Troy Polamalu Rages Against The NFL Machine As Week Nine Commences

If you love the REAL NFL and not this load of effeminate malarkey that commissioner Roger Goodell has been trying to cram down our throats since he was hired in 2006, then you love the truth Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu spoke this week.

“I think a lot of players have said a lot of things, and I guarantee he heard everything everybody said. But he’s (Goodell) got all the power, and that may be part of the problem, that there needs to be some type of separation of power, like our government. There should be some type of players involved and decisions into how much people should be fined, or what they should be fined for, as well as coaches, as well as front-office people. I don’t think it should be just totally based on what two or three people say who are totally away from the game. I think it should be some of the players that are currently playing.

It’s football, you know. If people want to watch soccer they should watch soccer," Polamalu said. "But honestly, overseas, when people are attracted to this game, they’re going to see the big hits. They’re not going to care about touchdowns and different things, so you’re also taking a part of what attracts people to this game."

Perfectly said, and words the fascist Goodell cannot fine him for. You can bet the petulant Goodell checked with the legal department already to see if he could. While Goodell is just continuing the mission of his predecessor, basketballer Paul Tagliabue, he has raised the ire of current and former players by disgracing the game by his revolting disrespect to the history of the game and the gridirons legacy while trying to force his own image as the stamp of the game today.

These last two commissioners of the NFL knew nothing about football or what made the game so popular. While they spent their time boot licking the pedestal of the quarterback with inane rules that castrated defenses, and furthered it by polishing off the knobs of most every other offensive position, the reason most fans watch the game is for the collision instead of points.

The American Football League showed the NFL you could score without disparaging the defense. This is why they forced a merger. Yet that message taught has been lost for the bottom line with the failure of realization the accounting department would have been unaffected if they had just let defenses play defense.

Whether you see a penalty and fine for "putting too much of his weight on the quarterback" or fines for legal hits like Dunta Robinson incurred, the chagrin of the player grows deeper. Though they stay quiet, for the most part, to collect their paychecks, some understand the legacy of the game is being besmirched by a clueless and power hungry puppet named Roger Goodell.


Thankfully Troy Polamula said what most players feel. While it probably falls on deaf ears in the NFL front offices, as well as most the fans with attention spans of a fruit fly with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, it resonates with those who truly love and respect the game of football.






Miami Dolphins @ Baltimore Ravens
Game of the Week

This is an evenly matched clash. Both teams are very similar statistically in almost every facet of football. Miami, however, has lost all their home games and won all of their road games.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is biting at the bit for more snaps, and would prefer to start at wide receiver, but Derrick Mason is still too important and productive to bench. To make things worse for T.J., Donte Stallworth will return this week and has a wealth of talent himself.

Both teams are health, run the ball well, and have young quarterbacks showing they have bright futures. The Ravens need this to stay in the running with Pittsburgh, while Miami has to win to stay within reach of New England and the Jets.

This game could go to overtime or be won by a late field goal.

Ravens 16 Dolphins 15






Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons

In this divisional match up of 5-2 teams, the Buccaneers are a nice surprise. They rank 21st and and 25th in offense and defense respectively, but they don't turn over the ball and the defense comes up with timely big plays.

Atlanta's defense is about the same as Tampa Bay's statistically in yards allowed, but their offense is very productive. Though the Falcons run the ball very well, their effective passing games gives them nice balance.

If Atlanta hangs onto the football, they should win.

Falcons 27 Buccaneers 17






New England Patriots @ Cleveland Browns

On paper, this is an evenly matched game. Both teams are porous on defense and below average on offense. Yet, New England wins as much as they appear to struggle.

Tom Brady is having another MVP caliber season for the Patriots, and running back Danny Woodhead is a find who has been an x-factor the past few weeks.

Cleveland hasn't yet announced their starting quarterback this week, but that is more their head coach Eric Mangini trying to stick it to his old boss Bill Belichick. Belichick will try to remind the Browns of the mistake they made firing him as head coach in 1995.

Patriots 31 Browns 20






Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings

This game involves two starting quarterbacks struggling mightily, though one still may return to the NFL somewhere next year. The Cardinals are still within reach of their division lead, while the Vikings appear to be going nowhere.

Both teams need to run to win, since their erratic quarterbacks cannot be relied upon to do much more than throw interceptions. Adrian Peterson, the star halfback of the Vikings, could run for over 200 yards this Sunday.


Vikings 20 Cardinals 17







Chicago Bears @ Buffalo Bills

Chicago has become pass happy, eschewing the run. Buffalo is dead last in the NFL at stopping the run, but excellent versus the pass. If Chicago does not decide to rediscover the running game this week, the winless Bills will have an even better shot at their first win. Even if Chicago runs halfback Matt Forte 25 times or more, the Bills are due for a win.

Bills 24 Bears 21





New York Jets @ Detroit Lions

While Detroit celebrated the return of quarterback Matthew Stafford with a win off his three touchdown passes last week, the Jets came off their bye week getting shut out by a beat up Packers defense and their quarterback ended up calling out his receivers.

The real reason the Jets lost is that they blew off their vaunted running attack, and tried to pass too much in very windy conditions. The Lions defense is improving, but they are still ranked 27th against the run.

The Jets love to say they ground and pound the opposition, and this is the week to prove it.

Jets 19 Lions 13





San Diego Chargers @ Houston Texans

This has the makings of a very exciting game, but it depends on both erratic teams playing up to their potential. That has not happened as much as it should have so far.

San Diego played last week like a team with the first ranked offense and defense, while last week showed why the Texans have the worst ranked defense in the NFL. Houston will need to outscore the Chargers in a shootout to win this if the Bolts decide to show up.

Chargers 34 Texans 26





New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers

The Panthers seem to be fighting for the first pick in the NFL draft in 2011, because they haven't shown a lot of fight in many other areas. Head coach John Fox will probably be gone next year, putting a dismal ending to a nine year run with the team that previously never had a team finish a season worse than 7-9.

There are rumors that Saints quarterback Drew Brees has a knee injury where the meniscus is torn and fractured. Watching him closely is the most important issue for the defending champions, because their season will pretty much be over without the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Year, which he won for a third time last season, and Super Bowl MVP.

Saints 28 Panthers 13





New York Giants @ Seattle Seahawks

The Giants have stepped up the past few weeks to be the best team in the NFC. Their veteran corp bristled at a lousy start to the season, and have won four games in a row.

While a young and deep group of talented Jint wide receivers strike fear in opponents, their offensive attack is well balanced and the defense has been special at times. Seattle, who has shocked many with a 4-3 record in a rebuilding season, is in a lot of trouble. Especially now that their starting quarterback will not play.

Giants 34 Seahawks 10






Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders

If you are under the age of 18, you may not truly grasp the importance of this rivalry. Both teams have hated each other for decades, and for good reason. Both teams generally ruled the American Football League, and would end up battling each other for the right to go to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs persevered three times, while the Raiders made it once.

When the teams joined the NFL, Oakland kept winning while the Chiefs struggled. Still, the rivalry remained strong, with Kansas City leading the series 52-45-2. The difference in points scored is only 123 in favor of the Chiefs.

Kansas City has jumped out to a surprising 5-2 record this year, while the Raiders are starting to excel under the offensive genius of coaches Hue Jackson, Paul Hackett, and Ted Tollner by winning three of their last four games behind the fourth rated scoring offense in the NFL.

Both teams love to run the ball. While the Chiefs are ranked first in the NFL in rushing, Oakland is second. The difference may come from the aerial assault, as the Raiders are ranked 20th and the Chiefs are dead last in the NFL.

An x-factor to look for is the Black Hole. The Raiders fans, who heartily despise the Chiefs, are amongst the loudest and best in football. They will be pumped up and wearing extra make up for this one to ensure a sea of black and silver in Oakland-Alemeda County Coliseum.

Raiders 23 Chiefs 20






Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles

The big news here is the return of Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who gets to face an effective Colts pass rush in his return. Indianapolis lost another important starter, linebacker Clint Sessions and his 38 tackles, for the season because of injury.

While eyes might be on Vick and the return of star wide receiver DeSean Jackson, the best plan of attack for Philadelphia may be to feed the pill to halfback LeShon McCoy over 25 times against a horrible Colts run defense.

Indianapolis will rely on quarterback Peyton Manning as usual. He may be the leading candidate for 2010 NFL MVP, and the Colts season would be over if he went down too. The Colts may have just one running back with some health in Donald Brown, who recently came off injury himself.

Eagles 34 Colts 30





Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

The worst thing about the Cowboys is now America is being forced to watch "America's Team" on television every week, as we all will be soon again on Thanksgiving Day. They aren't going anywhere this season, and obviously packed it in weeks ago. The only battle they have left is with the Vikings as the most disappointing team this season.

Green Bay is beat up, especially on defense. Wide receiver Donald Driver failed to catch a ball the past two weeks after having caught one in 139 straight games. He will sit out until week 11. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn't always been sharp this season, but he is still the fifth-ranked NFL passer in passing yards.

While Dallas has the talent to win this game, they probably still don't have the heart or desire to do so.

Packers 34 Cowboys 24





Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pittsburgh may have lost last week, but they still are an upper echelon team. The defense is stifling, the running game effective, and their quarterback has nearly shaken off all the rust incurred from his suspension.

Cincinnati needs to win this game. A loss here will end their season. Quarterback Carson Palmer seems to appease the egos of wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco by taking turns throwing them the ball at the expense of the teams won-loss record.

The two receivers are expected to have extra relish added to their bologna this game in order to promote their television show. Pittsburgh will let them have it, to a point, as they procure the victory.

Steelers 26 Bengals 17



Power Rankings

1. Steelers
2. Patriots
3. Giants
4. Ravens
5. Jets
6. Colts
7. Titans
8. Falcons
9. Chiefs
10. Saints
11. Dolphins
12. Packers
13. Buccaneers
14. Chargers
15. Eagles
16. Texans
17. Redskins
18. Bears
19. Bengals
20. Raiders
21. Rams
22. Jaguars
23. Seahawks
24. Vikings
25. Broncos
26. Lions
27. Cardinals
28. Cowboys
29. 49ers
30. Browns
31. Bills
32. Panthers

Last Week : 6-7
Overall Record : 55-46

The Five Best NBA Coaches Not In The Hall Of Fame

Gene Shue


Shue was a legend at Maryland University as an All-American guard before the Philadelphia Warriors made him the third overall pick in 1954. He was traded to the New York Knicks after just six games, then was traded to the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1956.

He became a star with the Pistons, being chosen an All-Star six straight years while always being amongst the league leaders in minutes played. He returned to the Knicks in 1962, then joined the Baltimore Bullets in 1963 before retiring.

Getting into coaching, the Bullets asked him to take over for Hall of Famer Buddy Jeannette in 1967. The Bullets were a bad team, but Shue got them to improve their win total by seven games in his second year. It improved an additional 21 games in 1969, as the Bullets won their division.

Wes Unseld, one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, was a big reason why in 1969. He became just the second man in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Hall of Famers Earl "The Pearl" Monroe and Gus Johnson joined Unseld and Shue was named Coach of the Year.

In his last five years with the Bullets, the team won over 50 games three times. One of the years they didn't saw them reach the NBA Finals before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks and former Warriors teammate Larry Costello.

Shue was replaced by Hall of Famer K.C. Jones in 1973, but he immediately got a job with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers were struggling during this time. They had won just nine games the season before.

It wasn't long before they started to improve greatly under Shue, and Philadelphia made the NBA Finals in 1977 before losing to a red-hot Portland Trail Blazers. Shue was fired six games into the 1978 season, replaced by Hall of Famer Billy Cunningham. He was back in the NBA the next year, leading the San Diego Clippers to a 16 win improvement over the season before when they were the Buffalo Braves.

He left the Clippers after the next season to take the helm of the Washington Bullets. Lasting six years there, the Bullets made the playoffs three times before he was replaced by Kevin Loughery, the man he replaced in Philadelphia.

Shue was named Coach of the Year again in 1982, making him the second coach to win the award more than once. Don Nelson, Bill Fitch, and Cotton Fitzsimmons duplicated the feat since, but the 12 year gap between winning the award is still a record.

He joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 1988, lasting two years before retiring to become the general manager of the 76ers for two years.

He ended up with 784 wins, which was the second most in NBA history then. It is still the 12th most today. It is amazing Shue has yet to be inducted. Let alone the fact he won two awards for coach of the year, Shue turned around the program of almost every team he took over.

Factor in his six All-Star games as a player, his contributions are unmatched by many and worthy of being honored with induction.





Bill Fitch





















Fitch started his coaching career in the college ranks for several years after first becoming a drill instructor for the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 1970, he got his first NBA head coaching job with a expansion Cleveland Cavaliers team that won just 15 times in his first year. Staying there nine years, the team improved each season.

In 1976, known as the "The Miracle of Richfield" to Cavaliers fans, the team made an unexpected playoff run that was also the first postseason appearance in franchise history. Fitch won the Coach of the Year award for his efforts.

Leaving Cleveland in 1979, he was immediately hired by the Boston Celtics and won a league best 61 games with rookie Larry Bird as the star of the club. Boston had won just 29 games the year before, and the 32-win improvement was a record at the time. Bird, who won Rookie of the Year, cites Fitch as a huge influence on his own personal work ethic.

Boston then won the NBA Championship the next year, and Fitch was named Coach of the Year for the second time. Only three other coaches have ever won this award more than once ,and Fitch was the first coach to accomplish this.

After winning a career best 63 games the next year, Fitch left the Celtics after a 56-win year in 1983 and joined the Houston Rockets. After 29 wins in his initial season, Houston won 48 the next year and appeared in the NBA Finals in 1986 before losing to the Celtics in six games.

Fitch left Houston in 1986 despite 46 wins, but resurfaced as the coach of the New Jersey Nets in 1988. The team won 17 games his first year, 26 the next, then 40 in his third and final year before being fired.

After being out of the game several years, the Los Angeles Clippers hired him in 1995. After 17 wins his first year, the Clippers won 29 then 36 over the next two, which also included a playoffs appearance. The Clippers reverted to 17 wins in 1998, and Fitch retired from the game with 944 wins.

Though his win total is the sixth most in NBA history, critics point to his 1,106 losses without looking at his career. Every team he coached was lousy the year before he got there, except the expansion Cavaliers. Every team he coached improved dramatically under his guidance.

Bill Fitch should be in the Hall of Fame for more than his Coach of the Year awards, or his championship ring. The man took franchises out of the graves and into the playoffs. He is the epitome of what a coach should be, which should be more than enough to get him inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.





Cotton Fitzsimmons


















Fitzsimmons first tasted coaching success in college. He once replaced Tex Winters, the man who perfected the Triangle Offense and mentored Phil Jackson, at Kansas State University.

He joined the Phoenix Suns in 1970, replacing interim coach Jerry Colangelo. Colangelo was the general manager of the Suns, and would later buy the team in 1987. Fitzsimmons won 97 games in two years before moving on to the Atlanta Hawks in 1972.

After almost four years with the Hawks, he took over as coach of the Buffalo Braves for one season before joining the Kansas City Kings in 1979 for six years. Fitzsimmons was named Coach of the Year in his first year, the only one where his team won a divisional title, then led them to the Western Conference Finals two years later.

The San Antonio Spurs hired him in 1985, then fired him after 1986. Phoenix hired him in 1989, and the Suns won no less than 53 games over the next four seasons.

He won the NBA Coach of the Year Award in his first season, making him just the fourth coach ever to win it twice. He retired after 1992 to do television, but was coaxed out of retirement during the 1996 season for 49 games. After the team lost the first eight games of the next year, Fitzsimmons turned the team over to Danny Ainge and retired for good.

The 832 wins he had are still the 11th most in NBA history. The only reasons I can think of his still being excluded for the Basketball Hall of Fame is because none of his teams ever reached the finals, and only one won their division.

It is evident to see Cotton Fitzsimmons was a winner, having won 57 more games than he lost, on a lot of teams not many expected much from.

Excellence in coaching comes from getting the players to maximize their talents. Fitzsimmons did that yearly with mostly positive results, having ten seasons of 45 wins or more. He is certainly worthy of induction to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.





Dick Motta






















Despite never having played organized basketball in high school or beyond, Dick Motta got into coaching the game and first worked his way through the college ranks that culminated in six years at Weber State University.

The Chicago Bulls hired him in 1969, and they improved their win total in each of his first four years with the club. Motta won Coach of the Year in 1971, then a career best 57 games in 1972. In his eight years, the team won more than 50 games four times.

He was fired after the 1976 season, but was immediately hired by the Washington Bullets. The Bullets had already been to the finals twice in the decade, but had failed to won in either year. Led by Hall of Famers Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes, the team had talent but had nothing to show for it. That changed under Motta.

The 1978 season saw the Bullets deal with injuries, but they still won 44 games and got into the playoffs. They faced opponents who were favored to defeat them, but the Bullets stormed through the playoffs despite sportswriters continuously predicting their impending end.

While up three games to one against the San Antonio Spurs, a beat writer for the Spurs named Dan Cook wrote "The opera isn't over 'til the fat lady sings". Motta loved the phrase and adopted it for his Bullets as they faced the heavily favored Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

After defeating Philadelphia in six games, they faced the favored Seattle Supersonics for the championships. In a closely played battle, Seattle went up three games to two as they headed to Washington. Motta came into town proclaiming "Wait for the fat lady!"

His Bullets responded with a 35-point victory that was a record in margin of victory until 1998. Buoyed by this, Washington then went to Seattle and became become the third team to win the championship in a seventh game on the road.

It was the first championship for the city of Washington D.C. in 36 years, and is the only title the Bullets franchise has ever won.

The Bullets won 54 games the next year, winning their division. They then won two exhausting playoff series against both the Spurs and Atlanta Hawks that went seven games. They reached the finals for the fourth time in the 1970's, but lost to Seattle.

Motta left Washington after 1980 to become head coach of the expansion Dallas Mavericks. After 15 wins in the first year, the team improved each year and won 55 games in his seventh and last season in 1987. It was the most wins in Mavericks history until 2001.

The Sacramento Kings hired Motta in 1990. He lasted just over two years there, then rejoined the Mavericks in 1995 for two more years. The Denver Nuggets hired him in 1996, his last in the NBA before retiring.

The 935 wins that Dick Motta has is the eighth most in NBA history. He showed he could win with a talented team like the Bullets, as well as showed he could improve the Bulls, and take a fledgling Mavericks to new heights. He deserves entry into the Basketball Hall of Fame.





Larry Costello






















Costello was a great player before he was a coach. A former second round draft choice of the Philadelphia Warriors in 1954, right after Gene Shue was taken in the first round, the point guard went to six All-Star games and won a championship in a 12 year career.

When he retired after winning it all in 1968, he was coaching the Milwaukee Bucks the next year in their expansion season. The Bucks drafted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the next season, then got Oscar Robertson in a trade the following year and won the NBA Championship over Shue's Bullets after winning 66 games and setting a record with 20 straight wins.

He led Milwaukee back to the championship three years later, where they lost in seven games to the Boston Celtics. Jabbar requested a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers and Robertson retired, so the Bucks won less games. After two consecutive 38 win seasons, Milwaukee fired Costello 18 games into the 1977 season.

Costello joined the Chicago Bulls in 1979 and went 20-36 before being fired. After coaching in women's pro basketball, he later coached at Utica College and improved their program greatly before retiring.

In the 730 regular season games he coached, Larry Costello won 430 of them. He also won 37 of 60 postseason games, and won one of two championship appearances.

When you factor in his six All-Star games, two championship wins as both a player and coach, along with a .589 winning percentage, it is evident that Costello belongs in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Washington Redskins 2010 Midseason Grades

Quarterback

Donovan McNabb - B - : McNabb has had to carry the Redskins offense so far. He has had the running game help him seldomly, and is third on the team is yards rushing himself. He has done this dealing with nagging injuries all season, so a week off will help.

His accuracy tossing the ball has been wildly erratic for the most part. Though he has had more pressure than most NFL QB's due to a porous offensive line, so he won't get a fair grade unless he can have at least just a few games of competent blocking in front of him.

Enjoy him now Redskins fans, because the Shanahan's have made it quite clear he will not be back next season.


Rex Grossman - D - : One of the worst backup quarterbacks in the NFL. He was called into one game and promptly fumbled a ball that was returned for a touchdown by the opponents.






Running Back

Clinton Portis - C - : Most pundits felt the 29-year old was running on flat tires before the season began, and he did little to dispel those opinions in the four games he played before getting hurt.

After averaging barely three yards on his first 31 carries, Washington started handing the ball off to other players more often. His last 18 carries bumped up his yards per carry average to four, but his main contribution this year was pass blocking.


Ryan Torain - A : Torain has been a very pleasant surprise. He did not even make the team coming out of camp, and was only given the chance because head coach Mike Shanahan drafted him in 2008 during the fifth round with the Denver Broncos and getting hurt after two games..

Torain has played just six games, after playing none last year,, but leads the Redskins in rushing with 391 yards and three scores while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He also has eight catches and another touchdown. If he had not given Washington this, their record would be a lot worse right now.


Keiland Williams - A - : Williams made the team as an undrafted free agent rookie with just a few starts in college. He soon found himself placed as the teams pass catching specialist out of the backfield.

He was cut after week three when Portis went down, but was back a week later. He is third on the team in receptions, and did a good job filling in for an injured Torain by scoring. His pass blocking needs improvement, but that is a typical quandary for rookies.


Mike Sellers - B : Sellers is consistent when asked to catch the ball. He has 12 receptions so far, but his main job is to run block. He has been inconsistent in this area, and seems to have lost a step at 35-years old.







Tight Ends

Chris Cooley - A + : Cooley leads all NFC tight ends in receptions and is second in the NFL behind Antonio Gates of San Diego. His two scores is also tied for the team lead.

Cooley came into the season excited to play with McNabb, hoping to become a favorite target. He has done just that and is also a very underrated blocker who appears headed to his third Pro Bowl.


Fred Davis - D : The question about Davis has always been how much he really likes football, considering he has said he isn't much of a fan of the game when not playing it. Shades on ex-Redskin Michael Westbrook.

After coming up big last year when Cooley went down for the year, he has been virtually invisible so far this season. He has nine catches so far, and has not blocked very well often in jumbo sets.







Wide Receivers

Santana Moss - A : Moss has been the steady receiver Washington needs. He already has 48 receptions and has also shown to be an excellent blocker down field. He is quietly putting together one of the best seasons of his career.


Anthony Armstrong - A+ : Easily the best rookie the Redskins has this season. He sat on NFL practice squads for a few years, as well as playing in the Intense Football League, before making a squad in desperate need of receiver help this season.

He has 17 receptions at a 18 yards per catch clip, but he has been more than a deep threat. He has a propensity of always being around the ball, whether it is snagging a pass deflection, falling on a fumble, or making a tackle on special teams.


Joey Galloway - C : It is amazing he even wears a uniform these days at 39-years old. He has pitched in with eight receptions, but is no longer the consistent threat he once was.


Roydell Williams - C : The journeyman rarely plays, and has two receptions so far.


Brandon Banks - A - : He hasn't been used on offense really, and has one catch. That is probably due to the fact he has major ball security issues.

He makes his bones returning kicks, something Washington did not ask him to do until the fourth week this season. After making the team out of camp, the rookie was cut and brought back as the season went on.

He has 16 kickoff returns for 436 yards and a score. The 213 yards he had Sunday almost matched his seasons total, and an additional touchdown called back on a penalty. Banks has also pitched in 17 punt returns for 234 yards. He is exciting when he is able to hold onto the ball.






Offensive Line

Trent Williams - A : The rookie has been everything Washington hoped for since being drafted in the first round. He has struggled at times, bu mostly with his health. A week off will do him good.



Jamal Brown - B - : Brown has done well run blocking, but most of this season has seen him play injured. His return to full health is sorely needed.



Stephon Heyer - B+ : Heyer has been valuable coming off the bench when Williams and Brown have gone down frequently with injuries. He has also cut down on mistakes, which Heyer was known to often make in his previous three years with the club.



Artis Hicks - D : Hicks is a journeyman backup that Washington overpaid to get as a free agent this year. When a flag is thrown for holding or a false start, Hicks is usually the culprit. There have been moments he has run blocked well, but Hicks has generally played poorly so far.



Kory Lichtensteiger - C : He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2008 draft by Shanahan, and he spent his rookie year as a reserve. Denver let him go after firing Shanahan, and he spent about three weeks with the Minnesota Vikings last year but never saw the field.

Washington signed him one week after Shanahan was hired this year. Though his best position is center, Lichtensteiger replaced Derrick Dockery at left guard in week three and has stayed there since. He isn't overpowering, but he rarely makes mistakes either. There is a very good chance he starts at center next year.



Derrick Dockery - D : Dockery earned a starting job early in his rookie year, then went 111 games starting and never missing a game. After the second week of this season, his streak was snapped when Washington benched him. Dockery hasn't been seen since, which says a lot for an offensive line that has played as poorly as the Redskins have in the middle.


Casey Rabach - D : He is 33-years old, but has played a lot older too many times this season. Last Sunday was a perfect example, as he stepped on quarterback Donovan McNabb's foot twice in the first quarter, killing two drives. Only outmatched centers make the error of stepping into the bucket, especially one as veteran as Rabach.

Both Rabach and Hicks have been the weak link of the Redskins offensive line, and the worst kind of pressure a quarterback can face comes from up the middle. Though it may be easy to say Rabach needs to be benched, the backups aren't any better and he was recently signed to a 3 year contract worth $12.3 million.








Defensive Line

Albert Haynesworth- D - : Though he has played his best football for Washington the past two weeks, he still is basically a grossly overpaid reserve who is one of the biggest free agent busts in NFL history. It is doubtful the sullen, immature Haynesworth will be much more than that, given his present state of mind and heart.



Adam Carriker- C - : Carriker had a few flashes this year that showed why he was a first round pick in 2007, yet he has just eight tackles and a half a sack as a reserve so far.


Kedric Golston - D : He has just seven tackles in six games this season. Not exactly stellar production from a starter.


Ma'ake Kemoetu - B - : He is the Redskins best defensive lineman, and leads the unit with 16 tackles from his nose tackle position so far. He is the only consistent run stuffer the team has.

Vonnie Holliday - C : The 35-year old journeyman has pitched in on 11 tackles, a half a sack, and a couple of batted down balls in his five games.

Phillip Daniels - B : The 37-year old Daniels has been helpful when he has played, which is just three games so far. He has seven tackles and a sack.






Linebackers

London Fletcher - A : A true pro. His transition to the 3-4 has gone very well, and he is second on the team in tackles. He also leads the Redskins in forced and recovered fumbles, while showing he can still defend against the pass well.

Fletcher has also pitched in 1.5 sacks, which is just half a sack short of his high mark with Washington. One of the only consistent players on the Redskins roster, the 35-year old may be heading to his second Pro Bowl at this pace.


Brian Orakpo - B : Orakpo is basically just a pass rusher right now. His seven sacks lead the team, and it is tied as the third most in the NFL so far. Though he is not much of a pass defender, Washington would like to see him improve against the run.



Andre Carter - C - : The veteran defensive end has struggled in his transition to linebacker. He has just 19 tackles and a sack thus far, and has lost his starting job. Washington has lately been putting him back at defensive end on passing downs to try to get him going.



Lorenzo Alexander : B + : Mr. Versatile has been found playing along the line on either side of the ball, at fullback, and now at linebacker. He has been so valuable to the team, one must wonder if he could handle kicking or quarterback duties as well.

Alexander has moved into a starters job, pitching in 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks.



Rocky McIntosh - B + : He might be best at the OLB slot, but Washington needs him at ILB and he has done a good job. His two sacks are tied as second most on the team, and his 63 tackles is tied as third most. He has struggled in pass defense, but that is not shocking for a player learning a new position in a new defensive scheme.


H.B. Blades - C + : H.B. makes his bones on special teams. Despite a few penalties that hurt the team, he is one of their better kick return coverage guys.








Safeties


LaRon Landry - A + : The best safety in the NFL today, he leads the NFL in solo tackles and his 76 total tackles are far and away to most by any NFL defensive back. It is also the third most in the entire league.

Landry is the M.V.P. of the team so far this year, as he has improved on every aspect of his game. His seven passes defended is third most on the team, though Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett loves to send him after the quarterback.

Not only is he on his way to the Pro Bowl, but this current pace will have him First Team All-Pro and in the running for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.



Kareem Moore - C : After missing the first two games of the season because of injury, Moore has done a mostly decent job in his first year as a starter. He still makes mental errors, but he is maybe the only true free safety on the roster.



Reed Doughty - C + : Doughty is an old school player able to play either safety slot. Though he might be the least athletic Redskin defensive back, Doughty has piled up 38 tackles already. He can be picked on in man to man coverage, but he is mostly dependable and consistent.




Chris Horton - D - : After a excellent rookie season in 2008, Horton hit a sophomore slump and seems stuck there. Now playing more tentatively, Washington has used him in just four games in what might be his last season in the NFL.







Cornerbacks

DeAngelo Hall - A + : Not only does he lead the NFL with six interceptions, his 63 tackles lead all NFL cornerbacks and his nine defended passes are tied as the second most in the league.

He is playing his position the way all expected when drafted with the eighth overall draft pick in 2004, and Hall appears on his way to his third Pro Bowl appearance.


Carlos Rogers - B + : Quietly, Rogers is tied with Hall in passes defended. He also has pitched in 38 tackles and an interception. Though Washington has given up a lot of yards in the air, they leave their veteran cornerbacks on island with little pass rush to help.


Phillip Buchanon - C - : When Redskins general manager Bruce Allen won the George Young Executive of the Year award with the Oakland Raiders in 2002, it was the same year he drafted Buchanon in the first round.

When Allen moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004, Buchanon was traded to Houston but rejoined Allen in Tampa Bay for almost three years in 2006. Now the pair are reunited again in Washington.

While Buchanon has defended eight balls and had 19 tackles, opponents seem to pick on the journeyman, now on his fifth team in ten seasons, often. He has mostly been a disappointment, making mistakes someone as veteran as him should not be making. It makes the fact that Kevin Barnes has yet to show anything that much more painful, because Washington needs an upgrade here.







Kicking Game

Graham Gano - A : The rookie has been solid. Though he has missed both attempts of 50+ yards, Gano has only missed three of 18 other attempts. He is giving Washington a consistency at this position not enjoyed in years, and his kickoffs have allowed the Redskins to have one of the best kickoff coverage units in the league.

Hunter Smith - D - : Smith has been pretty lousy ever since he replaced the injured Josh Bidwell. He has a net punting average of only 33.4 yards, hopefully prompting the Redskins to try out a few free agent punters during their week off.





Coaches

Mike Shanahan - D : Shanahan has brought more chaos than stability in his first season. He has mishandled a few veterans Washington planned to rely on this season, then dealt conflicting stories to the media when asked about each issue.

Though the veteran coach gets a pass in his first year because he won it all in the past, fans either like his rigid approach or are beginning to see why Denver fired him.







Kyle Shanahan - D - : Let's face it, the guy has the job because his dad is the boss. Though he was given the title of offensive coordinator for two seasons in Houston under his fathers disciple Gary Kubiak, it was Kubiak who called the plays.

His dad says he stays out of the way and allows his son to call the plays, but perhaps this needs to change because the inexperience shows.

In the Redskins 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, they faced a team that could not stop the run. Torain had 100 yards and two scores on 20 carries. Shanahan mostly ignored the run game in the second half, which allowed the Colts to come back and win. An experienced, competent offensive coordinator would have handed the ball off more than 22 times, as opposed to throwing it 45 times. His play calling lost a winnable game for Washington.

Mike Shanahan was handed $35 million over five years. Perhaps it is time he starts earning his paycheck and start calling the plays again. He won two Super Bowls doing this, and Washington deserves to have the best chance possible at winning too.




Jim Haslett - C + : It is hard to grade Haslett for a few reasons. Not only is the team adjusting to the 3-4 scheme, but the defensive coordinator does not yet have the personnel that fits his system.

His defense gives up a ton of yards, yet the defense has been excellent inside of the red zone. Three games have seen the team give up just one touchdown, and another saw two scored. While they do not harass opposing quarterbacks enough, the defense is tied with the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers as the best in the NFL at creating turnovers.

Considering the team had an extremely difficult time at creating turnovers under ex-defensive coordinator Greg Blache for the past two years, Haslett's defense has brought a welcome wrinkle to their game.

NFL Week 8 Shows Teams Need To Put Old Yeller Out Of His Misery

Many NFL fans are tired of saying "He's back!" Then there are others who wished he was never asked to return. Then there are the Hickocritons who don't care what he does, just so long as he returns.

Brett Farve is trying to tell his media buddies he will try to play Sunday so his team can win. With an ego so out of control, he fails to see he is the biggest reason they are 2-4 with his 15 turnovers.

With the highest interception rate of his career, coupled by the lowest yards per attempts average and passing yards per game of his career, Favre resembles the punch-drunk heavyweight who got in the ring one too many times.

While time eventually forgets those missteps, his may linger because of other issues that show he is more than the crying boy playing for his dead dad. He is now the dirty old man touching himself to a girl old enough to be his child while wearing Crocs instead of slippers.

ESPN tried to exclaim Farve took part of practice, while only showing footage of an old man by a locker trying to put weight on his injured ankle. Vikings head coach Brad Childress, obviously tired of watching a self absorbent egomaniac throw away games while playing outside of the the system, has publicly said the team needs a quarterback who values possession of the football.

If Childress does the right thing and benches Farve, the media blitz is on from the quarterbacks buddies. If he says nothing, he loses respect in the locker room. While people point to the streak, trying to compare it to Jim Marshall or Cal Ripken Jr., it should be noted Marshall and Ripken were not causing their teams to lose for the sake of their streaks, and still contributed heavily towards victories.

Childress only has himself to blame. He asked for a return and even picked him up at the airport. Perhaps his only avenue is to let the Hickocrite play, lose the game, and possibly get damaged so bad in the ankle that he is forced to retire. The Vikings win in that scenario.

Albert Haynesworth came out this week saying ''I'm not good enough to play the 3-4 defense. 'I would like to start and start playing like I used to ... but right now I'm fine with it ( coming off the bench in the nickel package)."

Haynesworth may have been trying to be facetious, considering he just came off a game where he had his first sack this season and came up big on a goal line play, but the message of pity was the recurring theme he has spouted since Mike Shanahan was hired as the Redskins head coach and announcing plans to switch to a base 3-4 defense.

He doesn't seem concerned whether or not he will be with Washington past this season either. ''I don't know. I have no clue. Right now, if I just keep playing, I'm going to be somewhere. Keep playing and help the teammates, and make plays and I guess get noticed more,'' Haynesworth pondered, ''so people will say I'm not a bust or whatever.''

Guess he is so self involved and so deeply sequestered from society that he fails to realize people have been calling him a bust most of his Redskins career.

Week six of the 2010 NFL season can also be called "The Day The Game Died", thanks to commissioner Roger Goodell listening to a bunch of whiny media yenta's instead of thinking of the good of the game itself.

They went on a media blitz, and Goodell looked like a wide-eyed rookie. He proceeded to throw an interception that cost the game its game. A commissioner, who hasn't played organized football since his teens, showed his insight of the game by sending a message even clean, hard hits will be fined.

He fined one player who made a clean and legal hit. The player led with his shoulder, blowing up a 165-lbs player to the point the whiplash effect caused a concussion.

The NFL has made its bones, as well as billions of dollars, on violent hits. It is a part of the game that is clearly unavoidable, no matter how the league tries. Every position but running back has gone through major rule changes. The quarterback now plays practically in a prom dress surrounded by a booth of safety, a step away from flag football.

Week six is when the entire offense became the coddled quarterback, as the defense last semblance of manhood was lopped off, thus completing the castration of the NFL.

This week he tried to top himself by holding a first ever conference of every NFL referee. He wasn't just talking about the plethora of bad calls that are as ingrained into the gridiron as the player themselves. He continued his lip service about hard tackles.

Instead of taking an intelligent path of calling out coaches of kids who are too busy scrounging for pennies instead of teaching fundamentals, Goodell thinks he can get to the root of an issue by starting at the very top of the food chain.





Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs

The winless Bill proved that they still were an NFL team last week by taking the Baltimore Ravens to the wire in their 37-34 loss last Sunday.

Buffalo's problem is they are good against the pass, but are the worst against the run defensively. The Chiefs stink at throwing the ball, but are the top team in the NFL at running it.

Buffalo might try to pound halfback Fred Jackson often, but attacking the Chiefs 25th ranked pass defense is the best way to go with them. They have a good shot at getting a win this week, but betting on the Bills to be consistent is a huge gamble.

Bills 27 Chiefs 24







Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers

If you said the Chiefs/ Bills game would be a better game before the season started, go buy a lottery ticket fast.

The Niners have one win, the Broncos have two. Besides Denver quarterback Kyle Orton, neither team does anything particularly great on either side of the ball. San Francisco has recently shown some signs of getting halfback Frank Gore going, and they will have to lean on him heavy with a third-string quarterback playing.

The NFL is trying to get global, playing this game overseas, but it it hard to imagine this battle of mediocrity will inspire much of a following.

Broncos 31 49ers 23




Carolina Panthers @ Saint Louis Rams

Here is a look at two teams going in opposite directions a lot faster than expected. The Rams already have three wins, a total many did not expect over the entire season from them in training camp. Carolina has just one.

Matt Moore is back as the Panthers quarterback, and he had a few nice moments last week. With halfback DeAngelo Williams dinged up and questionable, he will need to step up again.

The Rams underrated defense is improving weekly, and they can get a big load of help from running back Steven Jackson pounding the ball frequently against the Panthers 24th ranked rush defense.

Rams 21 Panthers 10





Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions

The 4-3 Redskins are just a few plays away from being undefeated and winless. They have been so impressive that gamblers are betting on the 1-5 Lions this week. Not just because they beat Washington last week either.

As Detroit returns from their bye week, Washington heads into theirs. Detroit has the seventh ranked pass attack, but that was from the arm of Shawn Hill. Hill came on early in the season to replace the injured starter Matthew Stafford. Now Hill is hurt and Stafford is ready to go against the Redskins 31st ranked pass defense.

While Washington statistically has the second worst defense in the NFL, they get real tough once teams approach the end zone. Detroit also has no power backs to rely on, as they prefer to hand it to scatback Jahvid Best. Best has had a productive season, but has had nagging injuries to the point even Lions head coach Jim Schwartz conceded that full health is not likely to return all year for the rookie.

The Lions defense is nothing special either, but rookie Ndamukong Suh could present a beat up Donovan McNabb issues all day behind his sub par offensive line. If he gets time, McNabb could carve up Detroit's secondary when not handing the ball of to Ryan Torain. Torain is seeking his third straight week of over 100 yards rushing.

Redskins 30 Lions 28





Green Bay Packers @ New York Jets

It has been a questionable move by the Pack not to supplement their running backs corps after Ryan Grant went down for the year early on, especially after watching Marshawn Lynch get had for very little in return.

The glare of Grant's absence will glow brightest this game, because the Packers will need to pass often to win. They are missing their best tight end and their leading receiver is beat up. Donald Driver is so hurt, he failed to catch a pass for the first time in almost nine full seasons, 139 games, last week.

The Jets are coming off a bye week, so guys are getting healthy again. Derrelle Revis is one of them, and he should be blanketing Greg Jennings all game. New York also has the second best rushing attack in the NFL, not good news for a 23rd ranked Green Bay run defense so beat up that they had offensive lineman T.J. Lang helping out last week.

Jets 26 Packers 17





Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati is a mess. Last week typified their 2010 season. Getting blown out 24-3 at halftime against the Atlanta Falcons, they went into the fourth quarter leading 25-24. Atlanta then put up 15 straight points before the Bengals added a late cosmetic score in their 39-32 loss.

That has been the problem, looking good cosmetically with no substance. But that was expected after pairing up Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who are exactly what the Bengals are. A galaxy away from the 2009 team that went 10-6.

Miami should look to kick start their running game against a under-performing Bengals defense.

Dolphins 28 Bengals 20







Jacksonville Jaguars @ Dallas Cowboys

This is a game no one cares about, and that includes the players that will take the field. While Jaguars quarterback David Garrard returns from injury, John Kitna makes his first start in place of the injured Tony Romo in this battle of two teams going nowhere worthwhile in 2010.

Cowboys 18 Jaguars 17







Tennessee Titans @ San Diego Chargers

Only a Norv Turner-coached team can be first in offense and defense with a 2-5 record. Bolts quarterback Philip Rivers gets Vincent Jackson back from his holdout, but it is hard to imagine Jackson giving his full effort. Jackson is probably looking to get out healthy in 2010 so he can join a new team next year.

Vince Young returns to the Titans after missing over a game from a knee injury. Wide receiver Kenny Britt has gotten hot recently,taking a little pressure off bell cow Chris Johnson.

This game should go to the wire.

Titans 34 Chargers 31






Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Arizona Cardinals

Tampa Bay's head coach Raheem Morris says his team is the best in the NFC. Now is the time to prove it.

Buccaneers 21 Cardinals 17






Minnesota Vikings @ New England Patriots

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady once said he wants to play until he gets past 40-years old. Perhaps watching Brett Favre crash and burn this year will have him rethink that plan.

Vikings halfback Adrian Peterson should get the ball a lot, but maybe more in the pass than he has before. The Pats have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, but they could get good fast against a Vikings passer who already has 10 interceptions.

Randy Moss returns to New England, where he played over three years, wearing a Vikings jersey he wore six seasons previously. He will want the ball. The only question is if Minnesota has someone who can get it to him.

Patriots 37 Vikings 31






Seattle Seahawks @ Oakland Raiders

It is fitting these two face off on Halloween, because they truly are Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Oakland went crazy last week, scoring at will, after a season of battling to get points. Seattle is leading their division, putting new head coach Pete Carroll in serious consideration for an award. One week they are stomping the 49ers, Chargers, or Bears, the next they are getting destroyed by the Rams.

Oakland did beat Seattle 27-24 in preseason, for whatever that's worth.

Raiders 27 Seahawks 17






Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints

The Saints are looking for that wondrous offense that won them a Super Bowl last year. It is doubtful they will finally find it courtesy of the Steelers, perhaps boasting the best defense in all of football.

While New Orleans has been excellent defending the pass this season, their 16th ranked run defense will be tested by Steelers halfback Rashard Mendenhall. If the Saints can't run well, this could be over fast.

When Pittsburgh won Super Bowl XLIII in 2008, they failed to make the playoffs the following year. The 4-3 Saints are dangerously flirting with that territory this year.

Steelers 23 Saints 20





Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
Game of the Week

Houston showed they could beat the Colts in the first week of this season. It helped that halfback Arian Foster ran for 231 yards and three touchdowns, but the Colts are horrible defending the run and rank 26th in the league. It is possible Foster matches those career best totals once again this Monday.

Duane Brown is the Texans best offensive lineman, and the left tackle will have his hands full with pass rusher Dwight Freeney. Houston did lose their best linebacker in DeMeco Ryans in the middle of their defense for the year, and they now hope 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing can play the spot.

Indianapolis always seems to lose a key pass catcher every year and not miss a step. All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark is gone for the year, and red zone specialist Austin Collie is also out.

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning has already said this game is important to his Colts. They have lost both games in their division so far, thus making him realize how catastrophic a third defeat could be in this battle of 4-2 squads.

Colts 38 Texans 35



Power Rankings

1. Steelers
2. Jets
3. Patriots
4. Giants
5. Ravens
6. Colts
7. Titans
8. Falcons
9. Texans
10. Chiefs
11. Saints
12. Dolphins
13. Redskins
14. Buccaneers
15. Eagles
16. Packers
17. Bengals
18. Bears
19. Chargers
20. Rams
21. Vikings
22. Jaguars
23. Raiders
24. Seahawks
25. Cowboys
26. Broncos
27. Cardinals
28. Lions
29. 49ers
30. Browns
31. Bills
32. Panthers

America Needs The Miami Heat To Lose The NBA Championship

Arrogant. Lazy. Weak minded. Cop out. Traitor. Ignorant. Spoiled. Prima donna. False idol. Overrated.

These are just a few expressions millions of people across Earth have used to describe LeBron James after he egotistically announced he was "taking his talents" to the Miami Heat on July 9, 2010.

Critics immediately pointed to how he bailed on the Cleveland Cavaliers to band together with All-Stars like Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to form a Miami Heat team expected to compete for NBA championships for several years to come. While some criticism came in unclassy form, like from Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert attacking the manner of James departure, others pointed out the obvious.

Michael Jordan, who James claims is his idol, said he would not have contacted his rivals to play with him. "I wanted to defeat those guys." Jordan stated.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson concurred those sentiments, and Charles Barkely has stated James departure of Cleveland has forever tarnished his image to the point he will never be mentioned in the same breath of the upper echelon NBA legends by his path and how he handled it.

"He grew up close to Cleveland. He put the city in the forefront by his mere presence. Now Cleveland is back to just being Cleveland again. He owed the city and organization the first word of his decision instead of the way he ultimately did it."

Barkely point of telling Cleveland first, instead of broadcasting "The Decision", has resounding truth. Some thought, since James is just 25-years old, he should have stayed in Cleveland and signed a short-term contract to try to bring the franchise their first title.

The Cavaliers bent over backwards trying to surround James with talent the past few years. Men like Antawn Jamison and Shaquille O'Neal were just a few All-Star players the Cav's grossly overpaid to desperately build talent around him in hopes of attaining a championship.

James responded to those dedicated efforts by saying, I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat. I feel like it's going to give me the best opportunity to win and to win for multiple years. I want to be able to win championships and I feel like I can compete down there."

When the backlash of his perceived cowardice led to many in Cleveland burning his jersey, destroying any reminder of his time there, and other outrageous methods to show disgust, James reportedly imtimated bigotry over the color of his skin was the real factor for the outcry. Sports writers like J.A. Adande and Jason Whitlock disagreed, pointing out his callous actions towards Cleveland, and "an excuse to avoid dealing with his own bad decision."

Now he is in Miami, where Wade already helped carry a team to a title in 2006. Wade is the heart and soul of the Heat, and his body has taken a pounding trying to win. Bosh, a shooting guard stuck in a 6'10" frame, also joined Miami after years of failing to get the Toronto Raptors anywhere significant.

Miami faces the same problem many NBA teams do these days. They have power forwards as their best post option, and the question of where consistent rebounding will come from is a quandary they will face all year. Dexter Pittman is a 290-lbs rookie who dropped almost 100 pounds in college. Miami will hope he can help, or if journeyman Jamaal Magloire can find a time machine to take him back to 2003.

Otherwise the Heat will depend on Wade to get the rebounds and take the clutch shots, much like he has been doing the past few seasons. That or James will have to adjust his game to banging in the blocks and passing more than shooting, if his ego allows it.

There was a time the New York Yankees could just buy a roster by overpaying for top-tier talent to get a title in Major League Baseball. It worked in 2009, but the formula has generally fallen short of expectations. The Dallas Cowboys have been trying the same thing in the NFL to no success, and most likely saw their 2010 season ruined by another loss recently.

The Miami Heat is another one of those bad examples of trying to buy a ring. The easy path as opposed to building something special. One of the big reasons why Jordan and Johnson are so adored and respected in NBA lore is how they built their once lowly teams into champions and upper echelon teams throughout their careers. They earned their rings without it being bought for them by hiring superstars from other teams.

Oscar Robertson says James needs to win a ring to define his career, like he did when he went to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1970, and considers James one of the best players in NBA history regardless of his switching teams.

"I can't say that's a bad thing. It's an opportunity these kids have today." Jordan said.

An opportunity perhaps not to respect full heartedly. Though it will take sweat to win, it will maybe almost anticlimatic if Miami actually does win it all. There will be few pins and needles from fans watching them get there, and the term "front runner" will come to mind.

Society today expects it handed to them, preferring to rest on laurels set by predecessors. It is an egotistical approach that has garnered more wrath than envy from the rest of the planet. The term 'achievement' no longer holds the same definition to the modern genre as it once did.

If Miami falls short during James stay, the city of Cleveland will not smile alone. There is a reason he is ranked sixth on a "Most Disliked Athlete" list put together recently. Some view him a follower with the false label as leader. Others find him uneducated, immature, and clueless.

Examples range from his having a video of his being dunked on confiscated by handlers per his instructions, his refusal to sign a petition regarding genocide in Sudan, or his belittling Stephon Marbury as a player by saying his cheap shoe was an indication of his worth. Marbury sold a shoe for $15 so kids could afford it, as opposed to the shoes James represents that get sold by Nike for $160 and get built by sweat shop slaves with less than $2 of materials.

But this is what LeBron James is some. An image with little substance nor depth. Much like how the Miami Heat roster appears to the naked eye. So root on the dime store squad, because it is bought and paid for. That is "The Decision" the leagues corporate headquarters desires, while the rest of the planet will quietly wait for failure.

A failure James tired of and is now clearly ready to join the ranks of champion so that in a few months all can hail the king finally.

DeAngelo Hall Puts The Chicago Bears To Sleep, Jay Cutler Stays In Dreamland

Only respect could be thrown to Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall after tying an NFL record for picking off four passes in one game in the Redskins 17-14 win over the Chicago Bears yesterday, which included a career long 92-yard game winning return off one swipe.

Hall has already been nominated for NFL defensive player of the week in the first week of the season. He had eight tackles, two defended passes, then forced a fumble, recovered it, then ran 32 yards for the winning points in the Redskins 13-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Most NFL fans would look at the 27-year old Hall, who already has 31 interceptions and six touchdowns in his seven NFL seasons so far, and give him at least the respect of being considered an above average defender.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a different impression, it appears. " I'd go at him every time." was his response to the question on why he kept testing Hall. Cutler was forced to throw the ball 40 times, even though the Bears averaged close to five yards per carry with their running backs. The game plan was to keep firing away, per offensive coordinator Mike Martz's instructions.

Not often does a player get to lead the league in interceptions this deep into the year after just one previous pick. Cutler claims he would go after Hall if the Bears were to face the Redskins tomorrow.Hall would like for this to happen as well. It would give him a chance to go after the NFL record of 14 interceptions in a season, set by Hall of Famer Richard "Night Train" Lane.

Instead of saying he would attack a guy who victimized him four times, including once that cost his team the game, Cutler should work on his stubbornness. None of Hall's interceptions were extremely difficult, in fact they looked like gifts lollipopped into his bosom off of Cutler's charitable arm.

Some may point to the Bears struggling offensive line, which gave up four sacks. The Redskins line struggles itself, and gave up two sacks along with two interceptions. In a sloppy game that saw nine turnovers, Washington also enjoyed great fortune. Their players fumbled six times, but only lost one to Chicago.

DeAngelo Hall might shake Jay Cutler's hand, but it might be hard to do with the Bears signal callers back turned to him. Cutler may not want to acknowledge the NFL record he helped tie, and continue to say he'd go after Hall time and time again. He claims, ""I've played against Hall before. There's no reason to shy away from him."

Facts show Cutler has only opposed him once in a regular season game before yesterday. It was the first week of the 2008 season when Hall played for the Oakland Raiders and Cutler was with the Denver Broncos. Cutler tossed two scores in 24 attempts as the Broncos won 41-14.

If Cutler is parlaying his expertise on that lone meeting, on a team Hall was released from seven weeks later, then maybe the effects of past concussions suffered by him are more serious than previously thought. He also seems to neglect his 2008 Broncos coach, Mike Shanahan, now coaches Hall and might have filled the defensive back in on some habits to expect.

Maybe Cutler has the right idea to be a gunslinger without a memory. If the two face off again, it would be tough to expect Hall to match a record that has been around since 1943, when Hall of Fame Redskin Sammy Baugh first did it. There have been 17 players after Baugh to do it before Hall joined their select family this weekend.

Instead of throwing respect at Hall after a game where he was embarrassed by his stubbornness to try other defenders to pick on, Cutler chose a cocky approach. As several heads shake in wonderment at his bizarre point of view, Hall can thank Cutler for allowing him to be etched forever into NFL lore.

JaMarcus Russell Remains Dazed and Confused About His NFL Return With Week 7 Picks

In a modern day society where short-term memories are prevalent, JaMarcus Russell walks around it each day with the label "bust" on him like a permanent tattoo.

"Biggest NFL Bust Ever" is probably used a lot more than even he realizes, even if is a tag unfair and living in the moment too much. History shows there are many men, drafted first overall like Russell was in 2007, who did not nearly have the career many had hoped for.

While Russell carries the term of biggest bust now, relieving Ryan Leaf of that title, it mainly comes from the fact he held out for more money before ever playing a down professionally. He got $61 million with $32 guaranteed, then proceeded to win just seven of 25 career starts.

Those unaware or unconcerned with NFL history fail to realize his seven wins actually exceeds many other former first overall picks in terms of career production. Russell, however, walks around with the label and unemployed.

He was given the label of drug addict too, thanks to a concoction called "Purple Drink". He was caught in possession of the elixir, that contains the narcotic codeine, when the police raided his home over the summer. Though a friend of his took responsibility for making the drink, the damage was done.

Russell is now under the tutelage of former NBA player John Lucas, whose own professional career was derailed by drugs until he sobered up. Lucas has gone on to have success as an NBA coach, yet he still tries to help others kick substance abuse addictions.

While working out under the watch of Lucas, Russell went on record saying he would never play for the Arena Football League or Canadian Football League. Calling Lucas an angel sent by God, he also said,"Guys in the NFL that came back had some things more serious (than his situation). I think that's a minor setback."

Lucas, who was the first pick of the NBA's 1976 draft, played for six teams over 14 seasons. He played with the Houston Rockets, the team that drafted him, three different times over his career for five of those years. He said, "What I saw in him was me 33 years ago when I was out in Golden State. His troubles started there and so did mine after I left the Rockets."

What Russell now expects is a second chance in the NFL, thinking his time with Lucas will serve as his penance. There is a huge pool of unimpressive quarterbacks like him in the NFL today, making is feasible a team will invite him to a training camp in 2011. Russell is confident about his eminent return.

"I know for a fact it's going to happen. I can't say when, but until it happens I am going to stay here in Houston and continue to work out each and every day no matter how long it takes. I need to be there (in the NFL)."

What any NFL general manager can read from Russell's message is he is a man content resting on laurels basted in nonachiement. He seems to feel he is owed a tryout because he was the first overall draft choice in 2007, instead of proving his worth. Men like Steve Howe and Roy Tarpley were given several "second chances", thus making it reasonable he is given his too.

He had a chance to do so immediately after the Oakland Raiders released him a few months ago. The United Football League was right there to be joined, thus showcasing his skills and desire to the many NFL teams in need of an upgrade at quarterback. He decided he was either above the UFL or not ready to play professional football at the moment.

One of the biggest complaints about Russell was that he showed little desire in the NFL, while seeming content on cashing his paychecks and counting his money. He seems oblivious to this complaint, or perhaps there is more truth to that thought than he would lead one to believe.

Though it is admirable of Lucas to try and help another lost soul, this might be a case where the soul is as confused as it was during the days that brought it here to this point. Instead of buckling down, intent on proving the critics wrong and proving to himself that he can be a great NFL quarterback, Russell seems content on finding another team that will give him more paychecks to cash in.






Week Seven Picks :


Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons

The Bengals are one of the more disappointing teams in 2010. Some call it the T.O. effect, as they rarely lean on the ground game that brought them the successes they had last year despite the fact halfback Cedric Benson has been effective when given the ball.

While quarterback Carson Palmer tries to sooth the cancerous egos of drama queens T.O. and Ochocinco, the team heads towards a losing season.

That works for Atlanta, who needs to get back on the winning track after losing to Philadelphia last week. Their secondary might be missing their best player, which bodes well for Cincinnati.

The key to this game is how effective Atlanta's seventh ranked running game does against the 18th ranked run defense of the Bengals, keeping Cincinnati's passing game on the sideline griping and preparing for talk shows.

Atlanta 27 Cincinnati 23






Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins

The big news was that "Big Ben" had returned to be the Steelers quarterback until linebacker James Harrison told a bunch of unathletic reporters how defense was played so they could feign surprise.

Miami loves to run the ball, but this will not be easy against a Pittsburgh defense that gives up just 63 yards on the ground each game. Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne must face a fierce Steelers blitz if his team wants to win this game.

Though Roethlisberger is still rubbing off rust, Pittsburgh might lean on halfback Rashard Mendenhall and the ninth ranked rushing attack against Miami's 16th ranked run defense.

Steelers 24 Dolphins 13





Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens

Things are ugly for the Bills right now. Not only are they without a win this season, but a former NFL coach claims they couldn't beat a UFL team.

Shades of the AFL, where the Bills came from.

Baltimore is upset from their loss last week. They look to vent their frustrations this weekend.

Ravens 34 Bills 13






Jacksonville Jaguars @ Kansas City Chiefs

Jacksonville might be the most erratic team in the NFL, and that says a lot in a season known for its erraticism from the commissioner to the gridiron.

Kansas City is the Cinderella of 2010, and everything is falling into place for them to possibly win their division behind a sound rushing attack and underrated defense.

Chiefs 24 Jaguars 13





Cleveland Browns @ New Orleans Saints

While Cleveland struggles in every facet of football, New Orleans spent the first five weeks of 2010 battling with struggles of their own.

The Saints played like defending champions last week, and look to keep that momentum.

Saints 31 Browns 16





Washington Redskins @ Chicago Bears

Chicago loves to pass the ball. Perhaps too much, considering star halfback Matt Forte leads the team with just 80 carries after six games. They will pass more this weekend, facing a Redskins defense last in the league in yards allowed and second to last in passing yards allowed.

Washington ran the ball well last week, but not enough times. They rely heavily on quarterback Donovan McNabb, who faces the 18th ranked pass defense this week. Chicago is also very stingy on run defense, ranking 3rd best, so McNabb will have to be perfect this Sunday if Washington wants to win.

Though the Redskins pass rush is wildly inconsistent, they are exceptional in the red zone. What Chicago does inside the 20-yard line will be worth watching extra closely.

Bears 19 Redskins 17





San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers

Both teams are good against the pass, but inconsistent at passing the ball themselves. Carolina will look to win their first game of the season by running often against the 19th ranked run defense in the league.

San Francisco, fresh off the first win this year, has the 27th ranked rushing attack even after halfback Frank Gore exploded for 149 yards last week. They need to continue riding his back against the 26th ranked run defense this week.

49ers 21 Panthers 17





Saint Louis Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Both teams have been pleasant surprises so far, winning three games each. Some thought that would be the win totals for both the entire season.

Neither team is particularly excellent on either side of the ball statistically, though the Rams do give up about 45 yards less per game. That might make difference in this evenly matched mediocrity that has found success.

Rams 23 Buccaneers 21





Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans
Game of the Week

Both of these teams run the ball extremely well. Tennessee is fourth best in the NFL, Philadelphia is eighth by averaging just six yards less.

The Eagles passing attack ranks fourth, while Tennessee is fourth from the bottom. With Philadelphia's eighth ranked pass defense, it shouldn't matter if Vince Young or Kerry Collins plays. Both will feed the pill often to Chris Johnson and Javon Ringer against the 22nd ranked run defense.

Even though Kevin Kolb is showing why Andy Reid traded Eagles legend Donovan McNabb in favor of him, some fans eagerly anticipate the return of backup Michael Vick. Kolb will be missing his best receiver in DeSean Jackson, recovering from a clean hit that gave him a concussion off a whiplash effect.

If Kolb can dissect the 23rd ranked pass defense, it may quiet the Vick murmurs more. Tight end Brent Celek is due to bust out a big game and rookie receiver Riley Cooper might help in the red zone.

It comes down to Kolb's arm against Johnson's legs, but the key really is if the Eagles offensive line can keep an aggressive Titans pass rush away from Kolb long enough to fire away.

Eagles 34 Titans 31





Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Though rookie quarterback Max Hall was statistically unimpressive last week, no one can take away the fact he won in his debut against the defensing champion Saints..

Besides Arizona's second ranked run defense, both teams rank near the NFL bottom in every offensive category, total defense, passing defense and happen to have winning records.

Cardinals running back Tim Hightower holds the key this week, yet he hardly touched the ball last week, Beanie Wells, the oft-injured running back they think has a world of ability, carried the ball 20 times for 35 yards. Hightower leads the team in carries and yards, while averaging almost two yards per carry more than Wells.

Seattle will try to attack Arizona in the air. Mike Williams and John Carlson are quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's favorite targets, but youngsters Deon Butler and Golden Tate can stretch the field so Carlson can work underneath.

Arizona 23 Seattle 17





New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers

It is utterly amazing Norv Turner is still an NFL head coach. His return this year was maybe a worse move by general manager A.J. Smith than re-signing Vincent Jackson or re-signing Marcus McNeil right away.

The Chargers have been slow starters under Turner, which is somehow acceptable to Smith. Yet no one saw the Bolts at 2-4, as they are right now. Maybe that is why critics call Smith "The Lord of No Rings". It is time for both Smith and Turner to go, as they have wasted talent and produced no championships.

New England is on a roll, as they have shown the past few weeks. They face a Chargers team first in offense and defense, so victory will not be easy against a team so deep in despair.

Patriots 27 Chargers 23





Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos

This is a bitter rivalry that stretches back to the AFL, and only holds importance to their fans this year. Both teams are at 2-4 with lots of holes in their games.

Oakland's biggest hole is at head coach, where Tom Cable joins Turner on the list of guys you won't see next year with the same job probably. Cable also has yet to names his quarterback this week, as rumors fly that journeyman third-stringer Kyle Boller might get the nod.

The Raiders need Darren McFadden, but he is not at full health. Denver does not run the ball well, which helps the Raiders because they cannot stop the run well.

This games comes down to the Raiders run game against Denver's passing attack led by Kyle Orton. Orton is quietly having a Pro Bowl season.

Broncos 24 Raiders 18




Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Before the season began, fans thought these two teams would be battling for first place in this game. Yet both are actually struggling right now just to have a shot at winning their division right now.

Green Bay got off to a hot start until injuries began to crumble their roster. Minnesota has struggled since day one with injuries, an over-the-hill quarterback and the drama he brings. Yet a win here keeps both very much alive in their division.

Though Minnesota is best served to lean on running back Adrian Peterson, they also need to test the Packers 17th ranked pass defense. What hurts Green Bay is that their best running back is gone for the year, so they will need to attack a passing defense that is sixth best in the league on the fifth ranked overall defense.

This might be another notch in the Favre Legacy, his returning to Lambeau Field for another win. Peterson might actually have more to do with it, but the media will put the lore on Favre to help distract folks from his issues off the field.

Vikings 31 Packers 23




New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

From the 1960 to 1984, there was little going on between these two teams. Since then, it has been quite a fight twice a year. Dallas has won 17 more games in this rivalry, though the 1970's is a big reason why.

Dallas has just one win, and their dreams of hosting a Super Bowl representing the NFC are just about gone. They have a good defense and pass the ball well, but they neglect their running game too much to hold a lead.

Why offensive coordinator Jason Garrett keeps his job is a mystery to some, nepotism is the answer. His dad was a scout for the team for 18 years, until 2004, and his two brothers also work for the Cowboys. One coaches the tight ends, who are vastly underused, while the other is the Director of Pro Scouting.

New York relies on a balanced offensive attack that is led by a veteran offensive line. Their defense is the second best in the NFL right now, echoing the time when the Jints won Super Bowls in the past.

This game might not remind long-time fans of the past, because the Cowboys are not a smash mouth team. Yet New York is expected to try to force their will down the Cowboys throats, starting at the line of scrimmage.

Giants 23 Cowboys 21







Power Rankings
1. Steelers
2. Jets
3. Patriots
4. Giants
5. Ravens
6. Colts
7. Titans
8. Falcons
9. Texans
10. Saints
11. Bears
12. Chiefs
13. Eagles
14. Dolphins
15. Redskins
16. Buccaneers
17. Vikings
18. Packers
19. Chargers
20. Broncos
21. Bengals
22. Jaguars
23. Cowboys
24. Cardinals
25. Raiders
26. Seahawks
27. Rams
28. Lions
29. 49ers
30. Browns
31. Bills
32. Panthers