Scapegoat?

Puzzled? Not nearly as much as I am.

I decided to finally weigh in on the whole NBA lockout situation which disgusts me as one of the few remaining Sixers fans I know.  The only thing worse than rich people arguing over money is REALLY rich people arguing over money. 

When the NFL lockout happened I was all in for the players.  Their contracts aren’t guaranteed, so I can understand them wanting to get their money.  I get it.  You tear an ACL and you could potentially lose A LOT of money.  So I understand the bickering and them trying to get as much as they can in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.  The NBA though, where contracts are guaranteed, not as much, but still a little bit.

As far as the NBA players go, I do see their beef.  On one hand, their contract is guaranteed.  So they could literally just quit and go sit on the couch for the season and still get paid.  Rashard Lewis played in 57 games last year, averaged a whopping 11 ppg and got paid $22 million.  Just as bad as the loudmouth self proclaimed “Agent Zero” he was traded for.  Gilbert Arenas made $19 million averaging 11 ppg.  Antawn Jamison made $15 million.  If they were NFL players, they would have gotten cut week 5.  That’s not their beef.  They don’t want more money.  They just don’t want less.

The players beef is actually with the new proposed CBA by the owners.  Right now, the players make 57% of the league’s BRI (Basketball Related Income).  The owners want to shrink that to under 50%!  And on that stance, I couldn’t agree more.  They play the game, not the owners.  I’m not watching the game to see Mark Cuban jump up and down pretending he knows about basketball.  I’m watching to see Dirk hit a game tying 3 as time expires.  So, no, the owners should not see the bulk of the money.  That’s proposterous. 

What the owners are trying to do is also have a salary cap, to make the league more balanced, so teams like L.A. and Boston can’t just buy players.  This will never work.  This isn’t football.  Regardless of how much you (and I) hated the whole “Look at us we’re Miami” bullshit last year, it was one of the more exciting seasons in recent memory.  The finals broke records for viewership.  I’ll be the first to admit I watched every single game of the finals to watch Lebron choke.  And he did, so gracefully.

And you are never, ever ever ever gonna hear me side with these rich assholes that think because they have money they can make a decision for me as a fan.  I mean do they think NOT having a season is going to make them money?  I don’t get it.  These 30 or so men combined are worth $85,346,000,000.  I know that’s a big number.  It’s about $3 billion on average.  They are complaining because they are losing money.  Poor guys.  I mean take Micky Arison for example.  He owns the Miami Heat.  In 2011 he actually lost $200 million.  I mean that’s a lot of money.  To put that into perspective:  You could make $75,000 a week take home and work the next 50 years of your life and still not make as much money in that timespan as Arison lost just last year.  Nuts.  

How the hell is he gonna feed his family?  Oh, that’s right HE IS STILL WORTH $4.2 BILLION.  Why do these dudes think they need more money?  Honestly.  You can seriously never in a million years argue that they do.  There is no way you can change my mind on this. 

This is why I side with the players, a little bit.  The players should get most of the money, I agree with that part of it, but I also agree that they are making too much, unless contracts become not guaranteed under the new CBA.  But in the NBA, if your owner signs you to a big contract and you are a good player, and then suck, he’s stuck.  So I get why the owners want to try and put a cap on every team so that those kind of contracts won’t exist anymore.  I kind of get it anyway.

What’s my solution?  50/50 split.  It’s only fair.  And I think if the players agreed to that (which they have said they won’t go lower than 54), this would all be over. 

So next time when you watch an NBA player talk about how bad he wants to play this year, and it’s all about the fans;  just remember he’s still getting paid while you are watching him on your 27″ Panasonic which cost less than his cuff links.  Don’t feel sorry for them.  Feel sorry for yourself.  Because you don’t get to watch what I consider still a good game to watch.

Because people are greedy.  And don’t understand when enough is enough. 

3 houses isn’t enough. 

11 cars isn’t enough. 

They worked hard for what they have.  Pssssh.  A lot of people work hard.  You are no different than anyone else. 

And sometimes people lose money on gambles, whether that be in a casino or a new business opportunity.  Should I walk away with the $1200 or put it on black and let it ride?  Is this guy the right guy to manage my bar or  is he gonna fuck it up? 

You owners did nothing different. 

Every time you sign a player it’s a gamble.  Is he going to perform like he did?  Did I hire the right coach?

The only difference is you still have BILLIONS of dollars left to play with.  Most of us don’t.  So you can get a second opportunity.  And a third.  And an eighty-third.  I mean some of these owners could literally spend $275,000 a day for the next 20 years and STILL have a billion in the bank.  THAT’S how proposterous and downright evil this is. 

Get the players on the court motherfuckers.  Take the already generous paycut they are offering.

And to the players, just give these cornball cocksuckers a bone and meet them in the middle.  I’m trying to watch some ball this winter.

Please don’t make me watch hockey.

You could have been so much better had Andy used you wiser.

Anyone of my friends will tell you that this is my biggest harp on this organization.  We just don’t run the football.  It’s stupid.  Running the football does A LOT for your team.  For starters, you keep your quarterback off of his back.  Second, your offensive line loves you, because you get to pound the shit out of the defensive line instead of back pedaling all game long.  Third, it balances your offense and makes you less predictable.  Fortunately, for the Eagles, that last one doesn’t seem to matter much.  I’ve heard defenses before say that they know exactly what we are going to do and still can’t stop it.  Now imagine that, PLUS having to be aware of the run.

We have a top 5 running back in all of football.  I don’t think that’s arguable.  In fact, you could even make an argument that he’s the best all around back there is, when you consider the element of his hands and catching the football.  I don’t know where Marty and Andy grew up and went to school, but I know I was always taught that no matter what you are trying to win; whether that be a football game or a chess game or a war, you ALWAYS use your best weapon.  Our best weapon is Shady.  Bottom line.

Since 2005, including playoff games and today’s game, the Eagles have played 109 games.  They have ran the ball more than 25 times in only 28 of those games.  Roughly 1/4th of them.  Their record in those games is astonishing.  24-4.  I’m gonna repeat that for the peasants.  In 28 games, when the Eagles have ran the ball 25 or more times their record is 24-4.  That means in their other 81 games combining the playoffs and this year, since 2005, the Eagles are 35-45-1 when they DON’T run it 25 times.  Now I’m no math major, but that looks to me like it’s under .500.

At first when I read that I immediately assumed that most of those games were blowouts and we just ran at the end to kill the clock.  Well there is a reason you don’t assume shit.  In only 2 of those games (Washington blowout last year, 49ers blowout in 2005) did we win the game by more than 17 points.  Pretty crazy right?  So what gives Womsey?  What’s the catch?  Easy answer.  There is none.  You run the football and control the clock and you win football games.  You get taught that in Pop Warner.

There are 3 standout losses, in my opinion anyway, in the last 3 or so years.  I’m gonna go over the 3 of them and break down some numbers.  Pretty ridiculous.

The first was the 13-9 loss to a terrible Oakland team in 2009.  Remember that bullshit?  Remember that dipshit Zach Miller running like 457 yards for a touchdown and us not being able to do shit all game against their defense?  We ran the ball 12 times in that game, for 59 yards.  That’s an average of 5 yards a carry.  Westbrook alone had 50 yards on only 6 carries.  How many times did we call a passing play you ask?  48.  48 to 12.  That means, in a game that was decided by 4 points we threw it 80% of the time, and McNabb was 22-46.  Good coaching guys!

The second one was the tie against the Bengals in 2008.  The 13-13 tie.  I don’t need to go into details about that game.  Everyone knows about that “I didn’t know the rules of an overtime” game.  We ran the ball 17 times for 66 yards.  That’s just under 4 yards a carry.  Westbrook had 14 of those carries and 60 of those yards alone.  Passing plays?  59.  We ran the ball 17 times and passed it 59.  That’s 78% of the time.  You think the 4-11-1, 19th ranked Bengals defense knew what we were going to do?

The third and final game wasn’t long ago at all.  It was two weeks ago against the then 32nd ranked offense in football.  If you are counting teams, that means up to that point they were the worst offense in the National Football League.  What a gut wrenching game that was.  Up 20-3 at the 1/2 and you lose?  We ran the ball 12 times total in that game for only 33 yards.  We called a passing play 54 times.  That’s 82% of the time.  What made that game particularly frustrating was the playcalling in the 2nd half.  San Fran gets the ball and drives down the field.  We block a field goal and get the ball back.  Then throw it 4 straight times up 17 on the San Francisco 40.  We kick a field goal to put us up 20.  San Fran drives right down the field and scores a touchdown and makes it a 13 point game, 23-10.  We get the ball back with 7:13 left in the 3rd quarter up 13.  Vick scramble (pass play), incomplete pass, Vick scramble (pass play).  That kills a whopping minute and 40 seconds off the clock.  So, up by 3 scores, in the 2nd 1/2, we called 7 straight passing plays so far.  San Fran runs 5 plays and scores again.  23-17.  Getting dicey.  But still up a TD.  We get the ball back with 2:58 left in the 3rd.  No need to panic.  Pass, run, pass, run, pass, pass, pass, missed field goal.  If you are counting that’s 12 passes and 2 runs while leading in the 2nd half.  San Fran runs a couple plays and punts.  We’re still up 23-17.  Can totally run the football.  We get the ball back with 11:45 to play.  We run 13 plays that only takes 5 minutes off of the clock.  Of those 13 plays, 3 of them were runs.  If you are counting that’s 22 passes and 5 runs while leading in the 2nd half.  San Fran drives right down the field and scores.  Down 24-23 with only 3:00 minutes left.  I wonder what would have happened if we ran the clock down a little bit?  Would San Fran had one less possession of the football?

In this league, in order to be successful you need to run the football.  Bottom line.  That’s why the teams that win Superbowls win Superbowls.  You can go back to just last year and look at the Packers who are also considered a pass first offense.  They are NO WHERE NEAR us, but it’s lopsided.  During the regular season they were at a 61-39 pass to run ratio and finished 10-6.  In the playoffs they bumped that down to 57-43 and we all know what happened.  And that number is scary skewed.  If you take away the Superbowl numbers (you can’t run against the Steelers, bottom line) they were at a 52-48 ratio.  They aren’t the only team either.

Remember in 2006 when the Colts won the Superbowl?  I’m using them because, again they are considered a pass first team.  During the season they actually ran the ball 416 times.  Good for a 57-43 pass run ratio, the best in Peyton Manning’s 13 year career.  And in the playoffs they even ran more, at a 52-48 pass to run ratio. 

How about the year the Birds made the Superbowl?  We had a 63-37 pass run ratio that year.  Believe it or not, that’s actually one of the better years under Andy.  To be exact it’s tied for the 2nd best ratio.  In the first two playoff games that got ratio significantly better at 57-43.  We obviously won both of those games.  What happened in the Superbowl loss?  We ran the ball 16 times and threw it 52, good for a 77-23 ratio.  Because we were predictable.  Just in case you were wondering, the winner of that game, the New England Patriots, threw the ball 485 times that season.  They ran it 476.  Almost a 50-50 split.  In the playoffs, believe it or not, they actually ran it more than they passed it.  A 47-53 pass to run ratio.

It’s not science.  It’s really not.  Just run the football and you win games.  You don’t even have to be good at it.  The defense just needs to be aware of it.  It really makes me realize just how good of football players Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas were.  To have that many passing plays called and be able to block a defender coming at you back pedaling that many times in a season is unbelieveably amazing.  Imagine if we were a run first team?  They would have been hall of famers by their 4th year in the league. 

That’s what we need to do this season.  Take pressure off of your line Andy.  They obviously need it.  Please for the love of GOD do what you did today.  Run the ball. 

Run the ball.

Please run the ball.  Thanks. 

Andy - "What do you mean why?" Juan - "Defensive Coordinator? Holy shit I'm screwed."

Let’s take a look.

Lidge and Oswalt are both gone in my opinion.  Lidge has a $12.5 million option and Oswalt has a $16.5 million option.  Too expensive for me.  I think they both become free agents, and I’m fine with that.

Rollins, Ibanez, Hamels, Pence, Madson, Bastardo, D. Brown, Mayberry and a lot of other replaceable guys all have expiring contracts. 

It’s a total of about $80 million coming off the books.  With are already signed players going into 2012, we have $107 million already on the books, with only Howard, Lee, Utley, Halladay, Blanton, Victorino, Polanco, Chooch and Contreras signed after this year.  Our salary last year was $167 million as a team, so that leaves us with about $60 million to spend.  Right?  Stick with me.

The reason that $80 million is coming OFF the books, but we can only spend $60 million is because players are getting raises.  That is of course, unless Amaro digs in his pockets.  Cliff Lee gets a $10 million raise next year.  Chooch, Polanco and Victorino all get raises as well.

So we got $60 million.  Let’s spend it!  Cole first and foremost.  I’m banking on a big contract here.  We just signed Cliff to a 5 year $120 million deal, so you know Cole is going to want to get paid.  Let’s say for the first year, Cole gets $12 million, assuming the contract is backloaded like most of the Phillies players are.  Ok, we’re down to $48 million.

Pence has arbitration.  You know how that works.  Team comes up with a figure, agent comes up with a figure.  They disagree, goes to an arbitrator and someone wins.  Usually, if it’s a good player, the player wins.  So give Pence a $2 million dollar raise and say $9 million.  Down to $39 million. 

Rollins.  Would love to see him end his career here.  Unfortunately for Jimmy, I don’t think his play on the field has really garnered a huge contract.  Tops, and I’m saying tops, he gets offered something like 4 years $40 million, backloaded with only $8 million coming off the books this year.  Down to $31 million.

Madson.  He’s our closer.  Nuff said.  Need to resign him.  The likes of Papelbon and Rivera make over $10 million.  I don’t think Madson is quite there.  Hopefully we can get him at a discount for around $8 or $9.  I’ll be pessimistic and take $10 million off.  Down to $21 million.

Sorry Ibanez.  It was nice knowing you.  I actually do like Raul.  He had a couple good years and I’ll be sad to see him go, but this is a business, and I would be shocked to see someone give a 40 year old player money, considering the younger and cheaper options we got.

So we’re at $21 million to spend.  Again, this is assuming Ruben Amaro doesn’t spend any money, which history would tell you would be false.  We have jumped in payroll from $113 million in 2009, to $141 million in 2010, to $167 million this past year.  And we sold out every game….again.  So let’s assume, Amaro adds another $15 million to the payroll.  Not a crazy assumption.  That gives us $36 million. 

You can automatically minus $10 million of that for our young guys 1 year contracts next year though.  Worley, Mayberry, D. Brown, Bastardo, Martinez, Valdez, Francisco, Stutes and Herndon should all get small contracts.  The only guy who has hit the 5 year mark is Kendrick, and I would like to see him go, so hopefully he’s not resigned.  We’ll have to see what they do with Schneider, Gload, Baez and Pete Orr.  I think you can find all those guys in free agency somewhere else.  Down to $25 million to play with.

Let’s take a look at the 25 man roster, assuming everything I said above happens.

C – Ruiz

1B -  Howard

2B – Utley

SS – Rollins

3B – Polanco

LF – Mayberry/D. Brown

CF – Victorino

RF – Pence

Bench – Martinez

Bench – Francisco

Bench – Valdez

SP – Halladay

SP – Lee

SP – Hamels

SP – Worley

SP – Blanton

RP – Contreras

RP – Herndon

RP – Stutes

RP – Bastardo

CL – Madson

So what do we need?  Depth/possible starting left fielder in the outfield, bullpen help, a backup catcher and a nice utility infielder. 

What can we get from the farm for cheap?  Well are two best prospects are gone in the Pence trade in Jonathan Singleton and Jarrad Cossart.  There isn’t much hitting wise, at least no one that is ready anyway.  Brody Colvin and Trevor May are two hyped up starters, but they aren’t ready yet.  They got a couple relievers you might hear called up next year.  Guys like Joe Savery, Mike Zagurski, Scott Mathieson, Michael Schwimer and Andrew Carpenter may get called up again.  Michael Cisco and Phillipe Aumont are two other guys you might see coming out of the bullpen for the big club next year.

Trades?  Doubt it.  We don’t have the farm anymore.  Unless you are going to trade Brown, Mayberry, Worley or Bastardo for someone, which would be stupid, because that’s just another hole you gotta fill.  Going the other way, I don’t see us making any major moves or getting rid of any key guys.  Unless some poor sap comes along and takes Blanton’s contract, but then we need a 5th starter.

Let’s get to filling those holes.

Outfield

Two names pop up immediately to me.  Josh Willingham and Ryan Ludwick.  Both guys on poor offenses last year, could come to a better team and play better.  Both right handed.  You would only wanna do this option though if you aren’t confident in Mayberry and Brown to platoon out there.  I personally think they can get the job done, so I would look to stay with an outfield with Victorino, Pence, Mayberry, Brown and Francisco.

Infield

Valdez will be back I hope and Martinez as well so I think we are good here.  At least I would be.  There really isn’t much out there anyway.  A couple stop gap guys, but none that really jump off the page.  I’d be shocked if we went after someone huge.

Catcher

There is a guy out there I’ve always liked.  He’s a lefty.  He could have been a really good player, he just gets hurt every year.  PERFECT for a backup catcher.  Go out and get Ryan Doumit.  He can also give you a lefty on the bench with some pop.  The guy can definetely hit.  I’d love to see him in a Phils uniform.  Lock him up.  Pretty cheap too.  $3 million say.  Down to $22 million.

Bullpen:

Here’s where I hope we spend some money.  We have to replace Lidge, and I’d rather not do it with minor leaguers.  Go out and get Heath Bell.  Please.  He already said he’d be a set up man if it meant winning.  3 years $24 million.  Next, we need another capable lefty, so as not to kill Bastardo’s arm.  How about Javier Lopez or George Sherrill?  Either one of those guys is going to command about $4 million this year.  Lock one of them up.  I’ll go with Sherrill, because I think Lopez will resign with the Giants.

That leaves us with $12 million to play with.  I really don’t see the Phils making some sort of huge splash to be honest.  The only surprise I see is maybe not signing wanna of our key guys back.  Like Rollins or Hamels or something.

With all that said that would give us a 25 man opening day roster in 2012 of:

C: Carlos Ruiz

1B: Ryan Howard

2B: Chase Utley

SS: Jimmy Rollins

3B: Placido Polanco

LF: John Mayberry

CF: Shane Victorino

RF: Hunter Pence

Bench: Domonic Brown

Bench: Wilson Valdez

Bench: Michael Martinez

Bench: Ben Francisco

Bench: Ryan Doumit

SP: Roy Halladay

SP: Cliff Lee

SP: Cole Hamels

SP: Vance Worley

SP: Joe Blanton

RP: David Herndon

RP: Jose Contreras

RP: Michael Stutes

RP: George Sherril

RP: Antonio Bastardo

SU: Heath Bell

CL: Ryan Madson

Unfortunately there is not much we can do with the lineup.  I’d like to replace Polly.  But he’s still signed.  Howard is untradeable.  Those are the two scapegoats I would assume everyone will point to for the collapse yesterday.  Bottom line is, we still have a good team.  And they will be back next year.  Just like every year. 

I gotta tell ya, that was pretty fun being Ruben Amaro for an hour or so.  Hopefully we keep the circle going next year……see below.

2008: World Series Champs

2009:  NL Champs

2010: Lost in NLCS

2011: Lost in NLDS

2012:  Back to 2008?  Like a circle?  Here we go!!!!!!!!

     Jimmy said I am going to do a blog well this is it. I am very confused about the love hate of Tony Romo. He is a goat and hated week 1 then week 2 he comes back and saves the day. Just like the Undertaker sitting up when he presumed dead OR Hulks arm in the air after he is getting pummeled on his knees. I have seen strange things here on the Bar Room Blitz. I have seen Doug actually set a Full beer down and go home. I have heard Dolman say something to me that made sense and sat next to Roger and did not hear him hack in a napkin .   

I called Arlen Specter assistant on Warren Committee. He believes the magic bullet theory that killed JFK. I ask him which was more conceivable the bullet that dinged all around the car then blew JFK head off or Romo could come back and lead Dallas to win with a punctured lung and cracked Rib.

Strange days indeed most peculiar  Mama  (Thanks John) there’s Tons of money to be made in this NFL, teams on the brink of disaster. Teams that cannot afford to go 0-2 and have their quarterback hated by the fan base. Please Help me I sound just like my Dad when he would swear the game is fixed .

Bye for now Nic Nic Nic  Indians 

It's ok Terrell. The movie theater is hiring. Now you can get the popcorn ready.

You know who I feel sorry for?  The 9/11 responders who are American heroes.  They have cancer because of it and can’t afford medical bills, and our government isn’t pitching in to help.  I feel sorry for them.  A friend of mines cousin just lost his entire house from Hurricane Irene.  Everything.  Couches, clothing, furniture.  Everything.  I feel sorry for them.

You know who I don’t feel sorry for?  The shell of a man pictured above, tearing up about his financial situation.  If you don’t know the story, about a week ago, T.O. got all mushy and soft when discussing his current money problems.  You see, he’s rehabbing an injury and hasn’t really got many looks from any teams because of that.  Also because he’s an infection in the locker room, whether he wants to admit that or not.  Basically, he is crying because he can’t live the “baller” lifestyle anymore, because he doesn’t have a job.

The first thing that struck me about this is where the testimony took place.  On his TV show.  That’s right he has his own TV show, just in case you didn’t know that.  He wants people to feel sorry for him while he’s wearing a $500 v-neck t-shirt and sitting on a $10,000 couch ON TELEVISION.  What do you stand to make this year from your reality show Terrell?  $100,000?  $50,000?  Let’s cut it in the middle and say $75,000 since I don’t know the figure.  You can’t live off that?  Us regular folk can.  Why can’t you? 

The second thing that struck me was the last time he did this.  Remember in 2005 when he did the weight lifting in the front yard impromptu interview?  The year after he signed a 7 year $49 million contract with a $10 million signing bonus.  Remember when he said he didn’t have enough money to feed his family?  That’s why he needed a new contract from Philly the year after signing a 49 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT.  He made $11.8 million his 2 years in Philly.  Before that, he made $14.6 million in his time with the 49ers.  Then he hit the big check.  The 3 years he spent with Dallas he earned $31.7 million.  Add in the $6.2 million he made with Buffalo and the additional $2 million he made in Cincinnati and you get a grand total of $66.3 million.

And now he’s saying he’s broke.  Flat out broke.  Like so many other Americans who lost their jobs in this financial crisis we’re in.  The only difference is those people didn’t make $66.3 million the 15 years prior.  Seriously, when you actually break that down it’s downright insane.  If he actually is broke like he says that means over the past 15 years he has spent an average of $4.4 million per year.  $368,333 per month.  $12,500 per day, every single day of that 15 years. 

Maybe you should sell some shit dude.  Sell your house.  Sell your Lamborghini.  Sell whatever other cars you have because I know you don’t just have one.

You can’t make over $60 million in a career and expect anyone to feel sorry for you Terrell.  Maybe you shouldn’t have bought a $4 million house.  $2 million wouldn’t suffice?  Maybe instead of the Lambo you could have bought a Hummer.  You made decisions, and if you were smart about it, you would have realized that football isn’t going to last forever.  You would have realized when you signed that HUGE contract with Dallas you were already 33, and maybe put a couple million aside. 

There’s jobs out there for you bud.  The NFL Network likes hiring big name mouthy stars that couldn’t break down a game if it was a recorded game and they were reading from a teleprompter.  You can join your pal Deion.  As if the show wasn’t bad enough.

Now you are just gonna have to do what 80% of the rest of us do.  Live within your means.  Good luck pal.

He’s got his ring already.  Just like Manning.  Just like Brees.  Just like Favre.  Except unlike those three he did it in his first 3 years, something this guy named Brady did.  Brady is clearly the guy who at least is neck and neck with Rodgers.  Manning is still there of course.  But I’m going to say that Rodgers right this second is a better QB.  That has nothing to do with Peyton being injured either.  It has to do with Rodgers being an assassin last year.  Dude was lights out and won his team a Superbowl.  The defense was impressive, but everybody knows that a QB’s career is based off rings, and this league is a what have you done for me lately league.  That’s why Aikman and Namath are considered all time greats, because their stats suggest otherwise. 

As far as Brady goes, he’s got Peyton in the ring department.  Peyton’s got the stats.  Brady’s got the rings.  But it’s not like Brady’s stats aren’t hall of fame worthy.  35,000 yards and over 250 TD’s.  I’ll take it.  So for this discussion I’ll stick with Brady and Rodgers.

What does Brady have that Rodgers doesn’t?  For starters Brady is Brady.  He could walk into a corner store in Surakarta, Indonesia and sign autographs for 3 hours.  He might be the biggest superstar in sports.  He’s definitely the biggest one in the NFL.  When Brady talks, all of Boston listens.  Literally.  Like grown women saying to their husbands, “Will you shut the hell up?  Brady’s talking.  Get me a beer.”  And when Bernard Pollard of the Chiefs hit Brady’s knee and ended his 2008 season, the whole world shook.  He also has 2 more rings, 2 MVP trophies, 5 more pro bowls (which really mean nothing), and 1 more Superbowl MVP.

What does Rodgers have that Brady doesn’t?  Time.  Lot’s of it.  He’s 7 years younger than Brady.  Brady still does have a good 3 years left in him.  He was never a very mobile QB, so barring injury he should still be able to compete.  Rodgers also has that on Brady.  Mobility.  In his first 3 years in the league he has 879 yards rushing and 13 TD’s.  Brady has 7 TD’s in his whole career.  While that might not be much to some people, I think it makes a BIG difference.  That gives Rodgers 100 TD’s total through his 1^st 3 years in football.  30 more than Brady. 

Some people may read this and think I’m crazy.  How dare I compare Aaron Rodgers to the almighty Jesus, Montana reincarnated Brady?  I just did.  Honestly, what will people say if Rodgers wins another ring this year?  Then what?  He’ll have 2 rings before the age of 28.  Big Ben does too, but his stats aren’t even in the same stratosphere as either Brady or Rodgers.  You could say the same for Brady.  If he wins his 4^th, that would be unbelievable.  Which is highly possible.  And would make it that much harder for Rodgers to eventually surpass or equal Brady’s legend and career.

Maybe Rodgers only ends up with 1 Superbowl.  It’s possible.  Then what?  He’s Brett Favre or Peyton Manning?  Seriously.  I don’t think what I’m saying are stretches in the least.  This is different than Big Ben winning 2 early.  Because of the stats.  If you average out Rodgers first 3 years as an average season, by the time he’s Brady’s age he will have around 38,000 yards and around 300 TD’s.  Only thing that remains to be seen is if he can stay healthy and win Superbowls.  Sounds easy enough.

I took a look at some elite QB’s past and present and how they stack up to Rodgers through their first 3 years in the league.  The stats are below. 

Tom Brady – 10,227 yards, 69 TD’s, 38 INT’s, 34-12 record, 1 ring

Peyton Manning – 12,287 yards, 85 TD’s, 58 INT’s, 26-22 record, 0 rings

Brett Favre – 10,412 yards, 70 TD’s, 51 INT’s, 26-17 record, 0 rings

Drew Brees – 8,551 yards, 55 TD’s, 38 INT’s, 21-21 record, 0 rings

Joe Montana – 10,088 yards, 62 TD’s, 35 INT’s, 26-15 record, 1 ring

John Elway – 9,974 yards, 59 TD’s, 51 INT’s, 34-12 record, 0 rings

Kurt Warner – 12,612 yards, 98 TD’s, 53 INT’s, 35-8 record, 1 ring

Dan Marino – 13,967 yards, 122 TD’s, 61 INT’s, 34-14 record, 0 rings

Aaron Rodgers – 12,934 yards, 87 TD’s, 31 INT’s, 27-20 recod, 1 ring

As you can see Rodgers is right there with everyone.  Marino has WAY more TD’s but no ring.  Rodgers has superior stats to all the guys with rings except Warner.  Could he end up like Warner?  Sure.  Anything can happen.  The only way he will is if he can’t stay healthy. 

I wrote this article only because I wanted everyone to be aware of what they are seeing.  Players like Rodgers only come around every so often.  Just look at the QB’s taken in the draft over the last 6 years including the year Rodgers was selected, but not including this year.  Alex Smith, Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler, Tarvaris Jackson, JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Kevin Kolb, John Beck, Drew Stanton, Trent Edwards, Troy Smith, Matt Ryan*, Joe Flacco*, Chad Henne, Matthew Stafford*, Mark Sanchez*, Josh Freeman*, Sam Bradford*, Tim Tebow*, Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy*.  And those are only the guys I’ve heard of.  I put stars next to some of them, due to either them being pretty good, or having the potential to be.  But none of them are on Rodgers level.  Not even close.  I think Bradford and Stafford have the best shot, but that remains to be seen, and will be left for another discussion.

Keep your eyes open people.  You are witnessing the birth of the next superstar QB in the NFL. 

Womsey.

Boom!

Seriously.  You don’t even make sense. 

Plaxico was interviewed by Men’s Journal on a myriad of topics, obviously most of it centered around his “I’m an idiot and brought an unregistered gun into a crowded nightclub with sweatpants on” fiasco.  The sheer audacity that a grown man with millions of dollars and anything he wants at his fingertips would wear sweatpants to a club is mind boggling.  What’s that?  Oh yeah the gun thing.  Forgot about that.

When asked about what he thought of Tom Coughlin’s reaction, who Plaxico saw on live television describing the incident as “sad and disappointing”, Burress stated “I’m like forget support, how about concern?”  Really dude?  Concern.  You want concern!?!?!  You are an NFL football player making millions of dollars and are held to a higher standard than us regular folk.  YOU BROUGHT A LOADED GUN INTO A NIGHTCLUB.  I’m not sure how much clearer you can say it.  It is disappointing.  If I found out someone that worked under me was caught in the same manner, I’d be disappointed too.  Especially someone who has already not had the best past, because something like that could hinder his or her job performance.  And by that I mean going to jail.

Burress went on to say “I did just have a bullet in my leg. And then I sat in his office, and he pushed back his chair and goes, ‘I’m glad you didn’t kill anybody!’ Man, we’re paid too much to be treated like kids. He doesn’t realize that we’re grown men and actually have kids of our own.”

I can agree with that.  You shouldn’t be treated like kids.  And you are paid too much.  But did you act like an adult in this situation Plaxico?

He also doesn’t think Coughlin is “positive” enough when dealing with his players.  “You look around the league, the Raheem Morrises and Rex Ryans — when their player makes a mistake, they take ‘em to the side and say, ‘We’ll get ‘em next time.  But Coughlin’s on the sideline going crazy, man. I can’t remember one time when he tried to talk a player through not having a day he was having.”

Hahaha.  Wow dude.  You just said 2 minutes ago you didn’t want to get treated like a child and were a grown man.  You need someone to hold your hand now when you drop a wide open pass?  You need a pat on the shoulder when you miss an assignment?  You know what I think?  I think you need to grow the **** up.  You sound like a baby basically.  Why should anyone be concerned about you shooting yourself?  You got what you deserved dumbass.  That shit is hilarious.  I remember Artie Lange once saying that it was by the grace of God that the Cowboys got a QB with a last name that rhymes with “homo”, because he’s a Giants fan.  This is the same for me.  This is a thug wannabee in Burress who SHOT HIMSELF IN THE LEG.  Like a real life Cheddar Bob.  Haha.

And this interview wasn’t over.  When asked about the sentence he received (20 months), he said that Mayor Bloomberg “was totally wrong, stacked those charges so high, I had to go to jail.”  You had to go to jail?  You took a gun into a club numbnuts.  Not to mention you’ve gotten off in the past for different things.  Remember the 9 times you got sued for everything from a car accident you didn’t pay for to a free car you got and were supposed to make an appearance for as payment and never showed?  And you had to pay a grand total of $1,700 for the latter of those two.  That year you made $543,750 per game, so I think you could afford it.  How about the time you got ticketed for speeding, improper display of tags, improper lane change and improper window tinting?  Now I know those aren’t a big deal at all, but just curious how much money did a millionaire like yourself have to pay for that Plax?  Nothing!  You got off because the officer “didn’t supply information on how to pay the tickets.”

Save me the wine fest Plax.  For real.  You are sounding less and less gangster by the minute.  You are sounding more like a little sissy.

Look at me.  I’m Plaxico.  Waaaaah!  I’m a grown up.  Waaaaah!  You have to give me pats on the back when I screw up because I’m only 34.  Waaaaaah!  I had to pay a penalty a normal person would have to pay for a felony.  Waaaaaah!  I’m famous.  Waaaaaah!

This self righteous, I’m owed more than the already ridiculous salary I get nonsense baffles me.  Professional athletes are held to a higher standard for a good reason.  You are a role model to children.  You are paid an extremely good wage for playing a game.  Granted, you are blessed with abilities that few of us possess and that’s why.  Quit being cocky.  Quit acting like you are owed something.  Quit acting like a child.

He isn’t the only one.  I wanna make that clear.  There are plenty more.  I just read the article on this today and it blew my mind.  It always does.  It never ceases to amaze me what comes out of these guys mouths.  Thank God there are more guys out there that do the right thing and play the game the right way.  Unfortunately, chumps like Plaxico will always exist.  As long as everyone lets them get away with everything they want, they will continue to act like babies.  Spoiled brats that will never learn anything without discipline.  From law enforcement.  From coaches.  From management.  From the fans.

You could have been great Plaxico.  You could have been well on your way to hall of fame numbers.  You got a ring.  You could have been on your way to Canton.  You could have been a New York legend.  But you decided to take a loaded gun into a crowded nightclub.  You think the penalty was steep?  Fair enough.  Welcome to the real world pal.  Deal with it.

Womsey.

Buffalo Bills: No coaching changes to speak of.  Meh.  No big free agent additions.  Meh.  They basically swapped out Paul Puszluzny for Nick Barnett.  Meh.  They traded Lee Evans and cut Aaron Maybin (who apparently wasn’t panning out).  Meh.  Is Shawne Merriman going to stay healthy and channel 2006?  Is Marcel Dareus gonna be the latest in 1st round blunders for Buffalo?  Only real bright spot on the “D” I see is Ryan Williams who they smartly resigned to a 6 year contract.  Is Fitzpatrick ready to take the next step?  Steve Johnson had a breakout year last year but now will surely see double coverage with no other real passing threat.  If they rely A LOT on Jackson and Spiller out of the backfield, I can maybe see 6 wins, but they are in a tough division.  I’m going 4-12.

Dolphins: I do have to say I like what they did in the offseason.  They brought in Mike Nolan to coach up the defense, and Brian Daboll (a former Patriots coach) to coach up the offense.  I like adding Pouncey who if he’s anything like his brother is going to be a solid anchor to the offensive line, which I think is the strong point of this team.  Exit Ronnie Brown and Reefer Williams.  Enter Daniel Thomas and Soontobeheismanless Bush.  They got younger for sure, but better I’m not sure.  Thomas is already banged up and everyone knows Bush is one superman leap away from breaking his leg.  And the most pressing issue they had to fix all offseason they didn’t, which I think anyone that has brain tissue knows is the QB position.  Yeremiah Bell might be the most underrated safety in football and I also like Dansby and Wake, but again, this division is a two horse race.  6-10.

Jets: How come no one calls Rex Ryan “Sexy Rexy”?  Oh that’s right.  His mouth is bigger than his empty trophy case.  He’s been pretty quiet so far, he let his brother do the talking.  As far as the team goes, they go as far as #6 goes.  He can clearly manage a game.  But in this NFL, you need to be able to make big plays when it counts.  It’s no secret that if this team doesn’t win the Superbowl it’s a failed season.  I don’t think they lose much switching out Braylon Edwards for Plax.  This is a run first team anyway, and if Plax is good at anything it’s being tall.  Haha.  The defense will be one of the best in the league as always, and will carry this team to the playoffs.  I’m saying 11-5.

Patriots: Is that creepy, quiet dude with the sleeveless sweater still on the sidelines?  Does #12 still have that Patriot on the side of his helmet?  Fair enough.  Playoff team.  I’m not drinking the Ochocinco kool aid just yet.  I am drinking the TomBradyhaswonSuperbowlswithWAYless kool aid though.  He’s made guys like Troy Brown, Kevin Faulk and David Givens household names.  They added Haynesworth and if he stays level headed, could be the biggest move in free agency, Asomugha included.  Jerod Mayo could tackle a giraffe.  In summary, as you can see, it doesn’t matter about the names on the jerseys.  The Patriots get the best out of every player on their team every year.  They go 13-3, easy, with a first round bye.  And they’ll be playing the AFC Championship game in Heinz Field.

AFC North

Bengals: I saw Skip Bayless saying this team could surprise people.  How?  By bringing Carson Palmer back?  Which still wouldn’t make them even close to a playoff team.  Hey Skip, don’t confuse promise with talent.  Andy Dalton did look good in the preseason against that vaunted Panthers defense.  All joking aside, they have some young weapons who in a couple years might make some noise.  Gresham, Green and Shipley could all be future stars.  But they will probably all get arrested.  That’s what happens.  You go to Cincinnati and you get DUI’s and assault charges.  I like the Nate Clements move.  But that’s about all I like.  3-13.

Browns: Anyone remember Pat Shurmur?  If you are an Eagles fan you might.  He was our QB coach for like a decade.  This will be his first head coaching gig (college or pro) so I guess it remains to be seen what he can do.  He doesn’t have much to work with.  Is Colt McCoy the real deal?  I mean, he sounds like he’d be a QB.  All he’s got is Peyton Hillis on offense and then a bunch of young guys.  Greg Little could make a bit of an impact.  They have two rookies starting on the defensive line and D’Qwell Jackson (their leading tackler in 07′ and 08′) coming back after missing 26 out of the past 32 games.  TJ Ward is a formidable safety.  They are a couple years away.  4-12.

Ravens: I like this team.  Their offensive line is great.  QB can manage a game and make big plays.  Bringing in Lee Evans gives them a deep threat they never had.  Ray Rice is the best back in the AFC in my opinion, and proved last year he can clearly carry the load.  And as long as Ray Lewis is anchoring that defense, they are a force to be reckon with.  The formula is pretty simple for this team.  They’ve been to the Playoffs.  They’ve won in the Playoffs.  It’s Superbowl or bust.  Only problem is they play in the Steelers division.  12-4.

Steelers: They just keep loading up on talent don’t they?  It’s like the Steelers are never bad.  Hines Ward is getting old.  Antonio Brown literally takes the preseason and makes it his bitch.  Big Ben, for all the controversy surrounding him, is a proven winner and can win the big game more often than not.  Oh.  I almost forgot.  They have the best defense in football.  I don’t think that is arguable.  There isn’t a more complete team in football in my opinion.  They have great coaches and great players.  14-2.  My pick to win the Superbowl.

AFC West

Raiders: I feel bad for the Oakland fanbase.  They are just never going to win unless that muppet in the press box moves on, wherever that may be.  Really no real changes on offense except adding Kevin Boss.  Darren McFadden is pretty solid, but he’s not Adrian Peterson.  The one bright spot on this team is on defense in Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch.  That’s the best safety combo in the NFL.  They lost Nnamdi.  They do play in a weak division though, who seems to all play each other tough, no matter what the other teams record is.  Hue Jackson won’t make a difference.  I’ll give them 5-11.  Nah.  4-12.

Broncos: Let me start by saying I love John Fox.  I think he’s a great coach.  That being said he made the wrong decision on which QB to start.  In the last 3 games of the season last year the Broncos scored at least 23 points in all 3 games, something they didn’t do 3 straight times all season.  Unfortunately, the defense let up an average of 30 points in those 3 games so they only won 1 of them.  Look, I’m not hating on Orton, but he does not in any way, shape or form possess the most important characteristic a QB needs.  Leadership.  Tebow does.  Why not throw him in there?  What do you have to lose?  You aren’t winning more than 6 games regardless.  Be realistic.  Oh.  The defense stinks.  I like Knoshown.  5-11.

Chiefs: There are certainly things to like on this football team.  Jamaal Charles is the best playmaker in football (sorry DeSean).  Anytime you have that on offense you have a chance to score.  They added Steve Breaston from Arizona, and Matt Cassel overall had a pretty good year under the radar.  I’ll take 27 touchdowns to 7 interceptions any day of the week.  What’s peculiar about this team is the defense.  They really do have some studs on defense, but still ranked 20th last year.  I know they won the division last year.  Blah Blah.  They had the lowest point differential of any team in the NFL last year with a winning record.  What that means to me is they got lucky.  They are dominant at home, but have to play both Superbowl teams at home this year.  That’s at least 2 losses and sprinkle in another divisional loss.  What’s that equate to?  8-8.

Chargers: Is this the year?  Is Rivers finally gonna get the monkey off his back?  Nope.  Way too much talent in the AFC.  The Chargers are loaded again, like they always are, with a lot of talent.  They will win this division.  But then comes the playoffs.  Rivers is as good as you are going to get at the QB position.  Mathews and Tolbert are a very good duo in the backfield.  Vincent Jackson will have a full season barring injury.  The defense is solid as well.  Not great, but solid.  And I’m gonna make a bold prediction.  Bob Sanders doesn’t get hurt this year and is comeback player of the year.  You heard it hear first.  11-5.

AFC South

Jaguars: It’s as if you just wanted to throw the season away before it even started.  Cut David Garrard.  5 days before your first game?  I hope McCown got some first team reps before this week.  Jones-Drew is an awesome player.  I love the guy and feel bad for him because this team might be the worst in the NFL especially now with the QB situation.  I guess all hope isn’t lost in the future though.  I like adding Posluszny.  They say Gabbert is pretty polished for a rookie.  This is Jack Del Rio’s last year as the Jags head coach.  They are lucky they play Carolina and Cincinnati early in the season or this team could be 0-8 heading into the bye.  2-14.

Titans: Let the Hasselbeck era begin.  Wait a minute.  Isn’t he like 35?  And gets hurt every year?  He won’t play the full season, so for Titans fans it’s the year you get to see Jake Locker.  And he does have a weapon in the backfield in Chris “I have a fat mouth and don’t realize how quickly I’m gonna be forgotten” Johnson.  Ask Priest Holmes.  Or Ahman Green.  Or Barry Foster.  Or Robert Smith.  Wait til you are 28 and your knee starts giving out.  They also added linebacker Barrett Ruud who is a tackling machine on defense.  Did you know they had 3 guys in the secondary with 100 tackles last year?  What’s that mean?  Crappy linebackers.  They’ll be no pushover and have Jeff Fisher Jr., in Mike Munchak coaching them.  He’s been a coach there since they were the Oilers.  Still don’t think it makes a big difference though.  5-11.

Colts: Well as I am typing this I am reading that Manning is about to have neck surgery and will miss a minimum of 8 weeks.  Not good for Colts fans.  I honestly do still think they will at least compete.  They are still better than Jacksonville or Tennessee.  It might take Collins a couple weeks to get his arm and feet under him but the guy clearly has NFL experience.  Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are still there and Garcon and Collie have proven solid.  The only problem is Collins isn’t Manning.  So the defense needs to be better.  The shootout wins aren’t going to happen as frequent.  I’ll be optimistic and say the D holds true and Collins makes some decent plays and they end up 8-8.

Texans: Well Mr. Schaub, if there was ever a year for you to make the postseason this is it.  About 10 minutes ago, I was picking the Texans to finish 2nd, but after hearing about Peyton, I got them winning the division.  Andre Johnson is my favorite non-Eagle in football.  I love his attitude.  I love that he doesn’t constantly bitch about balls being thrown to him.  He’s the best receiver in football.  Arian Foster and Owen Daniels need to stay healthy though.  If they do, this could be a top 5 offense in the NFL.  As much as I can’t stand that grandmother of a person Wade Phillips, he is a GREAT defensive coordinator and should get the most out of that defense.  Cushing and Ryans need to stay healthy and they will have a nice core coupled with Mario Williams.  They need a smooth transition to the 3-4.  I’m going 11-5.

NFC South

Panthers: Out of all the head coaching changes this year, this is my favorite.  I like Ron Rivera.  Unfortunately that’s all I like.  This isn’t going to be a fun season for Panthers fans.  It really all falls on Cam Newton.  He basically showed me nothing in the preseason.  And if he can’t get the ball to Steve Smith…well…we ALL know what’s going to happen.  They need to run the football at all costs.  You have two good backs.  Use them.  Can the defense hold up is the question.  Beason is a stud in the middle and is the backbone.  Charles Johnson is the vet on a defensive line with two rookie tackles and a 2nd year bookend.  A lot of young talent, but I don’t see it adding up to wins.  3-13.

Buccaneers: You know, you look at Tampa’s team and wonder…how the hell did they win 10 games last year?  I’ll tell you how.  Josh Freeman.  Dude is legit.  And they win or lose with him.  That being said, I don’t think he’s as good as he was last year, because he was amazing.  If his production drops off in the slightest (which I think it will), they lose more games.  Blount was also a pleasant surprise last year amassing 1,000 yards in only 13 games.  They don’t wow anybody with big plays or have a crazy good defense.  It’s all about intangibles and not making mistakes.  That’s tough to do two years in a row though.  I got them at 8-8.

Saints: You think Saints and you think Drew Brees.  Immediately.  And why shouldn’t you?  He’s about as much of a sure thing as you are going to get with at least 4,300 yards and 25 td’s in each of his last 5 seasons.  But you need to have balance on offense.  Too many times last year he was forced to throw, leading to his 658 pass attempts and 22 picks, both the most he’s had in his career.  Add in Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram.  Issue addressed.  Pierre Thomas stays healthy and you got a pretty good 3 headed monster going.  This offense will score the most points in the NFL this year.  Mark it down.  The defense has also made strides in the past couple years and is a very good bunch.  Roman Harper and Jonathan Vilma being the staples.  I can’t see this team losing more than 4 games.  12-4.

Falcons: Sorry.  I’m not the guy.  13-3 was a fluke.  They had an easy schedule last year.  Unfortunately, it’s even easier this year.  The offense isn’t the problem.  Matty Ice is a very polished QB and is only going to get better.  Julio Jones is only going to make them better.  Turner is a beast and Roddy White is in the prime of a great career.  That defense over achieved last year.  Bottom line.  And it will again this year.  They don’t have a single impact player on it except John Abraham.  But what do I know?  I’m posting on a free blog and not getting paid a dime for this .  Haha.  So while I think they will win this division with the tiebreaker and get a bye, they lose in the first round of the playoffs.  12-4.

NFC West

Seahawks: Why on earth would I ever pick a team who’s starting QB is Tarvaris Jackson to win more than 4 games?  Especially when your offensive line consists of 2 rookies, a guy who missed the whole season last year, a converted tackle at left guard and the only bright spot Russell Okung who missed 6 games last year.  Oh they added Zach Miller and Sidney Rice?  Lock it up.  Playoffs.  Please.  Someone has got to get it to them.  No only that but you let your best defensive player walk.  I wouldn’t be too excited if I was a Seahawks fan.  Not this year anyway.  3-13.

49ers: If I’m Jed York, I got David Garrard on speed dial right now.  Bring him in dude!  Alex Smith is not a good QB.  If the front office hasn’t figured that out yet, they are idiots.  He’s stealing money from you.  Go get a guy who’s at least proven.  That really is the only problem on the offense.  They are believe it or not LOADED on offense with impact guys.  Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Braylon Edwards.  Seriously, they get a good QB and watch out.  The defense has the best backbone in football too.  Patrick Willis is ridiculously good.  They don’t even need outside linebackers.  Haha.  This team was 6-10 last year.  I think the new coach gives the players a little gust at the beginning of the season but it fades fast without a leader on offense.  6-10.

Cardinals: Kevin Kolb.  The story of the offseason.  Here’s your chance pal.  You got a clear cut #1 in Fitz and a couple other decent guys.  Time to put up or shut up, because you did some talking about the Eagles organization.  Let’s see what ya got kid!  I personally think he’ll be decent.  Not great, but decent.  He’s no game changer.  As far as the defense goes, the secondary anchors them.  Adding Peterson in the draft to an already great safety tandem in Rhodes and Wilson means they will be tough to throw on.  Doesn’t mean you can’t score though.  And teams will.  6-10.

Rams: I love Bradford.  But you know what I love more.  McDaniels as an offensive coordinator.  Especially considering he has Wes Welker Jr. in Danny Amendola.  They added Mike Sims-Walker as well and Lance Kendricks has opened some eyes this preseason.  Then there’s always the bowling ball in Stephen Jackson.  Sidenote:  That commercial he’s in is hilarious.  Laurinitas anchors the defense.  They added Quentin Mikell.  Problem for every team in this division is the schedule.  And St. Louis is nothing different.  They get the present from the NFL of their two AFC opponents being the Ravens and Steelers.  Thanks!  All that being said, they sweep this division and go 10-6.

NFC North

Vikings: Sorry Vikings fans.  You are in the cellar this year.  Donovan isn’t gonna help.  You can’t say enough about Adrian Peterson.  For my money, he’s the best back in football.  But he can’t do it by himself.  And I’m not even remotely sold on Leslie Frasier.  I feel like the Vikings time has passed.  They had a shot a couple years ago, but they are on the downfall from that.  It’s not gonna be a fun year in that division.  Defense is older and more fragile.  I’ll go 6-10.

Lions: I would love to put these guys higher, but I have to be realistic.  Matthew Stafford is the next star QB in this league, so long as he stays healthy.  They return 4 guys off the offensive line that didn’t miss a snap last year.  Megatron.  Nuff said.  Pettigrew was great last year and Burleson is a nice compliment to Calvin.  Jahvid Best needs to stay healthy.  Then there’s the defense which is tenacious to say the least.  That doesn’t mean they are good, but they are vicious.  Suh is the best playmaker on the defensive line in football.  His motor is ridiculous.  He’ll probably get fined 13 times this year, but it’s only money right?  I like this team to take a step forward.  8-8.

Bears: Da Bears.  So long as Jay Cutler is QB I’m not picking them to win this division.  Guy has all the talent in the world, but can’t get his head in the game for some reason.  Damn shame.  Offensive line needs work.  They got a bunch of #2′s that can play and a very good running back in Forte.  I like the offense if Cutler can minimize mistakes.  Now let me tell you what I love.  The defense.  Peppers, Urlacher, Briggs, Tillman.  Right now they are saying their new addition Meriweather won’t start, but he will be soon enough.  This team has everything it needs to be great.  But last time I checked #6 still throws the football and he will hold them back from the ultimate goal.  11-5.

Packers: How do you make a team that won the Superbowl better?  Get healthy.  Aaron Rodgers is an elite QB.  He’s right up there with Brady and Manning.  Debating it is stupid.  The guy won a ring in his 3rd full season in the NFL.  And that was with one of the worst run games in the NFL last year.  Add in Ryan Grant, which may not sound like much.  But don’t forget he had back to back 1,200 yard seasons before last year.  He’s no chump.  All that coupled with the fact they are LOADED on defense.  Raji, Williams, Woodson, Hawk, Collins, Matthews.  If they stay injury free they could have the best record in football at 14-2.  Every team has injuries though, so I’m going 12-4 with a first round bye.

NFC East

Redskins: There really isn’t anything on this team that could cause you to be optimistic.  I don’t like Mike Shanahan either, not necessarily as a coach, but as a person.  I don’t expect much out of the offense.  Grossman doesn’t strike me as someone who is going to have a good year, probably because he never has.  I like the addition of Hightower and think he can make some big plays, but that’s about it on the offense.  Washington does usually have a pretty good defense though.  That shouldn’t change this year.  Fletcher, Atogwe, Hall and Orakpo are all studs.  This team just kind of has that “blah” feel to me though.  6-10.

Giants: Not a good preseason so far.  A lot of injuries to the defense.  They still got the starters there for the most part, but depth is extremely important in today’s NFL.  Still got good ole Eli!  I actually do think Eli has a pretty good year.  He has all the weapons he needs, so he should.  His problems have always been the turnovers.  It’s no fluke that the year they won the Superbowl he didn’t throw a pick in any of the playoff games.  That’s why they won.  Run the ball, and play mistake free football.  Then rush the shit out of the QB on defense.  That won’t change.  Their line is stacked.  Kiwanuka comes back from injury as well and is a versatile player.  They will be pretty good, but I think they take a step back from last year.  Too much injuries to overcome.  8-8.

Cowboys: Romo is back!  Uh oh.  In all seriousness, I make fun of Romo as much as the next guy, and the Cowboys in general.  But they are still a good football team, and he’s a good quarterback.  He’s not elite.  But he’s very good.  Miles Austin should be better as long as Romo plays the whole season.  The only reason that might be a problem is because Doug Free can’t block everyone.  They basically have an entire new offensive line.  The security blanket is still there in Witten.  Offense should be fine.  Defense is pretty much the same for the most part.  Ware is a disruptive force.  They got great linebackers in general.  This team really just lost because they lost their QB.  Jon Kitna was not the answer.  I’m going 10-6.

Eagles: This is it.  This is the year they make it to the promised land.  This is the year they take home the hardware.  I’ll believe it when I see it.  This team is loaded with talent.  That’s obvious.  They will make the playoffs barring a catastrophe.  But what happens when they get there?  Is this the best team on paper I’ve ever seen as an Eagles fan?  Probably.  Unfortunately they don’t play the game on paper.  Michael Vick is amazing.  He was nothing short of brilliant last year and I don’t see anything different this year, barring injury of course.  Vince Young gives you a more than adequate backup.  The line scares me.  LeSean McCoy is a beast.  Westbrook part 2.  Add in Ronnie Brown as a veteran and 3rd down back.  DeSean is the best playmaker at his position in football.  He’s the fastest guy in the NFL and everyone has seen what he can do.  Hopefully he does that this year given the contract situation.  Maclin took a HUGE step last year.  His health is also a concern.  Steve Smith should be a great security blanket.  Vick said he wants to get the ball to Celek more.  Let’s see it.  And now the defense.  The line should be one of the best in the NFL.  I’d be shocked if it wasn’t.  We have a lot of depth and will be able to rotate guys in and out to keep everyone fresh.  Linebackers.  Meh.  Let’s talk about the secondary.  On paper it’s the best in the NFL.  I would love to see Reid come up with some sort of hybrid nickel defense that enables Cromartie, Asomugha and Samuel to be on the field together at all times.  That would be amazing.  All in all, this team is good.  Actually this team is great, on paper.  Hopefully it translates to the field.  I got the Eagles at 12-4.  (Probably more like 11-5, but what are you gonna do, I’m bias)

Playoff predictions will be later in the year.

GO BIRDS!!!