Fantasy Football Week 1: Sit ‘Em

Sitting your studs is typically the most difficult decision you will encounter in fantasy football each week. When your top overall pick is playing a tough defense like the Pittsburgh Steelers, it takes some serious guts to sit them for lesser talented players, but it can be that foresight that will lead to fantasy football championships.

No, we aren’t suggesting you bench your studs in Week 1, but we do recommend you check out the Fantasy Football Week 1 Sit Ems for players to think twice about before plugging them into your opening day lineup. 

QUARTERBACKS—SIT ‘EM

Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers) vs. Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles were a very good defense in 2008, and even with the losses of Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard they figure to be once again in the top-10. It seems as if the Panthers best shot at winning will be to run the ball with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart with only small doses of Delhomme. Keep this in mind, and comfortably sit Delhomme in Week 1 because quite frankly he hasn’t produce at a high enough level to be fantasy relevant in some time.

Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings) @ Cleveland

Sure, it seems like a great match-up for all the Brett Favre lovers out there. Typically you could assume Favre would have a field day against a sub-par defense like the Cleveland Browns, but with Cleveland struggling against the run it will be Adrian Peterson doing most of the damage. Being this is his first game as a Viking and we saw him in limited action this preseason we don’t really know how much Favre will be relied on, which makes us uneasy to give him the green light in Week 1. 

Matt Cassel/Tyler Thigpen/Brodie Croyle (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Baltimore

Even if Cassel was healthy (and with a better team), he would still not be a good start against a stout Baltimore Ravens defense. Hopefully you didn’t pick Cassel as your QB1, but if you did, this may be a good week to let him stay where he can’t get more seriously injured, the bench. The Ravens will be blitzing early and often and trying to prove a point this season that their defense can once again lead them to a Super Bowl. The Chiefs’ are likely to fall behind early on and be forced to pass the entire second half but that’s still not enough to warrant Cassel a fantasy starter in Week 1.

RUNNING BACKS—SIT ‘EM

Steve Slaton (Houston Texans) vs. New York Jets

The last time Slaton faced a Rex Ryan-led defense, he mustered seven yards on four carries. That time Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens but this time around he will face Slaton in his debut game with the New York Jets.  While Slaton should see a few more touches this go around, there is no guarantee that he posts the impressive numbers most fantasy football owners are hoping for out of their first or second round pick.

It’s obviously tough to sit such a high-investment, so realize you should only sit him if you have some fantastic options ready for plucking on your bench. And by fantastic we mean running backs who have similar skills but a better match-up then Slaton.

Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) @ New York Giants

Even with former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo out of the picture, the Giants are still a force with a fantastic defensive line. In 2008, Portis was held to 106 yards on 34 carries and no touchdowns in his two games against the New York Giants and nothing has changed to help his chances of producing in Week 1. Similar to Steve Slaton, only if you have a more viable option should you bench Portis, but don’t be surprised if he can only muster 5-7 fantasy points. Fantasy owners should be home for a short yardage touchdown to save what otherwise will be a pedestrian day from the veteran.

Tim Hightower/Chris “Beanie” Wells vs. San Francisco

While on the surface this looks like a good match-up against a favorable opponent, Tim Hightower was put in check by the Singletary-led 49ers (13 rushes, 22 yards) in their 2008 match-up. The 49ers have stressed the importance of defense, and this will certainly be a week where it will be necessary. The most important thing is while Hightower has been named the starter, there is a good possibility at a 60-40 split with Chris “Beanie” Wells. As with many platoons, use Week 1 to gauge how this duo should be used moving forward, and sit both these RBs on your bench.

WIDE RECEIVERS—SIT ‘EM

Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Baltimore

In Week 1, Bowe is forced to be unsure about who his starting QB will be in what was already a difficult match-up against a fired up Baltimore Ravens defense.  Granted Bowe is the only offensive weapon in Kansas City, but doesn’t that mean the Ravens will do their best to shut him down and make the Chiefs other wide outs beat them?

Bowe could see some solid yardage and receptions, but don’t expect him to find pay dirt in Week 1. If you are in a start three WR league you are going to want to play Bowe, but in a league that starts just two WRs you might want to consider other options.

Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Denver

There is no doubt about it that this game projects to be a shootout. Both teams ranked towards the bottom in overall defense in 2008 and have done little to improve on that statistic from a year ago. After reading that last sentence you are probably asking yourself why is Chad Ochocinco on the Week 1 Sit Em list.

The answer…Champ Bailey.

The last time Ochocinco faced Bailey he went by Chad Johnson and he put up a measly 32 receiving yards on three receptions (in 2006). If you drafted him to be your WR2, you are obviously not going to sit him, but temper your high expectations of him for this week. 

Lee Evans (Buffalo Bills) @ New England

Even though we’ve listed Terrell Owens as a Week 1 Start Em for this week, we feel that Evans is in for a tough assignment. The Patriots defense is aging but still one of the best in the league, and Evans’ deep threat ability will probably be shut down. Much like Santana Moss, Evans can put up some games that have you wonder why you drafted him as a low WR2 (five games with four points or less in 2008). On top of his inconsistencies, Evans have never scored a touchdown in 10 career match-ups against the Patriots.

TIGHT ENDS—SIT ‘EM

Visanthe Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings) @ Cleveland

We believe Shiancoe can take the next step in his development as he gains rapport with quarterback Brett Favre, but Week 1 may not be the time for that. With All-Day Adrian Peterson running the ball against a weak Cleveland Browns defense, their need to throw to Shiancoe could be minimal.  With the Browns offense struggling to find an identity this game could be put away early, so the lack of opportunity makes Shiancoe a recommended sit even with a great match-up this week.

KICKERS—SIT ‘EM

David Akers (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Carolina

People thought David Akers kicking career was just about finished before last season, and then he came back with a stellar 2008 where he put up the second most fantasy football points by a kicker. Whether or not, in Week 1 he faces a Carolina Panthers defense that looks to make a statement this week and there are definitely better options out there. Check out our Week 1 Kicker Rankings and find someone that has a more favorable match-up.

DEFENSES—SIT ‘EM

New York Jets D/ST @ Houston

While we don’t particularly like Steve Slaton’s match-up vs. the New York Jets, they could struggle stopping the high-powered Houston Texans passing attack. Quarterback Matt Schaub figures to throw early and often against one of the worst pass defenses from 2008, and even without wide receiver Kevin Walter (check on Sunday morning for updates), wide out Andre Johnson and tight end Owen Daniels should be able to more than bail Schaub out. The Jets won’t be stumping the “Schaub” this weekend.

 

READ THE WEEK 1 START EM ARTICLE HERE…

FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 1 START EM

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NFL Week 1: Fantasy Football Game of the Week

With Week One of the NFL season upon us, it is once again time for the Bruno Boys to pick a Game of the Week, with a fantasy football twist. Each week we will choose one NFL game that we feel will have a lot of impact on the fantasy football world.

This week we will head to Lambeau Field, where the Green Bay Packers will host the Chicago Bears in a NFC North division battle. With the addition of Jay Cutler at quarterback in Chicago, this game will feature two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.

It also features some very good running backs and a couple of very nice receiving options. Boy, gone are the days when the NFC North (or NFC Central) was referred to as the “black and blue” division and featured fearsome defenses like the “Monsters of the Midway” and the “Purple People Eaters.” It is now becoming a hotbed for some of the better offensive stars in the game.

It all begins with the quarterbacks this week. In his first season as the Packers’ starting quarterback in 2008, Aaron Rodgers passed for 4,038 yards with 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He quickly became the leader of the Packers offense, and we look for him to continue to improve this season. Rodgers is a must-start QB1 in all formats this week and we have him as the No. 5-ranked quarterback this week.

Jay Cutler enters his first season in Chicago coming off a Pro-Bowl season in Denver last year when he had 4,526 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Cutler is also a must-start QB1 option this week as he is our No. 9-ranked quarterback.

Both the Bears and Packers also have prolific running backs on their teams. The Bears will feature second-year man Matt Forte, who had 1,715 total yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns as a rookie in 2008. He is a RB1 option this week and he is our No. 10-ranked running back.

The Packers will feature Ryan Grant, who—after missing most of training camp in 2008—spent a good portion of the year dealing with nagging injuries. He still managed 1,203 yards rushing with five total touchdowns. Healthy, and with a full training camp under his belt, we expect Grant to improve on last season’s totals. Consider him a solid RB2 this week as we have him as the No. 15-ranked running back.

This game will also feature some very good receiving options. Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target will be Greg Jennings, who had 80 catches last season for 1,292 yards with nine touchdowns. He has improved on his reception and yardage totals in each of his first three seasons. Jennings is a must-start WR1 this week, and our No. 7-ranked wide receiver.

The Bears return both of their leading pass catchers from 2008, but neither were wide receivers. Jay Cutler’s top option in the passing game will likely be tight end Greg Olsen, who had 54 catches for 574 yards with five touchdowns in 2008. Olsen is heading into his third NFL season and could be in for his biggest statistical season yet. He is our No. 4-ranked tight end this week and will likely be a must-start on a weekly basis. The leading pass-catcher in terms of receptions last season was Matt Forte, who had 63.

The Bears and Packers both feature solid kickers in Robbie Gould and Mason Crosby respectively. Either kicker would be a worthy fantasy starter this week and they both ranked in the top-ten in our preseason rankings.

Both teams have respectable D/ST units, but in a game that should have a lot of points being scored, you may want to keep them on your bench if possible.

READ MORE CONTENT AT WWW.BRUNOBOYS.NET

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As One Era Ends, A Brighter One Begins

We’ve seen Matt Millen canned, thank god. A new coaching staff is at the helm; a better (MUCH better) coaching staff.

There’s been some dramatic changes this offseason for Lions fans besides those listed above. We’ve left the old era of the Lions in the dust in nearly every way possible, besides relocating to Mexico.

New coaches, GM, uniforms, logo, and nearly an entirely new roster.

Hopefully the team’s playing will change as well. I’ll breakdown each area, and show just how much this team has changed, and improved over this past offseason. 

Some may think that the fact that the Detroit Lions have started a new era has been beaten to death, but here we go. 

 

Coaching/ Administrative Staff

General Manager: Matt Millen—Martin Meyhew

Head Coach: Rod Marinelli—Jim Schwartz

Offensive Coordinator: Jim Colletto—Scott Linehan

Defensive Coordinator: Joe Barry—Gunther Cunningham

In addition to the three main coaches, there were also several changes made throughout the individual position coaching staff. Our coaching staff is new, better, and looks very promising.

Not just from a Lions fan point of view…plenty of people notice the major changes going on in Detroit, starting with the staff.

Word is we also got a new ball boy; now that’s thorough.

 

Uniforms & Logo

A lot of people think it’s a rather minor change, and in truth, it is. But it’s been modernized. The “powder blue” on the old uniforms have been replaced by a darker “Hawaiian blue.” The text of “Detroit Lions” has been improved from a classic look, to a fiercer, cooler look.

Not to mention the logo, which received added detail as can be seen here, along with the uniforms and such merchandise.

This is really, really cool if you’re a Lions fan, and simply more proof of leaving the old Lions in the dust. More proof that a new, better era has begun.

 

Roster Changes

Perhaps the most noticeable, and most influential change, is the team itself. 31 of the 53 man roster were not part of the “perfect” season achieved by Detroit last year. 

This includes Stafford and other promising rookies, including Aaron Brown and Louis Delmas. Kalvin Pearson is the only one of the 10-man secondary that was part of the 2008 season with Detroit.

Only 13 players were drafted by Millen, 10 in the last two years. 

Stafford won a great battle at Quarterback against Culpepper, and hopefully will prove to be a good decision against New Orleans come Sunday. 

Schwartz hasn’t mentioned anything about last year to the team, nor has Meyhew. He’s focused on moving forward, making progress, and is determined to take the Lions to the playoffs in years to come.

“No offense to them,” Schwartz said. “Everyone here worked very hard. But part of what our whole gameplan was…to make sure we changed enough. We didn’t just rest on what happened last year. We went forward and said ‘Who can help us best in the future?'”

The work ethic, discipline, and aggressiveness of the team is overwhelming. It’s incredible the changes that they’ve gone through. I’m not saying they’re going to get a playoff berth this year, but in the next 2-3 years, I see them being a contender.

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Richard Seymour Speaks, Makes Fools Of Many in the Media

Richard Seymour, an Oakland Raiders Fan since his childhood, finally broke his silence about the blockbuster trade that sent him to the Oakland Raiders for a 2011 first-round draft pick.

Richard stated that the New England Pats blindsided him with the deal. When his old coach called him, Belicheck spoke only five words: “You have been traded to Oakland.”

What a way to treat a player that has meant so much to your organization through so many years. It was not New England trading Seymour, but the way they did it that was low down and let the world see just how “classy” this organization really is.

Richard Seymour made many in the media, who show their bias and what seems to be outright hatred of the Oakland Raiders and Al Davis, to be nothing more than a bunch of clowns who just made news up as they went. Some in the media even went as far as to call coach Cable an outright liar.

My earlier article on Bleacher Report was dead on about what was really going down with Richard Seymour during this trade.

Al Davis and the Raiders knew all along what would be coming out once Richard Seymour finished the business of taking care of his family and had a little time to shake off the sucker punch he had just received from his coach.

The Raiders just sat back and never said a word, all the while letting many in the media make fools of themselves day after day. Where do they find some of these people, do they advertise for them on the street corner?

Richard Seymour stated he never made any demands to the Raiders about not franchise-tagging him at the end of the year, or that he wanted a new contract before he would show up in Oakland.

They have been talking about a long-term contract, but by choice—not by threat.

The last big trade that Al Davis made with New England with a player coming our way involved Davis gaving up two No. 1 draft picks. That player now is in the Hall of Fame. His name is Mike Haynes, the best corner to ever play in the NFL.

Great move, Davis, and welcome to the Black Hole, Richard Seymour—it is always great to meet another Oakland Raiders Fan.

New England lost on this one as their D already had questions in the secondary and at the linebacker position. DEs/DTs like Richard Seymour do not grow on trees. How many Richard Seymours have been drafted in the first round during the past decade? Not many.

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2009 NFL Week One Preview

The 2009 NFL season got off to a great start on Thursday night, as the Pittsburgh Steelers got an overtime win against the Tennessee Titans in Pittsburgh. 

Let’s take a look at week one’s top NFL games.

Cowboys vs. Buccaneers

Will the Cowboys put the TMZness of their “America’s Team” past in the trash and start playing football again? 

No one except Romo and crew knows for sure, but one thing is for certain: the Cowboys are rock solid during the first half of the season. Romo is a capable QB that has all the tools to win, but who does he throw the ball to? Jessica TO has moved on to colder pastures leaving, a huge wide receiver hole in Dallas. 

Roy Williams, Sam Hurd, and Pat Clayton are called upon to make receptions, but one will need to step up and be Romo’s go-to-guy after Jason Witten. 

Luckily “the ‘Boys” still have a punishing runner in Marion Barber and a top defense that needs to show up during the second half of the season. 

On the other side of the field you have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are missing some key personnel including long term coach Jon Gruden, along with long term defensive player Derrick Brooks. 

The reason Gruden is gone is because the Bucs, unable to win, saw a terrible melt down last year.  

The Bucs offense will be lead by QB Byron Leftwich after the front office also parted ways with QB Jeff Garcia. Leftwich still possesses a strong arm and has help with a good offensive line and an excellent run game. 

Overall, this year’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in transition, with a young coach in Morris and younger players on both sides of the field. 

Pick

Dallas -6

 

Eagles vs. Panthers

Doubts in the minds of Philadelphians are growing each and every day going into Sunday’s game vs. Carolina. Working out offensive lineman Jon Runyan after passing on him means the offensive line has big questions. 

To make matters worse, Brian Westbrook may not be ready to carry the team on his back and the defense has major questions that need to be answered. 

Can D-Mac get his game on without all the offseason toys on the field? If the receivers can get open and D-Mac can stay off the ground, they have a shot. 

The Carolina Panthers are somewhat of an enigma going into this game, due to preseason injuries and an 0-4 preseason record. The Panthers and Eagles are both horrible teams on opening day, which puts this game on some even ground.  

Carolina still has a talented run game, utilizing both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to get the tough yards. The receivers are led by the talented Steve Smith and gun slinger Jake Delhomme. 

Delhomme needs to stop making mental errors and play a clean game Sunday to have a shot.   

Pick

Under 43 1/2

 

Chicago vs. Green Bay

No doubt, Chicago gets better with Jay Cutler at QB, but what about the rest of the team? 

As Chicago gets older, its winning ways seem to dwindle.  On offense, RB Matt Forte is an explosive weapon that will help Cutler in the pass game.  

The big question will be at WR. 

You can’t win games throwing to your TE and RB’s forever, can you?  Deven Hester is not what you would call a number one receiver and depth at his position is lacking in a major way.  

At least you have tons of talent on the defensive side of the ball, but they are getting old and less effective each year. 

If you missed the Green Bay Packers in the preseason, they looked great on both sides of the ball.  Pretty much the same team is in place that crushed the Bears last year 37-7 with QB Aaron Rodgers leading the Pack again. 

Green Bay does well in the beginning of the year, so you would expect more of the same in 2009.  No real super stars on this team, but Green Bay has all around talent and as long as they stay healthy, they will be a tough team to beat this year.  

Pick

Green Bay -3 1/2

NFL betting at lines2bet.

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NFL Week One Predictions With Campbell Looking to Stir Jints

WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

The Redskins head into 2009 with a second-year coach hoping his system is now fully understood by his young quarterback. Jason Campbell started off 2008 in stellar fashion until his offensive line and running backs began to crumble around him from injuries.

The defense was good last year, and returns virtually the same with a few upgrades. Albert Haynesworth is a high priced defensive tackle Washington signed to help them improve the run defense.

Brian Orakpo is the Redskins first round draft choice this year. He played defensive end in college, but Washington is having him help out their dreadfully thin outside linebacker unit. He will be exposed if he has to cover anyone, but Washington is hoping they can use him as an edge rusher.

The Giants are all about their trenches. The offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, and the defensive line may be the best in the NFC East. This is what makes the team go. Though quarterback Eli Manning gets the press from a media driven to love the quarterback, he is about the sixth most important member of the offense.

The one problem for the Giants this game might be their injured cornerbacks. New York will be forced to start a third stringer, and have a rookie play nickel back. This could bode well for the Redskins, a team trying to find out what wide receivers they can rely on. If New York goes to a zone to protect the corners, All-Pro tight end Chris Cooley could have a field day.

WASHINGTON 31  NY GIANTS 28

 

Now for the rest of the NFL :

MIAMI DOLPHINS @ ATLANTA FALCONS

Miami and Atlanta meeting in the first week of 2009 actually is a moment to pause and reflect on 2008. Both teams came out of nowhere, and exceeded the expectations of everyone. Including themselves probably.

This year, they both expect to exceed last years results. While Miami stuck to their guns by drafting to build a team, Atlanta brought in veteran tight end Tony Gonzales to upgrade the team.

Miami and Atlanta both rely on the run to set up the pass, though Falcons QB Matt Ryan has a stronger arm over veteran Dolphin QB Chad Pennington. This helps make the Falcons more explosive, while Miami relies on a methodical attack.

Miami has the edge on defense and special teams in this meeting. If Miami can control Falcons All-Pro running back Mike Turner, they will help themselves to a better chance for victory. Miami has upgraded their defensive secondary, so Atlanta might have more difficulty without the effectiveness of the run.

This game will come down to the trenches, and Miami’s offensive line may be better than the Atlanta defensive line. It should be a low scoring affair, where the winner won’t take it by much. Either way, this game will be a good gauge on which of these teams will be at least as good as last year.

MIAMI 23   ATLANTA 17

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS

Kansas City is not going to have a easy schedule until their bye. Four of their first seven games are against teams that made the playoffs last year. Being winless into the bye is a real possibility.

Their quarterback, Matt Cassell, is not at full health. Their offensive line is in flux, and they appear years away from being a consistent threat.

Baltimore, on the other hand, expects to go further. They were one win away from a Super Bowl appearance last year, and are looking much improved coming into this year.

Basically, expect the Ravens to beat up the Chiefs for 60 minutes.

BALTIMORE 24  KANSAS CITY 3

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ CAROLINA PANTHERS

My pick for Game Of The Week.

Both teams expect to be in the playoffs this year, and both teams offenses strengths are the others weaknesses. This will be a fun game to watch.

Philadelphia offense is basically Donovan McNabb. Their running game scares no one, and their offensive line is already banged up. Though the Panthers run defense is not a top rated unit, there are questions about their ability to defend the pass over the middle with their safeties.

Expect to see the Eagles to use multiple receiver sets and throw the ball over 40 times. If Julius Peppers and his gang can get to McNabb fast and often, it could spell a blowout for the Panthers.

Carolina relies on the rushing attack. Their passing game is basically Steve Smith, but the Eagles have an excellent cornerback on Asante Samuel to shadow him all game. Expect to see the Panthers run the ball mostly, as they try to exploit the Eagles suspect run defense.

It will be a case of explosive versus deliberate. Will the Eagles outscore Carolina or will the Panthers beat down Philadelphia? Stay tuned to this game for the answer.

PHILADELPHIA 34  PANTHERS 24

DENVER BRONCOS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS

This game features an improved Bengals hosting a rebuilding Broncos. Though some may not think much of this encounter, it could be fun.

Cincinnati has a running attack no one knows what to expect from it. Denver has a rush defense many expect to be as poor as last year. The Bengals want to throw the ball better than last year, while the Broncos pass defense is very good.

Denver heads into 2009 with a star receiver, Brandon Marshall, who wants to play elsewhere. They also have a new quarterback in Kyle Orton who is more ball control oriented than last years starter Jay Cutler. Orton is hoping rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is at full health after a preseason injury, because many think Moreno will be a star in the league.

The Bengals have a good defense. They will have a chance on showing it versus a team with a new coach, system, and players. This should be a fun game to watch, and it could come down to special teams.

CINCINNATI 35  DENVER 24

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

Already I am sickened by the headlines that are attached to this game. It will be a sickening quarterback love-fest, mainly directed at Brett Favre.

The Vikings win in the trenches, while the Browns are praying theirs are majorly upgraded from last seasons poor showing. Expect a heavy dose of the Vikings rushing attack, led by Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Though the Vikings will try to exploit a decent Browns secondary, rookie Percy Harvin might get a few screens to test the OLB’s.

Brady Quinn heads in as the starter for the Cleveland 2009 season. It is doubtful he will be able to rely on their running game against Minnesota’s tough defense, so he will have to pass often. The hope is that Quinn can stay strong, and not get happy feet, against the Vikings pass rush. The offense will be on his shoulders most likely in this game.

In the end, the Vikings expect to wear down the Browns. That could change if All-Pro return specialist Joshua Cribbs runs wild.

MINNESOTA 30  CLEVELAND 13

NEW YORK JETS @ HOUSTON TEXANS

The Texans are many peoples pick as a dark horse team this year. They have an explosive passing attack, and an up and coming defense. The only question to the Texans is their running attack. Steve Slaton was excellent in his rookie season last year, but some question whether or not he is the guy who can carry the load.

The Jets come in expecting to blitz, blitz, blitz on defense. They feel they can afford to gamble because they have an excellent secondary. The offense should be run oriented, because they will be relying on rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez to throw the ball.

This game will come down to the passing game. Houston’s success versus the Jets secondary measured against the Texans defensive line attacking the Jets offensive scheme.

HOUSTON 24  NY JETS 10

JACKSONVILLE @ INDIANAPOLIS

It wasn’t long ago this would have been called the game of the week. After the Jaguars poor 2008 season, some are expecting the Colts to roll.

The Colts still is about Peyton Manning and his ability to control a game. They are hoping the running attack is improved with the addition of rookie Don Brown, but they go as far as Manning goes.

The Jaguars are rebuilding, but they still have many players to make for a successful 2009 campaign. Dave Garrard is the quarterback, and is reportedly in the best shape of his career. Maurice Jones-Drew is now going to be the main running back, and he is recovering from a minor injury.

Jacksonville will need to pass the ball to win this one, while the Colts appear to have the more balanced attack in this matchup. It could remind many of their past battles, which were wire jobbers.

INDIANAPOLIS 28  JACKSONVILLE 24

DETROIT LIONS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

This clash features a team expecting playoffs against a team just wanting a win. Detroit drafted well this year, but they may be too young of a team to do much against a Saints team on a mission.

Though the Lions will win a few games this year, the opening game of their season isn’t going to be one of them.

NEW ORLEANS 38  DETROIT 21

DALLAS COWBOYS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Tampa Bay is hoping a few veteran players brought in this year can carry the team to a division title while they wait on the youngsters to develop. Josh Freeman might be the future quarterback of the team, but Bryan Leftwich will start this year. Derrick Ward is a running back who many think will add a much needed wrinkle to the teams attack.

Dallas is a team that has not lived up to the media hype the last several years. They have many good players, but have fallen short thus far. Now that the team is coming into this year expecting less drama in their locker room, the theory is that they will get over the hump finally.

Though the Cowboys are not a lot better than the Buccaneers, their defense might make the difference in this game. Many expect it to be much improved, especially versus the run. Tampa Bay’s only chance of winning this one is having their young and excellent offensive line control the clock running the ball.

DALLAS 24  TAMPA BAY 17

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona is going to throw the ball. They have seven wide receivers on their roster, so they may as well gun it often. The Cardinals are also hoping rookie Beanie Wells teams with Tim Hightower  to give them much needed balance, especially in short yardage situations.

The 49ers, on the other hand, love to run the football. They are hoping for a better passing attack, even with first round draft choice Michael Crabtree not in uniform. One way to improve the offense is to line up tight end Vernon Davis off the line in the slot, much like Antonio Gates is in San Diego. Davis is bigger, stronger, and faster than Gates, so this is hopefully the year the Niners use Davis to the best of his abilities.

Both teams have good defenses, so it will come down to who executes best on offense.

ARIZONA 31  SAN FRANCISCO 17

SAINT LOUIS RAMS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

This is a inter-divisional battle of two teams in the rebuilding mode, though the Seahawks won’t be as busy as the Rams are for another year or two. Saint Louis was recently dealt a serious blow when defensive tackle Adam Carriker was lost for the season due to injury.

Seattle’s offensive strength is passing the ball, while the Rams best attack is giving the ball to running back Steven Jackson often.

This won’t be a barn burner, but these teams still have a chance to win one of the weakest divisions in football.

SEATTLE 21  SAINT LOUIS 17

CHICAGO BEARS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

The Packers are building a team that could be special in the future, though they hope that future is now. Aaron Rodgers proved the team made the right decision by installing him at quarterback last year, and appears to be on the verge of a breakout season after a sharp preseason showing. Ryan Grant is the teams best running back, but the team is at its best when they go to the air with their fine assortment of diverse receivers.

The defense was also excellent in preseason at creating turnovers, but it remains to be seen if they truly have made the transition to the newly installed 3-4 defense. It is a good possibility, because the defense is full of veterans.

The Bears are a team that traditionally has won running the ball and playing great defense. Matt Forte in the running back who carries on that tradition, though the veteran Bears defense was showing a few cracks of aging late last season.

Chicago seemingly hasn’t had a good quarterback since Hall Of Famer Sid Luckman retired in 1950. They traded their future to the Denver Broncos away in hopes that Jay Cutler could provide them brighter roads ahead. Cutler has an excellent arm, but it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to tossing the pigskin in the Windy City instead on the mile high air of Colorado.

This won’t be the classic Black and Blue warfare of years past, but it has a chance to spin it’s own yarn. The ball with be in the air this game, while two experienced defenses battle to keep the end zone clean.

GREEN BAY 28  CHICAGO 24

BUFFALO BILLS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

This is the first game of a double header on Monday night. It also will be hyped to mark the return of quarterback Tom Brady to the gridiron.

New England is a deep veteran team many pundits expect to make a serious run for a championship. The one major weakness that easily could be exposed is that Brady’s lone backup is rookie Bobby Hoyer. An injury to Brady could very well end all hopes for the team.

Buffalo is hoping their newly installed no huddle offense wreaks havoc on the league. The questions on their offensive line might be an issue exposed by the Patriots. Though Buffalo has a decent defense, they may end up tired by mid-season if the no huddle is a failure.

NEW ENGLAND 45  BUFFALO 21

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS

“Just Win Baby!” That is the motto of Raiders owner Al Davis. It is also a motto the Chargers  should be chanting this year. Davis may not mind, considering he once worked for the Chargers in their AFL days.

Oakland has the makings of a young and exciting offense, led by a deep unit of excellent running backs. They have a chance to be unpredictable and explosive. Their big problem is that their defense cannot seem to stop the opponents from rushing the ball down their throats. Richard Seymour is a defensive end who was just acquired from the New England Patriots for a first round draft pick, so Oakland hopes the veteran can show his teammates how to win.

The Chargers are a team that appears to be without weakness. They are stacked with talent at virtually every position. They can beat you on offense, defense, or special teams. They also realize their window if opportunity is closing, and this could be their last real shot at a championship for awhile after a few key players become free agents at seasons end.

Neither team, nor their fans, like each other much. It will be a battle, but the Chargers may have too much talent for the Raiders to stop.

SAN DIEGO 37  OAKLAND 20

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AFC West Preview 2009

The AFC West used to be the toughest division in all of professional sports. For 50 years, the San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs have played each other twice a season, every season. The original cities may have changed, but not the rivalry. There is no other division with a history quite like this one—which in truth is the AFL West, cleverly disguised.

Rarely, if ever, has one team had a clear advantage over its peers for an extended period. Every game in the AFC West is part of an ongoing battle for supremacy. With countless teams folding and moving in all sports over the natural course of time, a 50-year divisional lock down is rare. For a few seasons Seattle was included, but it never felt right—although it did not take long for the Seahawk faithful to develop an intense dislike for the Raiders and their fans…

 In order to help readers understand my individual point of view, I have to admit up front, I am a lifelong ChargerS fan, and these views might be somewhat…umm…  biased 😉

It is not personal, it is genetic. No one wants to take that final dirt nap without seizing one damn day when your team wins it all. I have seen many other teams hold up the Lombardi trophy, some multiple times, while waiting for the Chargers to squeeze a trip through the playoffs successfully. Rest before finishing the job is not an option, but I am not getting any younger.

In my best Tarzan, “Chargers good, rest of NFL bad.”

To best explain how I got to this point, I can tell you guys what we all already know. As a fan, losing in the playoffs and the Super Bowl really sucks, no matter who you are rooting for. All that damn work, time, and effort spent getting to January, only to have fate decide today is just not your day, my friend. It rips your soul in half, and all you can do is walk it off.

Chargers fans have been walking it off for decades.

Winning it all has become an eternal quest around here, especially in the fading twilight of The Murph’s last few seasons. San Diego Jack Murphy Qualcomm Stadium may be an old broken-down shell of itself, but I can tell you it is still a great place to watch a football game. It’s never boring, that’s for sure. Well, almost never.

It’s fate hanging by a thread, all I can say is the Murph will always be my home stadium. When it is finally demolished, for me, it will be like watching the Enterprise blow up in Wrath of Kahn (I date myself., but it’s a good metaphor). It deserves better. The Murph has seen so many great contests, so many records set there. Turing that space into yet another empty set of office buildings seems like such a waste.

When and if the Charger finally have to move, California can more than likely kiss my DMV fees goodbye. It’s become pretty obvious that a new stadium for the Chargers built anywhere within fifty miles of Qualcomm is a long way off. The positive side of this is the Bolts really don’t have a clear-cut option that suits their wishes.

Yet. But deals get done, and teams do move.

Chargers fans face losing their team, and their trusted venue all in one masterstroke. 2009 is a huge year for the future of this team.

As I said, I am a little biased. But I will try to be objective…

 

First place – San Diego Chargers (12-4) Division Champions

The Chargers are the most talented team in the NFL, and if they don’t win the Super Bowl this season, have no one to blame but themselves. No excuses, no holy rollers, no bull$%#@.

Win. Now.

Philip Rivers is the unquestioned leader in San Diego, and as PR goes, so do the Chargers in 2009. Rivers is Dan Fouts reborn, with greater physical skills than Fouts ever had—and Dan retired as the all-time passing yardage leader. Rivers has tools at his disposal that even Air Coryell would have a tough time matching, man for man. Phillip is a stand-up citizen as well, married and with kids that he adores.

Ladanian Tomlinson enters the 2009 season healthy and with a lot to prove to people who questioned his heart during the last two seasons. No one cares more about winning than LT, and sitting out during the playoffs is not in the cards for ’09.

The goal for the Chargers is to keep LT healthy for the entire season, and they have several running backs lined up to help carry the load. Darren Sproles is the best secret weapon in the NFL, while Michael Bennett provides a solid change of pace as a feature back.

Antonio Gates is healthy as well, and looks to lead the NFL in receptions this season, Gates played on a bad toe in ’08, severely hampering his game. He may very well be the best tight end in the NFL. His sure hands give Rivers a solid option on any down.

At WR, Chris Chambers leads a talented group. Vincent Jackson is lined up for a breakout season and Buster Davis enters his third season with a chance to finally contribute. Malcolm Floyd and Legeduu Nanee all could start for most other teams,  giving the Bolts much-needed depth.

On defense, San Diego has tried to address its weaknesses from 2008, adding Larry English and Kevin Burnette at LB, and acquiring DE Travis Johnson from the Texans during the preseason. Shawne Merriman should be able to step back in and help solidify the schemes of coordinator Ron Rivera.

Luis Castillo and Jamal Williams lead the front of Rivera’s 3-4 defense. Both need to create havoc in the backfield for opposing quarterbacks while stuffing the run game. The addition of Travis Willliams should add depth at a thin position. The defensive line needs to be a strength if the Chargers are to truly contend.

Antonio Cromartie and Quenton Jammer will benefit from an enhanced pass rush, with both players needing to increase their interception ratio from 2008. Cromartie played on a broken hip last year and can’t afford to have another down season. Jammer is the Bolts’ best DB—when he came out of the playoff game against the Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger feasted on his replacement.

Mike Scifres is the best punter in the NFL, using the space between the five-yard line and the goal line as his personal playground. Scifres gives the Chargers an extra few yards to protect, making the defense that much tougher to break. Nate Kaeding is nails inside 35, and gives the Bolts a chance to put points up on any drive into opposing scoring territory.

Chargers head honcho Norv Turner has somewhat silenced his critics and provides steady leadership. His December record is 9-1 since he got here, and that’s winning time.

I was not a fan of Norv when he arrived, but he has won me over with his steady approach to games and ability to deal with pressure. Turner’s main strength is an easygoing demeanor, which helps in playoff pressure. Marty Schottenheimer just could not unclench in a big game, while Norv just keeps rolling along.

Fate has had a way of not caring just how talented the Chargers have been over the long years since I got here, and I am conditioned to expect the bottom to fall out of each season. So I am not expecting a title, but I certainly won’t kick one out of bed.

 

Second place – Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)

Kansas City enters 2009 in a total rebuilding mode. Gone is Herm Edwards, who just could not find a QB. The Chiefs find themselves hoping that former Patriots QB Matt Cassel can navigate his way through this season intact. Good luck with that, as Cassel is already dinged up and we haven’t even played one meaningful game in 2009. 

Chiefs head coach Todd Haley knows how difficult his new job is, saying “Change is painful. There is no doubt about it, as I said on my first day in this building, I told the fans that we’re going to have to earn the fans back. I have no illusions of anything else. We’re going to have to earn it by what we do on the field and that’s the NFL. It’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league and we need to do start doing something.”

Haley seems to understand how deep of a hole the Chiefs have dug for themselves during the last several seasons, but its going to take more than pretty speeches to turn things around in 2009.

Kansas City is not devoid of talent, judging by the addition of QB Matt Cassel, and returning players such as WR Dwayne Bowe—not to mention signing free agents such as former Patriots LB Mike Vrable. But the Chiefs are basically starting from scratch in terms of a cohesive team concept, and in the NFL that takes time to develop. 

Running back Larry Johnson looks to regain his all-pro form while helping Kansas City turn things around in 2009. Johnson is a truck, one of the best backs in the NFL.

The Chiefs face a tough early-season schedule with games against the Ravens, Eagles, and Giants in the first four weeks. Only a matchup against the Raiders offers any hope of a win, and KC had better take advantage of it.

 

Third Place – Denver Broncos  (3-13)

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Denver has been one of the top franchises in football during the last 25 years, but this season may be the toughest one they have faced since the 1960s.

Once again, losing to the Chargers caused major turmoil, with Mike Shannahan getting fired and QB Jay Cutler basically abandoning the Broncos soon after. Finger pointing has abounded in Denver, whose spoiled fan base expects John Elway-type miracles every week, year in and year out.

Denver fans rejoiced in getting that cheap win on Ed Hochuli’s blown call last season against San Diego, but karma has evened the score. The Broncos pulled the all-time pratfall in blowing a three-game lead with three games to go for the AFC West title last season. That division title banner looks great in blue and gold, by the way.

Jay Cutler was quoted as saying Denver fans only rate at about a six, and I would have to agree with that assessment. Broncos fans are plentiful as long as the team is winning, but lose three games in a row and you can actually watch the bandwagon empty. During the Bears-Broncos exhibition game last week, Denver fans were far more interested in humiliating Jay Cutler than the current state of their team.

Look for Kyle Orton, Cutler’s successor, to be done by week four, broken into little pieces because of the Broncos now-porous offensive line. Add to that an untested running back and receiver corps, and you have the formula for disaster.

Second-year back Peyton Hillis is a FB who is going to share time with rookie HB Knowshon Moreno, but beyond that the Broncos have virtually no one else in the backfield who any of us could identify without a lineup card.

The Marshall saga continues as well, with the Broncos suspending WR Brandon Marshall. His displeasure with coach McDaniels is glaring to say the least. Marshall is a huge talent but with a tiny brain to go along with it. The sooner the Broncos get rid of this guy, the better off they will be. Marshall has returned to practice, and if motivated will help the Broncos. If.

Denver’s defense was shredded by the Chargers last season, exposing a weakness yet to be addressed. It is going to be a long, cold winter in the Rockies.

As I said, these are just my opinions, and I am sure some Broncos fan is going to have an issue with every word I wrote… Cowboys on acid always do.

I would have included some quotes from new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, but there are none on the Broncos website.

After letting Mike Shannahan go, Broncos fans should expect a rebuilding year, not a trip to the Super Bowl. Somehow, I feel that the Denverites are going to be sullen and pissed as they watch their beloved team shoot itself in the foot.

Trust me, it’s not how good you act when you win, its how well you can take losing and come back for more.

Last place – Oakland Raiders (0-16)

Where to begin? There was a time when the mere mention of the Raiders spread fear throughout the NFL. This is no longer the case. The Raiduhs have become football’s distant cousin of the Los Angeles Clippers, a clueless franchise who has absolutely no chance to win in the foreseeable future.

The halcyon days of Lyle Alzado and Jack Tatum are but a distant memory in the face of six straight 11-plus loss seasons.

Thanks to the NFL Network, I have gotten to see the Raiders local preseason broadcasts during the last two seasons, and one would never know the Raiders had ever even lost a game. Apparently, the Raiders have won the last seven Super Bowls, and all is well in Raiderland.

Turnovers and poor play are ignored in lieu of interviews with Raider greats of the past, tickets are shamelessly hawked every three minutes, and Al Davis is mentioned as often as possible. Also, the Raiders’ overall record is flashed up as a graphic at least once a quarter, to remind all of us of their inherent greatness. We get it. REally, we do.

After about two hours of this, I was laughing my ass off. Talk about a snow job…

Head coach Tom Cable has his title because no one else wants it. The Raiders’ coaching job consists of doing what Al Davis tells you to do, and no more. With the vast amount of Super Bowl-winning coaching talent currently available out there, the fact that Davis could not talk one of them into taking over speaks volumes.

Last year’s coach, Lane Kiffin, was fired after losing to the Chargers (imagine that!), and has continued his feud with Davis until this very day.

Cable has already set a new standard, breaking the jaw of one of his assistant coaches during the 2009 preseason camp and denying it ever since.

The Raiders have once again cemented their position as the world’s most confused team, this time by cutting QB Jeff Garcia—the only legitimate signal caller on the roster. Jamarcus Russell is destined to look back at his wasted career and wonder what if someone better had drafted him—in the CFL.

Garcia struggled stat-wise during the preseason, but his veteran presence was much more important to the development of Russell. The Chargers brought in Doug Flutie to mentor Drew Brees, and Brees took those lessons to heart. Drew then turned around and taught them to Phillip Rivers before his departure from San Diego. It appears that the Raiders have forgotten the most basic of facts about winning, and I thought Garcia was a good signing for them.

Second-year back Darren McFadden looks like a legitimate runner…if he can stay healthy, that is. Justin Fargas is an excellent second back, providing the Raiders with their best chance to put up points in 2009.

The choice of Darrius Heyward-Bey as a No. 1 pick at WR will haunt this franchise, especially with unsignable Michael Crabtree still on the board. This mistake will become painfully obvious to Oakland, starting on the day Bey goes over the middle and has his ribs detached from his spine. Figure about week three.

The Raiders’ D is probably the weakest link, and if the preseason is any indicator, get ready for a loooooong season. The addition of all-pro Richard Seymour from the Patriots this week should help somewhat, but it’s going to take more than one guy to turn Oakland around.

Seymour has refused to report, apparently unhappy with the sudden trade from one of the top teams in the NFL to Oakland. As the Raiders turn…

The Raiders dealt New England  a No. 1 pick, a la Bobby Beathard. Chargers fans can tell everyone how that strategy works out on a long-term basis: Poorly. Those who can’t remember history are condemned to repeat it.

 

On a personal, Chargers fan note:

Beating the Raiders is job one around here in SD. As a Bolt Head, I consider this a golden age, one I hope never ends. To give Raider fans even one shred of hope when playing the Chargers is to start the whole process of Raidermania all over again. We can’t have that! We must crush them, every time we play them—forever.

There are a few good Raiders fans out there, I consider an Oakland fan as one of my best friends. He is just a football fan, and I respect that. He also knows when to say we suck, an art lost on the majority of the more intense Raider fans.

Watching the clueless Raider faithful fume in disgust when things don’t go as planned is priceless. I have seen the most outrageous posts online so far during the preseason, from Raiders fans who are convinced they will win the Super Bowl—to hell with reality.

I may even start a Web site devoted to photos of these people freaking out after LT or anyone else scores another TD. It reminds me of someone who gets a fake lottery ticket when they find out it’s a trick.

Some times as a fan, you just have to accept that your team has “challenges.”

If you think this point of view is sour grapes, I can assure you that after watching Raider greats such as Darryl Lamonica, Kenny Stabler, Jim Plunkett, Marcus Allen, and Bo Jackson destroy the Chargers many times over—and dealing with the formerly annual parade of Raider fans marching around the Q singing “Raiders, Raiders” after they kicked our asses yet again—this is not sour grapes. This is payback.

Sweet, sweet payback.

The Raiders will not be allowed to win in our house EVER again. 

Every Chargers fan puts on his or her helmet and face paint one second after the game preceding the Raider game ends, singing, “Raider week!”

Game Faces ON. And this season, we Charger fans must do the same for every team we play- its Eagles WEEK. It’s Steelers WEEK. 20 WEEKS…

In Conclusion

As I stated above, I am a Charger fan, and my opinions carry no more weight than yours do. Feel free to disagree with me, question my intelligence and belittle my ancestors. It would not be football season unless you did 😉

Preseason prognostication is barely worth the paper it’s printed on, and not much else. The NFL is the toughest league to handicap in all of professional sports, and the exact opposite of what I have predicted may occur. The Raiders might win 14 games, the Broncos could run the table, the Chiefs could add a Lombardi trophy to the one they already have, and the Chargers might very well fall back to earth.

Ya never know…

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Memo to the Oakland Raiders and Raider Nation: Look in the Mirror

Did you say that you don’t like to look at yourself in the mirror?

Well, it’s a countdown to the Monday Night Football game, and a little introspection just might be good for all of us before the game begins.

So many fans have their charts, statistics, videos, and comments about what should be done on Monday night. Just in case there is a dimension of the human experience that is not acknowledged by all, but, nevertheless, exists for some, let’s delve in it for a minute.

Let me remind you that this article is designed to speak to Tom Cable and his staff, the team, Al Davis, the Raider Nation, and other interested parties.

Do you remember reading about the Six-Day War? Did you read the comments about the probability of victory for a certain people? Were the odds against them in that war? Did they win the war?

A lone voice called for fans of Israel to perform something to get connected. See the fun video by clicking this link.

According to one report, the opponents’ leader and his key men attended a party with a gyrating belly dancer, stayed out late, and were fatigued because of their “shenanigans” the night before the war.

On the other hand, a Rabbi made a powerful appeal to some of the people to perform a little ceremony or meditation, to get their mind and heart on one accord.

Hum. Do you see the difference?

So now, let us do introspection or become the man or woman who looks in the mirror. We look to see ourselves, clearly. We ask if our hearts and minds are tuned in and plugged in to the right source of power, to charge us up for victory.

As the video says, we charge our cellphone each night, we charge our laptops, and so on.

How do we charge our body, mind, and spirit for victory?

Oakland Raiders and Raider Nation, heed the words of the Rabbi who called for a different approach to build the confidence and power for a victory when others shout that the odds are against us.

You have got about three days to try something different and deeper. It’s up to you!

I have got to go now and get charged up, the way I prefer to do it.

1. I am putting on my receptors and plugging into my source of inspiration.

2. I am looking at my writings and my B/R archives to determine if I have done the job I have been assigned to do.

3. I am expecting a miracle, as the story tells us the Rabbi did not falter in his confidence that Israel would be victorious. He spoke his belief, and many believed him.

Again, it’s a countdown. Do you believe in miracles?

Here are my reasons (my articles) which express my belief in the Oakland Raiders:

1.     Oakland Raiders Twists, Turns, Tests: Help Is On The Way

Folks used to say, “There is more than one way to skin a cat.” Nowadays, the SPCA would condemn someone for saying that, especially if he is a professional athlete…

Written by Damali Binta Yael about 10 days ago 4,122 reads 61 comments

2.     The Raider Nation Looks at the Bright Side

A Raider Fan’s Best List for Participating in Sports In times of economic challenges, the best pastime to have is sports, especially NFL football. A love for sports can ease the stresses and duress of being in the American economy…

Written by Damali Binta Yael about 4 days ago 986 reads 14 comments

3.     Oakland Raiders Got to Clean Up What They Messed Up

The rhythm was syncopated. The words were simple: “I got to clean up, what I messed up…starting all over again.” I started rocking and rolling in my car, turned the radio up like one of those hip-hop kids who stops at a stop sign and blasts his radio..

Written by Damali Binta Yael about about 1 month ago 915 reads 43 comments

4.     Oakland Raiders: Of The Same Mind

Harmony is a beautiful concept. In music, it can take different forms. In professional football there are concepts and forms. In a jazz ensemble, every man improvises and plays his instrument with a unique expression, stream of musical notes and rhythm…

Written by Damali Binta Yael about 19 days ago 828 reads 11 comments

5.     Oakland Raiders: Keep Moving On…A Change Is Gonna Come

Damali Binta Yael’s Pep Talk You can read what you want and say what you want, but I love the story of the little Hebrew boy who killed the giant, Goliath. All the Hebrew boy had was a smooth stone, and an unseen power…

Written by Damali Binta Yael about about 1 month ago 696 reads 14 comments

Now examine what the fans and others are reading. They read:

1. Help is on the way.

2. Look at the bright side.

3. Clean up what you messed up.

4. Be on the same mind.

5. A change is gonna come.

So, you the fans read and you must have a level of belief or hope. You voted on the content and character of our cheerleading. You voted on

1. Help

2. A positive outlook

3. Clean up, by forgiving, supporting, sharing with others, etc.

4. Be single-minded.

5. Envision change, and move toward more wins for the Oakland Raiders.

I conclude by saying “It is your call!”

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Taking a Look At Oakland Before the Showdown with Rival San Diego

· Darren McFadden was named the starter for Monday’s game against the San Diego Chargers. Tom Cable called McFadden explosive and said that is an element that they want to create in this offense.

My thoughts: 

This is a good move. With Justin Fargas still semi-limping around from a hamstring injury, a healthy McFadden is something the Chargers have yet to see. Many players and coaches have been impressed by the new level of play that Darren has taken his game to this offseason.

He showcased his skills on opening night of preseason action racking up 63 yards on just four carries. If McFadden finds success against San Diego, it could really open things up through the air for JaMarcus Russell and his talented young receivers. 

Having Michael Bush come in and pounds some ‘roid raging linebackers heads with fresh legs is also a good thing for Oakland.

 

· Nick Miller will return kickoffs and be backed-up by Johnnie Lee Higgins. Cable didn’t say who would return punts, although I assume it will be Higgins.

My thoughts:

Johnnie Lee Higgins is an explosive player who brings similar speed to McFadden’s. Every touch of the football he gets, he has a chance to take it to the house.  I imagine kickoff duties were given to Nick Miller so that Johnnie can play more wide receiver and be heavily involved in the offensive rotation.

Johnnie is very dangerous, and the more he is on the field the better it is for not only JaMarcus Russell, but also for the running backs. Higgins will require extra attention, freeing up running lanes for the talented backfield.

A lot of people point out that Higgins led the wide outs in receptions last year, but they always leave out the fact that 13 of those catches were in the last three games.

 

· Richard Seymour will report to Oakland on Saturday for one practice and a walk through before the Monday night showdown with AFC West Rival San Diego

My thoughts:

I’m a happy camper. Seymour adds another first-round pick, a five-time pro bowl player, and a three-time Super Bowl champion to an Oakland defensive line that was desperate enough to trade a first round pick to get him.

Seymour said that he had personal things to handle that were more important than football, like moving his wife and four kids back to South Carolina. I suspected he was handling family business all along, I guess I was just expecting him to handle it more quickly.

If Seymour can come in and have an immediate impact without much practice time, then it is very clear that he should receive a contract extension ASAP from one Al Davis, before he gets scared away…again.

 

· JaMarcus Russell’s very good preseason performance is being overlooked by every reporter on every website. This is because the starters only scored 10 points while he was on the field.

My thoughts:

It frankly is not fair to JaMarcus. Coach cable has said several times that the team was focusing on getting pass protection right, and developing the receivers, and the passing attack to be an attribute to the running game that was non-existent during the preseason.

Russell was 26 of 39 (66.7%) for 283 yards and a touchdown while throwing no interceptions. His QB rating was 96.4, but nobody is paying attention to Russell’s stats. As far as the other AFC West QB’s are concerned, JaMarcus Russell’s rating is lower than only Phillip Rivers, basically because he threw three more incomplete passes than Rivers.

Listen, if Russell put up numbers like this in every game, we would go undefeated, with our running game. The run defense that everyone loves to talk smack about would never be on the field. JaMarcus had a tremendous preseason, when he wasn’t being blindsided from Cornell Green’s side of the line.

Raider Nation needs to give him more credit, because the media sure won’t do it.

 

· The Chargers are coming to town, and apparently, this week is “Raider Week.”

My thoughts:

Raider week is going to be a lot different for the Chargers this week than it has been in the past. This team is more talented, organized, and better coached than the teams they have seen recently from Oakland.

The Raiders talents are nearly even with the Chargers in a lot of positions this year. The advantage that the Chargers have is experience. The Raiders squad is a young group, and many people fail to acknowledge the talent on their roster, because it is, as of yet, unproven.

The advantage that the Raiders have is motivation. I know, and I’m sure a lot of you know too, that motivation can carry someone, or something, to another level sometimes. The “veteran” Raiders on this squad are sick and tired of this losing streak. It will not stick, I know based on that, that this game will not be a blowout.

 

· LaDainian Tomlinson said recently that the Raiders’ run defense has been harder to run on for the past three games he has played against them.

My thoughts:

This could be due to a number of factors. A) The Raiders run defense could actually be improving. B) Tomlinson could be losing his legs. C) It could be due to Tomlinson’s recent injury history. D) It could be a combination of two or three of these things, or even other factors.

I personally believe Tomlinson is gassed. I think his prime as an elite NFL running back is quickly drawing to an end, perhaps quicker than some people accept, or are willing to admit.

The fact is, before Phillip Rivers was developed into the player he is now, Tomlinson carried a heavy load of this teams yardage on those legs. Whether it was from handoffs, swing passes, or screens, L.T. got a majority of the balls.

Nowadays, the Chargers have more people who can share the load, but it may be too little too late for one of the games most explosive halfbacks.

 

That’s all for now Nation. I’ll have more to come later, be sure to check back, and leave comments. I really enjoy reading and responding to your posts, thanks.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Evolution of the Steelers: These Arent Your Parents Steelers Anymore

Being born in Pittsburgh, I was also born into Steeler Nation. Growing up, I watched Chuck Noll as he produced the finest dynasty ever in the NFL. He did so by stacking a defense with power hitters, smart players, and physical specimens that battered people because they enjoyed it.

Adding to the punishing defense, there was the pounding running game. Franco Harris and Rocky Blier would amaze fans with the ability to run around people, or through them if need be.

As time went on, and the NFL rules changed, Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, and John Stallworth also took time in the lime light, but make no mistake about it, the Pittsburgh Steelers were going to run the ball and pound you with defense.

It was the blueprint for the dynasty, and it was the way the Steelers were.

As life changes, so does the NFL. No longer can a team win simply by dominating on defense (okay, the 2000 Ravens were the exception to the rule), and no longer can a team run the ball over and over and expect to be successful.

Some teams don’t even need to have a running game to be successful. Look at the Greatest show on turf of the late 90’s, and the Arizona Cardinals from last year.

It has been a slow transition for the Steelers, but the days of Chuck Noll are fading from the rear view mirror and the days of Mike Tomlin are officially here.

One thing that Mike Tomlin and Chuck Noll have in common is the devastating defense. The 2008 Steelers are the first team to remind me of the original Steel Curtain. Ranking first overall, first against the pass, second against the run, first in points against, and leading almost every other category that is important. That remains the staple of the Steelers.

You can’t, however, leave a defense on the field for 60 minutes.

In their opening game against the Tennessee Titans, the Steelers rushing game was non-existent. The Steelers rushed for 36 yards on 23 carries, for an average of 1.6 yard per carry.

If this was a one game situation, you could chalk it up to a great defensive effort by the Titans (which, not to take away from the Titans, it was), but the Steelers finished the 2008 season ranked 23rd in the NFL.

The Steelers are no longer the power running team they used to be. In the days of Jerome Bettis, Barry Foster, Bam Morris, and Franco Harris, Pittsburgh rushed to set up the pass.

Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall are never going to be in the class of the above-mentioned men. They just don’t have what it takes to play “Steeler football.”

Thursday night against the Titans, it was Ben Roethlisberger that led the team to victory, and it was on the strength of his arm and the accuracy of his passes.

Over the course of the offseason, there were many debates about who the best quarterback in the NFL was. After Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, who deservedly were one and two on every list, there were many people that put Roethlisberger anywhere from 10-18.

It’s because the Steelers have always relied on the running game and always neglected the pass.

Let’s look at Ben’s stat line for the game against the Titans.

33 of 43, 363 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT (One was a Hail Mary at the end of the first half).

This is the kind of numbers Kurt Warner and Peyton Manning put up. If Ben Roethlisberger is able to perform like this, then the Steelers need to stop living in the past and move into the future.

Ben Roethlisberger, at 27 years old, has the ability to do what Tom Brady has done. Ben Roethlisberger, like on the final drive of Super Bowl XLIII, put the Steelers on his back, and won the game for them twice tonight (twice because the Hines Ward fumble would have been the first).

The offensive line that so many people were up in arms about did a fantastic job for most of the night protecting Ben on pass plays. You can’t fault the line when the running backs don’t pick up the blitz, or Ben scrambles 19 yards backwards.

I watched the NFL Network’s presentation of America’s Game, the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers, and in it, Mike Tomlin calls Ben Roethlisberger a gunslinger. Sometimes he gets shot. And that is true.

Roethlisberger takes more sacks than anyone in football. Watching the game tonight, I noticed that every time someone was near Kerry Collins, he launched the ball to the equipment manager, for either team. I even saw that Dennis Dixon caught one of his passes.

Ben Roethlisberger is not that way. He fights for everything he can get. Does he take sacks because of it? Absolutely. But how many times does he make plays that end up being big for the Steelers? More often than not.

Steeler Nation, it’s time to stop wishing for the past to again be the present. It’s time for the Steelers to evolve into the dynasty they could be. That will not happen with Willie Parker leading the charge, and it certainly will not happen with Rashard Mendenhall.

The man to lead the Steelers to the promised land again, is Big Ben Roethlisberger.

Does anyone wonder why the Steelers struggle so bad until they go to the no-huddle offense?

Because in the no-huddle, Roethlisberger is the man that calls the plays. The reason the no-huddle works is because Roethlisberger understands his team, and the players, and the defense.

The fact is, everyone reading this is in one of two camps: they will either insist that the Steelers run the ball until it is successful, or the ones that realize that what the Steelers have in Roethlisberger is something special, something that does not happen very often in the NFL.

We can either evolve or stay the same. Evolving means putting Ben in the position to get the stats he is capable of getting, or handcuff him and expect miracles every time.

We all need to remember this Steelers team could be special, and long as we don’t expect them to be our parent’s Steelers.

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