My final football post of the pre season..

So lets finish the discussion about football before thegames begin in both College and the NFL.  They stories in College are extremely intriguing.  What kind of season will Penn St. have?  They will be the most scrutinized team this year and now the story wont go away.  I blogged how disappointed I was that the school did not fight for their rights, and now the members of the trustees are finally stepping up and in.  It is bad for the school because everyone just wants to sweep the situation under the "football rug". The school is uniting in  all sports  to show that Penn St. has moved forward and cannot control what happens off the field.  The students make the University and hopefull this fall they will represent their families, friends, and themselves with class and dignity.  I feel for the victims, but no one can fix what happened.  Good Luck Penn St.
Another story is several college athletes came back to college for one more year for a chance at a title.  Matt Barkeley would have been a first round pick.  Montee Ball and Landry Jones too. They have the world on their shoulders this season and relish the opportunity to get it done this fall.  Expectations are extremely high at those Universities this fall.   Tyrann Matthieu came back as well but addiction has ruined his college career.  It is tragic and hopefully he will get the help he needs. 
Speaking of the SEC will they win another BCS title?  Georgia, is joining the fray this year as they have the quarterback in Murray to compete with the big boys. If South Carolina can control their turnover problems of years past they will be their as well.  USC, Clemson, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon feel like they have enough to end the run of the SEC.  Florida St. and Virginia Tech always possess potent defenses and good enough players to play with the SEC schools.  I think the reign comes to an end this year.
I think the title game will be USC and Oklahoma. Bama and LSU have a lot of unanswered questions on both sides of the ball.  They are both giving way too many new players an opportunity to be great this year.  Look out next year though..
Denard Robinson will win the Heisman.  He will combine for more than 50 touchdowns this year.  Geno Smith in West Virginia may as well. West Virginia is a sleep team to win the title as well.  they have a sick offense coming back.  They scored 70 points in a bowl game last year and were just in year 1 of learning the offense of the new coaching staff.  I cannot wait to see how it unfolds..
How about teams changing leagues just to make more money and a chance toplay for a title.  Texas A&M in the SEC. Boise St. to the Big East.  Missouri in the SEC. Just to name a few.  Doesn't Pittsburgh, Syracuse move to the ACC soon? How about new coaches at schools?  Charlie Weiss in Kansas? Kevin Sumlin in Texas A&M.  Mike Leach at WSU? Bill Obrien at Penn St.? Urban Meyer at Ohio St.? Who will win more games?  Ohio St. has sanctions coming.  Can Texas rebound from last years meltdown?  Notre Dame is playing the most brutal schedule I have ever seen.  No cupcakes anywhere.  They start the year in Ireland against Navy and then all breaks loose with their schedule. 
In the NFL.. I gave you my predictions of who will win the divisions.  I think New England, Baltimore, Houston, and Denver should prevail in AFC with Pittsburgh and San Diego making the playoffs.  I think that Houston and New England will play for AFC title and Houston will emerge as champion.  Houston has the defense and schedule to be really good this year.  Home field advantage will be their launching pad to the Super Bowl. 
I think Andrew Luck will be AFC rookie of the year and will not disappoint.
The NFC I think that the Niners, Giants, Packers, Saints win divisions.  I think Philly and Chicago get wild cards.  I am wavering on the wild card picks because Atlanta is very good.  Detroit is as well.  I just think Atlanta has the wrong success model.  They keep bringing in the wrong veteran players.  Asante Samuel has been on three teams now in the last five years because he cannot cover like he believes he can.  The Falcons can score with anyone. can they stop anyone? Detroit needs a running game to gurantee that Stafford will be on the field this year for 16 games.  He showed last year that if healthy he can put up huge numbers and be a superstar.  I think that their defense is one year away from greatness but off the field matters will haunt this team.  This team will be great in 2013 mark my word.  Maturity wins titles.  They will be forced to grow up pretty quickly.  The NFC is much better than the AFC this year.  There are more teams that have playoff ability in that conference.  Dallas is better than most AFC teams and will be at home watching the post season.  I already mentioned Atlanta and Detroit.  Carolina is up and coming and Seattle will be a pleasant surprise.  The final two in the NFC will be Green Bay v New Orleans.  New Orleans will become the first team to host the super bowl. 
The referee lockout is a disgrace to the league.  The NFL make 9 billion dollars a year and they do not want give a raise to the men who give the games its integrity? The replacement refs will do a good enough job that wont cause a calamity, but why risk it?  Yes every week we hear the pundits criticzie the refs for blown calls and it repercussions for teams, coaches and players.  I understand that noone is perfect but at least we kindof understand when a ref misses a call. We dont understand when a ref misses a basic rule.  the replacement refs had a game this preseason where they thought the 4 yard line was the end zone line.  They marked a penalty 11 yards that was to be 15 or cannot explain why a call was made to the audience.  They have even faced the wrong way talking to the camera.  I wonder what is going to happen if in week 1 the Niners play Green Bay and blown call gives the game to one team and they lose out on homefield advantage 15 weeks down the road.  A hefty price to pay when the refs are only asking to be compensated because everyone else involved in football is getting raises.  We hope the best even though we know this is going to be ugly..
My super bowl of Houston and New Orleans will be fun to bet on and attend.  The Saints will win and tell the league to kiss their *** when they are praising Sean Payton for organizing such a fine team.  Brees is your M.V.P. .. Let the games begin

The final two divisions are..Afc North and NFC East

I am sorry that is has been a while since my last post.  Life truly is a blessing, but extremely difficult to maintain. I realize that most people will disagree that the two best divisions in football are the NFC East and the AFC north.  I think that the NFC north is quite good. The Packers, Bears, and Lions have a shot to go to the big game and really make noise in the NFC. The AFC West could be good as well, but we don't know what we are going to get from those teams.  The Chiefs have a lot of people coming back, the Chargers are trying to build new chemistry, the Raiders have a new coach and Carson Palmer throws way too many interceptions, and then there is Peyton Manning.  He looked brilliant in his last pre- season game. Too many questions and not enough answers.  The NFC east is loaded (when healthy).   The Giants are the defending Super Bowl Champs and they look to prove that last year was not a case of catching lightning in a bottle.  The Eagles have stars everywhere.  So do the Cowboys. The Redskins are looking forward to a fresh start.  The AFC north is solid with the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals who all played in the post season last year.  The Browns. like the Redskins are starting a new quarterback, and have high hopes for an improved season. lets analyze shall we.
The AFC North could have had the SuperBowl representative last year if it had not been for a dropped pass and a missed chip shot field goal.  Joe Flacco says he is an elite qb, and it is hard to to disagree since he has been in the post season every year of his career.  He may not be flashy as Brady or Brees and yes he has had brain cramps with horrid performances( see Jacksonville game last year). He does not have to do much. He has a quality running game with Ray Rice. He has quality receivers to throw to.  Anquan Boldin is a matchup nightmare.  The defense is getting a bit older and that may be the liability this season.  Terrell Suggs is out for a while with an injury and he is not someone easily to replace.  Ed Reed is unhappy with contract situation but he will perform.  This teams' only weakness may be covering receivers in this new pass happy league.  Could be a big year for this team if Flacco lives up to his own hype.  Eli said the same thing last year and won his second ring..
The Pittsburgh Steelers too are dealing with injuries and angry players.  Mike Wallace returned to the team finally.  The Steelers have a new offensive coordnator so Wallace is going to need some time to get in to football shape and learn the new plays. The Steelers like the Ravens are smarting from a post season loss that no one still can believe happen.  The Steelers always seem to find a new defensive stud and discover a running back to replace one from the previous year who is hurt or traded away.  This team will start the year without a couple of key cogs in Harrison and Mendenhall.  What I love about the Steelers is that they make no excuses and just play.  I expect no less this season. I don't see glory this year but they will be heard from from every corner of the planet.
The Bengals shocked the world last year and made the post season with a rookie qb.  They can really play some defense and coach Zimmer can really inspire.  Adding Terrence Newman may not be wise but maybe he can reinvent Newman he could be the piece that pushes them ahead of the Steelers. NOT!!!! They let Cedric Benson go.  Why? He was an off field catastrophe we all no that but on the field he was a security blanket for Dalton.  Who does he turn to now?  A.J. Green is quite good but still raw. This team will be in every game they play this year.  You are going to have to play 4 physical quarters of football to beat them.  Without a running game though, they may take a step backwards.They do every other year.  Check out their recent history..
The Browns have a lot to look forward to.  They have two young quarterbacks who can play and are tough.  They drafted Richardson who is really tough. They need help everywhere else.  They have young raw players all over the field.  They have no receivers worth a darn. They have a rugged tough linebacking core but their secondary couldnt cover me. They have a new owner.  thats a bout it.. Cleveland Brown football this year will be a year of wait and see. Josh Cribbs may be enough for me to watch.
The NFC East will be scrutinzed and watch as ever.  The Philadelphia Eagles seem to be the trendy pick. Why? Yes on offense they have a dynamic duo at receiver, a running game that gashes you at least once a game.  They have a tight end who can it all.  The defense is out to prove that last year was a fluke and that the last four games last year are who they really are. They had a guy almost break the sack record and I am sure NNamdi wants to prove he is worth all of the money spent on him.  The key for the Eagles this and every year is the quarterback.  Mike Vick has to stay healthy for 16 games.  If he does the Eagles go to the big game.  If he doesn't Andy Reid will be fired..
The Dallas Cowboys are another trendy pick.  They have a solid running game. A game breaking receiver and tight end. A super stud defensive end who wreaks havoc everywhere. They backup players who are as talented as most starters.  The word that has to describe the Cowboys is Soft.  They are the most injured talent laden team I have ever seen.  Felix Jones always hurt, Miles Austin always hurt, Tony Romo always hurt, Dez Bryant hurt or in trouble with the law. They have no secondary whatsoever.  They got torched by every team in the league last year.  This year, the drafted Claiborne to replace Newman and he is raw.  Mike Jenkins is too small.  I don't know why we talk about this team so much.  They really are all fluff no substance..
The Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III and veryone is all excited that they may have found their qb of the future.  He had a prolific college career but never really won any significant games. Yes he can run and he is wicked fast.  He is truly going to have to be because he is going ot be running for his life in this league and division.  The Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys are licking their chops at the opportunity to smash mr. Griffin. The Redskins have a good line but need a running game to help Griffin.  They 4 backs but none of them are anything special.  Helu and Hightower can go the distance against anyone, Torrain is tough.  When you have 4 backs that means you have none right? Defensively they will be great one week, but can't stop anyone the next.  The swept the Giants last year quite easily. No one know what to expect.  The redskins hope for improvement.
The Giants are my team and I am disgusted with how the world has thrown them under a bridge as a lucky team.  I have never heard of a team that gets no credit for winning a title.  they literlly had to win 6 games in a row against playoff quality teams and palyoff teams to get the big prize and they did.  Eli Manning is crafting a Hall of Fame career and the Giants are out to prove that last year was no fluke.  Defensively they will be better.  They have several d-linemen who fill the roles needed to make them a title contender again.  Yes they lost Manningham and Jacobs on offense but they believe in Barden and Ware to replace those pieces,  The Giants are hungry to knock the Jets off the back page.  I expect great things this year.
AFC North: Ravens 12-4, Steelers 10-6, Bengals 7-9, Browns 4-12
NFC East: Giants: 11-5, Eagles 10-6, Cowboys 9-7, Redskins 6-10
Player To watch AFC North: Joe Flacco.. It is your time to shine
Player to watch NFC East: Mike VIck: If you are Haelthy for regular season, could be special year.

The next set of divisions are the Nfc North and afc west

I usually save the NFC east for last because my favorite team plays there so I will preview the North in NFC and West of the AFC.  These two divisions have the most uncertainty of allof the divisions and they have probably the most talent.  The North in NFC has the reigning M.V.P. in Rodgers, 5000 yard passer in Stafford, Cutler and Marshall back as a tandem.  The AFC west has Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers, Carson Palmer and Matt Cassell back from injury.  How do you pick a favorite in the AFC west and how do you keep the Bears and Lions out of the playoffs? Lets dive in..
The NFC north is loaded on both sides of the ball.  The defending divisional champs the Packers are angry because of last years collapse.  They go 15-1 during the regular season and was poised to repeat as champs until they ran into the New York Football Giants. Aaron Rodgers could have easily passed for 5000 yards. They still dont have a running game but who cares if they are scoring at will. The Packers weakness is their defense cannot get off the field.  Several quarterbacks last year torched their secondary because they had no pass rush.  they think they have rectified that with the draft of Nick perry but he is one man and Rome was not byuilt in one day. They should be great again but still need a running game that could help their defense.  Cedric Benson could bethe answer.
The Detroit Lions are the team that everyone will be watching this year.  After an off season arrests, this team needs to grow up and save all of their off field shannigans for the field.  They have sick talent on the defense.  They have the best receiver in the game who wants to set records this season.  Stafford threw for 5g's last year and when healthy he is a top 5 quarterback. They have problems in their secondary but their pass rush could overcome it. They need a consistent running back. I look forward to seeing the growth. If they don't grow up soon this could be a disaster..
The Bears have Forte back in tow and added Marshall.  they have a great tight end and if Cutler is not on his butt a lot this year they could be a playoff team.  The defense get Briggs, Urlacher and Peppers back.  They have a good secondary.  They need the weather to help them use their advantages over the Packers and Lions.  they have a consistent back.  They just haveto stay healthy.  If the Bears stay healthy, they will make the playoffs and go very deep.  Cutler is due for a huge year.  They have Hester as well and Johnny Knox.  i like this team to challenge for a large prize this year..
The Vikings will be rebuilding.  They have individual players who can start and star on any team.  Percy Harvin, Jared Allen are superstars.  Adrian Peterson is a wait and see.  Christian Pounder has a lot to work with, but is he really ready?  Leslie Frazier will be the first coach fired this year.  It is not his fault, but this team is going to struggle.
The Afc west is a quarterback driven division.  I believe the Peyton Manning got the shaft from Indy and is on a mission to prove that they failed him.  He will learn how hard it is to play in inclimate weather and how badly you need a running game.  He has a lot of no name receivers, but they can run the ball.  They have a good tough defense, but they need to grow up quickly.  They can rush the passer with both of their ends who are special.  Champ Bailey is aging but he can still play. This team will go as far as Peyton takes them.  He will bethe most watched player in the league this year.
The Chiefs had a weird last year.  They were the only team to defeat the Packers, a coaching change during the season, injuries to every key position , and Dwayne Bowe is still unhappy.  They Get Jamaal charles back in the backfield as well as Matt Cassel.  They get better on defense which was pretty darn good last year.  They have the right recipe to win with a balance running attack and a head coach who can really coach defense.  Dont sleep on the Chiefs this year.  I may pick them to win the division.
The San Diego Chargers are the enigma team of the AFC.  They have a solid defense and an explosive offense.  Phillip Rivers is as good as anyone but he admits last year he forced way too many balls.  He does not have an Elway arm but he has the best deep ball in football.  They did lose Vincent Jackson so this team needs to find a deep threat.  They need a running back who will play tough.  Matthews is always hurt.  Their defense has to also show up.  Lovetheir first round pick in Melvin Ingram.  He is a beast.  Norv Turneris on his last legs.  No win this year and he is done..
The Raiders have more talent than all three teams in this division.  They have the best running back. They have unreal speed at receiver. Theyhave a sick D-line and linebacker McClain is awesome.  Carson Palmer has to stop throwing interceptions.  It is simple as that.  If the Raiders have a turnover ratio that favors them this year they will be in the playoffs and can challenge for the super bowl.. They need McFadden to stay healthy and play like the star that he is. Period. 
The records will be:  NFC North: Packers: 13-3, Bears: 11-5, Lions:10-6,  Vikings 2-14
The records will be: AFC West:  Oakland: 10-6, Broncos: 10-6, Chiefs 9-7, Chargers 9-7
The player to watch in NFC North: Jay Cutler.. Put up or shut up..
The player to watch in AFC West: Peyton Manning.. is he enough to get it done?

The next two weakest divisions are...

So i guess the next two "weakest divisions" by default are the NFC South and AFC east.  Both divisions are extremely top heavy and extremely weak at the bottom.  In the NFC South, the Saints and Falcons are coming off of playoff seasons that  ended in shocking performances.  The Falcons got smacked around by the Giants.  They scored 2 points and looked quite intimidated in Giant stadium.  The Saints went into San Francisco and played the way the normally play but could not stop the anemic offense of the Niners and allowed Alex Smith to drive 80 yards for a victory.  No one could have ever predicted that the niners would score 39 points in a game.  The AFC east is headlined by the Patriots.  They represented the AFC in the Super Bowl and fell shortto the New York Giants. They have a loaded offense but defense failed them last year. I think they ran into a team that simply has their number. The Giants defeated the Patriots during the season and ended their 20 game home winning streak on a fourth quarter drive. The Patriots need to just simply avoid the Giants and they would have several more championships. Lets analyze both divisions..
The AFC east has three quarterbacks trying to find themselves and Tom Brady.  The New York Jets play solid defense but cannot get a pass rush.  They try blitzing everyone but once the blitz gets picked up they are vulnerable except of course on Revis island.  On offense the Jets need to get back to running the ball and with the departure of L.T. they brought in Tim Tebow to bolster that attack.  He can run and he needs to work on his throwing.  The Jets have no receivers.  They have Dustin Keller who can play but he cannot be affective if the Jets core of receivers cannot get open.  The Jets talk alot and are media darlings for not doing anything.  They are the Kardashians of sports and it is time to show up, put up or quietly shut up...
The Buffalo Bills got off to a great start last year.  Then Ryan Fitzpatrick got a huge contract extension and then the Bills fell off a cliff.  They couldn't beat Alabama after week 5.  They have seriuos weapons on offense.  They can run the ball with jackson and Spiller.  Johnson is a star in the making.  They play probably in the worse play to play for a team that can pass the ball as well as they do.  Their defense thinks that this year their line is the best in football. The signed Mario Williams to give them the pass rush they need to cover up their weaknesses at linebacker and cornerback.  If they can stay healthy and confident,they have enough to compete for a wild card spot.
The Miami Dolphins just named Ryan Tannehill their starter for the season.  He has serious upside, but he has only play 19 games as a starting qb in college and he needs more class room time. Reggie Bush had his first season as a 1000 yard rusher. He is poised to prove that last year was not a fluke.  They just released Chad Johnson and traded away Brandon Marshall.  So who is Tanneyhill going to throw the ball to?  They have a solid tight end in Fasano but who else?  Defensively the Dolphins have a pulse. They can rush the passer quite well.  Cameron Wembley was a sweet surprise last year. They are starting a new with a new coach and coordinator.  They are a work in progress.  They will struggle this year some.
The Patriots needed defensive help and drafted 6 new defensive players.  they realize that they cannot win the big game with offense only.  If their offense does not get on the field then they are being wasted.  They still need a running game. Brady is Brady and he has made stars of both tight ends and Welker is in his final year with the Pats.  They have not given him a longterm deal which is a joke.  The Patriots improve on defense they could unbeaten in the regular season...
The NFC south has star potential all over the place.  The Tampa Bay Bucs flopped last year.  They have to regroup with a new coach in Schiano and get Freeman his confidence back.  Theyhave weapons on both sides of the ball and last year clearly the coach lost that team.  They have running backs and young talented receivers who can stretch the field.  The defense is fast and opportunistic.  They just don't know how to play yet.  This year they will improve some but Freeman has to healthy and play with the confidence of two years ago.
The Carolina Panthers has no where to go but up.  Cam Newton re-wrote the rookie record books with his play last year.  Steve Smith found the fountain of youth.  They ran the ball well and really are a couple of defenders away from being ready to compete for the division.  Newton still has a lot to learn and he must take care of his body this season because teams will be gunning for him.  Football cannot be this easy.  If they can run it better than they did last they could contend for a wild card.  Their defense has a lot of promise.  They just play in the division that youhave to be able to score points or you cannot compete.
The Atlanta Falcons need a defense to match their offense.  They can score with anyone.  They have great running backs and receivers and tight ends.  The Qb play is all pro level.  They need someone on the defense to make a play and get off the field on 3rd down.  They need better play calling and smart play calling.  They should be ashamed of themselves for what they did last year. They think that winning comes in the form of outscoring people.  They need to understandthat you have to make a stop once in a whlie or ball control to keep Brees or Rodgers off the field.  If the Falcons can figure that out, they could have a super season...
The Saints have the pressure of hosting the super bowl this year, a scandal that has rocked the league, and no head coach to guide them through.  Drew Brees set the NFL record for yards in a season last year and just got paid a beaucoup dollar contract.  They have the offense of the present but dont have a defense at all.  They bend but dont break. They can intercept any pass, cause thousands of fumbles, but always have at least 2 or 3 games that defy logic.. This season they have to prove that they are even more special than ever because they are being asked to coach themselves.. It should be wild..
The outlook this season.. New England:14-2, Buffalo:9-7, New York Jets 9-7, Miami 3-13
The outlook this season.. New Orleans: 13-3, Atlanta: 11-5, Carolina: 7-9, Tampa bay 5-11
The player to watch in the AFC east: Mark Sanchez. the jets go as far as he takes them
The player to watch in NFC south: Drew Brees The pressure is squarely on his shoulders.

The weakest two divisions in the NFL are..

The weakest 2 divisions in the NFL this season will be the AFC South and the NFC West.  Both of these divisions have one super team and three other teams trying to find themselves.  The 49ers and Texans have super aspirations based what they accomplished last year and what they did in the off season to prove that last year was not a fluke. The Niners made it to the championship game and played the Giants as tough as any team could.  The weather and an unfortunate fumble in overtime ended their dreams of a super bowl.  They have added Randy Moss, Brandon Jacobs, LeMicheal james to give weapons to Alex Smith which should compliment their stellar defense. Houston played the second half of the seaon with an injured Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub, Mario Williams, and even Arian Foster.  They lost backup quarterback Matt Leinart and used T.J. Yates as quarterback who guided them to the playoffs. Leinart and Williams are no longer on the team but Schaub and Johnson are ready to lead this team back to the post season.  Theyhave a lot of nobody's on this extremely talented defense and if the run the ball like they have over the past 2 seasons with Foster, this team could be in New Orleans come Super sunday.  The Texans could end up with home field advantage because of a weak schedule and soft division. The Niners will have Green Bay, New York,and New Orleans to fight for home field. Lets look at the other teams in the two divisions.
The AFC south is trying to look to the future.  The Jags, Colts and Titans are all staring first or second year quarterbacks.  The Colts have Andrew Luck and he looks amazing.  He has poise, confidence, and ability that I have never seen in a rookie qb.  The problem they have is that they are going to waste the first half of the season learning how to protect him and developing a running game.  The Colts gutted the franchise.  They have quality players, including Reggie Wayne, but the running game has to become a priority until Luck can lead them to victories.  The Defense will be new and on the field alot. I think they will surprise a few teams. 
Tennessee has the running back, a star receiver in the making, but the defense, and quarterback position could be a liability.  I liked Locker in college but he would be great against USC, but then go 4/20 against Nebraska.  He is not consistent yet.  Chris Johnson went from a 2,000 yard back to almost out of the league in two years.  He has to carry thi team like Barry Sanders and I dont think he can.  The defense can stop the run. They get passed on a lot.  Coach Munchak has to address this or they will have a tough season ahead.
Jacksonville needs to give Blaine Gabbert his courage pills before each game. He looked brave in his first two preseason games so maybe he is ready to shake off the "soft" label he has.  They need Maurice Jones Drew in camp asap. I like Justin Blackmon as a receiver and thought he was the best prospect in the draft.  He has freakish speed and size. Just throw him the ball and he will deliver. This team will improve from last year when in tact but that remains to be seen if that will actually happen.
The NFC west is only slightly better.  Seattle is enbroiled in quarterback battle.  Matt Flynn just signed a big deal to be the guy but he is getting challenged big time by Russell Wilson who isnt your typical rookie. He is just"short". They signed T.O. and he can still play the game and get open.  Lynch can run as well.  Their problem is inconsistency on offense and defensively they do not cover well or tackle.  This team last year played a lot of close games but could not get off the field in third down situations. They were so tired probably because the offense struggled at times in all games and then got hot and had to stage comebacks.  Pete Carrill must have a strong heart to put up with style of football.
Arizona has weapons everywhere.  They can score with anyone but like Seattle they play the game in stretches and not consistnt football. They have 2 quarterbacks which means they have none.  Jon Skelton is going to win the job because Kevin Kolb is either hurt or trying to force the ball somewhere.  Hand the ball off to oft injured Beany Wells and maybe they can eliminate their mistakes.  Their defense is fast and aggressive. They just don't have size to stop most running teams.  They can cover and their special teams will snipe you if you allow them.  Patrick Petersen is the real deal.  Need stability at the qb position to compete with niners. 
St.Louis has a quarterback with confidence issues.  If Sam Bradford can play like he did during his rookie season, the Rams could be fun to watch. Steven Jackson is the most feared back in the league, but teams are willing to let him run because they the Rams will bog down somehow. This year is a big one Bradford.  He needs to legitimize being a 60 million dollar man. They have a decent core of receivers. I think they should have made a play for Blackmon but they chose who they did.  Defensively, the Rams get aftre the quarterback as good as anyone.  They just don't cover very well.  The way you hide your deficiency in your secondary is by putting the opposing quarterback on his back.  In that stadium, with that noise, they should be able to do that with more consistency.  We shall see..
The outlook for the teams:  San Fran: 12-4, Seattle: 7-9, Arizona:6-10, St.Louis: 5-11
The outlook for the teams:  Houston: 14-2, Indy: 5-11, Jacksonville: 4-12, Tennesse: 2-14.
Player to watch in NFC west: Alex Smith..( was last year a fluke?)
Player to watch in AFC south: Andrew Luck.. The future starts now..
Both divisions will be great in 2 years. 

If you aint cheatin' you aint trying right?

I wasn't going to comment on the latest ahtlete to be taken down by the PED's epidemic but I feel that I am in the minority.  I feel like everyone, everything, anyone, and anything is under suspicion.  I feel like Joe McCarthy is alive and well and I really thought that we were smarter than this.  First it was Carl Lewis making comments about the Jamaican Olympic team.  He did not accuse anyone in particular for doping but he questioned the practices used by their doping commission.  This enraged Usain Bolt, as it should have, and it has enraged me.  There is nobility in being a fined tuned machine that can play sports without the use of supplements, cortizone shots, and PED's. If you can go through your entire career without those things then you are truly special. I am going to tell you why this topic infuriates me so. 
Melky Cabrera got in trouble for having elevated testosterone levels.  he failed i guess a test and he even apologized for what he did.  I listened today to every sports pundit and Cabrera got hammered for his stupidity.  He has been called stupid by every person because he is going to be a free agent next year and could have made himself a chunk of change next year.  He was leading the National League in hits and runs.  He was the M.V.P. of the All star game. He was a candidate for league M.V.P. He blew it.  I get it.  I looked back at Melky's career statistics and yes he is having a season to remember.  Shouldn't he be?  He is in his baseball prime years. He is 27 years old.  He has been in the major leagues since he was 20.   He had 201 hits last year in Kansas City.  He hit over .300 for the first time in his career.  When was with the Yankees as a full time player he hit .280 and .273.  When he changed leagues and played with the Braves yes he hit only .255.  Doesn't that happen to every player who changes leagues?  Pujols right now is hitting .280's in his new league.  Prince Fielder does not have 20 home runs yet in his new league.  Adam Dunn went from a guy who was averaging 40 plus homeruns a season to barely 15 last year.    The point I am making is that I am so tired of sports pundits telling us that PED's are the reason for success in sports.  I am tired of people telling me that all it takes to succeed in sports is an injection, a pill, a sports drink.  They tell us that hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports.  No one is going to tell you that there is a study where they can prove that PED's make you an all star player. No one is going to tell you that because they would sound stupid if they did.  Why did they not make Bobby Estella, Marvin Bernard, Jay Gibbons, Jeremy Giambi special players?  These guys were already displaying a skill set that only a small percentage of the population has.
  Some people are even saying that the reasons that they are more no hitters in baseball these days is that no one is taking PED's anymore and therefore the players can't hit.  Not the fact that there are more pitchers who throw 95 miles an hour than ever before.  King Felix throws 97. Phil Humber tops at 94.  Matt Cain the same.  More pitchers rely on two pitches that baffle hitters.  The fast bast sets up evrything and the a secondary pitch that looks like a fastball but actually is a changeup or slide piece.  Justin Verlander throws 100.  Ubaldo Jimenez throws 100.  Yes Jered Weaver and Johan Santana threw no-no's and barely throw 91. They know how to really pitch.  Whatever happened to the argument that good pitching beats good hitting? If you look around major league baseball teams today pitchers are not nibbling anymore.  Pitchers throw strike one at a more alarming rate.  Nolan Ryan demands that his pitchers finish what they start or they cant pitch for him.  GIVE THE PITCHERS SOME DAMN CREDIT FOR ONCE!!!
Now the one argument that people make is that PED's get a player back on the field faster or they keep him on the field longer without injury.  What the heck then is a cortizone shot if it is not a PED?  If Dwayne Wade did not get a shot in his knees he would not have been able to play in the NBA finals.  Mike Miller of the Heat could not get out of bed without a cortizone shot. Why is cortizone legal and why is Adderal illegal?  I can name so many athletes who come on television and talk about how cortizone shots have prolonged their seasons or careers.  I will research more about cortizone and will retract all of these statements if I determine that the affects of cortizone is not a PED.
I am not in denial about the uses of PED's in sports.  I just question what is a PED and what proof is there that definitively shows the reason why one person does something.  We dont anything about the previous generations in sport because they clearly were bionic or super human.  Athletes today cant practice in the heat, they suffer injuries to their legs running bases, they cant pitch more than a 100 tosses in a game.  You can say whatever you want about Bonds or Clemens, Sosa or Manny. They still had to hit the ball or throw the ball in a area where no one could either hit or catch it.  The rules are the rules... The Giants need to be fined because they seem to have had a lot ofplayers who get caught doing these things.  All this shows me is that the ol' adage of if "you aint cheatin' you aint tryin'" is still alive and well.  I guess it is back to the drawing board...

what is Washington really doing?

Today Steve Strasburg is scheduled to pitch against the San Fransico Giants.  Strasburg is one of the key reasons why the Nationals have the best record in baseball. He doesn't have Verlander type numbers from a year ago, but his numbers nonetheless are impressive. He has a 2.90 ERA.  He has a boat load of strikeouts.  He has a modest won-loss record.  He is a headline grabber and when he pitches, his games are usually an event.  The reason why he is in the news so much these days is that his team has him on an innings count and with 133 plus inning thrown this year, he is closing in on the number allotted. Has he had a lot of stressful innings this year? That is a tough question to answer.  He is a strikeout pitcher so most of his innings are full of pitches that are fouled off.  Curt Schilling said that a stressful inning is in the seventh inning and beyond and you have to make pitches to get outs.  Strasburg has not pitched in the 8th inning this entire year.  That is astounding.  He has had several quality starts(which is 6 innings), but doen not have a complete game or one start last 8 innings. Is he an ace?  What is this team doing?  Are they helping Strasburg and hurting the team? Why didn't they start him in mid May or even June 1st? Lets analyze this situation.
One of my favorite athletes of all time is Dan Marino.  When Marino came into the NFL he set the world on fire.  He threw passes into areas that no one thought he could. His release and timing with Nat Moore, Mark Clayton and Duper was impeccable.  He went to the Super Bowl inhis second year as a pro and I am certain everyone told him that he would be back again and again and again.  He was the most prolific passer in NFL history until recently a lot of his records have been falling, but guess what, He NEVER made it back to the big game again.  He never played in the Super Bowl in spite impressive victories and prolific moments in his brilliant career.  Steven Stasburg may never get an opportunity to play in the post season ever in his career.  Nothing in sports is guranteed or promised.  I can name you hundreds of great athletes who have never had a chance to win the big game.  I can name you hundreds of athletes who had to go to other teams and take a lesser role to win or play in a title game.  Ray Bourque took over 20 years? I fully understand that the Nationals are looking towards the future and since it worked last year with Ryan Zimmerman it will work for Strasburg.  What they seem to not understand is how hard getting to the playoffs really is for most teams.  Hank Aaron played in how many playoffs and world series? Ted Williams played in how many playoffs and world series games?  Not many off the top of my head.
I understand that coming off an arm injury season yes the Nats want to protect their investment.  I watched Johann Santana pitch a no hitter and he has not been the pitcher since.  He threw more pitches that game than he has in years and he is having an off season. But what was Terry Collins supposed to do?  What if Strasburg throws a no hitter today or next week?  Are they going to take him out of a game when he hasn't allowed a hit?  Also doesn't anyone remember what happened last year in baseball?  There are about 40 games left in the season, what if the Nationals start to tank like the Braves and Red Sox did last year? This is a young team with players who do not know how to finish off a playoff race.  Injuries happen daily in this game for the dumbest reasons. Players get hurt playing video games, slipping in the shower, running to a base.  I know this is not Strasburg's decision or even Davey Johnsons, but you have to seize the day while you can.  Remember the Mets?  Remember the Mets had all of that young pitching that was going to remind us all of the mets of the mid 80's and we were going to be in the world series yearly.  Paul Wilson, Jason Isringhausen, Bill Pulsipher, Kirk Pressley, Bobby Jones. They barely pitched together on the same staff.  All of their careers decimated by injuries.  It is a tough call, i know, baseball is a cruel game.  Strasburg may never be the same pitcher again.  Clinch the playoff berth first then shut him done for a few starts. If he does not pitch in September, the Nationals will be at home watching the playoff with me..

Hail to the true victors of the olympics.. the women

I blogged a few weeks ago about how unenthusiastic i was about the Olympics games about to start.  I would like to apologize.  I watched more Olympic coverage this time around than iever had and I got to admit that I was enthralled.  I learned two things about the Olympics that I should have already known.  Number 1, the world really has some extraordinary athletes in all genres.  Even the person who came in last place has a story to tell and one would be foolish to ignore the sacrifices made by all to compete for their country. Number 2, Dont mess with Anerican Women in sports.  Our womens sports team and individual athletes are the story of this Olympics.  They not only won the majority of the medals for team USA, they had unprecedenting performances that should have them as the talk of the world instead Bolt, Phelps, and the "dream team". 
The U.S. womens Olympians won 58.5 of our 104 medals.  They won 29 gold. They were led by Missy Franklin who won 5 medals.  She is only 17. They had a 15 year old named Ladeckey who won a medal.  Serena won 2 golds. She absolutely crushed Sharapova and Azarenka en route to her Gold in singles Tennis.  Sharapova and Azarenka were ranked 1 and 2 in the world in tennis.  Serena then won the doubles with her sister Venus in impressive fashion.  The womens' soccer team avenged last years loss to Japan in a spectacular fashion by a 2-1 score.  Hope Solo made saves that erased all doubt that she is teh best goalie in the world, and remember the controversy when she whined after she was not in goal after an American team loss?  No one will ever talk smack about her again.  I have been in L.A. for 16 years and I have heard every story about Allyson Felix that one person can take.  She has been lauded, critcized, and scrutinized from every angle possible.  I did not realize how young/old she was until this olympic.  For her to win three gold medals in the 200, 100 relay,and 400 relay, that has to put her in some select company.  She wants to be an elementary school teacher.  I need to find out where so my daughter can be taught by her.  She is something special.  We had a 17 year old boxer win a gold who was female to Keri and Misty winning gold in beach Volleyball against another american team.  Rebecca Soni, Sonya Richard Ross, blazing on the track and in the pool. The exciting Carmelita Jeter winning multiple medals in track and field.  We had a woman win the long jump for the first time since Jackie Joyner Kersee.  We had a woman finish second in the high jump who just started competing on the collegiate scene.  Our volleyball team won silver.  One of our rowing teams won gold.  We have a medal in Judo. All of these achievements by women who are all soooo young.
The two biggest successes however were by the "Fab Five" womens gymnastic team and the "DreamTeam" womens basketball team.  I capitalize the womens'"DreamTeam" because they have won 5 consecutive gold medals.They have crushed every oponent in their way.  They dont have the fan fare that the mens team get but they are every bit as important as the men.  Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore can play with anyone.  The scary thing about our womens team is that they did not even have all of the best players on the team.  Brittany Griner will be on the team in Rio and wait to you see the scores of those games.  Candace Parker is still getting her game back after the birth of her kids.  They may never lose again in my lifetime.   The gymnastic story is even bigger.  Usually most Olympic teams bring back a player or athlete who has been there before and can show their teammates how to handle the pressure of the moments or events.  To come to this Olympiad with five new faces and win the team gold is insane.  To have the individual all around gold medalist is even crazier considering she is only 16 and wasn't the person anyone expected to medal.  I think that is the one thing I will take from the Olympics.  Gabby Douglass may not have won on the nights of the individual events, but she led this team to gold when she wasn't projected to be the one. 
I have to get a gig so I can work in Rio in 2016.  I need to be able to watch greatness up close and personal.  Our womens teams should all take a bow for they represented this country with class and dignity.  Yes i know about the Lolo Jones controversy and the hair comments about Gabby, but that wont overshadow anything that these ladies have accomplished.  I am happy to have a daughter who can look up to some of these ladies in the future. they made and make us all proud to be an American.  We may never see another Bolt or Phepls again, but our womens teams will keep raising the bar higher and higher for newer generations to keep the momentum we have created to go on for generation after generations.. A big shoutout to the coaches...

The world of sports is almost right.  Dale Jr. has won a race.  Alyson Felix finally got her gold in the 200.  Lebron James has finally won a title.  John Calipari can finally quiet his critics with Kentucky's title win too.  There are only a few other finally's that will make the world of sports right.  Paqiuao and Mayweather would be one.  Dwight Howard getting  a team to make the right trade for he and the Magic. Tiger Woods winning a major would supercede them all.  The most popular, scrutinized athelete in the world has had a terrific golfing season.  He has three wins.  He is number 1 in the current Fedex standings.  With a win this week would vault into the number 1 position in the world.  He is currently number 2 in the world.  He has won back a large percentage of his audience.  He has put golf back on the television map.  This weekend the Olympics wind down, the NFL is offering a slate of games, I wonder what the viewing public will do if Woods is making a charge or is atop the leaderboard on Saturday and or Sunday.  We have had two measurable earthquakes here in L.A. over the past three days.  I wonder what a Tiger charge would do for the world of sports.
Today Tiger had 6 birdies and three foolish bogeys to open the tournament with a 69.  The course is really up in the air because if the wind blows whoever is playing at that time is in for hell.  In fact the early round scores have been great.  This course has no bunkers and is playing like a links course.  Most expect an European player to be in contention and probably win because of the similiar conditions to most courses overseas.  Tiger is going to have to hit greens in regulation and put much better than he did last week at Firestone.  He currently sits in the 8th position and must not let Rory Mcilroy get too far away from him throughout the weekend.
The world of sports has had a renaissance this year with so many athletes finally getting their day in the sun.  Ernie Els was struggling and ended a major championship drought with a win at the British open.  Most people thought that he was finished.  Tiger woods needs to finish what he starts.  He has played well at the U.S. Open and the British.  He was on the leaderboard in both tournaments.  The Masters however, he shockingly just didn't have his "A" game and the fact that he has three wins this year is a shock to most people.  He has won tournaments this year with the best players playing in the field.  Jack's tourney, Arnie's and even Tiger's event bring out the best players in the world.  Tiger's appearance at an event usually brings out the best in all players in the field.  The crowds and galleries are livlier and there is a buzz to a tournament if he is playing and if he is winning or contending, he is must see t.v.
In this Olympic year we have seen the best of the best amaze us with their talents, class, and expertise.  Wouldn't it be the icing on the cake to have have this generations best athelete join the ranks of the legendary?  Micheal Phelps and Roger Federer have culminated their summer vacations with epic wins and history making perfomances.  Tiger has passed Jack on the total wins list this year.  Winning the PGA championship would put him closer to the record he covets most.  In my mind that would make the sports world whole again.  Serena did her thing at both the Oylmpics and the Wimbeldon.  It is time for Tiger to assume the crown that fell off of his head two years ago.  I crave a world of absolutes.  Let's go Tiger.. Get it done!!!

the woes of baseball..

When I was a kid I used be a huge fan of the Houston Astros.  They had a pitcher named J.R. Richard who could throw a baseball faster than the speed of light.  I loved him because being that my name Richard Harris Jr., I always felt that his name was my name spelled backwards or creatively.  His career was cut short because of injuries and he ended up homeless living under a bridge in Houston.  Drugs got to him and he is a sad tale of the vices that can come about due to no guidance or hope.  I bring him up and the Astros because they are in hell.  This franchise is one of the few franchises left never to win a world series. They have maybe 1 or 2 hall of fame players.  Craig Biggio will be the first Astro player to get in as a bonafide Astro next year.  I know Nolan Ryan played for them and so did Joe Morgan but Ryan is more recognized as a Ranger and Met than he is as an Astro.  Joe Morgan, do I really have to say what team he is more recognized as? 
This current team has literally gutted its roster and got absolutely nothing in return.  They have lost or traded away Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, Wandy Rodriguez, Micheal Bourn, just to name a few names and got prospects that could hit water if the fell out of a boat.  The Astros have lost games this year that defy logic after they have made comebacks to actually win them.  Last night against the Nationals, they fought hard to tie game at 2 and then blow the game in the 12th inning and then get a guy hit a ball 385 feet to the wall on a line and only to have it caught.  They have played 11 extra inning games this year and have not scored in extra innings.  They do not have a walkoff win this season.  The Oakland A's have 13 walk off wins.  They are 4-36 since June.  What has happened to this team since they went to the World Series in 2005?  That team had Carlos Beltran, Andy Petttitte, Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt, Biggio, Brad Lidge.  All of those players were All star quality.  They picked up Kaz Matsui from the Mets and he fizzled.  I could not tell you a single players name on this current roster.  I don't even know who the manager is on this team.. They have literally drained the oil off of this Texas ranch and have left the fans of Houston wondering what the Hell is Going on?  How could things have fallen off so badly? This team had Lance Berkman who is now a Cardinal?  They had Randy Johnson, Mike Scott, Mike Hampton, Joe Niekro!! The Astros always put out a pretty positive product. 
There are no injuries to vital players.  There are no super studs coming up from the farm.  This team needs a miracle.  I look around baseball and I see Cleveland just ended an 11 game losing streak.  They have had an excuse.  They have injuries to their star players and they literally have not had the lineup that they envisioned staring the season in a while.  They have talent to fix some of their problems.  San Diego has a triple A club playing in the league right now and they fight hard on a nightly basis.  They have given up a lot of its best players but I guess Bud Black really knows how to get the most out of what little he has.  They have no player with more than 12 homeruns and they give every team fits. (ASK the METS).  Even Minnesota who has players trying to regain some past form, have shown signs of ability and that they will be back next year.  Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer are not playing at 100% yet and when they do, the Twins will be back.  Houston has shown a fighting spirit and heart but they just dont have the tools to compete right now in the big leagues.  They are on pace to win 51 games which would be the worst record since the 68 season.  This is crazy to me.  The Nationals, Pirates and Tampa Rays who were perennial cellar dwellers are contending for post season berths and the Houston Astros are contending for the number 1 pick in the draft.  Oh have the mighty fallen....

The Saints and Peyton Manning headline the sports stories of the upcoming season

The NFL opened its slate of preseason football games last weekend and finally we can get our minds wrapped around football.  To the chagrin of most people, the two major stories going into this season have nothing to do with Tim Tebow.  The two most compelling storyline to follow all season long are the New Orleans Saints and Peyton Manning.  Yes Manning was brought in to replace Tebow, but Bronco fans will not be clamoring for Tebow after a few wins by Manning. The New York Giants are the defending champs but even they have to take a back seat to these stories.  The Saints have had a hurricaine rip through their organization because of a scandal so foolish that no one understands why they would engage in such tomfoolery.  The "bounty" scandal is a juvenile and foolish as this grown man sitting next to me in the library doing moves from a nicki minaj video.  He knows that library is supposed to be silent and yet he is blasting his ipod away and dancing.  The Saints were warned to not engage this type of behavior and they continued. We will dive into it more in a minute.  Peyton Manning wants to get hit so badly that his neck hurts!!! No pun intended but he is so sick of answering questions and cannot wait to play against the Bears on Thursday that I am sure he is bouncing off walls.  Lets analyze my points.
The New Orlenas Saints were less than 2 minutes away from hosting the NFC championship game last season.  They allowed Alex Smith to drive down the field and win an epic playoff game in San Francisco.  There organization has been rocked by scandal and you all know what the punishments are for their actions.  Can this team rebound and play an entire season without their head coach and architect of the most prolific offense in football?  They still have Drew Brees and he  has a ton of weapons to throw to.  If Mark Ingram stays healthy they may actually have a running game which would take the pressure off of Brees to make every play.  Their schedule is tough but I think more teams are more worried about playing the Saints than the Saints are worried about playing them.  The Super Bowl is in New Orleans and the Saints have designs on being the first team to host the big game in their home stadium.  The latest drama around this team is simply ridiculous.  Jonathan Vilma is suing the NFL for defamation and supposedly the league either is trying strike a deal with him to drop his suit.  The league denies there has been no deal made or talks about lessening the suspension.  I just want to see the evidence against Vilma.  he vehemently denies what he is being accused of and is not going to let his name continue to be destroyed by the league. How do the Saints make it through the season without two such vital parts?  They are really going to hope to have an injury free season.  An injury to Brees and this season is a wrap.  Their defense is not very good on the road anyways so the loss of Vilma weakens them on that side of the ball.The Saints will try to score and score and score.  We shall see if Jimmy Graham is the real deal this year.
The Broncos had a good defense last year and if you take away games against New England, Green Bay and Detroit, they would have had an elite defensive ranking.  We know that they got rid of two qb's that started last year and have brought in the ultimate weapon in Manning but their schedule is unfair.  They play several teams that were in the playoffs last year.  They play New Orleans, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Houston, and Cincinnati just to name off of the top of my head.  The have to contend with the AFC west that has three other quarterbacks who cna play when healthy.  The Raiders will be better now that Plamer is getting a full off season.  The Chiefs get back Cassell who played under Crennel in New England plus Jamal Charles is ready to roll.  San Diego is on its last legs with the group they have and continue to wonder what kind of team they would if they all stayed healthy for a full season.  Peyton Manning is walking into a hornets net without a pesticide.  They have the toughest first 8 games to start a season than I have ever seen.  They have to play New England as well.  What are their goals?  They must be at .500 at the bye week and be ready to play Cincinnati after the bye. They maybe they can make a run.  They still have to play Carolina and Tampa who are expecting improvement from last season.  All in all the Broncos have been set up to fail.
As much as I will be following my Giants I will be watching these two teams to see if the are pretenders or contenders.  I am just happy that Peyton is back and the Saints will have a serious chip on their shoulders throughout this season for sure.  They even play one another in the first few months of the season.  I cannot wait...

This years Hall of Fame class is more about who did not get in than who got in..

Twice a year, I rant and complain about how wrong Hall of Fame balloting is and this actually might be the third time this year.  The NFL is about to induct 6 men into footballs hallowed hall and I could not disagree more with its selections.  Willie Roaf is the only Hall of Famer on this list.  Dawson was good, but he was no better than Bart Oates, Mark Stepnoski.  Cortez Kennedy was oft injured and though quite talented never left an impact on the game as a Mean Joe Greene, Randy White, did.  Chris Doleman was no different a player than a Pat Swilling, Charles Haley, Kevin Greene, Greg Lloyd.  They were all Lawrence Taylor wannabees and none of them could even compare.  Curtis Martin?  He has one achievement that is hall worthy.  He won a rushing title at age 31.  He played in one Super Bowl and he was not the reason the Jets won or loss or the Patriots.  Martin is in over Bettis?  I don't much about the other guy so I will spare him but what is going on here?
The Hall of Fame is supposed to be a place for the cream of the crop.  The players, coaches, NFL personnel that made the game better.  The NFL has several candidates who are more Hall worthy than the players enshrined this weekend.  Will Shields was the best offensive guard in football for the last 15 years.  He made pro bowl after pro bowl and was on the all decade team.  Charles Haley was the second most feared defender in football behind Lawrence Taylor.  He has 5 SUPER BOWL RINGS!!!!!  Ask Jim Kelly, Phil Simms, Steve Young about the impact on a game that Charles Haley had.  Ask Jimmie Johnson and George Seifert about the Value of having a Charles Haley on their defenses.  His snub is the most glaring because HE HAS 5 RINGS and he was a vital contributor to the success and failure of his teams.  Bill Parcells is not in the Hall of Fame.  What a joke that is.  He led the Giants to the Super Bowl twice.  He took the Jets to the championship game with Vinny as his qb.  He took the Patriots to the Super against the Packers.  He has a better resume than Marv Levy who he defeated in his final Super Bowl win.  What about Cris Carter?  He has over 1,100 catches in his career. Tim Brown who has over a thousand catches in his career?  Andre Reed?  These men were on par with Micheal Irvin.  Brown and Reed were the top 2 receivers in the AFC.  Marvin Harrison who is a first ballot guy also deferred to these guys before his career took off. 
Is the vote that difficult to make?  Everyone thinks they are a football expert but very few have a clue as to what is smart, right or wrong?  Jerry Kramer is not in the Hall of Fame.  He was voted on to the NFL 50th anniversary team.  There are only 25 spots on that team and he is not in the Hall of fame? Is it ego?  Is it a control thing?  I realize that the finalist are presented by a sports writer who makes a case for his guy and then there is a vote.  I wish someone can tell me what memorable thing each of the six enshrinees did in their career to make them Hall worthy.  I remember Willie Roaf for his glasses and the game on Monday night football when he chased down a Dallas Cowboy who was running back an interception for a touchdown.  I remember Curtis Martin scoring a touchdown in the Super Bowl against the Packers and then Desmond Howard returning the kick back for a touchdown.  I remember Cortez Kennedy always hurt and sacking Phil Simms once in a game. Dermonti Dawson making a block for Jerome Bettis.  Wow those were Hall of Fame moments.  I am really at a loss on this one.  I can't wait to see the speeches on Saturday.  I can't wait to see how many rabid fans are going to show up to honor these men.  Roaf is lucky that the Saints are playing in the game.  Maybe Toni Braxton will show up for Curtis Martin.  The hall got this one wrong.

Were talkin baseball

The trade deadline is gone.  Today is August 1st.  The first place teams are the Yankees, Reds, White Sox, Giants, Rangers, and the Nationals.  The only real surprises in that grouping are the White Sox and Nationals.  Will there be a summer swoon that hits all of these teams?  I think so.  The Yankees have lost four games in a row and they have a ton of injuries that could affect their chances of winning a title.  The Nationals and White Sox have pitchers who are treading in waters that they have never been in and already have shown signs of fatigue and breaking down.  Chris Sale for the White Sox is being rested for arm fatigue and he is their best pitcher.  Steven Strasburg got bombed last night by the Phillies and his inning ceiling is getting closer.  The Reds have a history of slowing down in August and then ramping it up again in September.  The dog days of summer take their toll when the temperature is over 100 in Ohio.  The Rangers have played in consecutive World Series but are now facing team turmoil as the not has the injury bug bitten them in their rotation but they are messing with Josh Hamilton by moving him around in the lineup because his number have come back to earth.  The Giants don't make earth shattering moves and believe in their pitching to catapult them over the Dodgers.  Recently however, the Dodgers embarrassed them in San Francisco by shutting them out in back to back games and sweeping a pivotal series.  I wonder how many people think that a world champion will come from these 6 teams.
The team that is playing the best baseball right now has to be the Oakland A's.  They have just completed a month where they went something like 20-4. They had 7 plus walk off wins in July.  They swept the Yankees in Oakland for the first time in years. They are within four games of the Rangers for the division and history says that August is their month.  You saw moneyball right?  Their only problem is that the team that they are also chasing has probably the A.L. MVP on it and a former 3 time N.L. MVP in Mike Trout and Albert Pujols.  The Angels made a great move in getting Zack Greinke to bolster their rotation and getting Vernon Wells back as a spot player and DH, theyhave so many ways to beat people.  I just wish they would leave Trumbo in one place in the lineup and let him eat.  Trout has been spectacular and the home run he hit last night is still travelling.  No one is talking smack about Pujols as his number are starting to catch up.  He still is due a two week homer binge and after hitting two last night he could be ready to take off.   The Detroit Tigers are also lurking.  They have the lineup to compete with anyone but don't have the consistent staring pitching after Verlander.  Verlander lately has not been great and he is struggling against the good teams.  Cabrera is doing what he normally does but he needs Delmon Young to wake up.  The Rays need Longoria back for their lineup has gone stale.  They made no moves at the tradeline believing that they have enough to at least get in to the wild card.  Boston also needs to consistency and to have their full lineup for about two weeks just to see if they can make some noise.  Don't sleep on the Red Sox.  The Yankees could have buried them last weekend and may have given them life.
The National League is less complicated than the American League. The Dodgers made smart moves to help an offense that can't score runs.  Hanley ramirez and Shane Victorino are proven offensive stars and if the can catch lightning in a bottle for three week maybe they can surpass the Giants and get in a s the division winner.  Arizona was floundering like they are now last year and then got real hot and wound up in the playoffs. They have won the last two against the Dodgers and have that look in their eyes again like they want a piece of the N.L. pie.  The Pirates have quietly come back to earth.  A.J. Burnett near no hitter last night shows me that he is for real this year and I bet the Yankees wish they had him now. The Pirates dont have enough offense and should look into getting Andrew McCutcheon some help at some point.  The Braves are trying to do it for Chipper.  I need another week before I can assess them.  Ben Sheets has been a god send.  Tim Hudson has found his split and sinker.  They scare me for some reason.  The Cardinals are too injury hit and really are unpredictable. I wont dignify the Mets or Phillies issues.  The Brewers and Marlins are baseballs biggest disappointments.
So who do I think is going to be the five teams in the post season from each league?  The A.L. will have Yankees, Tigers, Angels as division winners.  Oakland and Boston will be wild cards.  That's right Texas fans, your Rangers are going to fade away as these other teams get healthy and better.  In the National League I think it will be Washington, Cincinnati, L.A., and the wild card will be Atlanta and San Francisco.    I will do my awards before the season ends but right now the Cy young award are Weaver and Dickey.  The MVP's are Trout and McCutcheon.  Manager of the year would be Davey Johnson and Mike Scosia.  Trout and Harper rookies of the year.  Comeback player of they year is A.J Burnett in the N.L and A.L I would give it to Justin Morneau.   Tim Kurkjian last night said the World Series would be between the Dodgers and Angels.  That would be a a spectacle.  As I evaluate who I think will be in the post season, I dont think that that is a bad selection of teams.  I agree the World Series based on today will be Dodgers and Angels....