Early NFC Preview

This weekend is the very first weekend of the NFL season as Art Monk, and Darrell Green get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, along with four others, and the first preseason game of the year will be held on Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins will face off in Canton, Ohio at 8 PM ET. I think it's time to take a look at how the NFC will shape up this year.

NFC North

Winner of Division: Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have the best RB duo in the game, and a very tough offensive line to go along with it. This Division is very weak compared to last year with the questions surrounding the quarterbacks in Green Bay, and Chicago. As of right now, the Packers will be finishing third behind the offense-less Bears, and run-happy Vikings.

BOLD Predictions:

*Tarvaris Jackson throws for more yards than all three of Chicago’s quarterbacks combined.

*Brett Favre is not in a Packer uniform come September 4th.

Questions to be answered:

Once again, I bring up the Favre saga, but a few others include Jon Kitna’s Lions, and Chicago’s entire roster. I already established that the Vikings will win the North, but can Kitna follow through on his offseason ramblings (told the press he hopes to lead Detroit to a 10-win season). Chicago lost their top two wide receivers in Muhsin Muhammad, and Bernard Berrian, and cut running back Cedric Benson, as well. Grossman doesn’t quite have the leadership skills to lead this team to the playoffs on his own, so who will step up???

Bottom Line: This is the second-weakest NFC Division behind the NFC West. Minnesota, despite lack of a solid quarterback, may run away with this division if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t live up to Packer Nation’s expectations. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

NFC East

Winner of Division: Dallas Cowboys

I am like every other Football whiz out there who doesn’t believe the Giants can repeat. Yes, I have gained confidence in Eli Manning’s abilities, and leadership, but he lost several key players on both sides of the ball, and Tony Romo’s ‘Boys are looking mighty hungry. Romo led Dallas to a 13-3 regular season record in 2007, look for him to match that performance this season. Owner Jerry Jones dealt running back Julius Jones, but drafted the young Felix Jones to fill in for Marion Barber every once in a while. You obviously can’t count out Donovan McNabb’s Eagles, who are looking pretty healthy at this point, and the Washington Redskins. Washington added Pro Bowl DE Jason Taylor, and added depth on offense in this year’s draft.

BOLD Predictions:

*Donovan McNabb stays healthy and leads the Eagles to a Wild Card berth, knocking off the defending Champions in the process.

*All four teams finish over .500.

Questions to be answered:

I believe McNabb will manage to finally stay healthy for all 16 games, but that is never a given. He has been battling injuries for the last several years, and anything can happen. The Eagles fate rides on the throwing arm of McNabb, and Philadelphia’s results will vary according to how he does this season. In D.C. the big question still involves Jason Campbell. Can he take his game to the next level and lead the ‘Skins to the playoffs?? That question has yet to be answered.

Bottom Line: Unlike the NFC North, this Division is very strong, and may be considered the toughest in the entire NFL. Therefore, it may be tough to decide a winner in August, and this may be the last Division clinched this season. We’ll just have to wait, and find out.

NFC South

Winner of Division: Carolina Panthers

It is Carolina’s year…to win the Division. Every year, it seems, there’s a new Division winner in the South, and the tradition will continue this season. Jake Delhomme seems to have made a remarkable comeback from Tommy John surgery, and the return of Muhsin Muhammad may mean a big year for Carolina’s passing offense. The running game has made a fresh start too, it seems. The departure of Deshaun Foster brought in Jonathan Stewart, the rookie out of Oregon. Stewart will be a nice complement to DeAngelo Williams, who is expected to have a solid season. The loss of Dan Morgan will be a big blow, but I don’t expect the defense to miss a beat with Julius Peppers hunting down quarterbacks.

BOLD Predictions:

*New Orleans’ Reggie Bush continues to be a draft bust, failing to reach 1,000 total yards for the Saints. But, newcomer Jeremy Shockey is named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster.

*Jake Delhomme accompanies Shockey on the NFC Pro Bowl roster, as Jeff Garcia proves he is past his prime for the Bucs.

Questions to be answered:

Obviously Delhomme isn’t guaranteed to make a strong comeback. So although I believe he will be back as strong as ever, anything can happen, and he still needs to prove himself to everyone. And, the questions surrounding Jeff Garcia, and whether Favre will be a Buc or not, still loom as training camp gets underway. Even more questions loom around New Orleans. Will Brees continue his Pro Bowl career, and can Deuce McAllister return to his normal form. And there’s always questions surrounding New Orleans’ defense. I have failed to even mention the Atlanta Falcons. Will Matt Ryan, rookie out of Boston College, be the starter come week 1? Who knows, I guess we’ll have to wait this one out.

Bottom Line: Carolina, in my book, is the team to beat. Not the defending Division Champion Tampa Bay Bucs, the Panthers from Carolina. I feel the Bucs have too many questions surrounding their offense. There is no need for 4-5 different quarterbacks, and “Cadillac” Williams has been battling injuries that last year or so. He may not be able to carry the load of 16 games this year. Earnest Graham is going to have to be on top of his game this season, just like last year.

NFC West

Winner of Division: Seattle Seahawks

I jumped on Arizona’s bandwagon last year, thinking they would run away with the Division with Matt Leinart under center. I was off by a long-shot, and don’t feel the need to go off on a limb this season, as well. Leinart, just like his USC teammate Reggie Bush, has yet to prove himself to NFL teams that he is the guy in Arizona. So, I’m gonna stick with the more popular pick in Matt Hasselbeck’s ‘Hawks. With the Shaun Alexander era over, and the Mike Holmgren era nearly wrapped up, looks like the Seahawks are looking for a fresh start. They added former Cowboy Julius Jones to their backfield, and of course their defense is always stellar. Looks like Seattle is still the team to beat in the West.

BOLD Predictions:

*Matt Leinart, not surprisingly, struggles at the helm for Arizona, and fails to capture even a Wild Card spot.

*Julius Jones puts Hasselbeck, and the entire ‘Hawks defense on his back, and leads them to the Division title.

Questions to be answered:

I am still really puzzled, and confused as to why Alex Smith is still the guy in San Fran. If he doesn’t throw more TD’s than INT’s this year, his job security is really going to be on the line. Can Frank Gore break 1,500 for the Niners? Well, whether he does or not, he really NEEDS to. I am really not sure how the Rams will fare this year. Their line is beat up still, and it seems a majority of their receivers are past their prime. The success of the offense all comes down to Steven Jackson, and how well the O-line protects Pro Bowl quarterback Marc Bulger.
Bottom Line: This Division, as usual, is weak. Once again it will probably be decided at around week 14 or 15. Seattle will win a solid 11 games, and run away with this division. Sorry for all you bandwagoners out there, but the Cardinals are going to disappoint once again this year. Neither of the two Wild Card spots will be coming from the Division. As a matter of fact, they may both come from the East.

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Wie to Participate in 8th PGA Tour Event

Michelle Wie, the 18-year old professional golfer and a member of the LPGA Tour, doesn’t deserve all the criticism she has received. Wie, who turned pro at age 16 in 2005, has yet to win an LPGA event, and has missed the cut in two majors.

Yes, it’s true that Wie hasn’t won a tournament in her professional career, and yes, she has accepted an invitation to play in her 8th PGA tour event. Wie failed to make the cut in all seven of her previous attempts in the PGA tour, and has been criticized by all for her poor performance. Her decision to play with the ‘boys’ has been questioned, as well.

Why can’t you blame Wie for all this? Well, first of all, she’s still very young. She hasn’t fully matured at the professional level yet. She obviously has talent. Back in the 2003 Nabisco Championship, Wie became the youngest player to make the cut in a LPGA major at age 13. That was not the only time Wie was the youngest in her sport. She became the youngest to qualify for a PGA Tour event in the 2004 Sony Open (age 14), the youngest to qualify for the Curtis Open in 2004, the youngest female to make a cut on the PGA Tour (2006, age 16), and even the youngest to make the cut on the Asian Tour (2006, age 16). The list goes on…

Clearly, Wie knows the game of golf, and has a passion for it. But not every golfer goes on to be the next Tiger Woods, who may be the richest, and most-known sports figure in today’s world. Give her some time to fully develop, and I think she’ll do just fine, maybe even win a few majors.

Why all the beef about the PGA Tour events? If you get an invitation to play the game you love at a higher level, and with more money at stake, wouldn’t you accept it? She is just attempting to elevate the women golfers to a new level, and prove that women can compete with men. I’m sure she doesn’t mind failing a few times in order to gain respect from the golf community. Just like what Danica Patrick, one of few women in the Stock Car world, did not long ago, Wie is attempting a feat that has yet to be accomplished. Reaching this goal of hers would, like I said, elevate the world of golf.

Her attempt, as expected, has been a failure so far, and has caused a lot of criticism. But in the end, this could pay high dividends to Michelle. I, for one, will be cheering her on when she tees off with the men, again. Is the eighth time the charm?

Brett Gets $20 Million to Stay at Home

Okay so the Brett Favre thing has been going on since the begging of time. However, the Packers and their team president Mark Murphy may have put the most interesting offer yet to the ageing gunslinger. Murphy traveled to Mississippi yesterday and offered Brett $20 million not to play next season or hold a clipboard. $20 million to sit at home and never play again. That's right $20 million over 10 years to sit at home. Damn that's a sweet deal.

I'm not going to lie, while this idea is boarder line crazy. I have to say it's a good idea and more importantly it may be the best way out. Obviously the Packers don't want Brett on their roster, and they only want to trade him to a place where they won't have to see him. This has become the most annoying contract showdown in history. Plus they are offering him $20 million to just hang out. I say take the money and run, he won't make that money under contract anywhere next season.

Deadline Day "Linkin' Logs" (7/31/08)

Well, today's doomsday for a big chunk of MLB teams...Practically half the league as I estimate at least 14 teams are within a reasonable striking distance of a playoff spot.

In my opinion, the Yankees pulled of the stunner, trading maligned reliever Kyle Farnsworth(less) for Ivan Rodriguez, who, while past his prime, is still better than Jose Molina, and knows what it takes to win.

Well the rest of the day should be filled with tons of fun...Links!

• Stay up to date on Trade Rumors with my favorite site; MLBtraderumors.com
• So Jeff Garcia got injured...Guess its time to order those Tampa Favre Jerseys
• Junior is a Sock...of the White variety
• Fun Fact...there's a Bill Belichick sex tape...
• Shawn Kemp's still getting work
• Sometimes when Mike Wilbon does PTI, he doesn't wear pants...really
• and finally..Brett Favre was offered $20 million to NOT play...seriously...
  

Those Daily "Linkin Logs" (7/30/08)

I had the pleasure of intermittently enjoying the Red Sox game last night (being a Bean town resident and all, though not a Sox fan) and laughing at all the poor fans watching their team get shut down...again.

John Lackey, part time Angels starter - part time fantasy starter (pour moi) was unbelievable until the 9th and then positively human, after allowing a tough single past the shortstop. Kevin Youkilis (known Manny Hater) homered to bring Lackey from ultimate high to "eff it, CG is good enough." Regardless, it was well done.

• J.P. Ricciardi through the gauntlet down when Greg Zaun asked for a trade. To quote (thanks to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com): "We're aware that Zaunie is unhappy. We wish he wouldn't go through the media with it. We wish he would come to us, especially knowing we have a good relationship. Unfortunately, right now, there are no takers for him. If there are, we'll definitely oblige him."
• Ricky Williams is back...mostly because he can't afford munchies right now
• Say what you want about Eagles Hanger on Jamal Jones, but he gives all he's got...and that's 100%, not 110%, because we all know that's bullshit
• Also from Philly, the Eagles will be spending 3 days with NFL officials discussing the new defensive radio options. In theory it seems simple and helpful, but based on this article, in practice it might become difficult if not downright confusing.
• Hey Barry Switzer got a job!
• ESPN - We've run out of ideas
• And finally, thanks to deadspin; Oh Morgantown, why am I not surprised
  

Missin' some "Linkin' Logs" (7/29/08)

The bug'll get ya every once and a while. In this case, some extreme work issues followed up by a busy evening resulted in the missing links.

Regardless, today I'll do my best to give you some Favre free links (shit...)

• Tim Donaghy is fuuuuucked
• Apparently the Yankees and Mariners are caught in a baseball version of chicken. The Yankees want Jarrod Washburn, but are unwilling to part with more than a middling prospect, however, they are willing to pay all of his remaining salary. The Mariners want a higher level prospect. Both want to deal (Yankees to get a pitcher, Mariners to continue the dump/retooling), but neither is willing to give/take more. My guess is this deal gets done by Thursday.
• Also, apparently Mark Teixeira is all but traded, but to who and for what is practically unknown. Some are suggesting the deal is all but in place, while others don't even know where Tex is going
• Brought to you by Thefightins.com, Will Ohman's Saturday lineup. I have to admit, Ohman certainly is elevated in my book...
• Thanks to Deadspin.com, 2 UVA football players were recently arrested for stealing beer at a gay bar (Deadspin notes that UVA has the gayest mascot ever) Admittedly, I've already said everything interesting in this story, but the reason to click the link is for the one player's faux hawk...seriously, totally worth it!
• We here at BNB are huge fans of PFT (ProFootballtalk for the layman) and this will be just one of many PFT gems. Apparently Pacman Jones just can't shed Pacman. PFT speculates this is because everyone calls him Pacman and it won't stop.
• Posada Done. Hudson Done. Isringhausen...not so much.
• 4% of the Salary Cap for a Kick returner/??? Brilliant!
• And (while this has little to do with Sports). This recent Mr. T/Snickers spot has been pulled for being Anti-Gay. Feel free to e-mail links@badnewsbloggers.com to tell me why...seriously
  

On The Brink: An NFC West Preview

The NFC West last year was perhaps one of the least exciting divisions to follow in the entire NFL. The only remotely successful team, Seattle, had their ups and downs during the season but generally had the division on lock by the end of Week 4.

There were many reasons for such non-parity.

The Rams were racked by injuries and were tasked with playing with a 'Replacement-esque' offensive line. Marc Bulger was sacked fifty times per game and Stephen Jackson missed much of the season due to injury.

The 49ers, such a trendy sleeper pick these past couple years regressed once again and Alex Smith flirted with having his name thrown in with Ryan Leaf’s. Having the worst offense in the league, combined with a mediocre (at best) defense eventually summed up to a not-so-great year for San Francisco.

Arizona, who showed a bit of promise last year, was still playing with Kurt Warner as their starter thanks to a disappointing and injured Matt Leinart. Although he guided them to an 8-8 record, Warner showed his age and the offense lacked the explosiveness it could have potentially had with Leinart under center.

Going into this year, the hopes are high for each team. The 49ers have brought in Mike Martz to improve their anemic offense. The Rams are going into the season with a healthy Stephen Jackson, Marc Bulger and offensive line – all three things that make their offense scary. Seattle signed Julius Jones in the hopes he could be a big part of a potential committee at RB, although their WR situation at the moment is iffy. Finally, Arizona still has Larry Fitzgerald and Anquin Boldin on their offense and that’s essentially all that matters. Although they are hoping that this is the year that Matt Leinart finally realizes he is in fact a professional quarterback.

However, every team goes into the year with a positive attitude. If they didn’t than it would be scary, unprofessional and a bit pathetic. Thankfully, we the fans can be the realists and sort out who has a shot, who doesn’t and who probably should be the reason the NFL creates a minor league system.

The good thing is that every team in the NFC West is on a relatively equal playing field, save for San Francisco unless they make an extreme turnaround. It really could go a multitude of different ways and the season’s outcome, like every year, will depend upon a variety of factors.


Division prediction:
St. Louis (10-6)
Arizona (8-8)
Seattle (8-8)
San Francisco (6-10)

A healthy St. Louis offense is a potent offense and even though they lost Isaac Bruce to the 49ers, the offense still has the ability to put up huge numbers especially if Stephen Jackson can remain healthy. With little to no pass rush last year, Marc Bulger did everything he could to will the team to a win but to no avail. Still, he looked impressive for a QB who was basically playing in the face of a constant pass rush and the threat of broken ribs.

The secondary should improve with the off-season signing of David Macklin and the defensive line will get an instant upgrade with the arrival of Chris Long. While the Rams defense wasn’t the worst in the league last year, it can use the help and if it can be at least average, the offense will take care of the rest.

The Cardinals proved last year that they are finally to be taken seriously… or at least somewhat seriously. Having gone .500 last year, the only way they can go up is to make the playoffs and breaking even again or anything less would generally be regarded as a disappointment. It all rests on the well-moisturized, hot-tub-loving arm of Matt Leinart (what, is that joke dead yet?).

The defense, like the Rams was mediocre last year but has been improved upon with free agency and the draft. The key to the Cardinals season is going to be whether or not Matt Leinart can step it up and if Edgerrin James can continue to at least be mildly productive. If Leinart gets injured or cannot step into the starting role well, Kurt Warner can only take them so far. He’s performed valiantly up until now but it’s time for Leinart to show what he’s got, if anything.

It came as no surprise when the Seahawks offense declined slightly when Shaun Alexander fell off the map. On a side-note, what exactly happened to Shaun Alexander? One minute he’s breaking the rushing touchdown record and the next minute he’s a free agent and no one wants to sign him. It’s all very weird if you ask me.

The Seahawks fortunately still have Matt Hasselbeck in his prime. Unfortunately, his receiving corps is awfully banged up and mediocre when otherwise. The running back situation is still up in the air with T.J. Duckett, Maurice Morris and Julius Jones all competing for playing time. The defense was a tad above average last year and should see rookie Lawrence Jackson from USC make a significant impact.

Lastly, we have the San Francisco 49ers who after the Dolphins were easily the worst team in the NFL last year. The offense was horrible. It was horrendous. It was every possible bad term you could come up with all rolled into one nasty word.

Mike Nolan has brought in offensive guru Mike Martz to try and help turn things around and more importantly, try and kick Alex Smith’s ass into gear. Martz, who is known for his quarterback mentoring looks to turn the 49ers offense around with his extremely complicated yet amazingly effective offensive system.

It may not be the strongest division in football, but the 2008 season should be an interesting one in the NFC West. The Seahawks, who are going for their fifth consecutive division title in 2008 look awfully vulnerable and both the Rams and Cardinals have realistic shots at ending that streak this year. The 49ers are the wild card in the whole thing and while they realistically don’t have much of a chance of taking the division, I wouldn’t put it past them to finally be the sleeper team the year that everyone’s given up on them as a sleeper team. It’s just how the NFL works.