News: The Raiders sign QB Jeff George, who has not thrown a pass in the NFL in five years.
Reviews: I guess Darryl Lamonica and Ken Stabler weren't available. ... Oakland, which acquired Aaron Brooks in the offseason and has promising Andrew Walter waiting in the wings, apparently isn't comfortable enough with either. That can be the only explanation because this is a head scratcher. On the flip side, many are whispering the Raiders' offense under new/old coach Art Shell is archaic, so maybe George won't have much to catch up on by going back to Oakland.
News: Kerry Collins, late of the Raiders, signs with the Titans, who spent a high No. 1 on QB Vince Young after getting rid of Steve McNair and have strong-armed Billy Volek starting now.
Reviews: It's not like this is going to be a contending team, where a veteran QB might mean the difference between a title or not ... or even making the playoffs or not.
News: Saints deal WR Donte Stallworth to Eagles for a reserve linebacker and mid-round draft pick.
Reviews: Either a brilliant deal for Philadelphia, which gets a young, talented receiver for Donovan McNabb, and a salary dump by New Orleans, which likely would not have re-signed Stallworth after this season. Or the Saints are right and Stallworth isn't worth what he will ask for.
News: Owner Jerry Jones demands to know who leaked information to the media that Terrell Owens was fined for being late to a meeting and rehabilitation session Friday.
Reviews: Jones and Coach Bill Parcells also want to know who leaked word of the war in Iraq. This is football, entertainment. While it's also big business, Jones' reaction speaks volumes about how overly serious the NFL takes itself.
News: Owens practices for the first time in 10 days. Cowboys players whispering Parcells has been more lenient with Owens than others.
Reviews: Parcells says those who have played for him know what he's doing. It's the other five billion of us on earth who wonder why he puts up with Owens.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
NFC South key questions
If the NFC East is regarded as the best division in the conference, this might be a close second. As many as three teams have playoff potential, and two could go deep in the playoffs.
ATLANTA: Can Michael Vick establish himself into more of a passer and less of a run-first, ask-questions-later QB? Only two NFC starting QBs had worse completion percentages than his 55 percent, and his running leaves him open to big hits (and injuries). Will the addition of DE John Abraham spark the pass rush, and by extension, create more opportunities for turnovers? Was last season an aberration, or are the Falcons on a downward trend under Coach Jim Mora?
CAROLINA: Can DT Kris Jenkins avoid injury and return the pocket-collapsing presence the defense has missed during his absence due to injuries the past two seasons? Can RB DeShaun Foster remain healthy for an entire season? If he doesn't, who steps in: rookie DeAngelo Williams? Massive Eric Shelton? Nick Goings? Will WR Keyshawn Johnson be a factor or a distraction?
NEW ORLEANS: What impact will rookie RB Reggie Bush have on the field? Is RB Deuce McAllister fully healthy after tearing his ACL early last season? How much of an upgrade is QB Drew Brees over Aaron Brooks? His contract implies a lot, but Brees is coming off shoulder surgery, which scared the Chargers off from giving him big money. How much will the Saints miss C LaCharles Bentley, who signed with Cleveland (and got hurt during camp) and DE Darren Howard?
TAMPA BAY: Will the Bucs' aging stars on defense (DE Simeon Rice, LBs Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles, and CBs Rhonde Barber and Brian Kelly) continue to play at a high level? All are 30 or older. How will QB Chris Simms adapt to being "the man"? He took over for Brian Griese after an injury last season. Will RB Cadillac Williams be the workhorse back Coach Jon Gruden wants or will he wear down as he did during parts of the 2005 season?
Next: The NFC North
ATLANTA: Can Michael Vick establish himself into more of a passer and less of a run-first, ask-questions-later QB? Only two NFC starting QBs had worse completion percentages than his 55 percent, and his running leaves him open to big hits (and injuries). Will the addition of DE John Abraham spark the pass rush, and by extension, create more opportunities for turnovers? Was last season an aberration, or are the Falcons on a downward trend under Coach Jim Mora?
CAROLINA: Can DT Kris Jenkins avoid injury and return the pocket-collapsing presence the defense has missed during his absence due to injuries the past two seasons? Can RB DeShaun Foster remain healthy for an entire season? If he doesn't, who steps in: rookie DeAngelo Williams? Massive Eric Shelton? Nick Goings? Will WR Keyshawn Johnson be a factor or a distraction?
NEW ORLEANS: What impact will rookie RB Reggie Bush have on the field? Is RB Deuce McAllister fully healthy after tearing his ACL early last season? How much of an upgrade is QB Drew Brees over Aaron Brooks? His contract implies a lot, but Brees is coming off shoulder surgery, which scared the Chargers off from giving him big money. How much will the Saints miss C LaCharles Bentley, who signed with Cleveland (and got hurt during camp) and DE Darren Howard?
TAMPA BAY: Will the Bucs' aging stars on defense (DE Simeon Rice, LBs Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles, and CBs Rhonde Barber and Brian Kelly) continue to play at a high level? All are 30 or older. How will QB Chris Simms adapt to being "the man"? He took over for Brian Griese after an injury last season. Will RB Cadillac Williams be the workhorse back Coach Jon Gruden wants or will he wear down as he did during parts of the 2005 season?
Next: The NFC North
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Taking a look at baseball's top rookies in the AL
Recently, I had a chance to correspond with a major-league scout who offered his take on what is shaping up to be one of the better rookie classes in American League history. Excerpts of his comments appear below.
"How crazy is the AL rookie-of-the-year race? There are probably 4 or 5 guys who could win it hands down in any other
season, but this could get really tight. ...
"The biggest names have to be (Boston pitcher Jonathan) Papelbon, (Detroit pitcher Justin) Verlander, (Anaheim pitcher Jered) Weaver and (Minnesota pitcher Francisco) Liriano. All incredible impact players already, and with the exception of Liriano (because of his injury) each of them would have probably been a lock in a different year. ...
"There's a handful of guys who probably won't get much if any notice and are great players. Jon Lester has become a key to Boston's success and has put together good numbers in his first season. ... (Catcher) Kenji Johjima in Seattle - granted the age thing plays into it - but that didn't stop Ichiro, and he's had a solid year and would be one of the top guys most of the time. ... (Pitcher Joel) Zumaya will be overshadowed by his teammate in Detroit, but his 103 mph fastball has been outstanding and a major piece of the best bullpen in baseball. ... (Infielder Howie) Kendrick out there will finish the year with solid numbers in my opinion, and the people of Orange County will likely become big Howie fans before long. ... (Second baseman Ian) Kinsler in Texas is another rookie putting together a solid offensive season for a competitive team - leads AL rookies in batting average. Just behind him is (left fielder Nick) Markakis in Baltimore who started off really slow so he
hasn't gotten as much publicity, but he was the hottest hitter in baseball in the month of July - not hottest rookie, but hottest
player overall. ... Which goes right along with back-to-back shutouts from Jeremy Sowers in Cleveland - still to be determined how he finishes, but could be a decent year if he continues the way he's pitched lately. ... And (outfielder Melky) Cabrera in New York has stepped in and done a solid job for them in his first year as well.
"I can't remember the last time there were 12 legitimate candidates for rookie of the year in a league where
there's only 14 teams. And I might be leaving some guys out."
"How crazy is the AL rookie-of-the-year race? There are probably 4 or 5 guys who could win it hands down in any other
season, but this could get really tight. ...
"The biggest names have to be (Boston pitcher Jonathan) Papelbon, (Detroit pitcher Justin) Verlander, (Anaheim pitcher Jered) Weaver and (Minnesota pitcher Francisco) Liriano. All incredible impact players already, and with the exception of Liriano (because of his injury) each of them would have probably been a lock in a different year. ...
"There's a handful of guys who probably won't get much if any notice and are great players. Jon Lester has become a key to Boston's success and has put together good numbers in his first season. ... (Catcher) Kenji Johjima in Seattle - granted the age thing plays into it - but that didn't stop Ichiro, and he's had a solid year and would be one of the top guys most of the time. ... (Pitcher Joel) Zumaya will be overshadowed by his teammate in Detroit, but his 103 mph fastball has been outstanding and a major piece of the best bullpen in baseball. ... (Infielder Howie) Kendrick out there will finish the year with solid numbers in my opinion, and the people of Orange County will likely become big Howie fans before long. ... (Second baseman Ian) Kinsler in Texas is another rookie putting together a solid offensive season for a competitive team - leads AL rookies in batting average. Just behind him is (left fielder Nick) Markakis in Baltimore who started off really slow so he
hasn't gotten as much publicity, but he was the hottest hitter in baseball in the month of July - not hottest rookie, but hottest
player overall. ... Which goes right along with back-to-back shutouts from Jeremy Sowers in Cleveland - still to be determined how he finishes, but could be a decent year if he continues the way he's pitched lately. ... And (outfielder Melky) Cabrera in New York has stepped in and done a solid job for them in his first year as well.
"I can't remember the last time there were 12 legitimate candidates for rookie of the year in a league where
there's only 14 teams. And I might be leaving some guys out."
NFC East key questions
This post begins my look at the NFC, by division.
COWBOYS: Is QB Drew Bledsoe in danger of losing his starting job to Tony Romo? Apparently not. Bledsoe's lack of mobility has been well-chronicled, and Dallas' offensive line struggles notwithstanding, Coach Bill Parcells has said he wants Romo to get more reps in training camp and that nothing more should be read into his increased playing time. ... I don't want to ask the next one, because everyone is, but - how long will WR Terrell Owens last in Dallas? His injury-plagued training camp has only added fuel to this topic. When he's on, he's one of the three best receivers in the game (with Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison, in my opinion), when Owens is hurt and or sulking, he can spoil an entire orchard. Who will emerge at RB? Health problems have held Julius Jones back the past two seasons, and short-yardage back Marion Barber might surpass him as starter.
EAGLES: Can QB Donovan McNabb stay healthy? And who will he hand off to and pass to? Philadelphia better pray for the former because, even with the signing of Jeff Garcia to back up McNabb, the Eagles will be in real trouble if McNabb goes down again. RB Brian Westbrook's foot injury also complicates matters for the offense. For now Ryan Moats will start, but the team worked out Stephen Davis this week, the guess here is it will sign him sooner than later. Receivers will be some combination of Reggie Brown, Todd Pinkston, Jabar Gaffney, Hank Basket (yes, he's in the wrong sport) and Greg Lewis. Brown should be McNabb's No. 1 target. Pinkston is an injury question mark, and has only returned to practice this week.
GIANTS: Can RB Tiki Barber keep it up? Every year prognosticators say Barber is too small or getting too old (he's 31, when backs usually are in decline), and every season he produces more impressive numbers than the year before. It's unlikely he'll top the 1,860 yards rushing he had last season, but he's also a receiving threat, as his 530 receiving yards indicate, so he will have an impact. Can the defense catch up to the offense, or at least close the gap? The G-men had the fourth-most yards in the NFL last season, but allowed the 24th-most despite the presence of stud DEs Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora and MLB Antonio Pierce. New York's answer was to change three-fourth of its secondary, adding CBs Sam Madison, Jason Bell and RW McQuarters and S Will Demps, and sign OLB LaVar Arrington away from division foe Washington.
REDSKINS: How serious is RB Clinton Portis' shoulder injury? Trading for former Falcons sledgehammer TJ Duckett means it's either more serious than being let on, or Coach Joe Gibbs plans to run the football 45 times a game, which would defeat the purpose of two of the bigger offseason deals Washington made. Is QB Mark Brunell's job in jeopardy? Doubtful. Gibbs likes veteran QBs, and it's unlikely Jason Campbell is ready to take over. How much of a boost will offseason acquisitions Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El give to the passing game?
Next: The NFC South.
COWBOYS: Is QB Drew Bledsoe in danger of losing his starting job to Tony Romo? Apparently not. Bledsoe's lack of mobility has been well-chronicled, and Dallas' offensive line struggles notwithstanding, Coach Bill Parcells has said he wants Romo to get more reps in training camp and that nothing more should be read into his increased playing time. ... I don't want to ask the next one, because everyone is, but - how long will WR Terrell Owens last in Dallas? His injury-plagued training camp has only added fuel to this topic. When he's on, he's one of the three best receivers in the game (with Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison, in my opinion), when Owens is hurt and or sulking, he can spoil an entire orchard. Who will emerge at RB? Health problems have held Julius Jones back the past two seasons, and short-yardage back Marion Barber might surpass him as starter.
EAGLES: Can QB Donovan McNabb stay healthy? And who will he hand off to and pass to? Philadelphia better pray for the former because, even with the signing of Jeff Garcia to back up McNabb, the Eagles will be in real trouble if McNabb goes down again. RB Brian Westbrook's foot injury also complicates matters for the offense. For now Ryan Moats will start, but the team worked out Stephen Davis this week, the guess here is it will sign him sooner than later. Receivers will be some combination of Reggie Brown, Todd Pinkston, Jabar Gaffney, Hank Basket (yes, he's in the wrong sport) and Greg Lewis. Brown should be McNabb's No. 1 target. Pinkston is an injury question mark, and has only returned to practice this week.
GIANTS: Can RB Tiki Barber keep it up? Every year prognosticators say Barber is too small or getting too old (he's 31, when backs usually are in decline), and every season he produces more impressive numbers than the year before. It's unlikely he'll top the 1,860 yards rushing he had last season, but he's also a receiving threat, as his 530 receiving yards indicate, so he will have an impact. Can the defense catch up to the offense, or at least close the gap? The G-men had the fourth-most yards in the NFL last season, but allowed the 24th-most despite the presence of stud DEs Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora and MLB Antonio Pierce. New York's answer was to change three-fourth of its secondary, adding CBs Sam Madison, Jason Bell and RW McQuarters and S Will Demps, and sign OLB LaVar Arrington away from division foe Washington.
REDSKINS: How serious is RB Clinton Portis' shoulder injury? Trading for former Falcons sledgehammer TJ Duckett means it's either more serious than being let on, or Coach Joe Gibbs plans to run the football 45 times a game, which would defeat the purpose of two of the bigger offseason deals Washington made. Is QB Mark Brunell's job in jeopardy? Doubtful. Gibbs likes veteran QBs, and it's unlikely Jason Campbell is ready to take over. How much of a boost will offseason acquisitions Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El give to the passing game?
Next: The NFC South.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
A sports diversion
If you love sports and have the opportunity to spend some time in Newport Beach, CA, I'd suggest paying a visit to the Newport Sports Museum (www.newportsportsmuseum.com). Admission is free and the memorabilia on display is impressive, particularly if you're a baseball, hockey or USC fan.
I had a chance to visit the museum this past week and came away thoroughly impressed. Jerseys, balls, autographs, bats, sticks, you name it, it's there. Among the more impressive displays: Al Geiberger's scorecard from his 59, baseballs autographed by virtually every World Series champion team, the scoresheet from the game Wayne Gretzky broke the NHL scoring record and footballs autographed by virtually every Heisman trophy winner.
It is a few hours you will not regret.
I had a chance to visit the museum this past week and came away thoroughly impressed. Jerseys, balls, autographs, bats, sticks, you name it, it's there. Among the more impressive displays: Al Geiberger's scorecard from his 59, baseballs autographed by virtually every World Series champion team, the scoresheet from the game Wayne Gretzky broke the NHL scoring record and footballs autographed by virtually every Heisman trophy winner.
It is a few hours you will not regret.
Key AFC East questions
Part four of eight. ... Infrequent posts of late because of internet problems that hopefully have been resolved.
BILLS: Who will emerge as the starting QB: JP Losman or Kelly Holcomb? Holcomb's main advantages are his accuracy (67 percent completions to 49 for Losman last season) and experience, but Losman, a recent first-round pick, has a bigger arm. Can free-agent signing Larry Triplett replace Sam Adams at DT? They are different style players (speed vs. bulk), and the defense was Buffalo's strength last season. Who will replace Eric Moulds at WR opposite Lee Evans? Former Bill Peerless Price, back from an Atlanta detour gone south, is one possibility, Andre' Davis and Josh Reed are others.
DOLPHINS: What impact will QB Daunte Culpepper have on an offense that is loaded with talent at the skill positions (RB Ronnie Brown, TE Randy McMichael, WRs Chris Chambers and Marty Booker)? Will the secondary jell and can the defense's aging stars (Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor in particular) hold up for a Miami team positioned to make a playoff run? Coach Nick Saban has completely replaced the entire defensive backfield in his two years in Miami.
JETS: Are QB Chad Pennington and RB Curtis Martin healthy enough to contribute this season? Pennington appears to be recovered from shoulder surgery, but Martin's status is up in the air, and the Jets' offense is in real trouble if his career is over as no viable replacement appears to exist on New York's roster. Can the defense generate enough pass rush to compensate for the loss of DE John Abraham?
PATRIOTS: Who will QB Tom Brady throw to other than TEs Daniel Graham and Ben Watson, an emerging force? How will Coach Bill Belichick and Brady deal with WR Deion Branch, a training camp holdout? Will all the hits to the coaching staff begin to affect the defense this season? And what of the shortage of linebackers? Luring Junior Seau out of retirement after no other team wanted him cannot be a good thing.
Next up, a by-division look at the NFC.
BILLS: Who will emerge as the starting QB: JP Losman or Kelly Holcomb? Holcomb's main advantages are his accuracy (67 percent completions to 49 for Losman last season) and experience, but Losman, a recent first-round pick, has a bigger arm. Can free-agent signing Larry Triplett replace Sam Adams at DT? They are different style players (speed vs. bulk), and the defense was Buffalo's strength last season. Who will replace Eric Moulds at WR opposite Lee Evans? Former Bill Peerless Price, back from an Atlanta detour gone south, is one possibility, Andre' Davis and Josh Reed are others.
DOLPHINS: What impact will QB Daunte Culpepper have on an offense that is loaded with talent at the skill positions (RB Ronnie Brown, TE Randy McMichael, WRs Chris Chambers and Marty Booker)? Will the secondary jell and can the defense's aging stars (Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor in particular) hold up for a Miami team positioned to make a playoff run? Coach Nick Saban has completely replaced the entire defensive backfield in his two years in Miami.
JETS: Are QB Chad Pennington and RB Curtis Martin healthy enough to contribute this season? Pennington appears to be recovered from shoulder surgery, but Martin's status is up in the air, and the Jets' offense is in real trouble if his career is over as no viable replacement appears to exist on New York's roster. Can the defense generate enough pass rush to compensate for the loss of DE John Abraham?
PATRIOTS: Who will QB Tom Brady throw to other than TEs Daniel Graham and Ben Watson, an emerging force? How will Coach Bill Belichick and Brady deal with WR Deion Branch, a training camp holdout? Will all the hits to the coaching staff begin to affect the defense this season? And what of the shortage of linebackers? Luring Junior Seau out of retirement after no other team wanted him cannot be a good thing.
Next up, a by-division look at the NFC.
Monday, August 14, 2006
A lot of racket and some pigskin
Hola Amigos:
The Packers played in Southern California on Saturday night, and I did NOT drag my wife to go see them. Why is that you might ask? Because I refuse to pay regular-season ticket prices to watch Brett Favre stand on the sideline for 59 of the game's 60 minutes. Judging by the Packers' line play, Favre was unquestionably safer there, however.
Did get to see the second semifinal of the JP Morgan Chase Championship at The Home Depot Center in Carson on Saturday night. It was my first time seeing Serena Williams in person, and I came away with mixed thoughts. Williams, who has battled injuries most of 2006, appears to have spent a lot of time on anything but conditioning as hers was terrible. As out of shape as she was, she was able to hang in against 16th-seeded Jelana Jankovich because of her other-worldly skill set. Williams' backhand is as powerful and accurate as anyone's I've ever seen, men included. The feeling here is if Williams can limit her distractions, get in shape and stop wasting energy of smashing rackets, she can make a return to the top 10 at time because few, if any, have her ability.
And the THDC as it's known in Southern Cal is an amazing facility across the board. The soccer pitch is first-rate and the stadium tennis court is intimate yet big league. And ... AEG's fireworks display after the Williams-Jankovich match rates as the best at least three members of our group had ever seen.
Back to football - Check back soon for a look at the AFC North.
The Packers played in Southern California on Saturday night, and I did NOT drag my wife to go see them. Why is that you might ask? Because I refuse to pay regular-season ticket prices to watch Brett Favre stand on the sideline for 59 of the game's 60 minutes. Judging by the Packers' line play, Favre was unquestionably safer there, however.
Did get to see the second semifinal of the JP Morgan Chase Championship at The Home Depot Center in Carson on Saturday night. It was my first time seeing Serena Williams in person, and I came away with mixed thoughts. Williams, who has battled injuries most of 2006, appears to have spent a lot of time on anything but conditioning as hers was terrible. As out of shape as she was, she was able to hang in against 16th-seeded Jelana Jankovich because of her other-worldly skill set. Williams' backhand is as powerful and accurate as anyone's I've ever seen, men included. The feeling here is if Williams can limit her distractions, get in shape and stop wasting energy of smashing rackets, she can make a return to the top 10 at time because few, if any, have her ability.
And the THDC as it's known in Southern Cal is an amazing facility across the board. The soccer pitch is first-rate and the stadium tennis court is intimate yet big league. And ... AEG's fireworks display after the Williams-Jankovich match rates as the best at least three members of our group had ever seen.
Back to football - Check back soon for a look at the AFC North.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Guitar rant, part 1
The quality of guitars produced overseas and south of the border has improved recently, HOWEVER ... for my money there is nothing like an American-made axe. It doesn’t matter what style you play or enjoy listening to, I believe this to be true. I own three American-mades, and one of them was obtained in a trade for a "not-made-in-the-USA" electric guitar that is one of the worst purchases I've ever made.
On a recent trip to a South Bay music store this was reinforced to me as I had the opportunity to play several fine electric guitars by Gibson. There is just no comparison. Same goes for accoustics, I'll put a Gibson or a Taylor or a Martin or a Breedlove up against anything.
There is a lot written and spoken these days about the decline of our great country - I don't buy it. ... But one thing I do buy and will keep buying is American-made guitars!
On a recent trip to a South Bay music store this was reinforced to me as I had the opportunity to play several fine electric guitars by Gibson. There is just no comparison. Same goes for accoustics, I'll put a Gibson or a Taylor or a Martin or a Breedlove up against anything.
There is a lot written and spoken these days about the decline of our great country - I don't buy it. ... But one thing I do buy and will keep buying is American-made guitars!
Key AFC North questions
Third in a continuing series looking key questions by division for NFL teams as the exhibition season begins.
BENGALS: THE question is QB Carson Palmer's health. When will he be able to play? And what effects of a devastatingly bad knee injury will he show? Palmer threw for more yards (3,836) than anyone other than Tom Brady and Trent Green last season, and his 32 TD passes led the NFL. His health is pivotal to Cincinnati's playoff hopes. How much will free-agent signees NT Sam Adams and S Dexter Jackson improve the defense?
BROWNS: Can Cleveland win with second-year man Charlie Frye at QB? The Browns must think so, having traded last season's starter, Trent Dilfer, in the offseason. How much will recent high draft picks TE Kellen Winslow Jr. and WR Braylon Edwards contribute to the offense? If either or both are close to their pre-injury form, the Browns' offense will boast playmakers other than RB Ruben Droughens.
RAVENS: How much does QB Steve McNair have left in the tank? Tired of waiting for Kyle Boller to develop, Baltimore acquired McNair, 33, from Tennessee and reunited him with WR Derrick Mason, who had 86 receptions in 2005. Will RB Jamal Lewis, once a 2,000-yard rusher, bounce back from a subpar season, or is he starting to decline? Among the Ravens' many veteran free-agent signings was RB Mike Anderson, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season.
STEELERS: How will the defending Super Bowl champions respond to having a target on their back week after week? The Steelers had an unusually low amount of roster departures in the offseason, but the players they did lose were big: RB Jerome Bettis, versatile WR Antwaan Randle-El, DE Kimo von Oelhoffen and S Chris Hope. Randle-El added an element of surprise, von Oelhoffen is an every-down 3-4 defensive end and Hope's steadiness freed Troy Polamalu to make plays. But Bettis was the heart and soul of this club, replacing his leadership in the locker room will not be easy.
Next: AFC East
BENGALS: THE question is QB Carson Palmer's health. When will he be able to play? And what effects of a devastatingly bad knee injury will he show? Palmer threw for more yards (3,836) than anyone other than Tom Brady and Trent Green last season, and his 32 TD passes led the NFL. His health is pivotal to Cincinnati's playoff hopes. How much will free-agent signees NT Sam Adams and S Dexter Jackson improve the defense?
BROWNS: Can Cleveland win with second-year man Charlie Frye at QB? The Browns must think so, having traded last season's starter, Trent Dilfer, in the offseason. How much will recent high draft picks TE Kellen Winslow Jr. and WR Braylon Edwards contribute to the offense? If either or both are close to their pre-injury form, the Browns' offense will boast playmakers other than RB Ruben Droughens.
RAVENS: How much does QB Steve McNair have left in the tank? Tired of waiting for Kyle Boller to develop, Baltimore acquired McNair, 33, from Tennessee and reunited him with WR Derrick Mason, who had 86 receptions in 2005. Will RB Jamal Lewis, once a 2,000-yard rusher, bounce back from a subpar season, or is he starting to decline? Among the Ravens' many veteran free-agent signings was RB Mike Anderson, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season.
STEELERS: How will the defending Super Bowl champions respond to having a target on their back week after week? The Steelers had an unusually low amount of roster departures in the offseason, but the players they did lose were big: RB Jerome Bettis, versatile WR Antwaan Randle-El, DE Kimo von Oelhoffen and S Chris Hope. Randle-El added an element of surprise, von Oelhoffen is an every-down 3-4 defensive end and Hope's steadiness freed Troy Polamalu to make plays. But Bettis was the heart and soul of this club, replacing his leadership in the locker room will not be easy.
Next: AFC East
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Key AFC South questions
Taking a look at questions facing the four members of the AFC South Division during training camp ...
COLTS: How will Indianapolis' offense overcome the loss of RB Edgerrin James, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, to free agency? The guess here is by committee between Dominic Rhodes and promising rookie Joseph Addai. Will a full season from DT Corey Simon offset the losses of DT Larry Triplett and LB David Thornton? The Colts' defense has plenty of speed but is on the small side. How will QB Peyton Manning respond now that opponents don't have to game plan for James and can focus their efforts on stopping the passing game?
JAGUARS: Who will score points for Jacksonville? The club's best receiver, Jimmy Smith, retired, and its best running back, Fred Taylor, is 30 and has a long injury history. Will someone from a group of WR Ernest Wilford, WR Matt Jones, WR Reggie Williams and rookie TE Marcedes Lewis emerge to give QB Byron Leftwich a reliable target? Will SS Donovin Darius make a full recovery from a torn ACL and assume his leadership role on one of the league's best defenses? The Jags were sixth in yards allowed, first in sacks and sixth in interceptions.
TEXANS: Will Houston regret drafting DE Mario Williams No. 1 overall instead of selecting RB Reggie Bush? Williams can't hurt a defense that gave up the most yards rushing per game and the most first downs. Can QB David Carr take a step forward in his fifth season under a coach Gary Kubiak, a former quarterback and the man who ran the Broncos' offense under Mike Shanahan? The Texans provided Carr some help by signing C Mike Flanagan to anchor a porous offensive line that again allowed the most sacks in the league, and acquiring WR Eric Moulds in a trade with Buffalo.
TITANS: What will life after QB Steve McNair, the franchise's face and soul since it relocated from Houston, be like? Can Billy Volek or Vince Young adequately replace him? Volek has a strong arm and some game experience (and a 2-1 TD to interception ratio) because of McNair's many injury problems over the past three seasons. Will White play this season? At this point, it seems like it would take an injury to Volek for him to play during the regular season. Who will emerge as the team's primary running back: Chris Brown, Travis Henry or rookie LenDale White?
COLTS: How will Indianapolis' offense overcome the loss of RB Edgerrin James, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, to free agency? The guess here is by committee between Dominic Rhodes and promising rookie Joseph Addai. Will a full season from DT Corey Simon offset the losses of DT Larry Triplett and LB David Thornton? The Colts' defense has plenty of speed but is on the small side. How will QB Peyton Manning respond now that opponents don't have to game plan for James and can focus their efforts on stopping the passing game?
JAGUARS: Who will score points for Jacksonville? The club's best receiver, Jimmy Smith, retired, and its best running back, Fred Taylor, is 30 and has a long injury history. Will someone from a group of WR Ernest Wilford, WR Matt Jones, WR Reggie Williams and rookie TE Marcedes Lewis emerge to give QB Byron Leftwich a reliable target? Will SS Donovin Darius make a full recovery from a torn ACL and assume his leadership role on one of the league's best defenses? The Jags were sixth in yards allowed, first in sacks and sixth in interceptions.
TEXANS: Will Houston regret drafting DE Mario Williams No. 1 overall instead of selecting RB Reggie Bush? Williams can't hurt a defense that gave up the most yards rushing per game and the most first downs. Can QB David Carr take a step forward in his fifth season under a coach Gary Kubiak, a former quarterback and the man who ran the Broncos' offense under Mike Shanahan? The Texans provided Carr some help by signing C Mike Flanagan to anchor a porous offensive line that again allowed the most sacks in the league, and acquiring WR Eric Moulds in a trade with Buffalo.
TITANS: What will life after QB Steve McNair, the franchise's face and soul since it relocated from Houston, be like? Can Billy Volek or Vince Young adequately replace him? Volek has a strong arm and some game experience (and a 2-1 TD to interception ratio) because of McNair's many injury problems over the past three seasons. Will White play this season? At this point, it seems like it would take an injury to Volek for him to play during the regular season. Who will emerge as the team's primary running back: Chris Brown, Travis Henry or rookie LenDale White?
Summer guilty pleasure Vol. 1
Yes, I admit it ... I bought "Vault - Def Leppard's Greatest Hits 1980-95" at Costco recently. And for $8, what's not to like about it?! ... But one question for you music aficionados out there: Why do all these 80s hard rock bands feel the need to write these cheesy ballads and include a token one or two on each CD? What's wrong with just rocking all the time, 24/7?
Stick to what you do best.
Stick to what you do best.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Key AFC West questions
This is the first in a series of division-by-division looks at key questions facing each NFL team during training camp and the preseason. Today, we start with a rundown on the AFC West, which promises to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league this season. Teams are listed alphabetically by nickname.
BRONCOS: Who will be Denver's top running back? Undrafted rookie Mike Bell seems to have taken the lead over veterans Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne. It would seem fitting if rookie Bell gets the nod given past backfield stars Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary and Terrell Davis all thrived behind the Broncos' zone blocking scheme despite all being second-day draft picks. ... Will offseason acquisition Javon Walker supplant Rod Smith as Jake Plummer's go-to receiver? How long with WR Ashley Lelie remain with the team? He is being actively shopped.
CHARGERS: Is free-agent pickup S Marlon McCree enough to shore up a secondary that ranked 26th in interceptions last season? That offset what otherwise was an excellent defense. The Bolts had the top-rated run defense and were fifth in sacks, but the secondary dropped their overall ranking to 13th. ... How long will it take for QB Phillip Rivers and the offense to gel? Put another way, how much will San Diego miss Drew Brees? ... Will the offensive line be any better, a key to keeping Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson in one piece.
CHIEFS: Is RB Priest Holmes' career over? Larry Johnson might rush for 2,000 yards this season, and trading for Michael Bennett as camp opened isn't exactly a vote of confidence. ... Will new coach Herm Edwards be able to upgrade what has been a shaky defense? Look for a lot of blitzes because the front four doesn't pressure the quarterback enough.
RAIDERS: Did Oakland upgrade its defense and special teams enough to compete in this tough division? The Silver and Black was 27th in yards allowed, including 25th in yards rushing allowed, and they had statistically the worst punt coverage unit. ... Is Aaron Brooks an upgrade over Kerry Collins at quarterback? Both have big arms but accuracy issues. Collins, who passed for nearly 1,000 more yards, completed only 53.5 percent of his throws, while Brooks hit on 55.7 percent. Collins threw 12 interceptions to 20 TD passes, while Brooks was picked off 17 times and only threw 13 TD passes.
Next: A look at the AFC South
BRONCOS: Who will be Denver's top running back? Undrafted rookie Mike Bell seems to have taken the lead over veterans Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne. It would seem fitting if rookie Bell gets the nod given past backfield stars Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary and Terrell Davis all thrived behind the Broncos' zone blocking scheme despite all being second-day draft picks. ... Will offseason acquisition Javon Walker supplant Rod Smith as Jake Plummer's go-to receiver? How long with WR Ashley Lelie remain with the team? He is being actively shopped.
CHARGERS: Is free-agent pickup S Marlon McCree enough to shore up a secondary that ranked 26th in interceptions last season? That offset what otherwise was an excellent defense. The Bolts had the top-rated run defense and were fifth in sacks, but the secondary dropped their overall ranking to 13th. ... How long will it take for QB Phillip Rivers and the offense to gel? Put another way, how much will San Diego miss Drew Brees? ... Will the offensive line be any better, a key to keeping Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson in one piece.
CHIEFS: Is RB Priest Holmes' career over? Larry Johnson might rush for 2,000 yards this season, and trading for Michael Bennett as camp opened isn't exactly a vote of confidence. ... Will new coach Herm Edwards be able to upgrade what has been a shaky defense? Look for a lot of blitzes because the front four doesn't pressure the quarterback enough.
RAIDERS: Did Oakland upgrade its defense and special teams enough to compete in this tough division? The Silver and Black was 27th in yards allowed, including 25th in yards rushing allowed, and they had statistically the worst punt coverage unit. ... Is Aaron Brooks an upgrade over Kerry Collins at quarterback? Both have big arms but accuracy issues. Collins, who passed for nearly 1,000 more yards, completed only 53.5 percent of his throws, while Brooks hit on 55.7 percent. Collins threw 12 interceptions to 20 TD passes, while Brooks was picked off 17 times and only threw 13 TD passes.
Next: A look at the AFC South
Monday, August 07, 2006
The jinx lives
Nice to know Sports Illustrated's cover jinx now extends to feature subjects found inside the magazine as well. ... The most recent example: In the July 31 issue, Buffalo Bills linebacker Jeff Posey is among the athletes featured in a story entitled "It's Great To Be Average." ... Or it was great. ... Posey, profiled because his salary was at the league average of $1,750,000, was released by Buffalo on Monday.
Football is right around the corner
So what better time to begin a sports blog? Of course I might digress into music or other topics I deem interesting from time to time, but this will mainly be about sports, specifically football and hockey. I will mix in some baseball and NBA from time to time, too. Maybe some golf and tennis. If you're looking for soccer or motor sports, you've tuned to the wrong channel bubba.
A few parameters: I will not, as we say in hockey, take liberties with subjects (unless it's soccer or auto racing - wink). When I criticize an athlete or a team, I'll try to provide support for my assertions. I will try to keep my biases to a minimum. However, you should be warned that I am a Green Bay native and a big Packers fan. I am also a big Chicago Blackhawks and University of Wisconsin hockey fan. Other teams I have rooting interests in include the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Come back soon for my takes on key questions facing each team in the NFL during training camp.
A few parameters: I will not, as we say in hockey, take liberties with subjects (unless it's soccer or auto racing - wink). When I criticize an athlete or a team, I'll try to provide support for my assertions. I will try to keep my biases to a minimum. However, you should be warned that I am a Green Bay native and a big Packers fan. I am also a big Chicago Blackhawks and University of Wisconsin hockey fan. Other teams I have rooting interests in include the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Come back soon for my takes on key questions facing each team in the NFL during training camp.
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