Baltimore Ravens’ Defense: What To Expect in ’09

The 2008 Raven’s had a lot to be proud of, especially the defense. There are now some holes to be filled on the team with several offseason losses, Corey Ivy, Bart Scott, and Jim Leonhard. This is an overview of the replacements and the returners.

I will use the most state-of-the-art and high-tech stat projecting and grading system, also know as my noggin.

 

Cornerbacks

No. 22 Samari Rolle

Strengths: Coverage, pass blocking

Weaknesses: Age, tackling

Grade: B-

Projected stats: 35 tackles, five deflections, one interception. 11 INT yards

 

No. 31 Fabian Washington

Strengths: Speed, coverage, pass blocking

Weaknesses: Small stature, tackling

Grade: B

Projected stats: 33 tackles, seven deflections, three interceptions, .5 sacks, 75 INT yards

 

No. 24 Domonique Foxworth

Strengths: Speed, pass blocking, coverage, tackling

Weaknesses: Small stature

Grade: B+

Projected Stats: 41 tackles, seven deflections, three interceptions, one sack, 83 INT yards

 

No. 29 Chris Carr

Strengths: Speed, kick/punt returns, special teams

Weaknesses: Coverage, tackling

Grade: Returns: A; Corner: B-

Projected stats: 32 attempts, 780 yards, one touchdown; no cornerback play

 

Safeties

No. 28 Tom Zibikowski, SS

Strengths: Tackling, kick/punt returns, speed

Weaknesses: Coverage

Grade: Returns: B+; Strong safety: B

Projected stats: 27 attempts, 505 yards; five tackles.

 

No. 43 Haruki Nakamura, FS

Strengths: Hitting, tackling, coverage, speed, deflections, special teams, blitzing

Weaknesses: Inexperienced

Grade: A-

Projected stats: 22 tackles, five deflections, two interceptions, 32 INT yards, 2.5 sacks

 

No. 26 Dawan Landry, SS

Strengths: Hitting, tackling, speed, deflections, intercepting, blitzing, special teams, coverage

Weaknesses: Returning after neck injury

Grade: A+

Projected stats: 38 tackles, 10 deflections, five interceptions, 50 INT yards, one touchdown, three sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries. Pro Bowl selection.

 

No. 20 Ed Reed, FS

Strengths: Coverage, speed, intercepting, INT returns, takeaways, fumbles, blitzing, deflections, hitting, tackling, special teams.

Weaknesses: None

Grade: A++

Projected stats: 45 tackles, 10 deflections, 11 interceptions, 100 INT yards, three touchdowns, 3.5 sacks, one blocked punt. Pro Bowl selection, First Team All-Pro, Defensive Player of the Year

 

Defensive Linemen

No. 93 Dwan Edwards

Strengths: Pass rushing, speed, tackling

Weaknesses: Pass blocking, blitzing

Grade: B

Projected stats: 15 tackles, one for a loss

 

No. 94 Justin Bannan

Strengths: Pass rushing, blitzing, tackling

Weaknesses: Speed, pass blocking

Grade: B+

Projected stats: 23 tackles, three for a loss, 1.5 sacks

 

No. 90 Trevor Pryce

Strengths: Blitzing, tackling, pass rushing, pass blocking, speed

Weaknesses: Age

Grade: A

Projected stats: 35 tackles, five for a loss, three sacks, one forced fumble

 

No. 97 Kelly Gregg

Strengths: Pass rushing, pass blocking, blitzing, tackling

Weaknesses: Speed, age

Grade A-

Projected stats 40 tackles, four for a loss, 3.5 sacks

 

No. 92 Haloti Ngata

Strengths: Pass blocking, pass rushing, tackling, blitzing

Weaknesses: Speed

Grade: A

Projected stats: 49 tackles, six for a loss, six sacks, one interception, zero INT yards, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery.

 

Linebackers

No. 50 Antwaan Barnes

Strengths: Speed, pass rushing, tackling, special teams

Weaknesses: Pass blocking, blitzing, coverage

Grade: B-

Projected stats: 27 tackles, .5 sacks

 

No. 56 Tavares Gooden

Strengths: Pass rushing, blitzing, tackling, speed

Weaknesses: Inexperienced, pass blocking,

Grade: B

Projected stats: 24 tackles, two for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble

 

No. 53 Jameel McClain

Strengths: Pass rushing, pass blocking, blitzing, tackling, safeties, special teams

Weaknesses: Inexperienced, speed, coverage

Grade: B

Projected stats: 40 tackles, three for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one safety

 

No. 51 Brendon Ayanbendejo

Strengths: Tackling, hitting speed, pass rushing, blitzing, special teams

Weaknesses: Pass blocking, coverage

Grade: B+

Projected stats: 48 tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack, Pro Bowl Special Teamer

 

No. 95 Jarrett Johnson

Strengths: Pass rushing, pass blocking, tackling, blitzing, intercepting, coverage

Weaknesses: Speed

Grade: A-

Projected stats: 57 tackles, two deflections three for a loss, six sacks, one interception, five INT yards, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery

 

No. 52 Ray Lewis

Strengths: Leadership, hitting, tackling, pass rushing, pass blocking, blitzing, coverage, speed, intercepting,

Weaknesses: Age

Grade: A+

Projected stats: 62 tackles, five for a loss, four deflections, 7.5 sacks, two interceptions, 25 INT yards, two forced fumbles, Pro-Bowl selection, First Team All-Pro

 

No. 55 Terrell Suggs

Strengths: Tackling, hitting, blitzing, pass rushing, pass blocking, intercepting, coverage

Weaknesses: None

Grade: A+

Projected stats: 68 tackles, five deflections, 13.5 sacks, two interceptions, one touchdown, 38 INT yards, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery. Pro Bowl selection, First Team All-Pro

 

Well, there you have it. An overview of all the playmakers on the Ravens defense. As for team rankings and how they compare with others, I have that for you as well:

Yards per game: Second

Points per game: First

Against the run: Second

Against the pass: Third

Takeaways: First

Scoring: First

Overall league ranking: Second. As much as I hate the Steelers, there is no denying that they are absolutely loaded on defense, and haven’t changed much in the offseason.

Predicted record: 10-6 or 11-5. They have a murderous schedule this year, but they have the personnel to overcome it.

I hope you found this informative, feel free to leave any comments, questions or concerns, or if you just want to blast me with hate.

401K’s for Football Players: Why More Needs To Be Done

You would think that after retiring from professional, life is great. Big houses, fast cars, lots of money. But that life is reserved for the big names, names like Dan Marino, Michael Strahan, John Ogden, Tiki Barber, Jerome Bettis, Troy Aikman, and other similar big-name players.

Welcome to the darker side of NFL retirement. Health problems, arrests, drug problems, bankruptcy, and gambling.

Someone like Dan Marino has his retirement set, broadcasting gigs, endorsements, commercials—he’s good for life. But let’s take a look at the average offensive linemen’s retirement. Average, I’m not talking about John Ogden or Matt Birk, but some no-name second stringer.

He gets paid the average for O-linemen, $850,000 a year. Pretty good right? Let’s say he plays 10 years. That’s $8,500,000 over his career. Hot damn! Normally, he wouldn’t have that much at the end of his career because he gets paid yearly, and there is no way he can spend $0 each year, but this is hypothetical.

Now there are factors in this equation that the retiree can control, and others that he can’t control, let’s go over the stuff that is in his hands.

 

Controllable

No more NFL means no more drug tests! So he goes to town, and buys all the weed he can. Now, weed is NOT going to kill you, it is certainly unhealthy, but is not going to ruin your life. BUT, in this world, one thing leads to another, and he gets into more hardcore drugs, cocaine, ecstasy, prescription painkillers and sedatives, and more.

Now he is in real trouble. Use of ecstasy slowly builds deposits of calcium in the user’s brain. Cocaine is highly addictive, as are painkillers (just ask Rush Limbaugh). Cocaine increases blood pressure dramatically, which isn’t good for someone the size of a lineman.

Add that high blood pressure to unrestricted eating habits, and you have a recipe for heart disease.

Drugs also bring troubles with the long arm of the law. Now he is getting arrested, and serving stints in jail. Jail isn’t good, he has to pay court fees, and his health is deteriorating quickly.

Now through all the health bills, fines, court fees, and drug payments are catching up to him.

Speaking of money, what else is he going to do other than spend it on drugs? Spend it on excess of course! Cars, clothes, houses, any thing money can buy, he has.

But that is catching up to him, too. He can’t afford to pay his taxes, bills, loans and mortgages and any other expense.

In short, he has ruined his life. Technically, it’s not the NFL’s fault. But they can do more to help, and I’ll get in to that in a bit.

 

Uncontrollable

There are several things that the retiree can’t control, mostly involving health complications from his tenure in the NFL.

O-line is a tough position to play, you have to be big with lots of muscle. But the one downside is the physicality of the people you play against. Many former linemen suffer chronic joint pains, weak and fragile bones, shoulder problems, and upper body bone disease.

But what happens to all that muscle? Well folks, here is a little science lesson. In turns to fat, and fat isn’t always a good thing. When 310 pounds of muscle deteriorate into fat, your health goes down with it.

Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are the biggest problems resulting from the deterioration of muscles.

But one thing that happens not related to health is that the player runs out of money. Not because he blew it on drugs or gambling, but because his pension is so poor.

Some people need structure in their lives to keep them out of trouble. Lawrence Taylor and Michael Irvin are good examples. They both were lured by vices, and paid the price with drug addiction, financial and legal troubles. But as soon as the NFL did something to help, they turned out OK.

 

Flawed plans

The NFL has basically the same plan as the government, where age of retirement means everything.

Former Bills guard Joe DeLamielleure gets paid $992 a month. In today’s economy, that is barely enough. It could be worse, but it is simply un-American to be unable to give fair pension because he retired at age 45.

While the average person who retires at 60 gets $3,000 month, a football player gets less simply because his career ended early. The NFLPA does nothing to help retired players, only current players. Why? Because they sign their paychecks (figure of speech).

 

What can be done to stop these effects?

The NFL has moved in the right direction, but more needs to be done. They currently have initiated a program similar to Step Down programs for athletes, to help with the withdrawal from physical lifestyle to an unstructured and sedentary lifestyle.

This has reduced the amount of health complications from their tenures in the NFL, but more needs to be done financially. There needs to be an overhaul, where age of retirement is eliminated, and where the NFLPA can give the players enough money to get by on their basic expenses.

If the NFL doesn’t act now, then more and more retirees are doomed to financial, drug, and legal problems. The NFL makes $25 billion on TV deals alone.

If some of that can be spread to the retired players in need of help, then the quality of life retirees can be improved.

Why Character and Leadership Matters in the NFL

Every year we see the same players act out and play the diva. Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco, Brett Favre (recently to an extent), Jay Cutler, Plaxico Burress, and many other smaller names are the usual suspects. These are the players who take the “me first” attitude: no matter what happens, it has to benefit them. Or they take the “I’m better than you” attitude.

We also see the troublemakers. No one knows why they can’t stay out of trouble. Notable players are Brandon Marshall, Tank Johnson, Adam “Pacman” Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Matt Jones, Chris Henry, Leon Hall, and many others.

Of course, who could forget the morons like Michael Vick, Donte Stallworth, and Plaxico Burress, who lack basic decision-making skills, and have paid the price?

Likewise, we see players who lead their team and are prime examples for leadership and character. Players like Ray Lewis, Ben Roethlisberger, Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, Kurt Warner, and James Farrior, just to name a few.

Now look at all the players and their teams. Notice that the leaders are all on successfully teams, and that the divas a criminals all belong to the laughingstocks of the league. It’s no coincidence.

Terrell Owens has been a productive and top-five receiver for the 49ers, Eagles, and Cowboys. But at the same time he also destroyed each team to an extent, the ‘Niners being the worst. It’s because his “me me me” attitude gets in the way of the team’s performance.

The Bengals are in the cellar of the AFC North partly because Chris Henry and Leon Hall can’t keep their noses out of trouble. The same goes for the the Broncos. Brandon Marshall can’t stop beating up his girlfriends, and Jay Cutler wants everything his way. Now they are in a state of disarray .

Ray Lewis, the heart and soul of the Ravens and the greatest team leader in recent memory, has consistently led his teams to success in some way, although not always a good win-loss record. Brian Dawkins led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl.

Ben Roethlisberger and James Farrior anchored the Super Bowl-winning Steelers this past season. Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner’s leadership made a huge impact in their surprising run to the Super Bowl and their first NFC Championship.

If this isn’t proof that character matters in the NFL, then I don’t know what is. As I have stated before, the NFL is about winning and losing. Players with strong characters are winners, players without any character are losers. It’s that simple.

Joe Flacco Is Overrated, Right? Wrong

In wake of Joe Flacco’s accomplishments, many people claim that Joe Flacco did not deserve the credit he got for being the first rookie QB to win two playoff games.

Many critics look at his stats as the main argument against him. His stats are average, and many claim that his numbers don’t reflect the praise he got. Let’s take a look see.

			Att	Comp	%	yds	ypa	Lng	TD	INT	rating
			428	257	60%	2971	6.9	70	14	12	80.3

 

OK, I’m willing to grant that it’s average, but you have to look at his circumstances. He was a QB from Delaware, ad DI-AA school. The starting QB, Kyle Boller, went down in the preseason and was sidelined for the year. Troy Smith was next in line, but he came down with a nasty case of tonsillitis.

In comes Flacco, being thrust into the limelight, in arguably the toughest division in the league, having to face Carson Palmer and Bengals, and the vaunted Steeler defense twice a year. I’d say he did fine for his circumstances.

Critics say “he only won two playoff games because he had a strong defense behind him.”

True, he did have a strong defense behind him, but in many games he was able to lead the offense to be able to hold it’s own. In several games, Flacco performed like many veteran QBs.

In a week 13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, he threw for a personal best 280 yards and 2 TD’s, for the Ravens sixth win in their previous seven games. In a seven-game stretch, he compiled a passer rating of 99.1, the best of any Quarterbacks in that span.

In a week 16 win over the Dallas Cowboys, he was 17 for 25 throwing 149 yards, 1 TD, and a Passer Rating of 96.9. In winning the game, he became the last quarterback to win at Texas Stadium since that was the last game ever played at Texas Stadium.

This would also make him the second rookie Quarterback ever to win at Texas Stadium since Ben Roethlisberger.

In week 17 Joe Flacco had a new personal best, 297 yards. He was 17 of 23 for a QB rating of 115.8 as the Baltimore Ravens routed the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-7. He was awarded the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award, joining players like, Vince Young, Adrian Peterson and Ben Roethlisberger.

His worst performance was against the Steelers in the AFC Championship, where he threw three interceptions. A very poor performance, and he was again blasted by critics.

OK,his performance was terrible, I’ll grant that, but let’s compare. Jake Delhomme, the QB for the Carolina Panthers, choked similarly, throwing five interceptions against the Cardinals. He has been in the league since 1997, one year less than the Baltimore Raven’s existence.

Now let’s look at Ben Roethlisberger’s performance in the 2004-5 AFC Championship. Three interceptions, pretty familiar right? Now look at Roethlisberger, three division titles, two conference titles, and two Superbowl rings.

You can say all you want about his stats, his individual performances, and his team behind him. But remember this, the NFL is about one thing, winning and losing. Joe Flacco is a winner, not many QB’s in the league can say the same for themselves.

Chad Ochocinco Challenges Shawne Merriman to a Fight.

Folks, I couldn’t make this crap up if I tried. Just when we thought Chad Ochocinco, the attention grabbing WR from Cincinnati was going on the track to maturity, this happens.

According to FOXSports, MSNBC, and CNN Sports. On Twitter (the newest fad), Ochocinco was positive that he and the Bengals would defeat the San Diego Chargers in Week 15, specifically Merriman and the defense. Merriman, of course, decided to voice his opinion.

“Are you serious!?”, was his reply.

This prompted Ochocinco to challenge Merriman to a boxing match. Ochocinco has been sparring all offseason, and is feeling confident enough to beat the Chargers, and beat Merriman in a fight.

Beating Shawne Merriman in a fight is no easy task. Merriman stands 6’4″ 272 pounds, compared to Ochocinco’s 6’1″ 190 pounds. Although, size doesn’t always matter.

Personally though, I think Merriman would snap Ochocinco like a twig.

2009 NFL Playoffs: Possible Newcomers

Every year we see teams new to the playoffs. And when I mean new, I mean that they didn’t make it the year before due to rebuilding, injuries, or just plain poor play. These teams are the most likely to make it, whether for the first time, or a return trip.

 

New England Patriots

Come on! Who didn’t see this one coming? The Pats missed the playoffs by a tiebreaker with the Dolphins for the AFC East Title, and with the Ravens for the final Wild-Card seed.

And it’s not just Tom Brady’s return that is going to send them into the playoffs.

They have bolstered their ranks. Joe Galloway joins the Patriots, they lost Mike Vrabel, but a healthy Adaulius Thomas could mean a lot, just watch what he did in Baltimore for six years.

While their running game isn’t the strongest, their passing game is almost unmatched with Galloway, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker all catching passes from Brady.

 

New Orleans Saints

I can guarantee that the Saints will see the posteason next year. Why? Look at their offense. While their defense is still in need of change, their offensive efforts pick up their slack.

Reggie Bush is poised to have a great season—he is putting his hot celebrity girlfriend in second place, and has been attending all OTA’s and offseason workouts, a good step, considering his lack of effort in previous years.

Then there is Drew Brees, the most underrated quarterback in the league. He is the second QB to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a single season, and the only person to have three consecutive 4,400+ yard season.

The Saints have all the offensive weapons they need to become playoff team.

 

Houston Texans

No, I’m not just jumping on the Texan bandwagon. It is obvious that the Texans are on the verge of a winning season, and most likely a wild-card birth, or even a division title.

They are coming in with a red-hot offensive unit. They are anchored with Matt Schaub at quarterback, who missed most of the 2008 season due to injuries. At receiver they have Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels, both Pro-Bowlers. Steve Slaton, a second year running back who had an outstanding rookie campaign, returns to the backfield.

On defense, they are led by Mario Williams, along with a balanced line and backers. Their only question marks are in their secondary.

 

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks may even win the division against the defending NFC Champion Cardinals. They have reloaded and have the opportunity to play two rebuilding teams twice a year. Meanwhile the Cards have an extremely tough schedule.

The return of Matt Hasselbeck should greatly improve their chances. The Seahawks struggled all year at the QB position when Hasselbeck was injured.

They added TJ Houshmandzadeh, and although he is aging, he provides the target needed for Hasselbeck. But, their greatest returning strength is on defense.

Lofa Tatupu, one of the most intimidating men in football, anchors their defense. One of the top favorites for Defensive Rookie of the Year Award is Aaron Curry, whom the Seahawks drafted with their first round pick; he will add a lot of depth to an already strong LB corps.

 

Green Bay Packers

The Packers may even be able to de-throne the Vikings at the top of the NFC North. Dead and gone are they days of Brett Favre, it’s Aaron Rodgers’ team now, and he proved it last year.

6-10? That’s not proving anything, right?

False.

Aaron Rodgers performed as the best QB for any team under .500 (not including teams at .500 because Drew Brees blew away any QB in the league). He put up Top-10 Stats, and was considered a great QB with an under-achieving team.

They recently re-signed WR Greg Jennings, who goes great with Donald Driver, his opposite wideout. Their running game ins’t necessarily improved, but their passing offense has improved greatly.

 

Dallas Cowboys

Everyone knows the fiasco that revolved around the ‘Boys that led to a 41-6 embarrassment against their hated rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. But the Cowboys are a strong team returning, and might catch some teams off guard.

Terrell Owens was a blessing and a curse for Dallas. They are now missing their most productive receiver, but the instigator in the meltdown that lost them a postseason appearance.

Now that he is gone, receivers Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, and Miles Austin can get more passes. Star tight end Jason Whitten can now get the ball without worrying about backlash from Owens, and Tony Romo won’t have his every move scrutinized. Not to mention the strength of the returning “Domination Defense” of the Cowboys.

 

Other’s considered: Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Blls, Washington Redskins, New York Jets, Chicago Bears.

 

I know not all of these teams will make it, but that’s the fun in predicting, you’ll never know if you’re right or wrong until the day comes. The NFC dominates most of this list simply because the AFC has largely been consistent in their postseason teams.

 

2009: Year Of The Diva?

Is it just me, or has 2009 been filled with more drama since Michael Vick’s trial in 2007? I don’t know what it going on, but this offseason has been filled with arrests, meltdowns, trades, and general drama.

It all started with Plaxico Burress. I know the “incident” where he accidentally shot himself in his leg with an unlicensed, and illegally concealed, weapon in a night club was in 2008. However, it is still a hot topic today in 2009.

After his arrest, he was suspended for the rest of 2008 season by Roger Gooddell, and released by the New York Giants in the offseason. His trial for weapons charges has been postponed to September, so it is a possibility that an ailing or rebuilding team could pick him up as a free agent.

Then came Jay Cutler. After hearing that he was in the midst of trade talks for Matt Cassel, he flipped on rookie head coach Josh McDaniels. He demanded a trade, and owner Pat Bowlen was forced to oblige.

He was traded to the Chicago Bears for QB Kyle Orton and several draft picks. Cutler was satisfied, and so were Da Bears. But the Broncos had lost their first hope at a franchise QB since John Elway

How could we forget the big T.O. Long, long after instigating a hissy fit about Tony Romo throwing to Jason Whitten, which caused a late season meltdown, Owens was released from the Dallas Cowboys. Troublemakers Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson also got canned.

However, it didn’t take long to find a new home for Owens, as the Buffalo Bills picked him up after less than a week. They are division rivals with the New England Patriots, home to Terrell Owens archrival Randy Moss. Prepare to be entertained.

The next Diva to come around was Brandon Marshall. Sometimes better known for his 13 arrests for domestic violence than is on-the-field prowess, B-Marsh wants out of Denver.

Why? Most likely because he lost his QB, Jay Cutler. Top that with rookie head coach Josh McDaniels causing a ruckus and stirring everyone’s feathers, it’s not a surprise someone like him wants out.

Less publicized is Chad Ocho Cinco’s attempt at maturity. After publicly admitting his disappointment in his performance it seems he is attempting to take the NFL seriously for a change. Stay tuned.

Two notable arrests were made, Marshawn Lynch and Donte Stallworth. Lynch was charged with weapons charges and parole violations, and was suspended for three games by the NFL.

Stallworth, was charged with DUI manslaughter and faced 15 years, but was able to get it down to 30 days? How? Hell if I know, but it worked…Not really, Roger Gooddell laid down some real justice by suspending Stallworth indefinitely, so it is possible Stallworth will never play in the NFL again.

Most recent was everyone’s favorite draft bust, Ryan Leaf. After being wanted for drug and burglary charges, Leaf was caught trying to get across the US border. He faces eight charges and it is speculated he may get up to 10 years in jail.

Why is all this happening? The most likely culprit is the money getting to their heads. Plain immaturity coupled with millions of dollars can’t be a good combo, and it has shown.

Hopefully, the superstars of tomorrow will realize that they can’t let the money, the fame, and the “lifestyle” get to their head, and they should focus on their profession.

Wanted: Ryan Leaf. Caught: Ryan Leaf

TEXAS(AP)- Just when we thought we had enough of NFL breakdowns, arrests, and dramas, we got some more. You all remember Ryan Leaf, the biggest NFL Draft failure in NFL history. Most well known for his post game breakdown where he almost assaulted a reporter.

An arrest warrant was given out for Leaf on charges of burglary and drug possession. The drugs were ileagally obtained Percosets, a powerful opium based perscription painkiller.

Not long after a statement was issued by his lawyer, Leaf was found. He was found by US Customs officers who caught him along the Canada-USA border.

After his arrest, the total charges issued were one count of burglary of habitation, seven counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud, and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance.

It is still unclear the punishment that will be dolled out for his crimes, the bail amount, and the court dates. But analysts speculate he could face 10 or more years, in jail, multiple years of probation, and hefty fines up to $250,000.

Donte’ Stallworth Will Never, Ever Play NFL Football Again

 

This isn’t a hate article directed at Donte Stallworth, it’s more about the consequences he will suffer. I will try to be as impartial as I can in this. I will say one opinionated thing before I star: The lenience of Stallworth’s sentence for recklessly killing another human being makes me sick to my stomach.

There is a maximum sentence of 30 years for DUI Manslaughter, which is normally bargained down to a lighter sentence. Stallworth faced 15 years. I don’t how the defense got it down to 30 days.

Added on to that are 10 years of probation, two of those he will be under house arrest with minimal outside contact. So it is safe to say, he will not play football at all during the next two years.

The rest of those eight years he will be under probation. He can only leave his home state with permission from his probation officer. He has to take a drug test every month, he cannot get caught doing anything illegal or he goes back to the slammer.

So there is a chance he will not play football at all for 10 years, but it is possible. Except if Roger Gooddell has anything to say about the whole situation.

As we all know, Gooddell can be a hardass sometimes, so don’t expect a nice little two game suspension. As a matter of fact, Stallworth may never be reinstated to play football in the NFL.

Now, Gooddell may only give him the death penalty because of the lenience of his criminal sentence. That would draw criticism, because the NFL is supposed to be impartial, but I can see it happening.

That won’t limit Stallworth to playing in the NFL Europe, AFL, or the CFL. However, Stallworth may want to consider a new career choice, considering the way his career ended.

 

Seven NFL Teams That Could Surprise Everyone This Year

Most of these seven teams are considered down for the count when it comes to the playoff run. But, that doesn’t stop them from shocking everyone, and possibly making the playoffs. Most of these teams are currently rebuilding, meaning that they are in the midst of a change, be it a new coach or a complete team overhaul.

These seven teams are all predicted to do worse than they are displayed here, so don’t get mad at the records.

 

1. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are a classically underachieving team. They have ridiculous amounts of talent, but haven’t broken the .500 mark

This is the only team on the list that isn’t going through a rebuilding stage.

The Texans, have a red hot offense. They have Andre Johnson, who is one of the top receivers in the league, paired with Owen Daniels. The young Steve Slaton turned heads last year, and is likely to make an even better impact in ’09.

Houston has made improvements on defense, and if Matt Schaub can stay on the field, then they are going to have a surprise season.

Most people don’t expect much because they are in the same division with the Colts and Titans, but they don’t get enough credit. Prepare to be shocked.

Likely Record: 9-7

Best Case Scenario: 10-6

Worse Case Scenario: 9-7

Playoffs: AFC South Division contender

 

2. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks had a very poor season last year, which centered around the injury of Matt Hasselbeck, which led to even more QB problems. But Seattle is coming in with a lot of talent. T.J. Houshmenzadeh is a great addition, and will compliment a healthy Hasselbeck.

The best addition, however, is Aaron Curry, who I think is a contender for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. He will work great with one of the most intimidating men in football, Lofa Tatupu.

Likely record: 9-7

Best case: 9-7

Worst Case: 8-8

Playoffs: NFC Wild-Card hopeful.

 

3. Cincinnati Bengals

This is Marvin Lewis’s make-or-break year, and he may have just gotten lucky. The Bengals had a very disappointing season last year, with a 3-11-1 record. But this year they may turn some heads in their favor.

Carson Palmer is one of the elite QB’s in the league, and the best in the AFC North, provided he doesn’t blow out one of his knees again. Chad Ochocinco has shown some maturity recently, starting with admitting his own failure last year. He still has a ridiculous name, but it’s a start. They lost T.J. Houzmenzadeh, but replaced him with Levaurance Coles.

They are still lacking on the defensive end, but they have an offense to pick up the slack.

Likely record: 7-9

Best case: 8-8

Worst case: 5-11

Playoffs: Unlikely, but possible.

 

4. Denver Broncos

People fail to realize that the Broncos only lost Jay Cutler, not their entire offense. They still have the components to their No. 2 offense, specifically Brandon Marshall, despite his “eccentricity.”

Denver addressed their running back needs with Knowshon Moreno and helped their poor defense by adding former Eagle Brian Dawkins. But, the Broncos are still lacking a D-Line, and Josh McDaniels isn’t looking too good.

Likely record: 7-9

Best Case: 7-9

Worst Case: 5-11

Playoffs: Unlikely, but possible.

 

5. San Fransisco 49ers

The Niners are close to becoming a contender against the Cardinals and Seahawks. They were fortunate enough to draft Michael Crabtree, who dropped down in picks. They also have great returning talent.

Frank Gore, a very physical running back, returns on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive end, the Niners have Patrick Willis achoring the unit. San Fransisco is only lacking in the QB position, with Alex Smith, who is an incapable option and Shaun Hill, who is unreliable.

Likely Record: 7-9

Best case: 7-9

Worst case: 5-11

Playoffs: Unlikely

 

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccs were victim to the late season meltdown, as were many other teams last year. But they do have a small chance to surprise. They added quarterback Josh Freeman to their roster, but it will likely take some grooming for him to fully emerge.

Tampa also added Kellen Winslow, who will be a great passing option. The addition of Byron Leftwitch adds more depth to the QB position, as well. The Bucs also return with Ronde Barber and Antonio Bryant.

Likely record: 6-10

Best Case: 6-10

Worst Case: 4-12

Playoffs: No

 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jax has been plagued with a poor locker room, drugs, and other off-field issues. But they have a bright spot with Maurice Jones Drew, who is among the top ten running backs in the. David Garrard gets more heat than he deserves; he is a great scrambler, but has weak options to throw too.

The Jaguars are still a year or two away from being a playoff contender, or at least a hopeful. However, with Maurice Jones-Drew, they can shock some people

Likely record: 5-11

Best case: 6-10

Worst case: 3-13

Playoffs: No

 

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