The Brett Favre Sweepstakes

NOTE:  I used the Customized Jerseys from the NFL Shop for the following pictures, and they will not let me put “FAVRE” on the back of the Jerseys. So, I had to settle for “FVRE” instead, SMH! I apologize in advance.

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

For the sake of arguement, Let’s say that Comissioner Goodell reinstate Brett Favre. Let’s also say that the Packers decided to trade him.  If that is the case, we have nine teams that may make a play for the NFL’s all time passing TD leader.

Baltimore

Sure the Ravens picked Joe Flacco to step in to become the starter but it seems as if Coach John Harbaugh  is willing to make it anybody’s job to win. Right now, on their depth chart, I see two unprovens and a man that can’t throw rice at a wedding let alone a football. Why not stir the pot by getting Favre? In Baltimore, Favre can actually succeed.  With Brett under center, the Ravens could very well evolve from run first offense to the West Coast Offense.  Think about it! Willis McGahee is a decent receiving back and Todd Heap is a phenomenal tight end.  Playing with Brett can make Yamon Figures, Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason better. It is worth the gamble for Ozzie Newsome and Steve Bisciotti to make a play but what or who will Baltimore give up?

Chicago

For the life of me, I don’t understand why the Bears insist on giving Rex Grossman chance after chance to get it right. He is one more bad season away from the inevetiable. The Bears might as well give Brett a try. At least the offense will have a modicum of stability. Favre is resourceful. He can make any situation work.

 

Carolina

The only thing wrong with Jake Delhomme is he’s often injured, and the Panthers backups cannot get it done. If Favre winds up in Charlotte, he will have  Pro Bowl targets in Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad to throw to. Favre can also help make young recievers like DJ Hackett and Dwayne Jarrett better. Also joining Favre in the backfield is DeAngelo Williams. Now, Williams proved himself to be a solid back in the shadow of DeShaun Foster. Last season, Willams registered 717 yards and 4 touchdowns. With Foster gone, Williams can flourish. There is potential for Brett to be successful in the Queen City.

Miami

LOL The Dolphins need all the help they can get. That team is a hot mess! While having Brett will improve things just a tad in Miami, I really dont think that the Dolphins are a good fit because they are such a mess on both sides of the ball.

Tampa

Now, you all know that Jon Gruden (AKA Chucky, AKA The Quarterback Groupie) will try and convince the front office to get at Brett. Being in Tampa can be very familiar for #4 because he knows Chucky. Gruden was an offensive assistant and wide receivers coach for the Packers from 1992 to 1994. Putting Favre in Buccanneer Red and Pewter is not reall an idea fit but it is a better fit than Miami.

San Francisco

The Niner Empire is spoiled, and they have been so for 26 years. If your team had the luxury of having not one but two hall of fame quarterbacks and the greatest wide receiver of all time on your team, you will spoild too.  The 49ers are not getting it done with Alex Smith, and Shaun Hill isnt really convinsing as a starter. If Faver dons the Scarlet and Gold, he will be working wiht a formidable trio in Isaac Bruce, Ashley Lelie, and Arnaz Battle.  Farve is also covered in the backfield with the tandem of Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster. Favre would thrive in the city by the Bay, the Niner Empire will still be spoild, and everyone is happy.

Minnesota

Now, Brett may not have any stand out options in the passing game here, but he’ll have Adrian Peterson. Favre is known for his resorsefulness. In additon to resorcefullness, #4 is also known for drama. What is more dramatic than Brett rolling into Lambeau wearing a purple and gold and white jersey with a pair of Viking horns on his helmet? What is more dramatic than Brett engineering a 87 yard winning drive against his old team. Talk about payback! LOL.

Atlanta

Seventeen years after trading Brett for a first round draft pick in 92 (19th overall, Tony Smith), the Falcons can redeem themselves.  Granted, Atlanta did select Matt Ryan but Favre is a proven winner.  This is a city still trying to move on from the Michael Vick saga; might as well get Favre and put some butts in Georgia Dome seats. On the field, Favre will have another talented running back in Michael Turner to help carry the team.  Joe Horn is dependable as well.

 

Seattle

I know that the Seahawks do not have QB problems but it will be special to reunite Mike Holmgreen with Favre for the coach’s final NFL season. These two had years of succes in Green Bay. It’ll be exciting if the duo can duplicate past success.

 

So, there you have it folks! If Green Bay want to trade Brett Favre,  Where should he go?  Should he stay retired? Fans, it’s on you.

Steve McNair Retires After 13 Seasons

 

“There is no greater warrrior or player with a bigger heart than Steve McNair. He came into this game and gave it everything he had. He can now walk away with his head held high”  -Ray Lewis

One of the NFL’s toughest decided to call it a career today.

Baltimore Ravens QB and 2003 NFL Co-MVP Steve McNair announced his retirement from the league in a 1:00 press confrence at the Ravens’ Owing Mills, MD headquarters. McNair basically said his body and mind were not in agreement; that mentally he could return for one more year but his body had enough.

McNair joins Fran Tarkenton and Steve Young as the only quarterbacks that passed for more than 30,000 yards and rushed for more than  3,500 yards during their careers.

While those numbers were impressive, Steve McNair will be remembered first and foremost as one of the toughest men in NFL history. In his 13 year career, McNair made 80 appereances on the injured list. McNair’s former Titans teammate, Eddie George said that “You name an injury, Steve had it and he still showed up. Not only did he show up but he played extremely well.”

Right now, the Baltimore Ravens will have to find a way to fill the void left behind by Air McNair. Mel Kiper and Co are talking about Matt Ryan possibly falling to the number 8 spot or Baltimore trading up.  Another name beign thrown around in the mix is Delaware QB Joe Flacco. While the Kyle Boller experiment was a bust, I believe Troy Smith is capable of making a huge push for starter. Then again, there is always free agency.

 

Extreme Makeover: Baltimore Ravens

Questionable playcalling, blowing kisses to the opposition, and a 9 game losing streak was enough for Ravens’ owner Steve Bishcotti to let the cuckoo out of the Ravens’s nest on Monday.  At the 11th hour, Bishcotti informed Brian that he’s fired. The word is, Brian was so sure he was returning for a 10th season that he began his search for a offensive coordinator to replace Rick Neuhessial. Man, was Brian punked when he learned of his fate with the team. Not even the players knew of it themselves until the press confrence.

Not only did Billick get the boot but the entire staff did, even defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.  With that said, who should be the new coach of this team and who should make up the new coaching staff?  Which players should be released? 

I tell you what, Baltimore should not look to Bill Cowher because he said repeatedly that he is not interested in coaching. They should not recycle old names like Schottenheimer, and that ilk. So, I say the Ravens should either promote Rex Ryan to head coach or go with Singletary. Rex Ryan is logical because he is in house, and he still have a nose for defense. Rex at the head and his brother Rob can run the defense. The offensive coordinator could be Jason Garrett. 

On the other hand, Baltimore could go with Singletary and hire Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to head up the offense. Baltimore can have Rex Ryan as defensive coordinator and his brother Rob as Linebacker coach.  These are only a few of the many possiblilites for Bish.

As far as players are concerned, Steve McNair should retire. The front office should make a play for some free agents for the OL and Reciever positions.

USE A CONDOM!

   

“You’re blessed man. Use protection and limit the number of women you see” -Ray Lewis to Shawne Merriman (Quoted in 2006 Sports Illustrated article)

“A pill aint gonna keep your d**k from falling off! I don’t understand why you insist on learning things the hard way but you gon’ learn. Oh, yeah. YOU gon’ learn!” -Laurence Fishburne as Furrious Styles in Boyz N The Hood

In the wake of the Lance Briggs Paternity saga, it is known that he fathered two other children outside of his relationship with Brittini Tribbett.  Before Briggs, we have heard about the paternity drama surrounding Brian Urlacher and Tyna Roberston, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Lienart and Travis Henry, who fathered nine, you count them, nine children out of wedlock.

With all of that said, I think that this message is on time. Look, I know that these players regardless of sport are going to be out  there sleeping around so it’s whatever. BUT, don’t complain and whine when some woman or women approach you and say “I’m pregnant” or “I have the package and you may be infected.” when you could have used protection and used it right.

Yeah, condoms may take away some of the sensation but it is better than having to pay child support for a child you did  not plan to make. It is better than getting a deadly disease. Besides, there are all sorts of condoms out here on the market that offers protection and sensations, USE THEM!

Now, you may be using condoms but you may be using them wrong or even the wrong size. When you stap it on guys, you are supposed to leave room at the tip and squeeze the air out before sex. For those who may be using the wrong size, stop trying to be something that you are not! As long as you are not hung like a gnant  or have the girth of a pencil, then you are okay, you are fine. If you are using a condom that is not your size, well you know what will happen-condom falls off, the woman discovers it  later and put you on blast on message boards and tabloids.

 Yes, there are some unscrupulous women out here and they are “Forty-Niners” if you know what I mean. You must protect yourself at all times. She’ll tell you that she is on the pill but don’t believe her. Basic, common knowlege, but for some reason, you are still getting women pregnant and paying child support, evading child support, or not paying at all. To take care of this problem, instead of just throwing the condom in the trash for her to fish out later, you should empty the condom, flush the semen and sperm down the toilet, rinse the condom and rip it up!

If you are in the posistion of having a child, make the most out of the situation. Spend your time as well as your money. If you by chance had an absentee parent growing up, remeber what it was like and make sure you break the cycle. Develop a respectful relatioship with the baby’s mother for the sake of your children. Surely, these women are not that unreasionable out here.

If the woman is pregnant, don’t tell her what to do with the baby. The choice is hers. The only thing you can do is ask her for a paternity test. If it’s yours, Just take care of your responsiblilty so you dont end up being the subject of a paternity suit. Don’t whine about child support just shut up and pay it and be safe next time!

Ravens’ Rolle: I AM A MAN!

 

League officials are looking into postgame comments by Ravens’ CB Samari Rolle,who accused a ref of calling him “boy” during Baltimore’s heartbreaking 27-24 loss against New England.

According the teams’ postgame transcripts, Rolle identified the ref by his number.  “Number 110 called me a boy” the angered CB said. The ref in question is 53 year old head linesman Phil McKinnely. Before McKinnely became number 110, he was number 76 for the Falcons and number 67 for the Bears-an offensive lineman.

On the surface, this sounds like yet another incident of blantant racism. But there is one caviet, McKinnely is black! Rolle already called his agent to send a complaint.

On one hand, some people would say that this is not racist just because McKinnely is black. They will also say that this may be the ref’s personality. On the other hand, some people will say that this is racist and as a black man, McKinnely should know better than to use that term.

What do you all think?  Does Rolle have a case? Why or why not.

Note: The Baltimore Ravens are also complaining about how the refs screwed the team over in the closing minutes of the game. The play in special question is the penalities of Bart Scott and Jamaine Winborne. These penalities help set up the Brady-Gaffeney touchdown with 44 seconds remaining!

Ravens and Niners Fans Unite

Photos from NFL.com

Ravens-9  49ers-7

One hour of football and all these two teams can do is muster up 16 points? Its a damn shame, if you ask me! I’m sure that there are  fans of these two teams that feel the same way.  As a Ravens fan, I can say I am not shocked at the offenses’ dysfucntion. However, I think that they should try to improve and help the defense out.  Like I said before, the defense is tired and there are some key players injured. I can chalk this up to players being out on the field longer than they need to be.

As far as San Francisco is concerned, their offense is one dimensional. For the Niners,  it is all about Frank Gore because for the most part, the wide receivers can’t catch a cold. Well, Niner fans can look on the bright side-their offense have dimension while the Ravens’ offense is fucked up beyond repair.

I look at the situation like this: fans of the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers should unite, trade war stories, and threaten to stage a boycott of these franchises if they cannot get it in gear offenensively. The word from the Bay is fans are already calling for Mike Nolan’s head. Fans in Harm City are not too thrilled about Billick either. It seems as if the front offices don’t give a good kitty about the state of their teams. If they did, Baltimore would have a decent offensive coordinator and San Francisco would have tried to bring in some quality, credible receivers instead of focusing on a stadium!

You all may think I am crazy, but these teams have more in common than you think. Billick was the 49ers Public Relations guy when Bill Walsh first started coaching. Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary were both defensive coaches on the Ravens before moving out west. Niners’ rookie Patrick Willis wears #52 because he admires Ray Lewis. Both of these teams have questions around their front office. Most importantly, both teams have atroucious offenses.

Why not unite and stop watching these trainwrecks?

How About the Ravens and The Cardinals’ Offense?

If the Chargers need Viagra, Baltimore and Arizona need this for their Offensive Dysfunction!

When the moment is right, will ‘yall be ready? Baltimore, Ray and them are tired of the same old shit with the O! Arizona,  tell golden boy Linert to sit his whinning, overrated, Hollywood ass down and let Kurt actually win games!

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!

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

Lewis: Reggie isn’t built for this!

 

In an  interview with Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer Tuesday, Ray Lewis criticized Reggie Bush and the rest of the so-called ‘cute boys’ of the NFL.  The two time NFL Defensive Player of the year and eight time Pro Bowler lamments the fact that he is one of the few players that play ‘old school’ football, and the younger guys are further runing the game.

In Glazer’s article “Lewis Plays Old School Football” (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7095056),  Ray believes that the the game has lost its old school principles-gut checking, sacrifice, hard hits, and struggle. Here are some interesting quotes from the piece.

“I’m a historian, a fan of how this game was built. The game aint the game anymore. The game used to be the game when running backs would run into that line and tell you point blank to your face ‘You got to bring it to me!” Now you have guys falling to the ground on every play. I have never seen so many players just falling to the ground like they are now. That’s the way these players are being protected nowadays. It’s ingraned.”

“Look at these linemen nowadays, everyone is nice. It’s one way, either I’m going to feed mine or you are going to feed yours. Period! Guys say to me, Ray , you are just too mean. Ray, why do you play like that? It’s not supposed to be that serious.”

” You can be the most athletic person in the world, you can be good or you can be great. Great are the ones who go beyond. That’s the thing these kids don’t care about these days. Why would they care about it? The business of football isn’t set up like that. Why would they go and say let me go push myself. When we got ready to go play Reggie Bush last year I was like, Cute kid. Love him but he isn’t ready for this because he isn’t built for this yet.”

You know, I do agree with Lewis when he said that the game isn’t as hard and brutal as it was in the past. Over the past 20 years or so, we have had numerous rule changes that coddle players namely quarterbacks. I think that it is wrong to get fined for delivering hard, crushing but fair hits because this is what made the NFL $5 billion in yearly revenue. Roger Goodell should review the rules and modify some of them because this is the ultimate contact sport, and hard hits are only par for the course.

I also agree with Lewis when he talked about guys putting in the work to make themselves great. We as fans only see the flash. We see the end zone celebrations, speed, and agility. However, we don’t see or hear about  the hard gruling work these men put in to make those breath taking runs and acrobatic catches. We, as fans are also ignorant to the fact that the drive and the will to put in extra work is one of the keys to longevity. 

Jerry Rice is a prime example of someone who went above and beyond what was required to be a great player. This guy was so into his craft that he didn’t take a vacation for 12 years. This guy along with Roger Craig, Barry Sanders, and few others ran hills in the oppressive California heat every offseason to make themselves better than the year before. Ray Lewis even said himself that he likes to push his body to the point of failure. He said that he like to stay in the bed all day recovering from his intense workouts. This is the main reason while he is the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens.

As for Lewis’ dig at Reggie Bush, I would have to disagree! I disagree because aside from the flash and media attention, this is a level headed man here. This guy is aware of the ways of the game and prepares accordingly. According to teammates, Reggie wanted to get in some quick workouts immediately before and immediately after his apperance at the ESPY’s. Reggie also volunteered to be the Saints’ kick returner this year.

As far as the “cute” boys of the NFL, there are plenty that Ray can knock the hell out of.  Ray can knock some sense into Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Linert on Sept. 23,  Kellen “I’m a soldier” Winslow II and Brady Quinn at Cleveland on Sept. 30, and Tom ” Best Dressed Man in the World” Brady on Dec. 3!  

Ray Lewis seems like a man who can back up the trash he talks! Browns, Cardnals, Patriots beware!