Daddy Issues

In the aftermath of the Michael Vick situation, the QB’s sperm donor whores himself out to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution not once but twice. This “man” was quick to snitch on his famous son because he didn’t get more money. Basically, paying for an apartment and a cell phone wasn’t good enough for this deadbeat.

After reading the disgusting display of betrayal and greed by Vick’s “father”, I understand why Michael and his siblings take the surname of their mother. Reading what Michael Bodddie said in the AJC also made me understand why Michael and his brother Marcus are the way they are.

With all of that said, The whole Vick/Boddie thing is another classic example of a deadbeat parent weasling his or her way back into the picture once the child makes it big. Once said “parent” is back in the picture, they tend to take advantage of the child’s generosity.  What Vick did was admirable. There are not many athletes/celebrities who would help an absentee parent and attempt to make amends. Vick isn’t the only player that tried to form a relationship with a deadbeat parent and failed.

Ray Lewis on several ocassions tried to help and form a bond with his estranged father. However, the father took advantage of Lewis’ generosity. After Ray built a career, he opened up the lines of communication with his father and even sent some money on ocassions. All the pro-bowler wanted was to have some man-to-man time with his biological father. After a few attempts, Ray stopped trying and cut his father out of his life for good.

In many interviews, Lewis attributed his legal troubles and paternity issues to his father not being a strong presence in his life. While mothers are strong, nurturing and resillant, they cannot completely teach a boy how to be a man. Granted, Lewis fathered 6 children with two different women but he makes an effort to spend some time with each.

Last week, it was revealed that that Broncos RB and breeder Travis Henry fathered nine children out of wedlock. How much do you all want to bet that this guy was raised in a single parent home? This is what happens when there is an absence of a father in the home.

Abesentesim is a viscious, destructive, disease that must end. The effects of this disease is generational, that’s the bad news. The good news is, the disease is curable. Men, you can cure this ill by stepping up to be fathers to your children. I’m not talking about spending money on child support. I’m talking about spending something more valuable than money. I’m talking about spending time!

A Giant Beef

 

On Tuesday, Giants QB Eli Manning did something that was strange and out of character-showed passion!

The otherwise easygoing younger Manning responded to former teammate turned broadcaster Tiki Barber’s comments during halftime of the Giants/Ravens game on NBC.  According to Barber, Eli Manning is not a leader, and that pretty much pissed off Peyton’s lil brother.

Manning had this to say about Barber: “I could have questioned his leadership skills last year-calling out the coach, retiring in the middle of the season-that he lost heart.”

Right now, everyone is questioning Eli Manning. The media and fans are calling him overrated, questioning his leadership skills, and comparing him to Peyton. But what they fail to realize is there is no specific model for leadership. Eli takes the laid back approach, and that is okay. It is okay because the approach works for him, and making him to be something he isn’t will only ruin the Giants in the long run.

Some of the most successful quarterbacks are not the rah-rah type. Look at Joe Montana, Bart Starr, and even Tom Brady. They are not considered to be “firery” quarterbacks but they have the hardware.  Manning can have that same success if New York can get some quality receivers, a multi purpose back, a new coach, and a new system.

As far as Tiki goes, he’s just trying to prove himself to NBC. Barber is being overely critical of the Giants so people won’t accuse him of being biased. In my opinion, Tiki should calm his overrated ass down and stop trying so hard to appeal to the viewers. There is a long season ahead, so there is no need to rush and there is no need to be extremely harsh on your former team. It is possible to be fair and balanced in other ways, and Tiki should not have a problem learning them.

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: NFC WEST

  

1.49ers

Now, this is my pick as the NFC darkhorse. These guys showed some shades of promise late last season. I think that rookie LB Patrick Willis will make an immediate impact for the defense. Alex Smith will become more comfortable in his role as QB and shut up his naysayers.

2007 projected record 10-6

2.Rams

With St. Louis, I see a middle of the road team that was once great. The 49ers caught up to them.

2007 projected record 9-7

  

3.Cardinals

While they have the ingredients to be great, I’m not really sold on Matt Lineart leading this team. Look for Edge and Fitz to bail Matt out

2007 projected record 6-10

  

4.Seahawks

Shaun Alexander cannot win games alone. I’m expecting a struggle with this team.

2007 projected record 5-11

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: NFC EAST

  

1.Cowboys

The only reason why I have them at the top is their defense. Dallas’ defense has the advantage over the others in the division at this point. The attention whoring duo of Tony Romo and Terrell Owens will have their bright moments. However, I’m afraid those moments will be overshadowed by mess. Wild Card material at best.

2007 projected record 9-7

2.Eagles

Philly released the heart and soul of the defense yesterday in a shocking move. They will regret this decision and regret all the way to a losing record. I’m not sold on McNabb remaining healthy for a full season. This may get nasty

2007 projected record 8-8

3.Redskins

The only thing stopping Washington from developing into a great team is the defense. While the Skins somewhat addressed the defense needs in the offseason, it was not enough. Another concern of mine is the health of Clinton Portis. Without “Southeast Jerome” , Washington’s offense is rendered one dimensional, and Jason Campbell isn’t quite ready to handle the pressure yet

2007 projected record 7-9

4.Giants

Jermey Shockey, you have my deepest sympathy because it seems like you are the only one on your team that want to win. You are the only guy in that locker room with some passion and motivation. I commend you for not getting in to the beef with Eli and Tiki, and commenting on Strahan.

2007 projected record 5-11

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: NFC SOUTH

1. Saints

Once again, New Orleans will march to the division crown and into the playoffs. While the defense may have some issues, the offense will carry the load. Don’t be shocked to see Reggie Bush floruish as a all purpose back in the vein of Marshall Faulk. Drew Brees will continue to show the rest of the league that the Chargers made a mistake in letting him go.

 2007 projected record 13-3

2.Panthers

This year is a win or go home year for head coach John Fox. Carolina blew countless games in the fourth quarter last season, and that is unacceptable in the NFL. On paper, this  team should not have any problems competing in the division and conference.

In order for Fox to have a winning season and a job next season, the defense must help the offense close out these games.

2007 projected record 10-6

3. Bucs

Message to Jon Gruden: Stop chasing Rich Gannon and use what you have.  Your QB obsession isn’t going to win many games. Look for Chucky to be in the unemployment line with Crennell.

2007 projected record 4-12

4. Falcons

With an ounce of luck , Atlanta can rise above drama but I doubt it. It is time to destroy and rebuild.

2007 projected record  3-13

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: NFC NORTH

1. Bears

This team will win games despite having Rex (your game is) Grossman as quarterback! You can put that in  7 inch headlines. Their defense will only continue where they left off last season.

2007 projected record 12-4

2. Vikings

Look for Minnesota to rebound from thier disasterous 2006 campaign. The offense is fresh, young and explosive. Rookie RB Adrian Peterson is one of the early favorites for rookie of the year.

2007 projected record  9-7

3.Lions

Playoffs? You all are talking about playoffs? are you joking? While Calvin Johnson is a great pick compared to the reveivers that that they had in the past, it is worthless without a competent quarterback. Honestly, this team will never get far as long as Matt Millen is the GM

2007 projected record  4-12

4. Packers

A tired Brett Favre- Ahman Green-Wide Receivers+ a lackluster and mediocre defense= a recipe for disaster.

2007 projected record 3-13

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: AFC WEST

1.  Chargers

While I’m not really confident in General Manager A.J. Smith’s and CEO Dean Spanos’ decision to dump Marty Schottenheimer for Norv Turner, I believe that this team can easily win the AFC West and become a problem for the conference’s elite.  While Turner’s hire only benefit QB Philip Rivers, San Diego is a team that can basically run itself. Despite having a talented offensive coordinator yet flawed head coach at the helm, this team will preservere.

Look for the bolts’ defense to be stronger than ever this year as Ron Rivera brings his championship winning Tampa 2 scheme to the West Coast.

2007 projected record 13-3

2. Broncos

Offseason Tragedies aside, this is a strong and solid football team. I see Jay Cutler coming into his own as a starting QB. Skill players such as RB Chris Henry and WRs Javon Walker and Rod Smith are only three weapons that Cutler will rely on.

Denver’s defense was ranked 14th in the league last year. While their stats are not stunning, they managed to keep the Broncos conpetitive.

 2007 projected record 10-6

  

3. Chiefs

Granted, Larry Johnson received his big pay day and is currently in camp, it just doesn’t matter without a passing game to take the pressure off of the pro bowler.

The defense is pretty much shot. The linemen are going to have some hard times this year. Well at least, these guys play to win the game!

2007 projected record 9-7

4. Raiders

Just wait ’til next year, Baby!  The defense, while menancing and nasty, cannot win games alone.

 2007 projected record  8-8

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: AFC EAST

  

1.  Patriots

New England went on one hell of a shopping spree during this offseason-picking up WR’s Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth, and LB Adalieus Thomas.  These additions only made a strong team even stronger. However, there is one caveat and that is can Moss keep his attitude in check.  While Moss is talented, he is also locker room poison.  Now, this guy is in a great place and hopefully he can just play the game and stay out of trouble.

Thomas gives this defense a needed shot in the arm. His versatility can give the Patriots defense different and unique looks. This team have all the ingredients for a Super Bowl ring.

2007 projected record 14-2

2. Jets

This tough, scrappy team fought its way to a 10-6 record and a wild card spot last year. This year, expect the same tenacity from this team. While the Jets’ offensive and defensive units are nowhere among the top of the league. They seemed to get the job done.  I look for Thomas Jones to bail Chad Pennington out of some situations.

2007 projected record  10-6

3. Bills

Buffalo may be an AFC darkhorse this year becasue of Marshawn Lynch and the emergence of JP Lossman. However, the defense is lacking. The Bills lost LB’s London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes, and I am not sure about any solid replacements.

2007 projected record 8-8

4. Dolphins

One, Trent Green will not help people forget about Dan Marino. Two, I expect them to somewhere in the top ten of next year’s draft. Miami is on the clock.

2007 projected record 3-13

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: AFC SOUTH

1.  Colts

While the question of can the Colts repeat remains to be seen, these guys should not have a problem clenching the AFC South. Once again, look for the offense to carry the defense.  Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison will be tough to stop as usual. Joseph Adai is a solid replacement for Dominic Rhodes at running back.

There are some questions  on defense. The biggest question is will  DE Dwight Freeny fall off after receiving a huge contract in the offseason. It will shock me if Freeny continues to work hard because there are so many players getting lazy once they get those large salaries. Another question is can this young unit pick up where guys such as Cato June left off I believe this imbalance won’t affect Indianapolis much during the regular season but they must make adjustments to the defense if they have any chance of repeating.

 2007 projected record  12-4

2.  Jaguars

I believe that Jacksonville is a solid team. The defense was ranked second in the league last year in total defense. I expect for the unit to continue its success.  The two headed rushing attack of Maurice Jones Drew and Fred Taylor should keep this team competive regardless of who is playing behind center. 

 2007 projected record 9-7

3.  Titans

To me, this team is third in the AFC South by default. If Vince Young can beat the Madden curse, the offense will be centered around him. While Eric Moulds is a solid receiver, he is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. This team must address the receiver position soon.

The Titans’ defense is looking to rebound from last year’s mess. They were last in the league in total defense, so there is nowhere to go but up. Tennessee should thank Houston for the obvious.

projected 2007 record  4-12

4.  Texans

With the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Houston Texans select………

projected 2007 record 2-14

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: AFC NORTH

Since the preaseason is almost over, I think it is approperate to give my predictions for the regular season. Today, I will feature the AFC North. While this division is the toughest in the NFL, I only see two clear cut favorites.

1. Ravens

Finally, Baltimore’s nasty, stingy, league leading defense do not have to carry the load anymore. This year, the Ravens actually have an offense worth mentioning. Steve McNair is really comfortable in the Ravens’ offensive scheme, while rookie OL Jared Gather, and WRs Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton are the talk of training camp. The addition of troubled running back Willis McGahee should give the Ravens’ ground game a much needed shot in the arm after finishing 25th last season

On the defense, the loss of Adaleus Thomas should not be a big concern for this talented unit. Look for rookie LB Antwan Barnes to pick up where Thomas left off. Also look for DT Haltoi Ngata to experiment with playing Linebacker. Coordinator Rex Ryan is a mastermind at coming up with different defensive schemes.

2007 projected record 12-4

 2. Steelers

This isn’t your father’s Pittsburgh team! Expect more passing and less running this year!  Ben Rothlinsberger had a hand in rewriting the offensive playbook and in it, 3 and 4 receiver sets and maybe some play action  here and there. Despite the change, Willie Parker will still get his yards, as the offense becomes more ballanced.

Look for the defense espically the corners to be more physical. New Head Coach Mike Tomlin made sure of that with his two a days and extra hitting in training camp.  The Steelers and aformentioned Ravens will be in intense contention for the AFC North crown all year long

2007  projected record  11-5 

3. Bengals

The emergence of the “old” Chad Johnson isn’t going to help this team. The Bengals are weak at the OL and DL positions, and there are even more problems in the  secondary. The team’s off the field problems are only making matters worse. I wonder if they have to pay bail to fill out the depth chart  for the season.

2007 projected record 8-8

4. Browns

While the Browns have solid players like Jamal Lewis, Kellen Winslow II, and Willie McGinest, and an overrated yet promising quarterback in Brady Quinn, these guys can’t get right! These guys haven’t had a decent year since 1987. Unfortunately, look for more medioracy from this storied franchise, and Romeo Crenell in the unemployment line after the season.

2007 projected record  3-13