Hours Before Kickoff: Preseason Four posted by Randolph Charlotin

When CB Terrence Wheatley walked off the Gillette Stadium field last Thursday with a couple of trainers, it crossed my mind it would be for the last time as a Patriot for Wheatley. But his chance of sticking around went up with CB Leigh Bodden going down.

As one of the handful of moves needed to get the roster down to the 75 player limit, Bodden was placed on injured reserve for the 2010 season with a shoulder injury. That takes away the secondary’s doyen from a unit that averages just 2.5 years experience without Bodden.

The back four was going to be under pressure to begin with this season. Playing behind a front seven that needs to blitz to pressure the quarterback will leave the secondary in a lot of one-on-one situations. Without blitzing, the secondary will have to cover receivers for five or more seconds as the passer stands in the pocket as if surrounded by a force field.

It’s a costly loss for New England. Bodden was the top corner on the team and was expected to start on the left side, drawing the toughest assignment frequently. Now the starters likely will be second year Darius Butler and rookie Devin McCourty.

Besides taking a chunk out of the team’s depth, losing Bodden and the experience he could share with the young corners on the team will be costly. The little things Leigh notices during the course of the game that he could share with the youngsters would be invaluable. The insights Bodden would recognize can’t always been seen by the safeties.

It will be a very challenging season for the corners, starting with Cincinnati’s WRs Chad Ochocino and Terrell Owens in the season opener. That’s followed by the New York Jets’ Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery, and later Santonio Holmes for the December rematch. They will also have to deal with Miami’s Brandon Marshall twice, Detroit’s Calvin Johnson, Baltimore’s Anquan Boldin, and two top six passing offenses from last year in Houston (6th) and Green Bay (2nd).

Big Daddy Measures Saints’ Fans Preparedness posted by Les Leonard

     Big Daddy noticed that Superdome seats were filled nearly to capacity Saturday night for the preseason home opener against our closest NFL neighbor, Houston. If you have been following the 2010 NFL preseason like Big Daddy, you have observed half-empty stadiums all around the league, demonstrating how football fans in other NFL cities believe glorified practices are not worth their time. Do you know why Big Daddy loves the Big Easy so much? Besides the music, food, culture, and laid back lifestyle, evidently, we’ re the only Americans who understand that football at half-speed, beats the crap out of anything else. Sort of like the scientific theory stating: “ Warm beer is way better than no beer.” Hmmm; didn’t Einstein write that theory? In this edition of the Section 645 Saints Beat, Big Daddy reviews “If God Is Willing And Da Creek Don’t Rise,” tours Champions Square, reports from Section 645, recaps the Houston game, collects some sentimental Parasol’s memorabilia, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information. 

     As Hurricane Katrina’s 5th anniversary quickly approaches, how many of you saw “If God Is Willing And The Creek Don’t Rise?” Spike Lee’ s HBO sequel to “When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.” Despite Lee’s usual slanted race card tactics, intended to incite anger African Americans and lay harder guilt-trips on Whitey than any organized religion, Spike’s sometimes hard- to-watch emotional film is well done. Opening scenes show the Saints wining the Super Bowl, the ensuing Bourbon Street celebration, the Saints victory parade, plus clips of Zulu on Mardi Gras Day. Of course, Rex was excluded. Lee delves into the Charity Hospital debacle, exposes the city’s severe lack of mental care facilities, lets former FEMA Director Michael Brown recount his actions, highlights Brad Pitt’s 9th ward neighborhood rebuilding philanthropy, and champions Sean Penn’s humanitarian efforts. Familiar faces like Phyllis Montana LeBlanc, Wendell Pierce, Douglas Brinkley, Shelton “Shakespeare” Alexander, and Garland Robinette also return to continue telling their stories to regain normalcy in their post-Katrina lives. If you call New Orleans home, watch it! This documentary punches viewers in the gut almost harder than Lee’s original Crescent City work. However, Big Daddy wonders how many folks even get HBO. Considering these tough economic times, HBO subscribers are harder to find than bailed out Wall Street Banking Executives that declined their “well deserved” bonuses.

NFL 2010 TO THE 2011 SPER BOWL ANALYSIS AND FORECAST posted by Johnny Matheis

Genreally, horse racing fans make good NFL fans. Not only because NFL fantasy involves Math, which is the horse racing fan's forte, but also because both involve conditioning.

A look at 2010 NFL, and what looks to happen. I'll give some predictions, but fans know that close games, injuries, blown coverages, and psycological brekdowns occur any time.

AFC EAST:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 11-5. A lot of people think this is Brady and Moss, but New England has always been based on a "full team" concept, with lots of depth. A team like this can survive injuries, and figures to play well at the season's end. They can run and pass. The defense is adequate.

NEW YORK JETS 10-6 Needs to retain their defensive dominance. They're strong at linebacker, up front, and the backfield. They were first in pass defense last year in yards allowed, and first in first downs allowed. There's no reason to think they still can't dominate. On offense, they wer first in rushing yards, which compliments a super defense quite well. The passing game is less than what they want. Braylon Edwards is there chiefly to make opposing defenses back off the line of scrimmage. He doesn't inspire a lot of fear. It's up to a good offensive line to keep it going, and they will at first, but it isn't a deep line. Offensive linemen go down too often, and this team can't afford that. Still, a power team in the NFL.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 9-7 were 4th in rushing yards last year out of the 32 teams. Their offensive line is young, deep, and in their prime. They usually run the wildcat. This is a stellar running team, and 6'4" Brandon Marshall is there to ensure defenses respect the pass. On defense, they were more mediocre, but were 15th in first downs allowed, which is in the top half. Their first two draft choices were a defensive lineman and linebacker. They have a 3-4, with the defensive linemen producing, but linebackers suspect. Lots of close games predicted, so they could go 12-4 as easy as 6-10. 9-7 is about right.

Say "Goodbye" to Football as We Know it posted by Amari Harris

Top of the morning to you sports fans!

The sun has yet to rise in the east, but your favorite sports junkie is up early getting in his fix.  I have no idea why I am up at 5:00 in the morning on a Saturday, but I felt it was appropriate to share my insomnia with whoever else might be up at the crack of dawn. 

One explanation for my apparent restlessness may be the fact that I missed a plethora of preseason football this evening and instead decided to make it a “Redbox night” and watch Death at a Funeral.  I know this seems blasphemous for a football addict like myself, but even I’m beginning to have less patience with these horrible preseason games.  And how could I pass up to watch Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, and Tracy Morgan all on the same screen?  (Actually, it wouldn’t have been that hard to pass up this movie but that’s another blog.) 

These preseason games have been quite dreadful and you can’t really learn much about the teams unless they really suck (ahem…Bills).  You can get an idea of what individuals bring to the table, but the game plans are all backwards, and the execution is nauseating after the 1st quarter.  It’s just bad football. 

When the league initially proposed reducing the preseason to two games instead of four, I was up in arms.  How could they take away from the sanctity of the game?  The exhibition season is so important for the futures of young up and coming players and coaching evaluations.  Veteran players need the preseason to fine tune their skills and prepare their bodies for the physical grind of a 16-game season.  It just didn’t make sense to me.  I could understand why the casual fan would want to get rid of these “meaningless games” but the great football minds of the world want to do away with two whole preseason games?  But now I can see why.  Four games is way too long of a preseason.  I’m sick of watching this crap after one week. And no, it has nothing to do with the fact that my beloved Cowboys have yet to score and offensive touchdown and both the Redskins and Eagles lit up the scoreboard last night.  You just don’t need a full four games to figure out what players’ roles on a team are going to be.  Everything is constantly changing during the season anyway so why even pretend that the preseason somehow sets the blueprint for how your team will look in December?

Joe's 2010 NFL Season Preview: AFC South posted by Joe Anello

With the Hall of Fame game being played this past weekend, the 2010-2011 NFL season is on the horizon. With teams in training camp and rosters being formed, I'll take you around the league in the coming weeks to preview each division. This week we start with the AFC South, a division dominated by the Indianapolis Colts. Will their run continue this year or will someone else take the division title? We'll go in order from worst to first from last year's season standings. Let's get it on!

Jacksonville Jaguars

Last year the Jags were plagued by injuries to their offensive line and inconsistency from the skill positions. Maurice Jones-Drew is still a talented running back in this league, but I'm not sold that his production will match the near-1400 yards and 15 touchdowns from last year. Torry Holt, Jacksonville's second-leading receiver last season, has departed for New England, leaving Mike Sims-Walker as the only wide-out of note on the roster. (Don't even mention Troy Williamson. He's a bust until otherwise noted.) Tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Zach Miller will be integral to David Garrard's success this season, particularly in the red zone. With only 15 TD's and 10 interceptions last season, Garrard needs to step up this year if he's to keep his job. Head Coach Jack Del Rio is on the hot seat too.

As it is every year, the Jaguars spent another first round pick on a defensive lineman, this year taking DT Tyson Alualu. Paired with last year's first-round DE Derrick Harvey, the Jaguars need to see pressure on the opposing QB this season. Their 27th ranked pass defense only netted 14 sacks and 15 interceptions, paltry totals to be sure. Since the offense won't put up more than 20 points a game, the defense can't afford to struggle again... but they probably will.

The NFL Rock Draft! posted by Amari Harris

Friends and Countrymen,

I know that you have missed me so much over the last month or so and I want to apologize for my extended absence.  I have several ready made excuses for why I haven’t been actively blogging and I am sure that you will accept all of them at face value.  For one thing, there hasn’t been anything going on in the world of sports.  I mean other than the NBA playoffs, the NHL playoffs, the start of the MLB season, the return of Tiger Woods, the transgressions and subsequent suspension of Ben Roethlisberger (I did it! I spelled the damn thing), etc. 

But screw all of that.  I’m ready to talk about this NFL draft coming up tonight at 7: 27 on ESPN and NFL Network (shameless plug).  I’ve probably seen just about every mock draft scenario on the internet and to be honest I am not that impressed.  Not because I don’t think these guys have studied the players and don’t have inside knowledge of what these teams are thinking but simply because they are so wrong every year.  Nobody can accurately predict the first round.  For one, there are many trades and it is impossible to predict the trade possibilities in the 1st round.  And once a trade goes down the whole thing goes haywire.  Even if you negate the trade factor, these so-called “experts” still miss the mark by a mile. 

And on that note I present to you the most accurate NFL mock draft in the history of NFL mock drafts!  Barring any trades, this is pretty much how the 1st round will break down and I think many of you will be pleasantly surprised.  I must warn you that if you are a big Jimmy Clausen fan then you may want to turn your head right about….now:

Redskins Add Interception-saurous Rex posted by Todd F. Dixon

The Redskins signed Former Bear and Texan Rex Grossman to a one-year deal. 

 It is believed that ole Rex was signed to replace the aging Todd Collins as the #2 behind JC.  Although.....He did play for Kyle Shanahan (New Redskins Offensive Coordinator) and Matt Lafleur (New Redskins Quarterbacks Coach) in Houston last year.  I believed that he was only signed to help instill the offense Kyle runs, or maybe to mentor some young rookie QB.  The latest that I heard however, was that he is going to be challenging Campbell for the starter position. Let me display my feelings on this notion.  

 #1 - Grossman's overall QB rating is 65.9, Campbell's is 82.3.  He has a HUGE problem with forcing plays and always creates turnovers.  He is similar to the Jay Cutler of last year.  He's no Ryan Leaf, but he isn't half the QB Campbell is.  He's closer to a Kyle Boller.

#2 - I'm a little perturbed that another Redskins Quarterback will not get his chance (Colt Brennan) because of Rex.  Will he be good?  Will he be bad?  We will never know unfortunately.  

 #3- Yes, he led a team to the Superbowl, and lost to Peyton Manning and his Colts.  That isn't a bad loss, losing a Superbowl to one of the greatest QBs ever.  However, that Bears team had a punishing defense, great running game, solid O-line, and great Special Teams.  He was unspectacular that year anyway throwing 23 TDs - 20 INTs. Right now, the Skins have a horrid O-line, questionable Special Teams, old running game, and a Defense that doesn't even know what it is yet.   No QB can take the punishment JC can, except maybe Aaron Rodgers, or Big Ben.  Although it seems Ben's girls are the ones taking the punishment (Cheap-shot I know, sorry). 

Hours Away posted by Randolph Charlotin

With less than five hours before free agency begins, let me get a few thoughts out of my mind:

Be sure to sign the Leigh Bodden thank-you card. He’s not coming back. He’s the second-best corner back available in free agency after Houston’s Dunta Robinson. It shouldn’t take him long to find an offer that he can’t pass up. His gamble to sign a one year deal with a promise from the Patriots that they wouldn’t franchise him will pay off. He erased his years with Detroit, including the 0-16 season, from everyone’s mind. Wish you luck at your next career stop, Leigh, as long as it’s not with an AFC East team.

Want to know what’s the value of LB Adalius Thomas? None. It’s not that there aren’t any teams that want him, but no team will make a trade offer for a guy they know the Pats want to dump. They know the divorce is coming, so they’ll wait until New England cuts him and sign Thomas without giving up compensation. One of those teams rumored to be interested in Thomas as a free agent is the New York Jets, where Thomas would be reunited with his former defensive coordinator, Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Guess which two games Thomas circles on his calendar if he matriculates to the Jets?

If that happens, the Pats should take the Jets’ Thomas. The Jets recently cut RB Thomas Jones to save money. New York says they want to re-sign him, but New England should swoop in and steal him away. I’d like him better than Fred Taylor because Jones is younger (31 to Taylor’s 34) and Thomas has been more durable. He missed just three games since 2004 to Taylor’s 22 games. I’m also concerned about the aging backfield, with Laurence Maroney the only RB younger than 30. Taylor and Sammy Morris (four last year, 17 since signing with the Pats in 2007) both missed games. Because the coaching staff won’t utilize BenJarvus Green-Ellis, he isn’t part of the conversation.

The Five Best NFL First Overall NFL Draft Picks posted by Colin Linneweber

The 2010 NFL Draft will commence on Thursday, April 22, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. 

In tribute to the upcoming draft, below are the five best  number one overall selections made by franchises over the course of the past quarter-century.  

1)      Peyton Manning (Quarterback)- The Indianapolis Colts chose Manning out of the University of Tennessee with the top selection in the 1998 draft. 

Manning, a four-time AP NFL MVP and five-time First-Team All-Pro selection, led the Colts to a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. 

Manning, who was voted onto the NFL 2000s All-Decade team, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after he completed 25 of 38 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown. 

After twelve seasons as a professional, the legendary signal-caller has already thrown in excess of 50,000 yards in the air and he has tossed 366 touchdowns. 

At only 33 years of age, Manning is expected to break every meaningful passing record in NFL history before he hangs-up his cleats. 

Peyton Manning is simply one of the greatest quarterback’s in the annals of football.  

2)      Bruce Smith (Defensive End)- The Buffalo Bills selected Smith out of Virginia Tech University with the first pick in the 1985 draft. 

Smith, a 2009 Hall of Fame inductee who was ranked number 58 on The Sporting News’ list of the 100 Greatest Football Players ever, immediately dominated NFL offensive linemen and he owns the record for the most career sacks (200). 

With Julian Edelman, The Patriots Will Be Fine Without Wes Welker posted by Colin Linneweber

The revived Houston Texans defeated the New England Patriots 34-27 Sunday in Reliant Stadium.

The Patriots (10-6) loss to the Texans (9-7) in the regular season finale will ultimately prove to be meaningless.

However, the severe injury that Pro Bowl wide receiver Wes Welker suffered this weekend will be a substantial obstacle for the Patriots to overcome.

Welker, 28, a two-time second-team All-Pro selection who is the only player in NFL history to record at least 110 receptions in three consecutive seasons, tore both the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee after he caught a pass from quarterback Tom Brady in the first quarter.

Welker is out indefinitely and his status for the 2010 season is currently in jeopardy as well.

Despite his diminutive frame and unassuming appearance, Welker is absolutely one of the grittiest, toughest and most accomplished players in recent football times.

Welker, a star at Texas Tech University who was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004, was a vital piece to the Patriots still explosive offense unit.

There is zero question that Welker’s absence will hinder the Patriots offensive production in some capacity.

“We’ve been going through that all year – people up, people down,” said Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas of New England’s injury-plagued campaign.

“Will we miss Welker? Yes we will. But the guys behind him have to step-up and make plays.”

Texans outplay sloppy Cowboys

The Houston Texans may have finally found a dependable runningback. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

DT Zgonina wants to play 1 more season

Jeff Zgonina hopes he isn’t done playing footballquite yet. The 40-year-old defensive tackle told FOXSports.com thathe hopes to return for an 18th NFL season. Zgonina is a free agentafter spending the past three seasons with the Houston Texans. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Saints strong in return to Superdome (AP)

No confetti floated down from the Superdome ceiling this time. But the New Orleans sure showed signs of the high-powered offense that helped them win big last season in their first home game since the NFC championship. The Saints held the football for 40 minutes, ran 75 offensive plays and rushed for 198 yards in a 38-20 victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday night. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Goodell upholds suspension of Cushing

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Thursday that he would notreduce the four-game suspension of Houston Texans linebacker BrianCushing. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Texans, Saints hold joint practice (The Canadian Press)

METAIRIE, La. - The third consecutive year of joint pre-season practices between the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans began without the fights that popped up all over the field last season. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports