from last season.  Now to be fair, that means they played 13 games against teams who won at least 8 games last year, but a team who won the division and nearly the NFC just a year prior has to beat playoff teams at least once in a while.  In that category, the Packers went 2-5.

Aaron Rodgers looks in command of the offense, posting a gaudy 150+ QB rating this preseason. But he put up gaudy stats last season and it just didn’t translate into victories.

The defense was third in the NFL last season at intercepting opposing quarterbacks, but they couldn’t get stops when they needed them. The rushing defense was below average and this talented team faltered more often than it flourished.

I don’t want to say don’t be excited. Be excited. This Packers team is more talented than the team that made a run at the Super Bowl two year ago. This might be the most talented team the Packers have had since the mid 90’s. 

Jermichael Finley is a match-up night mare. For an example just look at the back-shoulder fade he caught over one Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, one of the best athletes in the NFL regardless of position. Can he give the offense that game in and game out? What about when teams aren’t surprised by him anymore? Guys like James Jones and Jordy Nelson will have to step up and exploit match-ups against safeties if teams try to cover Finley with a corner.  

Speaking of corners, Charles Woodson and Al Harris are arguably the best corner duo in the NFL and Woodson could get four to six sacks this season in the new pressure D. They are playing at an All-Pro level. Add in Pro Bowler Nick Collins with Atari Bigby and a charging Anthony Smith, this secondary is deep, physical and smart.

Dom Capers will see to it they don’t have the communication break-downs that plagued them last year. He has to. If the quarterbacks have time, it doesn’t matter how talented your secondary is, they’re going to get beat. The offense has too big an advantage and NFL quarterbacks are too good.

 The biggest question will be the pass-rush. We saw what it did to mediocre quarterbacks, but it confused the heck out of Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner.  He was never comfortable in the pocket, but when he was, he was effective.

That will be true with any quarterback. If the pressure doesn’t get home, there are match-up problems in the secondary whether it’s lineman in space, linebackers on wide-outs, or safeties having to help on multiple receivers.

I can’t see how you can stop this offense. McCarthy called a perfect game Friday, but he was all over the place as a play-caller last season.  Not just game to game, but even series to series it would seem he had a great game plan one moment and no idea the next.

The offensive line has played well in the preseason, with Ryan Grant looking quicker and more decisive than ever. But Josh Sitton and Allen Barbre are essentially rookies, neither ever having played a full season as starters.

The pass-rushers on this schedule are fierce between Allen, Ware, Ogunleye, Suggs, Harrisson, and Kearney just to name a few. And those are just the ends.

The NFC North might be the best division in football for interior lineman and those guys in Baltimore and Pittsburgh really know how make life tough on opposing offensive lines.

 The Packers are deep, cohesive, talented, physical, and excited to play. If they can lock down the penalties and play with discipline, I don’t see why they can’t win double digit games and be a serious contender in the NFC.

Unfortunately, last year you could say the same thing and it translated into just six victories.  No more excuses. This team is talented, and looks ready to go. They’ve put the NFC North and the rest of the NFC on notice that they’re ready to play. After all, they clobbered the defending NFC champions in a match-up of first teamers.

If they can learn on the fly how to handle adversity, this could be a really good team for a really long time; the kind of franchise Packers fans in the 90’s were used to. And then fans can really say things like “We’ll never forget you Brent.”

Cardinals Starters Pack It In: Beanie, Leinart Lead Furious Comeback

“Oh, my God! The most amazing, sensational, dramatic, heart-rending, exciting, thrilling finish in the history of preseason football!”

Which, let’s be honest, is kind of like kissing your sister.

Man, where do we begin? Remember last week when I said it wasn’t time to panic in regards to the Cardinals first string offense not getting into the end zone the first two games? I meant it. And I had guys like Kurt Warner, coach Whisenhunt, and others backing up my suggestion throughout the week.

But as sure as I meant it when I said that, I mean it now that this is a FINE time to officially be concerned! And not just with Warner and company either.

It was a tale of two games.

The first string D, which has been rock solid throughout the first two games, completely imploded in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. By the time CB Dominick Rodgers-Cromartie got done laughing after getting burned time after time, and looked up a the clock at halftime, Green Bay has amassed a 38-10 cushion.

That’s right! 38! Count ’em, t-h-i-r-t-y e-i-g-h-t points in just 30 minutes of play!

It wasn’t just the defensive ineptitude that led to those 38 points. Penalties and offensive ineptitude played a major role as well. Warner fumbled twice, losing both with one being returned for a touchdown. He threw an interception late in the 2nd quarter that pretty much summed up the Cards misfortunes at least during the first half.

Warner’s best drive of the night was the showcase of first rounder RB Beanie Wells. Wells’ first NFL carry netted 11 yards around the right side. The kid has speed and burst! Then a churning run up the gut for another five yards. The kids have guts and strength!

(We interrupt this drive/stellar debut to bring you two straight penalties, and a forced fumble by the ageless Charles Woodson, recovered and returned for a TD. We now take you back to your regularly scheduled drive).

Warner started moving the ball, hitting Larry Fitzgerald twice for first downs, and a sweet seam pass to Jeremy Urban down the middle for 27 yards. The drive culminated in a beautiful 20 yard run by Beanie who patiently waited for blocks to develop. Then after a couple of nice cuts, the Cardinals No. 1 offense scored its first touchdown of the 2009 season!

The crowd went WILD not so much for the TD itself, but for the way Wells and some great blocking delivered it!

First half bright spots include the hope for an improved running game this year. Starter Tim Hightower averaged over six yards per carry (6/38) in his short stint, and Beanie matched and bettered that with 46 yards on 7 carries, with 2 TDs (his second coming early in the 3rd quarter).

The celebration didn’t last long however. Defensively, The Cards made Aaron Rodgers look like 1995 Brett Favre. He carved up the Cardinals secondary like a turkey breast, and picked on CB Dominic Rogers-Cromartie relentlessly in what I felt was DRC’s worst game in a Cardinals uniform.

Following Beanie’s touchdown, Rodgers quieted the crowd on the first play after the ensuing kickoff, hitting Jordy Nelson for 76 yards over (guess who) and yet another Packers score. Cameras showed DRC laughing following the play.

He set the tone for his miserable night when, on the games 2nd play from scrimmage, he made a beautiful play by keeping up with and then stepping in front of Packers WR Donald Driver for what turned out to be a broken up pass.

I thought this should have been a pick! Yes, he broke up the pass, but to me you HAVE TO make that interception! It was right in both hands!

Then, DRC, apparently satisfied with stopping a completion and/or covering for a dropped pick, walked away with a mighty stomp, and slipped in the classless ‘cut throat’ gesture. Others say they didn’t see it, that it was more across his chest (which it was… kind of), but that’s what it looked like to me.

Either way, bad Karma. Act like you’ve broken up a pass before.

The Cardinals, on both sides of the ball, committed constant penalties. Sometimes two or three on a single play! But they don’t show up in the stats because they were often on plays that, because of a better outcome despite the penalties, they were declined. Turnovers on offense gave GB opportunities, and lousy defense cashed them in.

The NFC Champs, the new conquering heroes of Valley sports, were gently booed off the field at the half, and justifiably so.

But boy oh boy did things certainly got interesting in the second half.

Matt Leinart, Warner’s backup (That’s right, I said it), led a furious 4th quarter rally. This had the few thousand that stuck around justifiably believing that the Cards could somehow pull themselves from a four TD deficit, and actually pull out a win!

Leinart started the second half with a nice 14 play, 80 yard drive that ended in Beanies second touchdown. That despite two penalties against TE Steven Spach, including a holding that brought back a 10—yard Beanie run up the gut.

Following a three and out, Leinart started moving the ball again. Starting at their own 15, Leinart moved the ball and hit Early Ducett for 38 yards over the middle to the GB 38. Yet another false start penalty later (Oliver Ross.. and yes, he’s still on the roster), Leinart dropped back and tried to hit TE Leonard Pope in the end zone, but was picked at the goalline and brought back to the Packers 29.

But the Cards backup defense dropped a second straight three and out on Packers backup QB Brian Brohm. An undaunted Leinart took the reins again with just over a minute to go in the 3rd quarter, and the Cards still down 38-17. 

Leinart put together an 11 play drive that really has to give fans encouragement as far as offensive depth. Leinart has been very good throughout the preseason, and last week’s hyphenated hero, LaRob Stephens-Howling and 2nd year RB Chris Vincent contributed, as well as Doucet all contributed.

Doucet (5/93 yds/1 TD) scored on what was, at this point, a good night for a former 3rd round pick that’s trying to stick with the team. His earlier personal foul didn’t help, but that wasn’t the only thing that soured an otherwise sweet night for him.

Brohm finally got a drive going that could have all but killed the comeback. A missed field goal with about four minutes left gave Leinart and company enough time to pull off the highly improbable.

Leinart took the team on a quick 11 play TD drive that included completions of 12, 18, 13, and 20 yards to set up a little 1 yard TD pass to 136th string rookie WR Onrea Jones.

With just 1:35 on the clock, Neil Rackers was set to drop the expected onside kick. Packers guarded each sideline, but Rackers called his own number. He dribbled the ball straight into unoccupied territory between the Packers hands team, and collected it himself, giving Leinart yet another chance.

Six plays and 57 seconds later, Leinart hit RB Jason Wright for an 11 yard TD pass that pulled the cardinals within one point. This following what I thought was a touchdown pass to Lance Long that was looked at in the booth, but called out of bounds. I still disagree with the call.

But anyway, it was Leinart’s third touchdown pass of the quarter, and put the Cardinals a point after away from tying it up! However, being preseason, coach Whiz decided to just go for the win. I would have too, maybe even during the regular season, too. What with the momentum decidedly on the Cardinals side, and playing at home.

But Early Doucet, who I promised you earlier wasn’t done screwing up, flat dropped a perfect pass in the corner of the end zone with like 10 seconds left, and that was the ballgame.

So, there you have it. I’ll do a Bird Droppings in a little bit later, but this will have to do for now.

Preseason games mean diddly squat to me as far as wins and losses. The Cards need to get serious soon if they want to get a decent start to the season. With the opener against San Francisco just a couple weeks away, they could get in trouble early if they don’t take care of business from opening night.

And while preseason games mean nothing for to me on the scoreboard or in the won/loss column, this was the most exciting preseason game I’ve ever seen.

Take from that (and the story above) what you will.

 

 

St. Louis Offensive Line Gelling As a Unit

The St. Louis Rams are expecting a lot more productivity from their offensive line this year.

They brought in free agent center Jason Brown from Baltimore to anchor the middle. They selected Baylor tackle Jason Smith with the second overall pick in April’s draft. They overhauled the entire coaching staff and front office with a tougher attitude and a focus on winning.

With all the changes up front, it hasn’t taken long for the offensive line to really come together as a unit.

Smith has been picking the brains of Rams veterans since he arrived to camp in late July, and even before that during OTAs. He’s even getting pointers from a veteran whose job he’ll eventually take.

“I take that as part of my role,” current right tackle Adam Goldberg told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “But I’ll tell you what, he doesn’t need too many tips. He’s going to be a really good football player.”

Goldberg continued to say that he doesn’t think about the position battle much and knows that, because of his ability to play anywhere up and down the line, he’ll see plenty of playing time. It’s not something that keeps Smith up at night, either.

“Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) told me when I first got here that there are a lot of steps you have to do to be a part of this team, and then there are a lot of steps you have to do to get on the field,” Smith told the Post-Dispatch. “I just want to take the proper steps.”

Brown came in with a swagger and confidence that was contagious among the big uglies. The Rams are counting on his influential leadership to pay dividends.

Add in the fact that players like right guard Richie Incognito have had an entire year to settle into a position instead of playing musical linemen as has been the case in the past due to injuries. Alex Barron knows he’ll be playing left tackle all season, and shouldn’t have to switch sides again. Now, if he can only avoid those false starts.

Incognito said having continuity on the offensive line, with players settled into positions from day one, will help create a stable running game and reliable pass protection.

“I had all last season to play out at guard,” Incognito said. “I had OTAs, had training camp knowing I’m playing right guard.”

Left guard Jacob Bell said the linemen have really bonded this offseason.

“We do everything together,” said Bell, whose been out of commission since suffering a concussion in the Rams’ first preseason game. “When you leave the field, you’re in meetings together. You leave those meetings, and you don’t have to sit next to each other during dinner, but at night meetings, we see each other again.” 

Bell added that pranks between the offensive linemen have become commonplace.

“There’s always a joke,” the sixth-year veteran from Miami, Ohio said. “Our meetings can be pretty entertaining, a little bit of a comedy session.”

What isn’t funny is how the Rams performed last season, ranking 25th in rushing offense, despite having one of the NFL’s best tailbacks in Steven Jackson. Incognito said that will change this year.

“We played well as a unit last year, at times,” Incognito said. “We had times where we played very well, and times where we didn’t play so well. I think that’s the one thing that is a little bit different about this group.

“We always play at a high level, and we played at a high level last year, and had to replace people with injuries, and you get that lull. For offensive linemen, you can’t have that. We’re looking forward to just having five solid starters in there, and just rolling, and not having those lulls like we did last year.”

Through three preseason games, the Rams are 2-1 and 11th in rush offense. But they still rank 24th in total offense, something that needs to improve if they have any hope of a winning season. St. Louis have the sixth worst offense in the league last year while limping to a 2-14 record.

The Rams’ passing game has been awful in the 2009 preseason, but a large part of that is due to injuries in the receiving corps, namely Donnie Avery, and to starting quarterback Marc Bulger. If the skill players can remain healthy, the offense should produce a lot better than last year.

Having an offensive line that knows and respects one another is a good sign that the Rams are on the road back toward respectability.

Do Da Dirty Bird: Previewing Preseason Game Three, Falcons v. Chargers

You could say that Preseason Week Three is the most enjoyable week of preseason games, as teams normally run their first-teamers the most in these contests.

But at this point, my attitude toward exhibition football has soured. Saying that this is the “best week of the preseason” is like determining which bowl of unsweetened, store-brand rice puffs cereal is best: The competition is pretty lackluster, you tire of the action about partway through, and it just leaves you wanting the real thing all the more.

Geez, and all this is coming from the kid who was bouncing of the walls as the Falcons got set to take on the Lions in Preseason Week One. It’s just that this substitute leaves me wanting regular season ball, the stuff with importance, all the more.

That being said, I’m going to be watching intently, as you might expect, as my Dirty Birds take on the San Diego Chargers tonight. It’s the first showdown in the Dome in ’09, the Bolts are easily the best team we’ve seen thus far, and there are still questions to be answered and performances to be analyzed.

Though it is tough, I will soldier on through this serving of wannabe balanced breakfast; it’s hard work sitting on the couch watching pigskin, but somebody’s gotta do it.

 

 

San Diego Rush Offense v. Atlanta Rush Defense

 

There’s going to be very little Darren Sproles tonight, and even less LaDainian Tomlinson (like, none). So it’s good news for people like me, who are so proud of their Falcons that they want them to go undefeated in the preseason, but it’s bad news for people like me, who want to see teams playing at their true capacity.

Not to say San Diego’s ground attack is toothless without the two. Both Michael Bennet and Gartrell Johnson have already been carrying a lot so far, and while neither has electrified, they’ve done fine for third-stringers.

More importantly, though, two solid fullbacks, Jacob Hester, and Mike Tolbert, are still going at it to determine who’s the best of a corps that deserves more attention. Brandon Manumaleuna has been doing a terrific job blocking, as well, making this battle all the more interesting.

The San Diego line has been pretty nondescript so far, getting their runners just 55 and then 125 yards on the ground in the two previous games (against Seattle and Arizona, respectively), but the well-publicized right guard battle (that’d be former Falcon Kynan Forney v. rookie Louis Vasquez) makes it worth your while to keep an eye on the unit, as do last week’s great performances from Falcons D-linemen Kroy Biermann and Trey Lewis. The latter especially will be key against runs up the middle.

All us ATLiens would of course like to see more out of Peria Jerry, but I’ve said that so many times that you’ve probably quit reading this sentence by now. Curtis Lofton’s presence will be necessary for a large part of the game, and I expect he’ll answer, as will rook Lawrence Sidbury, who’s outperforming Peria to this point.

 

 

Atlanta Rush Offense v. San Diego Rush Defense

 

Michael Turner going up against his old teammates isn’t much of a story for a couple reasons: We already beat ’em last year, and the Burner runs like a man on a mission against everybody, not just the squad that let him go.

Then again (not again! Yes, this is the third consecutive section I’ve introduced with a wishy-washy contradiction), the Chargers’ D is going to be without Jacques Cesaire but will have Larry English, so we’ll get to see some new looks. Heck, the whole thing is a new look for the ’09 Birds, if you think about it; this is our first matchup with a 3-4!

I’m sure you don’t need to be told that this Bolts linebacking corps sends a shiver up the spine. There’s English, Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, Jyles Tucker, and preseason darling Kevin Burnett all thirsting for blood, so let’s just say it’s going to be important for not only the O-line but also TEs Tony Gonzalez and Justin Peelle to man-up on their assignments.

San Diego may not have produced a lot on the ground yet, but their opponents have been even worse off: Seattle got just 92 rushing yards, and Arizona managed a paltry 64. The line is solid, but thin; yeah, it’s been those ‘backers and some step-up from safeties Eric Weddle and Paul Oliver and CB Brandon Hughes that have truly made this defense lock down.

Here’s a crossing of the fingers (OK, more like a desperate plea) for Jerious Norwood to attack a bit more, rather than running basically straight to the sideline every time he gets the handoff. Yes, Turner has very much looked like he could do it all for 16 games, but I’m not feeling terrific about our insurance policy.

 

 

San Diego Pass Offense v. Atlanta Pass Defense

 

Biological knees and textbook throwing mechanics for quarterbacks are clearly overrated. Just look at Philip Rivers. His comeback last season has me thinking, even without him having to do anything significant yet this preseason, that he’s among the top five (OK, maybe six) quarterbacks in the league.

And tonight, he gets to throw to his regulars Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers more, which always helps. It’s not that rotation guys Gary Banks, Malcolm Floyd, and Legedu Naanee have looked half bad themselves, but Rivers built lots of chemistry with his top two pass-catchers last season as the offense featured him more than ever.

Word is that Antonio Gates is actually less than his “probable” (it’s preseason, folks), but you won’t see me crying. We’d have a helluva time matching up with a guy like that, just like other teams have a helluva time matching up with our Gonzo.

Here’s hoping our scatterbrained secondary shows a bit more cohesion here. CBs Chris Owens and Brent Grimes, after both looking so good in the game in Detroit, struggled against the Rams. Yeah, they looked like they were making the effort, but that was only after they had blown the play with poor positioning.

But on a more positive note, tonight marks the hopefully dashing debut of rookie safety William Moore. Everybody’s all like “Oh, it’s too late for him to win a starting job now,” but I bet he comes with fire, gets some consideration, and gives me some fodder for a column tomorrow morning.

Please?

 

 

Atlanta Pass Offense v. San Diego Pass Defense

 

Judging by the performance of the safeties in the preseason and just the names of the corners, it’s hard to believe the Chargers’ secondary finished second-to-last in the league in 2008. At this point, it’s probably safe to say that’s not going to happen again.

The aforementioned Weddle and Oliver (word to my Dawg) plus wild card Clinton Hart and rookie Kevin Ellison mean a seemingly open deep receiver might not be so “wide” after all. The depth doesn’t stop there; let me name-drop C.J. Spillman before I lose your attention. But moving on…

There’s no way Antonio Cromartie doesn’t bounce back a bit from last season. I bet he finds a nice middle ground between his ’07 and ’08 performances in ’09. I see him playing more and at a higher level tonight, inspired by the task of taking on Roddy White and Michael Jenkins.

And if he doesn’t, Quentin Jammer or Antoine Cason will; just can’t see the top three corners continuing to be shown up by rookie Hughes.

It’s looking like Matt Ryan might have some time in the pocket, as the Bolts have registered just one sack in the preseason so far. But, oh yeah, that’s right, there are probably going to be several downs of simultaneous Phillips-Merriman-English pressure in this contest. They may not have done it a lot so far, but if history is any indicator, S.D. likes to bring the blitz with their ‘backers, be it their big-name guys or Tucker, Brandon Siler, and Tim Dobbins.

Good thing we’ve still got Tony G on our side. He’s always a matchup problem, but for an aggressive, bring-the-heat D like this, just about the only measure against a huge yet athletic target like him is Cromartie’s long arms. And they’re going to be flailing around Roddy’s general area, with any luck.

 

 

Prediction: Chargers 21, Falcons 20

 

No, I didn’t call it that close just because they’re MY Dirty Birds. I really do think we are on a comparable level with the Chargers, who might just deliver on their promise this year.

We’re going to surrender some big passes and pass TDs, no doubt, but the Burner is going to allow us to go into halftime down by no more than one score. Our air game is going to struggle against first-string CBs and any of those safeties, but we’ve got enough weapons to wear ’em down at some point in the second half.

It’s largely going to be a question of who plays their starters longer; if it’s an even split (say, all the first-stringers come out at halftime, as predicted), I’m going to have to call San Diego.

But by just one.

Some of the Reasons I Write for Bleacher Report

As a young child born near the time of World War II, I was told that “knowledge is power.”

Years later, I learned that to have a “voice” or a chance to freely express yourself, is also a “power.”

In a country which was founded on the premises of life, liberty and justice for all, I observed that there were structural barriers in sports, education, religious organizations, politics, and more.

During my earlier years, my peers believed that NFL football and NBA basketball careers gave them easier access to fame and fortune. Many of my peers had outstanding professional athletic careers. Life after those careers sometimes took a twist and turn toward health, emotional or other problems.

Secondly, during the 1960s I heard people like Mr. Pluria Marshall, Dr. John B. Coleman, and Mr. Mack H. Hannah talk about the fact that we need to have more ownership in the media.

It might help to add that Dr. John B. Coleman was the first African American to serve on the Board of Regents of Texas A & M University System; and Mr. Mack H. Hannah was the first African American (Texas) millionaire of record, and first African American to serve on the Board of Regents in the University of Houston System.

Dr. Coleman helped fund a program for former NFL athletes like John White, Ernie Ladd and others. Mr. Hannah quietly and discreetly gave financial advice and assistance to some of the retired professional athletes.

Mr. Pluria Marshall was wise in negotiating the purchase of radio stations (and television stations). He quietly helped a few men and women invest in purchases of media outlets.

Dr. Coleman was a mentor and friend. Mr. Mack Hannah was my employer and mentor in the late 1970s. Hannah also was the mentor of U. S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who made a powerful presentation during Watergate. Jordan was my lawyer when I was a young college student with aspirations in business and community service.

During those early years, I joined a group called the Black Communicators of America. Although I was an English major, I was accepted by the group of young, aspiring journalists. In those days, I wrote viewpoints and editorials.

Then, I witnessed what happened to athletes who attended historically black colleges and univerisities, for example, like Texas Southern University, Prairie View University, and other colleges.

I observed the patterns.

In some cases, the present stories and life situations are not that good. I continue to see patterns. I see problems.

I see propagated errors. There are errors which are built on earlier errors. A divergence occurs and instead of approaching a limit of life, liberty and justice, some situations have spiraled into confusion, calamity and chaos.

I do not have the energy to walk the streets and carry a banner to protest those things that are not in alignment with freedom and justice for all. Instead, I write. I question. I conjecture.

I focus on sports because it is an industry that has the potential of touching millions of young people. If, by some stroke of chance, an idea is “read” and someone learns a new way to deal with a recurrent historical problem, then I am pleased.

I write to untangle myself from a “Houdini situation,” deep underwater, in time enough to get my breath, and carry on.

I write because there are those in early American history who were punished and deterred from reading, writing and learning arithmetic.

I write because I have met women like the 99-year-old lady (shown above) from Mississippi who had a natural gift of mathematical understanding, but was hindered from getting a fine education because of her gender or race.

I write and research to uncover the covert and overt forms of prejudice that continue to wound the hearts and minds of young and old, rich and poor, strong and weak.

I write because I have faith that what I write will awaken a “kinder and gentler” character in the hearts and minds of the readers.

My hope is that the next generation will optimize the positive attributes of mankind, rather than do the dual of optimizing the negative and destructive attributes.

I write to demonstrate the clarity of mind I have because I have been protected, uplifted and encouraged by the senior citizens in my sociometric. They challenge me to write, go forward, achieve, think, deliberate, negotiate, and continue to be free and have liberty in sports, education, and in society, in general.

Now back to the Bleacher Report.

Someone emailed me at my yahoo address and invited me to write about senior players in the sports (NFL) arena. I responded. That is why I am here.

My question to you is: Why do you write?

I invite you to explore the question and to post your response.

I have got to go now…..and WRITE.

Afterthought:

An article I did on the 99-year-old lady only got 45 reads in the Bleacher Report. In September 2009, an adaptation of the article will be published by a newsletter sponsored by the United States Military Academy (West Point).

Dr. Don Small is the editor who revised and selected it.

I am appreciative of the editorial support and space given to me in the Bleacher Report. Great things will surely happen as we continue to write.

The keen eye and mind of Mr. Leroy Watson humbled me. I am grateful to B/R and to him.

Quinn and Anderson Need to Make Closing Statements For QB Job Tonight

Browns Backers,    

statement—” a communication or declaration in speech or writing, setting forth facts, particulars, etc. “   

You cannot help but wonder how Jack McCoy from Law and Order would prosecute the Browns for their handling or mishandling of this quarterback competition drama. Because this is as far from pro bono as it gets. 

But even the renowned district attorney would advise both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn that they must provide a strong closing statement on their behalf as to why they should be the 2009 Cleveland Browns quarterback.

With Cleveland Browns Stadium serving as the courtoom and the fans acting as the deciding jury. It will be up to Eric Mangini to be a decisive and non-partial judge.    

As it stands both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson have not emerged as the front-runner for the gig, and even though the hometown hero, Brady Quinn, with his “intangibles and leadership” has not managed to pull away from the former Pro Bowler fluke gone bad, and all around area outcast, Mr Anderson.   

Tonight’s game will clarify who the starter WILL be, not SHOULD be. 

There is no doubt that Quinn is the overwhelming favorite to be the starter. If there is one thing that Browns Backers can all agree on is that it is Brady’s time NOW!

My major concern if I’m a Quinnbot is the fact that for all of his “leadership and field presence” that have Dawgs drooling over his every move, why has he not already been named the starter over Derek Anderson?   

And for Derek Anderson, he really needs this game just to pull even in the eyes of many Browns fans, for the fact that he will NEVER surpass Brady on even his best day simply for the fact that he is DA which generally means Disaster Area.

As I stated in my last column, http://bleacherreport.com/articles/242237-da-strikes-back-in-round-3-vs-lions-is-anderson-the-man , I mentioned that The Brady Bunch would dismiss DA’s performance vs DET, but what exactly has Quinn done to lock this down? 

Aside from leading some good drives and being a Edwards drop and Fraley penalty away from strengthening his case, not a whole lot, but to both QB’s, Tennessee is not Detroit that is obvious and this game will serve as a excellent test and unbiased litmus as to who will start in two weeks. 

Quinn may be the overwhelming favorite to win, and Anderson may be on death row, but both must present a strong and overwhelming argument to convince the jury. 

Enjoy The Game,

Dawgfather.

 

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