Rex Ryan and his mean green machine are rolling into a town near you. As if such a carnival of chiding could go unnoticed…
The Jets have been the bully-boys of the AFC for the past two seasons now. Their trash talking ways have moved them past the Steelers – who themselves have taken on a rather quiet, but menacing persona – in the fear factor rankings. They’ve always appeared like a punk kid when compared to the bookish sophistication of long-time division rivals and perennial playoff participants, the New England Patriots. And just like a punk, they get angry when things don’t go their way, they whinge and moan and spit out their dummy for all to see. And they don’t apologise.
They just piss you off.
And you know what? In a league of such relative parity, having that mental edge is often all you need to win. The Jets wind up their opponents something rotten, and they are frequently rewarded for it. The moment the fear scrapes the surface, the Jets have won.
However, things are different this year. The guys used to being on the wrong end of a New York beat-down are suddenly all juiced up. It’s like beating up the geeky kid on the last day of school before going away for summer and returning to find he’s had a bicep-centric growth spurt.
The Texans are contenders. There’s no way the playoffs won’t be featuring both the Steelers and the Ravens. The Patriots look unstoppable. And even the Bills and the Browns and the god damn Raiders look capable of putting a spanner in the works for the presumptive Jets.
Will they make the playoffs? They should do, but navigating the hungry young teams won’t be easy.
Verdict: they should finish in the mix for sixth seed with maybe a 10-6 record. I think they’ll make it by the skin of their teeth.
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Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
New Orleans Saints
Here’s a team primed for a deep playoff run, despite having to contend with divisional rivals like the Falcons, the up-and-coming Buccaneers and the unpredictable Carolina Panthers.
The Saints have one of the best passers in the league and the addition of Darren Sproles at RB, means this team is stacked with top-notch starters and quality roster players.
Their defence, although lacking star power, is extremely well organised and should be able to contain the trip of young Quarterbacks in the NFC South.
The Saints’ memorable run to the Superbowl is now a thing of history. A whole season and a new champion stand between this beloved team and their finest hour, so the time to bask in the glory is past. Now it’s down to business. How far can the Saints go and will they achieve the heights of the 2009 season?
Verdict: Top of the division with an 11-5 and likely second or third seed in the conference. I would like to think a 12-4 is attainable and that it would be enough for the number two spot. But the Saints will be in the playoffs and could well be the last team standing in Green Bay’s way of getting back to the big show.
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The Saints have one of the best passers in the league and the addition of Darren Sproles at RB, means this team is stacked with top-notch starters and quality roster players.
Their defence, although lacking star power, is extremely well organised and should be able to contain the trip of young Quarterbacks in the NFC South.
The Saints’ memorable run to the Superbowl is now a thing of history. A whole season and a new champion stand between this beloved team and their finest hour, so the time to bask in the glory is past. Now it’s down to business. How far can the Saints go and will they achieve the heights of the 2009 season?
Verdict: Top of the division with an 11-5 and likely second or third seed in the conference. I would like to think a 12-4 is attainable and that it would be enough for the number two spot. But the Saints will be in the playoffs and could well be the last team standing in Green Bay’s way of getting back to the big show.
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Monday, 29 August 2011
New England Patriots
Tom Terrific and the Brady Bunch are back in a big way. A hugely disappointing end to last season has done little to disrupt the Massachusetts Machine that is running as smoothly as ever. With the addition of Chad Ochocinco from the Bengals and Albert Haynesworth from the Redskins, Belichick has put his faith in his reputation being big enough to quieten these two stars, both of whom have found trouble elsewhere.
Nobody messes with the Patriots model – just look what happened to Randy Moss last year. One of the major reasons the team went 16-0 throughout the 2007 regular season was turfed-out on his ear for biting the hand that had fed him so generously.
They play in a very competitive division, but they have the measure of their rivals. Buffalo looked good in the preseason, Miami are due a break-out but probably not this year and the New York Jets will make the playoffs, but likely as runners-up to the Pats. Either way, the Patriots’ postseason pedigree still outshines the Jets’ despite the identical endings both their previous 2 seasons have suffered.
I like the Patriots to meet the Texans in the AFC Championship game and to run out winners.
Verdict: Superbowl champs for the fourth time in 10 years. (14-2)
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Nobody messes with the Patriots model – just look what happened to Randy Moss last year. One of the major reasons the team went 16-0 throughout the 2007 regular season was turfed-out on his ear for biting the hand that had fed him so generously.
They play in a very competitive division, but they have the measure of their rivals. Buffalo looked good in the preseason, Miami are due a break-out but probably not this year and the New York Jets will make the playoffs, but likely as runners-up to the Pats. Either way, the Patriots’ postseason pedigree still outshines the Jets’ despite the identical endings both their previous 2 seasons have suffered.
I like the Patriots to meet the Texans in the AFC Championship game and to run out winners.
Verdict: Superbowl champs for the fourth time in 10 years. (14-2)
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Sunday, 28 August 2011
Minnesota Vikings
Sometimes, sport is just plain cruel. Along with the Buffalo Bills, the Minnesota Vikings have lost more Superbowls without winning a single title than any other team.
Forced to contend with Brett Favre for years, when the legendary gunslinger was quarterbacking for long-time division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, they snapped him up when he retired for the second time from the New York Jets.
With the aging maestro enjoying one his deepest ‘purple’ patches, the Vikings suddenly became Superbowl contenders. With the addition of stellar running back, Adrian Peterson, the Vikings were strong all over the field.
Predictably they made it to the NFC Championship game only to encounter their worst nightmare.
They leapt out to a 14-7 first quarter lead and despite out gaining the Saints 475 yards to 257, 3 fumbles and 2 interceptions from Favre cost them the chance to wrap up the game and, tied at 28 a piece, the two best teams of the year headed to overtime and the Vikings headed towards defeat by the boot of Saints kicker, Garrett Hartley.
Favre came back and tried to repeat the magic but, despite bolstering his NFL all-time records in Touchdown passes, Interceptions and consecutive games started for a Quarterback, he faded badly and, at long last, succumbed to the wear-and-tear of a long and hard-fought career, sitting out his first game and signalling the end of the fairytale.
The Vikings knew things were going to change, but they couldn’t have expected the collapse of the entire unit, which is exactly what has happened.
The Christian Ponder era has begun. The interesting draft choice could well be the future, but he is not the now. Right now the Vikings are in trouble and, remarkably given their recent form, they are my shout to finish bottom of the NFC North.
Verdict: cruel, cruel, cruel – the Vikings are going to have to wait a long time for that elusive first Championship. They are really bad this year: it’s not that they lack talent, they simply don’t know how to use it, and I don’t think Ponder will be able to handle Favre’s greyed mantle. Good luck, but no hope – a real candidate for the number one pick. I’m going bold: 3-13, bottom of the North and selecting early on the first day come April.
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Forced to contend with Brett Favre for years, when the legendary gunslinger was quarterbacking for long-time division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, they snapped him up when he retired for the second time from the New York Jets.
With the aging maestro enjoying one his deepest ‘purple’ patches, the Vikings suddenly became Superbowl contenders. With the addition of stellar running back, Adrian Peterson, the Vikings were strong all over the field.
Predictably they made it to the NFC Championship game only to encounter their worst nightmare.
They leapt out to a 14-7 first quarter lead and despite out gaining the Saints 475 yards to 257, 3 fumbles and 2 interceptions from Favre cost them the chance to wrap up the game and, tied at 28 a piece, the two best teams of the year headed to overtime and the Vikings headed towards defeat by the boot of Saints kicker, Garrett Hartley.
Favre came back and tried to repeat the magic but, despite bolstering his NFL all-time records in Touchdown passes, Interceptions and consecutive games started for a Quarterback, he faded badly and, at long last, succumbed to the wear-and-tear of a long and hard-fought career, sitting out his first game and signalling the end of the fairytale.
The Vikings knew things were going to change, but they couldn’t have expected the collapse of the entire unit, which is exactly what has happened.
The Christian Ponder era has begun. The interesting draft choice could well be the future, but he is not the now. Right now the Vikings are in trouble and, remarkably given their recent form, they are my shout to finish bottom of the NFC North.
Verdict: cruel, cruel, cruel – the Vikings are going to have to wait a long time for that elusive first Championship. They are really bad this year: it’s not that they lack talent, they simply don’t know how to use it, and I don’t think Ponder will be able to handle Favre’s greyed mantle. Good luck, but no hope – a real candidate for the number one pick. I’m going bold: 3-13, bottom of the North and selecting early on the first day come April.
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Saturday, 27 August 2011
Miami Dolphins
In theory, the Dolphins have gotten better in the off-season. With the arrival of Reggie Bush, and the presence of Brandon Marshall – two players I believe could command a feature role on the very best in the league – the pressure on young QB, Chad Henne should be lessened.
Henne’s play is still a big question mark, and one I believe will be answered this season. Initially Henne’s performances impressed, but he is yet to take that next step towards becoming a solid NFL starter.
He can throw the football, but having to play the Patriots defence in week one will be a challenge. I believe he’ll do well, but only time will tell.
There’s talent on this team and I think Tony Sparano, their coach, has a lot of quality to offer the NFL, but I wonder whether he would benefit from yet more time in a coordinator’s role. At 49 he is still relatively young for an NFL coach and has an unimpressive career record of 25-22. Miami is the first pro team he has led, and a young team and a young coach often fail to get the best from each other.
Verdict: Either last or tied third with the Bills in the AFC East. I reckon they are going to really struggle in that division, but should snap-up a few scalps along the way. 6-10 for this explosive/implosive outfit.
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Henne’s play is still a big question mark, and one I believe will be answered this season. Initially Henne’s performances impressed, but he is yet to take that next step towards becoming a solid NFL starter.
He can throw the football, but having to play the Patriots defence in week one will be a challenge. I believe he’ll do well, but only time will tell.
There’s talent on this team and I think Tony Sparano, their coach, has a lot of quality to offer the NFL, but I wonder whether he would benefit from yet more time in a coordinator’s role. At 49 he is still relatively young for an NFL coach and has an unimpressive career record of 25-22. Miami is the first pro team he has led, and a young team and a young coach often fail to get the best from each other.
Verdict: Either last or tied third with the Bills in the AFC East. I reckon they are going to really struggle in that division, but should snap-up a few scalps along the way. 6-10 for this explosive/implosive outfit.
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Friday, 26 August 2011
Indianapolis Colts
A power shift is occurring in the AFC South. Rumours abound that Peyton Manning will undergo further neck surgery that could completely prevent him from featuring in the 2011 campaign.
If Manning is unable to play for the whole or even part of the season, the Colts will struggle. They could even hit rock bottom of a group that contains the surging Texans, the ever capable Titans, and a Jags unit playing for their coach’s career.
The Colts haven’t missed out on the playoffs since 2001, but this year January could be without the Blue and White.
So will I be sad to see them go? No, not really. Good as Manning is, and as beneficial to the league and its many rivalries as his presence has been, the Colts mechanical capitulation in the playoffs sometimes makes their whole season seem…well, a bit boring, really. A younger, spikier team might shake things up a little more. And that’s what I like.
Verdict: a shocking season and their worst record for over 13 years. Things probably won’t be as bad as Manning’s debut 3-13 season in 1998, but a 4-12 doesn’t seem out of the question. A rough time for a fan-base accustomed to the high-life.
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If Manning is unable to play for the whole or even part of the season, the Colts will struggle. They could even hit rock bottom of a group that contains the surging Texans, the ever capable Titans, and a Jags unit playing for their coach’s career.
The Colts haven’t missed out on the playoffs since 2001, but this year January could be without the Blue and White.
So will I be sad to see them go? No, not really. Good as Manning is, and as beneficial to the league and its many rivalries as his presence has been, the Colts mechanical capitulation in the playoffs sometimes makes their whole season seem…well, a bit boring, really. A younger, spikier team might shake things up a little more. And that’s what I like.
Verdict: a shocking season and their worst record for over 13 years. Things probably won’t be as bad as Manning’s debut 3-13 season in 1998, but a 4-12 doesn’t seem out of the question. A rough time for a fan-base accustomed to the high-life.
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Thursday, 25 August 2011
Houston Texans
Now here’s a team on the bubble! It is impossible not to like what the Texans are doing right now, and that Coach Kubiak is still the one telling them to do it!
The Texans have been on the cusp for a while now, and near misses the last couple of seasons heaped real pressure of the Coach. But the ownership kept their cool and appreciated that Kubiak was taking the team in the right direction. They gave him time to finish what he started, and boy, is it about to pay off.
I gurantee you will see results from the Texans this year. They’ll beat big teams and not fluff it against the smaller ones. They won’t go undefeated, but there won’t be any nightmare run for them that leaves their playoff hopes dangling.
They will win the AFC South for the first time in their history.
They will make the playoffs for the first time in their history.
How far will they go?
Verdict: the new kids on the block will race through the regular season and secure a 1-4 seed (I’ll go with 2) with a 12-4 record. They will lose to New England in the AFC Championship game.
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The Texans have been on the cusp for a while now, and near misses the last couple of seasons heaped real pressure of the Coach. But the ownership kept their cool and appreciated that Kubiak was taking the team in the right direction. They gave him time to finish what he started, and boy, is it about to pay off.
I gurantee you will see results from the Texans this year. They’ll beat big teams and not fluff it against the smaller ones. They won’t go undefeated, but there won’t be any nightmare run for them that leaves their playoff hopes dangling.
They will win the AFC South for the first time in their history.
They will make the playoffs for the first time in their history.
How far will they go?
Verdict: the new kids on the block will race through the regular season and secure a 1-4 seed (I’ll go with 2) with a 12-4 record. They will lose to New England in the AFC Championship game.
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Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Kansas City Chiefs
I don’t get it. I really don’t…
The Chiefs have the 11-5 Patriot, Matt Cassel at Quarterback, they have standout receiver Dwayne Bowe, they’ve picked-up Steve Breaston from the Cardinals and they’ve got level-headed experience in Anthony Becht at Tight End, and yet they can’t get the ball into the endzone. What the hell is going on? It can’t be personnel. Could it be chemistry?
Logically, you’ve got to look to Coach Todd Haley for answers, but even that doesn’t make any sense. The Chiefs can’t put points on the board but Haley was a master at orchestrating landslide victories for the high-octane Cardinals throughout his time in Arizona. So what’s changed? Is it simply the pressure of being head coach as opposed to an up-and-coordinator?
No. I doubt it, at least.
What I think is going on right now is what is often termed the Sophomore Slump.
Having won the division last year for the first time since 2003, the Chiefs looked to the future with optimism. They were a young, talented team with great players all over the field and a youthful coach, who seems to engage well with his men.
All of a sudden, the promising unit lose a couple of games (badly) and everyone starts to panic. This is what happens. This is a team in the early stages of becoming a contender. It’s just like anything when you take it up: if you’ve a natural propensity for a skill, you’ll be good right away, but as soon as you start trying to refine a natural technique and turn it into a professional one with a view to being better than just good – actually excellent – it all goes pear shaped and you look a bit silly.
Until you do get it right and then you could be looking the least silly you ever have in your life. And that’s the plan. Haley needs to stick with it even if the season’s a complete write off. I don’t think it will be. I think they’ll struggle out of the gate but find their feet late doors – too late for the division, but early enough to ensure they won’t be paying big bucks for the number one pick next year.
Verdict: a woeful start and then a mixed-bag towards the end. 5-11 should do them, I think.
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The Chiefs have the 11-5 Patriot, Matt Cassel at Quarterback, they have standout receiver Dwayne Bowe, they’ve picked-up Steve Breaston from the Cardinals and they’ve got level-headed experience in Anthony Becht at Tight End, and yet they can’t get the ball into the endzone. What the hell is going on? It can’t be personnel. Could it be chemistry?
Logically, you’ve got to look to Coach Todd Haley for answers, but even that doesn’t make any sense. The Chiefs can’t put points on the board but Haley was a master at orchestrating landslide victories for the high-octane Cardinals throughout his time in Arizona. So what’s changed? Is it simply the pressure of being head coach as opposed to an up-and-coordinator?
No. I doubt it, at least.
What I think is going on right now is what is often termed the Sophomore Slump.
Having won the division last year for the first time since 2003, the Chiefs looked to the future with optimism. They were a young, talented team with great players all over the field and a youthful coach, who seems to engage well with his men.
All of a sudden, the promising unit lose a couple of games (badly) and everyone starts to panic. This is what happens. This is a team in the early stages of becoming a contender. It’s just like anything when you take it up: if you’ve a natural propensity for a skill, you’ll be good right away, but as soon as you start trying to refine a natural technique and turn it into a professional one with a view to being better than just good – actually excellent – it all goes pear shaped and you look a bit silly.
Until you do get it right and then you could be looking the least silly you ever have in your life. And that’s the plan. Haley needs to stick with it even if the season’s a complete write off. I don’t think it will be. I think they’ll struggle out of the gate but find their feet late doors – too late for the division, but early enough to ensure they won’t be paying big bucks for the number one pick next year.
Verdict: a woeful start and then a mixed-bag towards the end. 5-11 should do them, I think.
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Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Green Bay Packers
The Champions of the world return to defend their title, but can they do it? Popular opinion is that they are the team to beat, and I don’t want to second guess them winning the NFC Championship, but a second Superbowl? I’m not so sure…
There’s no doubt they’re capable, and given that I’m tipping them to make it to the big game I believe they have every chance to win it (any one team can win any one game, after all). But I think the pressure is far greater this year – a second Superbowl would move Aaron Rogers out of Brett Favre’s shadow for good, tie him with Bart Starr for rings and move GB onto five Superbowl rings and a three way tie with San Francisco and Dallas for second place. For all those reasons and one other, I don’t think Rogers and co will repeat.
That niggling reason would be their opponents, or, at least, the team I’m tipping to face them in Superbowl XLVI – the New England Patriots.
Aaron Rogers is a superb Quarterback, and the Green Bay Packers have bigger names at more positions than the Patriots. But the Patriots are the patriots. They are a collective; a unit; a one…
When people think about the patriots they may mention Belichick and Brady, but they are thinking of this complex pattern that bamboozles players, coaches and fans alike en route to postseason after postseason berth.
Although they’ve won 3 Superbowls in the last decade, they consider themselves woeful underachievers and, given their regular season records (especially the 16-0 2007 season) they damn well should do. They are overdue and the Packers will be the team to suffer for the Patriots long wait for Championship number four.
If the Patriots should fall before the big one (as they have done the last few years) the Packers move up to my number one spot.
Verdict: 13-3 record, NFC North Champions, NFC Conference Champions, Superbowl Runners-up.
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There’s no doubt they’re capable, and given that I’m tipping them to make it to the big game I believe they have every chance to win it (any one team can win any one game, after all). But I think the pressure is far greater this year – a second Superbowl would move Aaron Rogers out of Brett Favre’s shadow for good, tie him with Bart Starr for rings and move GB onto five Superbowl rings and a three way tie with San Francisco and Dallas for second place. For all those reasons and one other, I don’t think Rogers and co will repeat.
That niggling reason would be their opponents, or, at least, the team I’m tipping to face them in Superbowl XLVI – the New England Patriots.
Aaron Rogers is a superb Quarterback, and the Green Bay Packers have bigger names at more positions than the Patriots. But the Patriots are the patriots. They are a collective; a unit; a one…
When people think about the patriots they may mention Belichick and Brady, but they are thinking of this complex pattern that bamboozles players, coaches and fans alike en route to postseason after postseason berth.
Although they’ve won 3 Superbowls in the last decade, they consider themselves woeful underachievers and, given their regular season records (especially the 16-0 2007 season) they damn well should do. They are overdue and the Packers will be the team to suffer for the Patriots long wait for Championship number four.
If the Patriots should fall before the big one (as they have done the last few years) the Packers move up to my number one spot.
Verdict: 13-3 record, NFC North Champions, NFC Conference Champions, Superbowl Runners-up.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Here’s an underperforming team, who might be in for a rough season. They have talent and can sure win big games, but they lack any sort of consistency, and that only figures to get worse if they give significant time to their Round 1 draft pick, Blaine Gabbert, instead of starting a fit and healthy David Garrard.
Whether Garrard is available to go or not remains to be seen, but despite my faith in Gabbert to develop into a solid league QB, having someone else’s team thrust into your soft palms without a safety net – no standout receivers – and being asked to save your coaches job and, possibly, the team from falling so far out of favour with the commissioner, he might as well ship you to the USFL is not a great way to start a career. The same thing happened to Brady Quinn with the Browns and his stock plummeted because of things out of his control. Unfair? Certainly. Does anyone in this league care? Not a jot.
The Jaguars were on the cusp of becoming a great team a few seasons ago – Del Rio thought he had the winning formula at last with some field stretching play from speedy receivers and the constant threat of Pocket Hercules, Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jags were heading to the top!
But then the wheels fell off.
Jones-Drew’s production is still high, Garrard can still manage a game, but something isn’t right. And that something may well be everything.
In another system these players could shine. Has Coach Jack Del Rio lost his touch? I’m inclined to say yes, which pains me, because I love the guy. But I think his ethos has gone as far as it can go. His mindset is better suited to the position of coordinator, not Head Coach. I think we may see the team and Coach part ways come the end of the season if it turns out as disappointingly as I imagine it will.
Verdict: flashes of brilliance count for little in this league. It’s a long season and it will feel even longer for the Jags, who I see sliding to a 6-10 record at best. Sorry Coach, another losing season and it’s game over for now.
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Whether Garrard is available to go or not remains to be seen, but despite my faith in Gabbert to develop into a solid league QB, having someone else’s team thrust into your soft palms without a safety net – no standout receivers – and being asked to save your coaches job and, possibly, the team from falling so far out of favour with the commissioner, he might as well ship you to the USFL is not a great way to start a career. The same thing happened to Brady Quinn with the Browns and his stock plummeted because of things out of his control. Unfair? Certainly. Does anyone in this league care? Not a jot.
The Jaguars were on the cusp of becoming a great team a few seasons ago – Del Rio thought he had the winning formula at last with some field stretching play from speedy receivers and the constant threat of Pocket Hercules, Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jags were heading to the top!
But then the wheels fell off.
Jones-Drew’s production is still high, Garrard can still manage a game, but something isn’t right. And that something may well be everything.
In another system these players could shine. Has Coach Jack Del Rio lost his touch? I’m inclined to say yes, which pains me, because I love the guy. But I think his ethos has gone as far as it can go. His mindset is better suited to the position of coordinator, not Head Coach. I think we may see the team and Coach part ways come the end of the season if it turns out as disappointingly as I imagine it will.
Verdict: flashes of brilliance count for little in this league. It’s a long season and it will feel even longer for the Jags, who I see sliding to a 6-10 record at best. Sorry Coach, another losing season and it’s game over for now.
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Monday, 22 August 2011
Detroit Lions
This team has a lot to feel good about: mainly the fact that Matthew Stafford, the former Number One draft pick is still upright and healthy after spending the off-season wrapped in cotton wool.
With Stafford, the Lions are a threat; a genuine threat in a division that boasts both teams to feature in last year’s NFC Championship game. There have been false dawns for the Detroit faithful before, but I have a real feeling this year they’re going to score a lot of points – probably a lot more than they concede. Now, if they manage to keep that positive ratio going from game to game, we’re going to see a very, very good record by the end of the year, but, as always with a team comprised of such talent but so little experience, I think it likely they will blow some of the weaker teams out of the water, and be similarly buried by the big boys.
The re-working of the Lions logo a couple of years ago was a good move. Their new badge can shed the shame of the barren years and be the insignia of a new era – an aggressive, exciting and victorious era.
The Lions have arrived; believe the hype.
Verdict: In a stacked NFC full of more experienced teams (two of the most experienced play the lions twice each this year) the Lions will struggle to get into the playoffs however good they are. I fancy them to split the season with the Packers, who will go on to win the group with a conference topping 13-3 record, and the Lions will finish on the same record as Chicago, perhaps a 10-6, but make it to the playoffs as the sixth seed by having swept the series against the Bears. Lions in the playoffs? You heard it here first!
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With Stafford, the Lions are a threat; a genuine threat in a division that boasts both teams to feature in last year’s NFC Championship game. There have been false dawns for the Detroit faithful before, but I have a real feeling this year they’re going to score a lot of points – probably a lot more than they concede. Now, if they manage to keep that positive ratio going from game to game, we’re going to see a very, very good record by the end of the year, but, as always with a team comprised of such talent but so little experience, I think it likely they will blow some of the weaker teams out of the water, and be similarly buried by the big boys.
The re-working of the Lions logo a couple of years ago was a good move. Their new badge can shed the shame of the barren years and be the insignia of a new era – an aggressive, exciting and victorious era.
The Lions have arrived; believe the hype.
Verdict: In a stacked NFC full of more experienced teams (two of the most experienced play the lions twice each this year) the Lions will struggle to get into the playoffs however good they are. I fancy them to split the season with the Packers, who will go on to win the group with a conference topping 13-3 record, and the Lions will finish on the same record as Chicago, perhaps a 10-6, but make it to the playoffs as the sixth seed by having swept the series against the Bears. Lions in the playoffs? You heard it here first!
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Sunday, 21 August 2011
Denver Broncos
Let the John Fox era begin. The truly HORRIBLE experiment that was one-time stand-out Patriots coordinator, Josh McDaniels, is over. Thank goodness. McDaniels barrelled into this team full of the winning philosophy, attempted to impress himself on the organisation in every way, got it all a bit wrong, jettisoned the best QB of a highly-touted draft class to Chicago, fell-out with the team’s best – and one of the league’s best – receivers, and then eventually got himself fired for just kind of missing the point about winning and all…
It was all slightly embarrassing.
When I was a kid, the Broncos were seriously cool. The Elway years are some of the most iconic in professional sports. His passionate and extremely long career culminated in the only two championships to land in Colorado. Those days are long past and the Broncos are no longer cool. Gone are orange jerseys; gone are the characters; gone is Mike Shanahan; gone is the love; gone are the wins.
And they play in the softest division in the AFC. The Chargers should win it every year, but even they make it look difficult to play out of the AFC West. The Broncos will not win many games until they find their next Elway. Is it Tebow? Well, it sure as hell isn’t Orton – a fine game manager capable of some nice, nest throws when surrounded by a supporting cast working in unison.
I do think Fox should lump for Tim Tebow. Give him a season – a dead season as this one is – to earn his stripes. If it works out, you’ve got a face for your franchise and a foothold in the future.
Verdict: could be one of the worst teams this year, despite getting better at every position. 5-11 tops for me.
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It was all slightly embarrassing.
When I was a kid, the Broncos were seriously cool. The Elway years are some of the most iconic in professional sports. His passionate and extremely long career culminated in the only two championships to land in Colorado. Those days are long past and the Broncos are no longer cool. Gone are orange jerseys; gone are the characters; gone is Mike Shanahan; gone is the love; gone are the wins.
And they play in the softest division in the AFC. The Chargers should win it every year, but even they make it look difficult to play out of the AFC West. The Broncos will not win many games until they find their next Elway. Is it Tebow? Well, it sure as hell isn’t Orton – a fine game manager capable of some nice, nest throws when surrounded by a supporting cast working in unison.
I do think Fox should lump for Tim Tebow. Give him a season – a dead season as this one is – to earn his stripes. If it works out, you’ve got a face for your franchise and a foothold in the future.
Verdict: could be one of the worst teams this year, despite getting better at every position. 5-11 tops for me.
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Saturday, 20 August 2011
Dallas Cowboys
A couple of seasons ago I would rejoice whenever I saw Tony Romo in the news. Mainly because he was also attached to Jessica Simpson by some part of his body, but also because the Cowboys were champions elect with Wade Phillips at the helm and the most talented NFL roster at his disposal.
But now Jessica and Wade are in the rear view mirror and so, it would seem, are Dallas’s chances of being considered a serious contender.
New coach Jason Garrett is a great guy. He’s a former Dallas player himself and understands the rigours and rollercoaster ride of the modern NFL. He can connect with his team, but can he get the best from his star man?
Romo has been criticised over his career for his inconsistency, choke-factor, propensity to live the celebrity lifetime and his inability to win a playoff game.
Let’s address each point in defence of a player I believe still has a chance to make something of his career. He is 31 after all – it’s about now things should start happening…
Inconsistent he may appear, but a lot of that is not his fault. The players around him need to be in sync with their main man and although it’s his responsibility to get them to fall in line, Quarterbacking is only one part of the whole. In further, more practical defence of this downfall, he is, statistically, the most efficient passer of all time. Think about that. You can’t throw too many air balls and wind up with that against your name…
Choke-factor is a big deal. He does seem to choke in the fourth quarter of big games, but maybe his style of play just doesn’t suit the frantic offense often required as a game comes to a close. Sure, that means he isn’t a complete player, but that’s one reason why a team carries multiple players at the same position. Find a hurry-up guy and use him! I know it’s unconventional to have a situational QB, but Romo’s game is fine but for the last little bit of it – he panics and makes mistakes. Give the opportunity to a guy who needs to impress. Just a suggestion.
Celebrity lifestyle? Have you SEEN Jessica Simpson? Give the guy a break.
And as for the failure to win a playoff game – so what? Peyton Manning lost his first three, Eli manning his first two etc, etc. All great players lose playoff games – there can only be one winner and so what if you lose to three playoff calibre teams on the bounce. No big deal. It took Ivan Lendl four final losses before he won a Grand Slam – it happens in sport all the time. Remember the Broncos of the 80s? Yeah, exactly.
So are they any good? You know what, I think they might be. There is something in the back of my mind that says these guys could be a dark horse in the NFC. They won’t win their division (the Eagles should sew that one up), but they could get second and a decent enough record for a Wild card. It’s a big COULD, but don’t write them off…
Verdict: 10-6 and on the outside looking in. Just.
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But now Jessica and Wade are in the rear view mirror and so, it would seem, are Dallas’s chances of being considered a serious contender.
New coach Jason Garrett is a great guy. He’s a former Dallas player himself and understands the rigours and rollercoaster ride of the modern NFL. He can connect with his team, but can he get the best from his star man?
Romo has been criticised over his career for his inconsistency, choke-factor, propensity to live the celebrity lifetime and his inability to win a playoff game.
Let’s address each point in defence of a player I believe still has a chance to make something of his career. He is 31 after all – it’s about now things should start happening…
Inconsistent he may appear, but a lot of that is not his fault. The players around him need to be in sync with their main man and although it’s his responsibility to get them to fall in line, Quarterbacking is only one part of the whole. In further, more practical defence of this downfall, he is, statistically, the most efficient passer of all time. Think about that. You can’t throw too many air balls and wind up with that against your name…
Choke-factor is a big deal. He does seem to choke in the fourth quarter of big games, but maybe his style of play just doesn’t suit the frantic offense often required as a game comes to a close. Sure, that means he isn’t a complete player, but that’s one reason why a team carries multiple players at the same position. Find a hurry-up guy and use him! I know it’s unconventional to have a situational QB, but Romo’s game is fine but for the last little bit of it – he panics and makes mistakes. Give the opportunity to a guy who needs to impress. Just a suggestion.
Celebrity lifestyle? Have you SEEN Jessica Simpson? Give the guy a break.
And as for the failure to win a playoff game – so what? Peyton Manning lost his first three, Eli manning his first two etc, etc. All great players lose playoff games – there can only be one winner and so what if you lose to three playoff calibre teams on the bounce. No big deal. It took Ivan Lendl four final losses before he won a Grand Slam – it happens in sport all the time. Remember the Broncos of the 80s? Yeah, exactly.
So are they any good? You know what, I think they might be. There is something in the back of my mind that says these guys could be a dark horse in the NFC. They won’t win their division (the Eagles should sew that one up), but they could get second and a decent enough record for a Wild card. It’s a big COULD, but don’t write them off…
Verdict: 10-6 and on the outside looking in. Just.
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Friday, 19 August 2011
Cleveland Browns
I love the Browns.
I love everything about them.
I love their jerseys, their lids, their old school logo, the fans, the ground, Joe Thomas and, most importantly, Colt McCoy.
McCoy was, in my opinion, the steal of the 2010 draft. A third round pick-up, the Texas Longhorn’s Colt McCoy is the winningest Quarterback in NCAA Division I history. With 45 notches in the W column, second place in Heisman voting, a bunch of school records and a single season completion percentage of over 76%, he looked like a tasty prospect to me. But he slid all the way to the third and all the way to the Browns due his ‘lack of NFL size’, small hands and injury proneness.
Well now is his chance to shine, and shining he is…
McCoy’s pre-season performances have been nothing short of sensational. And it isn’t just the points his team are scoring that make him look like he’s playing better than he is, he is doing everything – everything – right.
His ball protection is superb; his game management is that of a five year starter; his passes are accurate and his release quick; his poise and footwork, refined; and his maturity and toughness are the things you pray for on Draft day.
But will it translate into results? The Browns have drafted well over the last five years, making the right moves on and around the big day to move up for playmakers and having the conviction to stick to their board and always select the number one guy.
Joe Thomas was a great pick, even if he was an easy one. He’s an example of how to draft sensibly and will affect this team’s chances of still being around in the Springtime for years to come. But the Browns ply their trade in the AFC North – that makes things tough. It is almost certainly the most physical division in the NFL and that, in the absence of consistent, season-long protection from the O-Line, can wear a young QB down and intimidate him before he finds his groove. Can McCoy avoid or overcome such harassment? I think he will, but I don’t think it will be enough for them to make the playoffs this year.
Verdict: I have them somewhere around – hopefully just above, probably just below - .500. They could even be as unlucky as to finish 10-6 and miss the playoffs through tiebreakers. It’s not their year – in another division (say, the NFC West) they might come top, but the North? No way. Next year Brownies, next year!
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I love everything about them.
I love their jerseys, their lids, their old school logo, the fans, the ground, Joe Thomas and, most importantly, Colt McCoy.
McCoy was, in my opinion, the steal of the 2010 draft. A third round pick-up, the Texas Longhorn’s Colt McCoy is the winningest Quarterback in NCAA Division I history. With 45 notches in the W column, second place in Heisman voting, a bunch of school records and a single season completion percentage of over 76%, he looked like a tasty prospect to me. But he slid all the way to the third and all the way to the Browns due his ‘lack of NFL size’, small hands and injury proneness.
Well now is his chance to shine, and shining he is…
McCoy’s pre-season performances have been nothing short of sensational. And it isn’t just the points his team are scoring that make him look like he’s playing better than he is, he is doing everything – everything – right.
His ball protection is superb; his game management is that of a five year starter; his passes are accurate and his release quick; his poise and footwork, refined; and his maturity and toughness are the things you pray for on Draft day.
But will it translate into results? The Browns have drafted well over the last five years, making the right moves on and around the big day to move up for playmakers and having the conviction to stick to their board and always select the number one guy.
Joe Thomas was a great pick, even if he was an easy one. He’s an example of how to draft sensibly and will affect this team’s chances of still being around in the Springtime for years to come. But the Browns ply their trade in the AFC North – that makes things tough. It is almost certainly the most physical division in the NFL and that, in the absence of consistent, season-long protection from the O-Line, can wear a young QB down and intimidate him before he finds his groove. Can McCoy avoid or overcome such harassment? I think he will, but I don’t think it will be enough for them to make the playoffs this year.
Verdict: I have them somewhere around – hopefully just above, probably just below - .500. They could even be as unlucky as to finish 10-6 and miss the playoffs through tiebreakers. It’s not their year – in another division (say, the NFC West) they might come top, but the North? No way. Next year Brownies, next year!
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Thursday, 18 August 2011
Cincinnati Bengals
Oh dear, oh dear. Every year, this team, despite a high draft pick, seems to get a little worse and a lot more farcical. Terrell Owens is gone – retired. Chad Ochocinco is gone – to the already stacked New England patriots, no less. Carson Palmer is gone – retired in protest at being asked to pull on the most embarrassing livery the NFL has thrown-up since the tangerine Tampa days.
Disappointing as this team is, and with a relative unknown in Andy Dalton likely to start under centre, I can see this team winning a few by virtue of the fact teams might go to sleep on them and, let’s not forget, there are eleven professional football players on the field for the Bengals and some of them are superb athletes and the rest are still good enough to command a wage from the biggest league in America.
Give this young, vibrant and, if I’m honest in my opinions, well coached team some respect. If the players can manage their larger-than-life personalities, this team could be a thorn in every coach’s side.
Verdict: wholly uninspiring roster, with the exception of one or two vets and some sharp rookie pick-ups. They should go 0-16 but they will win around 4 I reckon. 4-12 and last in the AFC North.
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Disappointing as this team is, and with a relative unknown in Andy Dalton likely to start under centre, I can see this team winning a few by virtue of the fact teams might go to sleep on them and, let’s not forget, there are eleven professional football players on the field for the Bengals and some of them are superb athletes and the rest are still good enough to command a wage from the biggest league in America.
Give this young, vibrant and, if I’m honest in my opinions, well coached team some respect. If the players can manage their larger-than-life personalities, this team could be a thorn in every coach’s side.
Verdict: wholly uninspiring roster, with the exception of one or two vets and some sharp rookie pick-ups. They should go 0-16 but they will win around 4 I reckon. 4-12 and last in the AFC North.
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Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Chicago Bears
This is a tough one to call…
Last year the Bears really surprised me. Not only did their early season form hold fast enough to see them make the playoffs, they did by topping the gruelling NFC North Division. For anyone who’s forgotten, that’s the division the Packers also call home.
I called the Packers Superbowl win before the 2010 season began, but I have to admit I thought they would have done it the easy way. Finishing runners-up and making it to the playoffs to face three road games, the last of which wound-up in Chicago was not ideal. And the Bears, despite flying under-the-radar, were able to more than justify their place in the NFC Championship game with their body of work last season.
But still I have trouble giving the Bears respect. They have a nightmare start to the season, having to play the Falcons (last year’s NFC No.1 seeds) and then the Saints (Superbowl Champions of two years ago) in the first fortnight. A win in either would be a big boost towards the Wild card I think they have to be aiming for. Green Bay have gotten better over the off-season (remarkably!) and look certain to secure not just the NFC North, but possibly the NFC top seed. And although the Vikings (an elie team a couple of seasons ago) have dropped off the pace, the Detroit Lions have put-in some seriously impressive offensive displays over the preseason and look set to win a few games and disrupt the Bears’ path to glory.
To the big question: can Cutler play? Yes he can! Give the guy some love! He had to adjust from a system in Denver that didn’t make best use of his gun-slinging ways, but now he’s a season older, a season wiser and a season hungrier, there’s every reason to think that his play will only benefit the Bears in the long run. They do need to sign a couple of big pass-catchers to help the guy if he gets in a tough spot, but the QB himself? No problem.
Verdict: A well-built starting team, but a shallow roster means their best will have to play at their best and stay healthy all year long if the Bears want to be doing damage in the postseason. I have them on 10-6 and in the mix for the sixth seed.
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Last year the Bears really surprised me. Not only did their early season form hold fast enough to see them make the playoffs, they did by topping the gruelling NFC North Division. For anyone who’s forgotten, that’s the division the Packers also call home.
I called the Packers Superbowl win before the 2010 season began, but I have to admit I thought they would have done it the easy way. Finishing runners-up and making it to the playoffs to face three road games, the last of which wound-up in Chicago was not ideal. And the Bears, despite flying under-the-radar, were able to more than justify their place in the NFC Championship game with their body of work last season.
But still I have trouble giving the Bears respect. They have a nightmare start to the season, having to play the Falcons (last year’s NFC No.1 seeds) and then the Saints (Superbowl Champions of two years ago) in the first fortnight. A win in either would be a big boost towards the Wild card I think they have to be aiming for. Green Bay have gotten better over the off-season (remarkably!) and look certain to secure not just the NFC North, but possibly the NFC top seed. And although the Vikings (an elie team a couple of seasons ago) have dropped off the pace, the Detroit Lions have put-in some seriously impressive offensive displays over the preseason and look set to win a few games and disrupt the Bears’ path to glory.
To the big question: can Cutler play? Yes he can! Give the guy some love! He had to adjust from a system in Denver that didn’t make best use of his gun-slinging ways, but now he’s a season older, a season wiser and a season hungrier, there’s every reason to think that his play will only benefit the Bears in the long run. They do need to sign a couple of big pass-catchers to help the guy if he gets in a tough spot, but the QB himself? No problem.
Verdict: A well-built starting team, but a shallow roster means their best will have to play at their best and stay healthy all year long if the Bears want to be doing damage in the postseason. I have them on 10-6 and in the mix for the sixth seed.
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Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Carolina Panthers
This is not a year to think about winning. This is a year to think about breeding a winning mentality in the minds of these young players, none more so than number one draft pick, Cam Newton.
Newton’s size, athleticism and record all scream steal, even with the No. 1 pick, but there are always worries with QBs of his ilk transferring well from college to the NFL. Some make it (like, say, Roethlisberger and Flacco), others don’t (JaMarcus Russell and, so it seems, Vince Young).
But Newton seems a better prospect. His attitude is a positive one and, strange as it may sound, there’s something in his eyes – a spark, a twinkle maybe – that gives me a lot of faith in this kid.
Now, Carolina does have a superb and reliable rushing attack AND they have Steve Smith. If the O line can do its job, they will be competitive and should win a few games. The defence needs bolstering in the draft next year and once they’ve got the personnel sorted on the smash-mouth side of the football, we could see yet another NFC South worst-to-first story.
Verdict: Newton will flourish if protected well, but a porous defence will ship more points than this young offense can generate right now. They’ll finish last in the NFC South, losing a lot of close ones in the process. A 4-12 record should be the absolute minimum for this somewhat more deserving team.
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Newton’s size, athleticism and record all scream steal, even with the No. 1 pick, but there are always worries with QBs of his ilk transferring well from college to the NFL. Some make it (like, say, Roethlisberger and Flacco), others don’t (JaMarcus Russell and, so it seems, Vince Young).
But Newton seems a better prospect. His attitude is a positive one and, strange as it may sound, there’s something in his eyes – a spark, a twinkle maybe – that gives me a lot of faith in this kid.
Now, Carolina does have a superb and reliable rushing attack AND they have Steve Smith. If the O line can do its job, they will be competitive and should win a few games. The defence needs bolstering in the draft next year and once they’ve got the personnel sorted on the smash-mouth side of the football, we could see yet another NFC South worst-to-first story.
Verdict: Newton will flourish if protected well, but a porous defence will ship more points than this young offense can generate right now. They’ll finish last in the NFC South, losing a lot of close ones in the process. A 4-12 record should be the absolute minimum for this somewhat more deserving team.
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Monday, 15 August 2011
Buffalo Bills
The most exciting thing about this team is their new kit. It’s beautiful. But seriously, this Bills team play together like a bunch of top college players with no NFL experience. The flair is there; the talent is undeniable. The attributes are all present; the awareness of how best to use those blessings is not.
Bad coaching. It’s really the only explanation. That, and the inability to find a QB who has been able to pin down one of the most forgiving starting roles in the National Football League. This year, though, with Ryan Fitzpatrick under centre, they may win a few games. He is nothing new, but he is at least the best of a mediocre bunch. Their ground game is pretty damn good when firing on all cylinders and although lacking a true marquee name at receiver, keeping things simple might be all this team needs to focus on.
The Bills play in an awfully tough division. It is, without doubt, one of the top four Divisions of Death along with AFC North (Steelers/Ravens/Browns/Bengals), the NFC South (Saints/Panthers/Buccaneers/Falcons) and the NFC North (Bears/Packers/Vikings/Lions). For the first time I can remember, the NFC East doesn’t feature in my Division of Death list, because really, the Eagles are the only team with any real chance of lifting the Lombardi come February.
Having to contend with The Patriots (my pick for the title, this year), the Jets (2 consecutive AFC championship games and getting better) and the Dolphins (a team loaded with talent and in possession of a solid-minded coach), is no mean feat. Year on year the Bills show flashes of frustrating potential before capitulating and basically handed their own arses to the other team.
They have had winning stretches in the past that belied belief, but it’s been a decade since they managed to put a full season together, and nearly twice as long a since they made it to the big game.
Verdict: At best, they might sneak third in AFC East IF Miami fail to gel this year. I don’t hate this team and wouldn’t be surprised if they made it to .500, but given their tough division schedule I reckon a 7-9 finish is more likely. No playoffs this year, but progress.
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Bad coaching. It’s really the only explanation. That, and the inability to find a QB who has been able to pin down one of the most forgiving starting roles in the National Football League. This year, though, with Ryan Fitzpatrick under centre, they may win a few games. He is nothing new, but he is at least the best of a mediocre bunch. Their ground game is pretty damn good when firing on all cylinders and although lacking a true marquee name at receiver, keeping things simple might be all this team needs to focus on.
The Bills play in an awfully tough division. It is, without doubt, one of the top four Divisions of Death along with AFC North (Steelers/Ravens/Browns/Bengals), the NFC South (Saints/Panthers/Buccaneers/Falcons) and the NFC North (Bears/Packers/Vikings/Lions). For the first time I can remember, the NFC East doesn’t feature in my Division of Death list, because really, the Eagles are the only team with any real chance of lifting the Lombardi come February.
Having to contend with The Patriots (my pick for the title, this year), the Jets (2 consecutive AFC championship games and getting better) and the Dolphins (a team loaded with talent and in possession of a solid-minded coach), is no mean feat. Year on year the Bills show flashes of frustrating potential before capitulating and basically handed their own arses to the other team.
They have had winning stretches in the past that belied belief, but it’s been a decade since they managed to put a full season together, and nearly twice as long a since they made it to the big game.
Verdict: At best, they might sneak third in AFC East IF Miami fail to gel this year. I don’t hate this team and wouldn’t be surprised if they made it to .500, but given their tough division schedule I reckon a 7-9 finish is more likely. No playoffs this year, but progress.
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Sunday, 14 August 2011
Baltimore Ravens
Now here’s a team that’s ready to roll. Quarterback, Joe Flacco, earned a lot of respect in his rookie year but perhaps took a step backwards as he tried to make the necessary fine adjustments to his game to improve his NFL stock. No doubt, Flacco is a big league football player, but he is young and prone to dips in confidence. When he’s playing on the top of his game, they are few better, more versatile men you could ask for under centre. These days, the Ravens are no longer just a Defence, nor is their offensive unit necessarily run-first. It is, for the first time in Ravens history, in perfect balance and one of the more stretching aerial threats in the league.
I could compare this young and dynamic Ravens team to the Atlanta Falcons. Ryan is perhaps a better game manager than Flacco, but Big Joe is perhaps the better-rounded and most certainly imposing athlete. Flacco, for a big guy, is quick on his feet and is resilient enough to take hits. For that reason he is the perfect model of QB for the tough-nosed AFC North division in which he must ply his trade.
A difficult opening fortnight of the season will see them face their arch rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and then the unpredictable Tennessee Titans. Coming off that start 1-1 would be fine – even better if the first number comes against the Steelers. I think a head-to-head record advantage might decide the winner of that group.
The emergence of the Browns as a pre-season force with the addition of young QB, Colt McCoy, has made the AFC North a real live division and I for one can’t wait to see how this season pans out.
Verdict: A top five team in the NFL with great players, great fans and a great coach. Tough division and the odd head-scratcher could see them lose more than their talent should allow, but I think they’ll make it to 10 wins with relative ease. Anymore should win them the division with tiebreakers, but either way the Ravens will get into the playoffs as a wildcard if not AFC North winners. (11-5 and Div Champs on basis of 2 head-to-head wins against the Steelers who will have the same record).
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
I could compare this young and dynamic Ravens team to the Atlanta Falcons. Ryan is perhaps a better game manager than Flacco, but Big Joe is perhaps the better-rounded and most certainly imposing athlete. Flacco, for a big guy, is quick on his feet and is resilient enough to take hits. For that reason he is the perfect model of QB for the tough-nosed AFC North division in which he must ply his trade.
A difficult opening fortnight of the season will see them face their arch rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and then the unpredictable Tennessee Titans. Coming off that start 1-1 would be fine – even better if the first number comes against the Steelers. I think a head-to-head record advantage might decide the winner of that group.
The emergence of the Browns as a pre-season force with the addition of young QB, Colt McCoy, has made the AFC North a real live division and I for one can’t wait to see how this season pans out.
Verdict: A top five team in the NFL with great players, great fans and a great coach. Tough division and the odd head-scratcher could see them lose more than their talent should allow, but I think they’ll make it to 10 wins with relative ease. Anymore should win them the division with tiebreakers, but either way the Ravens will get into the playoffs as a wildcard if not AFC North winners. (11-5 and Div Champs on basis of 2 head-to-head wins against the Steelers who will have the same record).
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan is the youngest Quarterback who has a realistic shot of ending the year as a top 5 player at his position. A rapid maturation from a stand-out college career has garnered Ryan a great deal of attention and respect. With a supporting cast that just keeps getting better, the Falcons could feature in the playoffs this year as Division Champions, but that is no lock. The NFC South – a division with a history of topsy-turvy results from year-to-year – is arguably the best division in football, with three of the four teams (the Falcons, Saints and Buccaneers) playoff-calibre teams. Even the Panthers could be competitive, which will make it hard to get out of this group any other way but topping the charts – Chicago and the Giants look good for Wild Cards. The Saints are the main contenders and Tampa Bay is highly regarded and a real sleeper candidate for the Division title.
The recurring neck injury of Peyton Manning may affect the perennial superstar’s ability to cling to a top five spot, and Ryan is primed to elevate his stock with a solid year, made all the more promising by the development of the Falcons receiving corps. A fast and talented team with a coach that feels more integrated with his players than many others, benefits greatly from having such youth and flair at the most important position. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers and Phillip Rivers will all feature in end of year discussions for offensive MVP, but Ryan and Houston’s Matt Schaub could find themselves in the mix if their similarly built units make use of their resources.
I love everything about the Falcons, but I have a sinking feeling when it comes to this season. The Buccaneers are capable of taking games off anyone this year, but may flounder down the stretch. The Saints look to bounce back after last year’s humiliating, but predictable loss to the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs and the Buccaneers are capable of taking games off anyone this year, but may flounder down the stretch. The Saints look to bounce back after last year’s humiliating, but predictable loss to the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs and I think they will atone for mistakes made by edging this tight division.
Verdict: Tough division means they may finish with a deceptively poor record. 11-5 should take the division, but I see the Falcons missing out for no good reason. (10-6)
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
The recurring neck injury of Peyton Manning may affect the perennial superstar’s ability to cling to a top five spot, and Ryan is primed to elevate his stock with a solid year, made all the more promising by the development of the Falcons receiving corps. A fast and talented team with a coach that feels more integrated with his players than many others, benefits greatly from having such youth and flair at the most important position. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers and Phillip Rivers will all feature in end of year discussions for offensive MVP, but Ryan and Houston’s Matt Schaub could find themselves in the mix if their similarly built units make use of their resources.
I love everything about the Falcons, but I have a sinking feeling when it comes to this season. The Buccaneers are capable of taking games off anyone this year, but may flounder down the stretch. The Saints look to bounce back after last year’s humiliating, but predictable loss to the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs and the Buccaneers are capable of taking games off anyone this year, but may flounder down the stretch. The Saints look to bounce back after last year’s humiliating, but predictable loss to the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs and I think they will atone for mistakes made by edging this tight division.
Verdict: Tough division means they may finish with a deceptively poor record. 11-5 should take the division, but I see the Falcons missing out for no good reason. (10-6)
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Friday, 12 August 2011
NFL Preview: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals bombed last year, finishing poorly and sliding to an embarrassing third place in the softest division in football. 2010 was never going to be their year, but it was unexpectedly dismal considering the amount of athletic talent on the roster.
It’s a funny thing with the Cards: if you look at their playmakers they rank as some of the best in the league, and their coach is an experienced mastermind who has been to the Superbowl on more than one occasion. So what gives? Why is the Cardinals’ trophy cabinet as barren as the desert in which they play?
There are a couple of reasons that spring to mind and both are in an aerial vein.
Firstly, the Cards have been in the past, never more so than last year, a really one dimensional team. When they went on that amazing Superbowl run they threw the ball a lot, but well. Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston had unbelievable chemistry. What they did last year was throw the ball badly. They go desperate too often and tried to get the ball into the hands of the man who has, so often in the past, made things happen.
But Fitz can’t do it on his own, which leads me to my second area of concern: the Quarterback. The reinvigoration of Kurt Warner’s career was a fairytale. His performance in the Cardinals’ Superbowl season was Hall of Fame worthy. His poise, maturity and connection with a young group of pass-catchers made what was a loaded but misfiring blunderbuss into a clinical and effective sniper rifle. And they didn’t even hit full stride until the playoffs, where Warner’s age and experience really came to the fore.
So they need a quality QB and they have secured the services of Kevin Kolb, a former Eagle back-up and assumed successor to Donovan McNabb until the emergence of Michael Vick.
Is Kolb the man? I’m going to say yes. I think Kolb’s desire to start at long last, his work ethic, his skill-set that suits a west coast offence despite it not being run in the same way in Philadelphia and a wealth of receiving talent are all reasons the Cardinals should feel good about their signing.
However, hoping that this will be their year would be a waste of time. The Rams figure to improve on a great first year for Sam Bradford and I think they will win the division that should have been theirs last year.
Verdict: The Cardinals will be back, but not in 2011. (8-8)
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
It’s a funny thing with the Cards: if you look at their playmakers they rank as some of the best in the league, and their coach is an experienced mastermind who has been to the Superbowl on more than one occasion. So what gives? Why is the Cardinals’ trophy cabinet as barren as the desert in which they play?
There are a couple of reasons that spring to mind and both are in an aerial vein.
Firstly, the Cards have been in the past, never more so than last year, a really one dimensional team. When they went on that amazing Superbowl run they threw the ball a lot, but well. Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston had unbelievable chemistry. What they did last year was throw the ball badly. They go desperate too often and tried to get the ball into the hands of the man who has, so often in the past, made things happen.
But Fitz can’t do it on his own, which leads me to my second area of concern: the Quarterback. The reinvigoration of Kurt Warner’s career was a fairytale. His performance in the Cardinals’ Superbowl season was Hall of Fame worthy. His poise, maturity and connection with a young group of pass-catchers made what was a loaded but misfiring blunderbuss into a clinical and effective sniper rifle. And they didn’t even hit full stride until the playoffs, where Warner’s age and experience really came to the fore.
So they need a quality QB and they have secured the services of Kevin Kolb, a former Eagle back-up and assumed successor to Donovan McNabb until the emergence of Michael Vick.
Is Kolb the man? I’m going to say yes. I think Kolb’s desire to start at long last, his work ethic, his skill-set that suits a west coast offence despite it not being run in the same way in Philadelphia and a wealth of receiving talent are all reasons the Cardinals should feel good about their signing.
However, hoping that this will be their year would be a waste of time. The Rams figure to improve on a great first year for Sam Bradford and I think they will win the division that should have been theirs last year.
Verdict: The Cardinals will be back, but not in 2011. (8-8)
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Two Years Ago Today...
Two years ago today, two of my very best friends, Thomas Western (who writes for THE HARE) and Stacey Dee Lloyd married and moved from Glossop to Edinburgh.
I was honoured to attend the reception at the Moon and Sixpence in Glossop. Dressed as a Victorian Dandy, I had intended to deliver a speech for the happy couple, which I duly did not. Why, I cannot remember entirely, but I believe once there I realised such words were unnecessary - their love was plain for all to see.
But the other day I was skimming through old documents and came across the speech that I think wound-up in their guestbook. Since today, August 11th 2011, is their two-year anniversary, I thought I would put it up here - for posterity if nothing else.
Congratulations guys - I love you both very much.
Rob x
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We’re sure you’re all keen to get on with the revelry so we won’t take up more than a minute or two of your time. We’d just like to say a few words about the happy couple to commemorate the occasion.
When I first met Tom he was yay high. And, almost two years later, neither that nor he has changed. He is still the kindest, most selfless, gentle man I have ever met and he has had the deserved good fortune to woo, trap, or coerce into marriage the prettiest bar-girl to have graced the Glossop pub scene.
What I think is special about Tom and Stace, is their artistic connection. Both pursue their crafts with a level of inspiration and dedication, which is exhausting enough to observe, let alone experience. But it is made possible by their partnership through it all. It is rare that you meet someone who has the same hopes and dreams as you do, and all too often such similarity can lead to competition. But with Tom and Stace there is nothing but support. They understand and help each other through it all; constantly refuelling their desire to create something beautiful, be it through music or painting: they are common souls with a shared love for art and each other and that is a wonderful thing.
When I heard that Tom and Stace were getting married, I was unjustifiably excited. It’s not just because I was excited about dressing up, but because they were reaffirming my faith that there were people in the world, who still do things the right way, for the right reasons. These days it seems to me that the wedding itself often draws focus away from the marriage and the true meaning of it all is sidelined in favour of a big occasion. But with Tom and Stace there is no extravagant ceremony, or overblown ritual, no raucous farewell to single life or planes writing messages in the sky…it’s all been said already, to each other. It is an honest celebration of love and mutual appreciation in the presence of family and friends, and that is how it is supposed to be. And we’re in a bloody pub. Who’d’ve guessed?
So would you all please join me in toasting the happy couple, whom we all love, almost as much as they love each other! Tom and Stacey!
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
I was honoured to attend the reception at the Moon and Sixpence in Glossop. Dressed as a Victorian Dandy, I had intended to deliver a speech for the happy couple, which I duly did not. Why, I cannot remember entirely, but I believe once there I realised such words were unnecessary - their love was plain for all to see.
But the other day I was skimming through old documents and came across the speech that I think wound-up in their guestbook. Since today, August 11th 2011, is their two-year anniversary, I thought I would put it up here - for posterity if nothing else.
Congratulations guys - I love you both very much.
Rob x
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We’re sure you’re all keen to get on with the revelry so we won’t take up more than a minute or two of your time. We’d just like to say a few words about the happy couple to commemorate the occasion.
When I first met Tom he was yay high. And, almost two years later, neither that nor he has changed. He is still the kindest, most selfless, gentle man I have ever met and he has had the deserved good fortune to woo, trap, or coerce into marriage the prettiest bar-girl to have graced the Glossop pub scene.
What I think is special about Tom and Stace, is their artistic connection. Both pursue their crafts with a level of inspiration and dedication, which is exhausting enough to observe, let alone experience. But it is made possible by their partnership through it all. It is rare that you meet someone who has the same hopes and dreams as you do, and all too often such similarity can lead to competition. But with Tom and Stace there is nothing but support. They understand and help each other through it all; constantly refuelling their desire to create something beautiful, be it through music or painting: they are common souls with a shared love for art and each other and that is a wonderful thing.
When I heard that Tom and Stace were getting married, I was unjustifiably excited. It’s not just because I was excited about dressing up, but because they were reaffirming my faith that there were people in the world, who still do things the right way, for the right reasons. These days it seems to me that the wedding itself often draws focus away from the marriage and the true meaning of it all is sidelined in favour of a big occasion. But with Tom and Stace there is no extravagant ceremony, or overblown ritual, no raucous farewell to single life or planes writing messages in the sky…it’s all been said already, to each other. It is an honest celebration of love and mutual appreciation in the presence of family and friends, and that is how it is supposed to be. And we’re in a bloody pub. Who’d’ve guessed?
So would you all please join me in toasting the happy couple, whom we all love, almost as much as they love each other! Tom and Stacey!
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
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