Sportaholic NFL Power Rankings Week 13

The Sportaholic NFL power rankings showed about as much movement as a Best Buy Black Friday pre-sale line as all of the top 5 teams won their games. The Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers all came away with victories with the Packers the only team not winning by at least 14 points. Green Bay took a few body blows and head shots from the New York Giants and their relentless pass rush that left the future MVP Aaron Rodgers (Yeah I said it) on the ground more than any Packers fan would like to see. I tweeted how that game eerily reminded me of the 2009 battle between the undefeated New England Patriots and the desperately needing a victory just to make the playoffs Giants. New York lost that game 17-14 but it lit a fire under them that saw them become the first NFC wild card team win a Super Bowl. Now I’m not saying that is what’s going to happen to this 2011 version of the Giants but rather the flow of the game had that kind of feel to it. I still fully expect the Packers win every game this year with only Oakland, Kansas City, Chicago and Detroit. Everyone of those teams will give the Pack their best shot but with Rodgers covering up all of inefficiencies (Horrible pass defense, no run game, etc.) they should at least make to it to the playoffs unscathed if they want to.

The other top 4 teams flexed their muscle by blowing out their opponents.

Outside of the top 5 week 13 produced the usual drama that NFL fans crave.  Tim Tebow did what Tim Tebow does as he helped the Broncos pull out another squeaker over Minnesota. That’s 5-1 as a starter for you keeping stats on him. The New England Patriots played a head scratcher of a game against the winless Colts. Hard to justify a top 5 spot when you allow Dan Orvlosky (Remember he is the guy who didn’t know he stepped out of the end zone in game against the Minnesota Vikings a few years back) to pile up 353 yards of passing on you. The Patriots defense just isn’t good enough to make the team viable in the playoffs.  Houston looked surprisingly well without either of the Matt’s at QB as young T.J. Yates was decent in his first start. The best thing about the Texans horrible situation is that two fundamental things that do in running the ball and playing good defense hasn’t changed even with all of their injuries. They beat a good Atlanta Falcon team and would have beaten a lot of good teams with their performance. How bout them Cowboys? Last I check Jason Garrett had an Ivy League education but you wouldn’t know it by the end of their with the Arizona Cardinals. He iced his own kicker, rookie Dan Bailey at the end of regulation as Dallas eventually lost to the Cards on a walk-off screen pass from Kevin Kolb to LaRod Stephens-Howling. The reaction form Cowboys defensive coordinator Rex Ryan pretty much summed it up. Dallas can never seem to find its identity on offense and Romo could beginning his annual December to never remember slide again.

Fun week in the league as the regular season is culminating into what should be an exciting finish. The obvious question of if the Packers can go all the way with more than enough other storylines. Can Tebow take the Broncos all the way to the playoffs? What will become of the once dominant NFC East as Dallas and New York take on each other this weekend and determine the division’s fate.

Rankings time:

1. Green Bay Packers (12-0) – Funny how this whole rankings thing has become Green Bay # 1 and everybody else for themselves. Since the start of the season the Packers have owned this spot. Green Bay has continued to look vulnerable throughout this entire season but no one can seem to crack them. The Giants did a lot of good things that game including pounding them on the ground and apply pressure on Rodgers with the pass rush. They also controlled the clock but even with them doing all of the above they still fell short. That all goes on the Packers offense. They don’t need a lot of time to be effective. Rodgers gets a lot of praise but the entire offense deserves it. Yeah the receivers dropped more than enough passes but they caught the ones they needed. You will have games likes this during the season but it’s all about how you perform in the clutch and we see how the Packers find a way week in and week out.

     

    2. Baltimore Ravens (9-3) – I have been clamoring for the emergence of Ray Rice in the Ravens offense (As I seem to do every year) and finally Baltimore got him the ball. Rice had 204 yards toting the rock and looked even stronger as the game went on. That’s the formula that works for them even if they don’t like it. When Rice and that offensive line gets to impose their will on an offense then it becomes a game much of favor of the Ravens. Their defense can take over from there. Now will the Ravens follow this blueprint into the playoffs we shall see but it would benefit them in the best of ways if they did.

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 ;   3. New Orleans Saints (9-3) – Some teams do it with defense and some do it with offense but none may do it better on that side of the ball then New Orleans. It gets repetitive but Drew Brees control over that system is amazing. He controls it with such precision and finesse it’s as if he could do this in his sleep. The Saints are hot and they shut down an above average but out of control Lions team. Their run defense will get a stiff test against Chris Johnson and the Titans this weekend but they look to be up to the task. That offense has given many a defensive coordinator nightmares and now its Jerry Gray’s turn at no sleep for Tennessee.

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    4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) – The emergence of Antonio Brown has allowed to Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh offense to become one of the more potent passing attacks in the league. When you have the speedster Mike Wallace and the athletic Brown on the outside coupled with Ben’s escape ability then you have a chance for big plays. The Steelers still play good defense of course but they can hang a quick 30 on you if you don’t pay attention. Can that defense hold up with its age is the question we will have to find out.

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    5. San Francisco 49ers (10-2) – If there was ever a reason to jump on the San Fran bandwagon, then it would be now. Their defense is just suffocating as proved wby their shutout 26-0 victory over the St. Louis Rams. Yeah it was just the Rams but a shutout on ahy NFL team is impressive. This team seems to always have an edge and that’s mostly because they have crazy in a good way coach, Jim Harbaugh. He never lets his team feel like they have arrived and it has paid off in a big way this year. They have to keep that edge going into the playoffs as they are staring down the # 2 seed and an bye for the first round. Is this team ready for all this success?

Other news and notes:

    Tim Tebow goes to 5-1 as starter, Broncos in first place at 7=5 – Now I won’t get any Tebowe (Not a real word I just made it up) on you and give him all the credit for their victory. The defense stepped when it needed to as Andre Goodman picked off Christian Ponder to seal the game but it’s still Tebow’s influence on the locker room. They have really all brought in to his mind frame and look like they could find a way to steal their division. They play with heart and never give up (Who does that sound like?) which is a credit to each and everyone of them. Don’t be surprised if they sneak into the playoffs and maybe even win a game once there.

 

    Philadelphia implodes, loses to Seattle: The season started off with so much hope in the city of brotherly love but nothing has been brotherly about this season for the Eagles. They allowed RB Marshawn Lynch to just go beast mode as he says and run all over them. There was no effort to stop it on defense and on offense they looked dismal as former Tennessee Titans Vince Young had four interceptions. Desean Jackson just about sums up the Eagles season as he didn’t even pay attention to an animated Young on the sidelines. After the game Jackson was short and rude with reporters as he described the game. If I were Michael Vick I would just put the ribs on ice for the rest of the season as they are going nowhere but home after week 16.

 

      Local Flavor:

    Tennessee 24 Buffalo 17 – Chris Johnson seems to have finally found his way as the Titans RB ran over, around and through the Bills defense. Johnson was game from the beginning as he busted a 48-yard TD in the first and never looked back from there. The Bills made it interesting as Ryan Fitzpatrick was able to find his receivers and put up points but in the end Johnson and the Titans were just too much. The Titans are in the thick of the playoff race and still mathematically have a chance win the AFC south. They will face # 3 in the Sportaholic NFL Power rankings as New Orleans will put pressure on the Titans defense from every angle. I am interested to see if Johnson and Tennessee can keep it going on the ground and try to control to clock against the quick strike offense of the Saints.

Key Games for next week:

    Houston Texans (8-3) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5) – If the Bengals are some way to make a playoff push then they have to find a way to win this game. The Texans just keep rolling QBs be damned and look to keep winning with the Tennessee Titans breathing down their neck.

    Chicago Bears (7-5) vs. Denver Broncos (7-5) – The Bears are just hanging on any way they can at this point and couldn’t have got worse news than Matt Forte knee injury. His MCL sprain means that now they are without their heart (Jay Cutler) and now their soul without Forte. The fighting Tebow’s look to keep rolling and have a good chance to go 8-5 against the injury riddled Bears.

 

    New York Giants (7-5) vs. Dallas Cowboys (7-5) - Remember when the NFC East could do no wrong a few years ago and was agreed upon as the toughest division in the league? Boy has times changed as it appears 10-6 or even 9-7 may take the East this year. This is a must win for both teams naturally as whoever wins this one controls their own destiny. Can Tony Romo reverse the trend of his bad play in December play and the same can be asked about the as they are notoriously known for their late season swoons under Tom Coughlin. 

  

Sportaholic NFL Power Rankings Week 11 Thanksgiving Edition

It appears the NFL was is a giving spirit as the Thanksgiving slate of NFL games is one of the best ever. We will witness an epic three game schedule that includes the highly anticipated Packers vs. Lions game, Cowboys vs. the all of a sudden hot Dolphins, and the Brothers Harbaugh bowl with the 49ers vs. Ravens. This is the best gift you can give us football fans as every one of these games should be exciting and competitive. The storylines for the Packers and Lions couldn’t get any juicer as Green Bay tries to continue their undefeated season against the up and coming Detroit. Matt Stafford is coming off the best game of his career with 5 touchdown passes and depending on how you look at it Aaron Rodgers is coming off his worst of the season after ‘Only” throwing for 299 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. The Cowboys had to go to overtime to take down the swooning Redskins but more importantly Tony Romo continued his hot streak adding another 3 touchdown passes to his season total. No one thought that the Miami Dolphins would be riding a 3-game winning streak heading into this one but they have pull it all together behind QB Matt Moore and have looked impressive lately beating their last three teams by a combined score of 86-20. The San Fran-Baltimore tilt is made for Thanksgiving as the brothers Harbaugh will get it on get it on in Charm city. Their mother Jackie won’t attend because reportedly the brothers have decided that the day is about the 49ers and Ravens. In other words Mom doesn’t want to choose sides, which is respectable. Turkey day will be at its best this year with a big helping of NFL action.

On the contrary to the greatness of the Thanksgiving game slate, week 10 in the NFL is usually when the injury bug begins to rear its ugly head and it couldn’t be even more evident then this past weekend. The big one was Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler going down with a broken thumb on his throwing finger. This is the ultimate disaster for the Bears in multiple ways. Even though Cutler can be sometime erratic, he is still the heart of their offense. He has a hand in just about everything they do with his 2,319 yards passing, 13 touchdown passes to 7 interceptions, and his 85.7 QB rating. These are not eye-popping numbers but as anyone with knowledge of the Bears futile QB history, these numbers are more than enough for Chicago. There are a couple of silver linings for the Bears in that they are a team that scores in multiple ways and not just with there offense. KR/PR Devin Hester is as explosive as they come as he recently broke the all-time record for most punts returns for touchdowns and Chicago will need him more than ever with Cutler going down. Their defense also is known for takeaways turned touchdowns as they are aggressive as they come in making something happen after they recover a fumble or get an interception. The second part is that backup Caleb Haynie had a chance to get his feet wet in last year’s NFC Championship game against Green Bay, and didn’t look half bad.

Haynie was 13/20 for 153 yards but had two interceptions in the Bears lost to the Packers. He wasn’t great but he was far from terrible as the Bears had a chance to defeat the Pakcers in that game. He will have the added benefit that Chicago plays four games against fair to mediocre pass defenses before he gets another crack at the Packers in week 16. The Packers aren’t scaring anyone with their next to last ranked pass defense anyway. Chicago’s soul on offense Matt Forte will have to carry even more of the load now that Haynie will be in place of Cutler. Another possibility is that the Bears could re-sign their former QB Kyle Orton now that he was placed on waivers in Denver. He could come in and play immediately to solidify the position until Cutler returns.

Cutler’s injury news comes on the heels of franchise QBs Matt Schaub being out possibly for the rest of the season with a foot twinge and Michael Vick’s ribs keeping him out of the last game. Nothing worst can happen to your seasons hopes and dreams than your QB going down.

1. Green Bay Packers (10-0) – What do you say about a QB who had has worst statistical day of the year and he says that he is disappointed in his performance? Most any other QBs you would think of a terrible stat line but Rodgers was 23/34 for 299 yards and 3 TDs. He also threw an interception but if that is considered a bad day at the office for him then how can we not crown this guy the best QB in the league? He carries his team week in and week out because lets face it, that defense stinks and isn’t anywhere close to being as dominant as it has been over the last few years. Josh Freeman was able to put up a career high 342 yards passing last week on the porous Packer pass defense. It will come a point and time when their defense will have to rise up and play better because every team is giving them their best shot. Matt Stafford is coming off his best game ever and now Green Bay has to travel to Detroit to take him on. Sounds like it could be fireworks in Ford Field tomorrow. If the Packers are going undefeated then they undoubtedly have to shore up that defense.

2. San Francisco 49ers (9-1) – The 9ers shellacked the Cardinals and just keep rolling with only one loss, they are keeping the pressure on the Packers for home field advantage. This team plays good fundamental football especially on defense. They don’t beat themselves like they use to and they have a knack now for pulling out close games. The Harbaugh bowl could turn out to be the best game of the week with two stout defenses on display. Look for Jim to pull a few new wrinkles out of his pocket as he knows the Ravens defense will make life miserable for his offense. The next two games will tell us everything think we need to know about this team heading into the playoffs as they take on Pittsburgh after the Baltimore game.

3. Houston Texans (7-3) – Even though there is a glut of 7-3 teams and the Texans lost starting QB Matt Schaub possibly for the season, I will stay with Houston at the three spot for now. The best thing they could have had happen was that bye week, as it should give Matt Leinart a chance to acclimate himself with the offense even more. After the Leinart led Texans take on Atlanta and Cincinnati the next couple of week, they should be in good shape as they won’t face another opponent with a winning record from there. The question is can Leinart keep them afloat? We will find out if he is ready for his close up.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) – Bye. Can’t penalize them for not playing, so they reaming at four for now.

5. New Orleans Saints (7-3) – Bye. The Saints look to be in good position to take the AFC South but they still have three tough games on the schedule with the NY Giants, Detroit Lions, and a game that could decide the division with Atlanta on the second to last week of the season.

Sportaholic College Football Weekend Setup 10/27/11

College football’s Armageddon is on hold until next week (LSU vs. Alabama) so all eyes will be on a few intriguing games on the slate this weekend. USC vs. Stanford pits two projected 1st round grade QBs against each other with the Trojans Matt Barkley and Stanford’s Heisman front-runner and assumed # 1 pick Andrew Luck. Michigan State follows up their big upset by traveling to Nebraska to play the Cornhuskers. Hopefully they won’t have a let down after last weeks thrilling upset of Wisconsin. The world’s largest outdoor cocktail party (Wish I was there) is going down in Jacksonville with Florida vs. Georgia. Many are saying this is the game that will make or break Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt future in Athens. Oklahoma takes an undefeated Kansas State team that really hasn’t been tested but certainly will as the Sooners should come to town angry after being upset by Texas Tech. And last but not least Wisconsin takes on a revitalized Ohio State team that is capable of springing the surprise if the Badgers are still sulking from last weeks noble lost to Sparty.

So as you can see even with the two SEC goliaths taking a break, there are still plenty of good games on the docket. The national championship picture is clearing up every week as top teams are being upset more than Lindsay Lohan’s dwindling fan base. It’s usually this time of the year where the best teams separate themselves from the rest. Can Andrew Luck have his Heisman moment in Los Angeles Coliseum this weekend? Can the agitated teams that were upset last week (Oklahoma and Wisconsin) pull it together and get back on schedule? Or will teams with nothing to lose like K-State and The Ohio State topple the favorites? Makes for an interesting weekend so let’s look at the prime time match ups and break them down.

# 6 Stanford vs. USC – Well USC here is your chance to take down the conference favorite on your home turf. The Cardinal just haven’t t been the Andrew Luck show. They have a huge offensive line that help them put up a school record 446 rushing yards against the Washington Huskies last week. They also have probably the best set of tight ends in the country as well. If you worry too much about Luck then you will end up getting bulldozed by the Cardinal run game. And just when you try and stop it, Luck hits you over the top with a deep play action pass. From everything that you read and hear about Luck then you know he is as good as advertised. The Cardinal are also the third ranked team in the country in the red-zone so you know they will be efficient inside the 20. The Trojans led by Matt Barkley are having an up and down year but are 6-1 and nothing would be better than to take down Luck and Cardinal. Barkley can make all the throws and has dangerous weapons at his disposal especially with the electrifying Robert Woods at WR. Check out Woods numbers this year: 17 catches (a school record) for 177 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener against Minnesota,14 catches for 255 yards (five shy of the school record) and two TDs against Arizona and he topped that off 12 catches for 119 yards and two TDs in a 31-17 win over Notre Dame. I see this one predicated by the dynamic QBs of both teams and turning into a high scoring affair, but the Stanford defense will make the necessary stops against Barkley and Woods and that should win them the game.

The Pick: Stanford

Florida vs. Georgia - The world largest outdoor cocktail party is always a grand event here in the south. I personally have never made one but from some of the Georgia and Florida alums I know they say it everything you think it is. In other words a lot of drunken people before the game even starts and there will be no shrotage of characters in attendance. These two teams come into battle with a small chance of still taking the SEC East title. Someone has to win rather it be one of these two or South Carolina. I know what your saying because I’m thinking it at this moment. Who ever wins the East will just be the LSU vs. Bama winners’ punching bag in the SEC championship. Yeah I know but like I said someone has to fill that role. The Gators welcome back Senior QB and leader Jeff Brantley back into the fold. He has been out the last couple weeks after being twisted up pretzel style by that ferocious Bama defense. The offense has been one dimensional since his departure as Charlie Weis has been reluctant to trust his two freshman QBs. As a result the Gators have dropped their last two games. The Bulldogs on the other hand have been on a roll since losing their first two of the season to Boise St. and S.Carolina. Andy Murray isn’t having as big of a statistical year as he did last year but he still is effective and one of the better QBs in the SEC. You can tell he misses stud wide out A.J. Green but the emergence of freshman Isaiah Crowell has given him a nice security blanket iso he doesn’t’ have to wing it every play. Florida’s defense has gone flat after dominating in their first four games. Provided they played LSU and Bama in consecutive weeks but their front seven was suppose to be one the best in the country, they just haven’t lived up to that billing this year. Georgia’s defense is stout up front and will provide a stiff test for the Florida speed demons Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. I see this one shaking out to a battle of field position and the QBs needing to make some plays to help their team out. If that is the case then I have to go with the Bulldogs. And plus this is the game that defines Mark Richt’s season and I think everyone in Athens knows that so luck for the “Dawgs to come out with extra motivation.

The Pick: Georgia

#9 Oklahoma vs. #8 Kansas State: So I like everyone else just thought the Sooners would roll through the Big 12 and eventually meet and winner of the SEC for the national championship. So much for that as the Sooners allowed Seth Doege, Alex Torres and the Red Raiders to roll up 41 points and shock everyone in Norman. I could tell from the beginning of that game that Texas Tech wasn’t going for any of that Boomer Sooner mess. What can you say about the job that Bill Snyder has done once again in Manhattan? He has the Wildcats undefeated and a chance at doing something special this year if they can pull an upset or two. QB Jordan Webb has proved that he can make plays with his arm as well as his feet and leads this current version of the Wildcats. Even with all that is being said about K-State this one isn’t hard to predict. Bob Stoops and the Sooners should be fired up after last week. Landry Jones Ryan Broyles, and Kenny Stills will attack a so-so Wildcat defense and should have a lot of success with their no huddle attack. K-State will have to play ball control to stay in this one but I don’t even know if that will be enough. The odds makers aren’t buying the K-State Kool-aid either as they have them at -13.5 in the books. Ouch.

The Pick: Oklahoma

Game of the Week: Stanford vs. USC – Call this one the battle of the Pac-12 super QBs as Luck and Barkley do battle in Los Angeles. This game could define the college career for Barkley if he can topple the heavily favored Cardinal. Luck has received more pub then the Occupy Wall Street movement but Barkley could still his joy with a win in this one. I can’t wait to see those two guys do battle in the NFL.

Most Intriguing Game: Wisconsin vs. Ohio State – This one has all the makings of a major let down game for the Badgers. They were seconds away from remaining undefeated and in the thick of the NC picture all to have it taken away by Kirk Cousins arm and the Hail Mary pass that beat them. Ohio State get an added benefit of OT Mike Adams and RB Dan “Boom” Herron in addition to having the bye week to prepare for this one. And to top it off this one is in the “Shoe. Watch out Wisconsin.

Under the Radar Game: Michigan State vs. Nebraska – I’m not 100% sure I can call this one under the radar but I couldn’t fit it into the breakdowns. I haven’t’ been sold on the Huskers every since they were handed that beat down from Wisconsin. And the Huskers are missing their best defensive player in T Jared Crick. The Spartans just beat the very team that whooped on the Huskers so there is no way they beat Michigan State right?

Coach better get it right game: Florida vs. Georgia – Dear Mark Richt, this is the game that you need your team to go above and beyond for you as this should determine if your still employed by the University of Georgia in the future. So to your players like Andy Murray, Isaish Crowell and Richard Samuel please go out and represent for your coach. Sincerely,



The Sportaholic.

NFL: The Pre-season is over now it gets serious

Hello to everyone. You may not remember since I haven’t dropped a post in about two weeks. Just wanted to reintroduce myself, this is the Sportaholic himself. I have been caught up with my regular 9-5 as well as my yearly vacation and haven’t been able to write anything until now. And it was killing me on the inside to finally get to a computer and crank out another article. So I apologize to my regular viewers, I have and never will leave you guys. I also want to thank Taylor, Michael, Jim, Trenise and Ashley for picking up the slack for me in the mean time. The good news is that I am back and will be writing some thought provoking columns this week so make sure you check out the blog. Now back to original column:









And now it gets serious:

Players, coaches and fans have toiled through yet another pre-season and of course not without the disdain that we all have for it. Players barely play, coaches evaluate as much as they can and fans, well we just watch until its gets too boring for us to be honest. But now the real games are finally upon us and the pre-season is mercifully over. No more watching the game until the starters are replaced or until your favorite player is out of the game. No sir, not anymore as of this Thursday when New Orleans takes on Green Bay in the NFL’s newly anointed ritual of beginning the season with the previous Super Bowl champion. The table is now set after a miraculous new labor deal and a shortened free agent bonanza. All 32 teams finally have their roster’s set and will be ready to go come this Sunday. In a sport where the unexpected is always expected, this off-season was as unusual as there have ever been in the league. Teams have re-adjusted payroll, rosters, and expected revenues. This will be one of the most unforgettable season on record due to the circumstances and the fans all seem to understand that we almost lost our dear friend Mr. Football

We the fans can deal with all the comes with the chaos of the season, rather it be Chris Johnson’s holdout to Peyton’s Manning’s neck injury just as long as it has something to do with actual football on the field. As the season turns and the cold air blows in, it’s hard to imagine no football to follow. We can now look forward to a full game with every marquee player giving his all for the entire contest. Ray Lewis doesn’t have to give sideline interviews in the fourth quarter. Matt Cassel can finally play the whole game instead of the three series he has been limited to in the Chiefs pre-season games and maybe even Jim Irsay can chill out on all of the unnecessary tweeting he has been doing all summer long. Yes I watch college football and I love it but nothing on earth is like the sheer brillance of the NFL. I don't care about all of the stuff that has happend off the field just give me my football and give it to me now.

This season has been bubbling from the surface every since the labor deal was struck. This includes all of the personnel questions followed by all the team to team questions. Can the Pack Attack repeat? What will New England do to get their playoff magic back?  Is this Philly team for real? Will Peyton be ready for the beginning of the season and so on and so forth. .My personal favorite has been the upsurge in fantasy football heads who seem to worry more about their teams then the actual player who is producing the numbers for them. This all comes with the nature of the season. Its time to sit back relax and watch the most popular sport in America right now. No more labor talk, no more half played pre-season games and no more Rex Ryan Super Bowl promises. This is a good time to bring up Ray Lewis’s rant about how the crime rate would go up in the inner city without any football being played and now we don’t have to worry about that anymore. Its time for the real thing and after everything that has come between football and us watching and enjoying it, this should the lowest ever crime rate year ever recorded. Football is back baby so buckle up your seat belts and get ready for the ride, Football is back America.

Sportaholic College Football Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores

College Football is just around the corner with the first games scheduled on September 1st. So with that in mind, we here at the Sportaholic.com figured it was about time to rev up the college football machine and review some local team in our area. With our expanded roster, we now can cover teams from all over the nation but we will start with our home teams. Each week leading up to the season we will have capsules on the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, and Tennessee State University. We will follow those teams with some of the national powers as well, just to make sure we cover all of our bases.




To start things off, we will ask just a few basic questions on each team as: Offense, Defense, what are their strengths, what are their weaknesses, who will be their impact players and what do you project as their season outlook just to name a few. We love college athletics here at the Sportaholic and this just one of many college football posts we have awaiting our viewers this season. So sit back and relax as we here at the Sportaholic preview some of your favorite teams from all over the nation.




Vanderbilt University Commodores:

By Taylor Cannon

After Head Coach Bobby Johnson resign before the start of the 2010 season, it started a rough ride for the Commodores which ended in a 2-10 record, but with a new offensive minded and driven head coach in James Franklin (For more on Coach Franklin read this one on one interview Carlos wrote on him at http://sportaholic2112.blogspot.com/2011/08/can-james-franklin-change-vanderbilt.html) who hopes to turn a program who is well below .500 in conference play (.248) and barely cracking .500 historically as a program (.498) in wins.

1. Offense – The run game looks to be rock solid (maybe Vandy has one of the most talented backfield in the nation) With Warren Norman and Zac Staley. Franklin is going to have fun trying to find ways of getting them on the field at the same time (maybe he might move Staley to a slot receiver position), but the key has to be the QB position. Larry Smith is the starter but do not be surprised to see true freshman. Lafonte Thourgood seeing some playing time (Virginia Tech wanted him, but VU stole him they even called it one of the signs of the 2012 Apocalypse ) and JUCO transfer Jordan Rodgers (little brother of the Super Bowl MVP Champ Aaron Rodgers) . with receivers John Cole Jonathan Krause, Mackey Award Finalist Brandon Bardon, and converted wideout Wesley Tate hopefully this offense can be quite effective, as injuries plagued the offense last year and in 2009 but if they can stay healthy don’t be surprised to hear the Naval horn sounding off frequently during the season

2. Defense – Vandy’s D is experienced but could be better as upswing Chris Marve returns at LB. It remains to be seen if he can stay healthy, if so he will be a major help and at secondary. Sean Richardson, Kenny Ladler and Casey Hayward should make SEC QBs think twice about passing in their zone and the line is talented as well with Colt Nichter, Josh Jelesky and TJ Greenstone. If the team remains healthy they should be able to do great things and improve on the horrible 31.2 points allowed a game average from last year.

Vandy Coach James Franklin.

3. What are the team’s strengths? 19 starters, a young energetic and positive coach who should play some of his freshman class, a good run game, and a decent secondary. This team played mostly freshman last year, but now they have a year of experience and ready to prove to the conference that they aren’t the same Commodore teams of years past.

Lafonte Thurgood

4. Who are the team’s impact players? Running Backs Zac Staley and Warren Norman on offense. On defense Casey Hayward at Cornerback and Chris Marve at Linebacker. Look for Rodgers and Thourgood to push Quarterback Larry Smith for playing time this season and either one might give Vandy some upside should Mr. Smith is inconsistent or injured.

5. What is the team weaknesses? Youth (Most of last years starters were freshman), defense and adjusting to a new coach. The team hasn’t been healthy enough to show their talent. Offensive line may be a problem with only 9 players from the unit that participated in the spring game, but 5 of them were starters last year so they are experienced but must improve on the 36 sacks (most in the SEC they gave up. Plus a brutal schedule with a stretch of games at South Carolina, at Alabama and home against Georgia will test this young Vanderbilt team for sure

6. Season projection and predicted record: After watching video on Mr. Franklin talk and hearing him on the radio, Vandy has found its coach to take them to the next level and might win SEC coach on the year this season. This team is a sleeper if they can be healthy and feed off their energetic coach I predict 7-5 (key wins over Ole Miss Georgia and Kentucky) should have them here in the Music City Bowl. Even if they do not become bowl eligible this team might be the most exciting football team to watch in Nashville.

Join me on The Sportaholic Radio Show on Beatknockin.com from 10 A.M to 12 P.M this Saturday

What a week of sports it has been as always. Football is back in a big way, as I can’t remember everyone being so happy just to see pre-season football. Baseball is in the thick of its pennant races and college football is ready to get revved up so you know the Sportaholics we’ll be covering it all. We have an exciting show lined up this Saturday. A lot of interesting topics to get into including the following:




NFL Rundown:




• Chris Johnson contract latest



• Tebow shows up and show out



• Tony Romo’s Back



• Philly unveils its ‘Dream Team



NBA:

Hall of fame class 2011 headlined by Dennis Rodman and Chris Mullin.



Lebron say it will be basketball in the NBA next year.



What will Dennis Rodman wear to his Hall of Fame introduction?



Diss of the week: Rex Grossman predicting that the Redskins will win the NFC East this season. Yes he believes so

College Football:

• Texas A&M could be headed to the SEC


• Terrelle Pryor is not yet eligible for the NFL's supplemental draft


• Arkansas RB Knile Davis out for the year


• Joe Pa injured but still roaming the sidelines:



All this and more this Saturday from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. on the Sportaholic Radio Show, make sure you are tuned in for the best underground sports radio show on the planet.

Special guess and former Tennessee Titans cheerleader Ashley Danielle joins me along with Gridiron Press magazine founder Don Merrimon.

The Inaugural Sportaholic NFL Roundtable Debate

Ahh, at last we have football people. After a 130 day lockout, countless court ligation and the absence of the Hall of Fame game, the first few pre-season games scheduled today beginning with Baltimore vs. Philly and Jacksonville vs. New England at 7:30 EST. We here at the Sportaholic have set about a roundtable discussion on the burning questions facing the league this year. This has been one of the most interesting off-seasons in history with the NFL lockout and in turn the expedited free agency period that has produced a lot of player movement in a short amount of time. NFL fans buckle up for a fun ride this season but before its gets under way, allow Ashley, Taylor, Michael and Carlos to answer the biggest questions facing the best teams this year.



Michael



Taylor

                                                                           

So without further interruption we give the Sportaholic NFL Roundtable:

1. Philly has lapped the field in terms of free agency adding the like of Nnamdi Asomagha, Cullen Jenkins, Ronnie Brown, Steve Smith and more, leading some to call them the Dream Team of the NFL. Are the Philadelphia Eagles the team to beat with their additions via free agency?

Carlos: No - Well I personally don’t believe you win championships in August, but with that being said you have to sit back and marvel at what the Eagles have been able to accomplish in such a short span. They have added Pro Bowlers at every position of need not to mention the depth that they have been stockpiling as well. However I always take the notion of thinking that you have to take down the champ before you can be considered the team to beat so I have to say that until dethroned that the Super Bowl champs Green Bay are the team to beat. Philly on paper is close behind though.

Ashley: Yes - I'm not saying I hopped on the bandwagon like most of my female counterparts, but I am an official Eagles fanatic. I was already a Vick and Co. follower but these additions, including my college buddy Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, have definitely turned out to be something that I find very "Dream Team-like". I'm confident the Eagles will make it to playoffs if they can stay healthy but I'm still a believer that anything goes in the NFL. Dream Team....ha....in your dreams....

Michael: No - I don’t think so. Sure the Miami Heat was the team with the bull’s eye on their back but the NFL is much different. Nnamdi Asomugha and Cullen Jenkins are impact players on the defensive side of the ball however Ronnie Brown is nowhere near an upgrade in my mind. LeSean McCoy and rookie Dion Lewis can more than cover the work load in Andy Reid’s offense. There are many other teams in the NFL that are more proven and more worthy of being the teams to beat. New England, Indianapolis, Green Bay and Pittsburgh are still the teams to beat in the NFL

Taylor: No - Philly has lapped the field in terms of free agency adding the like of Nnamdi Asomagha, Cullen Jenkins, Ronnie Brown and more, leading some to call them the Dream Team of the NFL. Are the Philadelphia Eagles the team to beat with their additions via free agency? Yes (on paper), Vince Young better hope his teammates can back up the Dream Team label he put on them better then the Miami Heat did when Lebron did on the Heat. The chances of being a super bowl contender can be stronger if they re- sign Desean “Mr. Excitement” Jackson. But also Michael Vick’s throwing ability and game management skills must improve from last year. Also in this mix are the New England Patriots with the addition of big play treat. Chad Ochocinco (I think Ochocinco can make a good run at Randy Moss’ s single season record I’m just saying.) and Albert Haynesworth (Maybe Coach Belicheck can get him back to his 2009 form if not his career is done).

2. The Chicago Bears were not expected to contend in 2010 and stunningly went 11-5 and the Dallas Cowboys expected to make a Super Bowl run but finished with a dismal 6-10 mark. With that in mind, who will be the surprise sleeper team this year and in that same token who do you think will be a surprisingly bad team this year?

Carlos: Houston and Tampa Bay - I think the team that will make the most drastic improvement will be the Houston Texans. Every year we wait for Houston to have the breakthrough with their high-powered offense, but their defense always lets them down. That should change this year with the additions of Jonathon Joseph and Daniel Manning at the CB spots. They also spent all but one of their draft picks on defense adding DE J.J Wyatt, LB Brooks Reid and also a nice underrated cornerback in Brandon Harris. And to top it off they get back stud LB Demeco Ryans who is the heart and soul of that defense. Wade Phillips takes over on that side of the ball and he always seems to have success with his defenses. If the Texans can get just a average defense they will be a dangerous team and I think this is the year.

On the downside this year I see the Tampa Bay Bucs having a tough follow up to last season’s success. Its only so many times that teams allow you to sneak up on them and Tampa’s success will make teams take notice to them on the schedule. Josh Freeman is a “Man” but he can only take that team so far. They also play in a tough division with Atlanta making big moves in the draft and free agency, New Orleans still in the Super Bowl contender mix, and Carolina will be much improved I believe this year. So the Bucs will have to play almost twice as good this year to get to double digit wins again.

Ashley: Great question! I love to see a good underdog make its heyday into the limelight, but this year I will be neutral. With all the trades and with no games being played yet, I don't know who will choke or come out on top. Ask me the same thing in a month

Michael: Houston and Chicago - I think this year’s surprise team is the Houston Texans. Each and every year they look like they will contend for a playoff push and fail to live up to expectations. This year however, Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster and Co. are looking to push past those expectations and make a deep playoff push. Through the draft the Texans were able to LOAD up on defensive talent with the addition of J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris. Safety Shiloh Keo is the dark horse rookie to make the biggest impact.

The team I believe that fails to make anything promising of their season is the Bears. I only say this because Jay Cutler is such an over rated QB in my mind. His lack in reading the right receivers and never having much touch on the ball hurts him and could have easily taken last year’s 11-5 team and made the a 9-7 or 8-8 team. The defense is aging and hasn’t shown many signs of that yet but will they this year?

Taylor: The Houston Texans, they addressed they’re need at secondary by signing a younger cheaper version of Asomagha in Jonathan Joseph at corner. With an explosive offense with Matt Schaub Adrian Foster and “Don’t Mess with the Andre” Johnson (yeah that’s right Courtland) plus a talented line and Linebacker Core they should be in good position for the playoffs. Arizona Cardinals should make a push for the playoffs at QB with the addition of Kevin Kolb at QB but the OL has to improve to make the Kolb to Fitzeragald combo work and to help open up that run game.

3. We all know about the antics of Chad Ochocinco and stubbornness of Albert Haynesworth. We also know about the tight lipped nature of Patriots coach Bill Belicheck. Do you think the addition of these two players to the New England Patriots will either hurt or help them? And how do you see those two fitting into that locker room?

Carlos: When you come to the New England Patriots, they don’t adjust to you, you adjust to them. I think that both players will be fine because if not, they will be shipped out on the first thing smoking in Boston. Ochocinco will have to tone down the antics to a certain degree but he will still bring something we haven’t witnessed from these Pats: personality. He is already at it as he said he will live with a fan to get acclimated to the area. He will get the most out of Belicheck and his iron fist and maybe its a good thing for the coach as he may get him to be a little more spontaneous. As for Fat Albert, he is the one I would be worried about. Ochocinco has been called a lot but never lazy. Haynesworth will have to change his entire mentality to fit the Pats way. He has to be motivated and it seems he has every reason to now. Both players have been given the opportunity to leave dismal teams and have a chance to win a ring, so I think both will show up and do what’s asked of them, at least in the short run.






Ashley: As long as Albert has his 4-3 defense and Chad gets the damn ball they should be fine. The NFL is full of egos and I'm certain they should be reprimanded accordingly by Belicheck. If he let a future Hall of Famer go mid-season I have no doubt he'll ditch the attitudes if need be. Go Belicheck!!










Michael: I don’t see the addition of Chad OchoCinco and bad at all. Sure he has some crazy antics on and off the field but it’s never been disruptive to his teammates. Most of his fun is just ill will toward the old school football fans. Albert Haynesworth is in my mind worthless. The guy is a walking talking cancer to any locker room he is a part of. There is nothing in my mind that tells me that Haynesworth will be successful. He’s a much lazier and out of shape version of the big guy in the middle already Vince Wilfork.






Taylor: It will depend on the players themselves Belicheck’s player’s know what it takes to win and to win DEEP into the players from the starters to the bench they are prepared (example when Brady went down in 09 first game in the season Cassel stepped up ) with that said the two better come in with the attitude to win, to contribute, and don’t be larger than the team, because sure Belicheck is a proven winner, he is known to take players who teams have given up on and turn them into Pro Bowlers ( Cory Dillon and Randy Moss), as long as you have the attitude to sacrifice to change you will be great if don’t you will be shown the door just ask Randy Moss.

4. Arian Foster went from undrafted rookie to leading the league in rushing this year with a total of 1,616 yards. Who will be the breakout player of the upcoming season?




Carlos: Jermichael Finley - My breakout player is one that I predicted last year but he was injured. Jermichael Finley the TE for the Green Bay Packers. He is 6’5 247 pounds and runs like a gazelle. He has all the physical attributes to become the next great tight end in the game. And when you have Aaron Rodgers as your QB you know you will get plenty of chances. He was on the cusp of having a great season last year but the injury of course derailed him. I see him catching 60 balls for over 1,000 yards easily in that pass happy offense because he is such a mismatch rather if you put him at the normal tight end spot or if you flank him out as an extra receiver. Finley will be a force to be reckoned with next year for the Pack Attack.






Ashley: Legarrete Blount - Although you went with a RB, I'm going with one too. I'd like to see Legarrett Blount continue with his success. He didn't really get to shine until after Cadillac Williams' injury but he proved to be a great back up in Tampa Bay. Ahem....and I like to see players who get cut from the Titans have a great career elsewhere






Michael: Emmanuel Sanders - I don’t know about a huge break out year but I believe Emmanuel Sanders from the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a huge year. Last year Sanders was 4th WR behind Antwaan Randle El. With the release of Randle El the Steelers are showing that they have faith in their young WR core aside from Hines Ward. Sanders last season totaled 28 catches for 376 yards and two touchdowns. During the last four games of the season however Sanders was the target of 15 receptions for nearly 200 yards. Look for Sanders to improve on his play greatly from last season. The only thing slowing Sanders right now is the surgery he had on his foot a week ago.






Taylor: Jermicheal Finley - Like the Pack don’t need any more weapons as it is to make a run for back to back super Bowls if it wasn’t for a season ending injury he might be a pro bowler he might be the spark to help them get over some key divisional games. If he can stay healthy the pack will definitely be in the NFC title game

5. A recent report on SI.com chronicled the possibilities of player being injured more frequently this year due to the lockout and players not being in the normal condition they would be because of it. How do you think the players will be affected by the lockout as far as conditioning and physical shape?



Carlos: As you can see with the rash of Achilles and Knee injuries, you can tell that players weren’t as prepared as they would have like to be. Most guys probably took it easy during the lockout, not knowing when it would end. Take a look at former Minnesota Viking Bryant McKinnie who showed up to camp 30 pounds overweight. The guys who are workout warriors are not the ones to be worried about it the McKinnie of the NFL that you have concerned about. I think there will be more injuries than usual but its football and every season players get hurt so it shouldn’t come as a surprise.






Ashley: That's a toss up. It depends on the mental toughness of the player and what they did during the offseason. You'll see the one's who actually made the most of their time off from the lockout by working out and staying focused ready to take on this season in a short period of time. I hope everyone realizes that even on the professional level that there are some players who skip a workout or two or even decide to party more than getting ready. I say all of that to say it depends on who came to play and who wants to go home.






Michael: You would think that conditioning in the off season for a professional athlete is something that they would be accustomed too. The lock out on the other hand put some of the players whose work ethics have already been pulled into question in danger of being hurt. Teams led optional practices run by players however attendance could not be made mandatory. Look for a couple of notable players to go down in the first couple weeks of the regular season because they were too “good” for off-season conditioning.






Taylor: It depends on the player or teams, some teams had involuntary workouts (Saints and Jets) and players especially the great ones stayed in shape, plus the coaching staff knows how to keep players for getting hurt in the pre-season but the regular season anyone is accessible to an injury.

6. And of course for the final question, who will win the Super Bowl this year and why?



Carlos: - New York Jets. I think there about eight to nine teams in contention. Those teams are New England, NY Jets, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Green Bay, New Orleans and Atlanta. Those are the teams that clearly are a cut above the rest in the league. From this point on I think it’s just a crapshoot. You never know which team will sustain an injury to a key player or who will be in a slump this from year to year. If I had to pick a Super Bowl match-up I would go NY Jets vs. Philadelphia. I hate to jump on the Philly bandwagon but I just think their talent and depth at every position will be hard to beat. As for the Jets, they have been down this road the last couple of years and I think Mark Sanchez 3rd year will be the charm for the Jets. As for the winner of the game (Drum Roll please), I will go with NY Jets. It just seems that this team has been knocking on the door for so long that their due has to come right. They have the defense of course with Sexy Rexy leading them and their offense might finally have just enough with the addition of Plaxico Burress to put them over the top. I can’t believe I’m picking the Jets but you heard it hear first.






Ashley: - Philadelphia. Hmmmm.....who's going win the big one? If I'm dreaming "Inception" style I'd go with the Eagles because like I said above....I follow Vick and Co. On the other hand, if I'm awake throwing a few cold ones back then I'd say "Let the games begin!" The Lombardi trophy could be won by any team....






Michael: - Pittsburgh. I have to say this, I’m a homer and I’m going with the Steelers. It’s not like they aren’t talented enough because they surely are. Losing against the Packers in the Super Bowl last year crushed my morale. Well it was crushed for about three days until I started scouting the next season. The Steelers like history says don’t get better through free agency they just reload through the draft. Cameron Heyward was a great pick but I don’t think he’ll contribute the most to another super bowl run. Look for RB Baron Batch out of Texas Tech to have a large impact as a third down back and eventual successor to Mewelde Moore. Also Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown I believe have a shot at nickel and dime back coverage. I still don’t believe it was the Packers that beat the Steelers although I think that the Packers have a very well rounded team. I believe in the end of it all the Steelers shot themselves in the foot in trying to win number 7.






Taylor: - New England Hey Ill take this further I’ll pick the 6 teams from each Conference who will make the playoffs: AFC: Steelers, Texans, Jets, Patriots, Colts and Chiefs. In the NFC: Saints, Packers, Buccaneers, Eagles, Seahawks, and Rams. On paper of course the Eagles but my pick is the Patriots. They always have one or two players who fly under the radar on offense and their defense is steady improving