Tonight is an awesome night of sports television. As I mentioned in my draft recap last year, I have an unbelievable love affair with the NFL draft. Here are the major reasons:
1. I love college football, so at least in the first couple of rounds, I know and have seen many of the best players
2. I love the analysis of potential, in sports, movies, music, whatever
3. I love the process of future-looking (related to No. 2). I work in a world (consumer product marketing) where we are constantly looking into the future, trying to judge our competition, consumer tendencies, etc. And often we (and our competition) make mistakes. It fascinates me that 32 front offices are locked together trying to determine which players best fit their team. The smart teams know they're going to miss often, and are just trying to hit as often as possible. Of course, you also have the Raiders.
Tonight will be a full night, as I switch between the NFL Draft and Red Sox-Rangers games.
So without further adu, my somewhat filtered thoughts on the NFL Draft (with some other related and unrelated thoughts sprinkled in).
The Comish welcomed us to the draft. I got misty-eyed. The Rams are on the clock! I'm hanging out with the guys with ESPN.
1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. Mel and my boy Steve Young say this is kind of 'backed-in-a-corner' pick. You've got to feel good about that if you're a Rams fan. Luckily for Bradford, BYU is not on the Rams schedule this fall. Seriously, if he couldn't stay on the field behind a decent college OL, how is he going to survive in the NFL? Talented? Yes. But I put his changes at stardom at less than 30 percent.
2. Detroit Lions - Ndamuking Suh, DT, Nebraska. Great pick. The guy was a freakin monster in college. This guy is Richard Seymour with better upside. And the Lions need players almost everywhere.
90% of geeks like me give the Lions an A for the pick, and 85% of fans think Suh will have a better career than Bradford. Of course, we're the same group that thought Reggie Bush was a slam dunk over Mario Williams, so what do we know.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. This draft is going way too much according to script. Of course, it's still a very good pick. I would have picked Berry here, but I have no problems with this pick. And McCoy just gave the Commish one of the best bear hugs of all time.
To all you SEC afficionados: best conference in all the land, and the top 3 picks are from the Big 12? Hmmmm....
Washington only has four draft picks? Holy cow. That team could use some youth. McNabb or no McNabb, that team could be anywhere from 4-12 and 10-6; no idea where they finish.
4. Washington - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. Good pick; they need to protect McNabb's blindside. Again though, I still think this team has a lot of holes; don't pencil them in for the Super Bowl yet.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. Love this pick. This guy is going to be a star next season. I think he will have a better career than anyone above him on this list, but I understand not wanting to overpay for a safety. Still, the goal is to get the best players to win the most games, and Kansas City just got better.
Only 70 percent of viewers give Kansas City an A for that pick? Morons.
Of course, the ESPN crew is now full of love for Pete Carroll. I'm not as pessimistic as Bill Simmons, but I don't like coach/GM combos, especially somone who's never really done talent evaluation at the top level.
6. Seattle Seahawks - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. Good pick for the Seahawks, and Mel thinks he's better than Trent Williams. I'm not very good at evaluating offensive linemen, so I'll take his well-coiffed word for it.
After the Brady Quinn disaster, looks like the Browns will pass on Claussen. Good. I don't think rolling into town in a limo will play well in Cleveland.
7. Cleveland Browns - Joe Haden, CB, Florida. Thankfully Chris Berman is there to let us know that Haden is was an all-star point guard in high school. More importantly, he's the first draftee to turn on the tears. Well done, Joe.
That being said, I'm not a huge fan of this pick. He wasn't the best player available, and to take a CB this high, I think you need a Revis-like talent. Haden is not that talent.
Tom Jackson just pointed out that the Raiders keep drafting players that aren't very good. My question is: how will they screw this one up?
8. Oakland Raiders - Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama. Totally didn't see this one coming. There is no way that I thought they'd pass on a QB from Notre Dame. I'm OK with the choice, I guess, but again, like the Browns, this is a team with a lot of holes and I think they should have taken the best player available (which I don't think they did).
9. Buffalo Bills - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson. Another surprise. I'm not a huge Spiller fan, especially not at No. 9. Isn't Claussen the right pick here? Don't they need a QB? That being said, he's fast, and a lot of people that know more about football than I (including Jon Gruden) think Spiller was a Top 5 talent in this draft.
So isn't Clausen being available a nightmare scenario for Jacksonville? If they pass on him and take Tebow later, and then Clausen becomes a star, this could be a franchise killer.
10. Jacksonville Jaquars - Tyson Alualu, DT, California. Kiper is calling this a reach, and I agree. As I look at their first-round history since 2005, this is not a team that's got a ton from their early picks. This pick may unfortunately match those others. So the Clausen nightmare scenario is still on the board.
Of course, the last time I predicted a nightmare scenario was in 2007 when Miami passed on Brady Quinn to select Ted Ginn. Ginn has been a total bust (no surprise), but Quinn has been similarly awful. Of course, Marshawn Lynch and Darelle Revis were still on the board when both teams picked.
11. San Francisco 49ers (from Denver) - Another Davis, OT, Rutgers. Wow, great pick. I think he fits perfectly for them. Steve Young says, "What a statement: Alex Smith is our quarterback." Not sure I like that statement.
12. San Diego Chargers (from Miami) - Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State. Good solid back, and Sproles should not be your top option, so it's a good fit. Not sure it was worth trading up for, but can't argue with this a whole lot.
Apparently Josh McDaniels wants to break Belichek's record for trading down in the draft, as Denver trades down again.
13. Philadelphia (from Denver, who held the pick for a few minutes) - Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. Love this pick. As a Big Ten watcher, this guy scared the crap out of me each time Michigan played Purdue. Solidifies the Eagles D.
14. Seattle Seahawks - Earl Thomas, S, Texas. For all of my mocking of Coach Pete, I like the draft so far. Thomas should not have been available here, so this is a 'great player fell in our lap' pick. Merry Christmas, Pete.
Quick thought: Could the Niners nab Clausen at No. 17? Interesting thought. They picked the best player available at No. 11, but Clausen is sitting there, with Alex Smith still as your top QB. Can you really pass on a QB with Clausen's talent? We'll see.
15. New York Giants - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida. Smaller conference, but I like this guy. He could be a physical freak and turn into an All-Pro, or could be a bust. Risky pick, but good, which of course ticks me off, because I hate all NY teams.
16. Tenessee Titans - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgian Tech. Safe, solid pick, and the Titans need help on D.
17. San Francisco 49ers - Mike Iupati, G, Idaho. Two offensivelinmen makes me think they're going to give Gore 8,000 caries in 2010. That being said, they're definitely putting their eggs in the Alex Smith basket. Again, not a good idea.
So what about Clausen to the Steelers? What message would that send? Is Ben still the man?
18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida. Little shocked by this. I would never spent a first rounder on a center, unless he projects as a guard as well. Maybe they'll move him over. Picking Clausen would be been a lot more fun.
So why is Ben getting a pass while Santonio Holmes gets traded? Ben is scummy, but he is white.
19. Atlanta Falcons - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri.
I am also following this draft on Twitter. Lots of fun.
20. Houston Texans - Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama.
First Erin Andrews shot, talking about the obvious disappointment of Clausen. We're disappointed we haven't seen more of her and her clone talking to Colt McCoy.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Jermain Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. For a team that had a disppointing season, the Sooners are having a great draft. Very good player (as a pass catcher) and should help Carson Palmer.
I love being a Patriots fan, I really do, but as a fan of the Patriots and the draft, this trading down thing is annoying. I get all excited, and then they move down. I know, silly.
22. Denver Broncos (from New England) - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech. First WR off the board, not Dez Bryant. Safer pick, but not a given that he'll be a plus WR in the NFL.
Thinking about Clausen and McCoy, I was looking back at the 2006 draft. Matt Leinert was picked ahead of Jay Cutler (by one pick). At the time I thought Leinert was head and shoulders ahead of Cutler. Yeah, not so much.
23. Green Bay Packers - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa. Awesome pick! All of the many cheese-eating, No. 12-wearing fans feel better about Aaron Rodgers' health in 2010. Then Berman insults basically the entire Midwest by saying that Iowa and Wisconsin are basically the same place. Yikes. He won't be welcome in the middle of the country again any time soon.
24. Dallas Cowboys (from New England) - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. Why did the Pats pass on this guy? I know, character issues, because Deion Sanders is idiot. Good golly. If I'm a fan of another team in the NFC East, I would not be happy with this trade and pick at all.
25. Denver Broncos (from Baltimore) - Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. Wow, total stunner. Most smart football people don't think he has a shot as a QB (including Mr. Kiper). No. 25? Really? This pick will make or break Josh McDaniels as a coach. As much as I like Tebow, this is too high. Good luck, Josh.
So now the Broncos have Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow. What a bizarre collection of QBs. Orton, the underrated overacheiver. Quinn, the overrated underacheiver. And Tebow, one of the best college players of all time, who most experts don't think can even be a back-up QB in the NFL. Should be an interesting couple of year.
26. Arizona Cardinals - Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee.
Last year the Cardinal drafted Chris "Bennie" Wells in the first round with the 31st pick. He showed at the of the 2009 that he can be a feature back in the NFL. And the Pats traded down and continue using a brutal RB by committee. Just saying.
27. New England Patriots - Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers. Listen, I love special teams, and think they're are an underrated part of all levels of football. But anytime you say, "He's an outstanding special teams player" as the first thing out of the analysts' mouths, that doesn't excite me about a first rounder. I'm a little disppointed? Yes, I wanted Dez Bryant, dangit, or a LB. Hopefully McCourty can shore up the defensive backfield and, gulp, help out on special teams.
28. Miami Dolphins - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State.
29. New York Jets - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State. Good golly, this sucks. This is not good for the Pats. Without Welker, I think the Pats are going to have trouble completing passes against this agressive Jets D. Very good pick; I really hope I'm wrong about this pick.
Gruden is suggesting Best out of California to pair with ADP on Minnesota. That is scary offensively. Really, I think the pick is Clausen or McCoy, whichever QB they think is the best. Favre's got one more season left, at the best. Of course, Berman think picking a QB here will piss off Favre. So Favre continues throwing interceptions, even when he's not on the field.
Erin Andrews sighting No. 2! How is she not in New York? My guess: she wanted a trip to California.
30. Detroit Lions (from Minnesota) - Jahvid Best, RB, California. So Gruden had the right player, wrong team. I liked Best as the best RB in this draft. Matthew Stafford has to be smiling at this one. More offensive weapons in the Motor City.
ESPN just showed highlights from the 1983 draft. Besides the unbelievable amount of hair on Chris Berman, Four Hall of Famers were picked in the first 14 (John Elway at No. 1, Eric Dickerson at No. 2, Bruce Matthews at No. 9, and Jim Kelly at No. 14). Awesome draft.
31. Indianapolis Colts - Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU. Very good pick for the Colts. I watched this guy for several years playing against BYU, he's extremely disruptive. Makes a good defense better.
How bizarre is it to have the Saints picking this late in the first round without a trade being involved? It's a new world we live in.
32. New Orleans Saints - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
Drew Brees is totally cool. Look back at the 2001 draft; the Chargers had a terrific draft, passing on Michael Vick and trading down to pick LDT at No. 5 and Brees with the first pick in the 2nd round. He did not win over the coaching staff, but then Phillip Rivers held out in 2004, Brees established himself as 'the man.'
So what did Chargers do? They let Brees leave as a free agent, heading to New Orleans. And now Brees is probably the best QB in the NFL (apologies to Manning and Brady), Rivers is an elite QB in San Diego, and Miami passed on Brees and has struggled to find an elite QB sense.
QBs picked ahead of Brees in 2001: Only Michael Vick, at No. 1. Looks like history is repeating itself in 2010, with Bradford going No. 1, and Clausen and McCoy waiting. Maybe McCoy (another QB prospect dinged for being short like Brees) will look back nine years from now, wearing a nice suit, coming off a Super Bowl season, smiling about dropping in the draft. Maybe not.
Good night world! Another great NFL draft.
Showing posts with label new england patriots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new england patriots. Show all posts
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
NFL Playoff Preview
So maybe the Colts didn't make the right call after all. I was completely rebuked for my last blog entry, including by two of my brothers, some friends from a high school, and by a diehard Colts fan I went to business school with. And you can make the argument that the Colts will have played zero meaningful football for almost a month when they host their divisional playoff game.
But enough of that. I’m not here to talk about the past. Bring on the WC games!
Eagles @ Cowboys
Look, a repeat of Week 17. How exciting! The Cowboys dominated the game, and Romo is playing very well. And the running game is averaging 4.8 ypc and the offense is the second most potent in the NFL behind the Saints.
Still, I don’t trust them. On paper are the better than Philly? Well, the Cowboys won twice and have a statistically better offense and defense. But until this team wins in the playoffs, I can’t get on the train.
Pick: Eagles 24, Cowboys 17
Packers @ Cardinals
I love the Packers. Really good defense, a QB that is growing into his skin, and a running game that is starting to emerge just in time.
And everyone still thinks Arizona is an elite offensive team. Not so. The offense has not been middle-of-the-pack this year. I don’t think this one will be close.
Pick: Packers 37, Cardinals 10
Jets @ Bengals
The Jets aren’t a playoff team – they lucked into it by playing two teams that weren’t playing their starters. Sanchez will choke away his first playoff game.
Pick: Bengals 21, Jets 3
Ravens @ Patriots
The Ravens are a timebomb, and they make stupid mistakes almost every game. Joe Flacco is getting better and better, and the offense and defense are peaking at the right time. But mark my words: there will be 2-3 penalties/stupid plays by the Ravens D that sinks them.
I don’t have a lot of confidence in this Pats team, but the offense is good (though not as good without Welker) and the defense should be good enough to contain the Ravens for the second time this year.
Pick: Patriots 27, Ravens 20
Divisional Round
Saints 36, Eagles 28
Packers 24, Vikings 20
Colts 41, Bengals 17
Chargers 26, Patriots 20
NFC Championship
Packers 34, Saints 20
Chargers 28, Colts 17
Super Bowl
Chargers 27, Packers 20
But enough of that. I’m not here to talk about the past. Bring on the WC games!
Eagles @ Cowboys
Look, a repeat of Week 17. How exciting! The Cowboys dominated the game, and Romo is playing very well. And the running game is averaging 4.8 ypc and the offense is the second most potent in the NFL behind the Saints.
Still, I don’t trust them. On paper are the better than Philly? Well, the Cowboys won twice and have a statistically better offense and defense. But until this team wins in the playoffs, I can’t get on the train.
Pick: Eagles 24, Cowboys 17
Packers @ Cardinals
I love the Packers. Really good defense, a QB that is growing into his skin, and a running game that is starting to emerge just in time.
And everyone still thinks Arizona is an elite offensive team. Not so. The offense has not been middle-of-the-pack this year. I don’t think this one will be close.
Pick: Packers 37, Cardinals 10
Jets @ Bengals
The Jets aren’t a playoff team – they lucked into it by playing two teams that weren’t playing their starters. Sanchez will choke away his first playoff game.
Pick: Bengals 21, Jets 3
Ravens @ Patriots
The Ravens are a timebomb, and they make stupid mistakes almost every game. Joe Flacco is getting better and better, and the offense and defense are peaking at the right time. But mark my words: there will be 2-3 penalties/stupid plays by the Ravens D that sinks them.
I don’t have a lot of confidence in this Pats team, but the offense is good (though not as good without Welker) and the defense should be good enough to contain the Ravens for the second time this year.
Pick: Patriots 27, Ravens 20
Divisional Round
Saints 36, Eagles 28
Packers 24, Vikings 20
Colts 41, Bengals 17
Chargers 26, Patriots 20
NFC Championship
Packers 34, Saints 20
Chargers 28, Colts 17
Super Bowl
Chargers 27, Packers 20
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Colts made the right call
There has been a lot of debate about the Colts coaching staff deciding to rest players during Sunday’s loss to the Jets. Writers all over the country derided the Colts leadership, basically saying they don’t know what they’re doing. The reasoning follows three predominant paths:
No. 2 makes sense to me. The Colts have young WRs who could benefit from more in-game reps with Peyton Manning. And the defense is somewhat green, and could use polishing. But they played 2+ quarters. I really don’t think it will hurt rhythm that much.
No. 3 is purely ridiculous. Why should the Colts care about if who makes the playoffs (besides them)? That’s Houston’s or Jacksonville’s problem. The Colts have no obligation to keep their players in the game to be more ‘fair’ to someone else’s playoff chances.
This debate rages almost every season about this time. I don’t think it really matters that much. Coaches and GMs should do what they think is best. I would have probably done exactly what the Colts did, but I wouldn’t be revved up if they did it the other way.
- They had a chance a perfection. Nobody remember who won the Super Bowl in 1983, but everyone remembers the 1972 Dolphins. You denied your team a chance at immortality.
- You’re messing with the team’s rhythm. These guys have been on a major roll, and you’re not preparing yourself properly for the playoffs.
- You hurt other teams playoff chances by letting the Jets beat your scrubs. Shame on you for disturbing the competitive balance.
No. 2 makes sense to me. The Colts have young WRs who could benefit from more in-game reps with Peyton Manning. And the defense is somewhat green, and could use polishing. But they played 2+ quarters. I really don’t think it will hurt rhythm that much.
No. 3 is purely ridiculous. Why should the Colts care about if who makes the playoffs (besides them)? That’s Houston’s or Jacksonville’s problem. The Colts have no obligation to keep their players in the game to be more ‘fair’ to someone else’s playoff chances.
This debate rages almost every season about this time. I don’t think it really matters that much. Coaches and GMs should do what they think is best. I would have probably done exactly what the Colts did, but I wouldn’t be revved up if they did it the other way.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
NFL Thoughts
Week 16 is in the books, so it’s time to look to Week 17 and the playoffs. Here are some not so random NFL thoughts.
AFC
Over the past decade, the AFC has been represented in the Super Bowl by the following teams: Titans, Ravens, Patriots (4), Raiders, Steelers (2), Colts. Outside of this group, only the Broncos and Chargers have made it to the AFC Championship game. So much for parity.
That group has really been dominated by the Patriots, Steelers and Colts. Each of those teams is in a very different spot as we head into Week 17.
Patriots – New England wins this season: Eagles, Redskins, Giants, Bills (twice), Falcons, Ravens, Titans, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Jets, Panthers, Jags. Loses: Bengals, Jets, Broncos, Colts, Saints, Dolphins. The Pats have beat some good teams, but they haven’t beat a quality opponent on the road since Week 1 in Philly. They only lose to good teams (except for maybe that Dolphins loss), but there are only good teams in the playoffs. I really want them to do well, to believe in the Pats magic, but I can’t talk myself into it.
Colts – Is it possible that this is the worst 14-1 team in history? I’m probably overstating, but I see a flawed team. I see a prolific passing game matched with the least productive running game in the NFL. And it’s not just total yards: the Colts are averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Yikes. I also see a mediocre defense. Do I think this team is destined to make the Super Bowl? No. Would I bet against them? Maybe.
Steelers – Yes, they seem to be suffering from a Super Bowl hangover. That’s only natural. And despite loses to the Bears, Chiefs, Raiders and Browns, they can still make the playoffs. I have a new tie-breaker for the NFL: a bunch of loses to some of the league’s crappiest teams should keep you out. Some commentators say they wouldn’t want to face this group in the playoffs. If I’m the Pats, Colts or Bengals, I hope to.
Other AFC thoughts:
· The Chargers are going to disappoint again this postseason because a lack of a running game. LDT has not been good, and Sproles is not the answer.
· I think the team to watch is the Bengals (can’t believe I just wrote that sentence). Balanced, weapon-filled offense, a solid defense, and they haven’t collapsed like other teams headed to the playoffs. This could be the year the Bengals potential is filled.
· Mark Sanchez will be a very good NFL QB, but he’s not there yet.
· I’m glad the Titans will not make the playoffs. Teams on a roll like that are not good WC round opponents.
NFC
The playoff picture (at least who’s in) is set. Now it’s a week jockeying for seeds and a first-round bye, because the Vikings are really trying to give it away. Here are some players/coaches to watch.
Brett Favre/Adrian Peterson/Brad Childress – I can’t decide if the Vikings are well coached or not. All last night I was screaming at the TV each time a big play happened, and AP wasn’t on the field. I cursed with Favre as they sent in the ‘big’ personnel package to give the ball to Chester Taylor on a sweep at the goal line. I don’t know what to make of these guys. Favre is still good for 1-3 really bad decisions a game, AP is a monster who can’t hold onto the ball, and Childress (and his staff) still haven’t figured out the right balance between the deep passing game and using AP to pound opponents into the ground. And it’s Week 16. Crazy.
Tony Romo/Aaron Rodgers – The Cowboys and Packers are flawed teams. The Cowboys are inconsistent on both sides of the ball, and the Packers are banged up and struggle to protect the QB against elite pass rushers. But these two QBs are very good (with good offensive weapons), and could easily get hot and lead a team to the Super Bowl. I believe we’ll see one of these guys in the NFC Championship.
Donovan McNabb/Andy Reid – Could this be the year? They are quietly flying under the radar, as the Saints and Vikings struggle. There’s no reason they couldn’t get to the Super Bowl against the other flawed NFC elite, especially if they get a bye. I’m not picking them (yet), but I think this could be the year McNabb and Reid take the huge monkey off their collective back and take their place as one of the best QB-coaching combos of all-time.
Other NFC thoughts:
· I still think the Saints are the team to beat, but they can’t get in those huge holes in the playoffs. Brees is playing the best QB in the league right now.
· The Cardinals won’t make it out of the first round. (Of course, I said the same thing last year.)
· The Washington situation is extremely entertaining for all non-Washington fans. A coach possible doing an f-you with one of the worst fake punts in the history of football? The same coach holding out the best DT in football on key short-yardage plays? Clinton Portis? Fanatastic. Unless you’re a Washington fan.
AFC
Over the past decade, the AFC has been represented in the Super Bowl by the following teams: Titans, Ravens, Patriots (4), Raiders, Steelers (2), Colts. Outside of this group, only the Broncos and Chargers have made it to the AFC Championship game. So much for parity.
That group has really been dominated by the Patriots, Steelers and Colts. Each of those teams is in a very different spot as we head into Week 17.
Patriots – New England wins this season: Eagles, Redskins, Giants, Bills (twice), Falcons, Ravens, Titans, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Jets, Panthers, Jags. Loses: Bengals, Jets, Broncos, Colts, Saints, Dolphins. The Pats have beat some good teams, but they haven’t beat a quality opponent on the road since Week 1 in Philly. They only lose to good teams (except for maybe that Dolphins loss), but there are only good teams in the playoffs. I really want them to do well, to believe in the Pats magic, but I can’t talk myself into it.
Colts – Is it possible that this is the worst 14-1 team in history? I’m probably overstating, but I see a flawed team. I see a prolific passing game matched with the least productive running game in the NFL. And it’s not just total yards: the Colts are averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Yikes. I also see a mediocre defense. Do I think this team is destined to make the Super Bowl? No. Would I bet against them? Maybe.
Steelers – Yes, they seem to be suffering from a Super Bowl hangover. That’s only natural. And despite loses to the Bears, Chiefs, Raiders and Browns, they can still make the playoffs. I have a new tie-breaker for the NFL: a bunch of loses to some of the league’s crappiest teams should keep you out. Some commentators say they wouldn’t want to face this group in the playoffs. If I’m the Pats, Colts or Bengals, I hope to.
Other AFC thoughts:
· The Chargers are going to disappoint again this postseason because a lack of a running game. LDT has not been good, and Sproles is not the answer.
· I think the team to watch is the Bengals (can’t believe I just wrote that sentence). Balanced, weapon-filled offense, a solid defense, and they haven’t collapsed like other teams headed to the playoffs. This could be the year the Bengals potential is filled.
· Mark Sanchez will be a very good NFL QB, but he’s not there yet.
· I’m glad the Titans will not make the playoffs. Teams on a roll like that are not good WC round opponents.
NFC
The playoff picture (at least who’s in) is set. Now it’s a week jockeying for seeds and a first-round bye, because the Vikings are really trying to give it away. Here are some players/coaches to watch.
Brett Favre/Adrian Peterson/Brad Childress – I can’t decide if the Vikings are well coached or not. All last night I was screaming at the TV each time a big play happened, and AP wasn’t on the field. I cursed with Favre as they sent in the ‘big’ personnel package to give the ball to Chester Taylor on a sweep at the goal line. I don’t know what to make of these guys. Favre is still good for 1-3 really bad decisions a game, AP is a monster who can’t hold onto the ball, and Childress (and his staff) still haven’t figured out the right balance between the deep passing game and using AP to pound opponents into the ground. And it’s Week 16. Crazy.
Tony Romo/Aaron Rodgers – The Cowboys and Packers are flawed teams. The Cowboys are inconsistent on both sides of the ball, and the Packers are banged up and struggle to protect the QB against elite pass rushers. But these two QBs are very good (with good offensive weapons), and could easily get hot and lead a team to the Super Bowl. I believe we’ll see one of these guys in the NFC Championship.
Donovan McNabb/Andy Reid – Could this be the year? They are quietly flying under the radar, as the Saints and Vikings struggle. There’s no reason they couldn’t get to the Super Bowl against the other flawed NFC elite, especially if they get a bye. I’m not picking them (yet), but I think this could be the year McNabb and Reid take the huge monkey off their collective back and take their place as one of the best QB-coaching combos of all-time.
Other NFC thoughts:
· I still think the Saints are the team to beat, but they can’t get in those huge holes in the playoffs. Brees is playing the best QB in the league right now.
· The Cardinals won’t make it out of the first round. (Of course, I said the same thing last year.)
· The Washington situation is extremely entertaining for all non-Washington fans. A coach possible doing an f-you with one of the worst fake punts in the history of football? The same coach holding out the best DT in football on key short-yardage plays? Clinton Portis? Fanatastic. Unless you’re a Washington fan.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
NFL Preview
For my NFL season preview, I will not bother you with reams and reams of data. I will not give you my sleeper fantasy picks (I’m keeping those for my own fantasy domination). I shall also not give you my gambling secrets, because I don’t gamble. What I will give you is almost completely baseless picks and some teams who I think will surprise for better or for worse.
Playoff Picks
NFC
Giants (East)
Green Bay (North)
Carolina (South)
Arizona (West)
Chicago (WC)
Dallas (WC)
AFC
New England (East)
Baltimore (North)
Tennessee (South)
San Diego (West)
Pittsburgh (WC)
Houston (WC)
WC Round
Chicago @ Arizona
Dallas @ Giants
Pittsburgh @ San Diego
Houston @ Baltimore
Divisional Round
Chicago @ Green Bay
Giants @ Carolina
Pittsburgh @ New England
Baltimore @ Tennessee
Conference Championships
Giants @ Green Bay
Baltimore @ New England
Super Bowl
Green Bay vs. New England
Surprises
Indianapolis – I don’t think this is the end of the line for Peyton Manning, but I think the transition to a new coach and the tough division will result in Peyton watching his brother’s playoff games from a luxury box.
Minnesota – I make no apology for not picking them for the playoffs. For two seasons I have believed the Vikes would be a Super Bowl team if they could fix their QB problem. Unfortunately, it’s not 1999, and Favre sucks. You read that right. Favre sucks.
San Diego – As a Pats fan, two teams scare me going into the playoffs: San Diego and Baltimore. And then I remembered something: Norv Turner is still the coach of the Chargers. Then I’m not so scared anymore.
Green Bay – I am drinking the green and gold Kool Aid man. I like the defense to improve, I think Aaron Rodgers makes the leap, and I don’t think Chicago or Minnesota is as good as advertised. Good luck in the Super Bowl fellas, unless you play the Pats.
Detroit – The Lions won’t go 0-16 again. But 2-14 is not out of the question, as well as 1,345 sacks of Matthew Stafford. Hope you have good insurance dude.
Denver – Josh McDaniels started flirting with other girls while he had a pretty good one in Jay Cutler. I don’t think his relationship with Kyle Orton ends well. And yes, I’m pretty sure this analogy would really creep Cutler out.
New England – I think Tom Brady is going to cut through the NFL this year like never before. I think the defense will be much improved (even without Richard Seymour). Is this a complete homer pick? Absolutely, but say hello to Super Bowl #4 boys!
Playoff Picks
NFC
Giants (East)
Green Bay (North)
Carolina (South)
Arizona (West)
Chicago (WC)
Dallas (WC)
AFC
New England (East)
Baltimore (North)
Tennessee (South)
San Diego (West)
Pittsburgh (WC)
Houston (WC)
WC Round
Chicago @ Arizona
Dallas @ Giants
Pittsburgh @ San Diego
Houston @ Baltimore
Divisional Round
Chicago @ Green Bay
Giants @ Carolina
Pittsburgh @ New England
Baltimore @ Tennessee
Conference Championships
Giants @ Green Bay
Baltimore @ New England
Super Bowl
Green Bay vs. New England
Surprises
Indianapolis – I don’t think this is the end of the line for Peyton Manning, but I think the transition to a new coach and the tough division will result in Peyton watching his brother’s playoff games from a luxury box.
Minnesota – I make no apology for not picking them for the playoffs. For two seasons I have believed the Vikes would be a Super Bowl team if they could fix their QB problem. Unfortunately, it’s not 1999, and Favre sucks. You read that right. Favre sucks.
San Diego – As a Pats fan, two teams scare me going into the playoffs: San Diego and Baltimore. And then I remembered something: Norv Turner is still the coach of the Chargers. Then I’m not so scared anymore.
Green Bay – I am drinking the green and gold Kool Aid man. I like the defense to improve, I think Aaron Rodgers makes the leap, and I don’t think Chicago or Minnesota is as good as advertised. Good luck in the Super Bowl fellas, unless you play the Pats.
Detroit – The Lions won’t go 0-16 again. But 2-14 is not out of the question, as well as 1,345 sacks of Matthew Stafford. Hope you have good insurance dude.
Denver – Josh McDaniels started flirting with other girls while he had a pretty good one in Jay Cutler. I don’t think his relationship with Kyle Orton ends well. And yes, I’m pretty sure this analogy would really creep Cutler out.
New England – I think Tom Brady is going to cut through the NFL this year like never before. I think the defense will be much improved (even without Richard Seymour). Is this a complete homer pick? Absolutely, but say hello to Super Bowl #4 boys!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
On the clock..The NFL Draft
I love the NFL Draft. Note sure why it intrigues me so much – it should be a pretty boring event, with Chris Berman’s voice permeating my house for hours.
But it’s not. There are three sports events I get super excited for: MLB Opening Day, The NFL Draft, and the first day of the MLB playoffs. Yes, the NFL Draft is more exciting to me than the Super Bowl. Call me crazy, but the Super Bowl is often a disappointment. The Draft never disappoints.
So here’s my NFL Draft Diary, a shameless rip-off of Bill Simmons. I will not comment on every pick, only picks that interest me. I am that fickle.
1. Detroit Lions – Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia. Since 2000, here are the QB’s picked in the Top 5.
· Matt Ryan, Falcons (2008)
· JaMarcus Russell, Raiders (2007)
· Vince Young, Titans (2006)
· Alex Smith, 49ers (2005)
· Eli Manning, Chargers (2004)
· Phillip Rivers, Giants (2004)
· Carson Palmer, Bengals (2003)
· David Carr, Texans (2002)
· Joey Harrington, Lions (2002)
· Michael Vick, Falcons (2001)
Of this group (and the jury is still out on Russell), I’d say only 4 (Ryan, Manning, Rivers, Palmer) of the 10 have worked out well, and I don’t think any of them are one of the best 5 QBs in the league. Of course, Vick would have been a winner before the whole dog-fighting thing. Still, if you’re the Lions, you were 0-16, do you pick a QB knowing that for every Aikman and Peyton Manning, there’s two or three Alex Smiths and Joey Harringtons. Just saying, $41 million guaranteed is a lot for a guy who’s probably got less than 50/50 shot of turning out to be a great QB.
2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. The ESPN crew preferred Mark Sanchez with this pick. I think they made the right choice. I’m not high on Sanchez (not enough for a No. 2 pick), so go safer and more solid. And plus, as ESPN announcers said, the Rams are looking for mean people. Sanchez seems way too nice.
They just asked Herm Edwards what monumentally bad decision he would make with pick No. 3. I’m pretty sure Scott Pioli doesn’t need Herm’s advice (and I’m pretty sure Chiefs fans are even less interested in his opinion).
3. Kansas City Chiefs – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. How dare you Mel Kiper question Scott Pioli. A curse upon your hair gel.
In an online poll of geeks like me who watch the draft and have a laptop open, 59% prefer Sanchez to Stafford. So much for the SEC bias.
4. Seattle Seahawks – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. Again, Steve Young is acting as Sanchez’s PR assistant. I’m sensing a recurring theme until the USC QB is taken.
Erin Andrews is wearing way too much make-up. Good golly, she’s going to have to take that off with a chisel.
5. New York Jets (from Browns) – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. Now maybe my buddy Steve Young will shut up about Sanchez. And Mangini just proved he’s not bitter – he made a deal with the ex. How will this work out for the Jets? As a Pats fan, I’m not particularly excited about another good QB in the AFC East. Of course, Mangini just traded for three of his former players. Browns fans are cringing.
6. Cincinnati Bengals – Andre Smith, T, Alabama. Good news Andre, you’re now rich. Bad news? You’re on the Bengals.
7. Oakland Raiders – Darius Heyward-Bay, WR, Maryland. There is a reason the Raiders stink. You pass on one of the very best college WRs in my lifetime for a speedster? Did they watch any film on these dudes? Nice call guys. What an awful pick. Someone give Al Davis a call and wake him up. The draft started. And Herm Edwards just endorsed the pick. I’m now convinced this is the worst pick ever (or at least the worst pick of this draft).
8. Jacksonville Jaquars – Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia. Good, solid pick. Yes, Crabtree would have been my pick, but they need OL help.
9. Green Bay Packers – B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. I know the Packers don’t need more WRs and needed help in the defensive interior, but I wouldn’t have been able to pass on Crabtree. So officially I have a mancrush on Crabtree like Steve Young has on Sanchez.
10. San Francisco 49ers -- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. Finally. And luckily he has Alex Smith or Shaun Hill throwing to him. Man, I wish the Packers would have taken him.
11. Buffalo Bills – Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. Let’s hope the Pats can protect against this guy.
12. Denver Broncos – Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. This pick became a discussion about trading away Cutler. Regardless, the pick is a very good one.
13. Washington – Brian Orapko, DE, Texas. Awesome pick. I had him as the top DE on my board. OK, I don’t have a board. But he’s freakin’ awesome, and I hope he sacks Eli 57 times in the next three years.
Donald Brown (RB, UConn) is shown by himself on an ugly couch. Poor guy.
14. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State. Awesome pick for them. Yes, if Moreno was there, he might have made a good compliment to Bush. But none of the other backs are as talented, and boy is their defensive backfield bad.
15. Houston Texas – Brian Cushing, LB, USC. Steve Young stole my thunder, but I think the Texans are going to be 10-6 or 11-5 next year. I like their offense, and I think the defense will be better (especially with this pick).
Erin Andrews just called Roger Goddell ‘the comish.’ He didn’t smile.
16. San Diego Chargers – Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois. Just ask Mr. Merriman if you can borrow some steroids. Seriously, this is a great insurance pick in case Merriman leaves the team in 2010.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Don’t like this pick. Maclin’s not really a pro receiver, and there was a lot better talent still on the board.
20. Detroit Lions – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. This is how the Eagles should have drafted. He’s an offensive weapon who can make a different in the passing and running game. The two Lions picks make me think they might be 3-13 next year. Big improvement.
21. Cleveland Browns – Alex Mack, C, California. I think the Browns are having a good day. Not sure this would have been my pick, but a solid one. And going from five picks to ten picks is a pretty good deal.
22. Minnesota Vikings – Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. Not a bad pick – they need some more offensive weapons. Of course the big miss was not going out and getting Jay Cutler. Yes, Adrian Peterson is the best RB in football. But look at LDT. You have a very limited window with RBs, and I doubt they’ll be able to make Super Bowls with their currents QBs.
23. Baltimore Ravens – Michael Oher, T, Mississippi. Totally disappointing. I just sit around waiting for the Pats to pick. I guess the Pats weren’t high on Oher (though we could use a young OL).
25. Miami Dolphins – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. The AFC East is going to be really competitive again. I think the Dolphins and Jets will be good, and the Bills have potential. And I still think the Pats will win the division with a 13-3 record. Write it down, folks.
I’ve spent close to three hours watching this draft (and keeping an eye on the Red Sox game via MLB.com), and finally the Patriots are picking. Often I have no idea who they are going to pick, but I have almost limitless faith in the team’s ability to make good picks.
26. Green Bay Packers – Clay Matthews, LB, USC. The Packers are trying to start an all-white LB corps. There on their way. And I can’t believe the Pats traded down again. No one could have helped us at this point? My faith is starting to waiver. (Just kidding.)
27. Indianapolis Colts – Donald Brown, RB, UConn. The Pats could have used this guy, but it won’t make a difference for the Colts. They are a team on the decline, with or without a young RB. Tony Dungy left at just the right time.
31. Arizona Cardinals -- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. Awesome pick. And if they keep Boldin, they could be a Super Bowl contender again.
34. New England Patriots – Patrick Chung, S, Oregon. Finally, after more than 3 ½ hours, I get to see the Pats pick.
That’s it for me folks (if you’re even still reading). Yes I will continue watching the draft, but no more writing. Until next year folks.
But it’s not. There are three sports events I get super excited for: MLB Opening Day, The NFL Draft, and the first day of the MLB playoffs. Yes, the NFL Draft is more exciting to me than the Super Bowl. Call me crazy, but the Super Bowl is often a disappointment. The Draft never disappoints.
So here’s my NFL Draft Diary, a shameless rip-off of Bill Simmons. I will not comment on every pick, only picks that interest me. I am that fickle.
1. Detroit Lions – Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia. Since 2000, here are the QB’s picked in the Top 5.
· Matt Ryan, Falcons (2008)
· JaMarcus Russell, Raiders (2007)
· Vince Young, Titans (2006)
· Alex Smith, 49ers (2005)
· Eli Manning, Chargers (2004)
· Phillip Rivers, Giants (2004)
· Carson Palmer, Bengals (2003)
· David Carr, Texans (2002)
· Joey Harrington, Lions (2002)
· Michael Vick, Falcons (2001)
Of this group (and the jury is still out on Russell), I’d say only 4 (Ryan, Manning, Rivers, Palmer) of the 10 have worked out well, and I don’t think any of them are one of the best 5 QBs in the league. Of course, Vick would have been a winner before the whole dog-fighting thing. Still, if you’re the Lions, you were 0-16, do you pick a QB knowing that for every Aikman and Peyton Manning, there’s two or three Alex Smiths and Joey Harringtons. Just saying, $41 million guaranteed is a lot for a guy who’s probably got less than 50/50 shot of turning out to be a great QB.
2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. The ESPN crew preferred Mark Sanchez with this pick. I think they made the right choice. I’m not high on Sanchez (not enough for a No. 2 pick), so go safer and more solid. And plus, as ESPN announcers said, the Rams are looking for mean people. Sanchez seems way too nice.
They just asked Herm Edwards what monumentally bad decision he would make with pick No. 3. I’m pretty sure Scott Pioli doesn’t need Herm’s advice (and I’m pretty sure Chiefs fans are even less interested in his opinion).
3. Kansas City Chiefs – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. How dare you Mel Kiper question Scott Pioli. A curse upon your hair gel.
In an online poll of geeks like me who watch the draft and have a laptop open, 59% prefer Sanchez to Stafford. So much for the SEC bias.
4. Seattle Seahawks – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. Again, Steve Young is acting as Sanchez’s PR assistant. I’m sensing a recurring theme until the USC QB is taken.
Erin Andrews is wearing way too much make-up. Good golly, she’s going to have to take that off with a chisel.
5. New York Jets (from Browns) – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. Now maybe my buddy Steve Young will shut up about Sanchez. And Mangini just proved he’s not bitter – he made a deal with the ex. How will this work out for the Jets? As a Pats fan, I’m not particularly excited about another good QB in the AFC East. Of course, Mangini just traded for three of his former players. Browns fans are cringing.
6. Cincinnati Bengals – Andre Smith, T, Alabama. Good news Andre, you’re now rich. Bad news? You’re on the Bengals.
7. Oakland Raiders – Darius Heyward-Bay, WR, Maryland. There is a reason the Raiders stink. You pass on one of the very best college WRs in my lifetime for a speedster? Did they watch any film on these dudes? Nice call guys. What an awful pick. Someone give Al Davis a call and wake him up. The draft started. And Herm Edwards just endorsed the pick. I’m now convinced this is the worst pick ever (or at least the worst pick of this draft).
8. Jacksonville Jaquars – Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia. Good, solid pick. Yes, Crabtree would have been my pick, but they need OL help.
9. Green Bay Packers – B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. I know the Packers don’t need more WRs and needed help in the defensive interior, but I wouldn’t have been able to pass on Crabtree. So officially I have a mancrush on Crabtree like Steve Young has on Sanchez.
10. San Francisco 49ers -- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. Finally. And luckily he has Alex Smith or Shaun Hill throwing to him. Man, I wish the Packers would have taken him.
11. Buffalo Bills – Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. Let’s hope the Pats can protect against this guy.
12. Denver Broncos – Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. This pick became a discussion about trading away Cutler. Regardless, the pick is a very good one.
13. Washington – Brian Orapko, DE, Texas. Awesome pick. I had him as the top DE on my board. OK, I don’t have a board. But he’s freakin’ awesome, and I hope he sacks Eli 57 times in the next three years.
Donald Brown (RB, UConn) is shown by himself on an ugly couch. Poor guy.
14. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State. Awesome pick for them. Yes, if Moreno was there, he might have made a good compliment to Bush. But none of the other backs are as talented, and boy is their defensive backfield bad.
15. Houston Texas – Brian Cushing, LB, USC. Steve Young stole my thunder, but I think the Texans are going to be 10-6 or 11-5 next year. I like their offense, and I think the defense will be better (especially with this pick).
Erin Andrews just called Roger Goddell ‘the comish.’ He didn’t smile.
16. San Diego Chargers – Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois. Just ask Mr. Merriman if you can borrow some steroids. Seriously, this is a great insurance pick in case Merriman leaves the team in 2010.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Don’t like this pick. Maclin’s not really a pro receiver, and there was a lot better talent still on the board.
20. Detroit Lions – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. This is how the Eagles should have drafted. He’s an offensive weapon who can make a different in the passing and running game. The two Lions picks make me think they might be 3-13 next year. Big improvement.
21. Cleveland Browns – Alex Mack, C, California. I think the Browns are having a good day. Not sure this would have been my pick, but a solid one. And going from five picks to ten picks is a pretty good deal.
22. Minnesota Vikings – Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. Not a bad pick – they need some more offensive weapons. Of course the big miss was not going out and getting Jay Cutler. Yes, Adrian Peterson is the best RB in football. But look at LDT. You have a very limited window with RBs, and I doubt they’ll be able to make Super Bowls with their currents QBs.
23. Baltimore Ravens – Michael Oher, T, Mississippi. Totally disappointing. I just sit around waiting for the Pats to pick. I guess the Pats weren’t high on Oher (though we could use a young OL).
25. Miami Dolphins – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. The AFC East is going to be really competitive again. I think the Dolphins and Jets will be good, and the Bills have potential. And I still think the Pats will win the division with a 13-3 record. Write it down, folks.
I’ve spent close to three hours watching this draft (and keeping an eye on the Red Sox game via MLB.com), and finally the Patriots are picking. Often I have no idea who they are going to pick, but I have almost limitless faith in the team’s ability to make good picks.
26. Green Bay Packers – Clay Matthews, LB, USC. The Packers are trying to start an all-white LB corps. There on their way. And I can’t believe the Pats traded down again. No one could have helped us at this point? My faith is starting to waiver. (Just kidding.)
27. Indianapolis Colts – Donald Brown, RB, UConn. The Pats could have used this guy, but it won’t make a difference for the Colts. They are a team on the decline, with or without a young RB. Tony Dungy left at just the right time.
31. Arizona Cardinals -- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. Awesome pick. And if they keep Boldin, they could be a Super Bowl contender again.
34. New England Patriots – Patrick Chung, S, Oregon. Finally, after more than 3 ½ hours, I get to see the Pats pick.
That’s it for me folks (if you’re even still reading). Yes I will continue watching the draft, but no more writing. Until next year folks.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What's next for the Patriots
In a matter of days the Patriots have lost two key pieces to their recent success: Josh McDaniels taking over in Denver, and Scott Pioli taking the GM post in Kansas City.
I'm not really worried about McDaniels. Though I think he did a great job running this offense this season (and seems to be very good with QBs), I don't think the offense will be much worse without him, especially if Belichick takes over the play-calling duties. And really, do you think an offense with Tom Brady and Randy Moss really needs that talented an offensive coordinator? I could probably call the plays and the Pats would be in the top 5 offensively.
But Pioli? It scares me to death. It's impossible to know with the Patriots where the lines are and where Belichick's influence begins and ends. But by all reports, Pioli was integral to the awesome personnel success the Patriots have had over the past 8 years. I know Bill Simmons and others have been critical with the Patriots most recent drafts, but come on. You can't win every time in the gamble know as the draft, and certainly Pioli has proven himself the Chris Farley to Matt Millen's Jimmy Fallon. (I don't think that analogy makes much sense, but ever sense that idiot played 'the ultimate Sox fan', I make fun of him every chance I get. Equating him to Matt Millen is about as the worst sports insult you can make right now.)
Of course, I was the same guy who was really worried when Romeo and Charlie left. And though we haven't won a Super Bowl without them, we had a perfect season and have been very good since they left. And let's just say that the Cleveland Browns and probably Notre Dame woud like a mulligan on those hires.
So here's hoping Belicheck was making most of the personnel decisions over the past decade and we don't skip a beat. And let's hope Kansas City doesn't get too good too quickly.
I'm not really worried about McDaniels. Though I think he did a great job running this offense this season (and seems to be very good with QBs), I don't think the offense will be much worse without him, especially if Belichick takes over the play-calling duties. And really, do you think an offense with Tom Brady and Randy Moss really needs that talented an offensive coordinator? I could probably call the plays and the Pats would be in the top 5 offensively.
But Pioli? It scares me to death. It's impossible to know with the Patriots where the lines are and where Belichick's influence begins and ends. But by all reports, Pioli was integral to the awesome personnel success the Patriots have had over the past 8 years. I know Bill Simmons and others have been critical with the Patriots most recent drafts, but come on. You can't win every time in the gamble know as the draft, and certainly Pioli has proven himself the Chris Farley to Matt Millen's Jimmy Fallon. (I don't think that analogy makes much sense, but ever sense that idiot played 'the ultimate Sox fan', I make fun of him every chance I get. Equating him to Matt Millen is about as the worst sports insult you can make right now.)
Of course, I was the same guy who was really worried when Romeo and Charlie left. And though we haven't won a Super Bowl without them, we had a perfect season and have been very good since they left. And let's just say that the Cleveland Browns and probably Notre Dame woud like a mulligan on those hires.
So here's hoping Belicheck was making most of the personnel decisions over the past decade and we don't skip a beat. And let's hope Kansas City doesn't get too good too quickly.
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