Mid Season Report Part 4

My Pro Bowl picks(im just doing the starters)

AFC

QB- Peyton Manning (IND)

RB- LaDanian Tomilson (SD)

FB- Lorenzo Neal (SD)

WR- Andre Johnson (HOU)

WR- Reggie Wayne (IND)

TE- Tony Gonzalez (KC)

I don’t really know how to go about chosing lineman….I can’t find any place that shows how many sacks are given up or anything like that.

DE- Derrick Brurgess (Oak)

DT- Luis Castillo (SD)

DT- John Henderson (JAX)

DE- Jason Taylor (MIA)

OLB- Shawne Merriman (SD)

MLB- Ray Lewis (BAL)

OLB- Jonathan Vilma (NYJ)

CB- Rasheen Mathis (JAX)

CB- Champ Bailey (DEN)

S- Sean Jones (CLE)

S- Troy Polamalu (PIT)

K- Nate Kaeding (SD)

P- Shane Lechler (OAK)

KR/PR- Justin Miller (NYJ)

NFC

QB- Donovan McNabb (PHI)

RB- Warrick Dunn (ATL)

FB- Mack Strong (SEA)

WR- Steve Smith (CAR)

WR- Darrell Jackson (SEA)

TE- L.J. Smith (PHI)

Same with the AFC….

DE- Julius Peppers (CAR)

DT- Darwin Walker (PHI)

DT- Kevin Williams (MIN)

DE- Aaron Kampman (GB)

OLB- Lance Briggs (CHI)

MLB- Brian Urlacher (CHI)

OLB- Will Witherspoon (STL)

CB- Ronde Barber (TB)

CB- DeAngelo Hall (ATL)

S- Adrian Wilson (ARI)

S- Ken Hamlin (SEA)

K- Robbie Gould (CHI)

P- Mat McBriar (DAL)

KR/PR- Devin Hester (CHI)

AFC Coach- Tony Dungy (IND)
NFC Coach- Sean Payton (NO)

Mid Season Report Part 3

Big Surprises and Huge Disappointments

Surprises so far this season

1. New Orleans Saints

No one really thought that the Saints were going to even be a decent team. But they have shocked everyone thus far. They are leading the very good NFC South and turning alot of heads. I have to admit when they started 2-0, I thought “hey, that’s great but it was against the Browns and Packers…nothing speacial”. But when they came back to the Superdome and smashed the heavily favored Falcons, I started to think they were for real. Like I said earlier, I don’t think they are going to make the playoffs because of their remaining schedule, but I hope they prove me wrong.

2. Drew Brees

Coming off of a season-ending shoulder surgery(even though it happened in the last game of the season) alot of teams didn’t think that he would be able to throw at the beginning of the season. That is the reason why the Miami Dolphins took Culpepper over Brees. But not only is he throwing the ball, he’s playing at a Pro Bowl level. If he keeps up on his current pace, he will end up with 4,325 passing yards. Yeah, that’s alot.

3. Michael Vick throwing???

Yes, it’s true. Mike Vick is finally proving everyone wrong and passing more. You know, being a Hokie fan, I have known what he is capable of. He is the most lethal weapon in the NFL, not many players can pass for 3,000 yards and run for 1,000, which is what he is on pace for. He has probably had the the best back-to-back games of his career. First throwing for 4 touchdowns against the Steelers and getting the overtime win, then tossing 3 more scores against my Bengals. So lets recap this….first 5 games, 3 TDs and 3 INTs, last two games, 7 TDs and 2 INTs. He is someone to look at for a possible MVP honors…look out Peyton and Donovan. Because he’s coming.

4. Rex Grossman

Coming into this season, Rex Grossman has played in a total of 8 games. Now he has been in the league for 4 years, that’s obviously not a good thing. To add more fuel to the fire, he was out played in the Pre-season by Brian Griese. So to put it nicely, alot of Bears fans were calling for Griese to get the start. But Lovie Smith decided to go with Grossman and it’s a good thing he did because Grossman has been brilliant all year(except against Arizona). He has the deep ball to Bernard Berrian covered and if he can stay consistant then he could be hoisting up the Lombardi trophy this year.

The Huge Disappointments so far

1. The Pittsburgh Steelers

Defending Superbowl champs, one of the best young quarterbacks in the game, absolute devastating defense, great coach and what does that get you? A 2-5 season. I thought that they would have a slight decline because of the loss of Bettis and Randel El, but damn. The blame can’t be put on Ben Roethlisberger, I mean he had an off-season that no one should be put through. First the motorcycle accident that nearly took his life, then the emergency appendectomy, the concussion. I don’t think he was quite ready and his stats definetley support that, 6 TDs 11 INTs. But the defense hasn’t been that great, I mean sure they are ranked #6 in total yards per game but they are allowing 21 points per game. When you are only getting 22 per game it doesn’t leave much for mistakes and that is their main problem. Turnovers are a bitch.

2. Miami Dolphins/Daunte Culpepper

Sports Illustrated’s pick to go to the Superbowl this year, signed a Pro Bowl quarterback, hasn’t really turned out to well. And if you ask Davey, he’ll tell you that’s an understatement. Culpepper rushed his recovery after completely blowing out his knee last season. He could throw, sure, but when it comes to being the mobile quarterback that he is, it wasn’t there. I mean he can’t even escape to the outside without getting sacked or rushing his throw and throwing a pick. So the Dolphins are reduced to using Joey Harrington, the same Joey Harrington that was cut by the Detroit Lions. Ronnie Brown hasn’t been that bad this year but he is definitley not where he was expected to be. The offensive line is completely worthless this year. They only have 1 good receiver and they don’t throw to Randy McMichael who is very good. Defense is actually playing pretty good, only knock on them is they are getting up there in age and they are giving up 20 points a game.

3. Edgerrin James

He was supposed to lead the Cardinals this season to maybe a playoff birth, get 1,300 yards rushing and make it to another Pro Bowl. Nope, instead he has has a rushing average of 2.8 and only 3 TDs. He did break one record this year that is pretty impressive. Most rushing attempts for the fewest amount of yards, 36 att 55 yds. He racked up that beauty against the Bears. I can’t only blame Edge though, the Cardinals offensive line is horrible. They are all overweight, slow and lazy. But still, he has not played like advertised.

4. Shaun Alexander

He is the defending MVP, cover boy for Madden 07 and he got the honor of being my #1 pick. So far this season he has played in just 3 games and even in those three games he has yet to rush for 100 yards. He broke a bone in his foot against the NYG in week 3 and hasn’t played since. The same guy who broke the record for rushing touchdowns in a season last year has 2…yes,just 2 TDs. Hopefully for the Seahawks and my fantasy team when he does come back(whenever that is) he is old Alexander. Damn Madden Curse!!!

Mid Season Report Part 2

MVP Canidates

1. Peyton Manning QB(IND)

2. LaDainian Tomilson RB(SD)

3. Donovan McNabb QB(PHI)

4. Tiki Barber RB(NYG)

5. Julius Peppers DE(CAR)

1. Peyton Manning QB

Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the NFL, and when it is all said and done with maybe of all-time. He is off to an amazing start this season. Not only is he playing at a MVP level every week, he is doing with so many set backs. Edgerrin James leaving last off-season really left Indy in a difficult spot. Because not only was he able to run for 1500 yards but he was a great blocking back and he could catch the ball extremely well. To fill in for Edge, the Colts have Dominic Rhodes and rookie Joesph Addai. Addai is about a year away and Rhodes….is just okay. Peyton is doing it all this season, he’s doing it with his arm and his legs. So far he has led his Colts to a 6-0 start.

Manning’s numbers…
169-245/1,965/66.5%/15 TDs/2 INTs/107.9 rating/2 rushTDs

2. LaDainian Tomilson RB

What more can be said about LT that hasn’t already been said. He is the best runningback in the league and one of the best receiving backs also. He is one of the few players that has ran for TD, caught a TD and threw a TD. He can simply do it all. Much like Peyton, alot of pressure is on LT, because he is playing with a 1st year starter at QB and really no receivers(except Gates). He is comming off of a great game against the rams where he rushed for 183 yards and caught another 57 all for 4 TDs(3 rush, 1 pass).

Tomilson’s numbers…
150 att/656 yds/9 TDs/4.4 avg/35 rec/303 yds/2 TDs

3. Donovan McNabb QB

Once again Donovan didn’t get the respect that he deserves. With losing T.O., alot of “experts” said that he wouldn’t have anyone to throw to. But when the Eagles went out and got Donte Stallworth from the Saints and Reggie Brown becoming the #1 receiver, he has been brilliant all year. So far, Donovan has racked up 4 300 yard games(2 for 350+) and before yesterday, Donovan has thrown for at least 2 TDs. He is my pick to win the MVP and lead the NFL in passing yards and maybe even touchdowns.

McNabb’s numbers…
162-277/2,312 yds/58.5%/16 TDs/5 INTs/97.3 rating/28 att/200 yds/3 TDs

4. Tiki Barber RB

Tiki Barber is a future Hall-of-Famer in my mind. He has decided that he will retire at the end of this season and he will likely get 10,000 yards rushing, 5,000 receiving yards and 1,100 return yards. Enough said. Anyways back to this season. Barber is leading the NFL in rushing and has rushed for 100 yards in 4 games including 185 yards against Atlanta. The only downfall with Barber this year is he is yet to score a touchdown.

Barber’s numbers…
155 att/715 yds/4.6 avg/29 rec/242 yds

5. Julius Peppers DE

It’s very rare for a defensive player to get MVP hype(unless your named Ray Lewis) but this young man out of North Carolina deserves it. He is probably the most disruptive defensive end in the NFL today. He is a freak of an athlete, big, strong, fast and smart. A scary combination for any QB. I doubt he will win the MVP but I do think he will win the Defensive Player of the Year.

Peppers’ numbers…
41.0 Tack/8.0 sacks/3 FF/4 PD

PD- Passes deflected
FF- Forced fumbles
avg- Average per carry

You Ready Davey??? HUH???

Can’t wait till November 4th, Hokies vs Canes….Me vs Davey….

Mid Season Report Part 1

First I will start off with the standings thus far…

AFC East

*New England – 6-1
NY Jets – 4-4
Buffalo – 2-5
Miami – 1-6

AFC North

^Baltimore – 5-2
*Cincinnati - 4-3
Cleveland – 2-5
Pittsburgh – 2-5

AFC South

*Indianapolis – 7-0
Jacksonville – 4-3
Tennessee – 2-5
Houston – 2-5

AFC West

*Denver – 5-2
^San Diego – 5-2
Kansas City – 4-3
Oakland – 2-5

NFC East

*NY Giants – 5-2
^Philadelphia - 4-4
Dallas – 4-3
Washington – 2-5

NFC North

*Chicago – 7-0
Minnesota – 4-3
Green Bay – 3-4
Detroit – 1-6

NFC South

New Orleans – 5-2
*Atlanta – 5-2
^Carolina – 4-4
Tampa Bay – 2-5

NFC West

*Seattle – 4-3
St. Louis – 4-3
San Francisco – 2-5
Arizona – 1-7

*Division winner
^ wild card

Ok, I really wanted to pick New Orleans, but their schedule is very tough compared to Philadelphia and Carolina and I think Philly and Carolina are better. I have so much respect for New Orleans, I lived in Biloxi, Mississippi for damn near 8 years, so I hope the Saints prove me wrong.

Much more on the Mid Season report to come……

Updated Heisman Picture

1. Troy Smith QB(OSU) 14-21 183 yds 1 TD , 6 att 43 yds 1 TD

2. Brady Quinn QB(ND) 18-25 295 yds 3 TDs , 4 att 28 yds 1 TD

3. Steve Slaton RB(WVU) Bye( but plays Thursday vs Louisville)

4. Ian Johnson RB(Boise) Bye ( but plays Wednesday vs Fresno State)

5. Ray Rice RB(Rutgers) 22 att 79 yds 1 TD

6. Darren McFadden RB(ARK) 18 att 129 1 TD , 1 rec 11 yds

7. Greg Harrell QB(TX Tech) 42-62 519 3 TD 1 INT

*8. Branden Ore RB(VT) 37 att 203 yds 2 TDs , 1 rec 7 yds

9. Chase Daniel QB(MIZZ) 23-44 284 yds 3 INT , 20 att 75 yds 1 TD

10. Steve Smith WR(USC) 11 rec 258 yds 2 TDs

*Honorable Mention*

Felix Jones RB(ARK) 9 att 141 yds 1 TD

Top 25( Week 9)

1. Ohio State 9-0
2. Michigan 9-0
3. West Virginia 7-0
4. Texas 8-1
5. Louisville 7-0
6. Auburn 8-1
7. Florida 7-1
8. Tennessee 7-1
9. Notre Dame 7-1
10. California 7-1
11. USC 6-1
12. Arkansas 7-1
13. LSU 6-2
14. Boise State 8-0
15. Rutgers 8-0
16. Boston College 7-1
17. Wisconsin 8-1
18. Oklahoma 6-2
19. Clemson 7-2
20. Texas A&M 8-1
21. Georgia Tech 6-2
22. Wake Forest 7-1
23. Virginia Tech 6-2
24. Oregon 6-2
25. Missouri 7-2

Virginia Tech vs #10 Clemson(Live Blog)

Game Over…. Virginia Tech-24 Clemson- 7

This thing is over….still 35 seconds left, but this was a great win for Virginia Tech

4:24- After a VT punt Clemson takes over deep in their own territory.

7:21- Brandon Ore did….he has 203 yards now and another 1st down.

7:49- Branden Ore is back in there trying to get 200 yards.

9:07- You’ll never guess what Clemson just did…..they punted. I know I was shocked too.

9:25- Hokies punt and Clemson takes over at their own 11 yard line.

11:02: Elan Lewis is in, giving Ore a break.

12:08- Clemson is going to have to punt again.

14:48- Wow, another shitty punt for Clemson….thats 678 punts for them so far….is that a record?

End of the 3rd Quarter.

0:32- Stuckey just got killed by Adibi on a screen pass.

0:50- Tigers get a first down….then the next play Proctor almost throws an INT…

Hokies lead 24-7

2:07- Touchdown….Branden Ore…MVP MVP MVP

2:50- Branden Ore again….wow..this guy is finally shining….I love this kid.

2:59- Finally we go deep and Sam Wheeler is wide open…gain of 41 yards.

3:13- VT throws it on 1st down and Josh Morgan gets 10 yards.

4;22- Big stop for the Hokies….Clemson will be forced to punt again.

6:08- Gaines Adams sacks Glennon and Tech Punts.

6:45- Just give it to Ore, screw that reverse shit…

He was down….Hokies get the ball back.

7:06- Eddie Royal ran a reverse and then they say he fumbled it…they are reviewing it.

Clemson is forced to punt thanks to Superman(Adibi) getting another tackle.

This is the best defense we have played all season…this is grrrrreat!!!

Hokies lead 17-7

9:26- TOUCHDOWN HOKIES!!!!!!!!! BRANDEN ORE POUNDS HIS WAY FOR A TD!!!

10:20- Branden Ore runs carries a Clemson defender for 10 yards and a first down.

12:15- XAVIER ADIBI (MY FAVORITE PLAYER) GETS THE INTERCEPTION!!!!!!

Erin Andrews is the sideline reporter…once again..thank you ESPN.

13:20- Hokies get the ball first and move the ball 6 yards before they punt.

Start of the 3rd Quarter.

End of the 1st half…Halftime and the Hokies lead it 10-7

2:10- Branden Ore ran for a 9 yard gain, coming into the game Clemson has only given up 78 yards a game, Ore has 108 so far.

2:33- FUCK YEAH….Will Proctor fumbled the snap and Barry Booker recovered it…Hokies’ Ball.

3:32- Sean Glennon tried to buy some time and he was sacked by Gaddis, he fumbled and Clemson recovered at the Tech 26.

4:28- Clemson punts yet again, they just can’t hold onto the ball(kinda like my ex-girlfried…ohh…burn!!!)

After two straight holding penalties, the Hokies punt and Nic Schmitt pinned them inside the 3 yard line.

8:40- David Clowney took a 5 yard hitch and turned it into a 19 yard gain. He couldn’t stay in bounds and stepped out, if he didn’t he would have surely taken it all the way.

10:24- Clemson is forced to punt again, not one of their punts have looked good.

11:36- Brandon Pace remains perfect on the season, Hokies take the lead on his field goal. 10-7.

12:49: On a fake reverse, Ore picks up another 1st down.

14:20- Glennon looks good so far, he hits Eddie Royal for a first down.

14:55- Clemson is forced to punt again.

End of the 1st quarter….VT-7 CLEM-7

0:40- Brendon Hill just dropped an interception.

1:35- TOUCHDOWN HOKIES!!! Sean Glennon took it in himself…It’s all tied up 7-7 now bitches.

1:45- Branden Ore ran a 40+ yard run and got bumped out at the 1 yard line.

3:00- We went for it and Glennon got it on a QB sneak.

4:40- The refs measured it and it was exactly 1 inch short….just give it to us, you pricks.

ESPN just showed one of my favorite Hokies, Lee Suggs. He got cut by the Dolphins, that’s just sad.(queue Davey to insult me)

4:40- Yay!! A first down for the Hokies. Finally

5:00- Sean Glennon pulls an Emmitt Smith and dances his way to a 3rd and very short.

Kirk Herbstreit notes that Chris Fowler went to a movie last night by himself. Leave it to Herby to help raise the ole self-esteam.

Clemson now leads 7-0 with 6:09 left in the 1st quarter.

6:09- James Davis scores a rushing touchdown. Aaron Rouse misses a tackle, thank you AARON!!!

7:02- Of course they get the first down and now they are in the redzone.

7:15- Our DBs forget how to tackle…again, and that sets up 3rd and short.

7:55- And Clemson Burns it’s final timeout. I love this crowd!!!

8:46- On 3rd and long, Clemson converts, and I die a little more inside.

10:04- Stuckey makes his first catch and gets a first down.

10:27- C.J. Spiller makes a good run and ends up paying for it. Macho Harris hit him hard and Spiller stayed on the ground for a little bit…but he was able to return(damn)

11:50- After a run for no gain by Branden Ore, a 9 yard catch for Josh Morgan and a loss of 1 for Ore, the Hokies punt on their first possesion.

13:02- My booii Xavier Adibi stopped Clemson’s tight end shor for a first down and they are going to punt.

14:40- James Davis Stopped for no gain, I thought he was injured….damn you experts!!!

15:00- Clemson received, the 1st play Clemson was forced to call a timeout due to noise of 66,000 drunken college students….that’s how we roll.

1st Quarter

ESPN just showed a Hokie fan choking a chicken….that sounds dirty…

VT is wearing all maroon, first time since 2003.

Late start because of Blogger not working…

Merriman will appeal his steroid suspension, will play next two games

Shawne Merriman has decided to appeal his pending suspension for his alleged positive test for steroids. By appealing this he will be able to play until his hearing which is set for November 7th, meaning he will play in the Chargers next two games against St. Louis and then Cleveland. Both of these games are at home.

Depending on how long the league deliberates following the Nov. 7 hearing, and how long it takes for commissioner Roger Goodell to render a decision, Merriman could play past the two games. The earliest the suspension could take effect is November 12th, when San Diego go into Cincy to play my Bengals.

Shawne Merriman and his attorney, David Cornwell, have said the positive test is the result of a supplement that was tainted and included nandrolone. Nandrolone is one of the many on the NFL’s list of banned supplements.

Live Blog on Thursday.

Tomorrow I will be live blogging the Virginia Tech and Clemson game. Hopefully this one goes better than the last one. VT will win(of course), i’m going to predict the final score to be 28-24. What the hell right. James Davis(one of Clemson’s many outstanding runningbacks) isn’t expected to play. So hopefully that will hurt their great offense. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.