Tuesday, April 28, 2009
C-A-P-S! CAPS! CAPS! CAPS!
What a comeback The Caps win and advance to the 2nd round. Now we get to face Crosby... ugh... if we win it may be the happiest I'll ever been while watching hockey. If we lose, the exact opposite. But that all starts Friday. Now just enjoy the win. CAPS WIN!
What do you get when you combine the Redskins and Gonzaga? Doug Dutch!
A HUUUUGE congratulations to my good friend and former teammate Doug Dutch of the Michigan Wolverines (#35 once he switched to CB). Doug agreed to a free agent contract with the Washington Redskins on Monday. I know that he will make us all very proud. Can't wait for my customized Dutch jersey!
NFL Draft Winners and Losers
Well, another NFL Draft has come and gone. Did you enjoy it as much as I did? I hope so. Here are my winners and losers of the Draft:
WINNERS:
-New York Jets: They needed a QB, they got one, and kept next year's first round pick.
- Philadelphia Eagles: LeSean McCoy is a good compliment to Westbrook. Not thrilled about Maclin when they could have had Q, but I love the Jason Peters trade.
- Washington Redskins: They didn't trade up for Sanchez, and got the pass rusher they have been supposed to draft for the last 5 years.
- San Francisco 49ers: Crabtree is a steal at 10 if he isn't a diva, and I LOVE the Nate Davis pick for a team without a QB.
- Baltimore Ravens: Michael Oher is a quality tackle and quality young man. I want him on my team.
- Carolina Panthers: They drafted Cuse's Tony Fiammetta, so they automatically make the list.
LOSERS:
- Oakland Raiders: In the world of the late Chris Farley... Izzay? Just remember Heyward-Bey, speed kills.
- Detroit Lions: I like the Stafford pick, I do. But Oher is a starting left tackle in the NFL, and was there at pick 20. What do the Lions do? Draft a tight end. Rey Maualuga is there at 33, they draft a corner. No sir, I don't like it.
- Dallas Cowboys: They just didn't really do anything.
WINNERS:
-New York Jets: They needed a QB, they got one, and kept next year's first round pick.
- Philadelphia Eagles: LeSean McCoy is a good compliment to Westbrook. Not thrilled about Maclin when they could have had Q, but I love the Jason Peters trade.
- Washington Redskins: They didn't trade up for Sanchez, and got the pass rusher they have been supposed to draft for the last 5 years.
- San Francisco 49ers: Crabtree is a steal at 10 if he isn't a diva, and I LOVE the Nate Davis pick for a team without a QB.
- Baltimore Ravens: Michael Oher is a quality tackle and quality young man. I want him on my team.
- Carolina Panthers: They drafted Cuse's Tony Fiammetta, so they automatically make the list.
LOSERS:
- Oakland Raiders: In the world of the late Chris Farley... Izzay? Just remember Heyward-Bey, speed kills.
- Detroit Lions: I like the Stafford pick, I do. But Oher is a starting left tackle in the NFL, and was there at pick 20. What do the Lions do? Draft a tight end. Rey Maualuga is there at 33, they draft a corner. No sir, I don't like it.
- Dallas Cowboys: They just didn't really do anything.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Facial Hair Friday
On time again this week, FHF is choosing a new member of its club. Today, we honor the new lip fuzz of the Cardinal's Rick Ankiel. I believe it is his moustache which has helped him switch positions so effectively. Congrats Rick. 
Check in again next week.
Hollywood Draft
They just did a very interesting thing on ESPN's First Take. They asked the 1st and 10 guys to do a top 5 draft if the were starting an NFL franchise. However, the players they would pick would be from movies about football. It got me thinking, who would be my top 5? Here they are:
1. Bobby Boucher, LB, The Waterboy
- The man that got South East Louisiana State University a win in the Bourbon Bowl. Boucher is easily the most talented, albeit craziest, defensive player in the history of Hollywood football. To quote the film:
Paco: Look at Bobby tackle. I haven't seen a tackle like that since Joe Montana.
Walter: Joe Montana was a quarterback, you idiot.
Paco: I said Joe Mantegna.
2. Jonathon "Mox" Moxon, QB, Varsity Blues
- A true leader. Not only can he throw a ball hard enough to brake his dad's face, but he can also inspire a team to revolt against their coach and still win the State title. Furthermore, I plan on running the Oopty-oop offense, and no one understands that system like Moxon. He may nto want your life, but I want him as my quarterback.
3. Julian Washington, RB, Any Given Sunday
- We need an all pro-RB that is able to learn about selfishness, so that by the end of the season, not only is he making big plays, but he is also doing what is best for the team. Washington is that back. He is willing to go that extra inch for you.
4. Julius Campbell, LB, Remember The Titans
- This pick would have been Gerry Bertier, but he can't walk anymore. Instead, we go with his Left Side/Strong Side brother and pride of your TC Williams Titans. He is the perfect compliment to Boucher and give my team a solid defense.
5 & 6. Jamal and Andre Jackson, Guards, The Replacements
- As they say in the movie, these two are a package deal. They are only good when they are playing with each other. Mox needs protection, and these two big men are just the thing to protect their QB, whether it is on the field, or in the parking lot with a Barretta. I am also thinking about playing them as DTs in my 4-3 scheme.
BONUS! I am going to round out my Top 10 for you!
7. Gale Sayers, RB, Brian's Song
- This one is sort of a no-brainer. Sayers is a real life NFL Hall of Fame running back. Plus, he is played by Billy Dee Williams, which just makes him that much greater. After every touchdown, he can kneel and say a prayer for Brian Piccolo.
8. Nigel "The Leg" Gruff, K, The Replacements
- A kicker than can make a field goal from over 70 yards is ok in my book. Sure, the team may have some other holes, but Gruff is too important to pass up. We will just need to solve that whole off-field gambling issue...
9. Earl Wilkinson/Ray Smith, S, The Replacements
- I needed someone in my secondary, and regardless of what name they call him, Wilkinson is an all-pro player. Once he stops beating up cops, he would be a valuable part of our team. He can cover and can make big plays on D.
10. Willie Beaman, WR/QB, Any Given Sunday
- Since I have more faith in Mox's abilities, I am drafting Willie Beaman as my Slash. He will be used mainly as a wideout, but will also be a part of the Oopty-Oop Wildcat we will run with Washington and Sayers. He is too talented to pass up, and he does keep the fans... Screamin...
We would round out our team with other excellent prospects, such as VB's WR Charlie Tweeder, TR's Sumo OT Jumbo, and RTT's LB/S/CB specialist Petey Jones. Our head coach would be TR's Jimmy McGinty, Defensive coordinator RTT's Herman Boone, and offensive coordinator and former star QB, VB's Lance Harbor, who will put the Oopty-oop in place. What is your top 10?
1. Bobby Boucher, LB, The Waterboy
- The man that got South East Louisiana State University a win in the Bourbon Bowl. Boucher is easily the most talented, albeit craziest, defensive player in the history of Hollywood football. To quote the film:
Paco: Look at Bobby tackle. I haven't seen a tackle like that since Joe Montana.
Walter: Joe Montana was a quarterback, you idiot.
Paco: I said Joe Mantegna.
2. Jonathon "Mox" Moxon, QB, Varsity Blues
- A true leader. Not only can he throw a ball hard enough to brake his dad's face, but he can also inspire a team to revolt against their coach and still win the State title. Furthermore, I plan on running the Oopty-oop offense, and no one understands that system like Moxon. He may nto want your life, but I want him as my quarterback.
3. Julian Washington, RB, Any Given Sunday
- We need an all pro-RB that is able to learn about selfishness, so that by the end of the season, not only is he making big plays, but he is also doing what is best for the team. Washington is that back. He is willing to go that extra inch for you.
4. Julius Campbell, LB, Remember The Titans
- This pick would have been Gerry Bertier, but he can't walk anymore. Instead, we go with his Left Side/Strong Side brother and pride of your TC Williams Titans. He is the perfect compliment to Boucher and give my team a solid defense.
5 & 6. Jamal and Andre Jackson, Guards, The Replacements
- As they say in the movie, these two are a package deal. They are only good when they are playing with each other. Mox needs protection, and these two big men are just the thing to protect their QB, whether it is on the field, or in the parking lot with a Barretta. I am also thinking about playing them as DTs in my 4-3 scheme.
BONUS! I am going to round out my Top 10 for you!
7. Gale Sayers, RB, Brian's Song
- This one is sort of a no-brainer. Sayers is a real life NFL Hall of Fame running back. Plus, he is played by Billy Dee Williams, which just makes him that much greater. After every touchdown, he can kneel and say a prayer for Brian Piccolo.
8. Nigel "The Leg" Gruff, K, The Replacements
- A kicker than can make a field goal from over 70 yards is ok in my book. Sure, the team may have some other holes, but Gruff is too important to pass up. We will just need to solve that whole off-field gambling issue...
9. Earl Wilkinson/Ray Smith, S, The Replacements
- I needed someone in my secondary, and regardless of what name they call him, Wilkinson is an all-pro player. Once he stops beating up cops, he would be a valuable part of our team. He can cover and can make big plays on D.
10. Willie Beaman, WR/QB, Any Given Sunday
- Since I have more faith in Mox's abilities, I am drafting Willie Beaman as my Slash. He will be used mainly as a wideout, but will also be a part of the Oopty-Oop Wildcat we will run with Washington and Sayers. He is too talented to pass up, and he does keep the fans... Screamin...
We would round out our team with other excellent prospects, such as VB's WR Charlie Tweeder, TR's Sumo OT Jumbo, and RTT's LB/S/CB specialist Petey Jones. Our head coach would be TR's Jimmy McGinty, Defensive coordinator RTT's Herman Boone, and offensive coordinator and former star QB, VB's Lance Harbor, who will put the Oopty-oop in place. What is your top 10?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
NFL DRAFT EXTRAVAGANZA Pt. 3
So, if all the rumors are true, then my Mock will be completely wrong. Apparently there is no chance Mark Sanchez falls out of the top 10. So, lets say that this mock now assumes (foolishly) that there are no trades. It won't happen, I know. Nevertheless, I will continue doing it the way I think it should be done. Here is the rest of the first round:
11. Buffalo Bills- Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
- They traded away Jason Peters. They lost Derrick Dockery to the Redskins. Trent Edwards can only get TO the ball if he is on his feet. Lots of people have Oher in the top 10, so getting him at 11 is a great value pick.
12. Denver Broncos- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
- I know. Sanchez is sitting there. And they just traded away Jay Cutler. But I think they are willing to work with Kyle Orton for at least a year. Their holes on defense are just too much. Jackson is the best pure DE in the draft, and can instantly help the D-line.
13. Washington Redskins- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
- I hate this. Its not that Sanchez can't be a good pro. He could. Its just that we have other needs, and Andre Smith is on the board. So are Brian Cushing and Robert Ayers. But Dan Snyder has his eyes fixed firmly on Sanchez. Whether he trades up to get him or is lucky enough to have him fall to 13, Snyder will get his man. Ugh.
14. New Orleans Saints- Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
- Deuce is gone. Reggie isn't an every down back. Drew could throw it every down, and I wouldn't mind since he is my fantasy QB. But the Saints need a running back. While I like Georgia's Knowshon Moreno more, I think the Saints go with the bigger back in Beanie.
15. Houston Texans- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
- Andre Smith is still on the board at this pick, and the Texans have never had a franchise tackle. David Carr's career was ruined by that fact. Smith could have been the #1 pick overall if the draft was held in December. His value is too high for the Texans not to take him.
16. San Diego Chargers- Brian Cushing, LB, USC
- Shawn Merriman is coming back from a serious knee injury. Brian Cushing is versatile and can play outside or inside. They will think about picking a running back, but I think they let LT and Sproles carry the load for another year. They plug Cushing into their D and don't have the early season stumbles they did last year.
17. New York Jets- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
- They wants Sanchez. They want Brady Quinn. They wanted Jay Cutler. They will get Josh Freeman. He is a project, but is the only other QB with traditional first round talent. He can sit for a very painful year while the Jets make do with Clemens, Ratliff and Eric Ainge. Then, he comes in, and tries to be the second coming of.... Joe Flacco.
18. Denver Broncos- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
- Who? A nose tackle, that's who. Again, Denver needs D. They could go with DE's Everette Brown or Robert Ayers also.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
- Who is left on the Bucs? They cut every well known player not named Ronde. Simeon Rice ain't walking through that door. Derrick Brooks ain't walking through that door. Warrick Dunn ain't walking through that door... again... They just need warm bodies, and Ayers is an explosive and talented warm body to go opposite Gaines Adams. He helps rebuild that D that Tampa was famous for.
20. Detroit Lions- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
- The Lions three biggest needs are QB, left tackle and DE. Everette Brown is another value pick at 20, and fills one of those three needs. One guess as to what they draft with pick #33.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
- The best all-around back in the draft goes to a team that already has an all-pro all-around back. However, Westbrook gets hurt a lot, and Moreno can be the heir-apparent. I am sure my boy McNabb is praying that they draft a receiver here, but I think they will likely trade for one first. If so, look for this pick to go to Arizona for Boldin, and Moreno is still taken in this spot.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
- Unfortunately there are no 1st round WRs from South Carolina in this draft. Either T-Jack or Sage will have a big, fast target to to in Darrius. This will help stretch the D and open up holes for #28.
23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
- The Pats love their blue-chip, tough, team-first players. That's what Matthews is. He joins Jerod Mayo as the young guns on the NE D, replacing the vets whose hands are too heavy with Super Bowl rings.
24. Atlanta Falcons- Vonte Davis, CB, Illinois
- They have their franchise QB. They have their franchise RB. They have a great WR. They just added a Hall of Fame TE. That means that the Falcons will pick for their defense. They haven't had a good corner since D'Angelo Hall left. Davis is the best corner in the draft.
25. Miami Dolphins- Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
- Thats right, the Dolphins are picking at 25. Chad Pennington and the boys did a great job in turning this franchise around. They have already announced that Chad Henne will take over the calls in 2010, and they already have the speed receiver in Ted Ginn Jr (and the entire Ginn family). Nicks has the best hands in the draft, period. QBs dream of possession receivers like this.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
- The Ravens have an annoying tendency of always finding good defensive players in the draft. However, they haven't quite gotten the whole wide receiver thing down. They have Derrick Mason... and that's all. They are often hurt. Britt is a tough and talented all-around WR. He would fit perfectly.
27. Indianapolis Colts- Evander Hood, DT, Mizzou
- This would have been Percy Harvin if he hadn't tested positive for marijuana at the combine. The Colts are one of the few teams that draft character, and Hood has no issues. He also fills a need at DT, next to super-DE Dwight Freeney. Hood is a bit of a reach, but I think the Colts know what they are doing.
28. Buffalo Bills- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
- They got their tackle to replace Jason Peters in Oher at 11. Now they use the pick they got for Peters to get another offensive weapon for Trent Edwards. Pettigrew is the only TE worthy of a first round pick, and is a super athlete.
29. New York Giants- Ray Manaluga, ILB, USC
- They wanted Nicks to replace Plaxico Burress. They could trade this pick for Boldin or Braylon Edwards. But since we assume that they will keep this pick, and that they don't want to take Harvin, another receiver with issues, they will take Manaluga. He was the most impressive LB at USC, and will be the third member of that corp to be drafted.
30. Tennessee Titans- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
- If there is any coach I trust to put the fear of God into a problem player, it is Jeff Fisher. He benched Pac Man, and will do the same to Harvin if he doesn't fly right. He is uber-talented, and would be a good option for whoever is playing QB.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Donald Brown, RB, UCONN
- Edge wants out, Tim Hightower showed some talent, but was inconsistent. Assuming that they don't trade away Boldin and have already picked Brown before 31, I see them taking the UCONN star. I watched him in the International Bowl, and he was the UCONN Huskies team. Just the type of all-purpose back the Cards need.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Max Unger, C, Oregon
- The Steelers don't really need anything. They are the Champs. But it is always good to have depth along the O-line to protect Big Ben, and centers can usually play at least 2 of the line positions. Unger is big and tough, the perfect Steelers player.
Come back tomorrow for my steals of the draft- those late round players that will surprise everyone, and best players left after the 1st round.
11. Buffalo Bills- Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
- They traded away Jason Peters. They lost Derrick Dockery to the Redskins. Trent Edwards can only get TO the ball if he is on his feet. Lots of people have Oher in the top 10, so getting him at 11 is a great value pick.
12. Denver Broncos- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
- I know. Sanchez is sitting there. And they just traded away Jay Cutler. But I think they are willing to work with Kyle Orton for at least a year. Their holes on defense are just too much. Jackson is the best pure DE in the draft, and can instantly help the D-line.
13. Washington Redskins- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
- I hate this. Its not that Sanchez can't be a good pro. He could. Its just that we have other needs, and Andre Smith is on the board. So are Brian Cushing and Robert Ayers. But Dan Snyder has his eyes fixed firmly on Sanchez. Whether he trades up to get him or is lucky enough to have him fall to 13, Snyder will get his man. Ugh.
14. New Orleans Saints- Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
- Deuce is gone. Reggie isn't an every down back. Drew could throw it every down, and I wouldn't mind since he is my fantasy QB. But the Saints need a running back. While I like Georgia's Knowshon Moreno more, I think the Saints go with the bigger back in Beanie.
15. Houston Texans- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
- Andre Smith is still on the board at this pick, and the Texans have never had a franchise tackle. David Carr's career was ruined by that fact. Smith could have been the #1 pick overall if the draft was held in December. His value is too high for the Texans not to take him.
16. San Diego Chargers- Brian Cushing, LB, USC
- Shawn Merriman is coming back from a serious knee injury. Brian Cushing is versatile and can play outside or inside. They will think about picking a running back, but I think they let LT and Sproles carry the load for another year. They plug Cushing into their D and don't have the early season stumbles they did last year.
17. New York Jets- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
- They wants Sanchez. They want Brady Quinn. They wanted Jay Cutler. They will get Josh Freeman. He is a project, but is the only other QB with traditional first round talent. He can sit for a very painful year while the Jets make do with Clemens, Ratliff and Eric Ainge. Then, he comes in, and tries to be the second coming of.... Joe Flacco.
18. Denver Broncos- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
- Who? A nose tackle, that's who. Again, Denver needs D. They could go with DE's Everette Brown or Robert Ayers also.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
- Who is left on the Bucs? They cut every well known player not named Ronde. Simeon Rice ain't walking through that door. Derrick Brooks ain't walking through that door. Warrick Dunn ain't walking through that door... again... They just need warm bodies, and Ayers is an explosive and talented warm body to go opposite Gaines Adams. He helps rebuild that D that Tampa was famous for.
20. Detroit Lions- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
- The Lions three biggest needs are QB, left tackle and DE. Everette Brown is another value pick at 20, and fills one of those three needs. One guess as to what they draft with pick #33.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
- The best all-around back in the draft goes to a team that already has an all-pro all-around back. However, Westbrook gets hurt a lot, and Moreno can be the heir-apparent. I am sure my boy McNabb is praying that they draft a receiver here, but I think they will likely trade for one first. If so, look for this pick to go to Arizona for Boldin, and Moreno is still taken in this spot.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
- Unfortunately there are no 1st round WRs from South Carolina in this draft. Either T-Jack or Sage will have a big, fast target to to in Darrius. This will help stretch the D and open up holes for #28.
23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
- The Pats love their blue-chip, tough, team-first players. That's what Matthews is. He joins Jerod Mayo as the young guns on the NE D, replacing the vets whose hands are too heavy with Super Bowl rings.
24. Atlanta Falcons- Vonte Davis, CB, Illinois
- They have their franchise QB. They have their franchise RB. They have a great WR. They just added a Hall of Fame TE. That means that the Falcons will pick for their defense. They haven't had a good corner since D'Angelo Hall left. Davis is the best corner in the draft.
25. Miami Dolphins- Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
- Thats right, the Dolphins are picking at 25. Chad Pennington and the boys did a great job in turning this franchise around. They have already announced that Chad Henne will take over the calls in 2010, and they already have the speed receiver in Ted Ginn Jr (and the entire Ginn family). Nicks has the best hands in the draft, period. QBs dream of possession receivers like this.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
- The Ravens have an annoying tendency of always finding good defensive players in the draft. However, they haven't quite gotten the whole wide receiver thing down. They have Derrick Mason... and that's all. They are often hurt. Britt is a tough and talented all-around WR. He would fit perfectly.
27. Indianapolis Colts- Evander Hood, DT, Mizzou
- This would have been Percy Harvin if he hadn't tested positive for marijuana at the combine. The Colts are one of the few teams that draft character, and Hood has no issues. He also fills a need at DT, next to super-DE Dwight Freeney. Hood is a bit of a reach, but I think the Colts know what they are doing.
28. Buffalo Bills- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
- They got their tackle to replace Jason Peters in Oher at 11. Now they use the pick they got for Peters to get another offensive weapon for Trent Edwards. Pettigrew is the only TE worthy of a first round pick, and is a super athlete.
29. New York Giants- Ray Manaluga, ILB, USC
- They wanted Nicks to replace Plaxico Burress. They could trade this pick for Boldin or Braylon Edwards. But since we assume that they will keep this pick, and that they don't want to take Harvin, another receiver with issues, they will take Manaluga. He was the most impressive LB at USC, and will be the third member of that corp to be drafted.
30. Tennessee Titans- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
- If there is any coach I trust to put the fear of God into a problem player, it is Jeff Fisher. He benched Pac Man, and will do the same to Harvin if he doesn't fly right. He is uber-talented, and would be a good option for whoever is playing QB.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Donald Brown, RB, UCONN
- Edge wants out, Tim Hightower showed some talent, but was inconsistent. Assuming that they don't trade away Boldin and have already picked Brown before 31, I see them taking the UCONN star. I watched him in the International Bowl, and he was the UCONN Huskies team. Just the type of all-purpose back the Cards need.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Max Unger, C, Oregon
- The Steelers don't really need anything. They are the Champs. But it is always good to have depth along the O-line to protect Big Ben, and centers can usually play at least 2 of the line positions. Unger is big and tough, the perfect Steelers player.
Come back tomorrow for my steals of the draft- those late round players that will surprise everyone, and best players left after the 1st round.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I Can No Longer Defend the Nationals
It is bad enough that the Nationals are an awful team. Scratch that, a team with terrible pitching, because their offense is doing more than enough to win games. But now the front office and manager Manny Acta have gone too far. This past Saturday, the Nats benched Elijah Dukes. Now, normally this would be because of something bad he did. He does have a checkered past. However, this time they benched him for showing up 5 minutes late... BECAUSE HE WAS AT A LITTLE LEAGUE CHARITY EVENT! This is insane. Acta can't win, and now he can't even get PR things right. I can no longer defend him still having a job. He is just getting everything wrong. So don't unpack those bags Manny. And that goes for you too GM Rizzo.
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