Here is a list of my picks as well as the spreads and totals available for all the week 7 NFL games *(Home Teams are listed on bottom of matchup):
Baltimore -3-120 34.5
Buffalo
The Ravens have all the tools necessary to get the job done even with Kyle Boller at the helm. McGahee should be able to find the holes in the weak Buffalo D and Derrick Mason has been getting open alot! Add to the fact that the Baltimore Defense will be harrasing Trent Edwards all night and it seems like an easy pick. Buffalo had their chance at glory against the Cowboys and blew it so I don't expect them to turn things around any time soon.
Arizona
Washington -8.5 36
The Skins are coming off a dissapointing loss to Green Bay in a game where Jason Campbell was doing everything without a supporting cast to back them. Now they are back at home and hopefully refocused. 8.5 points seems like alot but when you see that Arizona doesn't have a quarterback at the moment with Kurt Warner going down last week leaving unproven Tim Rattay in the top spot and then the point spread isn't that high. Washington wins by 2 TD's at least!
Atlanta
New Orleans -9 42.5
The bookmakers have it all wrong here! Take ATL and the points as soon as you can! Last weeks win in Seattle does not vindicate the Saints nor was it the turning point in their season, Seattle simply played very poorly and Holmgren is a terrible play caller thats all. Atlanta is coming around quite nicely considering that fact that they had to rebuild the team around Harrington, Jerious Norwood is getting better and better every game Harrington and Roddy White have created chemistry. I like Atlanta to win straight up.
Minnesota
Dallas -9.5 46.5
Dallas got thumped last week by a superior Patriots team and I gotta think that it really hurt their egos. Minnesota is coming off a huge game over Chicago and they are feeling good and playing good....at least Adrian Peterson is, the defense will also be all over Romo. I like Minnesota plus the points and over the total.
New England -17 51.5
Miami
Its the classic matchup of a 6-0 team versus a 0-6 team. The spread is waaay too high. I don't care how good the Pats are you can't give a home team double digit numbers on the spread. I have no doubt that New England will win, but by posting a spread that high you are just making the Fins angry! Plus its about time that something good happened for Miami they are due. Take the points.
San Francisco
NY Giants -9.5
San Fran is lost right now, Alex Smith is shaky, Frank Gore is completely ineffective. The Giants on the other hand seem to be firing on all cylinders. Burress is playing excellent and Manning is on target. The running game is strong although Brandon Jacobs is making me nervous. Nevertheless I like the Giants to ROLL!
Tampa Bay
Detroit -2.5 44.5
I like Detroit fresh off their bye week. They are a good team this year despite what the critics say and Jon Kitna is playing like its his last season....it very well could be. Hes got a great support cast around him and the airel attack is always a good matchup against Tampa. On the other side of the ball Jeff Garcia is surprising everyone with his 103.5 rating and you can never count him out. Regardless, I like Detroit at home to get back on track and get to the postseason.
Kansas City
Oakland -3 +105 37.5
Oakland got thumped last week, but Lamont Jordan wasn't 100% and LT was on fire. This week they host the storied rivalry with KC and if everyone is healthy they should be fine. LJ can be contained because unlike the Begals, the Raiders actually do have a decent Defense. Personally I think the Raiders should start Culpepper, I have a feeling that this will be a ground and pound game with low scores and its gonna take some attitude as well as some finess. Bet Oakland and give the points at plus money.
NY Jets
Cincinnati -6 47
Cincinnati played horribly last week and gave Kansas City a reason for being. At home I think they are quite good but when the Jets come to town you gotta pay attention especially when your Defensive secondary couldn't cover a lineman going out for a pass and they have Jerico Cotchery and Laverneous Coles going deep on you. I think its going to be a high scoring game in the air so over 47 is definantly appealing, and the 6 points is alot to give the angry Jets team.
Chicago
Philidelphia -5.5 41
Chicago has officially been taken off my post season list. The change at quarter back came too little too late and the Defense is all banged up. You can bet that a semi healthy Brian Westbrook has been watching last weeks game film and picking out the same holes that Adrian Peterson found. Philly will roll on these scrubs.
St. Louis
Seattle -9 40
I am soo disgusted with Seattle's play last week that I almost like the Rams to cover. If Seattle can pull their heads out of their ass's then they should have no problem whipping these guys, but Seattle has been a little schitziphrenic lately and they have lost my confidense. At the present time I like Seattle to win but not cover the spread.
Tennessee -1 38.5
Houston
I think this spread is the same as a pick'em the -1 is just to scare the square bettors. Vince Young is less than 100% after straining his quad last week so it seems that a running game is in order and Houston does not fair well against the run. The fact remains that Houston is a tough team and I like them at home. Take Houston and the meaningless 1 point.
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh -3.5 39.5
Denver
Denver is in a world of hurt right now. Javon Walker will never be 100% this season and Travis Henry is staring down the barrell of a suspension for testing positive for Marijuana, the defense is giving up way too many yards on the ground. Pittsburgh has been all business this year except for that Arizona debacle and they reputation for beating Denver in the mile high city so I like Pitt giving the points and over the total.
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Indianapolis -3 44.5
Jacksonville
Indianapolis is not the same team as last year, yeah they are undefeated but that is all coming to an end and what better place than to a division rival and on Monday Night Football. David Garrard is playing superbly and the Defensive is very confident and able. Manning hasn't posting the kind of numbers we expect and that is much of the reason noone is paying much attention to the fact they are undefeated. They are due to fall, bottom line! Take Jacksonville and the points as well as the money line.
Click here for Live NFL Lines
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Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
NFL Divisional Odds to Win
The 2008 NFL Divisional Odds to Win are finally available!!! Can't believe it took them so long to post up.
Heres the individual divisions and the odds to win:
*Prices are based on $100 bets, ex (-135 = risk $135 to win $100, +450 = risk $100 to win $450)
AFC East
New England -385
NY Jets +575
Miami +450
Buffalo +425
*New England will win it unless they get injured. The value on the Jets is enough to at least bet half your normal amount. In the event something happens to the Pats that would be a great payoff at +575.
AFC North
Baltimore +155
Pittsburgh +185
Cincinnati +140
Cleveland +300
*I don't think Cincinnati will be that dominate this year which makes the Ravens the pick for this division, jump on it before the books figure it out!!!
AFC South
Indianapolis -265
Jacksonville +315
Tennessee +800
Houston +900
*Indianapolis is the obvious favorite for good reason but -265 is waaay too expensive.
AFC West
San Diego -150
Denver +150
Kansas City +600
Oakland +600
*Take a real good look at Denver, San Diego led by Norv Turner just doesn't feel right and I wouldn't be surprised to see them falter late into the season.
NFC East
Philadelphia +150
Dallas +150
NY Giants +380
Washington +380
*This is a tough division to handicapp so I will just have to go with Dallas, bascially a coin flip.
NFC North
Chicago -270
Green Bay +470
Detroit +850
Minnesota +430
*I think Chicago has a case of post superbowl appearance favortism, I don't see them going back to the big game, but they are definantly the strongest team in the division.
NFC West
Seattle +125
San Francisco +230
Arizona +365
St Louis +380
*Seattle is definantly looking tough and you should jump on the +125 while you can. If you aren't feeling the Seahawks this season then St. Louis is your bet.
NFC South
Atlanta +700
Carolina +180
New Orleans -110
Tampa Bay +400
*The Saints are favored for obvious reasons, and with Michael Vick out of the picture in Atlanta that only leaves Carolina to challenge and the Saints are just flat out looking better. At -110 its still cheap enough to jump on.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Indy vs Dallas Preseason
This Thursday Indianapolis will be heading to Dallas for both teams 1st preseason game. The current spread has Dallas -4.5 points with a total of 34.5. Peyton Manning will be there but will only see maybe a 2 sets of downs. The real test will be for head coach Wade Phillips who came in this year to replace the retired Tuna Parcels. Romo will start and probably play at least a whole quarter, lord knows he needs the practice. Its looking like Terrell Owens will not be playing as reports today say he is having back spasms and has been sitting out at practice. In the end, the Cowboys have way more work to do as far as getting into a rythem and Indy will most likely relax and play their new guys, if I had to bet on it I would take the Cowboys -4.5. Who do you like in this game?
Monday, July 30, 2007
PreSeason Odds Now Available!!!
The 2007 - 08 season is sooo close I can almost taste it. This week kicks off the beginning of the NFL Preseason on Saturday, August 5th when the New Orleans Saints led by Reggie Bush and Drew Brees travel to Pittsburgh to take on Ben Rothlisberger and Willie Parker in the Preseason opener. Currently Pittsburgh is favored -2 points with a total of 34.5. Preseason games are unexciting for a reason and this game will be no different, expect all the starters to play MAYBE the 1st quarter if that, and then I would expect them to get pulled. Heres a schedule of the all the Preseason games available so you know when to take advantage of the soft lines (home team listed on bottom): 
Aug 5th
Aug 5thNew Orleans
Aug 9th
Cincinnati
Indianapolis
Aug 10th
Atlanta
New England
Buffalo
New Orleans
St. Louis
Aug 11th
Greenbay
Pittsburgh
Jacksonville
Kansas City
Washington
Carolina
Houston
Arizona
Aug 12th
Seattle
Aug 13th
Philadelphia
Denver
Also don't forget to check out all the Live NFL & NCAA Football Futures
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Michael Vick has just ruined my Fantasy Football Team.
If you had been reading my past articles on Michael Vick you would be up to speed with whats going on. Yesturday a federal indictment was handed down charging Vick with competitive dog fighting. The 19-page federal indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges the 27-year-old Vick and his co-defendants began the dogfighting operation in early 2001, the former Virginia Tech star's rookie year with the Falcons. Click here for the complete indictment.
In late May, two federal law enforcement officials were quoted as saying that they believed there was sufficient evidence to eventually indict Vick, but they were less certain of mounting a successful prosecution. There is a reason, however, that the feds own a conviction rate of better than 95 percent. The government typically doesn't indict unless it knows it can probably convict, and that should be unsettling news for the Falcons and their quarterback.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank, still out of the country Tuesday, faces a test of loyalty. Vick has been at times like a surrogate son to Blank, who has been often criticized locally for what is perceived as preferential treatment of his quarterback. But there came a point, perhaps when Blank awarded Vick a record $130 million, when the tenor of the relationship changed. Blank is all about image and, more than the dollar sign attached to Vick, it is the stigma his star could potentially carry that 
may concern him most.
may concern him most. This is a very disappointing turn of events especially after Vick has been working so hard in the offseason on yet another new offense. In light of the uncertainty of Michael Vicks season in Atlanta, the bookmakers have responded by readjusting or all together taking down the Falcon futures. This really sucks because on top of it all Vick is my fantasy football QB damnit!!!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
NFL Week 1 Odds Now Available!!!
Oh yeah people, its that time of year again, where football season is soo close you can almost taste it. The folks at GamblersPalace have posted up week 1 spreads to give all you fans that are chomping at the bit a little taste of whats to come. Heres what the current lines are looking like:
*Home Team is listed on bottom
New Orleans
Indianapolis -6
Kansas City
Houston -1
Denver -4
Buffalo
Pittsburgh -4
Cleveland
Tennessee
Jacksonville -6.5
Carolina PK
St. Louis PK
Philadelphia -3
Green Bay
Atlanta
Minnesota -3
Miami
Washington -3
New England -6
NY Jets
Tampa Bay
Seattle -6
Chicago
San Diego -6.5
Detroit
Oakland -2.5
NY Giants
Dallas -3.5
Baltimore
Cincinnati -3
Arizona
San Francisco -3.5
***Note all lines are subject to change as team depth charts change throughout the preseason.
Click here for Live NFL Lines and Futures
Monday, June 25, 2007
Brett Favre's Role in Green Bay
What is Brett Favre still doing in Green Bay?
After all the media frenzy last December about whether or not it would be Brett Favre’s last game you would think that it was a sure thing, hes done, hes going to retire, get in the hall of fame, and be hired by the Packers front office, right…….? I guess not because not only is he at the Packer minicamps and OTA’s, but hes listed as the starting QB for Green Bay on the depth chart!
Now I know its only June and its not a gaureentee that Favre is starting, but after seeing some press comferences on his progress as he gets ready for the 2007 season, I can tell you that he certainly believes that hes the starter. Favre’s competition at QB are 1 rookie and 2 guys that have seen less playing time than a one legged punter. At present it looks like 2nd year sophmore out of Furman, Ingle Martin is being groomed for the backup position while 3rd year junior out of Cal, Aaron Rodgers is holding up the 3rd string position and lastly there is the rookie free agent out of Oklahoma, Paul Thompson. First of all, let me say that I respect the Martin/Rodgers picks, they are good players and probably underrated and were definantly cheap to pick up. Now, I’m the Green Bay front office and Brett Favre has come back for yet another season and although he is nearing 40 years old, he is a hall of fame quarterback, but his numbers have dipped and the bottom line is that its time to groom the next generation in Green Bay, what do I do?……OK lets face it, Favre’s numbres have been declining steadily for a while now, hes a hall of famer and usually when you call someone that it means that they are retired or need to retire, unfortunatly Favre is the latter. I just got done watching a press clip on ESPN of Favre talking about having a sore shoulder and opting out of practices to let it heal and that this has been a problem before and hes working through it and will be ready for the start of the season. I mean I’m sure that when he decided to come back for another season that he expected to start and give it one last shot to take the Pack all the way and the pride and guts and glory and all that sentimental crap, but the bottom line is that the longer Favre is the starting quarterback the farther in the hole Green Bay will find itself. Green Bay is latching on to a storied past with a storied quarterback, Favre needs to be there for moral support and help groom the next era of quarterback, not going out there and trying to act like hes starting every game this season. What is the possibility that Favre will start every game this year, if he is not injured?
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After all the media frenzy last December about whether or not it would be Brett Favre’s last game you would think that it was a sure thing, hes done, hes going to retire, get in the hall of fame, and be hired by the Packers front office, right…….? I guess not because not only is he at the Packer minicamps and OTA’s, but hes listed as the starting QB for Green Bay on the depth chart!
Now I know its only June and its not a gaureentee that Favre is starting, but after seeing some press comferences on his progress as he gets ready for the 2007 season, I can tell you that he certainly believes that hes the starter. Favre’s competition at QB are 1 rookie and 2 guys that have seen less playing time than a one legged punter. At present it looks like 2nd year sophmore out of Furman, Ingle Martin is being groomed for the backup position while 3rd year junior out of Cal, Aaron Rodgers is holding up the 3rd string position and lastly there is the rookie free agent out of Oklahoma, Paul Thompson. First of all, let me say that I respect the Martin/Rodgers picks, they are good players and probably underrated and were definantly cheap to pick up. Now, I’m the Green Bay front office and Brett Favre has come back for yet another season and although he is nearing 40 years old, he is a hall of fame quarterback, but his numbers have dipped and the bottom line is that its time to groom the next generation in Green Bay, what do I do?……OK lets face it, Favre’s numbres have been declining steadily for a while now, hes a hall of famer and usually when you call someone that it means that they are retired or need to retire, unfortunatly Favre is the latter. I just got done watching a press clip on ESPN of Favre talking about having a sore shoulder and opting out of practices to let it heal and that this has been a problem before and hes working through it and will be ready for the start of the season. I mean I’m sure that when he decided to come back for another season that he expected to start and give it one last shot to take the Pack all the way and the pride and guts and glory and all that sentimental crap, but the bottom line is that the longer Favre is the starting quarterback the farther in the hole Green Bay will find itself. Green Bay is latching on to a storied past with a storied quarterback, Favre needs to be there for moral support and help groom the next era of quarterback, not going out there and trying to act like hes starting every game this season. What is the possibility that Favre will start every game this year, if he is not injured?
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Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Michael Vick Update
It was a bit of a surprise when federal agents raided the compound owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in Surry County, Va., recently and took over an investigation into allegations of dogfighting. Even the local authorities in Surry who've been conducting their own probe were stunned by the federal action. Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter said, "I'm amazed, to be quite honest."
The government's action raises questions. Here are some answers . . .
Federal investigators have been scouring Michael Vick's property in rural Virginia looking for evidence of dogfighting. What's going on? And how did the U.S. government become involved?
Using powerful laws that were enacted only a month ago (a bill known as HR 137), agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture are determining whether Vick and others should be prosecuted for promoting and sponsoring dogfights. The new federal law makes it a felony to organize a dogfight. A subdivision of the agriculture department is pursuing similar cases elsewhere with considerable support from humane societies and local police departments. The Vick investigation is one of many across the U.S.
Vick says he knew nothing about the 66 fighting dogs found on his property and that he was unaware anyone might have been staging dogfights there. If he knew nothing about the dogs or the fights, what can happen to Vick?
If it is proved that the fighting took place, it will be difficult for Vick to persuade anyone that he didn't know about it or the dozens of dogs on his property. Federal agents are sifting through evidence gathered on Vick's acreage, going through his phone records call by call, and analyzing his financial accounts. If, for example, they can connect a flurry of calls to a night of dogfighting, or if they find payment for dog food or other canine expenses charged to Vick, he could face a serious legal problem. Even if he can somehow persuade the authorities that he knew nothing about the breeding and the fighting of dogs on his compound, he might face liability under the tough, new federal law. So far, that new law has been used less than a dozen times; as the courts apply it, more precise definitions of "sponsoring" and "promoting" will develop. Vick and his lawyers will be watching these legal developments very closely. In addition, under Virginia law, Vick can be prosecuted if the authorities can show that he was "aware" of dogfighting.
Is this something Vick should worry about?
Is this something Vick should worry about?
Definitely. The local police and the county prosecutor were taking their time in their investigation of Vick and the 66 dogs seized on his property. Poindexter, the Commonwealth's Attorney, refused to execute a search warrant on Vick's property, and that's a rare event in the world of law enforcement. In fact, he actually let the warrant expire, creating the impression that things might be worked out in a friendly settlement with the local authorities. But the day after the county search warrant expired, the USDA agents were on the scene armed with their own search warrant. So instead of reluctant local cops, Vick appears now to be up against the might of the federal government.
What can the federal government do to Vick?
The USDA and other federal agencies will now be sifting through all aspects of his life. The dogfighting investigation easily could grow into examinations of his income, taxes and other holdings. If they find sufficient evidence, the federal agencies will submit it to the U.S. Department of Justice and then, possibly, to a grand jury for indictment.
Is dogfighting a serious crime? If Vick was involved in it, what can happen to him?
Until last month, a federal dogfighting charge was a misdemeanor and likely would result in probation and a fine. Now, though, the recently strengthened federal law provides draconian penalties for people involved in dogfighting. There's a jail term of three years, and there's a fine of $250,000. And if that isn't enough, those penalties are per dog. Remember, the police confiscated 66 dogs in the raid on Vick's property. These laws are the result of powerful lobbying by the Humane Society of the United States and other animal protections groups. Their lobby is as powerful as the gun lobby.
The USDA and other federal agencies will now be sifting through all aspects of his life. The dogfighting investigation easily could grow into examinations of his income, taxes and other holdings. If they find sufficient evidence, the federal agencies will submit it to the U.S. Department of Justice and then, possibly, to a grand jury for indictment.
Is dogfighting a serious crime? If Vick was involved in it, what can happen to him?
Until last month, a federal dogfighting charge was a misdemeanor and likely would result in probation and a fine. Now, though, the recently strengthened federal law provides draconian penalties for people involved in dogfighting. There's a jail term of three years, and there's a fine of $250,000. And if that isn't enough, those penalties are per dog. Remember, the police confiscated 66 dogs in the raid on Vick's property. These laws are the result of powerful lobbying by the Humane Society of the United States and other animal protections groups. Their lobby is as powerful as the gun lobby.
If you breed dogs for fighting, are you in trouble?
Yes. Even though there was a breeding license issued to Tony Taylor for dogs on Vick's property, the trouble begins the moment the dogs are thrown into the ring to fight.
Yes. Even though there was a breeding license issued to Tony Taylor for dogs on Vick's property, the trouble begins the moment the dogs are thrown into the ring to fight.
Does dogfighting lead to other unsavory activities? Are there other laws that should have Vick worried?
Yes and yes. Humane Society and law enforcement experts agree that although the dogfight might be the centerpiece of the evening, other things generally happen that capture the attention of police and federal agents. There is an admission fee for the event, usually $100 per person. It's paid in cash and can lead to consequences in a federal investigation. Alcohol usually is sold, which means more cash and more trouble. There is heavy gambling on the outcomes of the fights, another violation of criminal laws. And there are often guns and drugs in abundance, leading to still more problems. Undercover agents attending a dogfight barely know where to begin taking notes and making arrests.
Are they doing this just because Vick is a famous quarterback?
No. The USDA and the humane societies are engaged in a major effort to end animal fighting in the U.S. They are interested in people who promote and sponsor dogfights. It might matter to some of the animal-rights lobbyists who can use Vick's celebrity to promote their causes; but legally, Vick's football success is inconsequential. In Dayton, Ohio, for example, the USDA and other federal and state agencies investigated a dogfighting operation for 14 months, seized 64 dogs, and indicted nine people. Last week, state authorities in Ohio charged another 38 who were involved in the same scheme. All 38 are charged with state felonies. Although that investigation began with a dogfighting conspiracy, it quickly led to drug, gun and gambling charges as well. The charges even include bartered purchases of food stamp machines. The payments for the food stamp machines, which produce valuable food stamps for use as cash in retail stores, included a stolen Corvette and wholesale quantities of cocaine.
No. The USDA and the humane societies are engaged in a major effort to end animal fighting in the U.S. They are interested in people who promote and sponsor dogfights. It might matter to some of the animal-rights lobbyists who can use Vick's celebrity to promote their causes; but legally, Vick's football success is inconsequential. In Dayton, Ohio, for example, the USDA and other federal and state agencies investigated a dogfighting operation for 14 months, seized 64 dogs, and indicted nine people. Last week, state authorities in Ohio charged another 38 who were involved in the same scheme. All 38 are charged with state felonies. Although that investigation began with a dogfighting conspiracy, it quickly led to drug, gun and gambling charges as well. The charges even include bartered purchases of food stamp machines. The payments for the food stamp machines, which produce valuable food stamps for use as cash in retail stores, included a stolen Corvette and wholesale quantities of cocaine.
Is dogfighting illegal everywhere?
Yes. It's a felony in 48 states and a misdemeanor in Wyoming and Idaho. But the new federal law trumps state laws. If you're involved in dogfighting, you now face the prospect of a federal prosecution with agents of the USDA, FBI and IRS coming after you.
Yes. It's a felony in 48 states and a misdemeanor in Wyoming and Idaho. But the new federal law trumps state laws. If you're involved in dogfighting, you now face the prospect of a federal prosecution with agents of the USDA, FBI and IRS coming after you.
What will happen to Vick's house and the black buildings in the backyard where, investigators suspect, dogfighting was carried out?
Now that the federal government is involved, there is a real possibility that the house and the land will be forfeited to the government. If charges are filed against Vick or anyone else, the government will demand that the property be taken from Vick. Vick is in the process of selling the real estate to an unknown buyer, but the sale might not happen if federal charges are filed. In the Ohio case, the federal prosecutors are asking for similar forfeitures.
Vick apparently wasn't living in the house. What will happen to the people who were?
Their situation is just as bad as the dilemma facing Vick. If investigators determine that dogfighting, in fact, was taking place there and Vick is able to convince authorities that he was not involved, then the focus of the probe will turn to those who were training and fighting the dogs found on the property. They will be subject to the same tougher laws that Vick now faces.
Vick apparently wasn't living in the house. What will happen to the people who were?
Their situation is just as bad as the dilemma facing Vick. If investigators determine that dogfighting, in fact, was taking place there and Vick is able to convince authorities that he was not involved, then the focus of the probe will turn to those who were training and fighting the dogs found on the property. They will be subject to the same tougher laws that Vick now faces.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Seahawks Mini Camp Provides Glimpse of Future
We’re midway through the June mini-camps and everything has gone according to plan for the Seattle Seahawks. Chris Gray, Darryl Tapp and Deion Branch all had family issues for excused absences last week.
Particularly eye-catching this week was fourth round draft choice Baraka Atkins, the defensive end from Miami. He spent the bulk of the time during 7-on-7 and two-minute drills in the backfield chasing the quarterback. His size and speed are unmistakable. Third round pick Brandon Mebane also played well, but didn’t stand out as much because of his position.
Top pick Josh Wilson continued to progress, as did second-year corner Kelly Jennings. But it was veteran Marcus Trufant who stood out among the defensive backs. He consistently made plays, sometimes spectacular in nature. The new energy in the secondary – with the additions of Deon Grant, Brian Russell and coach Jim Mora remains unmistakable.
On the offensive side of the football, Matt Hasselbeck is getting stronger, Shaun Alexander looks fast and in great shape at running back, with wide receivers D.J. Hackett and Bobby Engram looking particularly good. Ben Obomanu has progressed after spending most of his rookie year on the practice squad, and Nate Burleson has made plays as well. Of the rookies, Joe Fernandez, Logan Payton, Chris Jones and Courtney Taylor have been very involved. Jordan Kent is slowly getting healthier from his foot injury and adjusting to the offense.
It was good to have Chris Spencer getting healthier and playing in drills at center, while Floyd Womack went back under the arthroscope to clean up his knees and Ray Willis – while improving more than they had even imagined in the switch from tackle to guard – broke a finger, but just patched it up and played.
Also, the team remains particularly conservative bringing back the rehabilitating Patrick Kerney, Jordan Babineaux, Michael Boulware and Mike Green. In other words, so far, so good as the second and final week of the June mini-camps unfolds Monday and runs through Thursday.
Then it will be to the individual players to see who sticks around for the seven weeks before training camp begins.
Particularly eye-catching this week was fourth round draft choice Baraka Atkins, the defensive end from Miami. He spent the bulk of the time during 7-on-7 and two-minute drills in the backfield chasing the quarterback. His size and speed are unmistakable. Third round pick Brandon Mebane also played well, but didn’t stand out as much because of his position.
Top pick Josh Wilson continued to progress, as did second-year corner Kelly Jennings. But it was veteran Marcus Trufant who stood out among the defensive backs. He consistently made plays, sometimes spectacular in nature. The new energy in the secondary – with the additions of Deon Grant, Brian Russell and coach Jim Mora remains unmistakable.
On the offensive side of the football, Matt Hasselbeck is getting stronger, Shaun Alexander looks fast and in great shape at running back, with wide receivers D.J. Hackett and Bobby Engram looking particularly good. Ben Obomanu has progressed after spending most of his rookie year on the practice squad, and Nate Burleson has made plays as well. Of the rookies, Joe Fernandez, Logan Payton, Chris Jones and Courtney Taylor have been very involved. Jordan Kent is slowly getting healthier from his foot injury and adjusting to the offense.
It was good to have Chris Spencer getting healthier and playing in drills at center, while Floyd Womack went back under the arthroscope to clean up his knees and Ray Willis – while improving more than they had even imagined in the switch from tackle to guard – broke a finger, but just patched it up and played.
Also, the team remains particularly conservative bringing back the rehabilitating Patrick Kerney, Jordan Babineaux, Michael Boulware and Mike Green. In other words, so far, so good as the second and final week of the June mini-camps unfolds Monday and runs through Thursday.
Then it will be to the individual players to see who sticks around for the seven weeks before training camp begins.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Michael Vicks Future in Limbo
Well I waited to see what would happen with all this dog fighting business surrounding the already troubled Michael Vick, but I can wait no more.
First of all, let me say that I am a big Michael Vick fan and he was and may still be my fantasy football quarterback. However, you would think that after getting caught with a bong at the airport would have been enough to get him straightned out and especially after the horrible season he had. But no, now hes being implicated in a dog fighting ring (I’m assuming pitbulls) that apparently were held in one of his homes in rural Virginia. What I don’t understand is how he can be a franchise player for a professional football team and still act like hes in the ghetto. I mean what the hell is wrong with him, his little brother had the same problem, had a promising career ahead of him at Virginia Tech and then gets booted for weapons charges. The must be some kinda gene in the Vick family that gives them tremendous talent and horrible judement. This latest incident might be the straw that breaks the camels back, he played horribly last season, gave the fans the finger, busted for marijuana, and now organized dog fighting. Whats his deal? What happened to the Michael Vick that made people believe that the Falcons could win a superbowl, he is a model for the future quarterback, mobile, rocket arm, and playmaker. Now it seems that it has all gone up in smoke(if you know what i mean). All I can say is that IF he is still on the Falcons team come August he will have to quit being ghetto and start acting like a professional, he owes it to the fans, the Falcons organization and the NFL, I think Ricky Williams should give him a call and tell him its not worth it!!! I don’t think he would enjoy the cold weather of the CFL. Bottom line…. from me to you Michael Vick, “GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER”
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First of all, let me say that I am a big Michael Vick fan and he was and may still be my fantasy football quarterback. However, you would think that after getting caught with a bong at the airport would have been enough to get him straightned out and especially after the horrible season he had. But no, now hes being implicated in a dog fighting ring (I’m assuming pitbulls) that apparently were held in one of his homes in rural Virginia. What I don’t understand is how he can be a franchise player for a professional football team and still act like hes in the ghetto. I mean what the hell is wrong with him, his little brother had the same problem, had a promising career ahead of him at Virginia Tech and then gets booted for weapons charges. The must be some kinda gene in the Vick family that gives them tremendous talent and horrible judement. This latest incident might be the straw that breaks the camels back, he played horribly last season, gave the fans the finger, busted for marijuana, and now organized dog fighting. Whats his deal? What happened to the Michael Vick that made people believe that the Falcons could win a superbowl, he is a model for the future quarterback, mobile, rocket arm, and playmaker. Now it seems that it has all gone up in smoke(if you know what i mean). All I can say is that IF he is still on the Falcons team come August he will have to quit being ghetto and start acting like a professional, he owes it to the fans, the Falcons organization and the NFL, I think Ricky Williams should give him a call and tell him its not worth it!!! I don’t think he would enjoy the cold weather of the CFL. Bottom line…. from me to you Michael Vick, “GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER”
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Tuesday, May 22, 2007
2011 Super Bowl to be played in Dallas
The 2011 Super Bowl will be played at the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington, Texas, where the NFL will be able to fit thousands more fans into the stadium for its showpiece game.
NFL owners voted Tuesday for the North Texas group, which had Hall of Famer Roger Staubach lobbying on its behalf. The Cowboys' $1 billion stadium seats up to 100,000 and will open in 2009. It has about 27,000 more seats than the other finalists' stadiums in Indianapolis or Arizona.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the actual crowd ticketed at the game could reach 120,000, with fans being able to watch video screens at each end zone.
"Everyone has always told me, 'I wish we could get more fans in the Super Bowl. I wish we could do that,'" he said. "I think the fact we can have 100,000 people in the stadium is important because it includes that many more people in our biggest event in the NFL.
NFL owners voted Tuesday for the North Texas group, which had Hall of Famer Roger Staubach lobbying on its behalf. The Cowboys' $1 billion stadium seats up to 100,000 and will open in 2009. It has about 27,000 more seats than the other finalists' stadiums in Indianapolis or Arizona.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the actual crowd ticketed at the game could reach 120,000, with fans being able to watch video screens at each end zone.
"Everyone has always told me, 'I wish we could get more fans in the Super Bowl. I wish we could do that,'" he said. "I think the fact we can have 100,000 people in the stadium is important because it includes that many more people in our biggest event in the NFL.
Monday, May 21, 2007
UFC 71: Odds & Picks
This Saturday night at 10:00pm est Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell will square off against an old adversary in Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in which Liddell will be defending his belt in a World Light Heavyweight Championship bout.
This isn't the first time the two have fought, the first bout took place back in 2003 at a Pride Fighting event in Japan. Jackson defeated Liddell by TKO in the second round after a storm of punches finally wore down Liddell. Since then, both fighters have been undefeated. Making his debut to the UFC in UFC 67 Jackson pummeled Marvin Eastman by way of a KO in the second round and had earned the right to fight for the Light Heavyweight belt facing a familiar foe in Chuck Liddell.
The Breakdown:
Both fighters have dominated the Light Heavyweight division all over the world and this rematch should be nothing short of an all out war. Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell has a standup striker style that allows him to use his fists as his main weapons and likes to stand his oppponents up with his fists and then slip in a high kick to the head. He also makes it a point to stay very loose and on his feet, which would indicate that he is not comfortable on the ground and wrestling his opponents is the last thing he wants to do. Liddell is 9 years the senior to Jackson and at 37 years of age, you have to think that Liddell will not want to go the distance and he will try to setup the KO early in the fight. This could be a very dangerous strategy against a younger opponent who has already beaten you. However, I don't see an alternative for Chuck, Jackson is almost 10 years his junior and has proven over and over again that it is very difficult to square him up for a knockout hit. In order to win I think Chuck will have to bait him in and then look for the powerful counter to try and catch him off guard, much the same way he did against Tito Ortiz in UFC 66. I just don't believe that Chuck can get into a punching contest or a wrestling match with a younger and what looks to be, a stronger opponent in Quinton Jackson. Quinton Jackson also has a standup stiker style, but is also not afraid to pick up opponents and slam them into the floor. Jacksons biggest advantage is that he has already beaten Liddell once and will probably follow the same strategy again this time around, "if it aint broke, don't fix it!!!" He can go out and win quick if he just stands up and starts off the fight by stalking Liddell and taking control of the Octagon. There is no size difference between the 2 and it will basically come down to who can establish a rythem first and start timing their opponents for the eventual counter punch/kick for a knockout. Thats right, you heard it hear, there WILL be a knockout in this fight, there is no lovelost between these 2 and there will definanlty be some fireworks, if not for strategy then purely for the fact that these 2 REALLY don't like each other. The line on the fight is available at GamblersPalace.com, currently it is Liddell -190 (risk $190 to win $100)and Jackson +150 (risk $100 to win $150). I would have to say that earlier in the month the value on Jackson was excellent at +200 now that the touts have come in and opinions have come out the line has moved way down into more realistic numbers, Chuck was a fan favorite which is why he opened so high, but the fact is, is that Jackson is a talented and tough fighter who has already gone up against some of the top fighters in the business. This is a tough fight to pick with no overwhelming odds to sway opinion, Jackson is no slouch and I think that at +150 there is enough value to at least throw $50 on him, but I will wait until the weigh in on friday to make a decision. Another notable fight will be Welterweights Josh "The Peoples Warrior" Burkman vs Karo "The Heat" Parisyan. Karo looks to be the more experienced fighter with a record of 24-3, however Josh Burkman has risen quite rapidly through the welterweight division in the UFC and has proven hes a force to be delt with. The current lines are Parisyan -300 (risk $300 to win $100) and Burk +220 (risk $100 to win $220). Without too much knowledge about these 2 fighters I will have to considr the value placed on Burk and whether or not I think an upset is in the works, I mean hey its the UFC, stranger things have happened. I will also have to wait to see the weighins before I make a play, but I'm leaning towards the underdog, strictly for the value. I'll have an updated picks blog out later this week after handicapping the rest of the fights on the card.
This isn't the first time the two have fought, the first bout took place back in 2003 at a Pride Fighting event in Japan. Jackson defeated Liddell by TKO in the second round after a storm of punches finally wore down Liddell. Since then, both fighters have been undefeated. Making his debut to the UFC in UFC 67 Jackson pummeled Marvin Eastman by way of a KO in the second round and had earned the right to fight for the Light Heavyweight belt facing a familiar foe in Chuck Liddell.
The Breakdown:
Both fighters have dominated the Light Heavyweight division all over the world and this rematch should be nothing short of an all out war. Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell has a standup striker style that allows him to use his fists as his main weapons and likes to stand his oppponents up with his fists and then slip in a high kick to the head. He also makes it a point to stay very loose and on his feet, which would indicate that he is not comfortable on the ground and wrestling his opponents is the last thing he wants to do. Liddell is 9 years the senior to Jackson and at 37 years of age, you have to think that Liddell will not want to go the distance and he will try to setup the KO early in the fight. This could be a very dangerous strategy against a younger opponent who has already beaten you. However, I don't see an alternative for Chuck, Jackson is almost 10 years his junior and has proven over and over again that it is very difficult to square him up for a knockout hit. In order to win I think Chuck will have to bait him in and then look for the powerful counter to try and catch him off guard, much the same way he did against Tito Ortiz in UFC 66. I just don't believe that Chuck can get into a punching contest or a wrestling match with a younger and what looks to be, a stronger opponent in Quinton Jackson. Quinton Jackson also has a standup stiker style, but is also not afraid to pick up opponents and slam them into the floor. Jacksons biggest advantage is that he has already beaten Liddell once and will probably follow the same strategy again this time around, "if it aint broke, don't fix it!!!" He can go out and win quick if he just stands up and starts off the fight by stalking Liddell and taking control of the Octagon. There is no size difference between the 2 and it will basically come down to who can establish a rythem first and start timing their opponents for the eventual counter punch/kick for a knockout. Thats right, you heard it hear, there WILL be a knockout in this fight, there is no lovelost between these 2 and there will definanlty be some fireworks, if not for strategy then purely for the fact that these 2 REALLY don't like each other. The line on the fight is available at GamblersPalace.com, currently it is Liddell -190 (risk $190 to win $100)and Jackson +150 (risk $100 to win $150). I would have to say that earlier in the month the value on Jackson was excellent at +200 now that the touts have come in and opinions have come out the line has moved way down into more realistic numbers, Chuck was a fan favorite which is why he opened so high, but the fact is, is that Jackson is a talented and tough fighter who has already gone up against some of the top fighters in the business. This is a tough fight to pick with no overwhelming odds to sway opinion, Jackson is no slouch and I think that at +150 there is enough value to at least throw $50 on him, but I will wait until the weigh in on friday to make a decision. Another notable fight will be Welterweights Josh "The Peoples Warrior" Burkman vs Karo "The Heat" Parisyan. Karo looks to be the more experienced fighter with a record of 24-3, however Josh Burkman has risen quite rapidly through the welterweight division in the UFC and has proven hes a force to be delt with. The current lines are Parisyan -300 (risk $300 to win $100) and Burk +220 (risk $100 to win $220). Without too much knowledge about these 2 fighters I will have to considr the value placed on Burk and whether or not I think an upset is in the works, I mean hey its the UFC, stranger things have happened. I will also have to wait to see the weighins before I make a play, but I'm leaning towards the underdog, strictly for the value. I'll have an updated picks blog out later this week after handicapping the rest of the fights on the card.
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