Head Injuries Catching Up with NFL: Something Needs To Change

If you were to ask a majority of football fans on why they enjoy watching football the majority of the answers would be to see the big hits, regardless if it’s at the college level or NFL level.

Yet, there’s something more troubling as a result of the big hits especially the hits that cause a player to have a concussion and even worse is what happens to players who have had multiple concussions.

The NFL has finally stepped in making rules that help out certain players who are in a defenseless position, yet even that has been frowned upon.

An even more scary thought is the fact that in 1994, when the NFL instituted the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee, the head of the committee wasn’t even a doctor who specialized in neurology.

So, when certain players looked for help after their retirement from football they weren’t able to get any disability because this committee could not find a link between concussions and dementia. The reason being is those on the committees didn’t even specialize in brain injuries, so how would they know what to look for?

Brent Boyd who played for the Minnesota Vikings for six years in the 1980’s states “Every reputable expert says that blows to the head’ll cause damage if it happens enough. The NFL happens to have the only neurologists who say the jury’s still out.”

Even further troubling was the fact that the head of this committee, Dr. Elliot Pellman, subscribed to the practice of sending players back out onto the field after having a concussion.

On Yahoo!, Michael Silver wrote most recently about Kyle Turley who suffered his most severe concussion of his career in 2003. In the article it states that Turley had lost consciousness and wasn’t even able to remember where his wife was sitting in the stands.

Even more disturbing about is what has happened recently to Turley. He passed out in a club for a few seconds. Once he returned home, he battled vertigo and uncontrollable vomiting. His wife, Stacy rushed him to the hospital where he went in and out of consciousness.

Turley describes how he felt “I was having a full-on seizure-type-thing, probably because my potassium levels were so low. I was on a table just flipping around like a fish; I was fully conscious and knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t speak.

“Realistically, if I hadn’t gone to the hospital, my kidneys could’ve shut down and I probably could have died. It was definitely the scariest experience of my life.”

Doctors as of now have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the episode, but the reality is that it more than likely came from head trauma that he suffered while playing in the NFL.

One doctor believes that Turley is on his way to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Which, is what doctors believed effected Andre Waters and Justin Strzelcyzk.

On Nov. 21, 2006 Andre Waters former Philadelphia Eagle who played 12 years in the NFL was dead at the age of 44. The reason was a self-inflicted gunshot. Yet, even more disturbing was the fact that Waters had a brain of an 88-year old.

Eric Allen a former teammate of Waters had this to say about his death, “I’m still shocked and numb knowing that Andre Waters is no longer with us. He was one of the guys who helped guide me at the start of his career and he was always someone I regarded as a friend even when we weren’t on the same team.

“I know I wouldn’t have been half the player or man that I am today if not for Andre being on my team. He was a great player and a good man.

“It hurts me to know that Andre was in such a deep depression and in so much pain emotionally that he felt that taking his own life was an option. He had so much to live for and I wish he knew there were other options. I’ll miss Andre’s friendship on and off the field.”

Justin Strzelczyk died in a fiery car crash after running for 40 miles from the police. What is not mentioned in the new stories about Strzelcyzk is the fact that he had a much older brain as well.

Over the past few years we’ve seen in the news how dangerous the elderly can be who have dementia. In this case, Strzelcyk was just 36 years old and he had the brain of a much older man.

Yet, the NFL when looking at those examples stated that it was just “soft science.”

Here’s a question for the NFL what if these things start happening to Steve Young? Troy Aikman? Wayne Chrebet? Steve Wallace?

I remember watching the 49ers in the 1990s and Wallace seemed like he was always having issues with concussions. So, he had a specially designed helmet that he would wear while out on the field. Once can only imagine what his brain looks like now.

In Silver’s article, it also mentions that, according to Sean Morey, a member of the NFLPA Player and Safety Welfare Committee, 50 percent of concussions go unreported.

The NFL is looking at some new developments: a move toward uniform terminology and testing policies among team medical personnel; enhanced helmet technology; recent rule changes regarding helmet-to-helmet and other dangerous hits, and the elimination of the kickoff wedge; a “whistle-blower” hotline for players to report unsatisfactorily addressed head injuries.

There’s also an apparent push by newly elected NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith to make player-safety issues more of a priority than they were under predecessor Gene Upshaw.

But, yet this should have happened when the NFL first started that Mild Brain Injury Trauma Committee. All these developments should have already been in place at least 15 years ago when the committee came out.

It’s time for the NFL to stop playing with their players lives and start making it a safer work environment otherwise there will be more stories like Turley, Waters, and Strzelcyk.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

No Star But Still On Par; New York Giants Wide Receivers

The New York Football Giants have been able to lay some doubters to rest…for now. But it still seems that within this wonderful community there are a few isolated incidents of calling for change.

Let me be clear. The New York Giants DO NOT need anymore wide receivers.

Let me reiterate, all those wannabe T.O. guys (Marshall and Edwards)? Who needs ’em! We got rid of our loud mouth, no good, team killing fat long ago and it was for the best. Even guys like Boldin who are tough as nails really aren’t necessary. Let the G-Men create their own identity, we don’t need to copy others.

Who cares if Hakeem Nicks went down? It’s a foot sprain and he will be fine, get over it. Honestly it may be the best thing for the Giants at the moment.

It is still ridiculously early in the season, so the injury not only gives Nicks some time to really study film and learn opposing defenses, while it gives the Giants time to see what their third round pick Ramses Barden (one of my personal favorite additions) and “Mr. August”, Sinorice Moss, can do!

Moss had an absolutely phenomenal camp this year, as he does most. The difference is he left camp healthy. He did fall back under the radar as Manningham has really started to shine; however, I think he can be an integral part of the Giants this season.

Don’t complain about the Giants not having enough hands. Let’s review: Hixon, Smith, Manningham (penciled in starters), Nicks (out 2-3 weeks), Moss, Barden, and Hagan. Not to mention Bradshaw who has good hands out of the backfield, Boss who has really developed his receiving game (and given a few years may be one of the top all around tight ends in the league), and Travis Beckum who has thus far not been used, but has some of the best hands of this past draft class.

The Giants shouldn’t be worrying about hands in the least. In fact if I was really honest I would say we could option Hixon to the return game, which he was primarily brought in for and excels at, make Smith and Manningham the starters, and Moss the third guy.

Heck the G-Men have so many receivers maybe some should switch to secondary while the Men in Blue wait to get some of their banged up guys back.

I like to end a lot of my articles with bold predictions because it creates better discussion.

So here it goes, Giants wide receiver outlook next few years: If Moss doesn’t produce this year he may be gone. The Giants can’t afford to waste anymore roster spots. Derek Hagan could easily be optioned to the practice squad or free agency if the need arises.

My projected starters over the next few years would be Smith, Manningham, and Nicks in the three spot. Barden grabs up the fourth (I don’t want to predict any deeper because that is next to impossible).

If Manningham, by some twist of unfortunate events, left in free agency in the next few years the Giants could be looking at a very Plax-Toomer like team once again. Nicks and Barden fit the mold and Smith is a ridiculous slot player. Either way the Giants are set at wide receiver for the next five years at least (knock on wood). We have our men set.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Week Two NFL Picks Against the Spread (With a Bonus College Pick)

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Sunday Will Be a Huge Day for New York Football

Technically speaking, the Buffalo Bills are the only football team that truly makes their home on New York soil. 

Although the Jets and Giants currently play out in New Jersey, both teams used to play in New York many years ago and are still referred to as the New York Jets and New York Giants. So, for arguments sake, let’s just consider them New York football teams.

Okay, so now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s look towards tomorrow, which is arguably one of the most important days New York football has seen since the Giants defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.   

Why?

Because both the Jets and Giants have an opportunity to establish themselves as legitimate contenders.

Last Sunday, after Mark Sanchez settled down, he looked like the quarterback the Jets’ front office was hoping and praying he would be.

Sanchez threw for 272 yards and a touchdown while completing 18 of 31 passes in convincing 24-7 victory of the Houston Texans.

Tomorrow, the stakes will be raised significantly.

Tomorrow, the New England Patriots come into town.

Since Bill Belichick arrived in New England back in 2000, the Jets have won just six of 13 games against the Patriots.

Although the Patriots defense may be weaker and less experienced than in recent years, with the return of Tom Brady, they’re still the hands down favorite to win the AFC East.

It’s one thing for the Jets to pummel the Texans, but it will be quite another thing for them to go out and defeat the Patriots. A win by the Jets tomorrow will make all of New York and the entire NFL stand up and take notice of a new and improved Jets football team that may actually contend for the AFC East this year.

A terrible loss will have the opposite affect. It would scream out loud and clear that the Jets are not quite ready to compete with the big dogs.

The Giants have a huge game of their own tomorrow night, when they head to Dallas take on the Cowboys.

Although the Giants are considered to be the favorites in the NFC East, a win tomorrow will be no easy task.

First off, they will have to play at the new $1 billion Cowboys Stadium that looks more like it should be on an episode of The Jetsons rather than host an NFL football game here on planet Earth.

Second, since finally tossing Jessica Simpson to the curb prior to the start of the 2009 season, Tony Romo is once again whipping the football around the field.

Last week in Tampa Bay, Romo threw for 353 yards and completed three touchdown passes in a 34-21 win over the Buccaneers.  

The Giants defeated the Redskins 23-17 last week. Although the defense looked as solid as expected, the offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders. Eli Manning, who now has more money being wired to his bank account than any other quarterback in the league, completed 20 of 29 passes and threw for 256 yards.

The Giants’ struggles on the offensive side were due more to their inability to move the ball on the ground.  

Bradshaw and Jacobs combined to rush for just 106 yards on 28 carries.

Considering how explosive the Cowboys’ offense looked last week, the Giants will probably be required to score more than 23 points if they want to have a chance at handing the Cowboys their first loss on the Moon…sorry, at the new Cowboys Stadium.

A win by both the Jets and Giants this week may actually boot the Yankees of the front of every New York sports section for good.

After all, does anyone really care about baseball after football season has begun?  

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Jake Delhomme: There’s Little Satisfaction In Watching Him Crumble

Atlanta Falcons fans find themselves in a bit of an awkward situation this week when their team faces the Carolina Panthers. And Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme embodies the dilemma.

In case you aren’t aware, Delhomme has accounted for 11 turnovers—nine interceptions and two lost fumbles—in his last two games.

If to err is human, then Delhomme has become the king of the species.

It’s difficult to watch a career so violently unravel as Delhomme’s has in his past two games. It brings to mind some of the more perplexing mental breakdowns in sports over the past few years.

Chuck Knoblauch was a solid second baseman and a pivotal part of some very successful Minnesota and New York teams. Then he inexplicably lost his ability to throw the ball to first base.

Rick Ankiel was a promising rookie pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. But he saw that career path dissipate in one disastrous playoff inning against the Atlanta Braves in which his control evaporated. He never truly got it back.

These guys tried everything short of reciting the profiles of Playboy bunnies like Rube the catcher in “Major League II” to get over what was so obviously a mental stigma.

But I don’t know if Delhomme’s problems are completely mental. His arm has obviously weakened since his Tommy John surgery two years ago, and he seems unable to make the throws that he once could.

But after such horrible results in his last two outings, he has to be on the verge of developing some sort of mental block, if he hasn’t already.

Fortunately for Knoblauch and Ankiel they had the option to move to the outfield to extend their careers (reinforcement for the use of the phrase “out in left field” to describe people who aren’t all there).

Unfortunately for Delhomme he’s got nowhere else on the field to go, other than placeholder on the kicking team. There’s just not a demand in the NFL for slow, aging, slightly chubby free safeties with huge contracts.

And that’s what makes it hard to root against him this week, even if you are a Falcons fan.

It’s different than rooting against guys like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. At some point you just wish they would err in the slightest and show that they’re one of us.

It’s different than rooting against a player like Jay Cutler because he’s a member of the donkey family.

At this point it would be nice to see Delhomme stop being so human. (Of course, if there’s any remedy it’s the Falcons’ secondary.)

I hope the Falcons don’t take it easy on Delhomme. I hope they rattle him and render the Panthers offense ineffective en route to an easy win.

But if that happens—like scoring on an Ankiel wild pitch or reaching base on a Knoblauch throwing error—there won’t be the same satisfaction as if they had beat him at his best.

I’ll be rooting against the Carolina quarterback and his team. But I don’t have to like it.

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football: Parzych’s Week One MVP Awards

/* Style Definitions */

table.MsoNormalTable

{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;

mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;

mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;

mso-style-noshow:yes;

mso-style-priority:99;

mso-style-qformat:yes;

mso-style-parent:””;

mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

mso-para-margin-top:0in;

mso-para-margin-right:0in;

mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;

mso-para-margin-left:0in;

line-height:115%;

mso-pagination:widow-orphan;

font-size:11.0pt;

font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;

mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;

mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;

mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;

mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;

mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;

mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

The first week of fantasy football has concluded after an exciting Week One. With the first week of the 2009 NFL regular season complete, it’s time to announce the MVP awards for Week One.

Quarterback: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Last season, New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees finished with 5,069 yards passing, just 15 short of Miami Dolphins QB Dan Marino’s record for most passing yards in a single-season. The expectations were high for him entering the 2009 season, especially in Week One.

As predicted, Brees had a field day against the visiting Detroit Lions. However, nobody predicted his numbers would be as impressive as they were.

Brees took advantage of the Lions’ weak passing defense, finishing 26-of-34 for 358 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Saints to a 45-27 victory on opening weekend, helping him receive MVP honors for the quarterback position for this week’s awards.

He may not put up these type of high numbers each week, but Brees is already showing owners why he was one of the first quarterbacks selected in most fantasy football leagues. Don’t be surprised if Brees’ name comes up on this list a few more times this season.

Running Back: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

There was hope in the Dawg Pound when the Cleveland Browns led the visiting Minnesota Vikings at halftime 13-10. Unfortunately for the Browns, any dreams of an upset were shattered when Vikings RB Adrian Peterson took over the game in the second half.

In the second half of last Sunday’s game, Peterson finished with a one-yard and a 64-yard touchdown to help the Vikings beat the Browns 34-20. Peterson finished the game with 180 yards and three touchdowns on just 25 carries.

Not only did Peterson display a monstrous performance in the first game of the season, but he made life easier for Vikings QB Brett Favre, who was making his regular-season debut with his new team.

Thanks to a strong performance by Peterson on the ground, Favre wasn’t needed as much at quarterback and finished just 14-of-21 for 110 yards and one touchdown.

Wide Receiver: Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

There were a handful of players that could have won the award this week, but no player was relied on more than Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne.

The Colts may have had one of the most interesting offseasons out of any team in the NFL. They had a new head coach in Jim Caldwell and were without WR Marvin Harrison, who was released in the offseason after spending 13 seasons with the team. The transition may not have been easy, but the Colts knew it was something they would have to adjust to.

With Harrison gone, Colts QB Peyton Manning knew he would have to rely on Wayne more on offense. What Manning didn’t realize was how much he would have to rely on Wayne now that WR Anthony Gonzalez is out 2-8 weeks after tearing ligaments in his knee against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With an injured Gonzalez, Wayne stepped up his performance against the Jaguars, hauling in 10 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown. On the positive side, the Colts did sign former Philadelphia Eagles WR Hank Baskett to give Manning another option to throw to on offense, which could take the pressure off Wayne until Gonzalez returns.

Tight End: Ben Watson, New England Patriots

This was probably one of the hardest categories to select an MVP for this week, considering the impressive production from numerous tight ends around the league.

Seattle Seahawks TE John Carlson hauled in six receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns against the St. Louis Rams. New Orleans Saints TE Jeremy Shockey looked like his old self against the Detroit Lions by hauling in four receptions for 31 yards and two touchdowns.

However, none of these player’s performance would have as much of an impact as New England TE Ben Watson’s against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

With the Patriots down 24-13 late in the fourth quarter, Watson caught two touchdown passes from QB Tom Brady in the final four minutes to help defeat the Bills 25-24. Overall, Watson caught six receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns.

Watson’s fourth quarter heroics helped the Patriots win one of the most exciting Monday night games fans may see all season. What’s even more impressive is he has already totaled his touchdown amount from last season.

 

Defense: Philadelphia Eagles

The defense of the Philadelphia Eagles faced numerous questions this offseason after losing their top three leaders in SS Brian Dawkins (signed with Denver Broncos), Jim Johnson (lost battle with cancer), and Shawn Bradley (torn ACL).

After finishing the final week of the 2009 preseason on the Least Valuable Player’s list, the Philadelphia Eagles showed the NFL that despite an offseason in which they allowed 30 points per game to opposing offenses, they still have what it takes to be one of the top defenses in the league.

In his first career regular season game as the Eagles defensive coordinator, Sean McDermott showed everything he learned from Jim Johnson and dominated the offense of the Carolina Panthers.

The Eagles defense played so well against the Panthers, head coach John Fox replaced QB Jake Delhomme after a disastrous performance in which he finished 7-of-11 for 77 yards and four interceptions.

Overall, the defense finished with five interceptions, two recovered fumbles (one for a touchdown), and five sacks. With the offense struggling at the beginning of the game, the strong performance by the Eagles defense was a major reason the team was able to defeat the Panthers 38-10.

/* Style Definitions */

table.MsoNormalTable

{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;

mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;

mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;

mso-style-noshow:yes;

mso-style-priority:99;

mso-style-qformat:yes;

mso-style-parent:””;

mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

mso-para-margin-top:0in;

mso-para-margin-right:0in;

mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;

mso-para-margin-left:0in;

line-height:115%;

mso-pagination:widow-orphan;

font-size:11.0pt;

font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;

mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;

mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;

mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;

mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;

mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;

mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

This article can also be found at FantasyPros911.com

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Playoff Implications In Week Two?

The NFL season is 17 weeks long, with each team playing 16 games. Many people believe that it is not the way you start, but the way you finish.

As much as that may have been true in the past, in todays NFL, those days are long gone.

In week one, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Tennessee Titans in over time for the NFL’s kick off game. If both the Steelers and Titans win their divisions, with the same record, Pittsburgh will be the higher seed, based on the OT win.

In addition, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears, and if the Minnesota Vikings win the division, then Chicago may be left out of the playoffs because of that loss.

So, as week two is set to begin, here are the important playoff implications to keep an eye on.

 

 

Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers

 

Baltimore is hoping to unseat the Pittsburgh Steelers as the AFC North Champs. If they are successful, then this game with San Diego could go a long way to determining playoff seeding.

If San Diego wins the AFC West, then this game could determine who is the higher seed.

If San Diego some how does not win the West, and Baltimore can not over take the Steelers, then their playoff lives could hinge on the outcome of this game.

 

 

New England Patriots at New York Jets

 

The trash talk between the Jets and Patriots are at an all time high, but this game could go towards who will win the AFC East. If the Jets can manage to down the Pats, then not only will the confidence of Tom Brady take a shot, but the team morale of the Jets will be at an all time high.

A high they may ride all the way to a home field game in the playoffs.

 

 

New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles

 

The Eagles are in one of the toughest divisions in football, the NFC East, and it would not be a shock if they don’t win the division. If the Saints don’t win the NFC South, it is possible that these two teams will be competing for the same playoff spot.

With the Eagles having to play without Donovan McNabb, then they will have a hard time beating the Saints. A loss in week two could make the road to the Super Bowl that much harder on the Eagles.

 

 

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

 

As if playing Dallas was not enough of a tall task for the Giants, they are going to have to open the new home of the Cowboys, one that cost Jerry Jones over $1 billion dollars to build.

If the Eagles manage to beat the Saints, and come back in week three with both a healthy Donovan McNabb and a rejuvenated Mike Vick, the Eagles could be the team to beat in the NFC.

If the Eagles win the division, then the loser of this game will not only be in third place in the division, but also a game back in the wild card race.

The days of the NFL early season not being very important are over. Starting with week one, all games really count. There is not time to play for tomorrow, because it may be too late.

Want to know who I think will win and lose these games?  Check it out here. 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Oakland Raiders History: Remembered From Here To Eternity

A tribute to the Oakland Raiders and Al Davis.

There was a time in American history when the older folks sat in a rocking chair on the front porch and told the history of the family, the city, the state and nation. Some of them also told stories of the last minute victories of the Oakland Raiders.

It was called Oral History, and some American colleges actually built programs, teaching the technique of interviewing that older generation to record the history for the younger generation.

I took part in such an Oral History project in Fifth Ward in Houston, Texas. My generation knew very little about former slaves in Texas and there was a project to educate us so that we would not be a shallow generation.

As we learned more about the accomplishments of the past, we humbled ourselves, and we realized that who we are is built on the risks, large and small, taken by the former slaves who were determined to be free. I see a parallel for the Raider Nation. Who we are in 2009 is built on the risks, large and small, taken in earlier years of Oakland Raider history.

A knowledge of our history built up the pride and passion to rise above other, more contemporary techniques that are oppressive.

It could be that if the young Raider Nation does not know, appreciate, or understand the importance and power of history, that we, the seniors, have fallen short in our duty to relay the historical moments, events, episodes and games in Oakland Raiders history.

Having studied Hebrew and mathematics, I offer a few watered down definitions for time, including past, present, and future.

First, what is “now?” It becomes a historical, infinitesimal event, even as we think “now.” “Now” becomes a past moment, for it shifts instantly to the past.

You see, time is a continuum, constantly shifting. Even the tick of the clock does not accurately record “now.” The length of a tick of a clock records an interval, for the sound of the tick is too long to record (in sound) an instant in a reference called “time.”

If you cut out a past interval of important events, then you cause a discontinuity, a break or “hole” in time. In fact, you cannot forget nor delete what occurs in time, rather you simply know that events are shifted, and they become history or heritage.

One thing we do know is that great nations take pride in their history. Great families take pride in their heritage. Great clans take pride in recording their genealogies.

Those who are not great, have the shallow records of past events, and the shallowness is a symptom of a nation, headed for a “fall.”

Now my point. We must never forget the history of the Oakland Raiders.

Without the contributions of Al Davis as the NFL commissioner, the merger with AFL may not have occurred and those moments you treasure “now” would not have manifested.

Without the spirit and determination of past Oakland Raiders, the present generation would not have the sense of pride to be affiliated with the team.

Great nations rise and fall. Great teams have peaks and valleys. The valleys make the peaks look taller, and more beautiful.

The low moments make the high moments in history more exhilarating. The good times balance the bad times. The bad times are the frame of reference for judging that which is better.

We can not forget the history of the Oakland Raiders. To forget the history of the Oakland Raiders and Mr. Al Davis would be to forget American History.

And if we are wise, we will remember the contributions of past generations, from here to eternity.

For some believe that nothing actually is destroyed, but is transformed to another form. Just as ice becomes water and water becomes gas, so the contributions of the Oakland Raiders in the ’60s are somehow transformed and connected to the ’70s, and to the ’80s, and to the ’90s, and so on.

There is a continuum of history that serves as a rich heritage for the team.

How can we help those with a shallow understanding of the greatness of the Raiders?

Pull out those NFL films and watch for yourself. I have a few, and it is still exhilarating to watch those last minute and even last second victories of the Oakland Raiders.

You cannot forget the history of the Oakland Raiders. Just visit the archives of the Pro Football Hall of Fame where more than two million artifacts record the history of the Oakland Raiders, and the 31 other NFL teams.

To forget history would suggest we close down the museums, the Hall of Fame, and other places where history is there for all to learn, if you are a good researcher and student of history.

Yes, we will remember for if we do not, we then experience the first stage of a type of bondage. Whenever one nation enslaves another, there is an attempt to destroy the “history” of the ones who are in bondage.

When naysayers want to crush the spirit of the Raider Nation, they attempt to distort the memories of the greatness of the Raider Nation in the past.

They become pessimistic of the present talent and potential of the present generation of players. Those taunts and intimidation will not work. We are not designed for bondage, rather we are designed to be victorious and free.

We will rise again. And, even if we lose a few battles, we will not lose the NFL sports “war.”

We will rise again, and again, and again, from here (and now) to eternity.

Got it? I hope so.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

MC’s Week Two NFL Picks

Alright so my chances of 256-0 are officially over but you know what can happen? 252-4 can happen!

I ended up going 12-4 on my picks, senselessly changing my mind to the Redskins over the Giants as I was writing my article. I’m hoping to fare even better this week. So without further ado, here are my Week Two picks:

 

Panthers (0-1) at Falcons (1-0)

Solely based on their Week One results, this one almost seems too easy. Jake Delhoumme has become a very big question mark at QB to say the least. It’s not time to give up on him yet because they did win 12 games last year and I think he legitimately is the best they have on the depth chart. That being said, the Carolina Panthers will be starting off 0-2.

Falcons win 31-17.

 

Vikings (1-0) at Lions (0-1)

What more could possibly needed to be said about the Detroit Lions that has not been said? Matthew Stafford threw three INT’s in his debut against what is a much inferior New Orleans Saints defence, compared to the Minnesota Vikings.

Adrian Peterson should continue to run wild and Brett Favre should have another solid game. Honestly, even though the Vikings are on the road, if I get this one wrong my head will explode.

Vikings win 28-10.

 

Bengals (0-1) at Packers (1-0)

Both teams have potentially explosive offenses that had disappointing Week One games statistically. Difference is that Green Bay was facing a tough division rival and a good defense in the Chicago Bears. The Bengals were facing one of the worst defenses in the league last year in the Denver Broncos.

I still think the Bengals will make some noise in the AFC but with Carson Palmer missing much of the preseason with an ankle injury, it’s going to take longer for that offense to start clicking than I originally thought.

Packers win 28-17.

 

Texans (0-1) at Titans (0-1)

Tennessee’s defense had a better opening week than I anticipated. I’m not sold on Kyle Vanden Bosch staying healthy but they should continue to soar and beat the Houston Texans in their home-opener.

Titans win 21-10.

 

Raiders (0-1) at Chiefs (0-1)

This is the “I have no clue who to pick” game, I liked Oakland a little more before the season but might we see a little Monday night hangover due to a tough loss? Kansas City’s offense looked pretty solid against the Ravens even without Matt Cassel. Ultimately I’m giving the nod to the home team.

Chiefs win 24-21.

 

Patriots (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)

Tom Brady proved against the Buffalo Bills that he is either not quite 100 percent healthy yet or he is not mentally ready. He completed a lot of passes but wouldn’t take chances down-field even with all of the talent at WR.

I thought Rex Ryan would do great things in New York, but I thought it would be a year away due to starting a rookie QB. I am officially a believer in the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

Jets win 27-24.

 

Saints (1-0) at Eagles (1-0)

I’ve got two words for you: Kevin Kolb. I’m sorry for not writing more but that’s really all I need to know.

Saints win 27-14.

 

Rams (0-1) at Redskins (0-1)

As putrid as the Detroit Lions are, the St. Louis Rams are nearly as bad. The Rams in fairness actually defeated the Redskins last season but that came directly after changing head coaches, this worked for about three games before the Rams slipped back into obscurity.

The Redskins offense is not explosive enough to turn this game into a laugh-er but they should win.

Redskins win 21-13.

 

Cardinals (0-1) at Jaguars (0-1)

Before the season I would not have expected the defending NFC Champions to start off 0-2. But West Coast teams do not fare well playing the morning game on the East Coast. The Cardinals are no exception. This includes losses last year to the Patriots by 40 and the Jets by 21. The Jaguars put up a good game against the Colts and I expect the same here with better results.

Jaguars win 21-17.

 

Seahawks (1-0) at 49ers (1-0)

It’s sometimes hard to tell early in the season just who’s who. After the 49ers, much to my surprise, went into Arizona and beat the NFC champs, I do not have much of an idea who to pick here either. I’m going to with the home-field advantage again.

49ers win 21-20.

 

Buccaneers (0-1) at Bills (0-1)

I sense some possible Monday night hangover from the Buffalo Bills much like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also, the Buccaneers offense seems to be better than expected with Cadillac Williams running hard and the offensive line protecting Byron Leftwich well.

Buccaneers win 23-21.

 

Ravens (1-0) at Chargers (1-0)

One of the most intriguing games of the week. The Chargers did not look very convincing in beating what was supposed to be the hapless Oakland Raiders. The Baltimore Ravens defense did not look as good as expected against the Brodie Croyle led Kansas City Chiefs.

As highly acclaimed as the Baltimore Ravens’ defense has been, this unit can be thrown on. Phillip Rivers’ had a breakout season last year and has not lost any weapons to throw to.

Chargers win 31-21.

 

Steelers (1-0) at Bears (0-1)

As electrifying as Troy Polamalu is, the absence of Brian Urlacher is a bigger loss for the Bears than Troy Polamalu is for the Steelers. Expect the Jay Cutler led Chicago Bears to drop to 0-2 as doubt continues to seep in to the minds of Bears fans all around the city.

Steelers win 20-14.

 

Browns (0-1) at Broncos (1-0)

I expect the Denver Broncos to be pitted in yet another extremely low scoring affair. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt to the home-field advantage again.

Broncos win 13-10.

 

Giants (1-0) at Cowboys (1-0)

Granted I’m biased, but this to me is the game of the week.

Once upon a time, back when Tony Romo was dating Carrie Underwood, the Dallas Cowboys defense was exposed late in the 2006 season after Greg Ellis got hurt. Teams were able to key on DeMarcus Ware and nobody was able to step up and pressure the opposing QB.

Fast-forward to last week, Greg Ellis is now on the Oakland Raiders and the Cowboys struggled to pressure the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Do the New York Giants have the personnel to expose the Dallas Cowboys lack of pass rush? I’m not so sure but this could be a problem for the Cowboys in the future.

Who to pick…Who to pick…Who to pick…Reverse jinx!

Giants win 27-24.

 

Colts (1-0) at Dolphins (0-1)

After going 11-5 last season on a cupcake schedule, the Miami Dolphins are the team with the most to prove after a rough Week One showing. I did not like this team before the season and nothing has happened to change my mind. The Colts looked less than spectacular against the Jacksonville Jaguars but the Jaguars have a history of playing them tough.

Colts win 24-14.

 

Last Week: 12-4

Overall: 12-4

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

How Brandon Stokley Hurt The Seattle Seahawks In Week One

At the 2009 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks traded away their second round pick to the Denver Broncos for the Broncos’ first round pick in 2010.

Denver quickly selected cornerback Alphonso Smith, and the Seahawks gladly tucked the Broncos’ first round choice in 2010 into their hip pocket.

This trade had two universal effects on the Seattle Seahawks fan base.

First, acquiring another first round pick in 2010 strengthened the Seahawks potential to bounce back from a dismal 2008 campaign. First-round picks in the NFL are expected to contribute immediately. Because of this, owning two first round picks opens endless possibilities of acquiring high-end talent, trading up for elite talent, and/or reinvigorating a team that seems to be collectively aging.

Second, acquiring Denver’s first-round pick in 2010 immediately morphed the Seattle Seahawks fan base into a 2009 Anti-Broncos organization. The logic is simple; the worse Denver does, the better Seattle’s acquired pick will be. Therefore, every Seahawks fan finds themselves reminiscing of the AFC West as they maliciously scour Denver Broncos box scores.

You may be thinking, Thanks for the history lesson, but how does Brandon Stokley tie into this?

Those of you who missed NFL Live this week, live in cave , or hail from Montana may not have heard of the best week one game not featuring Tom Brady; Denver at Cincinnati.

[Video Here]

With 0:38 left, Cedric Benson swerved into the end zone (pun intended) to give Cincinnati a 7-6 lead. Denver had a half a minute on the clock, but everyone in the stadium believed that Cincinnati had clinched it.

On second and ten, Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton threw an ill-advised pass in the general zip code of wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Bengals cornerback Leon Hall broke up the pass, but in doing so he lofted the ball downfield. Brandon Stokley eagerly plucked the ball out of the air and jetted towards pay dirt for a game-clinching 87-yard touchdown.

With one tipped pass the Denver Broncos earned a tick in the win column, and the Seattle Seahawks dropped a spot in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Every year, a proverbial race-for-last breaks out in the final weeks of the NFL Season. Aptly named the “[Insert College Star Here] Sweepstakes” this dash for mediocrity toys with the fate of the NFL’s worst franchises (e.g. 2006 NFL Draft).

This year’s contestants seem to be the usual suspects, as most experts have pegged the Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs as potential top five picks in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Some experts have pegged the Denver Broncos as a top five pick in 2010, but if week one is any indicator, the Broncos could stick it to the Seahawks in 2009.

Consider the following and decide if Seahawks fans have reason to worry…

 

The 2009 Denver Broncos are supposed to be BAD…

How bad? Well that depends on who you ask. An array of AFC West previews project the Broncos to finish as high as 7-9 and as low as 1-15, but this much is unanimous: the Denver Broncos will be a lower-tier team in 2010.

What does this give Seahawks fans? Hope! Acquiring a first round draft pick is one thing, but when you can acquire a first round draft pick from a team that is universally projected to fail, the world seems a little brighter.

 

… But the 2009 AFC West is supposed to be worse

Sure, the 2009 Denver Broncos are supposed to be atrocious. What many experts fail to acknowledge, however, is that the 2009 AFC West is supposed to be worse.

San Diego is undoubtedly the cream of the crop in the AFC West, but even they looked awful in week one. Past the Chargers, the division barely registers a pulse.

Division previews are split on who will finish second, third, and fourth, but regardless of the order, it is generally accepted that the bottom three teams in the AFC West will all finish with terrible records. Consider this preview, which has the second place Kansas City Chiefs at 4-12!

Yes, the bottom three teams in the AFC West will likely finish with negative records, but when these teams play each other someone has to win (unless Donovan McNabb is around). This someone-has-to-win-even-if-both-teams-are-bad dilemma could benefit Denver.

Remember that the Denver Broncos have a week two matchup with Cleveland, as well as two games remaining against both the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.

Even if the Broncos lose every other game on the schedule, they could go 6-10 by simply beating up the Browns, Chiefs, and Raiders.

 

One win can change everything in the NFL Draft

Let’s say that Seahawks fans get their wish, and the Denver Broncos play miserably for the rest of the 2009 campaign. Even if the Broncos finished 3-12, Brandon Stokley’s catch will still leave fans wondering what might have been?

In 2009, the Jacksonville Jaguars finished 5-11. Not to be bested, the Seattle Seahawks finished 4-12. No big deal, right? Wrong! Through a series of tiebreaks, the Seattle Seahawks received the fourth pick in the draft, while Jacksonville received the eighth.

That’s four spots difference for a one win differential.

Now consider the 2009 Denver Broncos. Regardless of the rest of the season, Brandon Stokley’s miracle touchdown, and the Denver Broncos’ undeserved win over Cincinnati, could cost the Seahawks dearly in the 2010 NFL Draft.

 

There are no life-changing lessons to be learned here, but remember the following:

• Brandon Stokley’s miracle touchdown earned an undeserved victory for the Denver Broncos in week one
• While the world expects Denver to fail in 2009, five or six easy matchups could lead the Broncos to an over-achieving record
• Regardless of the Broncos’ final record, Brandon Stokley’s game-winning touchdown in week one undoubtedly cost the Seattle Seahawks at least one spot in the 2010 NFL Draft

If the Broncos’ draft pick seems too low in 2010, Seahawks fans will know who to blame…

sk.

 

 

 

 

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010