Stoopid Lockout!

The lockout is stupid!  (pronounced stoopid if you are from Maryland)

A billion dollar industry and the owners want more money!  It's America, you should always want to make your product the most desirable product there is.  The problem with the NFL's product, is that it can't make money when it's player's aren't on the field.  How quickly the owners forget...if you don't have games, you don't sell tickets, product sales suffer and your fan base becomes jaded.  Owners should thank the fans for even having the opportunity to argue over hundreds millions of dollars.

If I lose my job and can't find another or if I retire, it is on me to manage my finances so that I can afford health care.  It is up to me to invest my money so that I have a retirement fund.  Why should I, the fan suffer because a player who signs a multi-million dollar contract can't stop himself from buying some "bling" or an exotic car or a huge house.  Why should I suffer because the players want more guarantees and extended health and retirement benefits because you made poor financial decisions?

In 2010, the minimum salary was $310K for a player.  The average career of an NFL player is 3.5 years.  That is a gross amount of almost $1.1 million in 3.5 years.  I am supposed to be upset that your aren't getting more?  This adds more fuel to the fire for these student athletes to stay in school and get an education.  I wish I could have worked for 3.5 years, made $1.1 million and request that I receive extended benefits after my employment from my company!

I like basketball, I like going to baseball games and I enjoy watching college football...but I love the NFL.  There is nothing better than spending an entire Sunday from September through January than sitting down and watching 9 hours of football.

The entire argument to date has strictly been between the League and the Players and no one is taking into account the fans.  So I propose a way to strike back at the League and the Players and hit them where it hurts!

Boycott Week 1 of the NFL Season!

Don't watch it and don't attend it!

Mock Draft Top 15

It’s been a while!  A few weeks ago we came out with a top 10 mock draft.  Well this go around we got a little wild and went with a top 15 (I know, exciting, isn’t it?).  But, there is yet another change!  We present to you today, 2 versions of a mock draft top 15.

This is a competition for bragging rights.  In short, the two of us have decided to put our football knowledge to the test.  We have set up a pint system and while I can’t remember the actual scoring at this point, it goes something like this:

·         For each correct pick, you get a point of some sort

·         For each player picked that is in the top  15 mock, you get a point of some sort, regardless of where they are selected.

I am sure I got that completey wrong, but you get the point.  Without further ado, I give you the Top 15 Mock draft!

*Team needs are provided by NFLNetwork

1.  Carolina Panthers (QB, DL, OL, LB, CB)

LOS:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn 

I think Cam Newton is a punk.  I think he is full of himself and a mediocre QB.  But, football is a business and athletes like Newton put butts in the seats.  I keep thinking Akili Smith and Andre Ware…both busts!

SQUARE FRO:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn 

I don’t think this is a good idea. After watching Newton on Gruden’s QB camp and then watching the Brady 6, I don’t think he has the intangibles.  I don’t think he will be a good NFL QB in the long run but he is such a physical freak he won’t be a total bust either. I mean the man adds extra marshmallows to his lucky charms – how he is going to lead an NFL team?

  

2.  Denver Broncos (DL, S, TE, OL, RB)

LOS:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

He is a man child and will improve the Broncos defense right away.  John Fox is a defensive guy and he fills a HUGE hole!

SQUARE FRO:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama  

Patrick Pearson is the best player in the draft and I think the Broncos should take him here, but that is not John Fox’s style so I will go D-Line and Dareus is a freak.

3.  Buffalo Bills (QB, OL, DL, LB, TE)

LOS:  Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

I think Miller is the 2nd best player behind Peterson, and he secondar is actually olay for Buffalo/  Miller goes here because he is a play maker.  Just think if Lights Out can stay healthy just how impressive this defense can be

SQUARE FRO: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU  

I think I will be wrong here, but he is such a good player I have t put him in the top three. If I am wrong, it just shows that people really do draft for need and the “best player on the board” is just spin to keep fans quit when someone sucks.

4.  Cincinnati Bengals (QB, S, LB, DL, RB, WR)

LOS:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia 

I lot of people will point to QB with this pick, but I just don’t see it.  Sure, Carson says he is done, but so are T.O. and Ochocinco.  Let’s say they draft a QB, who is he going to throw to?  Green is a strong physical receiver that will make a young QB look good, whether that be Jordan Palmer or someone later in the draft.

SQUARE FRO: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri  

Carson is not coming back and they only really need a WR, but this is too high to take Green in my opinion.

5.  Arizona Cardinals (QB, LB, OL, TE, CB)

LOS:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Best player in the draft, hands down!  QB is an option, but Fitzgerald already expressed reservations about bringing in a young QB are the year last year.  This could be a McNabb or Kolb landing spot.

SQUARE FRO: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M  

I want the skins to take this guy but when you have Joey Porter on your roster still, this pick is sort of a foregone conclusion.

6.  Cleveland Browns (WR, DL, OL, S, LB)

LOS:  Julio Jones, WR, Alabama 

This is probably my least confident selection to this point.  Julio Jones is fast, strong and tall.  Browns need help at WR.  McCoy looked pretty good last year with a no name receiving corp.

SQUARE FRO: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia  

The Browns has zero playmakers on the team. Hillis is pretty good and they like McCoy so why not give him someone to throw to. This had to be the pick here.

7.  San Francisco 49ers (QB, DL, CB, LB, S, OL)

LOS:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

49ers need a QB and I don’t think Harbaugh can take any chances here in waiting to draft Luck next year.  49ers have a young O-Line, a solid running game and some nice targets for a young QB.

SQUARE FRO: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas  

Wildcard! Harbaugh will love the physical tools and believes that he can straighten the rest out and turn him into a fantastic QB. The Niners need to draft a QB for the angry fanbase and Andy Dalton in the second round isn’t going to cut it.

8.  Tennessee Titans (QB, DL, OL, LB)

LOS:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn 

I really have no clue what is going to happen with this pick.  I don’t think there is a QB worth taking here and to take someone like Ayers at LB would be a reach.  Fairley was at one point considered the top pick, so he gets the nod here.

SQUARE FRO: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn  

Albert Jr. is going to saddle up and ride into town.

9.  Dallas Cowboys (DL, OL, S, CB, LB)

LOS:  Tyron Smith, OT, USC  

I know, I know…Jerry Jones doesn’t draft linemen in the first round.  But, after last year, he needs to learn that protecting a QB is a necessity.  He finally does something smart and anchors that O-line.

SQUARE FRO:  Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina  

For the record they should go offensive line but Jerry Jones has never done that, so I have to put Quinn here,

10.  Washington Redskins (QB, WR, CB, LB, OL)

LOS:  Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Look, truth of the matter is, Shanny liked him last year.  I really don’t understand how a guy goes from being the top pick if he came out last year to dropping like he is this year.  One year could not have done that much damage.  I actually think this is a great value pick.

SQUARE FRO: Cameron Jordan, DE, California  

The Redskins finally put it together by going lineman, lineman with their first two picks. Fans wonder what is going on but they soon realize they are building a championship team just like they did when they drafted the Hogs in the 1980-1983 drafts. Editor Note: If they draft a QB or Receiver with this pick, I quit the team, forever.

11.  Houston Texans (CB, DL, LB, S)

LOS:  Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

This is my sleeper of the top half of the draft.  Smith is strong, fast and a an above average corner.  This is the single biggest whole on the Texans team, they address it here.

SQUARE FRO: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri  

Wade Phillips needs some pieces for what he wants to do and it starts here.

12.  Minnesota Vikings (QB, DL, S, OL, WR)

LOS:  Cameron Jordan, DE, California

This is a value pick and a need.  I am torn taking a defensive end here.  Ray Edwards isn’t coming back, but you don’t give Brian Robison a contract like the Vikings did if you don’t have expectations.  But, Jordan is too good to pass.  QB is addressed in the next round.

SQUARE FRO: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois  

Time to replace Fat Pat and sure up that defensive line which for the first time in a long time – teams could run on last year. I think they pick up a veteran QB and try to win one or two more times before they dismantle the whole thing.

13.  Detroit Lions (CB, LB, S, OL, RB, WR)

LOS:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Prince and Delmas in the secondary make this a legitimate secondary in the NFC North

SQUARE FRO: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska  

I think this has been the Lions pick all along. They traded for Smith, who was a bust in Denver, but they need a true #1 corner. They have all the pieces on offence and they are just a secondary away from not being totally terrible.

14.  St. Louis Rams (WR, DL, TE, S, RB)

LOS: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

The D-line in St. Louis needs help.  The tackle position could use an upgrade.  DE is also an option here.

SQUARE FRO: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama  

Clayton was a welcome surprise but who knows if he can stay healthy.  A true stud is a desperate need and they can get Jones at a great value here.

15.  Miami Dolphins (RB, OL, TE, QB, S, CB)

LOS: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida

I have seen a lot of mocks with Ingram, but truth be told, this is too high to draft a RB in this year’s draft.  Pouncey is awesome and provides from immediate help up from.  He is versatile and can play almost anywhere.

SQUARE FRO: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida  

I honestly have no idea what the pick is going to be here and frankly, I don’t care. Fuck it, I’m just guessing.

Does Character Count Anymore?

I just finished checking ProFootballTalk and surprise, surprise!  Another Vikings has issues with following rules.  According to a report found on ProFootballTalk, Vikings first year cornerback Chris Cook has been arrested for brandishing a handgun during a fight.

This is the 2nd player from the Vikings 2010 draft class that has had a run in with the law.  Last month it was reported that Vikings first year DE Everson Griffen was arrested twice within a week.  Once for being drunk and another for beating a cop.

This is just a couple more things to add to the embarrassment that is the Minnesota Vikings organization.  We can start will the Whizzinator that Onterrio Smith was caught with and then add the sex boat party with McKinnie and Smoot.  Then when can look at Brett Favre and his sexting of his Peyton Man-thing.  While he is an idiot for sending pics in the first place, at least it gave us a great parody:

For a team that is struggling to make money and looking for a new stadium, low character guys are not helping.  It may be time to review the interview and selection process that Spielman and the Vikings staff use and start getting some high character guys.

Update!

I still hate Duke!

Why I Hate Duke....

My hatred runs deep for Duke.  Before I get into the reasons why I hate Duke and why they suck, I will preface everything you are about to read, with the fact that I am a Tarheel fan.  (As you will see, my sports allegiance is like a blinko chip on the Price is right).

Let's start with the obvious.  Duke players are ugly.  Scientifically, Duke has probably provided evolution supporters with the greatest link that we were once monkeys....I give you Sheldon Williams.  Then we have the hygiene issue where Reddick couldn't seem to wash his back (bad hygiene and ugly fall into the same category if you ask me).  Then we have the most recent example of ugly, Nolan Smith.  Has anyone seen the movie "Enemy Mine"?  Louis Gossett, Jr. plays an alien type beast who befriends an astronaut played by Dennis Quaid.  All last season and into the beginning of this season, Smith was driving me nuts.  Not just because he pushes off every time he drives to the hoop, but he drew a striking resemblance to someone, but I couldn't think who?  I give you Louis Gossett, Jr. (the alien) and Nolan Smith:

Let's talk about Coach K, that rat bastard.  He looks like a rat.  I was convinced a week ago that no one, not even Bob Knight liked Coach K.  Coach Knight couldn't look less interested in an interview he and Coach K had, which I took as a sign that Bob Knight really didn't care too much for him.  Then this morning I was wathcing college game day and realized, Bob Knight really doesn't care for anyone.  Regardless, anyone that coaches flopping during practice is taking advantage of the game in a bad way.  Practicing taking charges is one thing, but flopping is completely different.  Why don't you try game planning and let your intelligence shine through defense schemes or offensive plays, not flopping.

Duke fans....I am almost 100% positive, that less than 10% of Duke fans in attendance at Cameron Indoor actually understand what is going on in a basketball game.  I am convinced that the jumping up and down is caused by an announcement right before tip off.  I am sure it goes something like this:   "Due to the game this evening, the library will be open an additional 3 hours tonight."  I am all for prestige and getting a great education, but you have to learn social skills as well.  99% percent of Duke fans at a game lack the desired social skill ability to function in a setting with people they do not know (this is my fact and I have no documentation supporting this number).  All the time spent in the library and playing sports leaves little time to develop social skills.  I am sure no one dates at Duke, they probably don't know how to talk to each other without using math equations or the Pythagorean Theorem.

I just don't like Duke.

Go Heels!

1-10 Mock Draft

It's not the compelte 1st round, but it’s a start….the rest will come later.   Consider it an early Happy Hour for a Friday afternoon!

1.   Carolina - Nick Fairley, DT Auburn:  He is a safe bet.  While not a Julius Peppers clone, he is strong, big and pretty quick for his size.  He can move around and will be an immediate upgrade to a once dominant Carolina Defense.  Oh….and Cam Newton sucks, Gabbert is overrated, and George Mason standout Craig (NT) didn’t declare for the draft

2.   Denver - Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson:  Bowers versatility is key with him coming off the board at 2.  Denver desperately needs help on defense.  Peterson from LSU could be the pick here as well as the heir apparent to Bailey if/when he moves to safety.  At the end of the day, I think the ability to for bowers to play upright and out of a stance, fits what Denver is looking for.

3.   Buffalo – Marcell Dareus*, DT Alabama: This is a tough one.  Quarterback seems to be the popular choice here, but if you believe Bills’ great Thurman Thomas, Fitz has what it takes, and anyone in this draft at the QB position would be a downgrade.  I tend to believe him.  Marcell Dareus is a monster and the Bills will take him.  I think it wise for the Bills to wait for Luck next year and right Fitzpatrick out for at least another season.  Again, if Craig declared, he would fit great here.

4.   Cincinnati - Patrick Peterson, CB LSU:  to put it simple…he is too good to pass up.  Bengals can get a receiver in later rounds, I heard Craig is willing to convert to WR.

5.   Arizona – Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri:  The Cardinals are not a good team.  Just to give you an idea of how bad they are, I heard they recently invited Craig, the Mason NT standout we talked about earlier, and had him run through some quarterback drills.  Turns out he sucks at quarterback, so by default, Gabbert lands in the desert.

6.   Cleveland - A.J. Green, WR Georgia:  I think I heard one of the guys on NFL Network call the Browns current corp of WR’s “slow”.  Upgrade taken here

7.   San Francisco - Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M:  I don’t think I have seen this type of talent since I saw Craig on the NatRider.  Regardless, Willis and Miller in the LB corp....to quote my friend Ross…”Nasty”!

8.   Tennessee - Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska:  Value pick here.  Tennessee could take a gamble on a quarterback like Newtown or Locker, or Craig (his pro day was terrible though).

9.   Dallas Cowboys - Cam Newton, QB Auburn:  Redskins fans will thank Double J for taking the any potential of a dumb decision out of the equation.

10. Washington Redskins - Julio Jones, WR Alabama:  Perfect pick for the Skins!  Speed, strength, proven winner…just what the Skins needed, a playmaker!  The last time I saw a player mean so much to ones team was when Craig was playing NT for Mason, he was unstoppable, no one could touch him!

Skins sign Atogwe, another free agent bust?

We desperately needed a free safety. But, i am not even going to pretend that i am excited about this move it just feels like more of the same. Let review the pros and cons, and since i get to choose, lets start with the cons.

Cons:

• Another 5 year deal to someone who is going to be on the wrong side of 30 when the season starts
• His interceptions have been decreasing over the last 4 years (8,5,2,3)
• Another re-tread from past gigs (see: Buchanan, Phillip; Carriker, Adam)
• We still have holes everywhere else (quarterback, running back, linebacker, nickel back, nose tackle, d'end, receiver, running back, and o'line) -- I'm not sure if that if a pro or con as much as its just embarrassing.
• Looks like we are trying to win the off season championship again (one for the other thumb?)

Pros:

• Atogwe has accounted for the third most turnovers among NFL defensive backs over the past five seasons. (Charles Woodson and Ed Reed have more)
• For someone that productive, his salary isn't really that bad.
• When Haslett was his coordinator he had 13 picks over 2 seasons
• He isn't Kareem Moore

As you can clearly see, there are more cons than pros, which must mean this is a bad move. Its not just my opinion, its math.