Philadelphia Eagles without Donovan McNabb: Maybe in the Near Future?

It’s hard to picture, the Eagles without Donovan McNabb. Since 1999 the Eagles have had him at the helm. Now it may be coming to an end. He may not have been the most consistent quarterback ever, but he always produced for his team, and his regular season and postseason record prove it. Not to mention five NFC Championship games

Now, let’s look at the facts. The Eagles just acquired Michael Vick, which I think was a great move. It was win-win for everyone: Vick gets his rightful second chance at stardom, and the Eagles get one of the most talented athletes in the NFL as a backup QB.

Some will say that Andy Reid and the Eagles front office are playing McNabb as a fool behind his back, by telling him that he is a backup, when really planning to start him over McNabb. But that’s not what I’m saying.

I’m saying that they wouldn’t have picked up Vick if they didn’t have any intention of replacing McNabb with Vick. However, bar any serious incidents, I don’t expect that Vick will replace McNabb for another two or three years, but expect Vick to take over the reins sometime in the near future.

He isn’t going to be just a regular old backup. You don’t spend $1.6 million on a big time playmaker such as Vick, and have him sit on the bench for the entire season. And especially don’t offer him $5.1 million the next year.  It’s nice to have a playmaker as a backup, but it is unnecessary.

Sure, McNabb misses a game or two every season, but for that you don’t need someone like Vick. For that, someone like A.J Feeley, who keeps the chains moving, doesn’t make mistakes, and can’t step up when needed two.

Now that the Eagles have acquired Vick, they have a suitable replacement. The Kevin Kolb experiment ended with a disastrous performance against the Ravens in 2008, and A.J Feeley can’t handle being a starting quarterback.

They also offered Vick $5.1 million next year, in his second year. Let’s compare this to an “experiment” like Terrell Owens. Owens was only given one year to prove himself, while the Eagles front office shows clear intentions that this is no experiment.

All the signs point to McNabb being replaced by Michael Vick. However, don’t expect this for another two or three years. McNabb has some gas left in the tank, and Vick needs more development, but don’t be surprised when Vick is the new face of the Eagle’s franchise.

Roethlisberger Rape Case: Affidavit Casts More Doubt on Shaky Case

In an already shaky case where Andrea McNulty, a cocktail waitress at a hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nev., accused and sued Ben Roethlisberger of raping her during a celebrity golf match last year, things just got worse for the accuser.

An affidavit (a sworn statement of fact) signed and released by Angela Antonetti, stated that McNulty bragged about having consensual sex with Roethlisberger.

The statement said that McNulty “did not appear to be upset, stressed-out or nervous” regarding Roethlisberger.

Instead, she said that she appeared “happy and boastful.” However, later she said she thought she might be pregnant from the encounter, the affidavit said.

The lawsuit, filed on July 17, alleges multiple Harrah’s Lake Tahoe managers took part in a cover-up.

It also said that she went into depression after the alleged attack, and spent several months in and out of hospitals, and she’s seeking a minimum of $490,000 plus any damages.

Recently, the case against Roethlisberger has been crumbling, and it appears that it may just be an attempt to extort money from Roethlisberger. If this recent affidavit is treated as relevant by a judge, it is likely that the case will get thrown out court.

If it is thrown out, Roethlisberger would have a chance to file a lawsuit, for false accusations and libel.

Laid Back: Ravens’ Training Camp Gets Visited by Hip Hop Legend, Snoop Dogg

Rapper and legend Snoop Dogg paid a visit to the Ravens’ training camp this morning. He arrived with a large entourage, including someone to hold an umbrella over his head.

Snoop is a close friend of Ray Lewis and decided to show up today while in town for a performance this weekend. He says he came to visit Ray and see the defense in action.

“We’ve been good friends for a long time,” Lewis said. “We’re coming out here and trying to work together. He showed some DBs some foot drills. He’s got his little league team and all that, so I’ll introduce y’all to our new coach, Mr. Snoop Doggy Dogg.”

Snoop Dogg joined cornerbacks Frank Walker and Domonique Foxworth in some post practice ladder drills. Walker gave Snoop three different drills, and he could do all of them.

“I was just working on my footwork,” Snoop said. “I’ve got my Chuck Taylors on now, but I still know I can perform well. The DBs were trying to show me a few moves, but I had to show them a few moves.”

Incidentally, Snoop Dogg is a an avid Steelers’ fan, but he says he has a lot of respect for the Ravens and the Ravens-Steelers rivalry.

“This is like a heavyweight boxing match every time I seem them play,” he said. “This was a chance for me to see them live and in high-definition. It’s real cool to be able to come out here, see them go to war, and battle against each other. When it comes to game time, you know why the preparation is so serious.”

He also had some words about star linebacker and close friend Ray Lewis.

“Ray is one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game,” Snoop said. “I love his story, his enthusiasm for the game. It’s inspirational to see how this whole team turns the level up”

Head coach John Harbaugh also had something to say about Snoop Dogg coming to practice:

“From what I understand, he’s a coach. He coaches some little league football teams and everything,” said Harbaugh with a laugh. “He had some insight into our receiver situation [that] he wanted to share, and so we took a couple notes. Those guys are all football fans, so it’s fun having them out there.”

Do Dreadlocks Make Players Better?

More and more players are seen sporting dreadlocks these days. And it seems that the majority of them, if not all, are star players. The list of players goes on.

Larry Fitzgerald, Chris Johnson, Roddy White, Steven Jackson, Al Harris, Marion Barber, Devin Hester, Josh Cribbs, Bob Sanders, Marshawn Lynch, Atari Bigby, Asante Samuel, Rashean Mathis, and Reggie Williams. 

I could go on all day. But let’s take a look at a select few.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Fitzgerald is arguably the best receiver in the game. This man can jump like he’s on the moon, and can run past any defender like they are standing still. He made an even bigger name for himself in the postseason.

His stats in the regular season looked like this:

-96 receptions, 1,431 yards, and 12 touchdowns.

His stats in four postseason games were:

-30 receptions, 546 yards, and seven touchdowns.

As you can see, Fitzgerald is a dominant player. Now, let’s compare him to his bald-headed counterpart, Terrell Owens. Owens finished with 69 receptions, 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns.

As you can see, the player with dreadlocks played superior to the bald or short-haired player. And the Arizona Cardinals won their division, and were the NFC Champions.

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

Chris Johnson was the rookie stud from the Titans. He was considered a top candidate for rookie of the year, but lost it to Matt Ryan. He was able to rush for over 1,000 yards, something many other running backs couldn’t do.

Johnson’s ’08 stats are like this:

-251 carries for 1,228 yards and nine touchdowns. In the postseason he rushed for 22 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

Now, let’s take a look at a short-haired comparison. Frank Gore was the leading rusher for the San Fransisco 49ers. His stats look like this:

-240 carries for 1,036 yards and six touchdowns.

Once again, the player sporting the dreadlocks is the better player. While Johnson’s stats aren’t as good as the short-haired Adrian Peterson, Peterson got almost 100 more carries.

Johnson’s team had an NFL-best 13-3 record, while Gore’s team finished 7-9, aided by a late season surge.

Asante Samuel, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Samuel was one of the top cornerbacks in the league last year. He was the anchor of the Eagles secondary, and earned himself a trip to the Pro Bowl as a reserve. Samuel sports dreadlocks. His 2008 stats looked like this:

-22 pass deflections, four interceptions, 64 interception yards, one touchdown, 31 solo tackles and four assists.

His short-haired counterpart will be Bryant McFadden, cornerback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His stats looked like this:

-Eight pass deflections, two interceptions, no interception yards, 33 solo tackles and four assists.

While McFadden did play on a better team, Samuel outperformed him individually in everything but solo tackles.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons

Roddy White was the favorite target of rookie QB Matt Ryan, and led the Falcons in receiving. Obviously, he has dreadlocks. His 2008 stats looked like this:

-88 receptions for 1,382 yards and seven touchdowns. In the playoffs, he had 11 receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown.

His counterpart will be Santana Moss, leading receiver of the Washington Redskins. His stats look like this:

-79 receptions for 1,044 yards and six touchdowns. His team didn’t make it to the postseason.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. I have presented you with evidence as to why people with dreadlocks are superior football players compared to short-haired and bald-headed players.

Now, there are execptions: Andre Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, Ed Reed and a few others. But the fact remains that if you see a player on the football field with dreads, chances are he is a star.

Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver Derrick Mason To Retire *Unconfirmed*

The Associated Press has reported that Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason is retiring at the age of 35, after 12 years in the NFL. Eight of those years were spent in Tennessee with the Titans, while the rest were with Baltimore.

Mason has yet to inform the team, but Mason reportedly told the website jocklife.com that he is reitiring. He said this in a statement.

“I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun. In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I’ve had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all,”

He wasn’t clear on his reason for retiring, although he says lack of enthusiasm led him to consider retirement.

“I have been thinking about this since the season ended. Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out…it was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important. It’s time right now.”

Mason played at Michigan State before being drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played with the Oilers/Titans.

He joined the Ravens in 2005 through free agency. He set several franchise records soon after. He became the Ravens first 100+ reception receiver in franchise history, a considerable feat considering the “run first” offense of the Ravens.

Last season, Mason was the favorite target of rookie QB Joe Flacco, and finished with 80 receptions, 1,037 yards, and five touchdowns.

Mason is not sure of what will follow his career in football, but say he wants to try broadcasting out. However, he says his family is what is most important.

While his departure leaves a big void in the passing game for QB Joe Flacco, Mason feels he has left Flacco in good hands.

“I have left them in great hands,” explained Mason. “Mark Clayton is a younger version of me and Williams can be a true player, he can be in the elite class. Smith, Harper, Washington, they all are a young group that can only be better with Joe in the backfield.”

As a Raven’s fan, it is tough to say goodbye to the best receiver in franchise history, but I’m sure I speak on behalf of the fanbase when I say” Thanks for the memories and moments, I wish you luck in your retirement.

NFL Divisional Ranking Predictions.

What division is the best in football? It’s hard to say, and even harder to predict. But the pre-season is approaching and I’m getting ancy.

This is a much disputed rankings of each division, and the predicted record of each team in that division, with analysis on why they have that record. Now as far as postseason success, you can’t predict.

I based this off of talent of the team, final records of each team, and the talent of the players in each division.

Steve McNair Findings Consistent with Murder-Suicide

In the homicide of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and 20-year-old waitress Saleh Kazemi, the Medical Examiner’s findings are consistent with murder-suicide evidence.

McNair was killed with four shots from a pistol, while Kazemi was killed by only one to the head. The gun used to kill them both was found next to Kazemi’s body. The two had been dating for a few months.

Ballistics tests and gunshot residue was consistent with previous murder-suicides and other findings.

According to the Medical Examiner, McNair was killed at a distance, but the bullet wound in Kazemi’s temple was from less than two inches away.

While the Nashville Police Department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter, most people within the investigation believe it to be a murder-suicide case.

Make or Break Year For These Coaches/Players

2009 is going to be an important season for more than a few people. If these coaches or players don’t succeed, they could see themselves out of a job by 2010.

Not all of them are on the axe list because of the their performance, but of because of their circumstances.

 

Jim Zorn, Head Coach, Washington Redskins

This one is beyond me. Jim Zorn has only been a head coach for a year, and posted an 8-8 record last year. Sure it’s not great, but it could be worse. How could a young coach possibly be in position to be canned?

Well the reality is that he works for Dan Snyder. And Dan Snyder burns through more head coaches faster than Bowflex supposedly burns fat. From 2000-2008, he has hired then fired six coaches.

Most infamously, he fired Norv Turner mid-season, who went on to become the head coach of the Chargers, and found much more success there.

The Bottom Line: If Zorn doesn’t perform to Snyder’s ridiculously high standards, he’ll be out of a job, and someone else will step into the hot seat.

 

David Garrard, Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars

I’m alone in this it seems, but I think Garrard is a good QB. He has a good arm, and he has a scrambling and rushing skill comparable to Michael Vick in his prime.

The only knock on him is his decision making, which led to a few boneheaded picks late in the season. And that is enough to upset the fans and put him in the hotseat.

The Bottom Line: Garrard’s success lies in the team as much as him. If the Jags can reverse their 5-11 record, it won’t really matter how he plays. If the Jags post the same record or worse, Garrard better put up some good numbers, or he’ll be on the bench or out of work.

 

Tom Cable, Head Coach, Oakland Raiders

Like Jim Zorn this isn’t necessarily about his skill, but about his boss. Tom Cable hasn’t served a full season as a head coach but is already in the hot seat.

Al Davis is like Dan Snyder, just not as extreme. He burns through so many coaches you could have a full coaching staff filled with the people he canned. He posted a 4-8 record as interim head coach, as many wins as his predecessor in a full season.

The Bottom Line: Cable looks OK, for now. If he doesn’t perform to the Absolute Dictator’s liking, he’ll join Norv Turner, Bill Callahan, Art Shell, and Lane Kiffin as former Raider coaches.

 

Jason Campbell, Quarterback, Washington Redskins

Jason Campbell may well be entering his last year as a Redskin. Jim Zorn seems committed to him, and I don’t blame him. He threw 16 touchdowns in 2008 and only six interceptions.

But fans feel that he is the reason for the ‘Skins late-season collapse that forced them into an 8-8 record and last in their division.

The Bottom Line: If Campbell and the Redskins can’t perform well this year, Campbell will most likely be blamed. Being nailed to the cross by the fans and players could likely mean his benching or firing.

 

JaMarcus Russell, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders

JaMarcus Russell came into Oakland with high expectations. As of now, he has shown some flashes of brilliance, but only flashes. The pressure is on Russell now since the addition of veteran Jeff Garcia.

Garcia has a long track record, playing for five different teams before the Raiders. Not only that, he is a four-time Pro Bowler and posted a passer rating of 90.4 last year in 12 games.

The Bottom Line: If JaMarcus Russell can’t have a breakout year or perform to Al Davis’s standards, then Jeff Garcia will take his spot, and Russell will be on the bench.

 

Wade Phillips, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys

People wanted Phillips to be fired at the disastrous end of the Cowboys’ 2008 campaign. Phillips and the Cowboys topped the NFC in 2007 with a 13-3 record, only to fall in the Divisional Round to the Giants.

To be honest, the only reason that I can think of is that Phillips would be fired is his ignorance in press conferences. Every answer is either “I don’t know” or  “I can’t answer that question.”

The Bottom Line: Jerry Jones has given Wade Phillips one last chance as a head coach, and if Phillips doesn’t return the favor, he’ll be out of chances and out of a job.

 

LaDainian Tomlinson, Running Back, San Diego Chargers

How could a running back the caliber of LT be on this list? Well, the reality is that many believe that Tomlinson is running out of gas. After an injury-plagued season and barely scraping 1,000 yards, people thought Tomlinson was going to be traded or released.

People believe that Darren Sproles is the future of the Chargers, and that LT is a shell of his former self. Add that he hit the terrible age of 30 (for RB’s), he could be backing Sproles up.

The Bottom Line: Tomlinson can’t risk an injury, or a poor season. If he doesn’t do any of those, Darren “Lightning Bug” Sproles will be the starting running back for San Diego.

 

Jamal Lewis, Running Back, Cleveland Browns

Lewis gained 1,002 yards rushing last year, a career low since his 2,000-yard performance for the Ravens in 2004. While Lewis has no one behind him to worry about, there is the possibility that he will be released.

Like LT, people think that Jamal Lewis is running out of gas, and that someone younger and faster has to take his place. Lewis needs to disprove that.

The Bottom Line: Lewis needs to improve his numbers greatly, and needs to help the Browns to a better record, or he will be retired or on a different team.

 

Brad Childress, Head Coach, Minnesota Vikings

This one beats the hell out of me. The Vikings have only been improving since Childress arrived. He posted, 6-10, 8-8, 10-6, with third, second and first divisional rankings. Childress also took the Vikings to a division title, and a home playoff game.

Yet, fans were still chanting for Childress’s firing at games. Now, he is on a short leash from the owners, and he has to perform well to keep his job.

The Bottom Line: Childress needs to lead the Vikings to another playoff spot, and a playoff win in order to save his team and his job.

Dick Jauron, Head Coach, Buffalo Bills

Three straight 7-9 seasons do not look good on a resume. And Jauron’s resume isn’t too good. Despite starting the year 4-0, the Buffalo Bills collapsed mid season, and only won three more games.

For some unknown reason, Jauron was given a last chance to coach the Bills, when everyone thought he was going to be canned.

The Bottom Line: If Jauron can’t put up a winning record, he is gone for sure. However, even with the additions they made in the offseason, the Bills are still a year away from competing with their division, and Dick Jauron doesn’t have until next year.

If these players and coaches can’t do the job, you’ll see some new backup players and assistant coaches come the 2010 season.

Steve McNair Tragedy Ruled a Homicide

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/CNN)- The shooting death of former Tennessee Titan/Oiler and Baltimore Raven, has been ruled a homicide. Nashville police confirmed their ruling July 5, however they have not disclosed any more details.

McNair ws also found dead with a 20 year old women identified as Saleh Kazemi. Kazemi was a a waitress at a restaurant the McNair family frequented.

All evidence points to a murder-suicide, although the Nashville Police Department has yet to confirm or deny the assumption. McNair was shot four times, the fatal shot being the fourth.

Kazemi died of a single bullet wound to the head, the 9mm pistol used to kill them both was found below her.

It is confirmed that McNair was having an extra-marital affair with Ms. Kazemi at the the time of their death. The likely cause of the event was an argument between the two.

The likely scenario that led to the argument was most likely McNair ending the relationship between the two. Kazemi took it the wrong way, then shot McNair, and took her own life shortly.

However likely, this is only a theory, and the scenario could have been different than a
murder-suicide or just different circumstances. All we can do is express our condolences to both the Kazemi and McNair families about this terrible tragedy.

Chris Johnson: A Young Star and an Ego to Match.

Vince Young is on the bench, Adam “Pacman” Jones is doing reality TV, so the focus in Tennessee is on the team, right? Apparently not. Chris Johnson has reportedly called an end to the running back duo with LenDale White, known as “Smash and Dash”

“Smash and Dash have had a divorce — that’s official. I have to be my own guy, so no more Smash and Dash, that was last year.”

Folks, it gets worse. He later goes on and says

“Every Coach’s Dream, that’s me. Because they say every team has it’s own identity. I feel for me, I can’t be noticed as a group any more. I am my own guy.”

Every Coach’s Dream huh? More like every coach’s nightmare. I have to feel bad for Jeff Fisher. He has spent the last few offseasons trying to get rid of all the egos on the team, and now has more to deal with.

Listen up Chris, because if you don’t want to hear this speech for the rest of your career, wise up while you can.

You’re obviously not getting the point of playing football. The point of football isn’t to make a name for yourself, it isn’t to show yourself off to everyone. It’s to make a name for your team, and it is to show off your team. 

More importantly, it is to win, and last time I checked, you have to be on a team to win.

I know the concept of being on a team is new to you, but you have to understand it. Stop worrying about how you will noticed, and start worrying about winning the game. Don’t let the fame get to your head.

“…they say every team has its own identity…”

That’s right, every team has it’s own identity, but you are not the team. You are on a team, everything isn’t just you. You are not the Tennessee Titans, they would do fine without you. You are on the Tennessee Titans, you work to make them look special, not to make yourself look special.

It would really make your life a lot easier if you refrained from running your mouth like that. Terrell Owens did the exact same thing you did, and he has been dumped by three teams and has an empty ring finger.

Don’t fall down the path of the diva, it will only make things worse. And if you have to break up “Smash and Dash,” think of an excuse that doesn’t make you look like a fool.

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