The Circle of a Philly Athlete's Career

He entered the Philadelphia sports scene with boo's when he was drafted, and left Sunday's game against the Ravens with the same sentiment from the fans. But Donovan McNabb's career in Philly is not over yet (he will be playing this Thursday).

But is that the right choice? McNabb has gotten progressively worse since the first week, which led to him being benched in favor of Kevin Kolb in the second half on Sunday.

Let's face it, before the season, nobody (except the boo birds) where calling for Donovan's head. He still is a good QB. But the Eagles have to think of next year, since the Eagles are all but out of the playoffs. Will he be a solid quarterback in the upcoming year?

Starting Kolb (if McNabb's career in Philly is over), is the best choice. Not all young QB's start off good. Kolb had an especially rough day against the Ravens. But if you're concerned, look at Matt Cassel. Everyone figured the Patriots were done without Brady, and Cassel didn't look too great the first couple of weeks. But, unlike McNabb, he has gotten progressivly better, leading up to his monster game on Sunday.

The bottom line is Andy Reid needs to make a decision for the rest of the year. Quarterback controversys are never a good thing. So if McNabb or Kolb is the starter after Thursday's game, they should continue to start the rest of the season.

1980-2008

In 1980:
HP released its first personal computer

The US hockey team defeated the Soviet Union

Jimmy Carter was President

CNN began

The Sixers lost to the Lakers in the Finals

The Flyers lost to the Islanders in the Finals

John Lennon died

And the Phillies were the best team in baseball

Switching Bandwagons

Allow me at this time to jump off of the Trail Blazers wagon, and promptly jump on the Toronto Raptors. Sure the Blazers will still be a decent team (look what they did in the first half last year without Oden), and after Oden comes back they will be better.
But I have seen the light in Toronto. After Chris Bosh's time in Beijing, and acquiring Jermaine O'Neal, the Raptors are ready to roll this year. Bosh started the year off right with 27 points and 11 rebounds while the healthy O'Neal chipped in 17 and 8.
People keep forgetting that O'Neal is only 30, and Bosh is still morphing into one of the leagues best. The only direction for this team is up, and it looks like that's where they're heading.

Congrats Philadelphia

Celebrate Phillies fans, for you are no longer the team that lost to Joe Carter in '93. You are no longer the team that can produce MVP after MVP, but do nothing in the playoffs. You are simply the best team in baseball.

Talib > Jenkins=The Right Decision (So Far)

As a Bucs fan, I was hoping South Florida's CB Mike Jenkins would be the one chosen with the 20th pick in last years draft. After building the core of the '02 Championship team through alumnus from Florida, FSU, and Miami, I was hoping they would select the player that played at Raymond James through his collegiate career.

Thankfully, Tampa ignored my thoughts, and chose Aqib Talib, from Kansas, with the 20th selection. The hated Cowboys snatched up Jenkins five spots later at the 25 slot.
And now, almost halfway through the season, Talib seems to be doing well compared to Jenkins. While Mike has a couple more tackles, Aqib has piled up 3 interceptions to Jenkins doughnut.

I am so excited for Talib's early NFL sucess, especially after last years top pick, Gaines Adams, started off extremly slow. Hopefully this early sucess will continue through the rest off his young career.

Finally...

For the first time I can remember, not one, but two of teams I root for (Twins, Rays, Phillies, in that order) is in the World Series. Everyone and their mother seems to be picking the Rays in 6 or 7, which is odd, because just a few days ago, they were claiming the Rays were dead with a 3-2 lead in the ALCS.
Now, Crawford, Price, Longoria, the Flying Hawaiian, and Cole will meet the nation. As for my prediction, Rays in 7. Any team with 3 possible MVP's in their lineup will not go down without a brawl.

The Face Of OKC

Is there a better player to be on a team searching for a identity, than this man? Oklahoma City Thunder meet Joe Smith. Match made in heaven.

My, Times are Changing

As of 4:50 on Sunday, the Miami Dolphins have the same number of wins as the New England Patriots. Yes, let that sink in...

Ronnie Brown is Back!

A Season A Decade in the Making

I held off all season to say anything, afraid to jinx them, but I think it's safe now, because the Tampa Rays are in the playoffs.
They could win the World Series.
This is a good team. And still, luck has everything to do with it. How else would you explain a team that was perennial basement dwellers, gets off to a unbelievable start, loses two of their best players, keeps on truckin, clinches their first ever playoff appearance, and is now in the drivers seat of a division with two of baseballs most dominant teams.
Let's just call it karma.

Second, about all this talk about the Tampa not deserving this team due to the attendance. For the first decade of their existence the {devil} rays have not mattered. To put this into perspective, the team that came into the majors with them, the Diamondbacks, have already won the World Series. Also, while the writers are complaining about the Rays attendance, the two-time Champion Marlins are playing to 56 fans a night.
Wait till next year.

Above all else, I just can't believe how things have changed since the days of Boggs, and McGriff. Times are changing, and maybe the AL East is a three headed monster now...

NFL's LeBron and Melo

First off, I know this is a ludicrous statement. Personal rivalry's are much more rare in the NFL than in the NBA. There are less players in the NBA and it is more personal (smaller playing surface, no pads or helmets).

What I am saying is Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden could be the next Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. The best at their positions, and their respective teams battling for the number one spot.

For this to happen two things need to take place:
#1 Both Peterson and McFadden would have to become the full-time starter, and thrive on it.
#2 Both teams would have to greatly improve. Because, lets face it, Oakland will not be in the Super Bowl this year or next. Minnesota is alot closer to that goal than the Raiders

As for the LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony thing: they do have several similarities. Both were stars before they made it pro: A.P at Oklahoma, and Run DMc at Arkansas, where the two came in 2nd for Heisman voting. Both were drafted as the face of the franchise. Although not as much as LeBron for Cleveland.

This will take time. Oh yes it will take time. But on a talent level it is there. 2012 Super Bowl: Raiders vs. Vikings!

Buccaneers Cut More QB's Than Spleens!

The Chris Simms era in Tampa is over! After one legendary QB changes jerseys this preseason, another will be added to the list.

Alright, I hope no one actually believed that. My question is not "why?" but "what took so long?". Even before missing two seasons, Simms seemed too be throwing interceptions all the time. Although he did throw more touchdowns than interceptions in 2005 when he played in 11 games, all of my memory's are of his INT's.

It is a sad day for Jon Gruden, however. Think of your prized collection. Then think of the 5th best item in the collection. Then think of giving it away. The QB collector has lost one, but don't forget about Jake Plummer.

No More Morelli!

Well that was fun. I knew Penn State's game against Coastal Carolina would be pretty easy (minus the chance of a App State like upset), but this was a fantastic start to what all Penn State fans are hoping to be a great year.

Keep in mind that this is Coastal Carolina and not Ohio State. But the QB's were solid with Clark going 11-14, 146 yds 1 td, and Devlin 5-8 83 yds. Paul Cianciolo even got in the action passing for 31 yards.

The Running game is what I most excited about this year, and I got a little taste of what could happen. Starter Evan Royster did the most with his 8 carries, ending up in the endzone 3 times. The most excitement was reserved for freshman Stephfon Green who had 89 yards and 2 touchdowns.

So, things are looking really good (for now) and will most likely continue for the next three weeks. Then conference games will start, and the true status of this team will show. Keep your fingers crossed!

Tim Tebow? Really!?!?

So you want to portray Tim Tebow as a throw-back type player. Why not have him stand next to a statue, or even make it a black and white picture, but this? It just makes me want to burst out in uncontrollable laughter.

Gilligan to Favre: "I Know How You Feel"

Since the beginning of time (1988) there has been Madden Football. A little bit after the dawn of man, (2001) EA Sports decided to change around the Garden of Eden, switching the white-haired, jolly "Adam", for the gladiators themselves.

The rest is history (along with my horrible analogy). Since Eddie Gorge has graced the cover, there have been interceptions, injury's, retirements, dog-fighting, and several other curse-like things. But then retired Brett Favre was selected, and then promptly unretired, then traded to the Jets, not in time for the covers to be changed to reflect the trade. Hence, according to the curse rulebook makes the curse null and void, since the uniform has changed.

Think about it, in the third season of Gilligan's Island the episode "Voodoo", Gilligan was under a curse because the voodoo doll was dressed just like himself. If he had simply ditched the silly hat, the curse would expire.

There it is. The logical end to the Madden Curse. But then again, there is that one episode of the Brady Bunch...

Two-Timing Gators: The NBA Season

You remember them right? Before the 2006 Tournament, they were a 3 seed with a bunch of unknowns. Now, the Florida Gators have 2 Championships on the shelf, and a bunch of NBA players. Here's how Florida's fab five did in their first season in the pros.

Joakim Noah F/C Chicago Bulls 6.6 PPG 5.6 RPG 1.1 APG
Corey Brewer F Minnesota T-Wolves 5.8 PPG 3.7 RPG 1.4 APG
Al Horford F/C Atlanta Hawks 10.1 PPG 9.7 RPG 1.5 APG
Tauren Green G Denver Nuggets 1.6 PPG 0.6 RPG 0.6 APG
Lee Humphrey G PAOK (Greek) ------- -------- -------

And You Thought He Was Normal for Talking To the Goalposts

From ESPN:
Quebec Remparts goalie Jonathan Roy was suspended for seven games, and Remparts coach Patrick Roy -- Jonathan's father -- was suspended for five games following Saturday's melee between their team and the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff.

As a Patrick Roy fan, I don't quite know what to think about this. Yes, Patrick was always a little strange, talking to the goalposts, not touching the blue line, and of course, battling it out with other goalies.
But this is a little too strange. The reports say, that Patrick signaled his son to go after the opposing goalie, while everyone else seemed to be exchanging pleasantries. Now, don't get me wrong, I love goalie fights, in fact Roy vs. any Red Wings goalie is in my top 5 NHL moments. What was great about those was the fact that both goalies were trying to pound the snot out of each other.
In the video of the younger Roy fight, it seemed as if fighting was the last thing on the opposing goaltenders mind. He did not even take a swing, he simply covered up and dropped to the ice. After that fight, Roy skated away, "saluted" the fans, and proceeded to pummel another player.
So is the 7 and 5 game suspensions enough? No way. If senior Roy did in fact instruct junior Roy to go after the opponent, it should be at least 10, and for mercilessly beating a unwilling opponent I say 20.

G.A.P. in the Championship

I hate to say it, but I was wrong. After being plastered on every sports magazine in the pre-season, the Celtics did indeed live up to expectations. "Dream Teams" full of all-stars don't often fulfill their lofty goals. But Boston, with their 46-12 record, is inching closer and closer to a NBA Championship.

My problem wasn't Garnett, who I think would do anything to win after 12 years of futility in Minnesota. I think Ray Allen wouldn't care if he had to share the ball with two other "super-stars". My problem was with Paul Pierce. The Celtics were, after all, "His" team. Could he co-exist with his new Boston All-Star team? The answer was yes. Even though they are below their career average for ppg , they are still just as good. The "leader", Pierce is the highest scorer, averaging 20 per game, the the other two are around 18. In fact, all three haven't had scoring averages like this since their first 3 years in the league.

The next problem with Boston was the bench. They did everything they could do in order to get the team that they have now. Including trade away their depth. Now, with their average 56 points coming from 3 of the starters, depth isn't as important as it once was. Eddie House, and Glen "Big Baby" Davis have both been solid off the bench, even though Davis is still a little streaky.

Finally, and possibly the biggest problem was the point guard. Who would deliver the ball to G.A.P.? The biggest question mark at the beginning of the season: Rajon Rondo. The answer today: Rajon Rondo. He has started in all 54 games this year, after starting in 25 last year. He ranks in the top 25 in steals, steals pg, and assists pg. It shows what playing with 3 all stars can do for a career.

So can three championship deprived all-stars work together and pull it off? Or will they end up like Gary Payton, Karl Malone, and the Lakers? My guess is no, they will not win it all this year. But hey, I've been wrong plenty of times.

Mentions of "Gunslinger" on Telecasts Are Now Down 92%

It is finished. Brett Favre is no longer a Packer. He is finished as a quarterback in the NFL. He was one of the best (a poll on Fox Sports had him ranked 1st all time with Joe Montana in second). It will definitely be different to see someone else at under center in green and gold.

I think he chose to leave at the perfect time. If he chose to leave a couple of years ago, when everyone told him to retire, his career would have been slightly tarnished due to the fact he was "playing past his prime". But now, with the TD record in hand, and just one year removed from a playoff run, he can retire on the top tier of NFL QB's.

Personally I did not care for Favre. I hated how I heard the MNF crew say the word "gunslinger" about 65 times in a half when the Pack where playing. I do realize that I was watching a great QB play. And I am glad I appreciated the legacy of #4.

Let the legacy of Aaron Rodgers begin!

Come on Larry

Larry Bowa recently said that he would not wear the now-mandatory helmet for base coaches. Even if he got fined for every single game. For this, I believe Bowa is even more of an idiot than when he coached the Phillies.

Major League Baseball didn't just come up with this rule in one night. They did it for a purpose. To protect the base coaches. Even if they are ungrateful.

Sure, it may be uncomfortable, and yes, it still doesn't look right, but it is now the rule. Give a little respect for the Coolbaugh family, just wear it.

Is this Guy the Next Mike Alstott?

With the NFL Draft upcoming I started wondering what the Tampa Bay Bucs needed. Of course they need to continue to bring in younger defensive players, get some WR's, and decide who their "Quarterback of the Future" is.

What I want to know is, who could replace the fan favorite Mike "A-Train" Alstott, who retired this year. Fans either had #40 (Alstott), #20 (Ronde Barber), #55 (Derrick Brooks), or #7 (Martin Gramatica) jerseys. Besides Barber and Brooks, who are at the tail end of their careers, the rest are gone. Who will rise up?

Gaines Adams, and Cadillac Williams are somewhat there, but they need a bruiser. Someone who isn't afraid of contact. Ladies and gentleman, I give you, West Virginia FB, Owen Schmitt. Take a look at the video below. Brings back memories, eh?

Yes, the Buccaneers have a FB, BJ Askew. But in 5 years with the Bucs and Jets, he has just 102 rushing yards and 30 receptions. Hardly a fan fav.

Now the question is, can they get him? ESPN.com predicts he'll go around the 4th-5th rounds. Tampa has the 24th pick in the 4th. Now, I just need a #35 Schmitt jersey.

Barry + Rays= ?

Such a simple equation, yet what is the end result? Yes, if rumors come to pass, Barry Bonds, with his steroid-enlarged head, will play in Tampa for the Rays. Let that soak in a little.
Now back to the equation. Sure to Rays will get a lot of negative publicity for the move. But for the Rays, any publicity would be good.
Secondly, any fans the Rays have, will resent the team for signing the hulk. But, they will show up. Yes, they may boo, but you have to have people in attendance to boo. The Giants, in the past 7 years have had season attendance above the league average. While the Rays, have one season (1998, inaugural season) above league average. The low points included under 14,000 "fans" per game in 2002-2003. Most of those in attendance where wearing other teams jerseys.
So yes, I think the Rays should go after Barroid, despite my heart. Because Barry + Rays=Exposure. So for the few Tampa fans can get some national attention.


Also, if you wanted to know what would have happened if the Rays got Bonds, a bit earlier, this is a good read.

Year of the Trade

The NBA season began with a bang, with the Celtics gathering up Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to propel them to a league best 41 wins. That must have gotten the other teams to try to find their own Garnett, to put them in position to make a playoff run. Phoenix shocked everyone by trading Shawn Marion to Miami for Shaq, Dallas got J-Kidd back, Kobe got some help in the form of Pau Gasol, and Bibby is now with the Hawks.
Well, it ain't over yet, news in now in that, like Kobe, LeBron will now have his sidekick. Yes, exit Larry Hughes, enter Ben Wallace.

Can Wallace, on his $15 shoes, help lift the load on James, after 2 horrendous years in Chicago? I have no clue. But this is gonna be an exciting second half.

Wow Miami, Just Wow

It hasn't been a good year for Miami in sports. The Dolphins showed just how bad a football team could possibly be, with just one win in the whole season. The Panthers are 24th in the NHL. And the Marlins just won't keep their proven players.

The Heat used to be the bright spot. It was only a couple of years ago, that Shaquille O'Neal was brought in from L.A. on a 18-wheeler, promising a NBA title.

Well, he did. But since then he has sat. A lot. While the Big Diesel had his pit stops, the Heat have just stunk. 9-37 is their record right now, bad enough for last place. Yes, worse than the Knicks.

So why is everyone starting to believe again? Shaq is gone. Although, it's not really that he is gone, but Shawn Marion is in. How they dealt a over-his-prime superstar to a team that had 3 potential all-stars, I do not know. All I know is that the Heat, thanks to a new sidekick for Dwayne Wade, are back in it. Because in the East, no one is ever really out of it.

My MVP

No offense to Eli, but I think the MVP deserved to go to Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Michael Strahan.

They held one of the NFL's all time greatest offenses to 14 points, a new low. Tuck added two sacks of Tom Brady, and a forced fumble.

I have never seen Tom Brady get hit so many times. He was constantly under pressure, and was out of sync for a large portion of the game. Without this pressure, Brady, with a clean jersey, would have had time to make the right decisions, and then win the game. The game was decided by the trio of Tuck, Umenyiora, and Strahan. So for the Most Valuable Player, I gotta go with those guys

Football is Over...

All of football is over. So now I can concentrate on other things. Such as hockey and basketball.

2008 Patriots: 7-9?

After losing to the Giants this past Sunday, I have to wonder: What will happen to the New England Patriots next year. Since the Giants lost to the Baltimore Ravens in SB XXXV, the losing team has had a significant downfall.

2001 Giants (after loss to Ravens) 7-9

2002 Rams (after loss to Patriots) 7-9

2003 Raiders (after loss to Buccaneers) 4-12

2004 Panthers (after loss to Patriots) 7-9

2005 Eagles (after loss to Patriots) 6-10

2006 Seahawks (after loss to Steelers) 9-7

2007 Bears (after loss to Colts) 7-9

There it is, one winning record out of 7 previous SB losers. The Patriots are getting older, and Randy Moss could always revert to his old ways. I just can't wait till next year!

What Happened to Eli?

Halfway through the season, everyone was right. Eli Manning was overrated. He wasn't horrible, but he wasn't Peyton.

Then came the final game. Should you rest the starters against the perfect New England Patriots, or play for a place in history. Surprisingly, they started the players, and even more surprisingly took the Pats as far as they could go. They didn't win, mind you, but Eli got his dignity.
He has had only one interception from the New England game till now. Compare that to his 5 INT's in the first 4 games in the season. He has played in some of the most difficult places as well. Tampa Bay (One of the top defenses), Dallas, and Green Bay (in the 21st century's version of the Ice Bowl).

Whats next for Eli if he does do the impossible and beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on Sunday? I predict more commercials, date supermodels, and overall, live the life that was meant to be lived as a QB in the NFL. Joe Namath would be proud.

Bucs, Former & Present, Dropping Like Flies

First it was Warren Sapp, now it's Mike Alstott. The greatest players in Buc history are retiring one by one. Both were fan favorites. It wasn't odd to see a #99 or #40 jersey walking around in the Tampa area. Both have lost their luster. Sapp declined after a trade to the Raiders, and the A-train with constant back injuries.

I will personally miss both players, especially Alstott. The question now is, who's next? Former coach, Tony Dungy recently contemplated retirement before he ultimately decided against it. Will it be Derrick Brooks, or Ronde Barber? Or perhaps John Lynch. Who ever the next Tampa Bay Buccaneer to retire is, I know this. Gone are the great players from the Super Bowl. We need our younger players to step up now.

PiPA NFL Reg. Season Review

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Best Moment: Week 9, National TV audience. What do you do? Blow the other team out of the water. 5 TD's for Big Ben, over 100yds for Santonio Holmes, and a monster block for Hines Ward.

Worst Moment: Losing to the New York Jets. That's all that needs to be said.

MVP: Mike Tomlin. He brought the 8-8 team that was a huge letdown after SB XL, up two wins and a Division Championship. Not bad for a rookie.

Next Year (Better or Worse?): I say, they'll stay around 10-6. Tomlin will know what to expect, Holmes will be improved. The only downside is their competition. If the Ravens return to form, along with the surprisingly good Browns, this could be a tough division.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
Best Moment: Beating the Cowboys in their own house in week 15.

Worst Moment: Roy Williams horse collar tackle on Donovan McNabb. Everyone was having flashbacks of T.O. getting injured the same way.

MVP: Brian Westbrook. He runs. He catches. He is the most important player on this team.

Next Year (Better or Worse?): I'm gonna go out on a limb and say worse. McNabb is not getting younger, the receivers are not getting better, and fans are not getting any happier.

Miami Dolphins (1-15)
Best Moment: Cleo Lemon's walk-off TD pass in week 15 against the Ravens, giving the Dolphins its first win of the season.

Worst Moment: The other horrendous 15 games. Or Ronnie Brown getting injured.

MVP: The fans. It takes alot of guts to go watch a team who hasn't won a a game in a couple of months. Congrats few Fin fans, there is always next year.

Next Year (Better or Worse?) Better. I mean they can't get any worse. Right? Cause they have draft picks and Ricky Williams will be with them for a full season.... Why don't I feel very confidant in this team?


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Best Moment: Tie. Michael Spurlock's Kickoff return for a TD. The first in Tampa History.
Ronde Barber Intercepts Jason Campbell in a key situation, that puts him number one in Buccaneer Franchise INT's.

Worst Moment: Losing the season opener against Seatle, which later cost them the tie-breaker against the Seahawks.

MVP: Ernest Graham. Started the season as the 3rd string RB, behind Carnell Williams and Michael Pittman. After both were hurt, he was not brilliant, but effective. After Pittman came back, and the Bucs got Michael Bennett from the Cheifs, Ernest was still the starter.

Next Year (Better or Worse): I want to say better (2 games were lost most likely because of sitting players for the playoffs). But I can't say that, so I'll go with no change.

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)
Best Moment: David Garrard's Season. Everyone condemned the Jags for letting Byron Leftwich go. Garrard came, won, and conquered the Steelers.

Worst Moment: Fred Taylor not getting a Pro Bowl position. Never been to a Pro Bowl before. The announcement comes, and he's still not there.

MVP: This is too tough to give it too one guy. Fred Taylor and David Garrard. Taylor had the stats, Garrard didn't make mistakes.

Next Year (Better or Worse?): Better. The Super Bowl's the limit for this team.

Pre-Pre-Season Fantasy Ranking's: RB's

Running Backs

1.) LaDainian Tomlinson (18.3 ppg)
Like most high picks, he started off slow, then gained speed, and continued his fantasy domination.

2.) Adrian Peterson (13.9)
Major question is, can he stay healthy? If he does? Look out! He had 5 games where he had over 20 fantasy points, including two games over 40!

3.) Steven Jackson (9.6)
Once again, it was another big name that was injured. After a fumble ridden first two games, he was out for the next four. Then he rewarded the owners that refused to dump him.

4.) Brian Westbrook (16.8)
Might be ranked a little too low here. Because he is one of the best pass catching backs in the league.

5.) Darren McFadden (R)
Has the possibility to be next years Peterson, or possibly better.

Sleeper(s):
Earnest Graham (10.4)
Didn't seem to affect him at all when the Michael Pittman came back from injury. Let's see what he'll do next year after Tampa has time to shop for another back.

Marshawn Lynch (10.4)
While Peterson got all the publicity, Marshawn was having a ROY-like season, including a 153 yard performance in week 8.

Stumbler(s):
Reggie Bush (7.8)
If you went by advertisements, he would be right there with Peyton. That, however, is not the case. Fantasy owners are coming to the sad realization that Reggie Bush may be overrated.

Edgerrin James (10.8)
Decent year, but how long is this gonna last in Arizona?

Rookie:
Jonathan Stewart, ORE
After McFadden there is a decent sized drop off in running backs. If he plays like he did in the Sun Bowl, he's a key waiver pickup.

Pre-Pre-Season Fantasy Ranking's: WR's and TE's

It may be early to be thinking of fantasy football, but that way, no one remembers by idiotic predictions!

Wide Receivers

1.) Reggie Wayne (12.4 ppg)
If Peyton comes back to his 2004 self, stat-wise, it will be because of Reggie Wayne. Marvin Harrison is no longer the go-to-guy in Indy (see below).

2.) Randy Moss (17.5 ppg)
Key to my formula, flip Patriots with Colts.

3.) Braylon Edwards (13.3 ppg)
QB issue in Cleveland might be key for Edwards.
Derek Anderson? Another good year.
Brady Quinn? Who knows?

4.) Terrell Owens (13.6 ppg)
All depends on the Dallas- T.O. marriage. Call me doubtful, but things looked this good in Philly at one time too!

5.) Larry Fitzgerald (11.8 ppg)
Can outshine Anquan Boldin any day, question is, will Matt Leinhart shut up?

Sleeper(s): Dwayne Bowe (7.8 ppg)
Injury's slowed him some last year, but did just fine when he did play. He was a waiver must pick up, this year, he'll actually get drafted.

Santonio Holmes (8.7 ppg)
The big play possibility that left with Antaawn Randle El.

Stumbler: Marvin Harrison (1.8)
My, how the mighty have fallen. 12 games without a point, thanks mostly to injuries, but even when he did play he was sub par. No games over 100 yards and one touchdown all year! His two best games gave owners just 14 and 8 points in weeks one and two.

Rookie: DeSean Jackson, CAL
Have you seen some of his highlights?

Tight Ends

1.) Antonio Gates (9.1)
He was very inconsistent to say the least. Case in point, weeks 8-17 went like this: 21pts, 1, 2, 11, 22, 0, 11, 0, 2, 6. But with Phillip Rivers maturing (hopefully) means that Gates will return to his Drew Brees Era stats.

2.) Jason Witten (9.2)
This dude's crazy. If you like guys who can produce big numbers, and play without a helmet, he's your man.

3.) Tony Gonzalez (8.7)
Does this guy ever get worse with age? Ever?

4.) Kellen Winslow (8.3)
Pretty consistent player all year, scoring 8-12 points week in and week out. He'll be a fantasy power for years to come

5.) Owen Daniels (5.1)
All that stands in his way is an injured Matt Shaub.

Sleeper:
Alex Smith (3.1)
Sorry, I had to put a Tampa player somewhere.

Stumbler(s):
L.J. Smith (1.4)
The stats never caught up with the potential.

Alge Crumpler (4.3)
Quarterback situation in Atlanta aren't getting better at all.

Rookie:
James Hardy (IND)
If you saw Penn State play the Hoosiers, you know he can flat out dominate in the air. That's against college players, will he be able to duplicate it in the pros?

Pre-Pre-Season Fantasy Ranking's: D's and QB's

It may be early to be thinking of fantasy football, but that way, no one remembers by idiotic predictions!

Quarterbacks

1.) Peyton Manning (16.8 ppg)
He will come back! Forgetting his time-consuming commercials, he will focus on passing Brady as the number 1 fantasy QB.

2.) Tom Brady (23.6 ppg)
I think its almost impossible to repeat the year he had in '07. But I wouldn't put it past the Pats.

3.) Tony Romo (17.7 ppg)
Note to Tony: Keep your personal life off the field. Still, pretty solid pick.

4.) Derek Anderson (15.2)
No matter who he plays for next year, this season was not a fluke.

5.) Drew Brees (15.3 ppg)
After a very bad start, some owners actually dropped him. Needless to say, they regretted it. Can't say the same about Reggie Bush

Sleeper: David Gerrard (10.9 ppg)
Similar situation to Derek Anderson, maybe a late round pick.

Stumbler: Phillip Rivers (10.5 ppg)
Had some bright spots, but one two many weeks of negative points.

Rookie: Matt Ryan

Defenses/ Special Teams

This is one of the hardest positions to find a consistent contributor (Chicago anyone?) to your team. Any pre-draft rankings are worth nothing. So here are just 5 somewhat safe picks

1.) Chargers

2.) Bears

3.) Seahawks

4.) Vikings

5.) Buccaneers



* All ppg (Points per Game) are based on
TD pass=4
25 yds =1
Int= -2
TD rush= 6

Who To Watch for in the Playoffs

The College Bowl season is winding down, High School football is long gone, the football season is nearly complete. The one bright spot left is the NFL Playoffs. Here are a couple of guys I watching to see what they'll do.

Eli Manning: He had 251 yds, and 3 TD's against the Patriots, better than the other Manning had against New England (225 yds, 1 TD). Can he keep this hot streak alive, against a struggling Tampa team?

Tom Coughlin: If he losses in the first round, is that it for him?

Jeff Garcia: He hasn't had a real full game in a while? Will the rust shake off easily?

Jessica Simpson: Will she attend the Cowboy's next game?????

Fred Taylor: Can he shred the Pittsburgh Defense for the second time since week 15?

Pittsburgh Defense: Will they be shred by Fred Taylor?

Najeh Davenport: He's got some pretty big shoes to fill. Shoes that ran for the 4th most yardage among Running Backs, even while missing the end of the season with injury. Can Davenport become steady enough for the win?