2011 NFL Preview: Indianapolis Colts

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



When Peyton Manning gets back on the field is a big concern for the Colts. There are rumors he could miss the first few games on the season. He has never missed a game, and to be honest I would be shocked if he is out week 1. Still, this team really needs to find a way to stay healthy. Tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, wide receivers Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez all missed a lot of time last year. Peyton is one of the best ever, but he can't do it by himself, so these guys needs to be on the field. Obviously Waynes is one of the best in the game, and with Peyton at the helm this team will always score points.



Defense:



The offense isn't the only ones who had injury problems. The defense had a ton also. Dwight Freeney and Gary Brackett are still in their primes and are the most important part of this defense. They don't have a lot of really good skill plays in the defensive backfield, so getting pressure on the QB is of the utmost importance. This defense will do what it usually does, have trouble stopping the run, and bank of that fact that they can cause a couple turnovers every game.



Overall:



The Manning injury scares me, but if he is able to play this could be a good team. Remember the last time this team was all healthy they started the season 14-0. Before last season the Colts had one 12 games for 7 straight seasons. Plus, with a lockout I think teams that have more guys returning have a better chance.



2011 Record: 12-4

NFL Preview: Houston Texans

(She's hot)



2010 RECORD: 6-10

KEY ADDITIONS: CB Johnathan Joseph (free agent), S/KRDanieal Manning (free agent), DE J.J. Watt (first round, Wisconsin), OLB Brooks Reed (second round, Arizona), P Brad Maynard (free agent), FB Lawrence Vickers (free agent), CB Brandon Harris (second round, Miami)



KEY LOSSES: FB Vonta Leach (to Ravens), S Bernard Pollard (to Ravens), DT Amobi Okoye (to Bears), QB Dan Orlovsky (to Colts), WR David Anderson (to Broncos), LB Zac Diles (to Rams), S Eugene Wilson (free agent)



Offense:

Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, and Owen Daniels. This offense like always has a chance to be explosive and great. They had the league leading rusher from last year, one of the best WR and TE's in the game, and a QB that can throw it. However, I say this every year and they never take it to the next level. This team is great for fantasy football but will never finish above 8-8. The offensive line is nothing great, but whatever, with those weapons you should be able to make up for it.



Defense:

With Wade Phillips in town the defense is looking to make a transition to a 3-4. One small problem though, no one in the front 7 is a 3-4 type of players. Shaun Cody at nose is never a good thing.



It'll be interesting how Wade uses Mario Williams, if they can get him to play in the same type of mold as Demarcus Ware, the transition may not be that bad. But to bank on one player to form a whole front 7 is asking a lot.



They have awesome college guys in Brooks Reed, JJ Watt and Brian Cushing, but we need to see them get it together before you can proclaim them as any type of threat.



Their secondary gained Jonathan Joseph which is alright and if Kareem Jackson (former Tide player) can fit his billing as a number 1 pick of last year, this teams secondary could be on their way. I am very skeptical of that though.



Overall:



The Texans piss me off with their bullshit

8-8

Larry Fitzgerald Going No Where

The Arizona Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald agreed to an eight-year deal that could pay the star receiver as much as $120 million.



This is a great deal for the Cardinals because they are going no where unless they have Fitz. Also, if you are going to commit to Kevin Kolb you have to make sure that he has the best possible weapon.



I like Fitzgerald, he generally stays out of the media, he seems content in Arizona, and he just showed them he's willing to stay through the thick and thin of the franchise. With Arizona losing Anquan Boldin last year and Steve Breaston this year, the Cardinals are going to rely on Larry more and more.



And in the AFC West having a 2 man team could get the job done.

Osi Umenyiora To Have Surgery

News just keeps getting better and better for the Giants...



Giants has announced that Umenyiora is undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday, and the recovery is expected to take three to four weeks.



Ohhhhh so that's why no one wanted to give up a first round pick. Sounds like he will most likely miss at least week 1 of the regular season. I guess in the grand scheme of things it isn't that big of a deal, but this team just can't seem to catch a break. Steve Smith is gone, they made basically no major pickups, Eli Manning is off his rocker doing angel dust and calling himself Tom Brady, and now your best pass rusher is not only pissed off at the entire franchise, but hurt as well.



Yuck.

2011 NFL Preview: Tennessee Titans

2010 Record: 6-10



Offense:



If Chris Johnson would just end his holdout I would actually be a fan of this offense. They are still a "ground and pound team" (No homo), but the addition of Matt Hasselbeck gives them a stable QB that knows how to win football games. Plus, Hasselbeck is a great mentor for Jake Locker (my favorite QB out of the draft). Kenny Britt has been unstoppable at times, but several run-ins with the law make you wonder how much football he will actually be playing this year. Nate Washington, Justin Gage are decent but nothing special. Then again, this will be the first time they will have a QB that can throw down field with accuracy, so maybe they will be better then people think.



Defense:



Jason Jones is a beast, and the comeback of Derrick Morgan from an ACL injury will be key to this defensive unit. They picked up Barrett Ruud, who should eat up some tackles, and drafted Akeem Ayers who I am very high on. They have some good vets in the defensive backfield with Michael Griffin and Chris Hope and corner Cortland Finnegan, plus second-year Alterraun Verner. All and all they are an up and coming defense, but nothing that is going to be overly special. Unless these young guys turn really good really quick.



Overall:



This holdout with Johnson worries me. Even if he comes back, I feel like he will pull a hamstring or something. That seems to happen every time a guy holds out. I like where this team is going, but it won't be to the playoffs this year.



2011 Record: 7-9

What To Watch For During Tonight's Patriots Game

Tonight is the Patriots 2nd preseason game. We didn't see any of the starters in game 1, but that should change tonight. Here are some things to watch for.



- How is Ochocinco picking up the offense. There have been rumors that he could be cut, although I very much doubt that there have been a lot of reports saying he is having a hard time picking up the offense. Tonight, I want to see how many times Brady looks to him, and if he is making the correct cuts. We will now by either Brady yelling at him, or a couple passes being thrown away.



- Matt Light won't be playing tonight, so it will be interesting to see how Solder does protecting Brady. This is really a big deal, because obviously the Patriots can't afford Brady getting hurt. Plus, it's the Patriots first round draft pick and it'd be nice if he looked good. Hard to focus on an offensive lineman, but you'll know if Brady is being pressured a lot.



- Timing... Not just for Ochocinco, but for the whole first unit. I have heard they look rusty, so I am interested to see how the timing routes look with Welker can Branch. A lot of what they do is those little quick passes, and those are all about timing. It'll be obvious if it isn't there.



- I dont think Haynesworth is playing tonight, so looking for the whole 3-4 vs 4-3 thing is useless. Still, I would like to see the development of Cunningham, who I thought looked very good in the first preseason game. Things should be even easier tonight if Wilfork is playing.



- Brandon Meriweather could be in some trouble. We keep hearing rumors of bringing safeties in for a look. Maybe he is on his way out, or maybe this is just a little kick in the ass. Either way, he needs to punish people tonight, and not get beat deep.



- Ryan Mallett - Looked awesome in his first game, but I would love to see him go against something other then the 3rd string defense. Still, I like watching this kid play he has a cannon.



Game starts at 7:30pm

2011 NFL Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

2010 Record: 8-8



Offense:



The lockout hurt the Jaguars, as Baline Gabbert wasn't able to get a lot of experience with their offense. That's actually ok I think in the long run, because I think it's better when these guys don't just get thrown in the fire. With Gabbert not starting that means Garrard will once again be the starter. Then again, Garrard has been fighting back problems, so I guess you never know. Whoever is behind center they are going to have a tough time. Jason Hill, and Mike Thomas are their best WRs, and that just isn't good for anyone. Sure Maurice Jones-Drew is pretty awesome, but I am starting to wonder when all these carries are going to start catching up with him.



Defense:



This was the 30th ranked defense in the NFL last year. They banked on Aaron Kampman being able to bounce back from a torn ACL last year. He had 4 sacks and then tore his ACL again, so they will once again be hoping he can bouce back. They did sign Matt Roth, who could be a nice player coming off the edge of the defense. Clint Session, and Paul Posluszny should give a linebacking core that let up the 3 most yards per carry in the NFL last year. Dawan Landry moves into the safety spot and he is an upgrade over anything they had.



Overall:



I have no idea how this team was 8-8 last year, but I'll give them credit they have improved, especially on defense. Problem is Jack Del Rio sucks, and this team overachieved last year.



2011 Record: 5-11

Pryor Allowed In NFL Then Suspended

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Pryor has been deemed eligible for the NFL's supplemental draft, which has been re-scheduled for Monday. Schefter also passes along word that the NFL is pre-suspending him for the first five games of the regular season (on whichever team he lands); he will neither practice nor play during that time.



This story has go so much air time it makes me sick. Pryor isn't going to do a damn thing in the NFL. Saying that, I find it kind of odd they suspended him. How many players in the NFL have basically done what Pryor did. I guess they didn't leave early because of it, but I don't see much of a difference.



Anyways, Pryor is a moron and will be out of the NFL within 3 years.

NFL Preview: Atlanta Falcons

Offense:

They have Matt Ryan, they have Roddy White, they have Michael Turner, they have Tony Gonzalez and now on top of it, they added the best wide receiver in the draft in Julio Jones. People in the ATL will forget about the other great Jones athletes that have been in Atlanta (in Chipper and Andruw) and will only remember 1 after the year is done and that is Julio. He will make Matt Ryan a top echelon quareterback in the league and will make Roddy White and the whole offense run like a well oiled machine. Top 5 offense in the league.



Defense:

The Falcons defense was built on generating turnovers, finishing 7th in the league in turnovers. However, their pass rush was basically John Abraham and no one else. The Falcons were 22nd in the league in sacks. They brought in DE Ray Edwards from Minnesota, Edwards is a hell of an addition and can cause havoc, the passed 2 years he averaged around 8.5 sacks. Besides Edwards, the Falcons made sure to re-sign their own guys on their defense, keeping together most of the unit that had a decent season last year.



Overall:

2 things I love in life are Julio Jones and Boobs, so based on that the Falcons will finish 12-4.

2011 NFL Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



Freeman burst onto the scene last season, and I am becoming a believer. He is big, tough to take down, and seems to be a flair for the dramatic. He kind of plays like Roethlisberger, and by that I mean he is able to extend the play by shedding tacklers, and finding an open receiver. The question for me is what is around him. Blount was solid last year, but very inconsistent. Mike Willaims is going to be really good, but is only in his 2nd year. Kellen Winslow is probably his best option and he led the team with 66 catches last year. This unit should be better then last year, as they all get more comfortable with each other and mature. They didn't really add anything, so it's all going to be banking on the fact of these guys improving.



Defense:



Tampa for the most part still plays a Cover 2, the key to this is getting pressure from their d-line. That is why Tampa used two draft picks in 2010 (Gerald McCoy and Brian Price) and two this year on DEs (Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers). It will be interesting to see how Bowers does and if he can play. At one point people thought he would be the #1 pick, so the Bucs might have got a steal. Losing Barrett Ruud is going to hurt, and I am really surprised the Bucs didn't sign more free agents to help this defense out, especially with a guy like 36-year-old corner Ronde Barber not getting any younger. What will also hurt the probable loss of Aqib Talib, who could be facing a major suspension after his felony assault charges from an off-season shooting.



Overall:



I like this team, but I think they overachieved a bit last year. They were 2-5 against playoff teams (and one of the wins were the Seahawks), and this year their schedule looks to be much tougher.



2011 Record: 8-8

Breaking News: Eli Manning Tries Angel Dust

We don't have any pictures yet of him doing this hardcore drug, but after reading this quote it's just a matter of time...



Eli Manning talking about who is in Tom Brady's class... ""I consider myself in that class," Manning said on New York’s ESPN 1050. "And Tom Brady is a great quarterback, he's a great player and what you've seen with him is he's gotten better every year. He started off winning championships and I think he's a better quarterback now than what he was, in all honesty, when he was winning those championships."



Wait... Did ShEli Manning just say he is in the same class as Tom Brady? Wow, this angel dust stuff must be damn strong.



There are only 2 other people right now that are in Tom Brady's "class"... Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning. Ben because of his winning ways (not just in pinning women to the floor), and Peyton because he is up there for a lot of records and has a ring.



ShEli you got lucky and won a ring. Good for you, but you really need to humble yourself. You won because your WR pulled a catch out of his ass, and what have you done since? I'll tell you what you have done... nothing. You threw 25 picks last year!!!! If you combined all Brady's seasons from 2007 through 2010 he threw 25 picks. God, if it wasn't for Barstool Sports throwing up Brady's kid's dong pics you would be on the top of his shit list.

NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints

2010 Record 11-5



Offense:

As long as you have Drew Brees you have a chance to win a lot of games. Even in a upstart NFC South. The only real change in the offense is that Reggie Bush is gone (he went to the Dolphins) and they drafted my boy Mark Ingram and signed Darren Sproles. Mark Ingram was the best runningback in the draft and the Saints got him for a steal when the Patriots traded their late 1st round pick. So the Saints now have a more complete backfield with Ingram, Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory. Mark Ingram is the complete package when it comes to runningbacks, he can run between the tackles, doesn't put the ball on the ground and can catch the ball. But the scariest part of the offense is the passing game and series of good wide receivers led by Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson. Also, TE Jimmy Graham could be a huge red zone target. I can really talk about this offense for days.



Defense:

Defense is more of a question. They improved it through the draft by first round pick Cameron Jordan along with free agent acquisition Shaun Rogers should help lock down the front while LB acquisitions Turk McBride, Clint Ingram and Will Herring should add depth to a ehh linebacking unit. The secondary still has some questions, but they can be good enough to keep the Saints in games. This defense is very similar to the Patriots of last year and bank on turnovers to keep them in the game, but with that comes certain games where you get torched.



Overall:

I love this team and even though Tampa Bay and Atlanta have got a lot better, I see the Saints retaking the NFC South.



13-3

Good Thing The Patriots Cut Ty Warren

"An MRI has revealed that Denver Broncos defensive tackle Ty Warren has suffered a tear in his triceps muscle. Though such an injury is generally viewed as season-ending, the Broncos are debating their options and have not given up hope that the veteran could play at some point in 2011 (ESPN)."



Wow, that really sucks for the Broncos as Warren really was one of their biggest pickups. I was surprised when the Patriots cut him, but I guess it freed up some money, and the Patriots were concerned about how he would bounce back from being out all last year. Anyways, it was a good thing the Patriots didn't keep him as that would've been a lot of dead money sitting around with him on the IR.

2011 NFL Preview: Carolina Panthers

2010 Record: 2-14



Offense:



We don't know yet if Cam Newton will be the Week 1 starter, if it's not him then it'll be Jimmy Clausen, but I doubt it will be Jimmy Clausen since he is the the worst QB ever. Either way, this is all bad news. I am not a Newton fan. Sure he could be exciting, but this kid hasn't used a playbook in his life, has had no time with this offense, and is on a bad team with a new coach. All that adds up to bad thing happening. There is a little bit of good news for this team. The Panthers have two solid TEs in Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, and Steve Smith decided to comeback. So there is talent here is they can get them the ball. DeAngelo Williams is also back, and if he can get any kind of consistent play from the passing game he could bounce back to that 1,500 yard rusher he was back in 2008. I don't see that happening, but there is talent on this team.



Defense:



Charles Johnson is back and he had 11.5 sacks last year. The problem is there isn't a lot of help anywhere else on the line. Still, they have some decent LBs in Beason and Anderson. Chris Gamble had a terrible season last year, and they really need him to bounce back. Even if he is better this is basically the same unit as last year, and it's really nothing all that special. I have a feeling they could have another tough year.



Overall:



Newton is going to take some time, and this is a new coaching staff. Although I do think they will improve from last year, that isn't saying all that much since they won two games last year.



2011 Record: 3-13

2011 NFL Preview: AFC West

Here is how we see this playing out...



1. San Diego Chargers: 12-4

2. Kansas City Chiefs: 11-5

3. Oakland Raiders: 7-9

4. Denver Broncos: 4-12

Osi Umenyiora Ends Holdout

In an email to The Associated Press on Sunday evening, the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end (Osi Umenyiora) said he plans to practice on Monday at training camp, and that he will play this season under the terms of his current contract.



This is the first good news the Giants have had all offseason. After getting burned by Steve Smith, really getting no big offseason pickups, the Giants needed some good news. Umenyiora when healthy is one of the best DL in the league, the problem is I don't know how much I trust that he can stay on the field. That is why no one was willing to give up a first round pick for him. Still, the Giants have to be happy to have him back on their team, no matter how pissed off he is.

Ochocinco and Fat Albert To Be Cut?

In this week's "Sunday Blitz" column over at the National Football Post, Dan Pompei relayed word he's heard that one or both of the big-name acquisitions the New England Patriots made in the abbreviated offseason receiver Chad Ochocinco and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth could be cut from the team sooner than later. From the article:

"One day before this story came out by my guy Mike Reiss, one NFL executive familiar with the Patriots ways told me he believes one or both of the big name acquisitions will be cut before the season starts. The front office man thinks coach Bill Belichick will use the controversial players to help control and send a message to his locker room." More



I want to call bullshit because I don't get why would Belichick would cut them to make a statement. I would get it if Ochocinco was having a hard time picking up the offense or if Albert is regressing into his fat piece of shit ways. They say that if the cut the only impact it would have little financial impact as Albert is only owed 1.5 million before incentives and that Chad is owed 5 million, which is significantly bigger than Alberts.



I haven't heard much of Albert, and it wouldn't surprise me if he was cut. It seems as if he doesn't practice much. But who the fuck knows, the Patriots are weird about stuff.



In unrelated news, TJ Houshamazoui and Darren Sharper are in camp today through work outs. Sharper wouldn't be a bad option to have if he's somewhat healthy.

Breaking News: Ravens Trade For Lee Evans

The Buffalo Bills have traded receiver Lee Evans to the Baltimore Ravens, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The Bills will get a fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft from Baltimore.



I like this move from the Ravens. They could always use another offensive weapon and I always thought that if Lee Evans could get on a good team that he could be a good player. I really like the Ravens team this year, and I think them and the Steelers will once again be battling for the #1 spot. Giving up a 4th round pick isn't a bad price at all.



The Bills are going to be lucky in the win 4 games this year.

Things To Watch For In Tonight's Patriots Game

Well the first preseason game is finally here. Here are somethings to watch for from the Patriots...



- What's going on with the RBs. The Patriots have 6 guys (BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, rookies Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley) going for about 4 spots. My best guess is that Faulk and Sammy Morris get cut, but who knows with this team. It'll be interesting to see who plays when, and in what situations. Plus, I haven't really seen Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, so I am interested in what they show.



- Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett will battle for the #2 spot. Hoyer will win it this year, but I can't wait to see Mallett out there. The kid has a cannon and I would like to see them open it up for him a little bit, and maybe have Tate or someone go long.



- Jermaine Cunningham has been hyped all offseason. I want to see this kid do something. Although, it could be tough. The Patroits will most likely not have Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis, so there might not be a lot of open room. Still, lets see if they kid has some moves to get past an offensive line.



- Here is one thing not to wacth for... This whole 3-4 vs 4-3 nonsense. The Patriots aren't going to show you anything in this type of game, and they are missing 1/2 their defensive line. While all the analyst will be talking about it tomorrow just ignore it, and wait till the season starts to find out.



Game starts at 7:30pm

NFL Preview: San Diego Chargers

2010 Record: 9-7



Offense:



This team was 1st overall in offense last year, and a big reason for that is what Rivers has been tearing it up. With Vincent Jackson back and playing a full season I think things will only get better for Rivers. The key is going to be keeping Ryan Matthews healthy. He averaged 4.3 yards a carry, which is nice, but he needs to prove he can stay on the field. Antonio Gates is the best tight end in the NFL when he is healthy, but he is another guy that needs to prove he can be healthy. This team put up a bunch of point last year, and this year I think they will only improve on that.



Defense:



This team was also first in overall defense (I know crazy right?), and it also should be better as they used four of their first five draft picks to bolster an already impressive defense. Cory Liuget should get a lot of playing time, and I think he could be a beast. The Chargers have one of the best CBs in football. With all that being said there is no reason to believe this Chargers defense will experience a drop off this year.



Overall:



How does a team that was first in offense and first in defense go 9-7? Turnovers, and special teams. I find it hard to predict whether or not these things are fixed, but my gut is telling me that the Chargers are in for a big regular season. The big thing for them is not starting out so slowly, which they seem to do every year.



2011 Record: 12-4