NFC North has Gotten Exciting

Whoa nelly. I feel I am already level 5 scared on the first day of free agency with the Green Bay Packers.  The reason why everyone around is getting better and we are at a stand still.  Something needs to happen.

The Packers (unlike the Indianapolis Colts with Gary Brackett) were unable to sign left tackle Chad Clifton before free agency started. Now, I have been told by the power of Twitter, that Clifton is only visiting the Washington Redskins to drive up the price of his contract for the Packers.  Many insiders believe that he would want to come back and be a Packer for the rest of his career.  This is probably good news for a lot of Packer fans right now, but Bob Barker taught me a long time ago that if the price isn't right, you are better to walk away

Why might some fans be scared to death of not bringing Clifton back?  The Bears have just brought in Julius Peppers who is one of the better if not the best free agent that was out there and now they form a scary defense with Peppers/Urlacher in their front seven.Not to mention, the zone blitzes that the Bears can run now makes them even more of a threat.  If you are a Bears' fan you have to worry about the motivation that Peppers brings day in and day out, he tends to fall alseep at the wheel at points of the game, something Urlacher I assume fans hope will not allow to happen.

Now the Bears also brought in Chester Taylor, which gets new Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz his passing running back and Matt Forte truly fell off the map last season so Taylor could insert himself into the starting lineup.  My buddy E theory behind the Bears also adding Brandon Manumaleuna who formerly was in Martz's system who just blocked and did nothing else, might correlate in swinging Greg Olson into a wide receiver for Jay Cutler to throw to.  To me, that theory makes a ton of sense and could totally see it happening.  Although all of this being said, I still am not convinced that their offensive line will be better and that was their downfall last year.

Also everybody's favorite dweller in the NFC North the Detroit Lions have made some big strides with their young team by signing Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burelson. Before I explode about Vanden Bosch, Burelson has always been a reliable player for any team he has played for and he will be a nice second option for Detroit. 

Vanden Bosch was a hell of player for the Tennessee Titans in the past couple of years and is just an aggressive kick-ass player.  Further, he has never played in the NFC therefore the book on him isn't as concrete as a guy like Peppers who has spent his entire career in the NFC. Also this makes me wonder, do they draft Ndamkong Suh/Gerald McCoy or do they get Eric Berry?  Vanden Bosch might be enough to shore up their front line, but adding those two guys could make their front seven monstrous. But Berry could also be a game-changer for the Lions. They are in a perfect position right now as a franchise, first time that's been said in awhile. 

The question I have for Vikings' fans and Favre fans is does this influence BF4's decision to maybe step down seeing as the division will not be that easy plus the defenses of the Bears and Lions have obviously gotten better.  I do not know if it does personally, but I think it might be a key factor in his process of making a decision.  A final word on the Vikes, they will miss Chester Taylor way more than they probably believe they will.

Finally the Packers, I started writing this with the thought of Chad Clifton re-signing is a must.  No longer do I think that way once again, thanks to Eric because he makes the point "the worst thing the Packers can do is overpay Clifton."  I agree 130% because he has been known to be injured, he is much older and I, like Eric saw some promise in young T.J. Lang last year. I would be quite nervous facing Allen, Vanden Bosch, and Peppers twice a year with a young lineman but what if Clifton goes down again after we gave him a big contract? It almost seems like it's bound to happen so why not throw Lang to the wolves, draft a tackle high and see what happens. 

-Charlie.

Turkey Day NFL Picks

Alright since my post total is low, I am just going to do the three picks and then a new one on Sunday to save room for any other thoughts during this week.

Green Bay (6-4) at Detroit (2-8)- Well this is coming to after the wonderful start for the Packers and the Lions want this game bad, this scares me a lot. Matthew Stafford is a complete warrior playing with a separate shoulder. We will sweat this game out entirely.  GB 24-21

Oakland (3-7) at Dallas (7-3)-  I really believe the Raiders will give Dallas a run for their money. I think Bruce Gradowski brought some life into this team and the Cowboys are prime for their December swoon, its close enough to happen.  I think the home team pulls it out in another close game. DAL 27-21

NY Giants (6-4) at Denver (6-4)- A must win for both teams especially for the Giants if the Cowboys and Packers win earlier in the day. Is Kyle Orton playing? A good question to ask but I think the Broncos will play inspired at home featuring another close game.  DEN 21-17  

-Charlie.

NFL Preview: NFC North/East

We are going to split up the NFL Preview into four parts with a look at key games, key players, outlook. Then an overall playoff predication's. They will be ranked by where they will finish in the division.

NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers: Key Players- QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings, LB Nick Barnett Key Games-vs./at Chicago (9/13, 12/13) at/vs Minnesota (10/5, 11/1) vs. Dallas (11/15) at Pittsburgh (12/20) at Arizona (1/3) Outlook: I think they win the division with a record of 13-3 or 12-4. They need to stay healthy and if that happens, they will be a dominate force. Charles Woodson/A-Rod are going to have huge years.

2. Minnesota Vikings: Key Players- QB Brett Favre, RB Adrian Peterson DT Kevin Williams Key Games-vs/at Green Bay (10/5, 11/1) vs. Baltimore (10/18) at Pittsburgh (10/25) vs/at Chicago (11/29, 12/28), at Arizona (12/6), vs. New York Giants (01/03) Outlook: They will win one of the Wild Card spots because they do have an easy schedule and I really think if Favre takes a back seat to let Peterson be in control, they can be successful.

3. Chicago Bears: Key Players- QB Jay Cutler, LB Brian Urlacher, RB Matt Forte Key Games- at/vs Green Bay (9/13, 12/13), vs. Pittsburgh (9/20) at Atlanta (10/18) vs. Arizona (11/08), vs. Philadelphia (11/22) at/vs Minnesota (11/29, 12/28) at Baltimore (12/20) Outlook: They could make a push for the Wild Card and I think that Monday Night game against the Vikes may decide it. I think Cutler will have problems with his receivers all year.

4. Detroit Lions: Key Players- QB Matthew Stafford, RB Kevin Smith LB Ernie Sims Key Games- at New Orleans (9/13), vs/at Minnesota (9/20, 11/15) at/vs Green Bay (10/18, 11/26) at/vs Chicago (10/3, 1/3) Outlook: Well I dont believe they will go win less but with a rookie quarterback, I doubt that they win more than four games. Their defense is nothing special at all.

NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles: Key Players- QB Donovan McNabb RB Brian Westbrook CB Ashante Samuel Key Games: vs. New Orleans (9/2o) vs/at NY Giants (11/1, 12/13) vs/at Dallas (11/8, 1/3) at San Diego (11/15) at Chicago (11/22) at Atlanta (12/6) Outlook- I dont believe any of the nonsense that McNabb will be bothered by Michael Vick and also look out for RB LeShon McCoy could have a huge year.

2. New York Giants: Key Players- QB Eli Manning, DE Osi Umenyiora, DE Justin Tuck Key Games: at/vs. Dallas (9/20, 12/6) vs. Arizona (10/25) at/vs Philadelphia (11/1, 12/13) vs. San Diego (11/8) vs. Atlanta (11/22) at Minnesota (1/3) Outlook- The other Wild Card team, they have the best D-Line in the NFL right now and I think Manning will be fine without Plaxico Burress.

3. Dallas Cowboys: Key Players- QB Tony Romo, RB Marion Barber/Felix Jones OLB DeMarcus Ware Key Games: vs./at NY Giants (9/20, 12/6) vs. Atlanta (10/25) at/vs Philadelphia (11/8, 1/3) at Green Bay (11/15) vs. San Diego (12/13) at New Orleans (12/19) Outlook- Could be the end of the road for Wade Phillips, I dont see this team better than third with a tough as nails schedule and a lot of question marks all around.

4. Washington Redskins: Key Players- DT Albert Hanyesworth, S LaRon Landry, RB Clinton Portis Key Games- at/vs NY Giants (9/13, 12/21) vs/at Philadelphia (10/26, 11/29) at/vs Dallas (11/22, 12/27) Outlook- Some people feel the Skins may be the surprise team of the NFC with their defense but I have a hard time seeing their offense being able to compete with the competition in this division.

On to the NFC South/West

-Charlie.

Are We Suprised the Lions Screw Things Up?

Here is the short answer: No.

Now here is the long answer; Detroit as you all know signed Matthew Stafford quarterback out of the University of Georgia to a contract worth forty-one million dollars of guaranteed money?! Which is twice the amount of money that Eli Manning made five years ago. This is where I think Commissioner Roger Goodell needs to put his foot down and set a base for guaranteed money for NFL Rookies. Because next year whoever will be the number one pick will want that "Matthew Stafford" money and its just an ugly cycle for years to come.

The other big time problem that the Lions are facing is the fact that Stafford will be a waste of this money. He has a great arm and looks like an NFL quarterback which we has been piss-pounded in our heads by Mel Kiper Jr. for the last five months. Here is the thing that Kiper isnt telling you, they had a team that was preseason number one with a great defense but because Stafford's offensive line wasnt strong enough, they couldnt win an SEC East crown. What does that say about Stafford? He needs a good offensive line, rut roh Detroit.

Of course, the Lions go for a tight end in Brandon Pettigrew from Oklahoma State who has a chance to be a great player but Detroit needed an offensive lineman plus with Michael Oher still around at 20, he could have been that guy. If you put Stafford-Oher together then the Lions might be on to something instead they will be back in the top 10 for the next couple of years.

-Charlie.

Schwartz to Save the Lions

Someone was as brave as Jack Bauer today.

That someone was Jim Schwartz who took the head coaching job for the Detroit Lions, the first 0-16 team in the National Football League. The guy surprisingly seemed like he wants to coach a team like the Lions saying "He would like the challenge." I mean its one thing to have a challenge but this is the Detroit Lions. This is sort of challenge is alot like having .10 left in Legends of the Hidden Temple and needing to put together the Shine of the Sliver Monkey, it just cant happen. I give Schwartz all the credit in the world but lets face it, this is the toughest job in football next to being Wade Phillips.

The one thing that Lions fans (is that plural?) should get excited about is that Schwartz has spent some time as a college and pro scout in the NFL. Which will all fall to shit when they draft Michael Crabtree, first overall, I kid. This is a vital thing for a coach to have and if I were Schwartz, I would be telling General Manager Martin Meyhew to trade the #1 pick, we need as many picks as possible to rebuild our team. There isnt one player who will be a difference maker for your team instantly.

In all honesty, I think this guy is the right man for the job and his defenses have always been some of the best in the NFL so if he makes Ernie Sims into the player I believe he could be and drafts a ton on defense already this team could win somewhere between 4-6 wins which would be a success but they still arent winning Lambeau.

-Charlie.

When You're 0-16, You Usually Lose Your Job

Today was the inevitable for Rob Marinelli as the Detroit Lions fired the coach of the first 0-16 team.

This needed to happen because of the record of the Lions this season but in fairness to Marinelli, he had an awful squad around him. When you get a retired quarterback to play for you and then put him as the starter that very week, usually means your not successful at all. Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson are the only true talents that the Lions really do have. Ernie Sims might be good but he needs some major work. Also they need an attitude adjustment, they made so many dumbass plays in the Packer game this past weekend. Other than that, they do not have another standout player so because of it, it was finally time for the Lions to start over.

The Lions need a massive overhaul of players to make this team into a winner which is never really has been. The Barry Sanders years featured playoff appearances but they were not considered Super Bowl Contenders during these years. The worst move they made so far is not look into going outside of their organization for a GM.

I think that either Josh McDainels, the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots or Steve Spagnuolo, the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants. Even the former coach of the New York Jets, Eric Mangini would not be a bad fit either. Whoever it is, they will need time to become a successful team.

Also if I am the Lions GM, I trade the number one pick to anyone who wants it and trade for as many draft picks as possible. Go in there thinking they are going to get ten draft picks at least and use them on things like the lines on both sides of the ball or the secondary for sure. Do not pick Sam Bradford if he comes out, if anything if they keep the pick take Andre Smith. Also I would experiment the opportunity to bring in Matt Cassel.

-Charlie.

Benedict Brett

Well look what he have here.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported on Sunday that Brett Favre- the great American Hero that he is, was in talks with Matt Millen before the Packers-Lions game in the second Sunday of the year. The talks werent about how Millen was getting axed, no they were about the Packers strategies going into that week.

One word describes this actions: Pathetic.

What an asshole, I could care less if its Brett Favre or some no-name college player letting other teams know about strategies that you run is awful and nowhere is it needed in the realm of sports.

What I do find funny is that how will people who thought we should have kept Brett Favre respond now? Because this has nothing to do with the organization, this just has to with Favre being a baby-back bitch. He being a baby because the Packers wanted to take a step forward with Aaron Rodgers. Even my good friend Dozer who was in Favre's support called him "Benedict Brett" which is true, Favre is a traitor and has lost some of the luster he once had here.

Cullen Jenkins said something after the Packer-Colt game which is so true and he said something along the lines of... "If you mad at the organization, thats one thing but at least you can be a class act about it." Favre has called everyone else except for ARod, why is that? Dont you think he could use some confidence?"

Face it people, Brett Favre isnt the guy we all knew and loved growing up in Wisconsin, thats just a fact.

-Charlie.

Matt Millen Gets the Boot..... 3 Years Late

This was about as shocking of news as finding out that Clay Aiken was gay. Basically saying everyone saw it coming, it was just a matter of time before it actually happened.

Matt Millen will never find an executive job in the NFL ever again. There is no possible way somebody can think its a good idea to have this guy in charge. The fans of teams in the NFC North loved the fact that Millen was in charge because we all knew that the Lions were nothing better than a 3rd place team.

The record of the Lions during Millen's seven years at the helm... 31-85. Wow, that is god-awful, how can you not fire this guy after about three years. He also the same guy who loved any wide receiver that was around in the first round a la Charles Rodgers (could of had Andre Johnson or Terrence Newman), Roy Williams (that one was good) and Mike Williams (missed out on DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, and Thomas Davis). In addition, I dont think he ever surrounded Joey Harrington- looking back on that pick, they could have Dwight Freeney or Roy Williams (free safety) with enough players to make him successful. Granted, he is still a bust but isnt on the top of the list for me. I just find it crazy that 50% of Millen's top 10 picks were wide recievers, just crazy.

It was a good move by the Lions to do it when they did. Now they can have a long process of picking a GM and I have not seen any lists of guys who could be favorites. I think they should at least keep around Rob Mirinelli. I think he has potential to be a good coach in my opinion.

-Charlie.