tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835784852620887092024-02-19T08:15:29.028-08:00The Falcons SuckDedicated to all four NFC South teams. I just really freaking hate the Falcons.Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-53398640637897800062009-09-03T08:46:00.000-07:002009-09-03T09:02:20.172-07:00Bucs Release Offensive Coordinator<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYq9TtG5E3P4aFNebWK2tI1PBkqFrZ_zuPHm8u4EHamJj3oAQYf-ib7M_5Yjb7WtM6SBeQHIuCQDsrYGM7gIDLa_p67WPS2Yw60UPCs7UWcd1RGgj8OsAvAGYE4GlhkVCd088hyH8T7RV/s1600-h/jagodzinski.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377272056281321426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYq9TtG5E3P4aFNebWK2tI1PBkqFrZ_zuPHm8u4EHamJj3oAQYf-ib7M_5Yjb7WtM6SBeQHIuCQDsrYGM7gIDLa_p67WPS2Yw60UPCs7UWcd1RGgj8OsAvAGYE4GlhkVCd088hyH8T7RV/s320/jagodzinski.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Tampa released offenseive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski this morning. Yeah, he's the guy who was in the news for interviewing for the N.Y. Jets job while he was still a coach at Boston College. Kind of funny how he lost his BC job just for interviewing elsewhere, and now he doesn't have a job at all.<br />So far, it appears that personality issues might have been the cause for Jagodzinski's release. I'm wondering if it had anything to do with the fact that he's just plain got a weird name.<br />The Bucs have promoted quarterbacks coach Greg Olson to the job of offensive coordinator. This answers my first question, which was...I wonder if they'll go after Chan Gailey, who was just released by Kansas City.<br />I just wonder if there will be any hard feelings now within the organization between Olson and head coach Raheem Morris. Morris could have originally promoted Olson to the job of offensive coordinator, after he had spent a few years with that same title in St. Louis. Instead, Morris chose to go with Jagodzinski, and he left Olson at the QB coaching job. Now, it's likely that this promotion for Olson is a move from ouside Morris's reach. Remember, Raheem Morris got the head coaching job without ever even being a coordinator. He was promoted from a position coaching gig.<br /><br /><br />Things are definitely strange in Tampa these days. This move definitely won't have me changing my last prediction that the Bucs will finish last in the division this year.Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-16057959220714945992009-09-01T08:10:00.000-07:002009-09-01T08:45:44.249-07:00Worst-to-first in the NFC South<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozHfxf7GUz62BFhR2ZkEe4KxypnFUpYJ5ezOhzq3xKw-gEZ6KEag3z37SkKW9dkg3Y949D5BotsNuPNCuf46Dj5wezu_rVgcXE27xFDHAiAta2ertLL31bP7xaeT83jfc7l5TsTDLppgb/s1600-h/drewbreesrecords1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376525483983245490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozHfxf7GUz62BFhR2ZkEe4KxypnFUpYJ5ezOhzq3xKw-gEZ6KEag3z37SkKW9dkg3Y949D5BotsNuPNCuf46Dj5wezu_rVgcXE27xFDHAiAta2ertLL31bP7xaeT83jfc7l5TsTDLppgb/s320/drewbreesrecords1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The NFC South's "worst-to-first" pattern had an amazing streak going earlier this decade. From 2003-2007, the team that placed last in the division went on to win it the following season. Also, it seems that division winners tend to struggle the following season. </div><div> </div><div>Carolina finished last in 2002 and won the division in 2003. </div><br /><div>Atlanta finished last in 2003 and won the division in 2004.</div><br /><div>Tampa Bay finished last in 2004 and won the division in 2005.</div><br /><div>New Orleans finished last in 2005 and won the division in 2006. </div><br /><div>Tampa Bay finished last in 2007 and won the division in 2007. </div><br /><div>In 2008, Carolina hit a last second field goal to defeat New Orleans. If the Saints could have won that game, then the Falcons would have won the NFC South after finishing last in 2007. Still, Atlanta earned a playoff spot in 2008. So, if you are a believer of patterns or trends in sports, then you must be a believer in the Saints for the 2009 NFL season. </div><br /><div>After watching a lot of preseason games so far this year, I really believe that 2009 will be no different than the past six years in the NFC South. I think the Saints will win the division, and the Panthers will really struggle. </div><div>Sure, Carolina has an outstanding running game to go along with one of football's greatest receivers. I just think they'll have to put up a ton of points to compete this year, considering how poor their defense will perform. </div><div>Replacing defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu with a guy like Louis Leonard just might still leave a little left to be desired on the defensive line. Also, the Panthers are experiencing very poor secondary production right now, not to mention the fact that Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason could miss a few games. </div><div>As for the Saints, I really see their defense picking it up a little this year. They've gotten better where they needed help, and their offense will still be just as strong as it was last year. I could even see Mike Bell and Robert Meachem stepping up this year to give the new offensive coordinator a few more options. </div><div>The Bucs will likely struggle in 2009, and I don't see the Falcons winning the division. Atlanta may finish second this year, but they will struggle defensively just like Carolina this season. </div><div>Here's how it will shake out for 2009:</div><div>Saints</div><div>Falcons</div><div>Panthers</div><div>Bucs</div><div>Don't worry Tampa fans. 2010 is your year! </div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-9126699954323538392009-08-31T05:43:00.000-07:002009-08-31T05:58:39.305-07:00I'm a Fraud!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxFMO8QluhdtYbdh9sLsEgnEmqCfp5fblHpVajGlFydPnRwrtJn0RlTzLmvPeFw_aw7TuNl7wPu9BGvt0eJ3fIl_jBtLtil0S4RO_-iQDIIyOu-L6BC1pO3rKQTs8Q0UYX79VdOOjM6zQ/s1600-h/roddywhitevick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376111328876723122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxFMO8QluhdtYbdh9sLsEgnEmqCfp5fblHpVajGlFydPnRwrtJn0RlTzLmvPeFw_aw7TuNl7wPu9BGvt0eJ3fIl_jBtLtil0S4RO_-iQDIIyOu-L6BC1pO3rKQTs8Q0UYX79VdOOjM6zQ/s320/roddywhitevick.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm very embarrassed to admit it, but I recently went against everything this blog stands for. I was picking in my fantasy football league at work, and I was just too weak to pass up Roddy White in the fifth round. Several receivers rated below (worse than) him had already been selected when it was my turn. In all honesty, he was a steal at the place I got him in my draft. Still, I feel sick! <div>I drafted a Falcon. The Falcons Suck!!! How could I do this? I've beating myself up over this for a few days, and all I can come up with is that I was greedy. </div><div>We give a nice trophy to the fantasy football winner every year, and it was right there in front of me...just taunting me as I was up to make my selection. I could have taken a less proven wide-receiver, but I turned my back on all of my principles just for the chance to win a stupid trophy. </div><div>I've tried to make myself feel better by saying, "at least I didn't take Michael Turner or Matt Ryan", but I know I'm just letting myself off easy there. I should be ashamed of myself. Maybe I'll trade him. But then I'd still be benefitting from the speculation that a Falcon might actually live up to their potential. How many Falcons can you think of that have actually lived up to their potential in the NFL? </div><div>I'll understand if you want to bash me for my cowardice. I deserve it. </div><br /><div></div><div>I apologize if I've let you down. </div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-9430080709806776032009-08-19T07:40:00.000-07:002009-08-19T08:14:19.738-07:00"What the hell is Brett Favre Doing Here?"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIHCyeGBHL_aaPPuS-U2Frfjuq59RHKge2qsCPd4IO1FQaOSl5HFbGAqhFrsr_ma1TTfDuC5JAKFM0oJMf-tQ6rHr_1_NX-V5HCFBwvoz-xMOWCjaCSkY4CvqTzj7vrkehPMa68TFOR0L/s1600-h/favresomethingmary.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371690453067882530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIHCyeGBHL_aaPPuS-U2Frfjuq59RHKge2qsCPd4IO1FQaOSl5HFbGAqhFrsr_ma1TTfDuC5JAKFM0oJMf-tQ6rHr_1_NX-V5HCFBwvoz-xMOWCjaCSkY4CvqTzj7vrkehPMa68TFOR0L/s320/favresomethingmary.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>By now, I'm sure you've heard that Brett Favre has signed a two year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Personally, I never believed him three weeks ago when he said he wasn't coming back, but still, I guess this is newsworthy. What it means to the NFC South is very little, considering the fact that there's now way that the Vikings will compete for a playoff wildcard spot this year, and they only play one team from the division. Sure, they could make the playoffs, but they'll have to win the North to do that. I'd be willing to bet just about anything that the wildcards will come out of the South or the East again this year. </div><div>The one team in the division that will face Favre this year is the Panthers. Great news for Carolina fans...they don't play them until late December. That means that Favre will either be banged up and on the bench by then, or he'll be tired and throwing tons of INTs. Still, the Vikings were able to beat the Panthers last year without a solid quarterback even on the roster. </div><div>I'll definitely pick Carolina to win this game, I just hope they pick up a veteran defensive tackle before then. </div><div>Carolina looked rough at times in their first preseason game on Monday Night Football this week. It looks like Nick Hayden just won't be the guy to fill the hole at defensive tackle. He was getting pushed around like he was some high school player out there. Granted, the Giants have a strong offensive line, but still...that performance was a little ridiculous. I did however really like what I saw from linebacker J Leman. He could turn out to be a solid special-teamer for Carolina. </div><div>On another note from that Panthers/Giants game, I really liked what Coach Gruden was able to bring to the broadcast booth. I'm pretty sure someone told him to talk more during the games, because last week he seemed very nervous, while this week he wouldn't shut up. I especially liked when he called DeAngelo Williams the NFL's best running back. </div><div>I enjoy the football knowledge he brings to a broadcast, and he just reminds me of how much I couldn't stand listening to Tony Kornheiser. I do enjoy PTI, I just don't want to hear about American Idol while watching Monday Night Football. </div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-71543597601007988562009-08-13T08:23:00.000-07:002009-08-13T08:49:58.490-07:00Fantasy Rankings: Quarterbacks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1iu6UlqFuinAUWQ-8QA8xql3NuII7aHzuanv5ap60HsbJJ4cNiEyq2xqYZ5595BU0ECJr5p9BOs6WxG5IuS6iBzIHd6ExMzLvaZIWFC6SEi20c1hc7abWAwjntcEB_7wFDAgWGzwyxGA/s1600-h/drew-brees.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369475841668986994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1iu6UlqFuinAUWQ-8QA8xql3NuII7aHzuanv5ap60HsbJJ4cNiEyq2xqYZ5595BU0ECJr5p9BOs6WxG5IuS6iBzIHd6ExMzLvaZIWFC6SEi20c1hc7abWAwjntcEB_7wFDAgWGzwyxGA/s320/drew-brees.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Deciding when to take a quarterback is pretty difficult in most leagues. Most fantasy draft tips suggest that picking a running back is the way to go with your first two picks. I actually disagree. </div><div>If you can pick up one of the top four quarterbacks this year, I'd definitely go that route before taking a middle-of-the road running back. The reason is because lots of running backs fit into the middle-of-the road category, and if you miss out on one guy, you'll probably be able to get someone fairly comparable in the next round. With the top-end quarterbacks, the points are just too hard to make up if you pass on them. For instance, last year, only five other quarterbacks scored within 100 points of Drew Brees (in my Yahoo league). Also, the fantasy team with the most successful quarterback has won my league, each of the last four years. </div><div>Then again, my league gives six points for a passing touchdown. Still, you should consider at least my top four guys earlier than the "expert" lists might suggest. </div><div>This is my QB list for 2009. Picking up a backup is necessary, so I'll list 24 (helpful for leagues of 12). As always, my list was made by looking at projections and last year's fantasy totals. </div><br /><div></div><div>1. Drew Brees</div><div>2. Tom Brady</div><div>3. Peyton Manning</div><div>4. Aaron Rodgers</div><div>5. Phillip Rivers</div><div>6. Kurt Warner</div><div>7. Donovan McNabb</div><div>8. Tony Romo</div><div>9. Jay Cutler</div><div>10. Eli Manning</div><div>11. Carson Palmer</div><div>12. Matt Cassel</div><div>13. Matt Shaub</div><div>14. Matt Ryan</div><div>15. Jake Delhomme</div><div>16. Chad Pennington</div><div>17. David Garrard</div><div>18. Trent Edwards</div><div>19. Ben Roethlisberger</div><div>20. Kyle Orton</div><div>21. Jason Campbell</div><div>22. Matt Hasselbeck</div><div>23. Kerry Collins</div><div>24. Joe Flacco</div><div>Other backups to watch: Brady Quinn, Sage Rosenfels, Matt Stafford)</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-60992995447465463872009-08-12T10:54:00.000-07:002009-08-14T12:44:04.992-07:00Fantasy Rankings: Running Backs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mtbA8Vz7dLM84JUbGnVnjfcXBQgXSyN4gPHUx3QIarQtnKG7jNg4bqEcZaRanw77pN8OkGT0glMu5-Jok0QQaytCKhLibej6cRFfaZPQfPa1cTLNKVt_zMT7i-SIaf6S_hyphenhyphensDHNYVx9i/s1600-h/jonathan-stewart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369144740902058530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 274px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mtbA8Vz7dLM84JUbGnVnjfcXBQgXSyN4gPHUx3QIarQtnKG7jNg4bqEcZaRanw77pN8OkGT0glMu5-Jok0QQaytCKhLibej6cRFfaZPQfPa1cTLNKVt_zMT7i-SIaf6S_hyphenhyphensDHNYVx9i/s320/jonathan-stewart.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is the big one. RB is the most important position for almost all fantasy leagues. Who is going to be this year's LT? Who is going to be this year's DeAngelo Williams. One of those guys was taken as a first pick in most leagues, while the other was picked as a bench player. LT was sort of a let-down, while Williams had more fantasy points than any other RB last year. </div><div>It's tough, but fun!</div><div>Here's my list of RBs for 2009. As always, I made my list by looking at "expert" opinions, last year's point totals, and a little intuition. I'll list 36 since I'm sure I'll pick up at least 3 in my fantasy draft. Enjoy. </div><br /><div></div><div>1. Adrian Peterson</div><div>2. Matt Forte</div><div>3. DeAngelo Williams</div><div>4. Michael Turner</div><div>5. Clinton Portis</div><div>6. Brian Westbrook</div><div>7. Maurice Jones-Drew</div><div>8. LaDainian Tomlinson<br />9. Brandon Jacobs</div><div>10. Steve Slaton</div><div>11. Steven Jackson</div><div>12. Chris Johnson</div><div>13. Marion Barber</div><div>14. Thomas Jones</div><div>15. Frank Gore</div><div>16. Ronnie Brown</div><div>17. Ryan Grant</div><div>18. Marshawn Lynch</div><div>19. Larry Johnson</div><div>20. Jonathan Stewart</div><div>21. LenDale White</div><div>22. Willie Parker</div><div>23. Kevin Smith</div><div>24. Le'Ron McClain</div><div>25. Tim Hightower</div><div>26. Reggie Bush</div><div>27. Joseph Addai</div><div>28. Derrick Ward</div><div>29. Sammy Morris</div><div>30. Felix Jones</div><div>31. Jerious Norwood</div><div>32. Knowshon Moreno</div><div>33. Jamal Lewis</div><div>34. Julius Jones</div><div>35. LeSean McCoy</div><div>36. Leon Washington</div><div></div><div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-89993959486779525152009-08-11T08:14:00.000-07:002009-08-11T08:58:40.419-07:00Fantasy Rankings: Wide Receivers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY4y2pGC-rXof2CzCK3ancAzWZAVDy7V1a_of7Jan35yYwpyzItD0ioZqlUejpcEqHnlCn0pvzERZ5m7HUTC7a6VERwLSfkgahxLryQHLlQTA6C8q5CojMoBtuyrz1gQSwRqerp2Qw9zX/s1600-h/lancemoore.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368735491901219170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY4y2pGC-rXof2CzCK3ancAzWZAVDy7V1a_of7Jan35yYwpyzItD0ioZqlUejpcEqHnlCn0pvzERZ5m7HUTC7a6VERwLSfkgahxLryQHLlQTA6C8q5CojMoBtuyrz1gQSwRqerp2Qw9zX/s320/lancemoore.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Now we are getting into the good stuff. Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers are always the most exciting and anticipated picks in a fantasy draft. This year, to form my list for WRs, I printed out an "expert's" list, and compared it to the how many fantasy points each receiver scored last year. Throw in a little intuition, and that's how you form a solid rankings list. </div><div>Since my league requires a team to start 3 receivers, and there are 12 people in my league, I've got 36 WRs on the list. Enjoy. </div><br /><div></div><div>1. Larry Fitzgerald</div><div>2. Andre Johnson</div><div>3. Randy Moss</div><div>4. Calvin Johnson</div><div>5. Steve Smith</div><div>6. Reggie Wayne</div><div>7. Roddy White</div><div>8. Terrell Owens</div><div>9. Greg Jennings</div><div>10. Anquan Boldin</div><div>11. Antonio Bryant</div><div>12. Roy Williams</div><div>13. Wes Welker</div><div>14. Vincent Jackson</div><div>15. Brandon Marshall</div><div>16. Lee Evans</div><div>17. Hines Ward</div><div>18. Braylon Edwards</div><div>19. Bernard Berrian</div><div>20. Dwayne Bowe</div><div>21. Santana Moss</div><div>22. DeSean Jackson</div><div>23. Devin Hester</div><div>24. Kevin Walker</div><div>25. Marques Colston</div><div>26. T.J. Houshmandzadeh</div><div>27. Santonio Holmes</div><div>28. Donald Driver</div><div>29. Lance Moore</div><div>30. Jerricho Cotchery</div><div>31. Chad Ochocinco</div><div>32. Anthony Gonzalez</div><div>33. Torry Holt</div><div>34. Laveranues Coles</div><div>35. Muhsin Muhammad</div><div>36. Patrick Crayton</div><div>37. Justin Gage</div><div>38. Domenik Hixon</div><div>39. Percy Harvin</div><div>40. Steve Breaston</div><div>41. Chris Chambers</div><div>42. Ted Ginn Jr.</div><div>43. Derrick Mason</div><div>44. Eddie Royal</div><div>45. Isaac Bruce</div><div>46. Steve Smith (NYG)</div><div>47. Nate Washington </div><div>48. Michael Jenkins</div><div></div><div>Okay, so I got a little carried away. As I was finishing my list of 36, I realized that I'll definitely need at least one backup WR. I'll do rankings for RBs and QBs in the next couple of days. </div><div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-61885505437688121792009-08-10T12:32:00.000-07:002009-08-10T12:45:26.231-07:00Fantasy Rankings: Tight Ends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRCwRvYLYxVer7qP7WMDsliFDuNWFGLmzQrsfDeWiS0LBpP3NZt7zN8KMeFsRTNxDPugH5fQVdwqWr5poNY95GsXjhKq3W2kn5NPX4BbnzwgrQ8OHGqsJ4gWTmPS0TqSPdwHHva2vzugp/s1600-h/nfl_ryan_gonzalez_576.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368423208887878866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRCwRvYLYxVer7qP7WMDsliFDuNWFGLmzQrsfDeWiS0LBpP3NZt7zN8KMeFsRTNxDPugH5fQVdwqWr5poNY95GsXjhKq3W2kn5NPX4BbnzwgrQ8OHGqsJ4gWTmPS0TqSPdwHHva2vzugp/s320/nfl_ryan_gonzalez_576.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm usually one of the last people to draft a tight end. If the absolute best tight ends are already gone, I'd much rather go ahead and take a solid backup at running back or wide receiver. </div><div>Below is my list of the top 12 tight ends for 2009. My list was made by comparing each player's fantasy points from 2008 to lists made thus far by the "experts." </div><div>I really hated to put Tony Gonzalez so high, but I really believe he'll be Ryan's #2 option in Atlanta this year. Along that same line, with the departure of T.O. in Dallas, I believe Jason Witten will prove to be Tony Romo's #1 go-to guy in the passing game. Here's how the rest of my list shakes out...</div><br /><div></div><div>1. Jason Witten (Dal)</div><div>2. Tony Gonzales (Atl)</div><div>3. Antonio Gates (SD)</div><div>4. Dallas Clark (Ind)</div><div>5. Visanthe Shiancoe (Min)</div><div>6. Owen Daniels (Hou)</div><div>7. John Carlson (Sea)</div><div>8. Kellen Winslow Jr. (TB)</div><div>9. Greg Olsen (Chi)</div><div>10. Dustin Keller (NYJ)</div><div>11. Tony Scheffler (Den)</div><div>12. Chris Cooley (Was)</div><div>A few others were close to making the list. If you need a backup tight end, you should consider Kevin Boss, Anthony Fasano, or Heath Miller. </div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-73687557277918980882009-08-10T11:10:00.000-07:002009-08-10T11:44:47.191-07:00Boo-Birds in Charlotte<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvAV3Cpvun9n6O5PzWTdiMdHyZP7Kcw0QZXSrVU-isGDvby8VZF8V4MOEGqw-H7H-rQATlCQq670oGl4en8MMcAAFC3Co2LKH1qMz3izdF2EXSF8WkL5-XMhOl7VrmEIwBdTv_Y8NYf50/s1600-h/jake-delhomme.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368407843122451074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvAV3Cpvun9n6O5PzWTdiMdHyZP7Kcw0QZXSrVU-isGDvby8VZF8V4MOEGqw-H7H-rQATlCQq670oGl4en8MMcAAFC3Co2LKH1qMz3izdF2EXSF8WkL5-XMhOl7VrmEIwBdTv_Y8NYf50/s320/jake-delhomme.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It has been very difficult for some Carolina Panthers fans to deal with their ugly playoff loss from last season. It's no secret that Jake Delhomme had the worst game of his career in that matchup against the Cardinals. His six turnovers sure made Arizona's job a little easier that night. </div><div>The Panthers fans that were in attendance either left the game early, or sat in their chairs suffering from complete shock as they watched their NFC South winning team completely implode. </div><div>Now, the fans have had the majority of an offseason to stew over the loss, and decide how to deal with it. Some have decided to move on and look forward to a promising 2009, while others have chosen to go with the bratty teenager method. These are the fans that showed up for the Panthers "Fan Fest" in Bank of America Stadium last Saturday. </div><div>Fan Fest is usually a great opportunity for fans to see the team in action, while also getting to have some fun with "Sir Purr" and the new "Topcats." </div><div>This year, the event turned a little...well, we'll say it turned a little "Denver". By now, I'm sure you've heard that the Broncos' new QB, Kyle Orton, was heavily booed by fans in Denver. Well, Charlotte saw a little bit of that on Saturday, when the usually tame Panthers fans decided to let Jake Delhomme know exactly how they felt. After getting picked off (because of a poor WR route), the boo-birds showed themselves. </div><div>While I support a fan's right to have an opinion and boo, I don't have to like the actions of stupid people. Jake Delhomme is not a "marquee player" (to quote Jerry Maguire). He doesn't marry supermodels, or go on SNL, or even endorse Axe Hair Spray so he can go flirt with Carson Daly. He's a middle-of-the road QB, who has the heart of a champion. His skills don't match those of the league's elite, but his determination and leadership abilities never cease to impress me. </div><div>I am struggling to understand how Panthers fans forgot so quickly that Delhomme led his one (good) receiver team into the second round of the playoffs last season. It frustrates me that his successes can be overshadowed in the blink of an eye by one defeat. Albeit, it was an awful defeat, but still, he's earned a better support group. </div><div>So, the boos have flown and the sounds were heard by Delhomme. What now? </div><div>First of all, I truly hope the fans have gotten it out of their system. I've watched Jake Delhomme play many many games, and I really enjoy what he brings to a team. There are only about six or seven QBs I'd rather have leading my team than Jake Delhomme. He's going to pick himself up and make up for that miserable playoff perfomance very soon. Fans should not be worried. </div><div>Secondly, I don't think the boos will get to him like they might with a player like Kyle Orton. Delhomme has dealt with adversity in the past. He knows how to clean up a mess and prove everyone wrong. Orton hasn't really proven that he can do that. </div><div>Want to know my prediction for when exactly Delhomme will prove all of his booing friends to be idiots??? How about September 20th? That is when the Panthers will be heading to Atlanta to dismantle their spotty defense. The Panthers may win their first game against the Eagles. I just really can't wait to see what they do the Dirty Birds. </div><div>The Falcons Suck. Delhomme will prove this very soon.</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-16288833892393719482009-08-07T07:55:00.000-07:002009-08-07T08:13:26.076-07:00Fantasy Rankings: Defense/Special Teams<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV-iXRB25_vNF1GPPCcMbuVxgzJ8lAefwH6z2WIALU0UnzFNWhl_H5q18EUqEujNZTFyoitf-_ANL_vrlR52NnCtB36RFSuMLRRJxHH-tlEdEwVuTqiu5BTI6ATEDcDdrYQ5dmHUx6WKP/s1600-h/ravensd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367240043215642162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV-iXRB25_vNF1GPPCcMbuVxgzJ8lAefwH6z2WIALU0UnzFNWhl_H5q18EUqEujNZTFyoitf-_ANL_vrlR52NnCtB36RFSuMLRRJxHH-tlEdEwVuTqiu5BTI6ATEDcDdrYQ5dmHUx6WKP/s320/ravensd.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Having a solid defense/special teams on your side for fantasy football is crucial. As always, it's very important to find out how your league distributes points for this category. My league gives points for just about any positive thing your defense might accomplish. Also, there is often a certain number of points award for defenses who give up a smaller amount of points. So, for instance, you might not want to start the defense/special teams unit that is going up against a red-hot Tom Brady and Randy Moss. You would want to start the defense/special teams fortunate enough to line up with, let's say, the 49ers. Shutouts are worth a lot of points. You might even want to pick up Arizona's defense for the week that they face Carolina this year. Then again, they might just opt to hand the ball off every down this time...ouch!!! </div><br /><div></div><div>This is my list for the top Defense/Special Teams this year. I realize that it's a little different from the popular lists floating around online, but I'm okay with that. I compared those lists to the actual number of points scored last year on Yahoo. I mixed all that up with my incredible ability to predict the future. Here it is...</div><br /><div></div><div>1. Baltimore</div><div>2. Pittsburgh</div><div>3. Philadelphia</div><div>4. Chicago</div><div>5. NYGiants</div><div>6. Minnesota</div><div>7. New England</div><div>8. Dallas</div><div>9. Tennessee</div><div>10. Carolina</div><div>11. Miami</div><div>12. Arizona</div><div>32. Atlanta (The Falcons defense REALLY Sucks!!!)</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-55985956910057153562009-08-06T10:06:00.000-07:002009-08-06T10:17:15.110-07:00The Falcons Suck: Harry Douglas Goes Down<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNEivvSNdqX3Wh0Wx0EsIx1tl-ktBmKRwaspsqccUbhBuDoWaCyju4q2wVr1y6aoTacGdg2vHeiBI6ByV1wbjezrpdPtkSOl4dqWc_5pespMs_7Vn7gWojagFgKuVzkDr-iLnMjIyT9MU/s1600-h/harrygoesdown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366900926482775154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNEivvSNdqX3Wh0Wx0EsIx1tl-ktBmKRwaspsqccUbhBuDoWaCyju4q2wVr1y6aoTacGdg2vHeiBI6ByV1wbjezrpdPtkSOl4dqWc_5pespMs_7Vn7gWojagFgKuVzkDr-iLnMjIyT9MU/s320/harrygoesdown.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Falcons receiver Harry Douglas, who was taking first-team snaps in Roddy White's absence, went down with a leg injury at practice Wednesday. By the way, in case you didn't know, White was absent due to contract negotiations. </div><div>It's always difficult to tell if a camp injury is serious right away, but the signs here aren't great. Douglas had to be helped by two people to get off the field and onto a cart. An earlier version of the story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said that Matt Ryan shouted a "loud expletive" after seeing Douglas hit the deck. In case you are wondering, it is believed that Ryan just screamed, "you bitch" to the defensive back closest to Douglas at the time of the injury. </div><div>"You can't speculate," coach Mike Smith said. "Anytime you lose any player it's not the best situation. Harry is an integral part of our team. "Douglas is coming off a quietly impressive rookie year and was expected to challenge Michael Jenkins for a starting job. If Douglas is out for a significant amount of time, the Falcons are down to Jenkins, Brian Finneran, and a slew of receivers without NFL production. (They signed Dickie Lyons Tuesday . . . and released him Wednesday.) </div><div> </div><div>This injury leaves three inevitable truths. </div><div>1. Roddy White is about to get the contract he wants. </div><div>2. Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez are about to have a Tony Romo/Jason Witten kind of relationship. </div><div>3. The Falcons will still suck!!!</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-19124625853149888782009-08-05T08:52:00.001-07:002009-08-05T09:05:29.588-07:00Fantasy Rankings: Kickers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9hGAUnlE1ou6m8dCccR_bZ09iJYeBe11m2wmMlOOqgWE1UW2Ffhnum6WG9uzCQnJ9-OEZ-8zbLHOfMMyUtyb5POom-LTMq3HYfaI5-EjgDgDu5JZzqaNraQu5sRuLAZUhJWYD2Nxd7my/s1600-h/john_kasey_bucs2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366511119291501858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9hGAUnlE1ou6m8dCccR_bZ09iJYeBe11m2wmMlOOqgWE1UW2Ffhnum6WG9uzCQnJ9-OEZ-8zbLHOfMMyUtyb5POom-LTMq3HYfaI5-EjgDgDu5JZzqaNraQu5sRuLAZUhJWYD2Nxd7my/s320/john_kasey_bucs2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I like to pick my kicker with one of my absolute last picks in the draft. Sometimes people find it necessary to get all of their starters before picking up any backups. That's ridiculous! </div><div>Make sure you've got a backup RB, WR, and QB (at least) before even thinking about a kicker. </div><br /><div></div><div>Here's my top 12 list:</div><br /><div></div><div>1. Rob Bironas - TN</div><div>2. Mason Crosby - GB</div><div>3. Stephen Goskowski - NE</div><div>4. Robbie Gould - Chi</div><div>5. David Akers - Phi</div><div>6. Nate Kaeding - SD</div><div>7. John Kasay - Car</div><div>8. Jason Elam (The Falcons Suck) - Atl</div><div>9. Neil Rackers - Ari</div><div>10. Ryan Longwell - Min</div><div>11. Adam Vinatieri - Ind</div><div>12. Kris Brown - Hou</div><div></div><div>More fantasy rankings coming soon!</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-76765208702527915302009-08-03T10:48:00.000-07:002009-08-03T12:50:30.316-07:00Very Early Training-Camp Injuries<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBzH4KL_Uc__vwJIw-i-zg8ZaIAef7deuEE_GY-JhPgdnkXEKd_AeAZaAYQmonnvMQFiu1BH2nSkjCn526y9d3FC718dwEPoExcay26SxQy-E3778imry2UpnYfW4lJnabXEjhMRsh7nu/s1600-h/2006-04-26-kellen.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365801865629424882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBzH4KL_Uc__vwJIw-i-zg8ZaIAef7deuEE_GY-JhPgdnkXEKd_AeAZaAYQmonnvMQFiu1BH2nSkjCn526y9d3FC718dwEPoExcay26SxQy-E3778imry2UpnYfW4lJnabXEjhMRsh7nu/s320/2006-04-26-kellen.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Good news and bad news!!!<br />Good: All NFL teams are officially back at training camp.<br />Bad: All NFL teams are officially back at training camp.<br />Sure, it's exciting, but I'm already going blue in the face from holding my breath.<br />The NFC South has already had a couple first-week injuries to star players. Training-camp reports have already confirmed these injuries:<br /><br />Panthers:<br />Jon Beason - Tweaked hamstring. Beason has already said that he'll be okay. He said he wished he could even get back out and play agiain tonight.<br />Maake Kemoeatu - Injuried an ankle while running. Kemo's injury seems to be a little more serious. The team has already sent him back to Charlotte for further medical attention. If he's not going to be okay, this could prove to be a big problem for the Panthers.<br /><br />Bucs:<br />Antonio Bryant - Slightly injured foot. Supposedly just sore now. It appears that he'll be alright.<br />Kellen Winslow - Sore ankle. I thought he was a "soldier". Maybe he'll be able to walk this one off. BTW, the above image is from 2006...so chill out Bucs fans. He's not in a cast.<br /><br />Saints:<br />On Sunday, Chris Mortensen bragged about Reggie Bush's "stunning explosiveness". On Monday, Bush was held out of practice due to swelling in his knee. </div><div>WRs Lance Moore and Adrian Arrington are still not fully healed from shoulder and hamstring injuries.<br />Jonathan Vilma is still recovering from abdomen surgery. </div><div><br />Falcons:<br />Curtis Lofton was held out of practice with a hamstring injury.<br />Tony Tiller injured his left ankle at camp on Saturday.<br />I'm sure Falcons fans (both of them) will be frantically checking injury reports every day to make sure Peria Jerry and Trey Lewis are okay. If they lost one of those guys, they'd be about as screwed as Carolina would be if they lost Kemoeatu or Lewis...wait...crap!</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-82244534653618962072009-07-31T10:46:00.000-07:002009-08-04T07:50:09.728-07:00Fantasy Rankings: Defensive Players<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0Nq6Wu5uAe0OgakSY-f3GUroK9uzaZAqgSiiBm1WcAHJAGDc_QHJWBkGKo0U7iCkJoDmhZl6wZwCal-9DR3Ofh8Rp2380rgLIjevJv4sfXqIRsLZqxvY7gynYNyUQVhKyEZ4MnO4ueg6/s1600-h/barretruud.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364686222948847282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0Nq6Wu5uAe0OgakSY-f3GUroK9uzaZAqgSiiBm1WcAHJAGDc_QHJWBkGKo0U7iCkJoDmhZl6wZwCal-9DR3Ofh8Rp2380rgLIjevJv4sfXqIRsLZqxvY7gynYNyUQVhKyEZ4MnO4ueg6/s320/barretruud.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>This will be the first year that my friends and I draft defensive players in our fantasy league. Points are given for interceptions, sacks, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, safeties, TDs, and even tackles. Here is the list I'll be using: (BTW, I've only got 12 on the list because there are 12 people in our league, and I know I'll just take one defensive player at the draft this year)</div><br /><div>1. Patrick Willis (SF) - LB</div><div>2. Jon Beason (Car) - LB</div><div>3. DeMarcus Ware (Dal) - LB</div><div>4. Barret Ruud (TB) - LB</div><div>5. Jonathan Vilma (NO) - LB</div><div>6. Lance Briggs (Chi) - LB</div><div>7. Eric Weddle (SD) - S</div><div>8. James Harrison (Pit) - LB</div><div>9. D'Qwell Jackson (Cle) - LB</div><div>10. Antoine Winfield (Min) - CB</div><div>11. Jerod Mayo (NE) - LB</div><div>12. Gibril Wilson (Mia) - S </div><br /><div>Others in consideration were Kirk Morrison (Oak), Karlos Dansby (Ari), and London Fletcher (Was). </div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-66628233388665866892009-07-27T08:15:00.000-07:002009-07-27T08:30:24.575-07:00Tampa 2: No Longer in Tampa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu3A2ODLR3cuZQqI2lenoAjIQ_PHHOb5rinXJhl_WRS6NMCXIk72APPq9xu_PrjiqSUDjMHMJFl7bsB_nlguBtp-qRsVtP4ycNYB7EWSimwu1Cvjq6oJvhGSipjuF7XNPu7vRCsAmcQ22/s1600-h/rhonde.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363162556183867954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu3A2ODLR3cuZQqI2lenoAjIQ_PHHOb5rinXJhl_WRS6NMCXIk72APPq9xu_PrjiqSUDjMHMJFl7bsB_nlguBtp-qRsVtP4ycNYB7EWSimwu1Cvjq6oJvhGSipjuF7XNPu7vRCsAmcQ22/s320/rhonde.jpg" border="0" /></a> Everyone knows that the Tampa 2 defensive scheme was made popular under Tony Dungy. Dungy made the system famous when he was the head coach for Tampa...though he developed the system by watching the original Steel Curtain in Pittsburgh.<br /><div>The system has since followed him to Indianapolis, and even branched out to many other football stadiums across the country. All-the-while, the Tampa 2 remained a big part of the defensive side of the ball with the Bucs, as Monte Kiffin was still there. </div><div>Now, Kiffin and Dungy are both long-gone from Tampa...and so is the Tampa 2. </div><div>CB Ronde Barber was one of the few longtime Bucs who survived the housecleaning done by GM Mark Dominik this offseason, and the team is expecting him to play at a high level this season, despite a clear decline in his performance during 2008. The club hasn't expressed much apprehension about Barber, but observers are concerned about his ability to play in new defensive coordinator Jim Bates' scheme, which asks the corners to play bump-and-run. That coverage doesn't mesh with Barber's capabilities at this stage of his career, and sources say Bates may have to tinker with his system to allow Barber to play off the ball more often. </div><br /><div>I'd imagine as far as Rhonde is concerned, he might be better suited (at his age) for a bump and run as opposed to the hard hitting coverage the Tampa 2 demands. Sounds kinda like they are designing a defense around an aging player as opposed to obtaining younger players with more speed. Well, at least for now it seems like that's what they're doing. Barber is the only old guy/veteran in the Bucs' secondary, so I could see his days in Tampa being numbered. I mean, if they'll let go of Derrick Brooks, who was a Tampa icon, they'll probably be okay to part with Rhonde too. Should be interesting to watch. </div><div>Sounds like a short term solution brought on by a new coaching staff to make the best out of what they have. We'll see if it works out or not. </div><div>I'll sure be pulling for them November 29th, and January 1st!!!</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-21213674904641127822009-07-21T04:54:00.000-07:002009-07-21T07:28:03.763-07:00Best Breakthrough Athlete???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI5Vm-9d2faO6WkF2Wra9rcuIqEXlE66jtKtNgMr0_eC2o3DgYqm_xXJbKnE5S_1BJSRrJCju9khG__Lh6q2ZhV_XEFh3LzUzbLCBHUa193rVoPWPhdIFn3vObQLa9K_BnJVQ4HrWBB2E/s1600-h/ryanespy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360887366789032370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI5Vm-9d2faO6WkF2Wra9rcuIqEXlE66jtKtNgMr0_eC2o3DgYqm_xXJbKnE5S_1BJSRrJCju9khG__Lh6q2ZhV_XEFh3LzUzbLCBHUa193rVoPWPhdIFn3vObQLa9K_BnJVQ4HrWBB2E/s320/ryanespy.jpg" border="0" /></a> Surprisingly enough, the ESPY Awards continued to entertain again this year. Most of what ESPN puts out bugs me and comes across like they're trying too hard. However, when you put (Vol fan) Samuel L. Jackson behind the mic to intro sports highlights all night...I'm in!<br /><div>A big category every year is the "Best Breakthrough Athlete" award. It has gone to some tremendous athletes over the years, like Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, and LeBron James. Then again, the award has also been a little too ambitious for some players as well. Like when Devin Hester won the award in 2007. I'm pretty sure he's not done anything too impressive in Chicago since winning the award. </div><div>This year, the list of nominees was very solid. </div><div>--Shawn Johnson (Olympic gymnast) - Silver medals in team AND individal all-around. She also won Dancing With the Stars this year. </div><div>--Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays) - Unanimous pick for Rookie of the Year in MLB. He set the post season home run record for first year players. </div><div>--Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) - NBA Rookie of the Year</div><div>--Matt Ryan (Dirty Birds) - NFL Rookie of the Year. QBed (a running) team to the playoffs. He landing super-masuline endorsement deal with Axe Hair Spray. </div><div></div><div>After reading the write-ups on these nominees, who would you pick? I'd have a really tough time picking between Shawn Johnson and Evan Longoria. Rose and Ryan honestly wouldn't even come to mind as deserving winners. How do you take the freaking RAYS to the World Series, after winning that impossible division, and NOT win? How do you win major medals for your country in the olympics as a team and indidual "player" and NOT win? </div><div>Better yet, how do you get enough credit to win this award just by playing QB for a team that lost in the Wild-Card round of the NFL playoffs? Joe Flacco was a rookie too, but he sure didn't get the kind of credit Ryan is getting. Flacco even took his team to the AFC Championship Game. </div><div>Could it have anything to do with the fact that Matt Ryan isn't funny looking like Joe Flacco??? What...could I actually have a good point here?! Ryan endorses products that 15 year old guys use, and he goes on Carson Daily's show to flirt with the host. Flacco (who was more deserving) is funny-looking, and has little commercial appeal...so he isn't going to even be mentioned. While we're at it, I'd like to see a defensive star get the nod for this award sometime. If the voters really looked at stats instead of popularity, Jerod Mayo could have been in the running too. </div><div>Congrats Matt Ryan. You just won the "Most Popular New Guy" Award!!! Your franchise has been in existence for 43 years, and NEVER have back-to-back winning seasons. You're not going to have another year like 2008 for a while. </div><div></div><div>BTW, I got this story added to a great website...Bleacher Report. Here's the link <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/221344-best-breakthrough-athlete">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/221344-best-breakthrough-athlete</a></div><div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-25141363048314923512009-07-15T08:10:00.000-07:002009-07-15T08:42:57.758-07:00THE FINALS!!! QB Fighting Tournamet (UFC meets NFL)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCbEA6GNk18lr-siO9XcmCHINr0oK_tQKuwlOUMGEsF3dStf-e-fIDqsL3xzdQBdplZqAgqifL57ETFhE7bdt78J6ij0rLBD_hOV0U4HjeRgJONEAG6MvM-d5OSNdJx7fD64jTCEQrKjK/s1600-h/bigbensloth.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358712790470466210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCbEA6GNk18lr-siO9XcmCHINr0oK_tQKuwlOUMGEsF3dStf-e-fIDqsL3xzdQBdplZqAgqifL57ETFhE7bdt78J6ij0rLBD_hOV0U4HjeRgJONEAG6MvM-d5OSNdJx7fD64jTCEQrKjK/s320/bigbensloth.gif" border="0" /></a> After some tough battles, I believe this is what the final four would look like in a UFC-style tournament with NFL QBs.<br /><div></div><br /><div>AFC Final: </div><div>--Roethlisberger vs. Rivers - Rivers pulled off the greatest defeat of this tournament when he defeated JaMarcus Russell a few rounds ago. Though I do believe he's a crazy man, who could be a solid UFC-style fighter...I just don't see him pulling one out against Big Ben. Roethelisberger is a winner. </div><br /><div></div><div>NFC Final:</div><div>--Rodgers vs. McNabb - In this one, I really see Rodgers giving it his all, and barely falling short to an older, bigger, more determined Donovan McNabb. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>FINAL MATCH!!!</div><br /><div></div><div>--Ben Roethlisberger vs. Donovan McNabb - This would be one heck of a final match. I'd honestly love to see it. I actually might see what I can do to really pull this off. If anyone reading this has any connections...please, make it happen! </div><div>Here's how I think it would shake-out...Big Ben wins it all. Whenever McNabb seems to be faced with a tough situation, he likes to gripe and bitch about it. Whenever Roethlisberger faces an injury (or even a freaking motorcycle accident), he just gets right back up, and continues winning. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Tournament Champion: BEN ROETHLISBERGER</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-88895661068925270962009-07-14T07:32:00.000-07:002009-07-14T08:05:00.274-07:00Rounds Two & Three - QB FIGHTING TOURNAMENT (UFC meets NFL)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZafZAHR8jbGWwgwLNTjYKtqOqg4Te5Fd3M7NTVmBe89iHKyGdhkS3TqpIiTe1EN7OcR_DQSJNQhthEhMEs8NZcRvPTkbT7-9wF_Qt9Yg_I6x3yIW_lBHg7eovGeJaU1EzhkhBtEDAuTxR/s1600-h/nfl_rodgers_favre_580.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358331629825685346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZafZAHR8jbGWwgwLNTjYKtqOqg4Te5Fd3M7NTVmBe89iHKyGdhkS3TqpIiTe1EN7OcR_DQSJNQhthEhMEs8NZcRvPTkbT7-9wF_Qt9Yg_I6x3yIW_lBHg7eovGeJaU1EzhkhBtEDAuTxR/s320/nfl_rodgers_favre_580.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the second (and third) round of the QB Fighting Tournament, where we look at who might win a UFC style tournament among NFC QBs. The second round will determine division champions. The third will feature matchups that will set up the overall final four.<br /><div></div><br /><div> </div><div>AFC North</div><div>--Roethlisberger vs. Flacco - Flacco has a chance at doing well for himself. There's just no way he beats Big Ben. </div><br /><div></div><div>AFC South</div><div>--Collins vs. Schaub - Again, Schaub is very used to getting knocked on his can and then getting right back up. I see Collins eventually wearing out and losing in a rope-a-dope style match. </div><br /><div></div><div>AFC East</div><div>--Edwards vs. Brady - "That's my quarterback (tear)!" T.O. has emotionally got the back of Trent Edwards. Close match, but Brady goes down. </div><br /><div></div><div>AFC West </div><div>--Rivers vs. Russell - This is the absolute toughest match to call in the whole tournament. Rivers is crazy, while Russell is lazy. Still, Russell is huge. I've flipped a coin...and the crazy one has it!</div><br /><div></div><div>NFC North</div><div>--Favre vs. Rodgers - Most anticipated bout in the NFC. I believe Rodgers might have more anger held back towards Favre than he lets-on. Favre goes down in an upset!</div><br /><div></div><div>NFC South</div><div>--Delhomme vs. McCown - Delhomme is one of the only athletes to ever come back and succeed after Tommy John surgery. He's tough and cajun. He moves on. </div><br /><div></div><div>NFC East</div><div>--Campbell vs. McNabb - Donovan McNabb eats Campbell for dinner! Campbell's Chunky Soup...that is. </div><br /><div></div><div>NFC West</div><div>--Warner vs. Hill - Are you kidding? No way Warner loses to this joker. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Round Three</div><br /><div></div><div>--Roethlisberger vs. Schaub - I've got a feeling Matt Schaub will have a few Super Bowl ring implants on his face...Ace Ventura style. </div><div>--Edwards vs. Rivers - I'm just hoping Rivers doesn't eat him. </div><div>--Rodgers vs. Delhomme - Could be a solid fight. Rodgers is younger, and much quicker. Delhomme goes down. </div><div>--McNabb vs. Warner - I'd love to see this one. McNabb wins in a bloody fight where they both end up with cauliflower ear. </div><br /><div></div><div>FINAL FOUR MATCHUPS!!!</div><div>--Roethlisberger vs. Rivers</div><div>--Rodgers vs. McNabb</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-50920643719082313292009-07-13T13:29:00.000-07:002009-07-13T13:44:10.834-07:00NFC-QB FIGHTING TOURNAMENT (UFC meets NFL)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcTgz0L4aD0liXEkeH9RYBVW3Byegd6dEosEYXKFdRLY94NwJyl3EngE3dyRvGvqTj58tgcdHeK_-Tv8NSjoLGY9jTGN88pUGeRNIySsEO7_KnirYrCKeTU3nQkElCb5Vqr2wLzWW3a47/s1600-h/brett-favre-vikings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358047804697659970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcTgz0L4aD0liXEkeH9RYBVW3Byegd6dEosEYXKFdRLY94NwJyl3EngE3dyRvGvqTj58tgcdHeK_-Tv8NSjoLGY9jTGN88pUGeRNIySsEO7_KnirYrCKeTU3nQkElCb5Vqr2wLzWW3a47/s320/brett-favre-vikings.jpg" border="0" /></a> NFC North<br /><div>--Favre vs. Culpepper - Good thing these matches don't go 16 rounds, or Favre wouldn't make it. He's tough. He wears Wranglers. Favre wins.</div><div>--Cutler vs. Rodgers - I fully expect Cutler to even whine about having to fight. </div><br /><div></div><div>NFC South</div><div>--Delhomme vs. Brees - Delhomme is from Louisiana originally, where they wrestle gators in the bayou. He could destroy mole-face. </div><div>--Ryan vs. McCown - Ryan's hair gel will likely be a distraction. McCown beats him like the woman he is. </div><br /><div></div><div>NFC East</div><div>--Manning vs. Campbell - No contest. The Mannings need to stick to Oreo-licking...and well, I guess they are good at football too. </div><div>--McNabb vs. Romo - Ha!! McNabb would make him cry.<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>NFC West</div><div>--Warner vs. Bulger - Warner is a fighter...figuratively and literally in this case. </div><div>--Hill vs. Hasselbeck - Boring fight! Hill wins just because Hasselbeck can't. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Next round matchups: </div><div>Favre vs. Rodgers</div><div>Delhomme vs. McCown</div><div>Campbell vs. McNabb</div><div>Warner vs. Hill</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-58872079716282776532009-07-13T12:57:00.000-07:002009-07-13T13:15:04.287-07:00AFC-QB FIGHTING TOURNAMENT (UFC meets NFL)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UlsAvCaW3DJ-ZvLj84s7x4zRNBGbQJJRkPuYCsNMEWher-K7NOUE41xg0UhgRMimOEma8BHFt4YxWLSmDNw2GgETP0TKTOCv58IVCvUPE5opGWNxcm4343sZ9_a4YfMsQYnG3gDtO30p/s1600-h/PalmerCBloody430_08_24_08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358040370059017890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UlsAvCaW3DJ-ZvLj84s7x4zRNBGbQJJRkPuYCsNMEWher-K7NOUE41xg0UhgRMimOEma8BHFt4YxWLSmDNw2GgETP0TKTOCv58IVCvUPE5opGWNxcm4343sZ9_a4YfMsQYnG3gDtO30p/s320/PalmerCBloody430_08_24_08.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>The seeding for each division is based on how a QBs team finished last season. I'll break down each division before moving on to the next rounds. </div><br /><div>AFC North</div><div>--Roethlisberger vs. Quinn - No question. Big Ben looks like Frank Dux in this fastest knockout ever.</div><div>--Flacco vs. Palmer - Flacco's a big dude. Plus, he played for the Fighting Blue Hens. He wins.</div><br /><div>AFC South</div><div>--Collins vs. Garrard - Collins is the comeback kid. No way he's losing unless it's a real fighter.</div><div>--Manning vs. Schaub - I'm still disturbed from the time when Peyton took his shirt off on SNL. I say he goes down in this one. Plus, Schaub is used to getting knocked around.</div><br /><div>AFC East</div><div>--Pennington vs. Edwards - Edwards wins this one.</div><div>--Brady vs. Sanchez - Brady may be a pretty-boy softie, but there's no way he's losing to this kid.</div><br /><div>AFC West</div><div>--Rivers vs. Cassel - Paramedics will be on-hand. Rivers wins quickly.<br />--Orton vs. Russell - Russell is lazy, but he has the potential to go all-the-way in this tourney. </div><br /><div>Next Round matchups: </div><br /><div>Roethlisberger vs. Flacco</div><div>Collins vs. Schaub</div><div>Edwards vs. Brady</div><div>Rivers vs. Russell</div><br /><div></div><div>Coming tomorrow...NFC QBs get in the ring. </div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-16928572077035074802009-07-13T12:24:00.000-07:002009-07-13T12:44:42.995-07:00QBs FIGHTING TOURNAMENT (UFC meets NFL)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbhx8F68mYN_Iw845yjQgWlklwOHU3tZP4HZGwHkjbD6-nuoYWapU95TGgYESod1iOWNTgfaX-_nRRIqqjS6g_N3sWXghYSjulu_V_1nyX3IR3Xo-ENq9cfHI7DbaTMA7AFg1Ofap9guJ/s1600-h/UFC_fight.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358029553006409938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbhx8F68mYN_Iw845yjQgWlklwOHU3tZP4HZGwHkjbD6-nuoYWapU95TGgYESod1iOWNTgfaX-_nRRIqqjS6g_N3sWXghYSjulu_V_1nyX3IR3Xo-ENq9cfHI7DbaTMA7AFg1Ofap9guJ/s320/UFC_fight.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, I watched the UFC fights this weekend and they were great. Now, today I've found a cool web article where someone has ranked the 12 starting QBs of the SEC, and how they'd fare in physical combat.<br /><div>Great idea!! BTW, that site is <a href="http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/">http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/</a></div><br /><div></div><div>What we are going to do now, is set up a list for the 32 NFL starting QBs. It will be more easily ranked as a tournament. I'll do a run-down of each division, and then go from there. </div><br /><div></div><div>This is gonna be fun.</div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-35534406842406720332009-07-10T08:03:00.000-07:002009-07-10T10:32:31.288-07:00Fantasy Tip: RBs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkYUrGsfSEVnF1jONUhFXXgyWDuCMjaa_Uz8ufnJuYwb4n9q02y6h-aZ54TM87rimxtW_bnSEHEy6aHDUWRkZSID1zHBHxX5AGDkppYgsejUwMVTwnJyusExZQhkMCH5wffyHlRyWDuTa/s1600-h/deangelo_williams_and_jonathan_stewart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356885537111415602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkYUrGsfSEVnF1jONUhFXXgyWDuCMjaa_Uz8ufnJuYwb4n9q02y6h-aZ54TM87rimxtW_bnSEHEy6aHDUWRkZSID1zHBHxX5AGDkppYgsejUwMVTwnJyusExZQhkMCH5wffyHlRyWDuTa/s320/deangelo_williams_and_jonathan_stewart.jpg" border="0" /></a> That first pick in your fantasy draft is always the toughest. Do you pick Jones-Drew or Frank Gore? Do you take a QB over a RB? Do you consider a WR with a late first-round pick? Questions like these are usually pretty difficult to make when you are on-the-clock, and your drunk friends are screaming at you to hurry. This year, I say throw out the popular belief that you've got to pick up a RB with that first pick. Unless it really is one of the top guys, I'd recommend grabbing a top-flight QB.<br /><div>I say this because even the best RBs last year will likely see a drop off this year in numbers, and they share more snaps with very capable counterparts. DeAngelo Williams and Michael Turner were (by far) the best backs in the NFL last year...fantasy-wise. But this year, Jonathan Stewart and Jerious Norwood will likely see a lot more time on the field. Even last year, Stewart scored as many TDs as Adrian Peterson...so he's got a great chance at getting in even more this year. Plus, he's a little bowling ball down in the red-zone. I really wouldn't be surprised to see him get more TDs than Williams in 2009. </div><br /><div>The best RBs did stand out last year, but after them, the middle-of-the-road backs, fantasy-wise, really formed a big pack. I say, pick up a stud of a QB before getting into that RB pack. There will still be a few of them available in the second round of your draft. The best QBs will not!</div><div>Guys to take in the first round:</div><div>DeAngelo Williams - may see less time, but will still have a monster year</div><div>Adrian Peterson - as long as he stays healthy, he should have a better year</div><div>Michael Turner - not before pick #8. remember the curse!</div><div>Brandon Jacobs - late first round</div><div>Brian Westbrook - late first round</div><br /><div></div><div>If you get the opportunity, definitely consider Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, or Tom Brady before any of these guys:</div><div>Marion Barber III</div><div>Thomas Jones</div><div>Matt Forte</div><div>LT</div><div>Jonathan Stewart</div><div>Steve Slaton</div><div>Clinton Portis</div><div>Maurice Jones-Drew</div><div>Chris Johnson</div><div>These guys make up the pack of great RBs, who all just seem to stick around the same fantasy-points league. I don't expect any of these guys to have a legendary season. Be safe. Pick them up after you've already got a good QB, or one of the other stud RBs. </div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-23708623515141065262009-07-09T11:02:00.000-07:002009-07-09T11:28:55.520-07:00Woman Raped At a Falcon's Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtYI-c3TZHTTEX4_mG5Xme8NKZh4O3NTtiYaw0n2Pf_gDDqMqtjF8X15UvVvVB5r5KKvw_b94aMFWykZJyqfqqZwaqS-RuChKXuez4NRcc9rHRDrcay0e_Jor2gcQi8C_2omp_fNpe3oN/s1600-h/harry-douglas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356526077180042178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtYI-c3TZHTTEX4_mG5Xme8NKZh4O3NTtiYaw0n2Pf_gDDqMqtjF8X15UvVvVB5r5KKvw_b94aMFWykZJyqfqqZwaqS-RuChKXuez4NRcc9rHRDrcay0e_Jor2gcQi8C_2omp_fNpe3oN/s320/harry-douglas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Don't you miss the good old days...when dog fighting was the heinous crime taking place that the homes of Atlanta Falcons players?<br />Though it's been (almost) a couple of months since the last crime against a woman at a Falcon's home, the delightful group of thugs is at it again.<br />Not long ago, a woman alleged that she was raped at the home of former Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney.<br />According to FOX 5 in Atlanta, it's happened again. This time, the location of the alleged crime is the Gwinnett County home of Falcons receiver Harry Douglas. Douglas was acquired by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft.<br />The rape allegedly happened during a party at Douglas' home. Police are investigating. It appears Douglas is not the suspect.<br />Douglas was having a party at his house, and a woman is claiming she was raped by someone that night. Douglas may have had nothing to do with it, as it seems right now, but still...why even hang around that group of miscreants?Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-79657071456131578582009-07-08T07:05:00.000-07:002009-07-08T07:23:23.803-07:00Draft Tip #2: Gonzalez May Block More<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtD2sJL_dmg8Uo5iWMpwLzJyQ8JEXfGUd2QAK7mpp20uXSgc7PAU5MbJqEA8g73F3m4SFKcQh36lG7GqwjGxxPa_Gj7GchBVgNIIS7uvfIxpTN9A9PI5pohCs4Ss8GKMmCp6CGtM9sxx00/s1600-h/tong.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356094606173498114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtD2sJL_dmg8Uo5iWMpwLzJyQ8JEXfGUd2QAK7mpp20uXSgc7PAU5MbJqEA8g73F3m4SFKcQh36lG7GqwjGxxPa_Gj7GchBVgNIIS7uvfIxpTN9A9PI5pohCs4Ss8GKMmCp6CGtM9sxx00/s320/tong.bmp" border="0" /></a> I know it is going to seem like I'm trying to pick on the Falcons with my "draft tips", but I'm really not. I promise I'll have others soon that involve information other than negative stuff about Atlanta players. Anyway, today's tip is about Tony Gonzalez.<br /><div>Based on information coming out of Atlanta, it seems that he may be used more as a blocker than a receiving TE this year. "Tony will help our offense in a number of ways," offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said at the close of June OTAs. "He's a productive blocker and that's important in our offense... As successful as he's been as a receiver, he's a good blocker too and he really doesn't get the credit that he should."</div><div>At 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, Gonzalez has size to push people around, which could do more in the run game than any blocking along the line of scrimmage. As the Falcons seem to be very dedicated to their run game (Turner/Norwood), Gonzalez really may see less passes than he has in a while. </div><br /><div>Glad to be out of Kansas City and now playing for a team that reached the playoffs last season, Gonzalez doesn't seem to mind that his personal statistics will likely decline in Atlanta. "Do I think I'll catch 100 balls? I don't have to," Gonzalez said. "This is something we're all going to work together on. I've been fortunate to have such a good career."</div><div>It is believed, however, that Tony will still see a healthy amount of balls off the field. When asked about the situation, QB Matt Ryan said, "I just hope he lets me catch once in a while." </div><br /><div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183578485262088709.post-56097064041655254302009-07-07T05:06:00.000-07:002009-07-07T05:25:34.852-07:00Fantasy Draft Tip: Michael Turner is Cursed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-Fvba0ipvZqrPh51gzbLtnrOZrzATyLnSijxDVW516XlM6FAIls06hPCCtQWftTYcf54Gbq-5J7SYSSnst2ZFo5yy1pjnSHDDcr0oYGmEP8spykD6V9w8Hjb3B2cBOs3wfBgi_mvyTQS/s1600-h/turner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355693192779651522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-Fvba0ipvZqrPh51gzbLtnrOZrzATyLnSijxDVW516XlM6FAIls06hPCCtQWftTYcf54Gbq-5J7SYSSnst2ZFo5yy1pjnSHDDcr0oYGmEP8spykD6V9w8Hjb3B2cBOs3wfBgi_mvyTQS/s320/turner.jpg" border="0" /></a> As fantasy draft time is right around the corner, I feel it necessary to warn you about Michael Turner. He's cursed! Yep. It's the Curse of 370. <div>The curse dictates that any player who exceeds 370 rush attempts in a single season suffers a significant drop-off in production the following year.<br />FYI, this is definitely not something I came up with. The curse has been discussed in the fantasy football industry for more than five years now, dating back at least to 2004, when it appeared on FootballOutsiders.com.<br />Well, after looking at the historical data, let me say that I'm fully behind the existence of a curse. In the history of the NFL, 27 running backs have amassed 370 or more carries in a season … and all but one of them significantly declined in terms of total fantasy points the next year. (That one, LaDainian Tomlinson, somehow escaped the clutches of the curse despite 372 rushing attempts in 2002.) It seems a little too coincidental to assume that the next guy to pull this off would be Turner, who was LT's back up a few years ago. </div><br /><div>In addition to the curse working against Michael Turner, he's also got to work against the fact that he plays for the Falcons. The Falcons Suck! </div><div>Okay, on a fair note, Atlanta did make some big moves this off-season. Its seems that they worked hard to provide Matt Ryan with more/better passing options. Don't forget about Tony Gonzalez now playing for the Dirty Birds, oh, and the fact that they really want to utilize Jerious Norwood more this season.</div><div>I've seen fantasy mock drafts that suggest taking Turner with a top five pick. I'd just like to say that I'm fine with that...as long as you're playing in my league! I'd love to see one of my friends blow a top five pick on a cursed Falcon. That could be as funny to me as the guy (in my league) who picked Randy Moss with the #1 overall pick last year. </div><br /><div></div>Panthrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06043749849304215596noreply@blogger.com0