The Black Hole Will Be Great for Campbell

Something weird happened this NFL Draft weekend, the Oakland Raiders actually made moves to make their team better than just screw them for a couple of years.  Granted, the Richard Seymour trade will come back to haunt them next year if they struggle but maybe they are making sure that will not happen.  They acquire Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins and now I have to ask could the Raiders actually play with the big boys?

I think Campbell gets a bad rap from the D.C. media for various reasons because he hasn't been able to carry the Skins to any success but here's the thing... He has had constant change to deal with every year. Campbell has had six offensive coordinators in six years, you cannot tell me a player will rise to their true potential if they are dealing with that shit learning a new offense every July.  If that was me, I know I would have struggled as much as Campbell did and the other thing people fail to realize...

He isn't a guy that will light up the scoreboard like an Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, or a Philip Rivers but he can lead your team on long drives if you let him.  I would not like Campbell throw the ball pass 20 yards because he tends to get in trouble when he throws it vertically down the field.  Campbell's system needs to have a plethora of slants, screens, posts, ins, and everything else close. Obviously, the occasional fly route needs to happen to keep the defense at bay but Campbell doesn't need all of to be successful.

I am pulling for Campbell because I think we got an unbelievably unfair shake in Washington due to the fact, the hype around him was the type of a top 10 quarterback.  He isn't that, so let R.I.P. that argument and just know he is an above average quarterback who can maybe get you to the playoffs with the right combination of tools.  I do not think the Raiders will get to the playoffs this year but I think Campbell has added three to five wins at least for Raider nation.

-Charlie.

Week 17 Picks: MIA

I will get to the Gilbert Arenas story on Monday with a couple other NBA things and will start doing NCAA picks during the week plus on the weekend since they into conference play.

I really felt uninspired to write a picks post because honestly most of these games do not matter to teams and they want to lose to get a higher draft pick at least in my opinion.  If I am team knowing I will not make the playoffs and I believe my job will be back for next season, everyone gets time oThe other game thff into the next season. Although, I would argue that some coaches and teams would like to play the role of spoliers if they are given the oppertunity.

In the two or three big games this afternoon/night, I think that Philadelphia beats Dallas, it's going to be a close game but the Eagles have had success against the Cowboys in Dallas plus I really do not believe the Cowboys have a cornerback to cover DeSean Jackson, he will have a huge game today. Don't expect a blowout though, Tony Romo will play tough and the Cowboys lose on a final drive. PHI 27-24

The game that seems to be everyone's upset is Oakland and Baltimore, I also like the Raiders in the spolier role because they have risen up to te occasion on more than once against really good teams. I am still not convinced that the Ravens are that good of a team, they are the most undisplinced team in the NFL and Joe Flacco looks average at best. I see it as a defensive struggle with the Mitch Pratts hitting a FG for the win. OAK 13-10

The last game of the day between Cincinnati and the New York Jets could have some importance but if New England were to lose to Houston (currently tied in the third) then the game doesn't matter whatsoever. The Bengals have the tie-breaker and I think they would rather play Denver again then the Jets in back-to-back weeks if they win.  The Jets break their fans hearts every year and its going to be freezing in the big city where Mark Sanchez has 1 TD 8 INTs in cold weather this year... not good.  CINCY 21-13

-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.

Week One Wrap-Up: Crazier Than Kanye

Basically this is going to be my weekly wrap-up on Monday Night/Tuesday Morning for all of you and the main focus will be on the Green Bay Packers yet I will give a bunch of quick hitters about all the games that were significant. Quick opinion on Kanye West... Yes he is an asshole but haven't we known that for years since his rise to popularity. Also he was doing pulls out of a Cognac bottle therefore people do dumb shit when they are drunk. Now on to the NFL...

Oh my, what a weekend it was and we will start where it matters the Green Bay Packers who were playing their arch-rivals the Chicago Bears. Every Bears fan was trash-talking this whole summer about Jay Cutler and the future of their franchise.. blah blah blah. How about we talk about the Packer defense that took the ball away four times from Cutler? Okay. They looked awesome sending pressure from everywhere and you could tell that Cutler was flustered (see Clay Matthews punking him). Minus Atari Bigby's injury (sprained knee), I cannot find one concern about the defense. They played magnificent.

The offense side was rattled by the new look Bears defense who were very good until losing Brian Urlacher (more to come). Also the offense plan seemed weird at times throwing long balls at times not needed and relying on the run too much. Thats the end of my rant though because when its all said and done Aaron Rodgers hit Greg Jennings deep for the game-winning score. I also think the Pack need to reconsider Allen Barbre at Right Tackle, give it another game because Adewale Ogunleye is one of the best so maybe its makes him stronger who knows.

Finally, I really like that Aaron Rodgers won the game for the Packers. As my roommates and I all agreed no one can complain about A-Rod not being clutch or Mike McCarthy's play calling late in the game. I hope all the fans became believers last night.

Quick Thoughts on the rest of the NFL...

-I dont care what my roommate Brett says.... Jake Delhomme is now in the twilight of his career and I think he is lasting only one/two more games as a starter. Panthers will end up 8-8 at best.

-Donovon McNabb injury will hurt for one week or so which I really dont think hurts them. In addition, it has nothing to do with his arm.

-Bears fans it could be a long year when you had Super Bowl in your eyes. Losing Brian Urlacher for the season is like losing Tom Brady yet there is no Matt Cassel in Chi-City.

-Great Monday Night Football games today. Buffalo once again chokes which is the story of their lives but I was impressed with their young o-line/Fred Jackson. Tom Brady and the young defense should be fine. The team who had the biggest impact on me was Oakland who were the best I have seen them in many years. They might surprised a couple teams, we will see.

-Very impressed with San Francisco, New York Giants Defense, Dallas Offense.

-Charlie.

NFL Preview: AFC South/AFC West

And after this one we are done leading to a couple things that happened today then picks for both NCAA/NFL hopefully on time.

AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts: Key Players- QB Peyton Manning WR Reggie Wayne RB Joesph Addai Key Games- vs. Seattle (10/4) at/vs Tennessee (10/11, 12/6) vs/at Houston (11/8, 11/29) vs. New England (11/15) at Baltimore (11/22) Outlook- My roommate and die hard Manning fan Brett is worried about their O-Line but I think they will once again reclaim the AFC South. Although due to the hard divison, they will finish in the fourth spot in the AFC.

2. Tennessee Titans: Key Players- RB Chris Johnson CB Courtland Finnegan LB Keith Bulluck Key Games- at Pittsburgh (9/10) vs/at Houston (9/20, 11/23) vs/at Indianapolis (10/11, 12/6) at New England (10/18) vs. San Diego (12/25) at Seattle (1/3) Outlook- The big question is will Kerry Collins relive the year he had in 08? I think he can with the combination of Johnson/LenDale White I think will be too much for most teams. They beat out Houston for the sixth spot.

3. Houston Texans: Key Players- WR Andre Johnson QB Matt Schaub LB DeMeco Ryans Key Games- at/vs Tennessee (9/20, 11/23) at/vs Indianapolis (11/8, 11/29) vs. Seattle (12/13) vs. New England (1/3) Outlook- Honestly they could have a chance sneaking in with all the weak teams they play this year but they will fall just short of the Titans.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Key Players- RB Maurice Jones-Drew QB David Garrard DT John Henderson Key Games- at/vs Indianapolis (9/13, 12/17 ) vs/at Tennessee (10/4, 11/1) at New England (12/27) Outlook- Its not off to a good start with MJD questionable this week but they have no support through the air. Jack Del Rio will be gone after this one.

AFC West
1. San Diego Chargers: Key Players- QB Phillip Rivers RB LaDainen Tomilinson LB Shawne Tequi.. er Merriman Key Games- vs. Baltimore (9/20) at Pittsburgh (10/4) at NY Giants (11/8) vs. Philadelphia (11/15) at Tennessee (12/25) Outlook- I would like to remind everyone that it took an 8-8 team to win this division. The Chargers should coast and the first four games will tell us a lot about the Bolts.

2. Kansas City Chiefs: Key Players- QB Matt Cassell WR Dwayne Bowe LB Mike Vrabel Key Games- at Baltimore (9/13) at Philadelphia (9/27) vs. NY Giants (10/4) vs/at San Diego (10/25, 11/29) vs. Pittsburgh (11/22) Outlook- This is like picking the smartest Playboy bunny because you know all of those girls are complete dumb shits just like how the rest of the West is awful.

3. Oakland Raiders (AKA the Pratts): Key Players- QB JaMarcus Russell CB Nnamdi Asomugha DE Richard Seymour (oh wait.... shit, great move Al!) RB Darren McFadden Key Games- vs/at San Diego (9/14, 11/1) at NY Giants (10/11) vs. Philadelphia (10/18) at Pittsburgh (12/6) vs. Baltimore Outlook: I think they will be better than Denver but just by a bit. I hope they enjoy picking once again in the top 10. Also I wonder if Al will freeze when teams goes to the Steel City in December.

4. Denver Broncos: Key Players- QB Kyle Orton, WR Brandon Marshall, RB Knowshon Moreno Key Games- vs. New England (10/11) vs/at San Diego (10/19 ) at Baltimore (11/1) vs. Pittsburgh (11/9) vs. NY Giants (11/26) at Indianapolis (12/13) at Philadelphia (12/27) Outlook- With everything that has happened and that is continuing to happen, isn't inevitable with that schedule Denver will be drafting top five? I think so.

-Charlie.

Mitchy's Raiders Love to Brawl

Probably the craziest story of the week so far probably has been Oakland Raiders' Head Coach Tom Cable got into a brawl with with one of his assistant coaches Randy Hanson who hasnt been back to the training camp since that happened on August Fifth.

Honestly only the Raiders could do something this dumb. I mean this is absolutely hilarious to think that a head coach could just start a fight with their other coaches. Training camp usually brings some heat and fire from their players having a couple good rumbles going on. But never does it lead to police reports being filed. There also reports via multiple sources mine being Fanhouse... that people could hear players chanting "Cable Bumaye!" (Cable Kill Him) -- a reference to the chant made by boxing fans in Zaire when Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle fight. That is now why whenever I need to talk about Cable, he is now Cable Bumaye. That is just awesome.

I dont think Cable will get fired and the Raiders will probably fine him for sure for creating distraction. I doubt even if its found that he did hit Hanson that he will get suspended by the Raiders... the NFL might see it differently suspending for a game or two. I am sure this story is not over by a long shot and we will probably find out more as the week goes on.

-Charlie.

Really Al Davis?

I am sorry Mitch Pratt. My friend Mitch is a big time Raiders fan and I feel bad for him and all of the Black Hole in Oakland because they are getting royally screwed out of having a decent team for 2009. The crazy thing is after reading Mitchy's post about the draft he is happy with it?! Lets break it down here...

You got a guy in Darrius Heyward-Bey that probably wasnt going to be taken until the playoff teams started selecting so why didnt the Raiders try to get a team like Philadelphia or Minnesota for that matter to trade up? They could of received a couple more picks instead of Al pissing one away in the top ten. There is a reason every year the Raiders are drafting in the top ten and this is it. You trade down if you dont like that Michael Crabtree didnt run the forty thats fine but please as a Raider Nation do not come bitchin' to me when he is tearing up the other side of the Bay Area for the Niners.

Then in the second round, they got Michael Mitchell out of Ohio who wasnt projected to get drafted! I seriously wonder what sort of brain damage Al has right now because that is straight up stupid. There were many athletic safeties that were still out and available although they decide to go with this clown in Mitchell.

The one thing I hope for is that the two players are successful because its not Heyward-Bey or Mitchell's fault that Davis decided to draft them But still it doesnt excuse what Al Davis is doing the team. He could of had much better talent and in 2009, you cant have a true deep sleeper like Mitchell, too many scouts do their job damn well.

Al even George Steinbrenner realized when it was time to let go, I hope you do too.

-Charlie.

I'm Al Davis and This Is How you Run a Franchise Into the Ground

Al Davis carry this aura around him. Not the aura, that Mr. Davis likes to think he has. No sir, its the aura of being the biggest idiot owner in all four professional sports in America. He has been teerting on that title for many years but officially has it after releasing DeAngelo Hall after he TRADED for him and SIGNED him for 70 million/7 years. What the hell?

I wish that Mr. Davis would just decide to give up the Oakland Raiders or Commissioner Goodell would tell him to give up the club for the people who are fans of this team. Their fan base is one of the best in the NFL as they are amped up for games no matter if the Raiders are 0-6 or 6-0. I cannot even imange how JT "the Brick" a national FOX radio host is taking this one as a Raider fan or my buddy Mitch of Boom's Business whose in the same boat. I am sure its just the same motion of ramming your head against a wall and hoping by the end of the ramming session Al Davis' decisions make sense to you.

I am not saying that Hall is a primetime player like many thought he would be, no but he is a good number two corner plus he is young enough to elevate himself into a number one role. I am sure this is demoralizing for Hall and now there are rumors Javon Walker and Tommy Kelley might go. Davis just must enjoy being a complete pathetic loser because that is what he is. Is Davis trying to make this franchise bankrupt? God, I feel so bad JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden as they have to play with the worst owner in sports.

Good luck to all those Raider fans and players for Al Davis.

-Charlie.