ESPN has been shoving Brett Favre down our throats for the past few months and by now most of us can’t stand the guy. But it appears now that they have realized that fact and are taking a different approach.
Of all the attempts made to poke fun at Brett Favre and his always changing mind the world wide leader has taken the cake.
In their newest addition to their “This is SportsCenter” commercial series ESPN struck comedic gold.
So sit back and just enjoy the brief yet hilarious spoof.
We wrap up the AFC today as we look at the breakout candidates from the AFC West. Perhaps the weakest division in football the AFC West has some players flying under the radar players that the casual fan won’t know but they are ready to make a name for themselves. Don’t forget to check out the other AFC divisions here, here, and here. Come back to see the NFC divisions.
Denver Broncos- Kyle Orton
Playing under Josh McDaniels should benefit Orton and his neckbeard.
Most fans know Orton form his Chicago days but I think the change of scenery will be good for him. Orton came over to the Broncos in the much publicized Jay Cutler trade as somewhat of an afterthought. But baring any last minute collapse Orton will be the starter come week one. In Chicago Orton did not put up great numbers but he found a way to win and did not have the greatest weapons. In Denver he will have Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, both of whom caught at least 90 balls last year, at wideout providing a huge upgrade. Also and perhaps more importantly he will be playing in Josh McDaniels system which helped propel Matt Casel from clipboard holder into NFL star.
Kansas City Chiefs- Brandon Carr
As a rookie last year Carr did a solid job at corner for the Chiefs. A fourth rounder from little known Grand Valey State he was one of the bright spots on a lowly Chiefs team. While fellow corner Brandon Flowers gets more publicity Carr may be the better of the two. The change in defensive schemes may be the only thing holding back Carr from being a shutdown corner.
Oakland Raiders- Zach Miller
Miller put together a solid season last year and will look to build on it this coming season. He emergered as JaMarcus Russell’s favorite target late last season and they developed a nice chemistry which will only get better. Miller scored only scored one touchdown last year but that number should jump this year. He could make the jump into the upper echilan of tight ends this year.
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Well were one week closer to football that actually matters. In just under three weeks there will be football on Sundays and the world will be right again.
The preseason injury bug did take another vitctim this weekend, Jon Beason who will reportedly miss 4-6 weeks, but it hasn’t been that bad (knock on wood) this season.
With that said here are some of today’s must reads.
Today were lookin at the AFC North home of the world champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Be sure to check out the AFC East and South and look out for the West coming soon.
Baltimore Ravens- Ray Rice
Rice has gotten stronger to become a complete back while maintaining his qucikness and speed.
Rice had a nice rookie year as one third of the Ravens three headed monster at running back. Heading into this season Rice will take on a bigger role with Le’Ron McClain playing more of a traditional fullback role and Willis McGahee is the coaches doghouse. Rice has bulked up to improve his in between the tackles running and has not lost any speed. He has three down skills and I wouldn’t be surprised if he caught 50 balls this year.
Cincinnati Bengals- Keith Rivers
Rivers was off to a great start last season before getting blinsided by a Hines Ward block that broke his jaw and ended his season. The hit drew so much attention that a rule was added banning hits similar to Wards. Rivers will be out with a vengeance this year and I expect him to lead the Bengals in tackles as he becomes the leader of an improving defense.
Cleveland Browns- Jerome Harrison
Harrison hasn’t been given much of a chance to show his skills in his three years but that will change this year. Jamal Lewis has hit 30 years old and has a lot of mileage on his tires. Also new coach Eric Mangini may utilize Harrison similar to how he used the similar Leon Washington in New York. Harrison has the talent, he led the nation in rushing as a senior while at Washington State, all he needs is the opportunity.
Well it what possibly is the most overplayed story in the history of sports media Brett Favre has finally decided to come back and play for the arch rival Vikings this season. Prediction: Brett doesn’t play bad but not good enough to get the Vikes into the playoffs as they finish 9-7 one game behind the Packers. Now check out today’s hot clicks:
Today were looking at the AFC South and the players primed to break out this season. Be sure to check out the other divisions and come back to see the rest.
Houston Texans- Amobi Okoye
After a promising rookie year Okoye fell victim to the sophomore slump last year. Okoye is still just 22, younger than some rookies, so there’s no need to worry. Another year to mature will do wonders for Okoye and playing along side Mario Williams doesn’t hurt either. If the Texans want to take the next step they will need Okoye to have a big year.
With Marvin Harrison gone Gonzalez will step up to fill the void.
Indianapolis Colts- Anthony Gonzalez
Gonzalez has been solid in the slot for Peyton Manning and the Colts the past two seasons. Now with Marvin Harrison out of the fold Gonzalez is primed to break out. The former Buckeye will see plenty of targets in the Colts high octane offense and an 80 catch 1000 yard campaign is within reach.
Jacksonville Jaguars- Mike Walker
Walkers biggest enemy in his short career has been injuries. The former fourth rounder has shown potential and looked like he was going to break out last year after a good showing one game but tore up his knee. Now fully healthy Walker is heading into this season Walker is locked into a starting job opposite Torry Holt. With the offensive line healthy David Garrard should rebound and have plenty of time to find Walker all season long.
Tennessee Titans- Jason Jones
Jones had a nice rookie season backing up at defensive tackle coming out of Eastern Michigan. Now with the loss of Albert Haynesworth Jones will need to step up. He recorded three sacks in one game last year filling in for Haynesworth proving he could play. Jones will likely be in a three man rotation with Tony Brown and Jovan Haye at defensive tackle and the Titans will need his pass rushing presence in the middle.
It was a great sports weekend that featured Tiger blowing a last round league to a nobody, Usain Bolt breaking his own world record, and the first full weekend of NFL Football!
Now on to today’s links:
Edwards looks like he is on the verge of taking the next step as a quarterback.
Every year there are countless breakout players. Some are young players who finally get a chance to play, high draft picks who finally live up to their potential, contract year players, and some come out of nowhere. Last years breakout players included DeAngelo Williams, Aaron Rogers, and Antonio Bryant. Now onto this years candidates from the AFC East.
Buffalo BIlls- Trent Edwards
Edwards is entering his third year in the league and this
may be the year when he makes the jump to great quarterback status. The addition of T.O. will give him a legitimate number one receiver and will free up Lee Evans to make plays down the field. The only thing standing in his way is his offensive line. The Bills will start two rookies and have Langston Walker, a natural right tackle, on the blind side.
Miami Dolphins- Ronnie Brown
Brown ran for just over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns but could be in line for a huge year this season. He was coming off ACL surgery last year and should be even stronger this year. Many people forget that in 2007 Brown was off to to a torrid start before tearing up his knee half way through the season. The former number two pick is also in a contract year which should give him all the motivation he needs to have a career year.
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I just wanted to let all of my readers out there that I am proud to announce that Cippin on Sports has teamed up with Sports Blog Net. They are an up and coming sports blog community that brings all of us bloggers together under one net. Please be sure to stop by and check out all the sports blogs they have to offer, its a well put together sports haven for sports fanatics. Here is a little bit about Sports Blog Net:
Sports Blog Net is currently built on the principal of making all blogs in the network as successful as possible. Both in terms of money and traffic. We want sports fans to Discover, Read, Write, and Build.
Our goals are to get all the small blogs out to the masses, give new bloggers the ability to get the exposure they are looking for, and give sports fans a destination that they want to visit everyday.
Today six people will receive the greatest honor one can receive in the field of football: enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
These elite six will join the fraternity tonight as they are enshrined.
The inductees are Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson, Derrick Thomas, Randall McDaniel, Bob Hayes, and Ralph Wilson.
Expect a big Bills turnout with both Smith and Wilson, two of the franchise’s most recognizable figures, being inducted.
Both Smith and Woodson were inducted on their first year on the ballot.
The festivities continue tomorrow as the NFL season finally kicks off!
Terrell Owens will make his long awaited Buffalo Bills debut as the Bills take on the Tennessee Titans at Fawcett Stadium in Canton.
Also wanted to congratulate this years inductees and to learn a bit more about the inductees click read more.
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