O.H.

So I thought I’d toss some further thoughts out there on the Buckeyes.  Because they don’t get enough press.

First off, I’m okay with a national title and two runners-up over the last 8 years.  As someone who cheered for the Bills in 4 Super Bowls, I’m okay looking back on getting close.  Not that losing two title games wasn’t tough – but history recording back-to-back individual big ten titles and national title games isn’t bad.  Plus, all the wins against Michigan are pretty good too.

I know there are Buckeye haters out there, and I’m okay with that – but anyone who says the Buckeyes are ranked too high are simply morons.  It’s a national title game team that returns 20 of 22 starters.  So shut the hell up.  You think they’re overrated?  That’s why they play the games.  The preseason poll is, by necessity, based on recent history and personnel – the Buckeyes have a great recent history and great personnel.

I do believe the Buckeyes will go undefeated this year, but here’s where I think they’ll run into their biggest problems: AT USC in week 3, AT Wisconsin in week 6, and VS Michigan at the ‘Shoe on November 22.  Yes, I know Michigan is weak this year – but this game transcends simple talent.  Too many times over the years, a dominant team lost to an inferior opponent in this matchup.  I have faith in the Senator, but I still think that will be a well-matched game.

I also might be over confident about USC.  I don’t feel half the uncertainty about that game as I felt for the two Texas games a couple years back.  That Texas loss broke my heart, so I could very well get my heart broken all over again.

I’m a sucker for the traditions of Ohio State.  If you look at my favorite teams: OSU, Notre Dame, Navy & Syracuse – three of the four have decades of tradition, and Syracuse even has the #44 thing going for it.

I have some old photos of a Buckeye game & the band that my grandfather took.  I think they’re from the 30s or 40s. I hope to scan them and post them sometime.  I also have a slide of Ohio Stadium that my grandfather took that shows the open of the stadium and just an open field around the stadium.  It’s a little different today.

What’s your favorite tradition?  Is it the drum major touching his hat to the ground?  Is it TBDBITL’s dotting of the “I”?  Is it the helmet buckeyes or gold pants?  Is it the Buckeye Guy (who I recently met randomly one day at lunch at the Buckeye Hall of Fame cafe… it was weird)?  Is it Heisman U led by Archie Griffin?  Is it singing Carmen Ohio after victories?  is it Brutus leading a resounding rendition of O-H-I-O?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

College Football Pick ‘em, Week One

As you may or may not know, much of the impetus behind creating this blog was the magic created from the infamous weekly college and pro football picks Matt and myself made in years past on a long, lost blog we’ll always cherish in our hearts. Therefore, it is only natural that we begin this week with our picks for the first round of games set to begin this weekend. Sadly, there aren’t any good games to pick from the opening Thursday night list of contests, so we’re starting out with nine Saturday games and one Sunday game this weekend. Plus there are no pro games this week, but starting next week we’ll have a combined five college and five pro games to prognosticate.

Here’s this weekend’s all-college pick ‘em lineup:

Sat. 8/30/08

Youngstown State at #1 Ohio State

#2 USC (-19.5) at Virginia

Hawaii at #3 Florida (-35)

Ga. Southern at #4 Georgia

Appalachian State at #6 LSU

#16 Illinois at #7 Missouri (-8.5)

Villanova at #8 WVU

Utah at Michigan (-3.5)

#18 Alabama at #15 Clemson (-5)

Sun. 8/31/08

Kentucky at Louisville (-4)

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For me, this will be somewhat interesting as I usually pick games straight up and not versus the spread. However, Matt is a big fan of the spread, so we’re going ahead and picking that way this year.

Last year’s Youngstown State vs. Ohio State game in Columbus was a rather dry, boring affair in the first half (I know, I was there…). It was sad to see Lawrence Wilson go down with a broken leg and see the offense putt putt and stall out for most of quarters one and two. The final ended up 38-6, but the game just didn’t feel like a blowout. In fact, YSU was ‘in’ the game at halftime and didn’t look intimidated.

This year will be different. Throw in Terrelle Pryor, who from what I hear, will be coming in at various time and potentially various positions. Plus a hard-hitting, solid defense returns almost intact from last year. I like picking scores, so heck with it, this one is going to finish up 49-3.

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USC travels to Virginia in an intriguing affair. Long trip across country. A quarterback who may or may not be completely healthy. A possible upset? Nope. USC may start a little slow in this game as Al Groh will have his team prepped for a home game against this top five team. However, this one may be only close for a quarter or two. USC rolls 35-13.

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Last year, this game may have been a bit more intriguing during the regular season. This year though, Hawaii traveling to #3 Florida is going to result in a horrible mismatch. If Florida doesn’t put up 50 points in this game, I’m calling it an upset. Tim Tebow may not stay in the lineup past early third quarter. Hawaii has a new QB, new receivers and never has had a running game, so expect the Gator ‘D’ to step up and create havoc for the Warriors as well. Florida 55, Hawaii 16.

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Georgia Southern at #4 Georgia. Frankly, I don’t really care overall and would love it if Georgia lost. However, that won’t happen. The real question will be which team will have more suspended players by kickoff? It’s hard to tell at this point. Both teams have already suspended more than five players, not that Georgia cares that these guys won’t play against Ga. Southern. Georgia still wins big, 44-10. However, because of my massive hatred for all things Georgia, I do expect an upset loss to Arizona State on the road coming up here soon. Then it will be ‘Bye, bye’ to the Dawgs’ title game hopes and everyone who has hopped onto the bandwagon. Plus there’s no way Georgia goes undefeated in the rugged SEC. This team will have at least 2-3 losses this year, if not more.

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Appalachian St. at #6 LSU. This would have been a fun game to watch last year. However, I’m not sure how much little Appy St. has left in the tank after graduation hit this spring. Due to LSU’s uncertainty at the QB position, I think this game could be closer than many think, yet LSU will pull away eventually and win 38-14.

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#16 Illinois and #7 Missouri. Last year this was an entertaining game among two rising programs with Missouri winning out in the end. This year I expect more of the same particularly with the Tigers getting the homefield crowd. Missouri 31, Illinois 21

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Villanova at #8 WVU. The Bill Stewart-coached Mountaineers have some work to do in order to maintain what Rich Rodriguez built up in Morgantown over the past several years. Stewart has an all-new coaching staff with the exception of defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel. However, this is an opening season home game against an inferior team from Division I-AA (I’m still calling it that. I don’t give a rat’s behind). WVU may have a few tweaks to get worked out, but they’ll roll 51-13.

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#18 Alabama at #15 Clemson. I never have really liked either one of these teams. This is one of two matchups featuring two teams ranked in the top 25 (the other is Illinois/Mizzou). Game is set to be played at the ‘neutral’ site we call the Georgia Dome. If you ask me, this is a lot closer to Clemson than Alabama. So I feel like Clemson will have a ‘homefield’ type atmosphere but this game is still a tossup for me. I’ll say 20-17 Alabama pulls it out as Clemson under Tommy Bowden notoriously stumbles in bigtime games.

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Utah at Michigan. This might be one of the most heavily viewed scores of the day. First off, Rich Rod is the new coach and has few good players to install into his spread offense system. Utah comes off yet another impressive year in ‘07. If anything spells, disaster at this point in Ann Arbor, it’s U-T-A-H. Las Vegas is feeling sorry for Michigan fans giving them a 3.5 favorites role in this affair. Utah wins 30-20.

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Kentucky at Louisville. For some reason, this game annually turns out to be one of the most exciting of the year. Last year, Kentucky scored late to pull out a win. This year both teams have new starting QBs and looked to build upon a few previous good seasons. I’m taking Kentucky 24, Louisville 21.

Okay, this is going to be an enormous post by the time it’s all done so sit on back.  Also, I haven’t read MattyJ’s picks – I know they’re right up there, but I haven’t read through them, because I hate to think that A. we’ll agree and B. he’ll influence my very scientific method for picking games.  With that, let’s get into the ballgames.

First up, it’s the mighty Buckeyes of The Ohio State University.  I’m not sure I could be more excited for this time of year.  The weather starts to turn, it’s fair time in Marietta, and the Buckeyes come out to play.  It’s great.  This matchup against Youngstown State is sort of a fun one even if it’s a throw away game (… although not so much, right Michigan?) because The Senator used to coach up there.  There isn’t a spread that I can find on this game either, so I’ll pick a final score instead.  Unfortunately, as much as I love the Buckeyes, they don’t seem to often play up to their potential as evidenced by the spreads they get.  They were only 7-5 against the spread (ats) last year, and only 3-3 at home.  Plus, I don’t think Tressel runs up a massive lead on YSU.  That said, Ohio State is coming to play.  Boeckman’s looking in the rear view window, the defense has something to prove and beanie is an early heisman fav.  I’ll take the Buckeyes 35-6.

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Up next is USC (-19.5) vs. Virginia.  I have always been a huge Al Groh fan.  Bigtime.  Al and I are like peas and carrots.  Okay, that’s not really true – but I do hope his team beats USC.  Let’s be honest, it’s not quite as much about Virginia winning (What’s their nickname – the Troubadours?) as it is about Mark Sanchez’s knee cap.  That said, I think Virginia keeps it closer than 19.  I’m giving USC the win, but I’ll take the 19.5 and pick VA to beat the spread.

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Hawaii Vs. Florida (-35).  Seriously – 35 points.  I know Colt Brennan is gonzo, but 35 points is an enormous sum.  It’s easy to pick Florida here to win, that’s why picking heads up isn’t much fun.  The question is whether or not I see a 45-10 or 42-7 or 38-3 or 35-0 score coming from the Gators.  This may very well be a sucker bet, but I just don’t see Hawaii getting eaten up by 35 points.  Remind me in week two when the score turns out to be 70-3 that I was wrong, but I’m taking the points picking Hawaii.

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Ga. Southern Vs. Georgia.  Georgia is going to beat Southern, there’s no way around that.  Sorry to the HUGE Ga. Southern readership of the blog, but Georgia starts to prove MattyJ wrong with this game.  I’m taking Georgia 42-13.

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App State vs. LSU.  Does lightning strike twice?  Nope.  Sorry.  LSU wins 28-7.

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Illinois Vs. Missouri (-8.5) Finally – an intriguing matchup.  I can’t wait to read what MattyJ says about this game.  I actually think Ron Zook has done an admirable job at Illinois.  Missouri is okay, they surprised some people in the Big 12 last year and they probably got jobbed with Kansas going to the BCS.  This game is also at a so called “neutral” site – St. Louis.  I was about to type that I was going to go with my gut on this game, but my brain is telling my big fat gut to take a hike.  Okay, I just wrote one prediction and then erased it.  I’m taking Missouri and I think they’ll cover.  I know – that’s crazy… 10-3 against the spread last year including 7-1 on neutral sites plus the backing of Vegas has convinced me.

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Villanova Vs. WVU.  Okay, I’m no dummy.  I don’t think WVU will win the big east, but surely they can handle Villanova.  I think WVU could lose up to 5 games this year, but this isn’t one of them.  WVU 35 to 10.

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Utah vs. Michigan (-3.5) My how the mighty have fallen… Michigan is a 3.5 point favorite against Utah.  Seriously, Utah.  That’s crazy.  That said, I’m not picking Michigan.  I can bring myself to pick WVU (it only hurts for a few seconds like a band aid), but Michigan is another story.  I’ll take the points and pick Utah to start Rich Rodriquez on his road to the unemployment line.

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Alabama Vs. Clemson (-5) This is another intriguing matchup.  I like Alabama as a program and they get points for that alone.  Not a huge Nick Saban fan, but I think the program will come back under him – and it will come abck faster than Spurrier at SC.  This is another neutral site game set for Atlanta.  It would have been funnier if Arkansas went to Atlanta with Bobby Petrino, but oh well.  The Tommy Bowden-coached Clemson Sunflowers (just so you know, when I can’t remember names or nicknames I just make up my own) are looking good in the ACC.  I’m going to give the edge to Clemson here for returning, proven personnel.  I’ll give the five and take Clemson to win by a touchdown (or more).

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Kentucky Vs. Louisville (-4) Another Big East matchup.  Fun times…  Louisville is my pick to win the Big East.  Only because I want it to be someone other than WVU.  So I’ll take them to get off on the right foot with a 5 point minimum victory.

That’s the ten games.  What say you?

ESPN’s analysts picks for 2008 BCS title game, etc.

For anyone looking for an interesting read, I was perusing the internet today and found ESPN’s analyst’s college football conference champions and BCS title game picks. Basically a 12-person crew of folks ranging from Bob Davie to Todd McShay to Rece Davis, run down a list of all their picks for this upcoming season.

Here are a few news and notes stemming from the picks:

Ohio State was picked by all 12 to win the Big Ten. You may be saying this is a ’shock’ with a bit of sarcasm, yet I was actually pleasantly surprised this was a unanimous pick as it appears nationwide that fans and media are developing a hatred for the successful Buckeye program.

Oddly enough, only six of the analysts picked OSU to get to a third straight BCS title game this season, yet only two of them (Todd McShay and Bob Davie) picked the Bucks to win it all.

USC was the only other undisputed conference pick as all 12 analysts picked them to win the Pac 10. Even BYU had some competition with Utah out of the Mountain West and the SEC is just all over the map Florida, Auburn, LSU and Georgia as division champion-elects. Only Georgia and Florida were picked to win the SEC Title game though.

West Virginia did not get the ‘love’ I expected as only six of the 12 ESPN’ers picked the ‘Eers to win the Big East. Pittsburgh and South Florida were the others picked to win the conference.

2008 NFL Postseason Breakdown

Well, here we are after eight weeks of breaking down all eight of the NFL’s divisions team by team, day by day and it’s come down to this – the much anticipated postseason playoff predictions from Matt and Matt.

In case you were not along for the full ride over the past two months, the top teams in each conference were predicted as follows:

NFC

Division Champions

EAST – Dallas 12-4 – number one seed, first round bye

NORRIS – Green Bay 10-6

WEST – Seattle 10-6

SOUTH – Carolina 10-6

Wild Card

Philadelphia 9-7

New Orleans 9-7

Minnesota 9-7

AFC

Division Champions

EAST – New England 13-3, number one seed, first round bye

WEST – San Diego 12-4

SOUTH – Indianapolis 12-4

NORRIS – Pittsburgh 10-6

WIld Card

Jacksonville 10-6

Cleveland 9-7

Tennessee 9-7

Now since Matt and I rarely agree on a whole lot of predictions when it comes to sports, we are breaking down how the postseason will go individually. As you noticed when perusing the standings, several teams ended up tied in the conference standings and each conference also had more than two teams who could qualify for WIld Card spots. Therefore, Matt and I will be offering you our picks based on our own preferences or gut feelings as to who will make it into the playoffs, how the seedings will turn out and who will be left on the outside looking in. Matt has been rather busy lately, so he’ll be providing his predictions as an addendum to this post at some point.

So without further adieu, here is my assessment:

In the NFC, Dallas will be the top seed and earn a first round bye with a solid 12-4 record. The second team that will earn a first round bye will end up being the Green Bay Packers with a 10-6 record. I’m picking them to win the tiebreakers with Carolina and Seattle. Why? Because I can and they are my favorite team. Well, actually though when you look at, it the Packers do have more offensive talent that Carolina or Seattle combined, so there is my factual-based reason why.

In regard to to third/fourth place battle between Carolina and Seattle, I’m giving the edge to Seattle who has a weaker division and also because Carolina always seems to come up with plaguing injuries that could limit their overall record. Plus as good as Steve Smith is, his attitude and negative vibe have already caused him to be suspended for the first game or two of the season (for punching teammate Ken Lucas), so that’s a major handicap for the Panthers to start with right off the bat. 

I’m taking Philadelphia and New Orleans as the 5th and 6th place teams (ie. Wild Card) as Minnesota will once again fall just shy of making the playoffs for a second year in a row (Vikings fans, you can blame Tarvaris Jackson).

So in the first round, that means New Orleans as the 6th seed will travel to Seattle and Philadelphia will travel to Carolina. I like Philly on the road and Seattle at home in this round.

Moving on to the divisional round, 5th seed Philly would travel to play at Dallas, while 3rd seed Seattle would travel for a second year in a row to Green Bay. I can’t see Dallas losing at home two years in a row after a bye in the first round, so I’m picking them to get past the Eagles one way or another. Also I like the Aaron Rodgers-led Pack over Seattle at home.

That puts the top two seeds, Green Bay and Dallas in a game that in all likelihood should have occurred last season. The Pack will go on the road in Dallas and I’m expecting Dallas to make this season count with a home victory in the conference title game to get back into the Super Bowl.

Meanwhile, in the AFC, the Pats locked down the top spot with a 13-3 record and first round bye. However, San Diego and Indy tied for second place with 12-4 marks. As Indy is aging and losing some ground overall, I’m picking SD to win the tiebreaker and get the second first round bye.

So that means Indy will get the 3rd seed, Pittsburgh at 10-6 will finish 4th and Jacksonville will get the 5th seed, also with a 10-6 mark. That leaves Cleveland and Tennessee, yet again, fighting it out for the final playoff spot, as occurred last year when Tennessee won the tiebreaker. This time, I like Cleveland because of their ability to score points and because their defense will be improved.

That means the first round would look like this: 6th seeded Cleveland traveling to 3rd seeded Indy and I know it’s a shock, 5th seed Jax at 4th seed Pittsburgh for a second year in a row.

I’ve never been a fan of the Jags and thus my personal preference has the Steelheads getting past them in this first round matchup. As much as I’d like to see the Browns knock off the Colts, it won’t happen on the road.

Therefore, in the divisional round, 4th seed Pittsburgh travels to top seed New England and 3rd seed Indy plays the Bolts in San Diego.

I can see New England playing San Diego again in the conference title game, but something’s telling me that won’t happen. Whenever it seems like something is a lock in the NFL, something strange occurs. Therefore, I’m taking the Colts to upset SD on the road and New England to beat the Steelers at home.

The Pats will outlast the Colts at home (as has been tradition in the past decade) and move on to their second straight Super Bowl.

What a matchup we’ll have with the top seeded Cowboys vs. the top seeded Pats. I can see this game going either way and frankly it’s hard to figure out who will win. You have the question marks surrounding Tom Brady and his health. Will he stay healthy all year? You have Adam “Don’t call me PacMan” Jones in Big ‘D.’ Will he even get reinstated. Will he produce on the field. I’m thinking he will on both accounts. I am also thinking the Dallas defense will be an advantage for them while the aging Pats defense could hamper them and thus, in Feb. 2009, it will be the DALLAS COWBOYS being crowned NFL Champs 34-24 over the Patriots.

2008 NFC West – The 49ers win it… or not.

So I’m watching the 49ers preseason game on FOX – what a treat to get the 9ers… IN PRESEASON.  They’re actually looking pretty good.  Hate to say this, but JT O’Sullivan has a gun for an arm.  Vernon Davis made a heck of a catch 50 yards down field too – that’s was cool.

Okay, so this week we looked at our last conference – the NFC west.  Over the last eight weeks (it’s kind of crazy that this has taken 8 weeks), we’ve looked at each conference.

Over all those previews, the NFC west might be the most suspect conference from top to bottom.  Seattle is probably the class of the division, but they’re just not going to dominate I don’t think.

Here’s how I had the league shaping up:

Seattle 10-6
San Fran 7-9
Arizona 7-9
St. Louis 6-10

The division has a tough schedule with a bunch of NFC east and AFC east matchups, so that will be the real challenge for these teams.

Here’s some projected awards:

MVP of the division: Julius Jones (I’m a fan)

Rookie of the year: Not a ton of blue chips at skill positions in this division so I’ll go with Chris Long

WVU alum who’s going to stink for a second straight year: Marc Bulger runs away with this one.

Coach of the year: Mike Nolan!

Most horrible player and person: Kurt Warner

In other news, Steven Jackson signed with the Rams today.  That means his production will tail off.  I’m glad I didn’t draft him.  I almost did.

Over the next week, MattyJ and I will be preparing for our first picks post and generally preparing for the start of the season.  Any traditions out there?  I’m not afraid to admit there’s an annual viewing of RUDY coming up for me next Friday.

2008 NFC West – YOUR San Francisco 49ers

I love the 49ers.  Despite being bruised, battered, deflated version of their former glory, I still love ‘em.

I’d love to sit here and write about Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Roger Craig, Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott.  Heck, I’d even swallow my pride to talk Steve Mariucci, Bar None William Floyd, John Taylor and ugh – Steve Young.

But, no.  Instead I’ve got the Alex O’Hill trio to deal with.  How the heck does this happen?  Who knew Steve Bono and Elvis Grbac would be so sorely missed?  My vote goes to Alex Smith.  Mostly because he’s being paid the starter’s salary, was the #1 pick and because I’m bitter that he hasn’t been a spark for the team.  I’m finding out as I write this that I’m pretty bitter about the 49ers.  Let’s see if there’s anything that can make me feel better…

There.  That’s better.  Only time in my life I cheered against the niners?  Joe Montana guiding the Chiefs to a 24-17 victory!  My brother got tickets to see Montana at a high school hall of fame induction outside Pittsburgh and I have to say that I was a little giddy for a man of my age and size just being in the same room as Joe Super Bowl.  But that isn’t why you called… can you believe next year will be the 20th anniversary of the last Montana Super Bowl Season?  Unbelievable.

Okay, back to the present day.  Coach Mike Nolan.  I like him.  I think the league should let him wear suits too.  I think he has the stuff, and I hope this team shows it so he can stick around – otherwise we’ll probably get stuck with rick Neuheusel or someone like that.

At Running back we have Frank Gore.  He’s servicable, but I never pick him in fantasy leagues.  I must not be that big a fan – he’s no Derek Loville.  Holy crap, I just pulled out a Derek Loville reference.  Take that people who don’t think I know anything about football.  I could have gone Ricky Watters, but I didn’t – that’s how I roll.

At WR they have whatever hodgepodge they decided to pull off waivers.  Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie, Bryant Johnson and Josh Morgan among others.  Yeah, this is the patchwork quilt of WR corps in the NFL.  Isaac Bruce is a 49er.  I have a hard time with this one… then again, I have a harder time accepting Mike Martz as the O-coordinator.

On defense we have Pat Willis, so that’s good.  I’m also hopeful about Kentwan Ballmer, heck I’m even trying to be hopeful about Takeo Spikes.  I also like Nate Clements for obvious reasons, but I’m not loving his contract unless he decides to earn it this year.  This is another one of those patented NFC west defenses with lots of potential and no proven ability.

I’m giving this team 7 wins.  I’m hoping for more, but baby steps.  Give me 7 good weekends, that’s all I’m asking for.

Speaking of wins… did you see that preseason game against the Packers?  Man… THAT was an awesome show of force, even for the preseason.  It reminds me of that one time when a certain QB tossed a pass to a certain WR in the end zone for a timeless playoff victory.

2008 NFC West – Seattle Sneezehawks

So catch this: you’ve got Mike Holmgren who’s a lame duck, Jim Zorn who’s a Seahawks hero (at least to Steve Largent), and U. Washington grad Jim Mora.

Holmgren’s has Brett Favre disease and has promised to retire after this season (he’s kinda like Leno… guaranteed he coaches somewhere else).

Zorn wants Holmgren’s job and has earned it both as a Seahawks guy and an assistant coach.

Mora is a failure. Yup, I said it – in San Fran, Atlanta and on talk radio.

So… of course after all this: Zorn is head coach in Washington and Mora is the second paid head coach in Seattle (I guess the Seahawks are kinda close to U. Washington where he really wants to be).

With a soap opera like that, there can’t be too many other stories from Seattle. Right?

I mean, except for that whole thing about Seattle dumping former TD-record holder and RB-extraordinaire Shaun Alexander.

Watching this team is like watching an episode of As The Space Needle Turns.

Okay, I might be a little bitter that this team is slated to win the division again. Here’s a fundamental problem with being from Vermont and feeling justified in picking any favorite team I want because there’s no “hometown” team: The good team in the 80s isn’t necessarily going to be the good team in the 00s. I had a lot of fun with the 9ers way back when, but I kind of got spoiled and now I have to deal with the Seahawks, Cardinals and Rams as something other than automatic wins.

That said, there are components of this team that I like. Matt Hasselbeck is a solid QB. Not flashy, sort of vanilla – but a solid leader and he puts up good numbers. This is especially valuable considering the WR corps he’s had to throw to. When Nate Burleson is a step up you know things haven’t been good (what, Troy Williamson wasn’t available?)

Bobby Engram had 1,000 yards. You know how WRs sometimes make the QB? Well, this is a classic case of the QB making the WR – Engram is a #3 or #2 WR MAX, but somehow put up #1 numbers last year.

At RB, we already discussed Alexander going bye-bye. I’m saddened by this. One of my fantasy football strengths is to pick players the year after they set records. Normally this is also the year they get injured and the year before they’re released. So Alexander is in my “took him a year too late” Hall of Fame.

Julius Jones, though, is a solid improvement. I always thought Jones was great in Dallas, but for some reason they are enamored with Marion Barber. Heck, I’ll take Jones in Seattle over Barber in Dallas in any situation.

To maintain my quota of linemen mentions, the Hawks’ line is anchored by Walter Jones. This guy is a monster. ESPN says he’s 6′5″ 325, but that’s like me saying I’m 6′8″ 325… come on – this guy’s buying pancake mix by the feed bag. (That’s my new explanation for fat people… I’m allowed, at least for now)

The defense is pretty good. They should with with two coordinators (sorry, a coordinator and an head coach-elect). These guys aren’t name-brands, but Kerney led the conference in sacks last year and Rocky Bernard is money in the bank (so long as the judge lets him play after his little off-season domestic violence incident). I can’t decide if I’m buying this defense or if I’m blinded by comparing them to the other Ds in the division. They are the class of the NFC west minimum and could be a great compliment to Hasselbeck, Jones & company’s offensive attack.

I think this team could go to 11 wins, but I’m going to settle in at 10-6. I’m be watching the soap opera on November 23 when Zorn’s Redskins visit the QWest field.

2008 NFC West – St. Louis Rams

You know what’s awesome about the Rams?

NOTHING.

Remember when the Rams changed their colors to “championship gold” instead of mustard yellow? Well, it’s been 8 years, don’t we think the “champioship gold” has pretty much run it’s course? This team will always be mustard yellow in my book.

As for the greatest show on turf… well, I’d say this team wouldn’t make the top 25 list for shows on turf at this point.

Scott Linehan has his hands full. This isn’t Marshall Faulk & Isaac Bruce’s Rams team. Matter-of-fact, you know you’re in tough shape when you have to go out and get Trent Green because there isn’t even a doubt that your so-called starting QB will be injured this season. Ironically, I saw Marc Bulger get injured in a game at Syracuse last century… good to know things don’t change. You can set your clock by that guy getting injured.

One of the few highlights is Steven Jackson. Tough season last year, but this could possibly be a big season for him… as long as the O-line holds together (Orlando Pace, I’m talking to you). They also have Antonio Pittman OF The Ohio State University so they’re obviously set at RB.

At WR, I have more worries. If this corps is a mutal fund, I’m selling. I don’t know why, but I’ve never been a huge Torry Holt guy, and Drew Bennett isn’t exactly lighting the world aflame on the other side. Maybe Torry Holt will surprise, but like Hines Ward, this guy gets all kinds of press every year for average numbers – at least that’s how I see it.

The defense is doubly suspect, but they do have the NFC interception leader is Oshiomogho Atogwe (gesundheit!) and the correct Long from the first round of the draft: CHRIS Long. Past that things could get ugly. They give up tons of points and tons of yards. I’m not sure how carefully you’re reading this, but the point of a defense is to NOT give up tons of points or tons of yards, so the Rams kinda have it backward. The Cardinals have a bunch of “if’s” this year, but the Rams are in an even worse place. They have a defense they’re hoping for on a wing and a prayer. Not much upside here, so Bulger better plan on putting up 2006 stats to keep up rather than 2007 stats.

Again, not an easy schedule either. They pick up the Giants, Pats, Eagles and Cowboys outside the division, and I’m not even sure this team can compete in the division. the 9ers could very well give this team a run for its money.

I’m pegging the ‘08 Rams at 6-10.

2008 NFC West – Arizona Cardinals

Is there any team in America that has failed to meet up to expectations more often than the Arizona Cardinals?  I say no.  Every year someone says “this is the year, they have all the pieces” and then it turns out not to be the years.  So what’s the issue in Cardinal land?  New coach, new stadium, consistently high draft picks, good luck in free agency… what’s the hold up?

Okay, I’ll say it: this COULD BE the year, they have all the pieces.  The division isn’t great (…sorry 9ers) and I’m selling the Seahawks.  But still, I’m just not sure about this Cardinals team.

I like Ken Whisenhunt.  He’s part of the new crop of NFL coaches that can actually do their job.  See how I qualified that?  Lane Kiffin need not apply.  If I were a G.M. I’m not hiring anyone who has coached more than one previous team.  I’d rather have a new guy with a new system than to hire Marty Schottenheimer for the 43rd time.  Whisenhunt has some creative ideas on offense and certainly has the players on offense for it.  Hopefully the defense comes along – although that’s a tough task for an offense-minded coach trying to build something.

Now, the caveat… Ken needs to start, play and ensure that the only QB who gets snaps is Matt Leinart.  Kurt Warner is not only a problem for the Cardinals, he’s a bad person and a drain on society in general.  Seriously, I am considering making my yahoo league a “no warner zone” because he is a blight on the NFL.  Leinart has the stuff, let the dude play.  Warner has bad thumbs, knees, elbows, eyes, ears, lips and toes – send him back to the super market.

The rest of the offense is stable.  The Edge at RB, Boldin & Fitzgerald at WR and a servicable line especially with Levi Brown anchoring the right side.  (I mentioned a lineman, because if there’s one thing commenters have taught is that football games are won by lineman… it’s why you see become superstars so often…

The defense is an interesting mix.  You can make the case for every single player being solid, but it’s always with an “if.”  IF Green makes some INTs, IF Wilson can come back from his injury, IF Dansby plays hard on his franchise deal, IF, IF, IF.  This defense isn’t going to blow the league away, but they can definitely be good enough – especially with two games against the Rams and – dare I say it – the 49ers.

I like Neil Rackers too (Although I thought he was a Chief when I was talking to my brother the other day), but Mitch Burger is a sad loss at punter.  I like athletes named Mitch, ever since the Wild Thing broke my heart in ‘93.

Their schedule isn’t the easiest ever.  the division is harrible, but they play the Giants, Pats, Philly and the Vikes among others.  I’m giving the Cards a 7-9 finish.  That might be good enough for second in the division, but their schedule and questions on defense just makes it tough to compete.

Side Note…FFL news/notes/draft results…

I picked Brett Favre in my fantasy football league draft last night. I know. I know. I won’t elaborate.

Matt and I are involved in a league composed of fraternity brothers from years past, which has managed to be an annual affair for about the past 3-4 years. Here’s how my team turned out:

QB – Eli Manning, Brett Favre

RB – Thomas Jones, Brandon Jacobs, Ryan Grant, Kevin Smith, Deuce McCallister, Kenny Watson

WR – Randy Moss, Laveranues Coles, Marvin Harrison, Donald Driver

* this is a league with the proverbial RB/WR slot along with two RBs and two WRs in the lineup

TE – Antonio Gates, Donald Lee

K – Josh Brown

D – GB Packers

Overall, I was happy with the team I selected. I’m sure Matt will also publicly announce his team on the blog as well, or make an addendum to this post to add his team on here. We’re almost to football season! I’m so excited. Best time of the year, no doubt.

In my other FFL, I did an auto draft based on pre-draft rankings and here’s how my team turned out:

QB – Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers

RB – Brandon Jacobs, Reggie Bush, Fred Taylor, Clinton Portis

WR – Randy Moss, Chad Johnson, Bernard Berrian, Dwayne Bowe, Devin Hester

TE – Heath Miller

K – Stephen Gostkowski

D – Tennessee, Minnesota

Of course, as it turns out, I had planned on drafting Tom Brady and Randy Moss last year and we all saw how that turned out, for them. I had the opportunity to draft both last year and got neither. This time that daggone Jake stole Tom Brady one pick ahead of me, so I was forced to take Moss in my frat league and fortunately got Moss in the public league as well. I’m just hoping he doesn’t break a leg now…

And here’s how my yahoo team ended up:

QB – Drew Brees, Matt Schaub

RB – Joe Addai, Reggie Bush, Jonathan Stewart

WR – T.O., Greg Jennings, Dwayne Bowe, Nate Burleson, James Hardy

TE – Heath Miller, Ben Watson

K – Mason Crosby, Mike Nugent

DEF – NE, Baltimore

Let me say that I hate the #7 pick.  Give me 1-3 or 9-10… anything from 4-8 stinks.  I took Joe Addai with the first pick.  Good grief.  The only thing worse that that would be writing bad things about Favre on some blog and then DRAFTING HIM ONTO YOUR FANTASY TEAM.  Glad I didn’t do that… Hopefully, I do alright.  I definitely took some flyers like Hardy & Stewart, so we’ll see how that ends up.  I’m also not a big Dwayne Bowe guy, but he was the best left at the position that didn’t foul up my bye weeks.

In my ESPN league, the draft is over and here’s what I got:

QB – Donovan McNabb, Matt Schaub

RB – Jamal Lewis, Brandon Jacobs, Fred Taylor

WR – Greg Jennings, Steve Smith, James Hardy, Derrick Mason

TE – Alge Crumpler, Kevin Boss

K – Mason Crosby

DEF – Steelers

I’m glad I have a little bit of overlap – like Schaub, Crosby, Hardy and Jennings.  I think my fantasy football participation will be limited to these two efforts this year.  Normally I do a CBS league and a yahoo public league too, but you end up rooting against yourself too much with that many teams.