Aaron Rodgers's Fortunate Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/9/08)

Now with Less Favre

Now, I'm stealing a line here (from a fellow BNBer, so I owe him a nickel), but "Kneegate" has only begun to negate the Patriots' season. I'm rather annoyed that "the 'chick" refuses to acknowledge the extent of the injury and instead simply calls it a serious knee injury

Fuck it Bill, its an ACL tear. If Goodell is so concerned with the image of his league, why doesn't he step in and stop letting Darth Vadar throw out his bullshit. So much for fairness in the NFL...

Gene Wojo...whatever says the Jets are now on par with the Patriots which is about as believable as...say...Bill Belichick's injury report.

I hope the Bills win the Division...

• How come Green Bay didn't realize they had a better QB on the bench
• Met Career? Is that a synonym for baseball career?
• I actually predicted this at the beginning of the season. Problem is, I figured it would happen in July, Mid-August at the latest, but thanks to the Cardinal's competitiveness, Pujols remained
• Philip Rivers...Still kind of a jackass
  
• Between this guy and this guy, 2008 could be the year of the small receiver
• Sorry Phil Sheridan, but its always mattered and we've always wanted the crap kicked out of the Cowboys
• Oh like you wouldn't do it...
• This turned out to be about as awful as you'd expect
• From AGM, Knowshon coming to a Billboard near year
• The odd case of Vince Young...
  
• And finally, Via Deadspin The Washington Post one ups the Hoggettes (because, let's face it, it was a little gay)
  

Walker-Sports Top 25 Poll:Beware of Pirates

Well I didn’t think it was possible, but college football was actually better this weekend than it was last week. From what I can tell this is going to be an amazing season. Just wait till OSU and USC square off next weekend. However, before they take the field, let’s see where they stand on the Walker-Sports College Football poll.

1) Georgia Bulldogs: Yes I know every other poll in the country has USC sitting here, but Georgia has done nothing to deserve losing their #1 spot. If you don’t like them in this spot, just wait a few weeks, I can’t imagine them running the table.

2) USC: The Trojans had the week off, and got to scout a shaky looking OSU. One has to think Pete Carol has something special up his sleeve for an OSU offense that is still looking to find its rhythm.

3) Oklahoma Sooners: The Sooners have climbed in this week’s poll and they deserve it. The Sooners beat a scrappy UC squad on Saturday and can now look ahead to the Big 12 schedule.

4) Florida Gators: This team is only as good as Tim Tebow. Lucky for them, Tebow is pretty damn good. The Miami game was uglier than the score indicated but they still showed better than OSU.

5) OSU: Buckeye fans have to pray that their team was just overlooking Ohio U. Combine that with Beanie Wells being hurt and maybe they aren’t as bad as they looked. Buckeye faithful better hope that is the case.

6) LSU: The hurricane saved Troy from being killed by the Tigers. Nonetheless an idol LSU means they can hold onto their spot.

7) Missouri Tigers: Chase Daniels had one of the most impressive outings I have ever seen. He was 16-17 and resting on the bench before halftime. Look out Tim Tebow you have some serious competition for that Heisman this year.

8) Auburn: The Tigers make the jump in the standings due to another outstanding performance on defense. Combine that with the fact that they have found a solid starting QB and the Tigers are ready to do battle in the SEC West.

9) Kansas: The Jayhawks fell, but not too far. They played well this past weekend, but would have liked to see a bigger blowout.

10) Wisconsin: The Badgers got off to a slow start against Marshall, but somehow they scored about 30 points in 10 minutes on the fourth QT. The Big 10 could actually be very interesting this season.

11) Texas Longhorns: Great game to travel across state and take on a semi-hostel UTEP crowd. Colt seems to be over his sophomore slump and that is very good for the Longhorns.

12) Texas Tech: The Red Raiders crushed Nevada and the pistol offense. However, the team still failed to live up to the hype on defense. I have a nasty feeling the Red Raiders are in for a big fall when they hit the Big 12.

13) Arizona State: Stanford had nothing against the Sun Devils. ASU showed off a dynamic passing attack and yet again their aggressive defense flexed their muscle.

14) South Florida: In a primetime game against UCF, South Florida made a solid showing. Despite a slow start in the first half, South Florida got the ball running and showed why they may be the team to beat in the Big East.

15) East Carolina: The Pirates are crashing the party, and with two more games against ACC opponents they will make a solid case to crash the BCS party as well.

16) BYU: Possibly the luckiest team in the country today. It took a horrible call and a blocked XP to keep this teams BCS hopes alive. BYU better not overlook UCLA next weekend.

17) Penn State: Despite the off the field distractions, Penn State destroyed Oregon State. Maybe the Beavers were jetlagged, because they definitely did not show up to play.

18) Oregon: The Ducks played the worse team in Division I football and they did exactly what they were supposed to do. They destroyed Utah State 66-24.

19) Wake Forest: Wake Forest is saving the ACC right now. They stood toe to toe with Ole Miss and won a teeth clincher.

20) Clemson: The seat is getting hotter and hotter under Tommy Bowden. His Tigers looked better on Saturday, but they are far from where they were though to be.

21) Utah: The Utes had a bit of a Michigan hangover as they got off to a slow start on Saturday. However, they were able to put that behind them and went on to roll UNLV.

22) Fresno State: The Bulldogs had the week off and they will need the rest. Next week they have a chance to put their stamp on the BCS when they take on the Wisconsin Badgers.

23) UCLA: Now that they week 1 heroics are behind them, the Bruins need to focus on BYU if they want to actually make a run at breaking the USC monopoly on the city.

24) WVU: A horrible outing against ECU. WVU is very lucky they were able to remain in the top 25. Hopefully they can regain their focus and figure out what went wrong this past weekend.

25) Illinois: Eastern Ill. probably wished they had Tony Romo at their disposal for this game. Juice seems to be advancing as a passing QB, and that means Illinois could be a dangerous opponent for a lot of teams this season.

The Weekly F.U. to Peter King Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/8/08)

For football season, it seems most appropriate to at least partially pay homage to the foolishness that is Peter King's MMQB. Peter tries, but generally, he's just a blowhard of a slightly high cognizance.

But quickly, how 'bout some football. The Patriots took a tough Dubya from the Chefs (That's great, but who are the Chefs), but Adam Schefter is reporting that Tom Brady is done for the season. Jake Delhomme and the Panthers stunned the Chargers at the last second. The Bills exert some AFC dominance over the Seahawks and of course the Eagles whipped the Rams. Normally, I never care about a shutout but the wimpy way Scott Linehan avoided a shutout by kicking a field goal, already down by 38, really signals to me, as a fan, that he was...simply being a bitch. I'd rather get shutout going for it on 4th and 10 then kicking a field goal already down by 38.

Peter King talked about Tom Brady for a good 2 pages...even when he's not playing King blows him, that's bullshit. He also used the Brady injury to agendize his "fear" of a longer season. Let's apply this to...oh...say the laws of economics. Peter, if there's more demand to be met than you might as well fill it. We have no idea what the NFL max on demand is, but odds are its more than 18, 20 or even 24 games. In fact, the NFL is predicated on this very fact. I know of few business-like folks who could go into a boardroom (a.k.a. meeting with 32 owners) and honestly tell them: "yeah, we could make more money, but let's think about the players for a second." More money could: A) Used as a negotiating tool for the NFLPA, B) boost retirement income and C) Increase the players salaries (not to mention, boost roster sizes...creating more jobs).

If the downside is that Tom Brady could tear his ACL (which happened at the beginning of the season, without playing the preseason), then I don't see the issue. Injuries happen all the time without rhyme or season (or sometimes happen because a player isn't conditioned).

Peter, the NFL's a business, deal with it.

On that note, Look at Peter's "Fine Fifteen" and try not to think "huh?" The Jags at 4? Carolina at 10. In both cases, one took a loss, that clearly doesn't make it a top 4 team and the other stole a win and it doesn't mean that they're good (in fact, they're the Panthers, so unless you ask Sean Salisbury, they're not)

• When things go from Good to Bad in New England...wow
• You know, I agree with Emmitt Smith here (ugh), Marion Barber is going to grind himself out of the league
• In a matter of sheer irony, I hope this trade somehow happens
• AA points out Usain Bolt could probably beat most of us on one leg
• Will link to Pro Wrestling (hahaha)
  
• The ever inquisitive Manny Stiles takes us on a Time Warp
• And finally, hilarity regarding Patriots Nation (eww) and Tom Brady (Thanks EC)
  

NFC West Week 1 Preview and Predictions

Published simultaneously at www.armchairgm.com

Seattle Seahawks @ Buffalo Bills
The key to this game is the Seattle injury situation. Wide receiver Bobby Engram is out, with Deion Branch listed as doubtful, although he has said he will play. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has a back injury, which limited him to just two series of plays in the pre-season. The Hawks have a bevy of talented, albeit inexperienced receivers in Jordan Kent, Courtney Taylor and Logan Payne, each of whom should see significant reps playing opposite veteran Nate Burleson. The lack of playing time for Hasselbeck prevented him from working with the youngsters, which will have an effect on the Hawks passing game. The Bills, with quarterback Trent Edwards listed as 100% despite missing the final two preseason games with a bruised thigh, will have to work hard behind a patchwork offensive line which struggled during the preseason, a fact emphasized by the continued holdout of weakside tackle Jason Peters. Look for RB Marshawn Lynch to carry the ball at least 30 times. The first month or so should be the test for Seattle. If they can reach their Week 4 bye week no worse than 2-1, then they should control the division throughout. If the injuries prove too much to handle, then their season likely could be over before the break.
Prediction: Behind the offensive scheme enacted by new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert, the Bills control the clock with short passes and a 33 carry, 130 yard performance from Marshawn Lynch and squeak out a 16-13 win.
St. Louis Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Rams start the season behind the eight ball, as RB Steven Jackson missed the entire pre-season due to an ill-advised holdout. Tackle Orlando Pace returns after missing all but two series in 2007 due to injury, quarterback Marc Bulger will feel less pressure, but how much will he miss Isaac Bruce? The Rams defense allowed more than 115 yards per game on the ground, a point not lost on RB Brian Westbrook. Joined in the backfield by short yardage specialist FB Tony Hunt, the Eagles should have little trouble controlling the line of scrimmage. With WR Kevin Curtis out, QB Donovan McNabb will rely on shorter passes in an attempt to keep the defense honest against Westbrook.
Prediction: Behind the running of Westbrook and Hunt, and with the Eagles linebackers blitzing the Rams inexperienced offensive line at will, Philadelphia dominates from the opening kickoff and wins convincingly, 36-20.
Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers
Save their inability to beat San Francisco, the Cardinals would have reached the postseason the past two years. This is the third consecutive season the Cardinals have opened in San Francisco and are looking for their first win. Not surprisingly, Kurt Warner won the QB battle with Matt Leinart in the pre-season, and despite not playing well in San Francisco throughout his career, looks to get the Cards off to a 1-0 start. Warner isn't as mobile as Leinart, and has had a career long battle with fumbles, so the offensive line will need to hold onto their blocks a fraction longer to give Warner the time he needs. Fifth round pick Tim Hightower had a great camp and should see quite a bit of playing time spelling Edgerrin James and as another pass option out of the backfield. No report on the Cardinals would be complete without mentioning arguably the top WR duo in the league in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. San Francisco shocked the world when he named journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan his starting quarterback. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz, the offensive genius behind the Warner led offensive machine in St. Louis, has put in place a benign game plan for O'Sullivan, one designed to control the clock and avoid turnovers. The key to its success is the durability of RB Frank Gore, who not only is the focal point of the running game, but a factor in the passing game as well. WR Isaac Bruce followed Martz to the 49ers and brings with him his 942 career receptions, it remains to be seen how much he impacts a short, ball control offense.
Prediction: It isn't often you hear a Week 1 matchup being a "must win", but that's exactly the case for the Cardinals. With division rival Seattle struggling with injuries, it's imperative the Cardinals start strong and get themselves a cushion heading into the middle, and most difficult, part of their schedule. With a relaxed Warner leading the way, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald both reach the 100 mark in receiving yards, with Edgerrin James doing so on the ground. Cards win surprisingly easy, 34-10.

KD's NFC West Preview

Published also at www.armchairgm.com

As the 2008 NFL season dawns, the fortunes of the NFC West reside where they have been in recent seasons...the division sucks. The NFL version of baseball's National League Western Division, often referred to as the "NL Worst", the NFC West is home to arguably the two worst teams in the NFL, and a team which has made the postseason in a non-strike year just once since 1975. And even the division's best team, the four time defending champion Seattle Seahawks enter the season with more questions than answers, starting with the health of All-Pro quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Hasselbeck is expected to start the season opener despite back issues which go back to last year, at least. Another question is who is Hasselbeck going to throw to? With D.J. Hackett gone and Bobby Engram and Deion Branch injured, the most experienced receiver on the roster is Nate Burleson. The Hawks picked up a couple of second tier running backs in an attempt to re-start the running game following the departure of Shawn Alexander, Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett. The signing of left guard Mike Wahle and the drafting of tight end John Carlson should offer Hasselbeck a bit more blind side protection, which is his "back" side in the pocket. Courtney Taylor will likely see most of the opposite side snaps in place of Branch, although Branch declared himself ready to play this week on Wednesday. Rookies Jordan Kent and Logan Payne will play in the Hawks multi-wide set, with RB Maurice Morris the short yardage back. The Hawks are also thin defensively, especially in the secondary, where they will start a second year pro and a rookie. If Hasselbeck struggles with his back, it will be imperative backup QB Seneca Wallace stays within Paul Holmgren's game plan, turnovers and ineffectiveness will have the defense on the field more than anyone would like. The Hawks did catch a big schedule break, after their season opener in Buffalo, two home games follow, against the Rams and 49ers, then the bye week in Week 4. If the Hawks can get to the bye with no further injury problems and a record no worse than 2-1, they could be looking at their fifth consecutive division title and sixth playoff spot in a row.
The St. Louis Rams are coming off a 3-13 season which prompted changes on Scott Linehan's coaching staff. New offensive coordinator Al Saunders is joined by new QB coach Terry Shea and RB coach Art Valero. Linehan has turned over the offense to Saunders, with the hope their combined NFL experience can turn around the Rams often inept offense. The Rams problems last year can point to both lines. All-Pro OL Orlando Pace was lost for the season in Week 1, while the Rams DLine accounted for the fewest sacks in the NFL. The return to form of Pace and injured defensive end Leonard Little will go far in once again in stabilizing the Rams running game and pass rush.
Quarterback Marc Bulger follows along in the same vein as his predecessors in St. Louis, Trent Green and Kurt Warner. What they lacked in mobility they made up with pocket awareness and an uncanny ability to wait til the last second before executing the play. Problem is, for a "timing" type QB to be successful, he needs protection, and he needs another threat around him. Pace and his OLine buddies will need to have Bulger's back alot more this year, and will also need to not only open, but keep open, holes for superstar RB Steven Jackson. The Rams, to some, surprisingly released Isaac Bruce, leaving off-season pickup Keenan Burton and rookie Donnie Avery to run alongside Torry Holt. While both players, especially Burton, bring much needed speed to the Rams offense, one must remember they are both still young and also learning a much more complicated offensive system, which the Rams staff understands will require patience. The Rams dominating linebacking corps, led by Will Witherspoon and Quinton Culbertson will be joined by Chris Draft in what is hoped to remain one of the top run defenses in the league.
Fresh off what he calls "the best pre-season of my career", Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner enters the season with his rear view mirror covered. No more looking over his shoulder at the ever shrinking shadow of Matt Leinart. The only thing that can knock Warner from his starter's role is an injury, no longer will the Cards QB situation revolve like the stage at Phoenix' Celebrity Theatre. Plagued by fumbleitis his whole career, Warner will need to keep the turnovers to a manageable level, with the talent of his receiving corps and the still productive Edgerrin James in the backfield, the Cardinals should rack up the points this season. Backup running back Tim Hightower, a legit breakaway threat, had a tremendous camp and should average a dozen or so touches per game. Tight end Ben Patrick is a solid route runner with good hands and an excellent on the run blocker. WR Anquan Boldin caused a minor flap in camp over his contract situation has told the Cardinals he will give 100% on the field, teams with All-World teammate Larry Fitzgerald, giving the Cards the best one-two WR tandem in football. On the defensive side, the move of Antrelle Rolle to safety, where he will pair with the league's best DB, Adrian Wilson. Rolle, a former cornerback, had problems in tight coverage situations, the freedom the safety position brings should alleviate that concern. Wilson, so dominating he on occasion will line up as a linebacker in certain coverages, is coming off a camp Coach Ken Whisenhunt described as "stunning."
The San Francisco 49ers surprised most everyone by naming journeyman quarterback J. T. Sullivan the opening day starter over Alex Smith. The 49ers must improve on their league worst 145 yards per game passing average in 2007, and have signed former Rams standout WR Isaac Bruce to help in that area. Former Rams head coach and offensive genius Mike Martz is in as the new coach and won't have any trouble designing a new offensive scheme, the problem will be in having the necessary pieces to execute it. RB Frank Gore is a legitimate 2000 yard from scrimmage guy, but despite his ability to find open ground, will find the going tough if O'Sullivan can't bring respect to the passing game. Defensively, cornerbacks Nate Clements and Walt Harris are former All-Pros, with Clements propensity to gamble has led to big plays by the offense. Harris is more of a stay at home kind of guy, yet is always scrambling to cover for Clements, which takes him out of his comfort zone.
With the Rams and 49ers likely not to reach ten wins combined, the Seahawks and Cardinals are left to fight for the division amongst each other. The problem there is they will struggle to win 18 games combined, leaving for a tighter than expected race. The Cardinals end the season against Minnesota, at New England, and home vs. the Hawks, while Seattle's final stretch is at St. Louis, home vs the Jets, and at Arizona. Seattle's first month may go farther in deciding the division however, with so many injuries, a 1-2 or 0-3 start could doom their hopes right off the bat.
I see the division thusly;
Arizona Cardinals 9-7 Seattle Seahawks 8-8 St. Louis Rams 5-11San Francisco 49ers 4-12
The division will be decided in Week 17, with the Cards and Seahawks squaring off in Arizona with identical 8-7 records. The Cards, realizing what was at stake and with a sell-out crowd going nuts in a nationally televised affair, jump on the Hawks early and continue the onslaught with a double digit route.

TGIF Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/5/08)

Today, I took the first steps into a new life. I've begun cycling to work. Its not too bad (I kind of enjoy it) and it wakes me up in the AM. The catch is I'm sweaty like a bastard so I joined the gym in my office to shower each morning.

In other news, The New York Giants took their first step in a title defense dominating the Red Skins in a game that wasn't as close as the 16-7 score indicated. Its great that football's finally back and I look forward to blowing a nice wad of cash on stupid games.

• ESPN bickers over whether the NFC East or AFC South is best
• PFT discusses Plexiglass's new contract. What is most confusing is A) over 5 million of the $35 million salary is tied to his availability during games (if he's active), which certainly indicated some concern over health versus risk and another $3.5 million is tied to him being at voluntary workouts. But if he's paid to be there, are they still voluntary? The Bengals cut Odell Thurman for missing such a workout. I wish the NFL would simply stop suggesting they're voluntary workouts. Its not like High School or College, the players don't exactly have other jobs or obligations to focus on (no more than you or I might have other things to throw our cash at, without the expectation that our real job might get antcy over such activity). And now teams are upping the ante on the payment for such voluntary workouts. Doesn't sound so voluntary
• Arguably the biggest waste of ESPN resources...well today at least, because "Who's Now" was a pretty big waste (and Titletown and so on)
• Via MLBTradeRumors, Brendan Bianowicz gives us the low down on the man who doesn't think Adam Dunn tries
• Deadspin's Rick Chandler finds Jay Mariotti's Craigslist ad.
• Personally, I find most of the KSK "interviews" to be lame, but this picture is just awesome
• Couldn't you just use a telestrator?
• AmrchairGM's David Cohen tells us how the NFL can make us money
  
• And finally, from AA, something about Erin Andrews regardless of when it was posted

Want to send me hatemail? - Justin@badnewsbloggers.com

Thursday is the New Wednesday Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/4/08)

If you're anything like the 9-5 working man I am, then you are enjoy the fruits of a 4 day workweek. Rare, quick and delightful. Right now, I walked into my office and realized "Its not Wednesday, Its Thursday...Thirsty Thursday...time to hit the pubs after work."

• ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski gives his quick thoughts on the NFL Season. The apocolypic part is that both Gene (I refuse to type his last name again) of ESPN and Dr. Z of SI picked the same matchup! Its uncanny!
• Stupid Sideline Reports gives us the newest trend, Jaguars and the New Bengals
• PFT says it could be the end of the line for former Ute Alex Smith
• Sheldon Brown tells Drew Rosensatan where to stick it
• On that note, if I were Brown, I'd drop Rosenhaus like a bad habit. Sheldon Brown is the best cornerback on the team, he doesn't have the best contract and he's balls-out on every play. He's a man (he's 40!)
• Sarah Palin spoke yesterday. I'll let Deadspin cover it to keep it sports related
• Just the first of many pieces of evidence proving Terrance Newman sucks...
• Proof God Hates Philadelphia...even Toronto is still celebrating (in denim!)
• Carlos Zambrano (and the Cubs' hopes) are in trouble, So's Rich Harden and that's no no-no for C.C.
• Jason Giambi + Bathroom Door = Hilarious Injury (Could be worse, He could be Clint Barmes)
• The Marlins beat the Braves last night (big deal...) infront of 600 people at Dolphins' Stadium
  
• From AA, Stupid Touchdown Celebrations (Ickey Woods is rolling over right now)
• And Finally, from SI, Lebron James return to America includes getting beat in a game of H-O-R-S-E...against a warehouse worker
  

Smells Like a Gem

So this afternoon I was doing a quick scan of the schedules and I noted this gem scheduled for (what I believe to be) an ESPN Sunday Night Baseball matchup. (Thanks to Phillies.com) It appears to be King Cole and Johan (don't call me Carlos) Santana. As a baseball fan, you should be salivating over this match-up. In 2008, Johan is 1-0 (4 games, 29 Innings Pitched) with a 3.10 ERA versus the Phillies, while Cole Hamels is 0-1 wth a 5.14 ERA (1 Game, 7 Innings Pitched).

Last night Hamels with electric in 7.1 innings of 5 hit, no run ball. Santana was his usual self against the Brewers on Labor day, spraying 7 hits over 6 and giving up 2 runs; he received a no decision. Depending on how the previous games go, this game could be the difference maker in the division race (The Mets are up by 2 games and look to sweep the Brewers momentarily). Red hot Brett Myers (8-10, 4.40 ERA), whose 5-1 with a 1.78 ERA since returning to the Majors in late July takes on suddenly consistent (get it?) Mike Pelfrey (13-8, 3.66 ERA) on Friday and Saturday will feature typically surehanded Jamie Moyer (12-7, 3.80 ERA), who's 7-4 and a 3.21 ERA against the Mets for his career will face the tiny one, Pedro Martinez (5-3, 5.07 ERA).