Monthly Archives: September 2009

Suicide Pick: Week 1

Week 1

The pick for week 1 is the Seattle Seahawks.

Now hear me out on this one before you start hating on the pick.  Week One is always the toughest to predict because you don’t know how teams will preform.  That is why I like to stay away from the big favorites the first week.  Last year the Chargers were a big favorite over the Panthers and they lost.  In 2007 the Packers beat the Eagles who were a popular pre season Super Bowl pick.  I could go on but I think you get the point.  That’s why I’m not touching the Saints, Patriots, and Ravens this week.

Meanwhile the Seahawks the lowly Rams at home this week.  Matt Hasselbeck is 100% healthy and so is their receiving corps which now includes T.J. Houshmandzadeh.  The Seahawks are a much better team than their 4-12 record from last year indicates and they are out for a vengeance this year.  The Rmas were awful last year and haven’t gotten much better.  Expect the Seahwaks secondary to feast on Marc Bulger all day as they defeat the Rams 27-13.

NFL Playoff and Award Predictions

If you didn’t see my NFL Preview, where I predicted how each team would finish, you can see that here.

Now I will predict how the NFL Playoffs will play out and who will tak some hardware.

AFC Projected Seeds

1. New England Patriots (13-3)

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

3. Tennessee Titans (11-5)

4. San Diego Chargers (10-6)

5. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

6.  Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)

Playoff Predictions:

Wild Card Round: Titans (3) over Jaguars (6), Ravens (5) over Chargers (4)

Divisional Round: Patriots (1) ver Ravens (5), Steelers (2) over Titans (3)

AFC Championship: Steelers (2) over Patriots (1)

NFC Projected Seeds

1. New York Giants (12-4)

2. Green Bay Packers (12-4)

3. New Orleans Saints (11-5)

4. San Francisco 49ers (10-6)

5. Chicago Bears (11-5)

6. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

Playoff Predictions:

Wild Card Round: Saints (3) over Falcons (6), Bears (5) over 49ers (4)

Divisional Round: Bears (5) over Giants (1), Saints (3) over Packers (2)

NFC Championship: Saints (3) over Bears (5)

NFL Preview

Well, it’s finally here!  The NFL kicks off tonight as the Titans square off against the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  Should be a good, old fashioned defensive battle but I see the Steelers coming away with a close victory.

Now onto my look at how this season will play out.

AFC East

1. New England Patriots- 13-3

The Pats are back at full strength this season and their offense will revert to its 2007 form.  The defense will struggle a bit with the loss of familiar faces (Seymour, Vrabel, Bruschi, Harrison) but the Pats are the best in the league when knowing their players have lost a few steps.

2. Buffalo Bills- 8-8

The Bills don’t finish 7-9 for the first time in three years! Unfortunately they finish only one game better and Dick Jauron gets canned (finally).  The T.O. experiment goes so-so but the rest of the team isn’t that good.

3. New York Jets- 7-9

Rex Ryan has been talking a big game and the defense will keep them in games but the offense isn’t there yet.  Mark Sanchez will go through some growing pains but also flash greatness at times.

4. Miami Dolphins- 6-10

The Cinderella story of last season comes back to earth this season.  Chad Pennington has not been healthy for two straight years in his career and I don’t see that streak ending this season.  The options behind him aren’t too exciting and the talent level on the rest of the roster isn’t there.

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers- 12-4

The defending champs know they can’t slack off like they did after their last championship and are in much better shape this time around.  The running game is also bound to improve with  healthy Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall.

2. Baltimore Ravens- 11-5

I expect Joe Flacco to take a big leap this season and his improved play will balance out the team which lost some defensive players in the off season.  But like the Pats the Ravens are great at replacing veterans and they still have Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

The defending champs won’t totally slack off like they did after their last championship but I forecast a slight decline.   Their offensive line still remains a big a question mark

3. Cincinnati Bengals- 7-9

With Carson healthy I see a comeback season for Ochocinco as the Benglas improve a little.  Their defense is improving but their offensive line and running game still are weak spots.

4. Cleveland Browns- 5-11

It doesn’t who will be starting for the Browns at quarterback this season no matter how hard Eric Mangini tries to hide it.  The team simply isn’t that good.  Mangini won’t be making too many friends in Cleveland this season.

AFC South

1. Tennessee Titans- 11-5

The running game is still strong and Chris Johnson will only get better in his second season.  The loss of Albert Haynesworth will sting a bit but they have to talent to overcome his absence.  As long as Kerry Collins doesn’t implode the Titans should be in good shape.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars- 9-7

My surprise pick in the AFC.  The Jaguars are only one season removed form an 11-5 record and were devastated by injuries last year.  With a healthy offensive line and some help from rookies Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton I see the Jaguars sneaking into the playoffs as the sixth seed.

3. Indianapolis Colts- 8-8

The Colts have been a model of consistency in the NFL but their reign finally comes to an end.  The loss of Tony Dungy will hurt more than people think and the defensive was never that good to begin with.

4. Houston Texans- 5-11

The Texans are always a common preseason sleeper pick and this year is no different.  But they under achieved every year they have been in the league and Matt Schaub can’t manage to stay healthy.  Well there’s always next year.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers- 10-6

With a healthy defense that includes Shawne Merriman the Chargers should have no problem winning the division.

2. Oakland Raiders- 7-9

Some team has to come in second in this division.  But seriously the Raiders have a solid defense and the addition of Richard Seymour only helps.  Also JaMarcus Russell showed signs of being a good quarterback at the end of last season too.

3. Kansas City Chiefs- 6-10

I think Todd Haley can turn this team into a winner but it’s going to take more than one season.  The team is too young and doesn’t have the talent yet but they have a solid base at I like Matt Cassel at quarterback.

4. Denver Broncos- 3-13

Simply said the Broncos are a mess right now.  They traded away the franchisee quarterback and arguably their next best player was recently suspended and wants a trade.  Not to mention their defense s horrific and they did basically nothing to improve it despite switching to a 3-4 defense.

NFC West Breakout Players

We conclude the Breakout Player series with the NFC West today.  To see the rest of the NFC check here, here, and here.  The NFC West has been called the weakest division in football the past couple of years but the Cardinals put some of that talk to rest with their Super Bowl run and these players could help spark their respective teams into making a run like the Cards did.

Arizona Cardinals- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Rodgers-Cromartie has everything you look for in a shutdown corner.

Cromartie had a great rookie year capped by an excellent postseason which saw him emerge as the Cards best corner.  He picked off four passes in the regular season and then added two more in the playoffs.  Coming out of small school Tennessee State, not much was expected of Cromartie but he proved the naysayers wrong.  He possess a rare combination of size (6’2) and speed (4.33) and also has great ball skills as evidenced by his performance last season.  Cromartie is on his way into becoming an elite shutdown corner, which are few and far between nowadays in the NFL.

Saint Louis Rams- Donnie Avery

As a rookie wide receiver Avery impressed last season.  Although it was viewed as a reach when the Rams selected him as the first wide receiver last year in the draft Avery lived up to the hype.  His emergence made longtime veteran Torry Holt expendable for the Rams in the off season.  He enters the year as the number one target for Marc Bulger, who is looking to rebound after a couple of rough years.  The speedy Avery was hurt earlier in camp but now is fully recovered and ready to go for the opener.  A 1,000 yard campaign is certainly in reach for the sophomore wide out.

San Francisco 49ers- Josh Morgan

As a sixth round pick last season Morgan was the star of training camp and looked like he was going to make a big impact.  Then right before the season he got a staph infection and lost 15 pounds.  Morgan returned during the season and had two nice games in a row before getting injured again.  Heading into this season Morgan impressed at OTAs.  He has also benefited from the Michael Crabtree holdout and will start the season as the starter and will remain one as Crabtree is likely to have no impact this season if any at all.  Although the 49ers want to run a run orientated offense when they pass Morgan will be the go to guy.

NFC South Breakout Players

We roll on through the NFC with the South today.  The South has been the craziest division in the NFL recently with the last place team winning the division the following year four out of the past five years (good news for the Saints).  To check out the East and North click here and here.

Atlanta Falcons- Curtis Lofton

Lofton came in and started at middle linebacker as a rookie last year but looked like a seasoned veteran out there.  Now entering his second year Lofton will

Lofton has shed weight to improve in coverage as he becomes a three down linebacker this season.

take on a greater role on defense.  With the departure of longtime starter Keith Brooking, Lofton will be the leader on the defense and wear the defensive headset.  He will also now be playing all three downs as opposed to two, which he did lats year.  He is a tackling machine who racked up 94 last year and playing all three downs this year will only increase that number.  He has shown dedication by shedding eight pounds to improve his coverage skills which would make him a complete linebacker.

Carolina Panthers- Richard Marshall

Marshall is entering his fourth year in the league and this year appears to be the year where he will finally breakout.  He has flashed in his three years amassing seven interceptions and returning two for touchdowns but has not had the opportunity to start.  The Panthers released Ken Lucas in the off season paving the way for Marshall to step up.  New defensive coordinator Ron Meeks likes his corners to play very physical, which is an area Marshall excels in.  Marshall will be highly motivated as he in entering a contract year and knows with solid play he will cash in big in the free agent market.

New Orleans Saints- Tracy Porter

Porter was off to a nice rookie campaign before an injury shelved him for the season after only five games.  In those five games though, Porter had emerged as the Saints top corner back.  He returns this season as a starter in an improved Saints secondary which will benefit him.   Porter possess excellent speed and in a play maker in the secondary.  Expect porter to be a key component on a much improved Saints defense this season.

NFC North Breakout Players

We continue out look at the NFC with the North division today.  You can see the NFC East here.  Without further ado here are the breakout candidates from the NFC North.

Chicago Bears- Greg Olsen

Olsen will be Jay Cutler's favorite target this season.

Olsen has improved in his two years in the league and looks poised to have a breakout year this season. He has shared time with Desmond Clark but is now firmly the starter. Chicago also acquired this guy called Jay Cutler who is a hell of a lot better than Kyle Orton. Olsen will be the primary target in the passing offense which will pass more this season with Cutler at the helm.

Detroit Lions- Cliff Avril

Avril was one of the few bright spots on a win less Lions team. The rookie from Purdue was a constant force in rushing the passer and notched 5 sacks despite starting only four games. Now Avril will be starting from week one giving him a full season to wreck havoc. If the Lions improve this season he will be a big part of the success.

Green Bay Packers- Jermichael Finley

Finley didn’t play much as a rookie as he was considered raw coming out of college. Finley though, has improved his blocking dramatically and it has  earned him more playing time. He has drawn rave reviews for his play in training camp and has torn it up in the preseason. Finley will start the season splitting time with veteran Donald Lee but don’t be shocked when Finley takes over early in the season.

2009 NFL Calender

With the deadline to cut the roster down to 53 players passing yesterday we are one more step closer to the NFL season.

With that in mind here are all the dates for the events of the 2009 season:

Sept. 10-14 — Kickoff 2009 Weekend

Oct. 12-13 — NFL Fall Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts.

Oct. 20 — Trading deadline.

Oct. 25 — International Series, London, England (New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

2010

Jan. 3 — Regular season ends.

Jan. 9-10 — Wild Card Playoffs.

Jan. 16-17 — Divisional Playoffs.

Jan. 24 — Conference Championships.

Jan. 31 — AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, South Florida (ESPN).

Feb. 7 — Super Bowl XLIV, South Florida (CBS).

Feb. 24-March 2 — NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, Indiana.

March 5 — Free agency begins.

March 21-24 — NFL Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida.

Early-May — NFL Draft, New York City.

May 24-26 — NFL Spring Meeting, Dallas, Texas.

Rachel Alexander Holds On

Rachel Alexander has done it again.  The filly survived a late charge from Macho Again to win the Woodward Stakes.

In doing so Rachel Alexander became the first filly to win the race in its 56 runnings and was only the second three year ever to run in the race.

Rachel Alexander wins the Woodward but were left wondering if we will see her race against Zenyatta.

This win marked her nith victory in a row and third against the boys.

She ran the 1 1/8 mile track in 1:48:29 and paid $2.60 on a $2 bet.

This wins just adds to the remarkable and historical year Rachel Alexander has had.  Highlights included wiining the Kentucky Oaks by a record 20 1/4 lengths, becoming the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes, and and beating the boys at the Haskell Inviatational.

As for when Rachel Alexander will race again the answer is unknown.  Her owner, Jess Jackson, has already stated she will not race in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.

With this win added to her resume Rachel Alexander has all but wrapped up Horse of the Year honors and would become the first three year old filly since 1944 o take home the honors.

Her main competition for the award is the five year old Zenyatta.  There has been much talk of a race involving both horses but as of now it is all just talk.

The most likely scenario for a race would be at the Beldame Stakes on October 3rd at Belmont.  Owner Jess Jackson said “If Zenyatta should come to the Beldame that would certainly direct us to that race.”  While that is not a guarantee we can all hope to see the race everyone is clamoring for.

NFC East Breakout Players

We kick off the NFC today with a look at the NFC East.   The toughest division in football last year looks like it will be a dogfight again and these brejout players could make the difference in who makes the playoffs and who goes home.

Dallas Cowboys- Martellus Bennett

Bennett can silence the critics with his play this year.

Bennett has made a lot of noise this off season for his off the field antics but is also impressing on the field.  The talented tight end’s immaturity may be the only thing holding him breaking out.  With the rapid development of Bennett the Cowboys will use a two tight end  set as their base formation this season.  Combine that will the departure of Terrell Owens and Bennett will be looking at a lot more targets.  Even with Jason Witten ahead of him on the depth chart I wouldn’t be surprised if Bennett finished third on the team in receiving.

New York Giants- Terrell Thomas

Thomas has a nice season as a rookie last year and will look to build off that this season.  Playing mostly in a nickel and dime role Thomas impressed and even started two games due to injuries.  With Aaron Ross currently nursing a nagging hamstring injury Thomas has an opportunity to seize the starting job.  Playing opposite Corey Webster  will not hurt as well as having perhaps the best pass rush in the game.  A complete corner, Thomas could have a big season this year.

Philadelphia Eagles- DeSean Jackson

Jackson was electrifying as a rookie igniting the Eagles offense.  He finished the season just short of 1000 yards and looks like the number one receiver the Eagles have been searching for ever since Terrell Owens left town.  As good as he was last season he still made rookie mistakes, most noticeably prematurely dropping the ball before he crossed the end zone which could have been very costly.  With another year of seasoning Jackson should be even better this year as he becomes Donovan McNabb’s clear number one target.