NCAA Gang Initiation

Before reading this blog.. check out the video below to put it into proper context. If you've already seen the brawl, jump ahead to 2:25 in the clip to view the comments in question:



What a sad day for college sports. What a shame too, that this happens in college basketball, which is most likely the most competitively balanced of all the NCAA's major sports.

It's tough not to be a Monday morning quarterback here, but how do these teams let this happen?

How do their respective coaching staffs allow the negative back-and-forth to ensue this week without squelching it out? Maybe they tried.

How do they not, at halftime, refocus their teams on the basketball game instead of the impending "gangsta" brawl? Maybe they tried.

Most importantly....
How do you recruit players that view themselves as "gangstas"? How do you entrust your program in the hands of people who represent "where they from" by physical means?

I guess we'll never know the exact sequence of events that led up to the final 9 seconds of the game. It's tough not to draw negative conclusions based on what we saw.

To be fair, the climax of the brawl appeared to be escalated by Cincinnati. Absolutely goaded by some jawing by Xavier (Holloway taunting the Cincinnati bench), but certainly escalated by Cincinnati. Their players left the bench to jump in when their player had a Musketeer in his face.

Yancy Gates (Bearcats #34) then lost control. He whipped the basketball at Holloway (self-proclaimed "gangsta"). He rushed into the melee and cold-cocked Xavier's Kenny Freese. Another term would be sucker punch. Another term would be cowardly.

Kenny Freese of Xavier got jacked up in the melee.

 In true "gangsta" fashion, Cincinnati's #13 Cheikh Mbodj went Ndamukong Suh on Freese as he was laying on the ground. Mbodj, from Senegal, has apparently adjusted seamlessly to the American gangsta culture.

Xavier could've come out of this not looking as ridiculous. They would've been guilty of inappropriate trash talking, and Cincinnati would've been viewed as the team that lost its composure. If not for the post game comments of Tu Holloway, this would have been the case. The comments (again, around 2:25 of the video clip above) show that the mindset of both teams was skewed.

How does Xavier head coach Chris Mack NOT sit down with his guys after the game (especially with those going before the media) and talk to them about what they should say?

Why would he even let them face the media if they were going to say things like they said?

At least Cincinnati's head coach Mick Cronin spoke like a human being after the game. He gave us the emotions that most of us were thinking as the brawl ensued, and essentially said what needed to be said. He would've been highly scrutinized had he said anything else, and he probably saved his job by speaking as candidly as he did. 

The Vibe's Take

Both programs need to have a serious refocusing session with their entire basketball programs, starting at the top. I'm not necessarily advocating for firings or anything like that, but both teams need to suspend some guys.

Holloway and Lyons from Xavier should be suspended for the combination of their on-court taunting and their ridiculous post game comments. To recap:

"If somebody put they hand in yo' face or try to do somethin' to you....where we from you gonna do somethin' back" - Lyons

"We grown men over here....we got a whole buncha gangstas in the locker room" -Holloway

So, the impression given is that Xavier taps into the talented gang-ridden streets to target players to recruit....and Senegal. Not saying this is the case, but this is the perception.  That can't sit well with Xavier.

Yancy Gates of Cincinnati should be dismissed from the team. You should not be able to do something like that and continue to play big time college basketball. I mean, he took a step back and did some juking and air jabs (like a boxer) after connecting with Freese. I still don't understand how, in incidents like this, he can escape criminal charges. If he did the exact same thing in a bar, he'd be arrested and charged.

But ironically probably still allowed to play (LSU football anyone?)

This should be Yancy Gates final dunk in organized basketball.

 Cincinnati's Cheikh Mbodj should be suspended for a few games. Although not a sucker-punch, trying to stomp on someone who is laying on the ground bleeding would also garner you criminal charges in a different forum.

It's such a shame, because many people view college basketball as the most pure form of the game. More defense, higher energy games, crisp teamwork and passing. They devalue the NBA because (among other things) thuggish behavior like this is more commonplace. It would truly be a shame if stuff like this started to creep into the college game.

Patern-al Order of Malice

Rarely in the history of The Vibe has a topic required a second blog. In fact, it has never happened.

Has there ever been a topic as inflammatory as this Penn State stuff? I'm not talking college football. I'm not even talking sports. I'm talking in the history of our country. I make that statement not for shock value or to devalue scandals such as Watergate or the Lewinsky debacle. In the moral scheme of things, it just blows everything out of the water.

We (as a society) are going on Week 2 of hour-by-hour Penn State coverage. That speaks volumes. In the thick of an NFL season as competitive as any in recent memory....At a time when the MLB offseason is heating up with firings, signings, and trade rumors....When NBA owners and players are in a historic greed-fest over who will get a piece of the multi-million dollar pie....Hell, there's even hockey going on.

And all we can talk about is Penn State.

One of the only games each year that I rooted for Penn State. After witnessing Ohio State taking a credibility hit this off season, Michigan sees another rival bite the dust. Who cares about the Fab Five anymore anyway?

The last blog dealt with the surface handling of the scandal of the PSU big wigs. It was written pre-Paterno-canning and before the nation had a chance to chew this up and digest it. I too have had a chance to digest this a bit more. And I'm getting angrier and angrier at Joe Paterno as the days pass.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'll point out again that I was not in love with Paterno to begin with. I always thought that he had an arrogance about him. I felt that he was completely enamored with the idea of himself as the face of Penn State. I resented how PSU would run up the score (especially in the 90's) against the likes of inferior teams. A classic "kick 'em while they're down" program (81-0 vs. Cincinnati in 1992, 70-7 vs. Maryland in 1993). I don't single them out in that regard, because your Miamis and Florida States did the same.

I was always of the opinion, though, that the Paterno self-enamoration was something that was Penn State's thing. The Nittany Lion faithful were down with Joe Pa's aura, and that was all that mattered. Who cares what a non-Penn State fan thinks of what they had going on? It worked for them, to the tune of tremendous success. Incidentally, I really feel for my PSU-faithful friends who were gung ho Joe Pa. It has to be devastating watching this demise.

Turns out, Paterno was really into himself as the Godfather of PSU. And I'm sorry, but in my opinion that is not debatable. Do I think he went out of his way to definitively orchestrate a cover up of this Sandusky business? No. Do I think that conversations went on behind closed doors about how to make this go away without damaging the PSU image? Absolutely. Was Joe Pa involved in those conversations? You had better believe it.

Joe Pa always loved him some Joe Pa....

 As WFAN's Mike Francesa pointed out, it was no coincidence that Sandusky "decided" to retire after the 1998 regular season ('99 Alamo Bowl) at the ripe young age of 55. Coincidental that evidence came out in 1998 (as reported to police for the first time) of sexual abuse?

Joe Paterno knew nothing of this? News to him? I don't buy it for a second.

This is what I think happened. This is based on the countless hours of media coverage and news articles, and reflects only my personal opinion.

Opinions are like assholes...everyone has one....even this guy!

The Vibe's Take

Joe Pa caught wind of those allegations in '94. But as many a man might, he did not act swiftly because there was no proof, and no criminal charges. He kept Sandusky on and in 1998, the program was rocked internally by the police investigation of Sandusky. PSU officials came to Paterno and they worked on getting Sandusky out as a coach. They gave him the option to go out with "dignity" and he took it.

TURNING POINT....If they had also told Sandusky to stay away from campus, to disassociate from the university completely, and to not show his face around...they would have fulfilled their moral obligation. The onus would have been on the police to whom it was reported to prosecute and investigate. If that happens - no janitor incidents, no Mike McQueary dilemma, no Paterno demise.

But they opted for the low road. Paterno stood idly as Sandusky continued to be a presence around campus. Scratch that...Paterno HAD to have wanted to keep Sandusky around. We all know that anyone Joe Pa really wanted out would be gone at the snap of his fingers. He even allowed him to run football camps using Penn State football as a lure. Joe Pa wasn't giving that the OK?

And then Mike McQueary inadvertently lit the end fuse of a bomb in 2002. At the time, the pelirrojo is likely running around trying to do anything and everything to catch on with Paterno's staff for good. Joe Pa says jump, he asks "How high?" Then he unsuspectingly walks in on this monster, a man who he revered for 4 years as a player and likely the next 4 years trying to break in as a coach. Having no knowledge of the situation, his world was rocked. And he made the morally fatal choice to leave instead of intervening.   

He tells Joe Pa....Joe Pa reports it to the the powers that be. Immediately, they think "Oh shit...this is NOT going to look good....this was brought to our attention in the past and we allowed the guy to continue coming around....we have to make this go away" And people got greased up, paid off, whatever you'd like to call it.

"I'm gonna make him an offer he won't refuse. Okay? I want you to leave it all to me." Don't think for a minute that deals didn't go down in this whole fiasco.... 

This part is NOT MY OPINION.

It is what came of the grand jury testimony. McQueary testified to a grand jury that he witnessed an anal raping of a young boy. Paterno reported to the grand jury that he had been told that Sandusky was "fondling or doing something of a sexual nature" to a young boy. AD Tom Curley and VP Gary Schultz testified that they were told there was some "horsing around in the shower" of an inappropriate nature. President Graham Spanier testified the same.

It's like a bad game of telephone.

Just about every picture you can find of the game "telephone" is of kids playing it. Didn't think it would be appropriate given the nature of this blog. Instead...who doesn't love to see hot girls? Well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad. Another pelirrojo disappoints in this blog.

And from there, Sandusky was not charged. Things went back to the way they were, Paterno unbelievably continued to coach with McQueary on staff, all the while having Sandusky in an office upstairs. How could he sit there in meetings, in good faith, with this man who had reported such an unthinkable act to him.....and not feel bad for looking the other way?

"Looking the other way? But Joe Pa testified!"

Once again, if Joe Pa wanted someone gone from that program, it would have taken 10 minutes for it to happen.

How many poor kids were victimized after 1998, when Paterno first heard? How about after 2002, as Sandusky used his PSU credentials to run camps and charities (as an avenue to access victims)?

I wonder how Paterno lives with himself knowing that because he didn't want to make waves in his program, a handful of young boys had their innocence robbed by a monster. How can he make a blase' comment like "I wish I would've done more" and then end with "let's pray for the victims"? How can he smile and say "I love you too" to student supporters gathered outside his residence? How can he minimize his role in this and release a statement saying that he will retire and that the board can "focus on their investigation" and not worry about him?

He still doesn't get it.

With great power comes great responsibility....and not to oneself, but to the greater good...A large amount of the blood is on his hands.
 

White Out at the Wrong Time



Penn State has always been known for their "white outs" at home games.

For years, Penn State fans have flocked in white to Happy Valley to support one of the nation's consistently best football programs. Over the years, fans and haters alike have come to - at the very least - respect the Penn State program as doing things the right way. Love him or hate him, the sight of Joe Paterno on the sidelines conjures up images of one's grandfather overseeing a well-oiled machine that has prided itself on class, integrity, and a genuine family environment.

As it turns out, since 1998 the Penn State upper echelon of decision-makers were employing their own, very different version "white out"...

Who among us wasn't brought up using white out to fix our mistakes? Penn State University's administration apparently learned a different technique.

While the football program sauntered on in a national spotlight (it's only controversy being the "will he" or "won't he" banter regarding Joe Pa's retirement), the unconscionable was occurring behind the scenes. Jerry Sandusky, their defensive coordinator from 1977 - 1999, was apparently sexually preying on young boys. What's more is he was using the university program to help access victims.


Here's what we "know" based on reports surfacing from media outlets:

• In 1998, a parent accused him of inappropriately touching her son. She notified police who set up a meeting between Sandusky and the mother (monitored by their detectives) in which Sandusky stated that "maybe" he touched the son inappropriately, apologized and said that he "wanted to die." Subsequently, the Centre County DA Ray Gricar chose not to pursue charges. In 2005, Gricar went missing, with his work laptop found in the Susquehanna River. By the way, touching a kid inappropriately is pretty cut and dry...
• In 2002, Penn State graduate assistant Mike McQueary (star QB for the Nittany Lions in 96-97) reported to Joe Paterno that he walked in on Sandusky anally raping a young boy. Paterno notified AD Tom Curley and Penn State VP Gary Schulz. The men interviewed McQueary TEN days later, ultimately deciding not to notify police.
• Through 2009, Sandusky ran an overnight football camp for children on the Penn State campus. He also volunteered as an assistant coach at a local high school.

Moreover....he wrote a book (pictured below):


Are we being serious right now!?!?! THIS is the title of his book. You can't make this stuff up. Is he fucking with us? The balls on this guy....

How does this happen? It's funny, you watch movies like "Varsity Blues" and "Friday Night Lights" and you think that this stuff never happens. You think that it's fiction that only happens in menial hick-ish towns where nobody cares what goes on anyway.

We now have a legendary Division I football powerhouse that will never be the same again, because it prioritized its legacy above doing the right thing. They are about to learn what Ohio State just did...The cover up is ALWAYS worse than the initial act. In this case, the initial act is pretty freakin' terrible. But coupled with a cover up? Tough to even put into words.

Let's say, hypothetically, that they truly did not have enough proof to pursue any of these charges. Wouldn't you rid your program of this guy based on the repeated allegations? Wouldn't it be easy to "go in another direction"? I realize that he wasn't "on staff" for most of the time during which the allegations occurred, but they still allowed him to be highly involved with university. They let him host an overnight camp for boys for Christ sake!

"Hey Jerry, we're going to go in another direction. Thanks for everything. By the way, try to stop raping little kids." That's all it would've taken for PSU to sever ties. Proof or no proof, why the need to keep around a former coach with that much baggage. 

If we're going to call a spade a spade....They covered this thing up. The WRONG kind of white out. I have a hard time believing that Joe Paterno was intimately involved in any coverup, but at the same time ... he didn't have a problem with Sandusky hanging around? How did any of them even look him in the face after the 2002 allegations? One of their own, McQueary, SAW him raping a kid. That's not enough?

"I'm gonna ask you again, Mike...Are you sure they weren't just wrestling?" All kidding aside, I find it hard to believe that Joe Pa was involved in any cover up....but he let this scumbag use his PSU brand to market his camp and - even worse - to access his victims.

McQueary has stayed on and is currently the recruiting coordinator and WR coach for the program. Wonder how he feels about his school's "faith" in his credibility. This makes Ohio State look like the University of Divinity. What small potatoes now. You're talking about supposedly credible men (the AD and university VP) consciously covering this up, and a slew of others (Paterno included) who are guilty of at least looking the other way.

Honestly, I didn't like Penn State before this. But that was of a rooting interest. I've always respected their program for the ideals that they have embodied. It will be tough to root for them moving forward if they don't gut the whole program.

It's sad that it has to end this way.....but it's time to clean house.

Yanks for Nothing

The 2011 postseason will be remembered as the postseason in which the Yankee fan had exactly a week and a half to celebrate. A postseason that began for Yankee fans with an epic September collapse by the rival Boston Red Sox ended with a dose of utter disappointment in the Bronx.

Yankees fans had a week and a half to enjoy the collapse of Pedroia and the Sox.

When the Bombers drew Detroit in Round 1, all the buzz was around Verlander. Could the Yanks survive a short series with Detroit trotting its all-world righthander out there for 2 starts? As it turns out, it wasn't Verlander who did the Yanks in, it was their own bats. Specifically, their own bats when the game was on the line.

Justin Verlander's right arm  was enough for him to get his fair share of creampies to the face this year. However, it was not what ultimately did the Yankees in. 

It's ironic, because if you look at the series statistics, the Yankees were supreme in almost every offensive category. But that was largely due to offensive outbursts in Game 1 and Game 4, with most of the numbers coming when the game was on its way to being in had.

Don't get me wrong. As much as we joke about it, you really "can't predict baseball." These players are only human. It's hard to hit a baseball. Real hard. (That's what she said) But when you have players hitting 4-5-6 making $62.5 million, you have every right to expect them to produce when the game is on the line. As a Yankee fan, I grew up watching players like Jim Leyritz, Luis Sojo, Shane Spencer, Scott Brosius, and the soon-to-be-discussed Joe Girardi come up with big time October hits. These were not highly paid superstars putting up video game numbers in the regular season. They were hard-nosed players with the moxie necessary to slow the game down in a big spot.

Before starring as a derelict, Leyritz was once a Yankee postseason hero.

The 2009 World Series team was more-or-less the exception to this, as a star-studded lineup made its run through the playoffs. The only role players on that team of the same ilk as the previous list were Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner.

Aside from this 2009 championship, we have seen a run of "hired guns" brought in by the Yankees to sculpt an all-star caliber lineup. In their defense, clearly the run of 1996-2000 significantly raised the expectations of fans. When you are expected to be in the World Series every year, it's pretty difficult in New York to answer the question of "How are you going to address your open RF situation?" with a name like Cody Ross or Scott Podsednik (to name a few unsung postseason heroes in recent years). Brett Gardner is the current closest thing to that, and look at the scrutiny he was under this year when he slumped. By the way, he was one of the Yanks who had a good series against Detroit.

Ahh..What ever happened to the Scott Brosiuses of the world? Mediocre regular season numbers, but an absolute stud in the clutch. A member of the 98, 99, and 00 World Champions, and did all he could in 2001 in search of a 4-peat. The World Series MVP in 1999.

Today's fan falls in love with regular season stats, but if you aren't getting it done in October, what is the regular season really worth?

Joe Girardi has been highly scrutinized for almost his entire tenure as Yanks manager. His biggest critics will say that he micromanages. I have more-or-less always defended Girardi, as with the bullpen for example, it's difficult to manage a perfect game if you don't have the horses. Clearly not talking about Mo here, but when you consider recent bullpen arms such as Kyle Farnsworth, Edwar Ramirez, Alfredo Aceves, Brian Brunney, Damaso Marte, and Rafael Soriano this year, this statement makes sense.

How do you manage a bullpen with guys like this as an option? Edwar once gave my friend a ticket for spitting in the pedestrian bridge to Yankee Stadium. True story.

My immediate reaction last night was to "jump ship" on Girardi when he started emptying the bullpen. I felt like I was watching an all-star game, as every 1-2 innings a new pitcher took the hill. I was skeptical that Nova was truly hurt, but it turns out that he was (MRI reveals strained forearm). It also turns out that Girardi's bullpen revolving door worked out for the team. The only run after Nova's first inning was a run that ace CC Sabathia surrendered. To that end, I can't kill him too much for this loss.

You simply have to hit in a big spot. That's the bottom line. And so, it leaves us as Yankee fans with some burning issues heading into 2012:

• CC Sabathia can (and will) opt out to look for more money. The Yanks will have to pay him. They have no choice. Despite his postseason woes, there are no more-viable alternatives on the open market. It's scary to imagine the rotation if CC leaves.
• Nick Swisher has a club option for 2012 at $10.25 million. That's not getting picked up. But will they bring Swish back? No one has been more of a fan favorite than Swish, but three straight awful postseasons will punch your ticket out of town (.169 career postseason hitter). I'll root for him wherever he ends up, but I'm ready to move on in RF.
• Alex Rodriguez has SIX more years left on his contract at $20 million plus a season. And he looks like he's starting to break down. His bat speed has slowed down, and he has looked overmatched at the plate for the first time in his career. Consider that in 2017 he'll be 41 and making $20 million. Scary. They had better start winning some more championships to make that pay off. One is not enough.
• Jorge Posada is a free agent and will surely try to find a way to stay with the team. Going off Girardi's "wherever he plays" comment after Game 5, it doesn't look like the Yanks will bring him back. And they shouldn't. Please retire Jorge. I want you to have a civil end to your Yankee carrer. I don't want to see you DHing for the Minnesota Twins.
• AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes, who both entered the season with high hopes for being a part of a stellar rotation, had forgettable 2011's. While we are counting the days until AJ is out of town, Hughes' situation is one of greater urgency. In the span of a year, he went from looking like the next Yankee stud to looking like he could go the way of Sterling Hitchcock. 
• The catching situation. Russell Martin looked lost at the plate, but solid behind it. However, with Jesus Montero and Austin Romine seemingly ready to be in the show, how will this play out? Montero projects as a position player, but could also be traded for a starting pitcher. Martin should come back for another year, but not without a shorter leash.

It will be a long, and very interesting, off-season.

NFL Week 1 Banter

Week 1 of the NFL season usually brings its share of surprises, flashes in the pan, and bold statements that begin to lay the foundation for the rest of the NFL season. The best way to attack what was an eventful Week 1 is to separate the performances into The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Many of the usual suspects will show up in the Good, while the Bad contains some players and teams that were not a huge surprise. The Ugly is littered with those who were not only bad, but were bad in style.

The Good

With the good, we've gotta begin with Panthers QB Cam Newton. Under much scrutiny due to the failures of previous athletic but inaccurate QB's in the NFL (Vince Young, Tim Tebow, etc.), all Newton did was respond by having the best statistical QB debut of any rookie QB in history. As a Cam detractor, I've got to give him props. We should temper our expectations going forward, as this was only one game (and against the Cardinals D to begin with). And it should be pointed out that his team lost. But at the very least, he's proven that he's capable of being an NFL quarterback. Oh by the way, it helps to have a resurgent Steve Smith catching deep balls and putting up 2007-esque numbers. Along with the QB ilk are some of the usual suspects, Thursday night phenoms Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, who were predictably outstanding. Meanwhile, on MNF Tom Brady and Wes Welker proved that they have a lot left in the tank as a dynamic duo. Brady threw for an insane 500+ yards, while Welker continues to post #1 WR numbers out of the slot. Lastly, a forgotten Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 4 scores against the Chiefs, while everyone else had left the Bills offense for dead. He found 6'7 specimen Scott Chandler for 2 scores, and made everyone think twice about the role of the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.

Cam may have been the most watched player this weekend. "He's an athlete, not a passer" is what many an analyst said. All he did in response was throw for 422 yards and prove that he'll never end up in the Akili Smith/Ryan Leaf realm. 

Ray Rice and the Ravens offense went wild in Pittsburgh, while the Ravens Defense coaxed a consistent, conservative offense into 7 turnovers. Darren McFadden went all Barry Sanders on the Broncos defense, rushing for a million yards with no touchdowns. Cedric Benson took awhile to get going for Cincy, but closed the game out for the (1-0) Bengals. Enough so to compensate (???) for the loss of starting QB Andy Dalton. Usual slashers Matt Forte and LeSean McCoy put up huge numbers for their teams, while I'm still not sure what to make of San Diego's Mike Tolbert. A fullback's physique. Looks slow in highlights. But finds the end zone at an amazing clip. A rich man's Charles Way, he's a major reason why the Bolts were able to eke out their win versus the Vikes.

In one of the least interesting games, Tennessee's Kenny Britt shined in a loss with no running game and an aging quarterback. Must have read the PepeVibe's July 21st entry (Not So Goodell?) before the game. All in all, his team still lost, but Britt has proven that at the very least he's a delinquent who can be productive. Some usual suspects put up big games at WR. Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson did Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson things, and Reggie Wayne put numbers up despite playing in an anemic Peyton-less offense. Last, but certainly not least, is the 49ers Ted Ginn Jr., who actually put up better numbers for the 49ers D/ST than he did for himself (in fantasy football circles). Two kick returns to paydirt to seal the game is legit. Although Ginn's performance as a WR in the NFL has certainly been disappointing (for a #9 overall pick), his special teams value cannot be understated.

Umm...Can we get one of these tight ends please?

While many teams (ahem..Giants....ahem) are reeling at the position, Patriots tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski managed to each post Top 5 numbers (13 collective receptions). They've got to be thanking God every night they were drafted into Tom Brady's offense. Fred Davis emerged in Washington to counteract an aging Chris Cooley, while Dustin Keller brought down several key receptions in the Jets gritty win against the Vibe's Cowboys.

The Bad

One of the harder things to do is differentiate between The Bad and The Ugly. It's tough to be "bad" in the NFL without being ugly. We'll start with a few "systems" that disappointed this weekend. The Giants running game and the Buccaneers running game left fans scratching their heads. With proven playmakers in the fold, each failed to give its top two running backs over 20 carries. The Broncos running game, meanwhile, posted fewer than 50 yards. QB Kyle Orton rushed for over half of Knowshon Moreno's total. And he rushed for 13 yards. The 49ers Offense had their own offensive woes, only to be outdone by the Seahawks Offense. With each posting just over 200 yards, I feel badly for anyone who watched this whole game. On Thursday night, a hyped Saints Defense let Super Bowl Champ Aaron Rodgers hang a 42-spot on them. This team will be in the playoffs, but they had better hope they straighten things out on that side of the ball.

Tavaris may help the Seahawks ultimately exact revenge on the Niners...by leading them to the finish line of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. That'll show Jim Harbaugh..

Holdout extraordinaire Chris Johnson was a non-factor for the Titans (49 total yards) opening up the floodgates for scrutiny as to how prepared he is for an NFL season. Staying in the AFC South, poor Kerry Collins completed just over 50% of his passes and fumbled twice in the first half. It's interesting that the Colts landed on him as the security blanket for Peyton. I don't know what else to say, except that it feels like you are watching your grandfather out there taking lumps. It may be strange that I'm mentioning Falcons QB Matt Ryan here, as he threw for 300+ yards, but he failed to orchestrate any kind of productive offense. Meanwhile, he was responsible for 2 turnovers.

Does Gramps still have a few wins left in him? Didn't look like it on Sunday. A modern-day Steve DeBerg...

It's tough to list WR's as "Bad," because sometimes poor numbers are a function of the quarterback or of offensive play as a whole. See the blurb on McNabb and the Vikings below. Chad Ochocinco does not apply here. His quarterback threw for 500 yards, and he had 1 catch for 14 yards. While the Pats are happy with the resounding win, Chad can't be happy with his Week 1 showing.

The Ugly

Where do I begin with Tony Romo...I want so badly to support him. He plays so well, and with swagger, most of the time. But he just morphs into a different person in the 4th quarter. I could write another whole blog about this, but I'm going to take the high road. I won't lie, I thought that Dez Bryant was the best player of the field in the first half of that game. But why was he on the field after he bruised his quad and clearly couldn't run? What's more, why was Romo continuing to target him, especially with Revis covering? Ugh, one demerit to Cowboys coach Jason Garrett.

As ugly as it gets....Has there ever been a player with as much talent who has imploded in clutch moments? He's officially on the clock to show something, or get out of town.

The Redskins looked out of their mind this offseason by jettisoning Donovan McNabb. Boy, do they look like geniuses after Week 1. McNabb was a Ryan Leaf-esque 7/15 for 39 yards. His touchdown pass was countered with a costly pick, and he failed to help the Vikings capitalize on a Chargers offense that could not seem to finish its drives.

And where do I begin with the Chiefs Offense? Matt Cassel managed to throw for just 119 yards while trailing big most of the game. You would think he'd at least compile yards (a la Collins, above). Their leading receivers (Breaston, McCluster, and Leonard Pope) had 26, 25, and 24 receiving yards respectively. Which means that Dwayne Bowe needs to get called out for failing to have an impact on this game.

On Monday Night, the Broncos Front Office has put itself in a position where their starting quarterback (who's actually not too bad) will be in an impossible situation this year. By not trading Orton away, the Denver execs will be listening to "Tebow, Tebow, Tebow" chants all season. The fans have every right to feel that way, wanting to see what their 2010 first round pick has. But Kyle Orton doesn't deserve it. I'm sure he wants to start chanting "We want a running back, we want a running back.."

Giants fans have got to be growing tired of Coughlin's sideline antics and failure to produce on the field.

Last, but certainly not least, is Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants. Let me be clear, this is not a dig. Hell, I'm coming down hard on my own team in this same blog. It's just that the Giants made no moves all offseason, while telling the fans and media that they were "good to go" with the players they had on the roster. Don't get me wrong, they've been hurt by injuries, but their performance on Sunday was nothing short of ugly. Coughlin gets the call out for two reasons. #1 failure to demand that Gilbride call more running plays, and #2 his body language on the sidelines. His looks of exasperation, coupled with his red-faced tirades at officials and his own players, make Eli Manning look like he's got a poker face. I feel bad for Eli. Not because he's got certain receivers who are unreliable. Not because he's got no tight end. You can't hang that whole loss on him, but he's simply just not as good as people want him to be. As a former Super Bowl champ, he's moving more towards Trent Dilfer status than Tom Brady status.

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And to close out the blog...I could care less that Jay Cutler threw for 300 yards, 2TD, and only had one turnover in a Bears win. He still isn't getting props from me. He should consider himself lucky he did not end up in the Ugly section for his despicable aura.

Begins with a D...and rhymes with "whoosh"

2011 NFL Predictions

As the 2011 NFL season begins, we celebrate one of the greatest days of the year (NFL opening weekend) on one of the most somber days of the year (September 11th). While enjoying the games this Sunday, we will most certainly be reflecting on the events of 10 years ago and on the lives that were lost. God bless...


And now without further ado..Predictions for the 2011 NFL divisions!

AFC East

1. Patriots
2. Jets
3. Bills
4. Dolphins

AFC North
1. Ravens
2. Steelers
3. Browns
4. Bengals

AFC South
1. Titans
2. Colts
3. Texans
4. Jaguars

AFC West
1. Chargers
2. Raiders
3. Broncos
4. Chiefs

AFC Outlook
A couple of great divisional battles this year in the AFC, with Jets/Pats and Ravens/Steelers. I think the Jets can gear it up to split 1-1 or maybe even sweep the Pats, but the Pats are more likely to smoke the rest of the division. I forsee the Pats winning it at 13-3 and the Jets finishing 12-4. In the North, the Ravens and Steelers do battle again, while the Bengals may threaten to finish 0-16.

What the Titans lack in dental hygiene they make up for with playmakers such as CJ2K and Kenny Britt. I predict you will see the most consistent play from them this year (of all the AFC South teams)

The AFC South looks like it could be up for grabs. The biggest surprise to my blog readers is probably the choice of the Titans in the AFC South. I just think that they sneak up on people. They have a game manager at QB and the best running back in football, along with an above average defense and some special teams playmakers. The Colts absence of Manning could turn offensive players such as Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon into the "ho-hum" players they were projected to be entering the NFL. The Jags are a mess and could compete with the Bengals, Seahawks, and 49ers for the top spot in the 2012 draft.

Cassel and the Chiefs could be in for a rather harsh return to NFL mediocrity.  They don't have their cake schedule of 2010, and they looked lost in the preseason. With Cassel uncertain for Week 1, it's been exposed that Tyler Palko is their backup QB. It's downright irresponsible for a franchise to roll with a Tyler Palko-type as its #2.

In the West, I think the Chiefs will encounter a harsh return to Earth this year. Their preseason was tumultuous (both on and off the field), and I'm skeptical that Cassel can repeat his performance of 2010. I don't love the Chargers, there's just nobody else there to take the division. The Raiders have to break through one of these years, and their running game gives you hope. It's just that Jason Campbell is their QB. I will be curious to see if the Chargers get off to a slow start this year.

AFC CHAMPION: Baltimore Ravens
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NFC East

1. Cowboys
2. Eagles
3. Giants
4. Redskins

NFC North
1. Packers
2. Vikings
3. Lions
4. Bears

NFC South
1. Saints
2. Falcons
3. Buccaneers
4. Panthers

NFC West
1. Cardinals
2. Rams
3. Seahawks
4. 49ers

NFC Outlook
Yeah...I picked the Cowboys. I know I'm a fan, but I really do believe in Jason Garrett. I think they could have one of the most explosive offenses in football this year. As for the dirty birds, the Eagles are an injury away (not going to specify where) from being mediocre. Big Blue has been decimated by injuries, and surprisingly I don't think Rex Grossman is the one to lead the Redskins out of the woods.

Detroit hasn't won consistently against the likes of the Packers, Vikings, and Bears since the days of the immortal Wayne Fontes. When Starter jackets and shark tooth hats were king....

Everyone's hot for the Lions...I think they'll be a tough out this year, but they certainly aren't beating the Pack. Maybe my judgement is cloudy because I haven't seen them win consistently in the NFC North since....well, since they formed the NFC North. I like the Vikings to finish behind Green Bay. The NFC South is pretty cut and dry...I think the Saints are still the team to beat (despite Atlanta's strong regular season last year).

"With the 1st pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the (49ers/Seahawks) select...Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford" Will it be Tavaris Jackson or Alex Smith that leads his team to a #1 overall pick?

As for the NFC West....I really like the Rams to be tougher this year, they just have SUCH a difficult schedule. I think Arizona's Kolb-Fitz connection will carry them to a 9-7 record, good enough for divisional supremacy. The Rams will surge late but their early season schedule will prove too much to overcome. The most exciting race in the NFC West could be between the Seahawks and '9ers for the right to draft Andrew Luck. Pete Carroll will relish the opportunity to throw money at the best available player again (like he did at USC).

NFC CHAMPION: Green Bay Packers
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SUPER BOWL XLVI: Packers 31, Ravens 27

Green Bay repeat...you heard it here first...

Fantasy Draft Analysis

The greatest day of the year….almost. In terms of anticipation building, fantasy football draft day is rivaled only by Christmas Eve. The feeling of a “clean slate” from the previous year…the feeling of having your fate for the next 16 weeks at your fingertips. Nothing beats a fantasy football draft.

This league is a 12 team PPR league that has been in existence for over 5 years. The teams are a relatively close-knit group of guys who make each season an interesting one. In terms of competition, I’d put this league up there against any other. Each year, we leave the draft feeling that each of the 12 teams has a shot to win the title. I’m not sure you can say that about many leagues. The team names in this blog have been altered to protect the identity of everyone in the league. The Vibe won the league two years ago, while DeBow is the defending champion.

If you're wondering what the defending champ looks like...start by picturing this guy!

Prior to the first round, team owners drew cards for draft position. There was a trade between the #2 and #5 positioned teams that was questionable at best. The teams (Mac Attack and Latwig) exchanged picks for the first 2 rounds, then reverted back to their original draft position for the remainder of the draft. It remains to be seen whether the trade made sense for Mac Attack (original #2), but my initial analysis is given below. I dissected the first few rounds with a more critical lens, while the last 9 rounds (where mostly backups are drafted) were analyzed as a larger chunk.  

Rounds 1 & 2

Saint Nick – Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN

Latwig – Arian Foster, RB, HOU

Schmatty Fo’ – Ray Rice, RB, BAL

Cowlings – Jamaal Charles, RB, KC

Mac Attack – LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI

Señor Paisan – Chris Johnson, RB, TEN

DeBow – Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB

The Vibe – Andre Johnson, WR, HOU

Coach – Phillip Rivers, QB, SD

Elroy – Michael Vick, QB, PHI

Itchy – Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT

Slopster – Frank Gore, RB, SF

Slopster – Calvin Johnson, WR, DET

Itchy – Darren McFadden, RB, OAK

Elroy – Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC

Coach – Matt Forte, RB, CHI

The Vibe – Roddy White, WR, ATL

DeBow – Michael Turner, RB, ATL

Señor Paisan – Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI

Mac Attack – Tom Brady, QB, NWE

Cowlings – Drew Brees, QB, NO

Schmatty Fo’ – Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG

Latwig – Miles Austin, WR, DAL

Saint Nick – Steven Jackson, RB, STL

Maybe you didn't have Rivers as a first round pick, but you can't say that he won't have a shot to finish as the top QB scorer. He has the ability to outpoint Rodgers, Brees, and Brady. 

The Vibe Commentary: In drawing the 8^th pick, I knew I’d miss out on the top RB’s. I immediately began to think Aaron Rodgers or a top WR. I was confident in my evaluation of the mid-level RB’s, and felt I could wait a few rounds to take a RB without losing too much value. I decided I would be going WR-WR with my first 2 picks. Incidentally, I ended up with my top 2 rated WR’s, as Slopster jumped on Calvin Johnson before Roddy White went.

League Commentary: The first round unfolded very predictably, as the “top tier” running backs all went early. Señor Paisan answered the question of where Chris Johnson will end up. At #6 overall, he could prove a beast for the Paisans if his contract dispute gets settled. The back end teams began to jump on top guys at other positions, as non-RB’s went from picks 7 thru 10. The selection of Phillip Rivers at #9 left some heads scratching, but I think that ultimately he’ll put up numbers comparable to your top QB’s. Coach probably could’ve had him on the wrap around though. The Elroys were pumped about their selection of Vick at #10. Only time will tell. No player in the league is more of a risk/reward case than Vick.

Round 2 brought a run of uncertain running backs (D-Mac & MJD due to injury….Turner & Jackson due to potential declining production). Elroy went with MJD, giving him consecutive risk/reward picks.

Mac Attack said "No Thanks" to Arian Foster and opted for McCoy and Brady instead. Latwig took Foster and paired him with Miles Austin as a product of the first draft day trade in fantasy league history.

Saint Nick paired top running back ADP with a solid, consistent Steven Jackson – another feature back. Could be the best 1-2 punch in the league. Schmatty Fo’ went with his heart, taking a Scarlet Knight and a G-man. Allegiances aside, both solid picks…An early look at the pre-draft trade after the first two rounds: Bowling guru Latwig trades LeSean McCoy & Tom Brady to futbol wunderkind Mac Attack for Arian Foster & Miles Austin. Advantage bowling.

Best Value Pick: Cowlings – Drew Brees (Round 2, 9^th Pick)

Biggest Reach: Coach – Phillip Rivers (Round 1, 9^th Pick)

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Rounds 3 & 4

Saint Nick – DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI

MacAttack – Greg Jennings, WR, GB

Schmatty Fo’ – Vincent Jackson, WR, SD

Cowlings – Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE

Latwig – Mike Wallace, WR, PIT

Señor Paisan – Matt Schaub, QB, HOU

DeBow – Reggie Wayne, WR, IND

The Vibe – LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB

Coach – Mike Williams, WR, TB

Elroy – Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG

Itchy – Dez Bryant, WR, DAL

Slopster – Peyton Manning, QB, IND

Slopster – Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ

Itchy – Antonio Gates, TE, SD

Elroy – Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC

Coach – Jason Witten, TE, DAL

The Vibe – Tony Romo, QB, DAL

DeBow – Ryan Mathews, RB, SD

Señor Paisan – Felix Jones, RB, DAL

Latwig – Jermichael Finley, TE, GB

Cowlings – Steve Johnson, WR, BUF

Schmatty Fo’ – Jahvid Best, RB, DET

MacAttack – Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN

Saint Nick – Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL

This is what Steve Johnson looks like. Rose from obscurity last year to post one of the better seasons for a WR. Was he a one hit wonder? I'm glad I don't have to find out with him on my team.

The Vibe Commentary: I thought it appropriate to grab a RB in Round 3, even though I was tempted to shore up my QB situation with Romo or Manning right there. I went with Blount (despite his lack of passing game versatility) because he is the unquestioned feature back in an offense that will be running a lot. I was really torn between him and Bradshaw, but I’m nervous with the way Brandon Jacobs is running right now. I think he’ll get even more touches in the Giants running game than he did last year. In Round 4, I was committing to either Romo or Witten. When Witten got taken by Coach right before my pick, it made the decision an easy one. I feel good about my draft at this point, as I think Romo has top 5 QB scoring potential.

League Commentary: As much as it pains me to say, I think Itchy reached with Dez in Round 3. He did pick Gates at an appropriate time (you have to almost evaluate Gates as another WR), but I’m not convinced yet on Dez. DeBow, who had drafted his first 3 guys over the phone, went with Ryan Mathews in Round 4. A questionable pick at best. Slopster followed up a smart pick (Manning) with a questionable one (Greene). Greene has a lot to prove this year. Coach decided to go with a WR in Round 3 instead of doubling up at RB, passing up the likes of Ahmad Bradshaw for Mike Williams of Tampa. We’ll see.

Jahvid Best has to prove he can make cuts like this without getting turf toe. There's no way he gets 20+ carries a game, but has increased value in this league because it is a PPR. 

“We’ll see” can be said about the last six guys taken in Round 4, as Felix Jones (inconsistent?), Jermichael Finley (injury?), Steve Johnson (one hit wonder?), Jahvid Best (turf toe?), Knowshon Moreno (injury?), and Anquan Boldin (diminishing skill?).

Best Value Pick: Elroy – Ahmad Bradshaw (Round 3, 10^th Pick)

Biggest Reach: DeBow– Ryan Mathews (Round 4, 6^th Pick)

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Rounds 5-8

Saint Nick – DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR

MacAttack – Dallas Clark, TE, IND

Schmatty Fo’ – Fred Jackson, RB, BUF

Cowlings – Vernon Davis, TE, SF

Latwig – Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ

Señor Paisan – Brandon Lloyd, WR, DEN

DeBow – Marques Colston, WR, NO

The Vibe – Cedric Benson, RB, CIN

Coach – BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NWE

Elroy – Mark Ingram, RB, NO

Itchy – Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA

Slopster – Wes Welker, WR, NWE

Slopster – Beanie Wells, RB, ARI

Itchy – Reggie Bush, RB, MIA

Elroy – Percy Harvin, WR, MIN

Coach – Hines Ward, WR, PIT

The Vibe – Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA

DeBow – Owen Daniels, TE, HOU

Señor Paisan – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET

Latwig – Joseph Addai, RB, IND

Cowlings – Mike Sims-Walker, WR, STL

Schmatty Fo’ – Danny Amendola, WR, STL

MacAttack – Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA

Saint Nick – Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT

Saint Nick – Jimmy Graham, TE, NO

MacAttack – Sidney Rice, WR, SEA

Schmatty Fo’ – Eli Manning, QB, NYG

Cowlings – James Starks, RB, GB

Latwig –Matt Ryan, QB, ATL

Señor Paisan – Ryan Grant, RB, GB

DeBow – Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI

The Vibe – Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG

Coach – Pierre Thomas, RB, NO

Elroy – Mario Manningham, WR, NYG

Itchy – Chad Ochocinco, WR, NWE

Slopster – Kenny Britt, WR, TEN

Slopster – Tim Hightower, RB, WAS

Itchy – Plaxico Burress, WR, NYJ

Elroy – Zach Miller, TE, OAK

Coach – Donald Driver, WR, GB

The Vibe – Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR

DeBow – Tashard Choice, RB, DAL

Señor Paisan – Julio Jones, WR, ATL

Latwig – Mike Tolbert, RB, SD

Cowlings – Lance Moore, WR, NO

Schmatty Fo’ – Mike Thomas, WR, JAX

Mac Attack – A.J. Green, WR, CIN

Saint Nick – Steve Smith, WR, CAR

The last time Beanie Wells had a run of over 4 yards....

The Vibe Commentary: I took some heat here, but I could care less. As indicated earlier, I was confident with my mid-range RB evaluation. As such, I selected 4 consecutive RB’s from Rounds 5-8.  Two feature backs (Benson & Lynch) and two timeshare guys with tremendous upside (Jacobs & Stewart). If two of these 4 pan out, I’ll be in good shape.

League Commentary: Collectively, the league had a strong Round 5 …DeAngelo Williams, Dallas Clark, Vernon Davis, Santonio Holmes, Marques Colston, Cedric Benson, Brandon Marshall. Some great value picks in there. That said, Round 6 was a disaster. The run of picks from R6, #4 to #7 (Ward, Lynch, Daniels, Pettigrew) leave a lot to be desired. I mean…Señor Paisan… Brandon Pettigrew in the 6^th round? He may not even be the primary pass catcher on his own team (Tony Sheffler).

Senor Paisan invested a high pick in Pettigrew, who has been going undrafted in some leagues. Will it pay off?

After a return to sanity (Latwig with Joseph Addai), the league resumed with a run of Sims-Walker, Amendola, and Daniel Thomas. I know people are high on Bradford, but back-to-back Rams WR’s in the SIXTH round of a fantasy draft? Cowlings’ Sims-Walker hasn’t been relevant in 2 years, and perhaps Schmatty Fo’ doesn’t realize that return stats won’t count for Amendola’s offensive scoring. His value is enhanced because it’s a PPR league….but Round 6? Saint Nick threw together a great 4 pick run, with consistent Big Ben and Welker mixed in with sleeper Jimmy Graham. Meanwhile, Coach assembled one of the great wideout tandems of 2004 with Hines Ward and Donald Driver. Last, but certainly not least, is DeBow’s puzzling “Choice” of the Cowboys backup RB in Round 8. Rumors out of Dallas have rookie DeMarco Murray hopping Choice on the depth chart. We will see. Either way, is there any question Choice would’ve been there in Round 14?

Best Value Pick: Slopster – Tim Hightower (Round 8, 1^st Pick)

Biggest Reach: DeBow– Tashard Choice (Round 8, 6^th Pick)

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Rounds 9-17 Summary

Best Value Picks

Round 9, Pick 1 Saint Nick – Austin Collie, WR, IND

Round 10, Pick 3 Elroy – Josh Freeman, QB, TB

Round 11, Pick  8 The Vibe – Kellen Winslow, TE, TB

Round 12, Pick 9 Cowlings – Darren Sproles, RB, NO

Round 13, Pick 2 Mac Attack – Greg Olsen, TE, CAR

Round 14, Pick 1 Slopster – Jordy Nelson, WR, GB

Round 15, Pick 3 Schmatty Fo’ – Jason Snelling, RB, ATL

Round 16, Pick 3 Elroy – Eric Decker, WR, DEN

Round 17, Pick 12 Cowlings – Riley Cooper, WR, PHI

Eric Decker had injury problems at Minnesota, but possesses first round talent. You may not know him now, but you will know him by Week 5. Elroy uses an expendable late round pick to snag Decker.

Can we be honest here? If you’re a non-kicker or defense drafted in rounds 16-17, you have an excellent shot at being a good “value pick.” I like Schmatty Fo’s pick of Snelling in the 15^th with Michael Turner looking like a late-career Jerome Bettis. Jacquizz Rogers is there as well, but it’ll be Snelling’s show if/when Turner goes down. Cowlings grabs the Reggie Bush heir apparent in New Orleans in Sproles, who is at worst a great bye week fill-in. Mac Attack stole one of the sleeper tight ends in Olsen (I had rated him higher than Pettigrew, who was taken in the 6^th). Josh Freeman was a top 10 quarterback last year, and has been getting dogged out this year in drafts. An excellent pick for Elroy….Freeman will be starting by Week 5 when Vick gets hurt.

Biggest Reaches

Round 9, Pick 11 Itchy – Roy Helu, RB, WAS

Round 10, Pick 8 Latwig – Delone Carter, RB, IND

Round 11, Pick 2 Mac Attack – Johnny Knox, WR, CHI

Round 12, Pick 10 Schmatty Fo’ – Eddie Royal, WR, DEN  

Round 13, Pick 1 Coach – Nate Kaeding, K, SD

Round 14, Pick 5 The Vibe – Jacob Tamme, TE, IND

Round 15, Pick 1 Saint Nick – Kendall Hunter, RB, SF

Round 16, Pick 5 The Vibe – Rams D/ST

Round 17, Pick 7 DeBow – Rex Grossman, QB, WAS

Let’s start with the last pick listed there. You read that correctly. Not only did DeBow draft a Redskins quarterback….he drafted the Redskins backup quarterback. I know it’s your last pick, but let’s not throw it away completely. I would have taken any of the remaining kickers, or defenses, ahead of Rex Grossman. But then again, this guy did win the league last year.

Is the defending champ just messing with us by drafting Redskins backup Grossman (left) over starter Beck (right)? Who knows, but I'm nominating Rex as the "Most Droppable Player" coming out of the draft.

Coach wins the award for being the first to jump on a kicker, grabbing Kaeding in the 13^th. While solid, you’ll never get me to subscribe to taking a kicker prior to the last 2 rounds. He also nabbed Pittsburgh D/ST in Round 12, becoming the first to choose a defense. Saint Nick reached deep into the sleeper pool with Kendall Hunter in Round 15, but the fact of the matter is it looks like him and Dixon will split duties in the event of a Gore injury.

For Itchy and Latwig, snatching rookie RB’s with upside was not a bad thought, but they may have jumped the gun a little early. Helu is currently 3^rd on the depth chart and exists in the Mike Shanahan running back crapshoot. Delone Carter is also 3^rd (at best) on the depth chart, and will need to work his way up. I think both could have been had about 3-4 rounds later.

"Hmmm...how can I split the touches 3 ways?" Shanahan has been a running back value's worst nightmare over the last 10 years. With Torain, Hightower, and Helu, the pieces are in place for him to screw with us all again.

In the interest of being objective, I added The Vibe twice to the “reach” list. I’m not trying to sandbag, as I think most would say each of those picks is questionable. Tamme is a reach for me, but just have a hunch it may work out. Low risk/high upside. Rams D/ST is more about Spagnuolo and their presence in the NFC West than their talent. Expect The Vibe to play matchups for most of the year.

The Vibe’s Picks (9-17): Pierre Garcon, Javon Ringer, Kellen Winslow, Jerome Harrison, Mike Williams (SEA), Jacob Tamme, Kyle Orton, Rams D/ST, Nick Folk

The Vibe Commentary: I grabbed a couple of backups (Ringer and Harrison) who have potential to contribute this year. Ringer has more immediate value, as he’ll be the guy if Chris Johnson does not sign to start the year. I like Orton and Williams as backups at their respective positions for me, and my selections of Winslow, Tamme, and the Rams are explained above.

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LEAGUE POWER RANKINGS

Based on ESPN season point projections (projected starting players only)

1.     Mac Attack              1792.5

2.     Señor Paisan          1762.0

3.     Latwig                       1755.0

4.     Saint Nick                1740.0

5.     DeBow                     1732.1

6.     Schmatty Fo’          1727.0

7.     Elroy                         1726.0

8.     Cowlings                  1716.0

9.     The Vibe                  1694.0

10.                       Coach            1678.5

11.                       Itchy              1675.5

12.                       Slopster        1602.0