February 7th, 2008 11:30pm PST
Friday's Football Diary
Dear Diary...
It's a week later, the fun and festivities of Super Bowl XLII have now subsided, but the memories remain. What a game! This one will probably remain with me for sometime. It had all the drama of a great matchup, big plays, big hits, and game changing plays.
I was on the edge of my seat watching this one, jumping up and down with the big plays, the show-stopping grabs, and the some of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history; Fitzgerald's fantastic 64-yard slant for six and Harrison's 100-yard stumblin, bumblin pick for six.
If this wasn't the greatest Super Bowl ever played, it was close and left me wanting more. Like all things in life, it fell short of perfection, but as a football fan, you could not ask for any better. With a great finish closes the books on a great season and just as one great thing comes to an end, so starts something new.
Next up, the 2009 season...
Just What I'm thinking.....
Friday's Football Diary
Dear Diary...
It's a week later, the fun and festivities of Super Bowl XLII have now subsided, but the memories remain. What a game! This one will probably remain with me for sometime. It had all the drama of a great matchup, big plays, big hits, and game changing plays.
I was on the edge of my seat watching this one, jumping up and down with the big plays, the show-stopping grabs, and the some of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history; Fitzgerald's fantastic 64-yard slant for six and Harrison's 100-yard stumblin, bumblin pick for six.
If this wasn't the greatest Super Bowl ever played, it was close and left me wanting more. Like all things in life, it fell short of perfection, but as a football fan, you could not ask for any better. With a great finish closes the books on a great season and just as one great thing comes to an end, so starts something new.
Next up, the 2009 season...
Just What I'm thinking.....
Now that we're about a week past the NFL's climatic spectacle, it's time to start turning my attention toward another direction. With only 77 days until the 2009 NFL draft, it's time to start thinking about what teams need, what they will looking for and where they will find what they need. Teams like the Chiefs, Bengals, Seahawks, and Rams will likely be in rebuilding mode this coming season and looking toward the draft to help fill a few of their holes.
Other teams will count on finding their answers in the free agent market. This will be the other direction that I will be casting my direction. There's still plenty of time to talk about the draft, but with free agency just around the corner, there's a lot to discuss.
Boldin in Arizona...
What I am hearing and seeing at the moment, it just sounds like too many bridges have been burned in Arizona for Boldin to stay put. The kid gave his all last season for the team, but it just could be time to move on. I can only imagine somewhere in Phoenix at a local bar, there are a handful of Cardinal fans hoping that what I say is not so. The Cards may think they have the upper hand having Boldin under contract (two years left), but I wouldn't drink that kool-aid. With his agent being Drew Rosenhaus anything can happen and I really don't see a deal getting done to keep the disgruntled receiver happy in the desert.
Cassel in New England...
With so many questions surrounding Tom Brady's return, you have to wonder about this move to tag Cassel. Certainly the Pats would like insurance, but to tie up so much money at one position. You have to wonder if there's more going on than meets the eye? Is Brady going to be back at 100% in 2009? Is this move simply strategy to give the team leverage to deal Cassel? One thing is for certain at the moment, this drama is not going to end anytime soon. The Pats will play this hand all the way to river card, but does anyone really think that both Brady and Cassel will start the '09 season in New England? I don't.
Houshmandzadeh in Cincy...
Surprisingly the Bengal's wideout wants out of Cincinnati. Why I am surprised, if any receiver would be leaving it would have made sense for the team to usher Ocho Cinco out, with all of his on-field and locker room non-sense. Don't get me wrong, I like number 85, but it seemed that last season, he may have become a bit of a distraction. To see that T.J. wants out would seem to put the team in a tough spot, unless they feel they can correct the "Ocho" situation. Houshmandzadeh could become a free agent in just a few weeks and the only way Cincy can keep him put is to place the franchise tag on him, but it'll cost them close to $10 million. While there's a lot that could happen here, recent reports indicates "Who's-Your-Mamma" wants to play in the west coast offense and Philly could be a possible destination.
Warner in Arizona...
After listening to several radio interviews, I am convinced like Warner I have no idea what this guy is going to do. I know I would like to see him come back. Although I don't know, I really believe he'll play in 2009. Warner played at the highest level in 2008 and also played great in the Super Bowl. The 37-year old kid, still has too much left in the tank and a great opportunity to get back to the big dance in 2010. I expect to see the Cards offer the kid at least a two year deal and I would really be surprised to see Warner walk away right now.
Lewis in Baltimore...
What I have read lately and what seems to be a good possibility, is Lewis in the "Big Apple." With Rex Ryan the head honcho in the "city that never sleeps" bringing Lewis to an already veteran defense could make a lot of sense. The Jets defense a year ago was very good at times. Lewis could add more physical attitude and having played for Ryan would be able to step in and lead. Lewis has been in Baltimore his entire career and it would make sense for him to finish his career there, but it could come down to what team makes the best offer, the Ravens or someone else like the Jets.
McNabb in Philly...
Following what I have to call an impressive run in the second half of the 2008 regular season and an appearance in the NFC Championship, if I am Eagles management I sit down with McNabb and give him the extension he's looking for and deserves. McNabb has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL with five NFC appearances, but of course he has not won many of those appearances. McNabb has stated he'd like to finish his career an Eagle, but if the team is going to reinvest in their future with D-Mac's arm they better get him some help. Donovan is under contract through 2010 according the Philadelphia Inquirer, so while the team will likely meet with their quarterback during this offseason to discuss a deal, one may not happen right away. If I'm a gambling man, I would expect to see McNabb get his extension along with a new weapon on offense.
Other teams will count on finding their answers in the free agent market. This will be the other direction that I will be casting my direction. There's still plenty of time to talk about the draft, but with free agency just around the corner, there's a lot to discuss.
Boldin in Arizona...
What I am hearing and seeing at the moment, it just sounds like too many bridges have been burned in Arizona for Boldin to stay put. The kid gave his all last season for the team, but it just could be time to move on. I can only imagine somewhere in Phoenix at a local bar, there are a handful of Cardinal fans hoping that what I say is not so. The Cards may think they have the upper hand having Boldin under contract (two years left), but I wouldn't drink that kool-aid. With his agent being Drew Rosenhaus anything can happen and I really don't see a deal getting done to keep the disgruntled receiver happy in the desert.
Cassel in New England...
With so many questions surrounding Tom Brady's return, you have to wonder about this move to tag Cassel. Certainly the Pats would like insurance, but to tie up so much money at one position. You have to wonder if there's more going on than meets the eye? Is Brady going to be back at 100% in 2009? Is this move simply strategy to give the team leverage to deal Cassel? One thing is for certain at the moment, this drama is not going to end anytime soon. The Pats will play this hand all the way to river card, but does anyone really think that both Brady and Cassel will start the '09 season in New England? I don't.
Houshmandzadeh in Cincy...
Surprisingly the Bengal's wideout wants out of Cincinnati. Why I am surprised, if any receiver would be leaving it would have made sense for the team to usher Ocho Cinco out, with all of his on-field and locker room non-sense. Don't get me wrong, I like number 85, but it seemed that last season, he may have become a bit of a distraction. To see that T.J. wants out would seem to put the team in a tough spot, unless they feel they can correct the "Ocho" situation. Houshmandzadeh could become a free agent in just a few weeks and the only way Cincy can keep him put is to place the franchise tag on him, but it'll cost them close to $10 million. While there's a lot that could happen here, recent reports indicates "Who's-Your-Mamma" wants to play in the west coast offense and Philly could be a possible destination.
Warner in Arizona...
After listening to several radio interviews, I am convinced like Warner I have no idea what this guy is going to do. I know I would like to see him come back. Although I don't know, I really believe he'll play in 2009. Warner played at the highest level in 2008 and also played great in the Super Bowl. The 37-year old kid, still has too much left in the tank and a great opportunity to get back to the big dance in 2010. I expect to see the Cards offer the kid at least a two year deal and I would really be surprised to see Warner walk away right now.
Lewis in Baltimore...
What I have read lately and what seems to be a good possibility, is Lewis in the "Big Apple." With Rex Ryan the head honcho in the "city that never sleeps" bringing Lewis to an already veteran defense could make a lot of sense. The Jets defense a year ago was very good at times. Lewis could add more physical attitude and having played for Ryan would be able to step in and lead. Lewis has been in Baltimore his entire career and it would make sense for him to finish his career there, but it could come down to what team makes the best offer, the Ravens or someone else like the Jets.
McNabb in Philly...
Following what I have to call an impressive run in the second half of the 2008 regular season and an appearance in the NFC Championship, if I am Eagles management I sit down with McNabb and give him the extension he's looking for and deserves. McNabb has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL with five NFC appearances, but of course he has not won many of those appearances. McNabb has stated he'd like to finish his career an Eagle, but if the team is going to reinvest in their future with D-Mac's arm they better get him some help. Donovan is under contract through 2010 according the Philadelphia Inquirer, so while the team will likely meet with their quarterback during this offseason to discuss a deal, one may not happen right away. If I'm a gambling man, I would expect to see McNabb get his extension along with a new weapon on offense.
My Fantasy Notes.....
The 2008 Fantasy season wasn't very kind to me in many ways, but being a football addict and fantasy freak, I greatly enjoyed the past year just the same. One of the reasons I had so much fun with fantasy football this past season was I drafted two of the top three quarterbacks.
I fell short of my championship run, but it was fun owning Brees and Warner; it seemed neither one was ever a bad play. Here are my top 10 quarterbacks from the 2008 season that were solid plays more times than not.
Looking back at 2008:
My Top 10 Quarterbacks...
The 2008 Fantasy season wasn't very kind to me in many ways, but being a football addict and fantasy freak, I greatly enjoyed the past year just the same. One of the reasons I had so much fun with fantasy football this past season was I drafted two of the top three quarterbacks.
I fell short of my championship run, but it was fun owning Brees and Warner; it seemed neither one was ever a bad play. Here are my top 10 quarterbacks from the 2008 season that were solid plays more times than not.
Looking back at 2008:
My Top 10 Quarterbacks...
1. Drew Brees (NO)...the Saint's quarterback became only the 2nd quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 5,000-yards. Drew also slung 34 touchdowns (tied for NFL lead) and finished 2008 with a 96.2 passer rating.
2. Philip Rivers (SD)...the Charger's quarterback had his best season as the teams starter passing for over 4,000-yards and tossing 34 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions. Rivers finished with a 105.5 passer rating to lead the league.
3. Kurt Warner (Ari)...the Cardinal's passer was spectacular this season completing over 67% of his passes and throwing for over 4,500-yards and 30 touchdowns. Warner finished the season with a 96.9 passer rating, third highest in the league.
4. Peyton Manning (Ind)...the Colt's quarterback started the 2008 season a bit sluggish, but finished strong passing for over 4,000-yards, completing nearly 67% of his passes and finishing the season with a 95.0 passer rating.
5. Aaron Rodgers (GB)...the Packer's quarterback in his first full season as the teams starter completed 63.6% of his passes, tossed 28 touchdowns, and threw for over 4,000-yards. His 93.8 passer rating ranked sixth in the league.
6. Jay Cutler (Den)...the Bronco's third year quarterback had a breakout season passing for over 4,500-yards and throwing 25 touchdowns. His 18 interceptions were second most in the league, but he also passed the ball over 600 times in 2008.
7. Donovan McNabb (Phi)...the Eagle's offensive leader was impressive in '08 completing 60% of his passes, passing for 3,900-yards and throwing 23 touchdowns. McNabb was also elusive scampering for 147-yards with two rushing touchdowns.
8. Tony Romo (Dal)...the Cowboy's passer was solid in just 13 starts. Romo completed over 61% of his passes, threw for 3,400-yards (265-yds/game) and tossed 26 touchdowns. His 91.4 passer rating ranked 8th in the NFL.
9. Tyler Thigpen (KC)...the Chief's 2nd year quarterback started only 11 games this past season, but still finished with over 2,600-yards passing and 18 touchdowns. Thigpen showed his mobility running for 386-yards and adding three rushing scores.
10. Matt Cassel (NE)...the Patriot's quarterback in his first year as a starter was impressive. Cassel replaced the injured Tom Brady by completing 63% of his passes, throwing 21 touchdowns, and passing for almost 3,700-yards.
By David G. Ortega
No comments:
Post a Comment