Philadephia Eagles Off-Season Needs

The Eagles were within minutes of getting to the Super Bowl. Now they have as many questions as the next team to deal with. There are several aging stars that produce more to the team than just raw statistics alone. The team will have to juggle egos as well as the budget this off-season. Then there is the sad news of their brilliant Defensive Coordinator, Jim Johnson, dealing with health issues. The Eagles turning point in 2008 was when they lost to the Bengals in windy conditions. Donovan McNabb was benched, and that may have been the final straw for the under appreciated star. There are rumors he wants out, which would put a huge dent in the teams hopes for the next season or two until they see if Kevin Kolb develops into the heir apparent. The team is very capable of winning it all, so the few moves they make may be critical.






1. Keep Brian Dawkins - I put this first because I view it the most important move, assuming McNabb stays in Philly. Dawkins may not the same guy he was before his injury a few years ago, but he is still better than most at his position in the entire league. Then there are the intangibles he brings. Leadership, desire, and moxy. Irreplaceable is how I view him. In the old NFL days, this wouldn't be even up for discussion. Dawkins would retire an Eagle most likely. Now there is a dilemma that involves monetary concerns. The team must iron whatever wrinkles there are and keep him. Jon Runyan is another leader who is a free agent, but he may be on his way out due to his age and the fact he is coming off surgery. Plus the Eagles smartly stocked the O-line in last years draft.




2. Draft A Running Back NOW - The Eagles have the 21st and 28th draft picks so far, but we know they love to wheel and deal on draft day. There is a chance they could package both picks to move up to get their mitts on either Knowshon Moreno or Chris Wells, because both should be gone by the time their first pick comes along. They could stay put and snag LeSean McCoy at 28, and grab the very athletic OLB/ DE Aaron Maybin at 21. Maybin would fit perfectly into Johnson's blitz schemes. The need for a RB is obvious. Brian Westbrook is a 3rd down type at this stage of his career, and he needs someone else to tote the rock 10-15 times a game.




3. Get Another WR - One guy the Eagles might look at in the first round is Hakeem Nicks. The guy has wonderful hands and is very sound in all facets of the game. He could give Donovan another option besides Curtis and Jackson. Avant and Baskett are not too bad, but Nicks represents a huge upgrade and could allow Curtis to go in as a #3 in the slot and flourish.




4. Get More Defensive Linemen - Peria Jerry may get tabbed in the first round due to his explosive play as a DT. Jim Johnson has done a masterful job of rotating in guys, but getting more stout in the middle would help their star DE Cole.



The Eagles have done a very good job drafting, and it has translated on the field. Donovan McNabb getting a running game behind him would help, because he has pretty much been doing it all ever since he was drafted. They are hard to measure right now, as they were for me last year, because the talent is there. They easily could go all the way or not make the playoffs. Of course it all rests on Donovan's shoulders the way things lie right now, but another good off season that brings him help could get them over the hump and Philly its first trophy since 1960.

The Cowboys Off-Season Plans Must Change

When one looks at the current roster of the Dallas Cowboys and sees all of the talent that has yet to achieve the goal of winning a championship, there may be a calling for overhaul. Though it may seem this is a good idea, I cannot see this as being their best path to getting back to the Super Bowl. The Cowboys can achieve winning with minor tweaking of an already stout roster. Here are a few things the Cowboys can do to get back on top :


1. Sign Ray Lewis - Lewis may be nearing his end, and came off his least productive season in years, but his impact lies far more than statistics. Though I wouldn't sign him to more than a two year deal, he will provide the leadership the team is so desperately in need of. Lewis wants to get another ring before he retires, and this is more probable a happening with Dallas than Baltimore. Plus, the Ravens have all three of their linebackers up for contract. Someone will have to go most likely, and Lewis seems to be the one many think is the one. Though Zach Thomas was not horrible last year, Lewis would represent an upgrade.



2. Draft In The Trenches - The Cowboys should use their few draft picks wisely. As it stands right now, they do not pick until 50 other players have gone off the board. Jerry Jones has wheeled and dealed on draft day, so a guy like Bobby Carpenter might garner a draft pick. If Dallas somehow stands pat on their current situation, they should get a Safety first. Guys like Louis Delmas of Western Michigan, Rashad Johnson of Alabama, William Moore of Missouri, and Patrick Chung of Oregon may be available. After they fill this much needed area, Dallas needs to go after line help on both sides of the ball exclusively. Getting a back up for Tony Romo can be had on the free agency market, and Romo's health will be dictated by the efficiency of his blockers. Depth, at the least, is a must for Dallas this draft.



3. Keep T.O. - Say what you want about Terrell Owens, the man is headed to Canton one day to pick up his bust. He is still the teams best option at WR as well, though the Cowboys desperately need to get Roy Williams more involved. Dallas is lacking a bona fide deep threat, but Baltimore just showed you can go far without one. If Dallas does not improve their blocking, then keeping T.O. becomes even more important for those quick in routes a quarterback needs to get rid of the ball.



4. Upgrade The Offensive Coaching - Dan Reeves almost came to the Cowboys rescue recently, but things fell apart suddenly. Current offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is coming off an atrocious 2008 campaign that has most pundits scratching their heads wondering what Jerry Jones sees in him. Reeves would have certainly brought balance to the offensive scheme, but there are others out there who could also help. One name that jumps out is Jon Gruden. Gruden is aware of the importance of the running game, as to where Garrett seems to eschew the idea. Hiring an experienced coach like Gruden as a consultant could help bring the balance the Cowboys offensive play calling so desperately needs.



5. Get All Players To Stay Local - This offseason should have one theme: Concentration Towards Dedication. Players wanting to make the team must make a difference now. Stay in Dallas, work on mechanics, and stay in shape. Getting sharp now will translate on the field come August.


It isn't a long list, and there are several other teams with much longer ones. Dallas expects to get to the Super Bowl again this upcoming season. Hopefully they now notice the reasons they haven't in many years. The lack of leadership amongst the players is a glaring area, but the fact the Cowboys lost the line of scrimmage battle most games should be the primary focus. Getting all players on board early will be key.

PLEASE Join Me In Prayer

I understand that several of you do not happen to surf onto The Sporting News.

I happily still do.

There is a man I want to tell you about : LEW TROOP


http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/Lew%20Troop



I ask you to peruse his fantastic artwork. He is a true wordsmith.

Lew has recently fallen ill.

I am requesting that you take a moment and say a prayer for him.

His recovery is my hope, and those of you who have been blessed to have made Lew's acquaintance certainly understand what I mean.

My NFL Predictions Versus Reality

On 8/ 10/ 08 I did a prediction for the 2008 NFL season. Predictably, I did a horrible job. Next year I'll do as poorly, God willing.


NFC EAST:



1. Dallas Cowboys
2. N.Y. Giants
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Washington Redskins
At least I got it right on my Redskins.





NFC NORTH :



1. Minnesota Vikings
2. Green Bay Packers
3. Chicago Bears
4. Detroit Lions
I didn't suck too bad here.




NFC SOUTH :



1. New Orleans Saints
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Atlanta Falcons
I was (happily) way off on the Falcons..like most.



NFC WEST :



1. Seattle Seahawks
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. St. Louis Rams
4. San Francisco 49ers
Seattle sent Holmgren out with a poor showing.





AFC WEST :



1. San Diego Chargers
2. Oakland Raiders
3. Denver Broncos
4. K.C. Chiefs
Other than Oakland, I did OK.



AFC SOUTH :



1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Houston Texans
4. Tennessee Titans
I think I did pretty mediocre here.





AFC NORTH



1. Cleveland Browns
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Baltimore Ravens
Obviously a bad job guessing here.





AFC EAST :



1. New England Patriots
2. N.Y. Jets
3. Buffalo Bills
4. Miami Dolphins
I wasn't even close here.





PLAYOFFS



NFC :



Seattle over Green Bay = Holmgren waves good-bye to his old team one last time.
Neither team even got close.

Minnesota over N.Y. Giants = The running game is too much to handle.
G-men made it, and this is as far as Minni got



Dallas over Seattle = Dallas explodes, as Romo tries to lose his choke label.
Neither team even made the playoffs.

Minnesota over New Orleans = The running game keeps the Saints O on the sideline.
Minni making it one game was my only right prediction.



Minnesota over Dallas = Peterson and Taylor wear out a small defensive front in the 4th quarter, while controlling the clock = perfect playoff formula.
Wayyyyyyyyyy off here.





AFC :


Jacksonville over Cleveland = The Jags run the ball down the Browns throats.
Neither squad even sniffed the playoffs.

Indianapolis over Pittsburgh = Payton takes his passing game to the next round.
Pitt allowed nothing all season.



New England over Indianapolis = Brady outduels Manning once again.
I guess I can say Indy made it to the plaoffs...for a game.

San Diego over Jacksonville = The Bolts have too many weapons for the Jags to contain.



San Diego over New England = The Bolts control the line of scrimmage, and play clock.
I was wayyyyyyyy off here.





SUPER BOWL XLIII :


San Diego over Minnesota = L.T. gets 100 yards, but Gates takes away the double team from Chambers, who is the games MVP.
I guess I can say "At least both of my pix made the playoffs"



SEASON AWARDS:

NFL MVP: ADRIAN PETERSON, RB, MINNESOTA
OK, I wasn't too far off I guess. AP was solid still.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: SHAWN MERRIMAN, LB, SAN DIEGO
At least I got the pass rushing OLB part right.

NFL Rookie of the Year : FELIX JONES, RB, DALLAS
I was way off on Ryan and Flacco, as far as even playing this year.

Babbling With The Beeze And Other Ramblings

THE BEEZE has one of the great blogs on the net!

http://thebeezewax.blogspot.com

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the%20BEEZE

I look forward to each of his thoughts put down on digital paper.


Today I decided to take a break from posting crap that no one reads to play one of THE BEEZE's great ideas.

A game called The Interview Game.


Here goes :


1. If you had the power to put any one player in the Football Hall of Fame, Who would it be?

Chris Hanburger. He is my first CCC profilee.
SO MANY deserve it! The politics involved with the voters is frustrating, but I doubt there is a solution to appease all. This upcoming H.O.F. Class typifies the process. You see Derrick Thomas get in, though he is deserving, and wonder why others haven't been yet.


2. What would you want for your last meal?

I would probably have a hard time picking this. Maybe to try to stall? Ahhh, to keep it simple...maybe Fettuccine Alfredo?




3. Would you like to know the precise time of your death?

To quote the great Tommy Chong: No thanks man, I'm not into time.



4. If you could ask the President one question, what would it be?

"Would you say the route to an improved ecology is through better education first, or to try to improve the ecology along with trying to improve our educational system?" The reason is because the USA is now 3rd from last on earth in education...yet our planet is in need of some tlc.




5. In your profile, Under favorite music, the first two listed are...Flock of Seagulls, and Jimi Hendrix...If they could have performed together, what would it have sounded like?

Mike Score, the founder of AFOS, is a good guitarist. He started out as one on another band. In fact, he created (with AFOS guitarist Paul Reynolds) that guitar wash sound some may have heard the Edge of U2 use the past few decades.
Jimi was an inventor and innovator. We know he started distortion and feedback. If only those paramedics hadn't laid him down...who knows? I could see him having fun with all the toys that have come along in music...as well as ones he probably would have invented.

Both men have one common theme = experimentation. You listen to Jimi's Third Stone From The Sun (the inspiration for my blog name) to 1983 (A Merman I Should Turn To Be).... or AFOS' The Last Flight Of Yuri Gagarin to Tanglimara, and you see both men searching for sound.

I imagine it could work if they had gotten together. I see the theme being other wordly..outer space and such. Jimi would front the song most likely, which I'm sure Mike would have no problem with. Mike is a very nice man, and has always been very kind to me in all of the years that I have known him. The thought of those two men in a studio made me delve further than I thought I would as I began to answer this question.


Again, much thanks to THE BEEZE for allowing me to play the game.


Since this is the day of the big game for the NFL....

I know the Steelers look pretty damn unbeatable.


Still, I root for the underdog!




The Cardinals have had a long, strange trip as a franchise.

They have not won any championships in over 60 years!


Their last victory photo


They have had MANY GREAT players since then:


Hall Of Fame Safety Larry Wilson





Hall Of Fame Tight End Jackie Smith





Hall Of Fame Offensive Tackle Dan Dierdorf




Hall Of Fame Cornerback Roger Wehrli




American Hero Pat Tillman



I'll be posting an Almost All Time Cardinals Team soon, but those are just a few of their franchise legends.


I won't be upset if the Steelers win. We all know they had their own hard times as a franchise until the 1970's. But the Cardinals are an unusual franchise alike no other. The number of cities they have played in is astounding. They truly define the term vagabond franchise.

I am pulling for them. I guess it is because they were part of the NFC East back in their days in Saint Louis. I'd like to see them get a new trophy.

No other franchise in the NFL deserves one more than them.

If they pull it off, then my next under dog team may either be the Chargers, Saints, Titans, Eagles, Browns, or Bengals.

That is, of course, my Redskins don't make it back to the big game!

WILL THEY GET INTO CANTON?

We are always witnessing great feats on the gridiron each week in every passing NFL season. Some players are ingrained into our memories with more prevalence than others. Some get there through publicity. Some get there through an unknown kinship. There are several reasons for liking the players we seem to like a bit more than others. Some of the players we like may even get a all into the Hall Of Fame.

Here is a list of some current great players on NFL teams (I lifted off the antiquated rosters on FOX) whom I feel will get some Hall Of Fame debate upon their retirement.

*Note : I left MANY young guys off just due to the unknown.



PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Ben Roethlisberger : Too early to call, but he has already made 2 Super Bowls. At his current pace, he may even make it to the heights of Terry Bradshaw as far as all time franchise greats.

Hines Ward : Hines certainly is a Steeler Legend. A complete player. Just not a Canton worthy player.

Troy Palamalu : He still has a ways to go, but he could be the best Steelers Safety ever when done. That says something considering Donnie Shell and Jack Butler roamed the Steelers secondary. If I were to predict, I'd say no. There are too many greats, like Johnny Robinson, still waiting on their call.



ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kurt Warner : He has had a few great years. 3 Super Bowls (so far) as well. Still, with his late start and many mediocre years in the mix, I can't see it. I know his has nice numbers as far as QB rating, but that list is topped by QB's enjoying the 5 yard chuck rule and rule changes making it easier to be an NFL QB.


Edgerrin James : Though the numbers are excellent, he was never a dominant RB who had 11 guys keying on him every down. Can't see it.

Larry Fitzgerald : Yeah, it is way too early to predict if he will stay healthy and productive. Still, with his size and leaping ability, he has a good shot at his current pace. It helps he has today's rules, but his abilities could translate into the old rules too.




BALTIMORE RAVENS

Ray Lewis : He already has his bust made. The waiting period is semantics. Possibly a first ballot guy. At least he is in my book.

Ed Reed : The guy makes big plays. He isn't a tackling machine, but he always seems to be around the ball. His being on a great D helps him, and he might make it in if he keeps scoring touchdowns the next few years. Though there are other excellent Safeties still not in Canton, Ed might get in.

Derrick Mason : This self made man was an excellent return specialist before he was an excellent receiver. Still, he reminds me of guys like Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Troy Brown, Rick Upchurch, and more. I can't see him going in. "White Shoes" and Troy Brown would go in ahead of him if I were voting.

Haloti Ngata : I like this guy, though it will take a very long time before we know if he is worthy. A rare specimen who can take on 3 blockers at NT or cover a TE against the pass. A long shot, mainly because voters now are so fixated on sack totals.



DALLAS COWBOYS

Terrell Owens : Say what you want about his personality on and off the field, the raw numbers are too great to ignore. It might take him a long wait, but he will get in. It just will be when voters put away personal reasons, and that may take a decade.

Jason Witten : The numbers are very good for him, and he isn't a poor blocker. I can't see how he won't get inducted if he keeps up his current pace for at least 6 more years.


DeMarcus Ware : He is a 1 trick pony. Rush the passer and that is it. He isn't solid versus the run, and lesser than that versus the pass. I can't see him going in, unless he breaks the bogus sack record (Deacon Jones is the real sack king). Think Derrick Thomas when it comes to Ware...minus the run support.

Zach Thomas : A nice guy who will get a few votes due to his personality. If guys like Randy Gradishar aren't in, then how could he get in? No way is what I say.



DENVER BRONCOS

Champ Bailey : I think this guy is worthy, even if his numbers aren't spectacular. I equate him to Mike Haynes. A guy who never was tested much because he was so solid. Still, there are many great CB's not inducted yet.

Jay Cutler : I know the kid has at least a decade to go for us to even talk about him seriously. Still, one has to be impressed by his start thus far.

Brandon Marshall : Just like Cutler, it will take a decade to decide. Still, with the way the game is geared to passing, he could end up rewriting Broncos record books and having a chance.




ATLANTA FALCONS

Jason Elam : The guy has numbers that are truly amazing. He has benefited from kicking in the thin air of Denver, and now the dome in Atlanta. Still, it is feasible to see him inducted some day. Assuming the voters start recognizing special teams. So far they have not, and only Jan Stenarud is in Canton.



PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Donovan McNabb : He may be the greatest QB in Eagles history. He certainly is all over their record books, and is a proven winner. The ridiculous knock of no rings might work against him, but he is not close to retiring in my opinion. Of all the QB's in the NFL right now, he is there with Favre, Brady, and Peyton Manning as guys I think deserve entry.

Tre` Thomas : Very under rated by those who don't really follow the trenches. Solid in all aspects. He'll get in the Eagles Ring Of Honor, just not in Canton. Too many superior guys still await the call.

Brian Westbrook : He has good numbers, and is tougher than nails. Still, I cannot see him going in. He isn't in the franchises all time backfield in my opinion.

Brian Dawkins : Just like Tre` Thomas, Dawkins will go in the Eagles Ring Of Honor, but I can't put him in Canton with that long line of superior Safeties ahead of him still awaiting the call.




SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Ladanlian Tomlinson : LT, to me, is Lawrence Taylor. Still, this LT has a legitimate chance of going in. He needs to rebound and have 2 more good years to make it, in my opinion, but the numbers he has put up so far has him in the discussion.

Phillip Rivers : The guy gets a bad rep, but he is tough and a leader. The Chargers got the better QB in the draft day trade in my opinion. If he can get the Bolts a ring or 2, he might be in the discussion.

Antonio Gates : He has been battling injuries the last 2 years, so it isn't looking good. Sill, when he is right, he is tip notch. If he can stay healthy, he might challenge Kellen Winslow Sr. for the franchise records for TE's. If he does, he may have a shot.

Shawn Merriman : He will be coming back from a significant injury, but if he gain regain his form : lights out for NFL QB's! The guy is solid against the run and pass rush. If he is in the right system, and stays healthy, then he might have a chance.

Jamal Williams : Multiple All Pros. Solid as a brick wall versus the run. Probably the best NT in the NFL the last several years. Curley Culp is the greatest NT in NFL history and is still not inducted, so I can't see Jamal getting in.




HOUSTON TEXANS

Andre Johnson : This guy is easily the best player in Houston Texans history thus far. If he can stay healthy, his blend of size, strength, and speed will have him with gaudy numbers that could get him inducted.

Mario Williams : Charley Casserly was 100% right in picking Mario over Reggie Bush and Vince Young (how is he not an NFL GM right now?). Mario has a long way to go, but he is certainly a force already.




MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Adrian Peterson : AP is on his way. Let us see if he can get about 10,000 more rushing yards before he can be in the discussion.

Darren Sharper : The man certainly has had a great career. He will probably go into the Packers Hall Of Fame, but not into Canton.

Jared Allen : Big money yes, but the guy is a sack artist. Playing on turf next to the Williams' will help him too. If he can keep producing for at least a decade more, who knows?

Steve Hutchinson : The guy is a great blocker. He may be the best blocker in the NFL right now. If he keeps it going a few more years, he will get votes.

Antoine Winfield : A very solid CB. He won't get the love he deserves come his time, but his career is worth noting.

Kevin Williams : He is solid, but if Jim Marshall isn't in...he won't be probably. I know = bad logic. Jim deserves entry.




MIAMI DOLPHINS

Joey Porter : I think he might get A vote, bit not induction ever.




KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Tony Gonzalez : He is already in. The only thing awaiting him is the ceremony.

Brian Waters : The guy is very under rated, but he isn't even one of the best Chief Guards ever. Can't see it.




CINCINNATI BENGALS

T.J. Houshmanzadeh : He got going later in his career, so it is highly doubtful.

Carson Palmer : IF he can stay healthy and get the Bengals a trophy, he might get some votes. Highly unlikely.



TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Derrick Brooks : I think he has the credits to get in, yet I look at Chris Hanburger and Robert Brazile (superior OLB's) still waiting and can't see Derrick in ahead of them. Yet, Andre Tippett did, despite not being as good as those 2.

Ronde Barber : I do not see it, even though he might be the best Buc CB ever.

Warrick Dunn : A CLASSY man, with fantastic stats. Still, Canton is not always a popularity contest. Warrick doesn't make it in my mind.

Joey Galloway : He had the talent to be one of the best, but he rarely stayed healthy for long stretches. No way.



NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Drew Brees : If Drew has about 4-5 more years akin to this past season, he should get notice. Winning a ring as well makes him almost a shoo in. Anything is possible.

Jeremy Shockey : He was a media darling, and it helped him get a bit more love than he deserved. I don't see him ever getting inducted into anything, except maybe at the U.

Aaron Glenn : The man had a very solid career. A great time with the Jets, but not worthy.

Mark Brunell : The best QB in Jaguars history so far. No way does he go in though.



CAROLINA PANTHERS

Steve Smith : He is amazing. His being a dual threat in special teams and offense will help his case. If he can keep on his current level for a few more years, I can see him getting quite a few votes one day.

Julius Peppers : The guy seemed on his way until he lulled for a few seasons. He got back into the groove last year, but now wants out of Carolina. If he doesn't maintain the pace he was on, it will be tough to see him get votes. Yet, all you have to do is see Fred Dean and realize anything can happen at the DE position. I can think of 7-10 DE's better than Dean still not inducted.




INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Peyton Manning : I have often said Archie was better. Switch them. Put Archie in these modern rules, and put Peyton on the 'Aints. Ain't happening. Peyton is going in. Believe that!

Marvin Harrison : I think there are better WR's still waiting on the call, but Marvin was special. His time is almost up, so enjoy him while you can. I think he will ride Peytons coat tails in.

Reggie Wayne : He is now the Colts go to guy, but he needs to be that for many more years before you can discuss him. He is like the Jimmy Orr to Raymond Barry during the Unitas era.

Adam Vinatieri : The media loves him, and he is part of historical lore. It would be a shame if Morten and Gary Anderson don't get in ahead of Adam (or Elam), but it may happen. The NFL disrespects specialists in the Canton process.

Jeff Saturday : Solid, but I can't see it.




TENNESSEE TITANS

Albert Haynesworth : Albert would need to have at least 6 more years comparable to this last year for him to even get a thought. Tough sledding, but we will see.

Kevin Mawae : He should get votes. VERY under rated, but he reminds me of Kevin Glover. A great Center time will forget because the voters pay little attention to the trenches.



SAINT LOUIS RAMS

Torry Holt : Torry will get some votes, but there are many better WR's still waiting to get in.

Orlando Pace : He seemed a shoo-in a few years ago. Then he broke down, and hasn't recovered since. If he doesn't get back to form for 2-3 more years, I can't see him having a chance.

La'Roi Glover : A high motor guy, and pretty under rated. Think John Randle. I'd put John in ahead of him, and I don't see that happening.

Dante Hall : He had a few great years, but I can think of "White Shoes" Johnson, Mel Gray, Eric Metcalf, and Rick Upchurch as better than Dante. I'd only let "White Shoes" in out of that group.



JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Fred Taylor : This man got little respect most of his career. He only went to one Pro Bowl, but his numbers are in rare company as far as NFL history goes. He won't get in, but he was great!



CLEVELAND BROWNS

Jamal Lewis : Jamal had one great year, and especially one game in particular. He has amazing longevity for the style of running he does, but I can't see him in.

Willie McGinest : Willie had a very good career. He made the Pro Bowl at DE and OLB. He won't get in, but he had a career worth remembering.




NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Tom Brady : A lock. All of his rings has him in, as well as his storied career and feats on the gridiron.

Randy Moss : Going to New England has put him back on track for induction. He has a chance of shattering many records before he retires.

Mike Vrabel : A very valuable Patriot, but not Canton material.

Rodney Harrison : Too many better Safeties await the call to consider him.

Tedy Bruschi : A great story, coming back from a stroke, but not worthy of Canton.

Junior Seau : He will be inducted, even if there are several OLB's as good as him still waiting.

Adalius Thomas : His leaving Baltimore probably derailed his chances. He is a versatile athlete, but not going to be inducted.



NEW YORK GIANTS

Eli Manning : I can't see it, but the man is young AND (key part) playing in New York City (well..New Jersey). If he can get a few more rings, who knows?

Jeff Feagles : He won't get in, but I mention him only because he holds the NFL record for most games played. A very good Punter, but was never the best. Ray Guy needs to get in for others to even have a shot.

Osi Umenyiora : He has a big hill to climb. Not only to recover from injury, but he is the guy "replacing" Strahan as the leader. I doubt he will, but he has the talent to. Stay tuned.



OAKLAND RAIDERS

Nnamdi Asomugha : No one throws at him. He is the Raiders modern version of Mike Haynes. It is a long shot, but the guy is a lock down type and not bad against the run.




NEW YORK JETS

Brett Favre : A lock, even with his averaging over 27 turnovers a year for his career. A media favorite.

Alan Faneca : An excellent player, but there are far too many superior Guards in NFL history awaiting the call.

Ty Law : The man was stellar. I just can't see him ever getting in.




WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Chris Samuels : He needs to stay healthy, and productive, for at least 7 more years before one can say he is worth mentioning.

Clinton Portis : Clinton is winding down, and he had a nice career. Just not Canton worthy.

Shaun Alexander : He had a few incredible years, but I wouldn't vote for him.

Chris Cooley : He is certainly on pace to shatter Jerry Smith's (a CCC profilee) team records. He is still very young, so the sky is the limit. I think the man is a winner and has what it takes.

London Fletcher : He is a tackling machine, but I can't see him getting in.




SAN FRANCISCO

Isaac Bruce : One of the best WR's in Rams history. He should get votes, but I'd put Henry Ellard in ahead of him. That ain't gonna happen either.




CHICAGO

Brian Urlacher : The 4th best MLB in Bears history will get votes. Playing in Chicago helps. I think he has a shot, but he needs to be as excellent as he has been for at least 5 more years to deserve entry.

Olin Kreutz : A prennial All Pro, but I can't see him getting in for a few reasons. The main one is that there are many better Centers not yet enshrined.


(Teams Not Mentioned Were Because I Saw None Yet Worth Mentioning)

Sports Begats Sports

It is kind of wild how a sport can spawn and give birth to other sports. Basketball was originally played in ancient Mexico, but you used your feet and had to kick a smaller ball into a tiny hoop. The captain of the losing team got beheaded for his efforts. Golf spawned minitature golf, and ping pong looks related to tennis.





What's next?





Competetive eating has become a sport, according to ESPN.






We know what's next:





Competitive pooping


He MUST be talking to Drew Rosenhaus about a NIKE deal




ESPN also likes to call Poker a sport.





We know what is on the horizon:







Professional Old Maid






I always thought Arm-Wrestling was cool





BUT, it could spawn into something more.







How about Thumb-Wrestling?






Curling is, in my opinion, peculiar. But it is very popular.






Naturally, it has possibilities in morphing into other sports:







Iceless Curling






Do YOU have any other ideas?