Nothing new here, but since it took me 6 months to do the NFL preview, here's a recap of what matters.
NFC West
1. Cardinals
2. Seahawks
3. 49ers
4. Rams
NFC South
1. Saints
2. Panthers
3. Falcons
4. Buccaneers
NFC North
1. Vikings (1st Round Bye/Home Field)
2. Packers
3. Bears
4. Lions
NFC East
1. Eagles (1st Round Bye)
2. Giants (Wild Card)
3. Cowboys (Wild Card)
4. Redskins
Wild Card Round
(3) Saints def. (6) Cowboys
(5) Giants def. (4) Cardinals
Divisional Round
(5) Giants def. (1) Vikings
(3) Saints def. (2) Eagles
NFC Championship
(3) Saints def. (5) Giants
AFC West
1. Chargers (1st Round Bye)
2. Chiefs
3. Raiders
4. Broncos
AFC North
1. Steelers
2. Bengals
3. Ravens
4. Browns
AFC South
1. Colts
2. Texans (Wild Card)
3. Titans
4. Jaguars
AFC East
1. Patriots (1st Round Bye/Home Field)
2. Jets (WILD CARD WOOO!)
3. Bills
4. Dolphins
Wild Card Round
(3) Steelers def. (6) Texans
(4) Colts def. (5) Jets
Divisional Round
(1) Patriots def. (4) Colts
(2) Chargers def. (3) Steelers
AFC Championship
(2) Chargers def. (1) Patriots
Super Bowl XLIV
Saints 27, Chargers 20
So yeah, use that for reference in Vegas and such. Most important thing to take from last nights Steeler victory: Troy Polamalu's sprained MCL. THE MADDEN CURSE LIVES!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
R.F.S.F.- FINAL EDITION
All right, no more playing around. It is under 6 hours until the 2009 NFL season starts. I've had weeks to do this preview! Weeks! You blog, to inform, the masses! Hello?? You don't blog to just blog it. We got two divisions and the whole playoffs to get through, so let's ride this pony.
AFC South (Projected Order of Finish)
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4 Last Year)
Yes, their window is starting to close (team staple Marvin Harrison no longer there.) But as long as Peyton Manning is on this team, there's little reason to expect less than as playoff appearance. They didn't win the division last year because Tennessee really surprised some people with their D and young star Chris Johnson. But 12-4 is usually more than enough for the division, and Indy will return things to normalcy this year. Harrison may be gone, but wideout Anthony Gonzalez is ready to shine in his place. Joseph Addai will prove he is more than a stale crumb bun in the running game, and the offense will soar with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. The D isn't quite on par with the offense, but sports solid players in Dwight Freeney, Gary Brackett, and Bob Sanders once healthy. Tennessee is formidable and Houston's creeping up every year, but it will be at least one more division crown for the Colts.
2009 Projected Record: 11-5
2. Houston Texans (8-8 Last Year)
Everyone's bromance for the playoffs last season fell a little short of expectations. But we must be fair here...last year's hurricane that tore up Houston had a lot to say about the team's fate. They could not and did not play a home game until October 5th last year due to stadium damage. They had to take their bye week in week 2, meaning they had to play the next 15 Sundays, unheard of in today's NFL. This all led to an 0-4 start and disappearing playoff aspirations. The good news? They found their grove late in the year and finished up on a 5-1 tear. The offense may knock on Indy's door in terms of production with Steve Slaton in the backfield, Owen Daniels at tight end, and perhaps the Best Receiver in football, Andre Johnson. Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans anchor an ever-improving defense, and if quarterback Matt Schaub stays healthy, it's hello, playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
3. Tennessee Titans (13-3 Last Year)
Nope, that's not a typo for their record. The Titans had the best record in all of football last year, and it's clear I see them taking a big step back. I don't necessarily think the team got that much worse in the offseason (thought the departure of mammoth Albert Haynesworth will be a huge loss.) I simply think they played out of their freakin' minds last year. I thought Kerry Collins was in the twilight of his career after the Giants lost the Super Bowl...IN 2000! He is still the man under center as Vince Young tries to locate his chee. But the running game will propel this team, with Chris Johnson and LenDale White taking the duties. The defense will still be good because they have some veteran playmakers. But they won't start the year 10-0 this season. It will be more like their 3-4 finish.
2009 Projected Record: 8-8
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11 Last Year)
Yuck. Yuck yucky pu pu platter. They were 5-11 last year and haven't gotten better in any tangible way. Maurice Jones-Drew will be monstrous, but he can only do so much on his own. Long year for Jacksonville in this division.
2009 Projected Record: 5-11
And now it's time for the real show...
AFC East (Projected Order of Finish)
1. New England Patriots (11-5 Last Year)
I almost didn't do it. You guys have no idea. My hatred for this team is on par with poison ivy, Lady Gaga, realizing there's no toliet paper left at that moment, and SARS virus. It's indescribable. I wanted to not put them in first place, and justify it by saying they didn't win the division last year and are one bad Brady hit away from going 4-12.
But what fun would that be? They're back, baby! Shower them with praise, start constructing Brady's Hall of Fame plaque, tell Bill Belichick he thinks like Cornwallis and smells like honey. That's the team I want to see. That's the team I want to see beaten. I don't see the run at perfection though. Because the defense over just this offseason went from terrifying to simpy respected. Belichick will get the most out of them, but hold off the coronation.
Spygate.
2009 Projected Record: 12-4
2. New York Jets (9-7 Last Year)
Throw me a bone here. Yes, they have a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback. They have little at wide receiver. It's possible so many changed parts on the defense won't gel. But it's the Jets! Do you actually believe I would pick this team to do any worse than their absolute max potential. Could I look at this blog in Januray if the Jets had a remarkable season and know that I didn't believe. No chance in hell. Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, and Shonn Greene bring that Boom Boom Pow in the running game, and somebody will complement Jerricho Cothchery and Dustin Keller. The defense is the key to it all, because the Jets need a lot of 13-10, 17-13-type wins to make a run. I blame Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco for creating hope for rookie quarterbacks. Mark Sanchez, you're next. You've made me a victim of The Four Tops variety.
"I'm weaker than a man should be.
I can't help myself,
I'm a fool in love, you see."
2009 Projected Record: 10-6
3. Miami Dolphins (11-5 Last Season)
Oh, that wacky, wacky wildcat. If you don't really watch football yet read this blog, it's kind of tough to explain because it seems so simple. Instead of your quarterback taking the snap, it's a very athletic running back that takes it and runs foward as fast as he can. Everyone knows it's coming but there's so many options out of it that it was pretty much unstoppable last year. That, my friends, is how a 1-15 teams turns into an 11-5 team. That and adding the immortal Chad Pennington to the mix. He's my man. My forever mancrush. Nevertheless, I think teams have had months upon months to prepare for Miami's wacky new scheme. They don't have a whole lot besides it, so they better have more tricks up their sleeve if they want to even approach last year's remarkable success.
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
4. Buffalo Bills
Is this the year? Buffalo has been on the cusp seemingly forever, but just can't break through. They are hoping the loudest athlete in sports has something to say about that. Terrell Owens brings his circus to Buffalo for 2009. Will it work? Let's just say Buffalo has already fired their offensive coordinator, less than a month before the season starts...Coincidence? I'm not here to speculate. Well, I am. But I won't here. No matter their talent, the Bills are still in the wrong division at the wrong time and will have to wait even longer for their time to shine. It won't be '09. Sorry, T.O. At least you will get an Emmy or 2 from your reality show.
2009 Projected Record: 6-10
WHEW!! Mission accomplished, and with four whole hours to spare. I can watch Tim Mcgraw and the Black Eyed Peas in peace tonight. But wait! It's Thursday, meaning What About Conor Wednesday has been skipped again. Fear not, here is a special NFL Preview conclusion edition of What About Conor Wednesday, Thursday Edition.
It's Conor's Five Perfictions (Perfect Predictions, remember?!?) for NFL 2009
1. Drew Brees doesn't quite get to the numbers he put up last season, but New Orleans does so good in the NFC South division, he is awarded the 2009 MVP.
2. Though Adrian Peterson gets all the hype, it's Maurice Jones-Drew who will put up the most fantasy points in '09.
3. Working through all the baggage, the Chargers end up shocking the Patriots in Foxboro for the AFC Championship.
4. With everything coming together, the Saints out-gun the Giants to win the NFC.
5. The Saints beat the Chargers, 27-20 in Super Bowl XLIV.
Enjoy the game tonight everybody. The time has come. Thanks a lot for reading.
AFC South (Projected Order of Finish)
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4 Last Year)
Yes, their window is starting to close (team staple Marvin Harrison no longer there.) But as long as Peyton Manning is on this team, there's little reason to expect less than as playoff appearance. They didn't win the division last year because Tennessee really surprised some people with their D and young star Chris Johnson. But 12-4 is usually more than enough for the division, and Indy will return things to normalcy this year. Harrison may be gone, but wideout Anthony Gonzalez is ready to shine in his place. Joseph Addai will prove he is more than a stale crumb bun in the running game, and the offense will soar with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. The D isn't quite on par with the offense, but sports solid players in Dwight Freeney, Gary Brackett, and Bob Sanders once healthy. Tennessee is formidable and Houston's creeping up every year, but it will be at least one more division crown for the Colts.
2009 Projected Record: 11-5
2. Houston Texans (8-8 Last Year)
Everyone's bromance for the playoffs last season fell a little short of expectations. But we must be fair here...last year's hurricane that tore up Houston had a lot to say about the team's fate. They could not and did not play a home game until October 5th last year due to stadium damage. They had to take their bye week in week 2, meaning they had to play the next 15 Sundays, unheard of in today's NFL. This all led to an 0-4 start and disappearing playoff aspirations. The good news? They found their grove late in the year and finished up on a 5-1 tear. The offense may knock on Indy's door in terms of production with Steve Slaton in the backfield, Owen Daniels at tight end, and perhaps the Best Receiver in football, Andre Johnson. Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans anchor an ever-improving defense, and if quarterback Matt Schaub stays healthy, it's hello, playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
3. Tennessee Titans (13-3 Last Year)
Nope, that's not a typo for their record. The Titans had the best record in all of football last year, and it's clear I see them taking a big step back. I don't necessarily think the team got that much worse in the offseason (thought the departure of mammoth Albert Haynesworth will be a huge loss.) I simply think they played out of their freakin' minds last year. I thought Kerry Collins was in the twilight of his career after the Giants lost the Super Bowl...IN 2000! He is still the man under center as Vince Young tries to locate his chee. But the running game will propel this team, with Chris Johnson and LenDale White taking the duties. The defense will still be good because they have some veteran playmakers. But they won't start the year 10-0 this season. It will be more like their 3-4 finish.
2009 Projected Record: 8-8
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11 Last Year)
Yuck. Yuck yucky pu pu platter. They were 5-11 last year and haven't gotten better in any tangible way. Maurice Jones-Drew will be monstrous, but he can only do so much on his own. Long year for Jacksonville in this division.
2009 Projected Record: 5-11
And now it's time for the real show...
AFC East (Projected Order of Finish)
1. New England Patriots (11-5 Last Year)
I almost didn't do it. You guys have no idea. My hatred for this team is on par with poison ivy, Lady Gaga, realizing there's no toliet paper left at that moment, and SARS virus. It's indescribable. I wanted to not put them in first place, and justify it by saying they didn't win the division last year and are one bad Brady hit away from going 4-12.
But what fun would that be? They're back, baby! Shower them with praise, start constructing Brady's Hall of Fame plaque, tell Bill Belichick he thinks like Cornwallis and smells like honey. That's the team I want to see. That's the team I want to see beaten. I don't see the run at perfection though. Because the defense over just this offseason went from terrifying to simpy respected. Belichick will get the most out of them, but hold off the coronation.
Spygate.
2009 Projected Record: 12-4
2. New York Jets (9-7 Last Year)
Throw me a bone here. Yes, they have a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback. They have little at wide receiver. It's possible so many changed parts on the defense won't gel. But it's the Jets! Do you actually believe I would pick this team to do any worse than their absolute max potential. Could I look at this blog in Januray if the Jets had a remarkable season and know that I didn't believe. No chance in hell. Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, and Shonn Greene bring that Boom Boom Pow in the running game, and somebody will complement Jerricho Cothchery and Dustin Keller. The defense is the key to it all, because the Jets need a lot of 13-10, 17-13-type wins to make a run. I blame Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco for creating hope for rookie quarterbacks. Mark Sanchez, you're next. You've made me a victim of The Four Tops variety.
"I'm weaker than a man should be.
I can't help myself,
I'm a fool in love, you see."
2009 Projected Record: 10-6
3. Miami Dolphins (11-5 Last Season)
Oh, that wacky, wacky wildcat. If you don't really watch football yet read this blog, it's kind of tough to explain because it seems so simple. Instead of your quarterback taking the snap, it's a very athletic running back that takes it and runs foward as fast as he can. Everyone knows it's coming but there's so many options out of it that it was pretty much unstoppable last year. That, my friends, is how a 1-15 teams turns into an 11-5 team. That and adding the immortal Chad Pennington to the mix. He's my man. My forever mancrush. Nevertheless, I think teams have had months upon months to prepare for Miami's wacky new scheme. They don't have a whole lot besides it, so they better have more tricks up their sleeve if they want to even approach last year's remarkable success.
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
4. Buffalo Bills
Is this the year? Buffalo has been on the cusp seemingly forever, but just can't break through. They are hoping the loudest athlete in sports has something to say about that. Terrell Owens brings his circus to Buffalo for 2009. Will it work? Let's just say Buffalo has already fired their offensive coordinator, less than a month before the season starts...Coincidence? I'm not here to speculate. Well, I am. But I won't here. No matter their talent, the Bills are still in the wrong division at the wrong time and will have to wait even longer for their time to shine. It won't be '09. Sorry, T.O. At least you will get an Emmy or 2 from your reality show.
2009 Projected Record: 6-10
WHEW!! Mission accomplished, and with four whole hours to spare. I can watch Tim Mcgraw and the Black Eyed Peas in peace tonight. But wait! It's Thursday, meaning What About Conor Wednesday has been skipped again. Fear not, here is a special NFL Preview conclusion edition of What About Conor Wednesday, Thursday Edition.
It's Conor's Five Perfictions (Perfect Predictions, remember?!?) for NFL 2009
1. Drew Brees doesn't quite get to the numbers he put up last season, but New Orleans does so good in the NFC South division, he is awarded the 2009 MVP.
2. Though Adrian Peterson gets all the hype, it's Maurice Jones-Drew who will put up the most fantasy points in '09.
3. Working through all the baggage, the Chargers end up shocking the Patriots in Foxboro for the AFC Championship.
4. With everything coming together, the Saints out-gun the Giants to win the NFC.
5. The Saints beat the Chargers, 27-20 in Super Bowl XLIV.
Enjoy the game tonight everybody. The time has come. Thanks a lot for reading.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
R.F.S.F.- Part V
The clock's ticking louder than ever as the hours wind down until the NFL opener. Translation- must get cookin' on these previews. It's about 1:34 on what is now 9/9/09, and after just seeing Inglorious Basterds this is no time for sleep. Let's bang out a division real quick. And hey, it's got the defending champs in it!
By the way, just picked up Sports Illustrated's NFL preview this week. And their predictions...whew. Let's just say by the end of the year, it'll either be US, or THEM**.
AFC North (Projected Order of Finish)
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4 Last Year)
No surprise here. In its inaugural year, the Reilly Sports Blog would love to go out on a bold whim and say the defending champions won't win their division. But though we're only crazy; we're not stupid. This team is the defending champs, and yet everyone is back for another go-round in their attempt to repeat. Though they lack the super-duper stars, Pittsburgh makes up for any talent deficiency with their remarkable balance. Everyone knows that winning titles is about A) running the ball and B) taking the run away on defense. Everyone knows it, but Pittsburgh is one of few teams that actually execute year after year after year. Ben Roethlisberger has two rings on that young hand of his, and if he continues to play mistake-free, "do-what-you-gotta do" football, there could be even more coming. His surrounding team is that good.
2009 Projected Record: 11-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1 Last Year)
Just call it the Hard Knocks effect. HBO's training camp reality show has the power to take control of your mind and convince you that X team will make it happen. I firmly believe this. Sure, they would capture probably all the same footage with any other NFL team (except the tables/ladders/chairs matches in Raider camp) but HBO has sold me these Bengals are for real. They love coach Marvin Lewis, certain to be fired if they don't win this year. Chad Ochocinco is ready to turn back the clock. Their young players/veteran castoffs on defense can make some plays. Cedric Benson can be a better player than Cedric the Entertainer. I believe, HBO. YOU DID THIS TO ME!
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5 Last Year)
Yep, its a pretty colossal step back for a team that went to the AFC Championship game last year. If only they were featured on Hard Knocks...oh, well. The Ravens and Steelers have pretty much the same blueprint...running and defense. No surprise, these were the two teams that emerged from the AFC. But Baltimore lost some troops from their defensive squad, including their commander. Coordinator Rex Ryan went to the Jets, and he took along Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, and Marquis Daniels with him. Joe Flacco will continue to build onhis solid rookie year, and the running game should be fine with Ray Rice and Le'Ron Mclain. Truth be told, they are probably miles ahead of the Bengals at this point. Sorry, Ravens, I have been smitten by the black and orange.
2009 Projected Record: 8-8
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12 Last Year)
A complete and utter wasteland. Fans might indeed exit the Browns' home games with the same feeling as the last 3-4 seconds of this clip.
2009 Projected Record: 5-11
** -(It will probably be them.)
By the way, just picked up Sports Illustrated's NFL preview this week. And their predictions...whew. Let's just say by the end of the year, it'll either be US, or THEM**.
AFC North (Projected Order of Finish)
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4 Last Year)
No surprise here. In its inaugural year, the Reilly Sports Blog would love to go out on a bold whim and say the defending champions won't win their division. But though we're only crazy; we're not stupid. This team is the defending champs, and yet everyone is back for another go-round in their attempt to repeat. Though they lack the super-duper stars, Pittsburgh makes up for any talent deficiency with their remarkable balance. Everyone knows that winning titles is about A) running the ball and B) taking the run away on defense. Everyone knows it, but Pittsburgh is one of few teams that actually execute year after year after year. Ben Roethlisberger has two rings on that young hand of his, and if he continues to play mistake-free, "do-what-you-gotta do" football, there could be even more coming. His surrounding team is that good.
2009 Projected Record: 11-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1 Last Year)
Just call it the Hard Knocks effect. HBO's training camp reality show has the power to take control of your mind and convince you that X team will make it happen. I firmly believe this. Sure, they would capture probably all the same footage with any other NFL team (except the tables/ladders/chairs matches in Raider camp) but HBO has sold me these Bengals are for real. They love coach Marvin Lewis, certain to be fired if they don't win this year. Chad Ochocinco is ready to turn back the clock. Their young players/veteran castoffs on defense can make some plays. Cedric Benson can be a better player than Cedric the Entertainer. I believe, HBO. YOU DID THIS TO ME!
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5 Last Year)
Yep, its a pretty colossal step back for a team that went to the AFC Championship game last year. If only they were featured on Hard Knocks...oh, well. The Ravens and Steelers have pretty much the same blueprint...running and defense. No surprise, these were the two teams that emerged from the AFC. But Baltimore lost some troops from their defensive squad, including their commander. Coordinator Rex Ryan went to the Jets, and he took along Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, and Marquis Daniels with him. Joe Flacco will continue to build onhis solid rookie year, and the running game should be fine with Ray Rice and Le'Ron Mclain. Truth be told, they are probably miles ahead of the Bengals at this point. Sorry, Ravens, I have been smitten by the black and orange.
2009 Projected Record: 8-8
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12 Last Year)
A complete and utter wasteland. Fans might indeed exit the Browns' home games with the same feeling as the last 3-4 seconds of this clip.
2009 Projected Record: 5-11
** -(It will probably be them.)
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Fantasy Team
Hey, this is more of an advanced 'Tweet,' than an actual blog post I think. But here is the Reilly Sports Blog's 2009 Fantasy Football team. It's a big-money affair on CBS Sportsline; the winner gets 1,600 smackaroos. It's a 12-team league and I had the 6th pick. Personally I hate the team I chose, but here it is in case you're interested...
QB- Tony Romo, DAL (4th Round)
RB- Steve Slaton, HOU (1st)
RB- Clinton Portis, WAS (2nd)
WR- Marques Colston, NO (3rd)
WR- Lee Evans, BUF (6th)
RB/WR- Thomas Jones, NYJ (5th)
TE- Dustin Keller, NYJ (8th)
K- Neil Rackers, ARI (14)
D- JETS (7)
Bench:
QB Trent Edwards (12)
RB Glen Coffee (11)
WR Santana Moss (9)
WR Antonio Bryant (10)
TE Tony Scheffler (13)
Yeah, not so hot. I love Romo and Colston where I got them, but I really loathe myself for taking Slaton that high (Tomlinson, S. Jackson still available! Oy.) Lee Evans was the best of some crappy available receivers, but my lack of faith in him forced me to load my bench with WR's and therefore have no RB depth. Moss and Bryant could be good though, and even if they don't start instead of Evans on my team maybe I can trade them for a decent runner. If Slaton and my man T. Jones actually give me the value that I drafted for them, I should have a shot. I'll give brief updates throughout the season in my quest for the title...
QB- Tony Romo, DAL (4th Round)
RB- Steve Slaton, HOU (1st)
RB- Clinton Portis, WAS (2nd)
WR- Marques Colston, NO (3rd)
WR- Lee Evans, BUF (6th)
RB/WR- Thomas Jones, NYJ (5th)
TE- Dustin Keller, NYJ (8th)
K- Neil Rackers, ARI (14)
D- JETS (7)
Bench:
QB Trent Edwards (12)
RB Glen Coffee (11)
WR Santana Moss (9)
WR Antonio Bryant (10)
TE Tony Scheffler (13)
Yeah, not so hot. I love Romo and Colston where I got them, but I really loathe myself for taking Slaton that high (Tomlinson, S. Jackson still available! Oy.) Lee Evans was the best of some crappy available receivers, but my lack of faith in him forced me to load my bench with WR's and therefore have no RB depth. Moss and Bryant could be good though, and even if they don't start instead of Evans on my team maybe I can trade them for a decent runner. If Slaton and my man T. Jones actually give me the value that I drafted for them, I should have a shot. I'll give brief updates throughout the season in my quest for the title...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
R.F.S.F.- Part IV
Hello again, followers and friends. With the days-long drought and all, it's the least I can do to get back-to-back blogs up for the weekend. We are quickly motoring toward Thursday night opener and he got a whole half-league to still cover. But before the NFL preview continues, a quick look at the opening weekend of college football.
AFC West (Projected Order of Finish)
1. San Diego Chargers (8-8 Last Year)
The Chargers have won this division for three straight seasons, and their competitiors don't really seem to care. Even an 8-8 record was enough for the division crown last year (an extreme rarity in the NFL.) The Broncos came close to caring last year, but they promptly nuked their entire organization to go in a new direction. The same core comes back for San Diego, and it's a whole lot better than anyone else's core in the West. Philip Rivers, Ladainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates are all the ritz of their positions on offense, and their defense is stout with the return of star Shawne Merriman. He joins solid fixtures Luis Castillo and Antonio Cromartie. With the division a laughingstock, the regular season for the Chargers is pretty much an extended preseason until the playoffs start.
The problem is, the Chargers themselves aren't supposed to think that way! And it's pretty clear that they are. No doubt one of the most talented teams in football, but they may be the softest as well. Last year, no matter what the excuse, 8-8 was inexcusable. San Diego has shown the worst proportion of talent vs. effiiency for a few years now. A deep, deep playoff run is theirs if they want it. Though it should be a no-brainer, it's time for coach Norv Turner and co. to finally prove that they want it.
2009 Projected Record: 12-4
2. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14 Last Year)
Yeah, that record isn't a typo, either. The best of the rest in the division starts in Kansas City, where a new regime has begun. Call it 'New England South', with GM Scott Pioli, quarterback Matt Cassel, and others ditching the Patriots for the Chiefs. It's as if they switched sides of the Thanksgiving table. But that's neither here nor there. The point is, I think this is less ghastly across the board than Oakland and Denver. Cassel is (kinda, a little bitty bit) proven, Larry Johnson has the potential to break out of his Step Brothers-esque sleep walk mode, and Dwayne Bowe can catch the ball.
On defense, they have some high draft picks on the line with Glen Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. The linebackers are pretty ancient, but in a Clint Eastwood kind-of way, not a John Goodman kind-of way. They can play another year or so. So Kansas City will do ok in year one, but it's not saying much. After San Diego, we may as well call the other 3 teams 4a, 4b, and 4c.
2009 Projected Record: 6-10
3. Oakland Raiders (5-11 Last Year)
Incidentally, the Raiders cut Jeff Garcia today. Had they not, they may have just been 4a instead of 4b. Garcia could have added stability to this athletic jungle. But, they did pay JaMarcus Russell bajillions of dollars, so I can't hate too much that they want him to earn it. Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush make arguably the most balanced rushing attack in the division. But beyond that? Nothing to see here. The franchise is a mess. I don't know why, but I just see interactions such as this happening verbatim 4-5 times a week in the Oakland locker room. Maybe I'm the only one. But I'm officially driving the bandwagon of having HBO feature the Raiders for Hard Knocks next season. But no Oakland preview can be complete without mentioning Nnamdi Asomugha. Don't know him? Nobody really does, but for my money he's the best cornerback in the NFL and completely equalizes a team's #1 receiving threat. So there you go, Raider fans. Don't hate me that much...
2009 Projected Record: 5-11
4. Denver Broncos
hYes, despite a 4-12 record, the Raiders will not be last in the division. For 2009 at least, Denver is about as appealing as years-old mayonnaise mixed with Bigfoot's puke. Graphic yes. But I firmly believe it. They traded Jay Cutler on the cusp of superstardom, and they are banking on those high picks in the future...But right now Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback. Even with Cutler, this team went 8-8 and missed the playoffs because of a crappy defense and injurues to the running game. Cutler along with the receiver combination Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal kept the team afloat. Now? Jay is gone, Brandon looks to be following, and Eddie may literally be crying. It's going to be a long year, as coaching staple Mike Shanahan is gone in favor of New England's Josh McDaniels. He has already run the face of the franchise out of town, so he's either a genuis or a loon. We'll know for sure in a year or two. Rookie Knoshown Moreno will keep the round game consistent behind a good offensive line. But again...I'm not expecting anything more than Bigfoot puke.
2009 Projected Record: 4-12
The ball is in motion, guys. I will get to the last 3 divisions when I get the moment. I have a big fantasy draft tomorrow, so probably I will do it Monday. Hopefully you'll come back then. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
- Teams with numbers next to their names are better than teams without numbers.
- If you have a number next to your name, you tend to win by 50.
- College football is crazy because teams with numbers sometimes lose and their national title hopes go up in smoke just like that. Close calls for Ohio State, Iowa. POST-PUBLISH RESULT: Oklahoma falls...thanks for coming, Sooners.
- College football is now a little less crazy with the suspension of LeGarrette Blount.
AFC West (Projected Order of Finish)
1. San Diego Chargers (8-8 Last Year)
The Chargers have won this division for three straight seasons, and their competitiors don't really seem to care. Even an 8-8 record was enough for the division crown last year (an extreme rarity in the NFL.) The Broncos came close to caring last year, but they promptly nuked their entire organization to go in a new direction. The same core comes back for San Diego, and it's a whole lot better than anyone else's core in the West. Philip Rivers, Ladainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates are all the ritz of their positions on offense, and their defense is stout with the return of star Shawne Merriman. He joins solid fixtures Luis Castillo and Antonio Cromartie. With the division a laughingstock, the regular season for the Chargers is pretty much an extended preseason until the playoffs start.
The problem is, the Chargers themselves aren't supposed to think that way! And it's pretty clear that they are. No doubt one of the most talented teams in football, but they may be the softest as well. Last year, no matter what the excuse, 8-8 was inexcusable. San Diego has shown the worst proportion of talent vs. effiiency for a few years now. A deep, deep playoff run is theirs if they want it. Though it should be a no-brainer, it's time for coach Norv Turner and co. to finally prove that they want it.
2009 Projected Record: 12-4
2. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14 Last Year)
Yeah, that record isn't a typo, either. The best of the rest in the division starts in Kansas City, where a new regime has begun. Call it 'New England South', with GM Scott Pioli, quarterback Matt Cassel, and others ditching the Patriots for the Chiefs. It's as if they switched sides of the Thanksgiving table. But that's neither here nor there. The point is, I think this is less ghastly across the board than Oakland and Denver. Cassel is (kinda, a little bitty bit) proven, Larry Johnson has the potential to break out of his Step Brothers-esque sleep walk mode, and Dwayne Bowe can catch the ball.
On defense, they have some high draft picks on the line with Glen Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. The linebackers are pretty ancient, but in a Clint Eastwood kind-of way, not a John Goodman kind-of way. They can play another year or so. So Kansas City will do ok in year one, but it's not saying much. After San Diego, we may as well call the other 3 teams 4a, 4b, and 4c.
2009 Projected Record: 6-10
3. Oakland Raiders (5-11 Last Year)
Incidentally, the Raiders cut Jeff Garcia today. Had they not, they may have just been 4a instead of 4b. Garcia could have added stability to this athletic jungle. But, they did pay JaMarcus Russell bajillions of dollars, so I can't hate too much that they want him to earn it. Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush make arguably the most balanced rushing attack in the division. But beyond that? Nothing to see here. The franchise is a mess. I don't know why, but I just see interactions such as this happening verbatim 4-5 times a week in the Oakland locker room. Maybe I'm the only one. But I'm officially driving the bandwagon of having HBO feature the Raiders for Hard Knocks next season. But no Oakland preview can be complete without mentioning Nnamdi Asomugha. Don't know him? Nobody really does, but for my money he's the best cornerback in the NFL and completely equalizes a team's #1 receiving threat. So there you go, Raider fans. Don't hate me that much...
2009 Projected Record: 5-11
4. Denver Broncos
hYes, despite a 4-12 record, the Raiders will not be last in the division. For 2009 at least, Denver is about as appealing as years-old mayonnaise mixed with Bigfoot's puke. Graphic yes. But I firmly believe it. They traded Jay Cutler on the cusp of superstardom, and they are banking on those high picks in the future...But right now Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback. Even with Cutler, this team went 8-8 and missed the playoffs because of a crappy defense and injurues to the running game. Cutler along with the receiver combination Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal kept the team afloat. Now? Jay is gone, Brandon looks to be following, and Eddie may literally be crying. It's going to be a long year, as coaching staple Mike Shanahan is gone in favor of New England's Josh McDaniels. He has already run the face of the franchise out of town, so he's either a genuis or a loon. We'll know for sure in a year or two. Rookie Knoshown Moreno will keep the round game consistent behind a good offensive line. But again...I'm not expecting anything more than Bigfoot puke.
2009 Projected Record: 4-12
The ball is in motion, guys. I will get to the last 3 divisions when I get the moment. I have a big fantasy draft tomorrow, so probably I will do it Monday. Hopefully you'll come back then. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Friday, September 4, 2009
R.F.S.F.- NFC EAST
The wait is over on Wednesday, Giants fans. A detailed NFC East overview will be then. Have a good few days.
-Conor Reilly, Sunday, August 30, 2009
For all those that are crying/angry/rioting/rabid over my extreme tardiness of the NFC East preview, I'm sorry. Deeply, deeply sorry. To show how genuine my apology is, I had my friends from Buckcherry write a song about it, you can find it here.
But the past is the past. You've waited long enough, I'll stop spewing my nonsense and give everyone what the came to see...the beasts of the East.
NFC East (Projected Order of Finish)
1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1 Last Year)
And it pains me to say it. I hate the Eagles. I hate the Eagles, I hate the Phillies, I hate the Flyers. I wanted Smarty Jones to get mud in the eye so he(it?) wouldn't win the Triple Crown. I cheered for Apollo Creed, Mr. T, and communism against Rocky.
But at this very moment, I have a hunch the Eagles win the NFC East in 2009. And it gives me an ulcer. I have a gut (wrenching) feeling that everything just falls right for them in this regular season. McNabb goes crazy, turning young receiver/lunatic DeSean Jackson into a real superstar; as Michael Vick has an enormous smile on his face and is always the first one to give a congradulatory hug on the sideline after a touchdown. Brian Westbrook turns it on for one last ridiculous year statistically, both rushing and receiving. When he's healthy, theres no antidote to Brian Westbrook. And adding mastadon Jason Peters to the offensive line will help everyone tremendously.
And the defense, always sneaky-great, will get noticed more as they really shut teams down this year. This is more a hunch that a conclusion of extensive reasearch/study, but I really think it all falls right for Andy Reid's team (and we're just talking regular season here.) If the Phillies actually win another championship and the Eagles follow suit in the winter, we can all agree that an organized-yet-extensive quarantine must be put in effect for the city and their overbearing fans. All of this is making me quite uneasy.
2009 Projected Record: 12-4
2. New York Giants (12-4 Last Year)
Many of my readers are fans of Big Blue. I think now's the time for you to again visit the Buckcherry link provided earlier. And you can just call me an idiot, too. From what I've come across as far as previews, many of the pundits believe the Giants are the team to beat not just in the division, but in the conference. And why not? This team went a balmy 12-4 last year. They were without their best defensive player (Osi Umenyiora) the whole year. They have pretty much the same core as when they won the Super Bowl 2 years ago.
But that's the whole thing to me: pretty much. Everyone and their puppy knows the firearm-related demise of Plaxico Burress as a New York Giant. He caught the game winning pass in said-Super Bowl victory, and countless other passes when the Giants needed a go-to guy. On November 28th 2008, Plaxico Burress accidently put a bullet through his leg. Before it happened, 10 wins, 1 loss. Afterwards, 2 wins, 4 losses (including a playoff dismissal courtesy of Philadelphia.)
But we know all this. Eli struggled, the offense struggled, everyone struggled without the go-to guy. The running game was awesome last year, and it is great this year as well. The East is the last NFC division I have previewed, and the Giants would be ranked on top of any other NFC foursome. But not this one. The Eagles are good. The Cowboys are good. The Redskins can compete. And I don't want to give the aura I am seeing a down year for the Giants. Come my playoff predictions next week, (and they WILL be on time) I think you'll see quite the contrary. Though Derrick Ward is gone, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw (and perhaps the best O-line in the NFL) will power this team to the postseason. If one of the supplementary receivers (S. Smith, D. Hixon, M. Manningham, S. Moss, H Nicks) becomes a go-to guy, look out Philly. But like I said, it's a gut reaction. But it's all about the playoffs, and have no fear Giants fans, you'll get there.
2009 Projected Record: 11-5
3. Dallas Cowboys (9-7 Last Year)
And these guys will get there too. I don't think it's rocket science with the 'Boys this year. I think they go the same 9-7 they did last year. They fell short of the playoffs in '08 due to the absurdy strong NFC South. I see those teams coming back to Earth and the Cowboys staying just the same. Terrell Owens is gone. For me, the talent they lose with him balances out evenly with the offensive chemistry/rhythm they gain. Roy Williams will be just dandy as their number 1 wideout, and Jason Witten may just stake his claim this year as the most productive tight end in football. Felix Jones and Marion Barber are on par with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw of the Giants as far as backfield production.
Dallas has a few rotten turnips on defense, but a rock-solid linebacking group will keep offenses at bay. If Dallas takes care of business (perhaps splitting the 4 total games against Philly/Giants) the playoffs are theirs for the taking. Tony Romo seems to want it now, after dumping Daisy Duke in the offseason. Let's just say I'd be more than happy with him as my starting fantasy QB. He will lead the team to an above .500 record. And unlike last year, that'll be enough for postseason play.
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
4. Washington Redskins (8-8 Last Year)
I don't know what to think of this team. I'm fairly certain they are the worst team in this division, but I can't really explain why. Clinton Portis has somehow turned underrated now as an elite running back. Reilly Sports Blog favorite Santana Moss anchors and ok-reciveing corps, and Albert Haynesworth seems to legitimize this defense as top-10, perhaps top-5 in the league.
Then there is the quarterback. Jason Campbell was a first round fraft pick, expected to lead this franchise for years to come. He has had many obstacles and personnel changes throughout his career, but has still shown an ability to play at the NFL level. But this past offseason, he was treated like the South Park kids treat Butters. It was like he was McLovin, and the front office was Jonah Hill in Superbad. They wanted nothing to do with him, and it was made clear in the attempts to acquire Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez in the offseason.
Now, the Redskins cannot be blamed if they thought these moves gave them the best chance to win. That's what it's all about. But it's a bit of an akward back-up plan to just say "Ok, we couldn't get those guys. We'll settle on you for now, Jason." We'll see what happens. But the Redskins would have to be firing on all cylinders to stay out of the division's gutter. Following Campbell's tumultuous offseason, that doesn't seem to be the case.
2009 Projected Record: 6-10
We did it! I knew we could. Yes, it's now officially Saturday in the east as I write this, but I can cheat on promises. I promised this column on Friday, and for all those from the Rockies on west, you're welcome. Everyone else, don't lose faith in me. Season starts Thursday, September 10th. By that time, you will have every division winner, every playoff team, and the one team that takes the whole thing home come February 7, 2010 in Miami. This I promise you.
-Conor Reilly, Sunday, August 30, 2009
For all those that are crying/angry/rioting/rabid over my extreme tardiness of the NFC East preview, I'm sorry. Deeply, deeply sorry. To show how genuine my apology is, I had my friends from Buckcherry write a song about it, you can find it here.
But the past is the past. You've waited long enough, I'll stop spewing my nonsense and give everyone what the came to see...the beasts of the East.
NFC East (Projected Order of Finish)
1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1 Last Year)
And it pains me to say it. I hate the Eagles. I hate the Eagles, I hate the Phillies, I hate the Flyers. I wanted Smarty Jones to get mud in the eye so he(it?) wouldn't win the Triple Crown. I cheered for Apollo Creed, Mr. T, and communism against Rocky.
But at this very moment, I have a hunch the Eagles win the NFC East in 2009. And it gives me an ulcer. I have a gut (wrenching) feeling that everything just falls right for them in this regular season. McNabb goes crazy, turning young receiver/lunatic DeSean Jackson into a real superstar; as Michael Vick has an enormous smile on his face and is always the first one to give a congradulatory hug on the sideline after a touchdown. Brian Westbrook turns it on for one last ridiculous year statistically, both rushing and receiving. When he's healthy, theres no antidote to Brian Westbrook. And adding mastadon Jason Peters to the offensive line will help everyone tremendously.
And the defense, always sneaky-great, will get noticed more as they really shut teams down this year. This is more a hunch that a conclusion of extensive reasearch/study, but I really think it all falls right for Andy Reid's team (and we're just talking regular season here.) If the Phillies actually win another championship and the Eagles follow suit in the winter, we can all agree that an organized-yet-extensive quarantine must be put in effect for the city and their overbearing fans. All of this is making me quite uneasy.
2009 Projected Record: 12-4
2. New York Giants (12-4 Last Year)
Many of my readers are fans of Big Blue. I think now's the time for you to again visit the Buckcherry link provided earlier. And you can just call me an idiot, too. From what I've come across as far as previews, many of the pundits believe the Giants are the team to beat not just in the division, but in the conference. And why not? This team went a balmy 12-4 last year. They were without their best defensive player (Osi Umenyiora) the whole year. They have pretty much the same core as when they won the Super Bowl 2 years ago.
But that's the whole thing to me: pretty much. Everyone and their puppy knows the firearm-related demise of Plaxico Burress as a New York Giant. He caught the game winning pass in said-Super Bowl victory, and countless other passes when the Giants needed a go-to guy. On November 28th 2008, Plaxico Burress accidently put a bullet through his leg. Before it happened, 10 wins, 1 loss. Afterwards, 2 wins, 4 losses (including a playoff dismissal courtesy of Philadelphia.)
But we know all this. Eli struggled, the offense struggled, everyone struggled without the go-to guy. The running game was awesome last year, and it is great this year as well. The East is the last NFC division I have previewed, and the Giants would be ranked on top of any other NFC foursome. But not this one. The Eagles are good. The Cowboys are good. The Redskins can compete. And I don't want to give the aura I am seeing a down year for the Giants. Come my playoff predictions next week, (and they WILL be on time) I think you'll see quite the contrary. Though Derrick Ward is gone, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw (and perhaps the best O-line in the NFL) will power this team to the postseason. If one of the supplementary receivers (S. Smith, D. Hixon, M. Manningham, S. Moss, H Nicks) becomes a go-to guy, look out Philly. But like I said, it's a gut reaction. But it's all about the playoffs, and have no fear Giants fans, you'll get there.
2009 Projected Record: 11-5
3. Dallas Cowboys (9-7 Last Year)
And these guys will get there too. I don't think it's rocket science with the 'Boys this year. I think they go the same 9-7 they did last year. They fell short of the playoffs in '08 due to the absurdy strong NFC South. I see those teams coming back to Earth and the Cowboys staying just the same. Terrell Owens is gone. For me, the talent they lose with him balances out evenly with the offensive chemistry/rhythm they gain. Roy Williams will be just dandy as their number 1 wideout, and Jason Witten may just stake his claim this year as the most productive tight end in football. Felix Jones and Marion Barber are on par with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw of the Giants as far as backfield production.
Dallas has a few rotten turnips on defense, but a rock-solid linebacking group will keep offenses at bay. If Dallas takes care of business (perhaps splitting the 4 total games against Philly/Giants) the playoffs are theirs for the taking. Tony Romo seems to want it now, after dumping Daisy Duke in the offseason. Let's just say I'd be more than happy with him as my starting fantasy QB. He will lead the team to an above .500 record. And unlike last year, that'll be enough for postseason play.
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
4. Washington Redskins (8-8 Last Year)
I don't know what to think of this team. I'm fairly certain they are the worst team in this division, but I can't really explain why. Clinton Portis has somehow turned underrated now as an elite running back. Reilly Sports Blog favorite Santana Moss anchors and ok-reciveing corps, and Albert Haynesworth seems to legitimize this defense as top-10, perhaps top-5 in the league.
Then there is the quarterback. Jason Campbell was a first round fraft pick, expected to lead this franchise for years to come. He has had many obstacles and personnel changes throughout his career, but has still shown an ability to play at the NFL level. But this past offseason, he was treated like the South Park kids treat Butters. It was like he was McLovin, and the front office was Jonah Hill in Superbad. They wanted nothing to do with him, and it was made clear in the attempts to acquire Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez in the offseason.
Now, the Redskins cannot be blamed if they thought these moves gave them the best chance to win. That's what it's all about. But it's a bit of an akward back-up plan to just say "Ok, we couldn't get those guys. We'll settle on you for now, Jason." We'll see what happens. But the Redskins would have to be firing on all cylinders to stay out of the division's gutter. Following Campbell's tumultuous offseason, that doesn't seem to be the case.
2009 Projected Record: 6-10
We did it! I knew we could. Yes, it's now officially Saturday in the east as I write this, but I can cheat on promises. I promised this column on Friday, and for all those from the Rockies on west, you're welcome. Everyone else, don't lose faith in me. Season starts Thursday, September 10th. By that time, you will have every division winner, every playoff team, and the one team that takes the whole thing home come February 7, 2010 in Miami. This I promise you.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sorry I'm Late
But it's my birthday! Kid Rock Wednesday night + Birthday night tonight= no NFC East preview that was promised. Don't worry though. Tomorrow. I swear on everything it will be up tomorrow
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
