NHL First Round Playoff Matchups- Jojo Maass!

NHL First Round Playoff Matchups

With the regular season over and the playoffs set to start Tuesday let’s look at the first round matchups.

Eastern Conference

New York Rangers (1) vs Ottawa Senators (8)

Now since the Tampa Bay Lightning failed to qualify for the playoffs my next favorite team is the Rangers, so take this with a grain of salt. Ottawa is electric on offense, scoring plenty of goals but they also allow their fair share. The Rangers coached by a real mans man John Tortorella have one of the top two goalies in the league, Henrik Lundqvist. As well as proven winner and previous Conn Smyth winner Brad Richards. A great blend of scoring and gritt the Rangers should move on to the next round with relative ease.

Rangers in 6

Boston Bruins (2) vs Washington Capitals (7)

It’s true, I’m no fan of the Boston Bruins after they won razor thin heart breaker in the Eastern Conference Finals game seven last year but this series shouldn’t even be close. Washington unfortunately is missing the top two goalies on its roster. Unless one of the two make a recovery soon this series is over before it starts. Boston scores at will and physically abused opposing teams. Suck it, Ovechkin.

Bruins in 5

Florida Panther (3) vs New Jersey Devils (6)

The Panthers are having a bit of a goaltending controversy heading into the playoffs. Trying to decide whether to start Scott Clemmensen or Jose Theodore. On the other side New Jersey has Martin Brodeur on the back end of a HOF career. Considering the regular season series was split two-two it remains an interesting series. The Devils riding a hot streak and the Panthers limping in it should be fun to watch.

Devils in 6

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs Philadelphia Flyers (5)

This series should prove to be the most interesting if not the most anticipated. These teams hate each other no doubt about it. Pittsburgh’s offense is near unstoppable. Led by two of the top players in the league, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Flyers have their top tier players as well Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell both have been great all season long. The Penguins have an amazing offense that as far as I can tell can’t be contained but if any team is going to hope to do it it will be the edgy play of the Flyers who also have balanced scoring.

Pittsburgh in 7

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks(1) vs Los Angeles Kings (8)

Vancouver is the better team on paper. This series comes down to if Jonathan Quick can steal enough games. I don’t think that will happen.

Canucks in 6

St Louis Blues (2) vs San Jose Sharks (7)

My love for Dan Boyle is well documented and also I need a sweep so here it goes. The Blues aren’t flashy on offense but boast a great defense and goaltending. The Sharks have plenty of playoff experience but haven’t made it to the big dance.

Sharks in 4

Phoenix Coyotes (3) vs Chicago Blackhawks (6)

I’m pulling for Mike Smith in this series. The guy was hot and cold in Tampa Bay but has played near lights out for Phoenix. Although Pheonix does have that SON OF A BITCH Radim Vrbata… The Blackhawks would like to have Jonathan Toews back for the playoffs but it won’t matter

Coyotes in 7

Nashville Predators (4) vs Detroit Red Wings (5)

This should be a fun series. Both have solid defense and goaltending. The Red Wings are obviously as playoff tested as any team in the league. It’s hard to bet against the Wings.

Detroit in 6

LeGarrette Blount by JoJo Maass

All it takes is a quick internet search or picking up a news paper to read Bucs fans and reporters in the Tampa Bay area hating on running back LeGarrette Blount for a number of reasons. Complaints such as he isn’t smart enough to learn the playbook or how to pass block, he can’t catch, he dances in the hole, fumbles too much and the list goes on. Now, I have no intention of defending these issues because I’ve made the same complaints. With that being said the guy can be a very productive back and has been.

People saying he can’t catch or be productive in the passing game are basing that on how he was used and not on what he can do. In 2011 Blount was able to catch 15 passes for 148 yards which isn’t going to turn any heads but of those 15 passes 6 were converted for first downs. That’s a better first down average than the Bucs main pass catching running back Kregg Lumpkin who converted 13 of his 41 receptions into first downs.

Another complaint about Blount is how bad he is in short yardage situations. He dances looking to bounce outside rather than blasting through the hole. It’s true and I’ve seen and complained about it as well. However, last season Blount averaged 2.9 yards per carry after contact, so he has the ability to break tackles and make people miss. It’s pretty clear that the previous coaching staff didn’t run a tight ship with the numerous reports of players arriving to meetings late (and some even sleeping) it’s possible with solid coaching Blount can become a better short yardage running back.

Blount obviously has a fumbling issue. As a professional running back you can’t fumble the ball every 45 touches and expect to be trusted. Some of Blount’s fumbles come on the second effort where he has the ball stripped away. No fumble is acceptable and as Bucs Coach Greg Schiano has already said anyone who can’t protect the ball won’t get touches. Other running backs in the past have had fumbling issue and have found ways to correct the issue. For example Adrian Peterson over the first three years of his career fumbled every 49th time he touched the ball but since has fumbled only twice. That’s a fumble for every 272 touches. It’s conceivable if the proper attention he placed on ball security he could improve this area of his game. If Blount doesn’t cut down on the fumbles the Bucs could lose one of their best offensive weapons.

With Greg Schiano repeatedly saying he wants to run the ball and go over the top with play action passes it would be hard to imagine not having Blount get the majority of the carries for a Bucs team that lacks depth at the running back position. Maybe Blount will never be an every down back or the fantasy leader in running back receptions but he doesn’t need to be. If Blount can run full steam ahead and limit his fumbles he is clearly in for a big year running behind a good offensive line.

Picks Week 1

IT IS WEEK ONE AND WE ARE BACK!

New Orleans at Green Bay

JoJo- The Saints look to be improved but I think Green Bay takes the win at home.
Dr. Jamez-Packers, I dont usually buy in to “the champs are the favorites” but they look like the best team in the NFL.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore

JoJo- I’m taking Baltimore at home
Dr. Jamez- I’m not impressed with either team here but I expect the Ravens to win the North.... Or the browns

Atlanta at Chicago

JoJo– Haven’t seen either team in the preseason but I’ll take the Falcons.
Dr. Jamez- boring, Chicago

Cincinnatti at Cleveland

JoJo– Banking on an improved Colt McCoy, going Browns.
Dr. Jamez- Looks like Cincy will have the #1 overall next year. Browns by a bunch

Indianapolis at Houston
JoJo– I really wanna go Houston but sticking with the sure thing, Indy.
Dr. Jamez- Peyton Manning doing what he does. Colts big.

Tennessee at Jacksonville

JoJo – With Chris Johnson signed I’m going Titans
Dr. Jamez- This will probably the worst game of the week, Jags

Buffalo at Kansas City

JoJo– Buffalo
Dr. Jamez- I dont know whats wrong with JoJo, should be an easy win for K.C.

Philadelphia at St. Louis

JoJo- Philly
Dr. Jamez- I’m just going to pick and upset going with the Rams

Detroit at Tampa Bay

JoJo- Bucs.
Dr. Jamez- JoJo has no heart, this is going to be my blow out of the week Lions big.

Carolina at Arizona

JoJo– I don’t think Newton is ready, going Cards.
Dr. Jamez- I agree with JoJo, Newton isn’t special.

Minnesota at San Diego

JoJo- Phillip Rivers all day, going Chargers
Dr. Jamez- Philip Rivers all day, going Vikings.

New York Giants at Washington

JoJo- The Skins look to be a better team this year but I like the Giants.
Dr. Jamez- I’m super torn here cause I love me some God Slayer but the injuries are piling up.... I don't think Beck is the answer Giants.

Dallas at New York Jets

JoJo- Even though I hate it I’m going with the Jets
Dr. Jamez- Dallas.....eh, why not?

New England at Miami

JoJo- New England
Dr. Jamez- I don’t believe in this Pats team but picking Miami is like picking the Texans to beat the Colts.Pats it is.

Oakland at Denver

JoJo- Oakland
Dr. Jamez- Denver?

UFC 134 Predictions

The UFC is returning to the MMA Mecca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and they put together a great card to do so. Joe Maass and I will do our best to Break down this Saturdays match ups for you. IT IS TIME!

• Lightweight bout: Ross Pearson vs. Edson Barboza

Dr. Jamez- Pearson was on a tear before his shocking loss to Cole Miller but bounced back with a strong win over Spencer Fisher. Barboza may have the home town advantage but Pearson is a huge jump up in competition and the home crowd can’t help him once the cage door closes. I expect Pearson to Grind out a win.

Joe- I always hated Barboza in the Pirates movies so I’m not flipping here. Pearson all the way.

• Heavyweight bout: Brendan Schaub vs. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira

Dr. Jamez- I just can’t pick Nogueira, he’s basically the Stephan Bonnar of the heavy weight division. I Know Big Nog might be able to submit him if it gets to the ground but I think its more likely he’s transitioning in to a Chuck Liddell phase where everyone is going to start viciously knocking him out now that hes not fighting in a company where the refs don't wear ear pieces.

Joe- I Googled both these guys and this is what I learned: Brendan Schaub looks kinda like a really white Kellen Winslow and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s forehead looks just like George W Bush’s. Going with Schaub.

• Light Heavyweight bout: Maurício Rua vs. Forrest Griffin

Dr. Jamez- I’ve never been impressed with Shogun, Forrest finished him the first time they fought and I don’t care if Shogun claimed he was injured he should have pulled out if that was the case like he did when he belt jacked the UFC for nearly a year. If Forrest and can finish this fight and make it out without serious injury he should be in line for a title fight if Rashad’s thumb keeps him out longer than expected. If not I would say a title eliminator with Machida would make the most sense. I say this because I can’t see an area where Shogun can best Forrest. Forrest might not have the KO power Shogun does but I also dont think Shogun’s KO power is enough to stop Forrest. I think Forrest will just over power Shogun and win a decision.

Joe- I cant stand people that have like six names..what do I call them Maruicio, Shogun, Milani? I don’t really like Forrest unless we’re talking about Gump but I’m left with no choice going Forrest.

• Middleweight Championship: Anderson Silva (c) vs. Yushin Okami

Dr. Jamez- I’m in a pickle here cause I absolutely will not pick Anderson Silva because he and Philip Rivers are probably the people I dislike more than just about anyone on the planet. That being said Silva has already knocked Okami out once (although it was an illegal strike) so it shows he has the abilty to stop Okami. The other side is Okami has been working with the one man to truly beat Andy, Chael Sonnen. At the end of the day I wouldn't put money on Okami but he does have the tools to win this fight he just needs some luck.

Joe- If he can’t shoot wed or climb up walls he shouldn’t be called the Spider it’s too confusing. I’m going with Okami

Preseason Power rankings version 2

Dr Jamez

As Promised here is round two of the preseason power rankings with free agency almost done.

1. Colts- This team will win the Superbowl this year.
2. Packers- I’m hesitant to say this team is better than Superbowl champion form but the will be healthier than last year.
3. Eagles- This team has oddles of talent but Vick isn’t going to get it done. I expect Vick to not be very good and he and Desean Jackson to not finish the season. Adding Asomugha was great for them and everyone in the AFC but the corner situation is no better than the Jets.
4. Jets- I hate the Jets as much as someone outside of Boston can as much as I love the idea of The Pats having to stare the harbinger of perfect failure in the face twice a year I think Plax going to the Jets will make the least impact he possibly could have. God, Sanchez sucks.
5. Patriots- I don’t know what to say, they aren’t very good and Bellichick is a joke. “An all Road Kill defense doesn't make you a good team” -Warren Sapp
6. Falcons- I don’t want to look like a fool so I’m going with the smart money but this division really depends on if Talib plays or not.
7. Ravens- Ed Reed will be there at the start of the season hopefully they will fix the play calling issues and Boldin should be more comfortable this year. Some Key losses could change this team though.
8. Giants- This year was as much of a tossup as last year between The Giants and Eagles until the Eagles made some big preseason moves while the Giants are having trouble getting people back to the team facility.
9. Raiders- They looked good last year didn’t lose a division game. The Chiefs took a few personnel hits. WHY THE HELL IS THE GUY WHO PLAYED WOLVERINE THE COACH OF THE RAIDERS?! Man! Al Davis is nuts.
10. Chiefs- see above
11. Bucs- This team baffles me. Could win the NFC south, could be one of the worst in the league. Looks like Talib will play this year so we’ll see just how legit the Bucs are.
12. Steelers- This team has a history of missing the Playoffs after a Superbowl appearance and is going absolutely nuts in the off season I dont feel good about them as a team.
13. Bears- You know who should have gotten Julio Jones? The Bears. Signing Roy Williams and Marion Barber could be huge for the Bears.
14. Rams- Apparently I hate the NFC West. This is the only team from the west outside of the bottom 10 and they are Fourteen. To put that in context 12 teams make the playoffs and one team from the west has to go.
15. Lions- One year away from the best defense in the league. Could make serious noise if Stafford can stay healthy (AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHAHAHAAH HA. I SAID IF STAFFORD CAN STAY HEALTHY LIKE ITS POSSIBLE.)
16. Saints- I hate them.
17. Cowboys- Offense should be banging. I just don’t like Jason Garret.
18. Browns- I Love me some Colt McCoy, I hope they do better then I think.
19. Broncos- I still don’t understand how they finished so bad last year.
20. Dolphins- I’m not exactly sure what their problem is.
21. Vikings- Aging defense isn’t good, but best running back in the league and best rookie qb in this class is good. We’ll see how it evens out. I know they said theyre playing McNabb but I see this as the start of the Ponder era.
22. Seahawks- Will have a place in my heart forever for what they did to the Saints last year but
23. Redskins- I…don’t….know …. What to say. Shanahan …..SO…..crazy.
24. Jaguars- what do they got? a Coach that’s going to get fired in season, a Rookie QB taking all the snaps? MJD is coming off knee surgery and as of now looks 40 lbs over weight...Yes, I’m still stung they got Session.
25. Bengals- Seriously, Even Carson Palmer is done with this team.
26. 49ers- Do they have a QB? I thought Harbaugh was the coach of the Ravens.
27. Cardinals- I said they could make a jump when they get Kolb but...they didnt....
28. Texans- So, they didnt get Asomugha. Cushing and Foster aren’t practicing. They lost leach and they are going to convert to a 3-4 with 2 weeks of off season practice. They are going to be awful but they will always be slinging the ball so Andre Johnson’s Fantasy Value on my team has skyrocketed.
29. Chargers- Suck
30. Bills- probably better than last year?
31. Titans- ….Ahem… Do they have a coach?! a QB? They are going to be awful.
32. Panthers- Boo!

2011 divisional winners- Dr. Jamez Edition

Dr. Jamez
This is going to be the toughest part of our preseason rankings and predictions and is most likely to have to be redone based on free agency. Alas we’re trying to stay current and keep Churning out things as best we can so for now enjoy our predictions for preseason division winners.
AFC East
New York Jets- Maybe I’m pulling “Texans” but this team has all the talent you would expect from a Ravens team. Sanchez is the worst quarterback in the league but they’ve spilt with the Pats and then outperformed them in the playoffs two years in a row now. I think the crown is the Jets as long as they take care of the free agency issues they have.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens- This team is like the Falcons of the AFC all the talent in the world but still can’t seem to do it. With the Steelers seemingly imploding in the offseason along with the trend of missing the playoffs the year after a Superbowl appearance I think this is the Ravens year…..sure as hell isn’t the Bengals.
AFC West
Oakland Raiders- ...Heads
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts- They’re going to win the Superbowl too.
NFC East
New York Giants- probably the hardest to pick of all, The Redskins seem to be the only unlikely candidate to win the division but I never count out the nerve damaging ‘Skins. I can see all the teams in this division winning it but when in doubt I always count on a Manning.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers- How do you beat’em? I can say all the trite things most analysts say about them being the champs but there’s no need they’re virtually the same team I picked to go to the Superbowl last year.
NFC West
St. Louis Rams- The Rams seem like the team to beat in the west unless Arizona picks up Kolb and he plays very well for a first year in a new system. This one may be a horse race though.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons- You don’t know how many times I wrote Tampa Bay Bucs and erased it and the same with the Falcons. I went with the Falcons based on the fact that we know what will be there unlike with Tampa. If Talib is suspended that defense will allow 35+ a game most likely. If the Bucs make some big moves like signing Asomugha and resigning some key free agents this Bucs team could contend for the conference but they also have the potential to not address any of them and win 3 games again. The offense looks solid but is still young and had a very easy road last year. So yes, my whole explanation for why the Falcons will win the south is the Bucs wild uncertainty that and the fact that the Saint defense should be pretty bad next year. Suck it, Porter.

Preseason Quarterback Power Rankings- Joe Maass edition

Joe Maass
1. Tom Brady- Based on last years numbers he is sitting at the top right now.
2. Aaron Rogers- Has been fantastic and more than anyone thought he would be.
3. Peyton Manning- Word is that he isn’t the player he was….people are dumb.
4. Drew Brees- Just overall fantastic, but he turned the ball over too much last year.
5. Philip Rivers- Has he done enough to be in the top five? I think so.
6. Matt Schaub- Seems always to just fall short.
7. Eli Manning- I don’t know what to say, I feel like he should be better.
8. Josh Freeman- A near record improvement from his rookie season.
9. Michael Vick- Electric playmaker.
10. Tony Romo- I just really don’t like him.
11. Jay Cutler- This will be his breakout year.
12. Ben Roethlisberger- Old smelly.
13. Matt Cassel- Kansas City seems to have a franchise quarterback.
14. Matt Ryan- Needs to take the next step..has amazing talent around him.
15. Joe Flacco- Something about a next step here too….
16. Sam Bradford- The real deal.
17. Kevin Kolb- Should be starting somewhere..
18. Colt McCoy- Showed promise but he is no Tim Tebow ;)
19. Jason Campbell- Pisses me off, he throws four Interceptions and wins a game… fuck you, Campbell.
20. Matt Stafford- Even only playing 1/4 a game he still is better than Mark Sanchez.
21. Mark Sanchez- Josh Freeman..
22. Chad Henne- Sometimes I think he is good.
23. Ryan Fitzpatrick- I don’t think he is a long term solution.
24. David Garrard- He is a probowler…really
25. Tim Tebow- Probably will start?
26. Alex Smith- I just don’t know about him.
27. Donovan McNabb- Fell apart and I guess doesn’t have the endurance to handle the two minute offense?
28. Matt Hasselbeck- Poor Matt…
29. Christian Ponder- I’m pretty much stacking the rookie passers down here.
30. Cam Newton- At least he has Steve Smith..wait…
31. Jake Locker- huh?
32. Andy Dalton- I don’t even know who he is…

Preseason Quarterback Power Rankings

Dr. Jamez

AND WE’RE BACK! I’m excited to be doing the second annual preseason quarterback power rankings I did some good and some bad last year I think I learned from my mistakes but of course this year will have no shortage of risky predictions.

1. Peyton Manning- He’s the greatest of all time he’ll have his talent back and he’ll probably get the hat trick (NFL MVP, Superbowl, Superbowl MVP)

2. Aaron Rodgers- Rodgers has been consistently one of the best in the league since he has been the starter in Green Bay. He is what everyone says Philip Rivers is He was hands down the best in the league last season.

3. Drew Bress- as much as I hate the Saints I can’t hate Brees, he’s one of the three quarterbacks I consider elite.

4. Tom Brady- I’m not really impressed with his stat padding numbers he just fumbles a lot. He did say Manning was the best quarterback ever though, so that counts for something.

5. Matt Schaub-quietly one of the strongest quarterbacks in the league year in year out.

6. Eli Manning- I believe in the GodSlayer.

7. Josh Freeman- I was saying he’s the next Steve McNair which I thought was a crazy compliment but now I think he could be better than Steve McNair when it’s all over. I expect his numbers to take a hit next year because of the difficulty of schedule but I think if the Bucs win next season it will be on his back.

8. Tony Romo- hm, 3 of the top 10 all have huge fumbling issues, good thing they’re not running backs.

9. Ben Roethlisberger- He isn’t Peyton Manning, just gets paid like he is.

10. Jay Cutler- I lost a lot of faith in Jay last season you would assume second year in Martz’s system he’ll do better but he still has nothing at WR.

11. Michael Vick- Won’t have the element of surprise he did last season, Kobb as a safety net, and probably won’t finish the season.

12. Matt Ryan – Ryan is another I lost faith in last season he just doesn’t seem to be developing to the superstar his rookie season would have led you to believe he will and he has all the talent in the world. Top 5 Wr, Top 5 Rb, greatest TE ever he should be dominating the league on offense the fact he’s not worries me.

13. Colt McCoy- What can I say about my boy Colt? Heart of a Lion, made Eli proud the way he single handedly won that game vs the Pats

14. Matt Cassel – He finally got a little talent around him and the O.C. left, hopefully that doesn’t mean a step back for Cassel

15. Sam Bradford- Trust me I don’t want to like the kid but he seems to be capeable

16. Joe Flacco- He and Ryan will forever be linked by their rookie seasons they seem to want to stay lateral.

17. Kevin Kolb- he’s going to be winging it around somewhere don’t know where though yet. He’s still not totally proven he can be effective without loads of talent.

18. Ryan Fitzpatrick- sufficient….

19. Jason Campbell- I want to out you higher, Jason, I really do.

20. Tim Tebow- Will Probably be starting?

21. David Garrard- will most likely start the season but when they start losing and fire Del Rio Blaine Gabbert will most likely finish out the season.

22. Christian Ponder- Far and away the best and most pro-ready rookie quarterback this class, will also be starting game 1.

23. Chad Henne – I don’t know what to make of this guy.

24. Matt Hasslebeck- is a broken shell of a man.

25. Donovan McNabb- I’m still as confused as anyone.

26. Alex Smith- I don’t know if he’s starting or if it will be this Colin Kaepernick kid in san fran. but to me it’s a wash

27. Matt Stafford- He’d be top 15 if I thought he had the ability to play 15 snaps this season.

28. Philip Rivers-isn’t any good.

29. Cam Newton- Rookie on a bad team with no camp good luck, kid.

30. Jake Locker – I guess he’s the starting quarterback in Tenn.?

31. Andy Dalton-If you’re wondering he’s the only quarterback willing to play in Cincinnati.

32. Mark Sanchez- sucks

NFL Preseason Power Rankings

I write this intro with a heavy heart because as I’m writing it we are still in the middle of a lock out, we still haven’t had free agency, and the first preseason game is less the 30 days away. JoJo and I are still as committed to sports especially football as ever so we powered through some preseason power rankings for two reasons. One, We know because it will be a mad dash to get some semblance of a camp and preseason together thus its more likely free agents will stay home for at least a one year deal and two, eff it, they’re fun and both of us have been in a haze lost not being able to think about football because of the great pain the fact that there is a lock out causes us. That being said be on the lookout for an amended if not totally redone Preseason Power Rankings as teams being to take shape until then, enjoy.

NFL Preseason Power Rankings

Joe Maass
1. Green Bay - The defending champs.
2. Indianapolis- Healthy, and with an improving Offensive line.
3. Pittsburgh- Potent offense and steady defense.
4. New York Jets- This team could be a serious contender if Mark Sanchez develops.
5. Chicago- Cutler improved in the new system and hopefully he will get some protection.
6. New England- Brady played amazing but the defense has holes.
7. Baltimore- Flacco and the offense needs to take the next step.
8. Atlanta- Defending NFC South champs.
9. New York Giants- Defense should be solid and I’m banking on Eli not turning the ball over as much.
10. Philadelphia- The defense needs help and I’m not sure Vick can sustain the high level of play.
11. New Orleans- Brees should bounce back from a bit of a down year.
12. Tampa Bay- Will rely on rookies again heavily this season.
13. Dallas- Returning Tony Romo should be a boost.
14. San Diego- Return to the top of the AFC West.
15. Kansas City- Will Challenge for the AFC West
16. Detroit- IF Stafford can stay healthy they could be dangerous.
17. Oakland- On the right track.
18. Jacksonville- I feel bad for Jones-Drew.
19. Miami- A lot of drama in the offseason.
20. Houston- Trying to install a new defense when you can’t talk to players?
21. St. Louis- Bradford looks like the real deal.
22. Minnesota- I’m not sure why I have them so low, I just have a feeling.
23. Seattle- Might not have Hasselbeck, but that might not be a bad thing.
24. Cleveland- McCoy looks like he is for real.
25. Buffalo- Must improve on defense.
26. Arizona- Fitz wants a QB.
27. Washington- I don’t see them making much noise with the current QBs.
28. San Francisco- New coach and new system…
29. Denver- Again, New coach and system.
30. Tennessee- They have some major issues to correct most notably who is the QB?
31. Cincinnati- Palmer wants out and the defense took a step back last year.
32. Carolina- Worst team last year and now they have another rookie QB.
Dr Jamez

1. Colts- This team will win the Superbowl this year.
2. Packers- I’m hesitant to say this team is better than Superbowl champion form but the will be healthier than last year.
3. Ravens- Ed Reed will the there at the start of the season hopefully they will fix the play calling issues and Boldin should be more comfortable this year.
4. Jets- I hate the Jets as much as someone outside of Boston can. God, Sanchez sucks.
5. Giants- This year was as much of a tossup as last year between The Giants and Eagles.
6. Falcons- I don’t want to look like a fool so I’m going with the smart money but this division really depends on if Talib plays or not.
7. Steelers- Nothing has changed good enough defense to get a playoff spot.
8. Eagles- This team has oddles of talent but Vick isn’t going to get it done. I expect Vick to not be very good and he and Desean Jackson to not finish the season.
9. Patriots- I don’t know what to say, they aren’t very good and Bellichick is a joke. I only have them this high because of circumstantial evidence.
10. Raiders- They looked good last year didn’t lose a division game. The Chiefs took a few personnel hits. WHY THE HELL IS THE GUY WHO PLAYED WOLVERINE THE COACH OF THE RAIDERS?! Man! Al Davis is nuts.
11. Chiefs- see above
12. Bucs- This team baffles me. Could win the NFC south, could be one of the worst in the league. I hope to god they get Asomugha though, keep that mofo away from Houston.
13. Rams- Apparently I hate the NFC West. This is the only team from the west outside of the bottom 10 and they are thirteen. To put that in context 12 teams make the playoffs and one team from the west has to go.
14. Bears- You know who should have gotten Julio Jones? The Bears. The only way they will be legit contenders is if they get a real WR.
15. Lions- One year away from the best defense in the league. Could make serious noise if Stafford can stay healthy (AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHAHAHAAH HA. I SAID IF STAFFORD CAN STAY HEALTHY LIKE ITS POSSIBLE.)
16. Saints- I hate them.
17. Cowboys- Offense should be banging. I just don’t like Jason Garret.
18. Browns- I Love me some Colt McCoy, I hope they do better then I think.
19. Broncos- I still don’t understand how they finished so bad last year.
20. Dolphins- I’m not exactly sure what their problem is.
21. Vikings- Aging defense isn’t good, but best running back in the league and best rookie qb in this class is good. We’ll see how it evens out. Sidney Rice’s value to the team sky rocketed when they drafted Ponder.
22. Seahawks- Will have a place in my heart forever for what they did to the Saints last year but
23. Redskins- I…don’t….know …. What to say. Shanahan …..SO…..crazy.
24. Jaguars- what do they got? a Coach that’s going to get fired in season, a Rookie QB that will get no reps (if there is a) preseason who will take over when Del Rio gets fired and MJD…. Could will be bad.
25. Bengals- Seriously, Even Carson Palmer is done with this team.
26. 49ers- Do they have a QB? I thought Harbaugh was the coach of the Ravens.
27. Cardinals- This one may jump depending on if Fitz stays and Kobb signs. But we’ll save that for v.2
28. Texans- Hopefully the Texans won’t get Asomugha but either way they’ve proven to have a totally incompetent head coach which is clearly why they brought in Wade Phillips. Also to fix that awful defense but converting to a 3-4 is always bad for business first year but this year there will be no camps to even start to work it. This team will be bad.
29. Chargers- Suck
30. Bills- probably better than last year?
31. Titans- ….Ahem… Do they have a coach?! a QB? They are going to be awful.
32. Panthers- Boo!

I usually don’t lose my temper.

Dr. Jamez

But seriously?! WHY IS THE LOCKOUT STILL GOING?! We should be in full swing of training camp! As I’m writing this we are one month to the day away from the first preseason game, ‘The Hall of Fame’ game. I should doing lists for my sports blog ( www.bluevsredblog.blogspot.com ) about preseason power rankings, who I think is going to win the Superbowl, division picks, rating the teams qbs. Discussing how newly minted free agents will effect their new teams and teams around them. Most of all YELLING ABOUT HOW GREAT THE COLTS ARE AND WILL BE AND HOW MUCH THE CHARGERS SUCK. But I can’t do any of that because of this stupid lockout. In moral I agree with the players on the issues but at this point both sides need to agree on a temporary fix and if this can’t get solved continue these talks next off season. All both sides are doing right now are punishing the fans (and Rich Eisen) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I HATE THE LOCKOUT!!!!!!!!!!

who doesn't love Josh Freeman?

I’m not really known for my affection for anything in the Bucs nation. Whereas I’m not quite as passionate as I once was about my hate for all things pirate I still could never be described as pro-Bucs that being said, there is no reason to not be pro-Josh Freeman. I’ve been with Freeman since day one and even used him as a pawn saying “if the Bucs don’t get Freeman it will be a full on eff you to the fans proving the glazers have NO desire to win.” I still don’t think the Glazers have any desire to win but god bless whoever made the decision to bring him to Tampa happen. The best way I can express how good I think this kid is and how great I think he will be soon by simply saying he’s the next Steve McNair. When you really break it down though, what I think doesn’t mean much but when you hear the things the Bucs players are saying that’s what is really perking my ears up. Now it’s normal to present a united front especially when it comes to quarterbacks. You hear a lot of “he’s our guy and we know he can win it for us” but you would think he had the cure for cancer in his afro the way people are talking about him.

Kellen Winslow: "He's the dude. I'm not leaving him. If it's my decision, I'm never leaving him. I want to play with him until he retires. I wouldn't want to play with anybody else."

I’m relatively sure Winslow quoting the ending of titanic there. ….

Raheem Morris: "I'm fired up for Freeman, That's the type of leader we brought here and I had no doubt in my mind he would be doing that type of thing. It's not shocking to me. It's kind of expected from the standpoint of business as usual for that guy."

Granted Morris is known for overselling and borderline lying but I don’t doubt if they started giving out those imitation wigs like they used to do for Carlos Valderrama at mutiny games for freeman Morris would be the first in line to get one.

The person talking about Freeman that most impresses me is Josh Freeman.

Freeman: "I was hoping to put a good product on the field. Guys followed that. If I'm not playing good football or taking care of business, how can I be a leader? I just feel like it's my job as a quarterback to take care of business."

Whether I like to admit it or not because he’s the leader of the Bucs Freeman seems to be a great leader and an even better man. (I’m sure by the time you read this he’ll have punched a baby while on roxys in a taxi that he stole to make me regret saying that like all Bucs) The sky’s the limit for Freeman, now if we could only get him to shave off that afro so his brain stops overheating and he runs full speed in to his offensive linemen.

Quotes courtesy of: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82011c68/article/bucs-winslow-aims-to-play-with-leader-freeman-until-the-end?module=HP_headlines

2011 Colts Schedule

Last night the 2011 NFL schedules were released and I have to tell you, this is one of the happiest moments I’ve had since those dirty Jets knocked my Colts out of the playoffs last season and I had to hold back the tears while watching Rex Ryan walk out on that field fist pumping like he was in a night club. Next years season has me filled with hope with a chance of being the first team to win a Superbowl they are hosting and forget last years Cowboys this is the most legitimate chance any team has had at it in 15+ years. This season isn’t without challenges mind you, but for once the Colts schedule isn’t a nightmare of playing teams all coming off their bye, or a stretch of all the toughest games back to back, or something crazy like 4-6 on the road. As I said, the tests are there but they are all ones we should be able to pass. I want to go on record and say I think the Colts will win the Superbowl this year. I’m not saying this like I say I think they will win it every year or I think they have a chance to win it. I truly believe with their talent, schedule, and motivation the Colts will win it barring a last year type obliteration of the team but we don’t have to play the Redskins so I don’t think that will happen again. With this schedule I see 13-3, #1 seed (unless they have to win more and don’t have to rest starters to win the #1 seed) and every playoff game including the Superbowl is a home game for them. I’m going to go over all the games and do a bit of a breakdown for them all. When you count them there may be different numbers then the 13-3 I’m just going to say where we can win or lose (most cases wins a win loss is a possible loss) but no one guesses them all right. Unless this is the year they let Peyton shut everyone up and go undefeated…..

Week 1 - @ Houston Texans, Sun. Sept. 11, 1 p.m.- I am very excited for this game, after last years slow start we have something to prove. This is actually a nightmare for Houston. Sure, they still have the offense but this will be the debut of their 3-4 defense which is normally a rough transition but it will be compounded by the preseason and offseason work being shorter at best. (http://jamezkelske.tumblr.com/post/4757752795/christopher-titus-vs-the-nfl ) Peyton will probably start this season trending to break the touchdown record.

Week 2 - vs. Cleveland Browns, Sun. Sept. 18, 1 p.m.- The Colts will face two great running backs in back to back weeks but will also face a 3-4 which Peyton has always been able to exploit. If nothing else it’s always so sweet to see Peyton beat a Ryan family member.

Week 3 - vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sun. Sept. 25, 8:20 p.m.- Another great game for the Colts because the Colts greatest strength is the Steelers greatest weakness. Peyton is going to beat the rape off that team. Biggest issue here will be keeping Collie as far away from James Harrison as humanly possible.

Week 4 - @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mon. Oct. 3, 8:30 p.m.- By the time the Colts show up for this one Peyton could be at about 11-12 touchdowns already I don’t have any reason to thing he won be to 20 after this game. The best part of this game is Jon Gruden will be calling the action. Too bad I’ll be there and wont get to hear that.

Week 5 - vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sun. Oct. 9, 1 p.m.- great situation to have them at home.

Week 6 - @ Cincinnati Bengals, Sun. Oct. 16, 1 p.m.- Do they still have players ?

Week 7 - @ New Orleans Saints, Sun. Oct. 23, 8:20 p.m.- This is one game that bugs me, its snuck in the middle of a road stretch. It’s annoying but I don’t think Peyton Manning will ever let the Saints beat him again.

Week 8 - @ Tennessee Titans, Sun. Oct. 30, 1 p.m.- .- Do they still have players ?

Week 9 - vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sun. Nov. 6, 1 p.m.-This could be problematic because its coming off three road games and is a real test. Trap typed game.

Week 10 - vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sun. Nov. 13, 1 p.m.- Peyton Manning’s eight year campaign to get Jack Del Rio fired is finally coming to a head.

Week 11 - BYE- So awesome to have a late bye for once. Week 12 - vs. Carolina Panthers, Sun. Nov. 27, 1 p.m.- How ever many Touchdowns Manning throws against the Bucs, double it here cause of the comments the owner of the Panthers made to Peyton Manning during the CBA negotiations. Coming off a bye, are you kidding me?

Week 13 - @ New England Patriots, Sun. Dec. 4, 8:20 p.m.- Two bye weeks to prepare this should be awesome. Later in the season so this could* be for the number 1 seed in the playoffs.

Week 14 - @ Baltimore Ravens, Sun. Dec. 11, 1 p.m.- Another circumstantial tough game.

Week 15 - vs. Tennessee Titans, Sun. Dec. 18, 1 p.m.- Walk

Week 16 - vs. Houston Texans, Thu. Dec. 22, 8:20 p.m.- The Colts will almost certainly be resting starters in this game if not it will be for the 1 seed so its going to be awful for the Texans who will be 6-8 at this point.

Week 17 - @ Jacksonville Jaguars, Sun. Jan. 1, 1 p.m.- We’ll see a lot of Curtis Painter in this game.

*= could, if the Pats were pretenders and didn’t suck.

Your dynasty is dead.

Your dynasty is dead.
Dr. Jamez

To get in to the legitimacy of the Patriots three Superbowl victories at this point would be moot, the facts are out there make you own opinions. Ultimately the wins aren’t going away or getting an asterisk added to them so it’s not worth discussing anymore. I want to focus on the perennial superpower that is the New England Patriots and the perceived best coach active in football and maybe the best ever, Bill Belichick.

It has been ten years since the Patriots won Superbowl XXXVI, the Superbowl that ushered in the Brady era and birthed a dynasty that would win three of the next four Superbowls. Expert game plans crafted by the most revered coach of the time period executed to perfection and derailing the seemingly unbeatable regular season teams of Peyton Manning and his high powered Colts and Kurt Warner and the Greatest show on turf to name a few. Sparking the debate that would become synonymous with both Brady and Manning, who is better? The modest ring winner who is clutch in the playoffs or the statistic baffling regular season great who can’t win the big one, an argument that would plague Manning’s legacy for years. By everyone’s standards an amazing era that will always be revered by all football fans and mentioned with the great teams like the Cowboys, Steelers, and 49ers

That era started ten years ago, since then the Patriots have only been to the Superbowl once and if you think that’s still pretty good, they also missed the playoffs as many times. The team has transitioned to what all the New England supporters criticized the Colts for being over that time, a big time regular season team that is totally out-classed in the playoffs. Since 2006 the Brady and the Patriots and choked when it mattered most. In 2006 the Patriots squandered a seventeen point lead and allowed the Colts to come back to win the AFC championship game that lead Peyton Manning to his First Superbowl victory. In 2007 The Patriots went undefeated in the regular season only to allow Eli Manning for forge his legacy as a New York sports legend by beating them in the Superbowl leaving the Patriots with an 18-1 record that year, what a legacy. In 2009 the Patriots allowed the Ravens to come to Foxborough and blow them out and be one and done by way of three forced Brady turnovers. Most recently in 2010 the Patriots saw the hated rival Jets come to town where they had beaten them 45-3 weeks earlier in a season where Brady broke records for most home wins and most attempts without a turnover in the playoff game the Jets came to Gillette stadium, forced a pivotal interception, and beat the Patriots in a brash, arrogant, and humiliating way.

If you’re keeping track, the Patriots have turned in to the opposite of what “made them great” a well coached, great defense, championship winning team. Over the these passed six years the defense cant stop anyone, the offense chokes when they’re needed most and in the last five seasons most important games Bill Belichick has been completely out-coached by people that were new to coaching or had been on the hot seat them self. Take your most fresh example, the Jets game. Belichick had a bye to get his team rested, had the benefit of seeing the Jets play the Colts who’s offense through an odd happenstance of injury had become strikingly similar the Jets implemented the same game plan versus the Pats something every casual football watcher knew they would and yet still came out flat and borderline listless. What was more shocking is in the second half in no way changing the game plan and trying to spark the team back in to contention. But that wasn’t where the gross miss-management stopped, no. There was the inexplicable lack of urgency in the forth quarter which didn’t make sense around the seven minute mark of that drive but that wasn’t as bad as the fake punt call. Seems like once a season Belichick does something ridiculous like this and no one calls him a bad coach like we do with Jack Del Rio usually because it’s something like going for it on 4th and 29 when they are up by 31 points on the Bills and no one argues that the Pats are classless. But every now and again it’s something like 4th and 2 versus Indianapolis that loses crucial games for the team like this time. One of two things happened on this fake punt either Belichick made a terrible call that ruined the game like I suspect, or you believe what Patrick Cheung (the player who fumbled the snap and was tackled for a loss) said and the choice was completely his. Which in a way might be worst, to think that a second year guy has that much control over the game in crucial situations, but I don’t buy that a control freak like Belichick who needs to have such a strangle hold on the team he benched Wes Welker in a playoff game which most argue caused the interception earlier in the game would let that happen. These are the possible reasons your season ended, Patriots.

So here is your dynasty Patriots, no defense, outdated coaching at best, and cant win a home playoff game to save your season. It’s been ten years since your first title and soon enough it will have been at least a decade since all of them. I think it’s fair to say ……